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Android Marshmallow update for Samsung Galaxy Note 4 begins international rollout
Months after early pre-release versions of the software allegedly appeared on some Galaxy Note 4 units, the official Android Marshmallow rollout has started.
Galaxy Note 5 S-Pen leaks, it’s all shiny [Gallery]
While there are tons of phablets on the market now, Samsung still manages to remain unique by equipping its Note series handsets with the versatile S-Pen. In my experience, it’s been great for making quick notes or grabbing quick screenshots to edit and share. It goes without saying then, that the Galaxy Note 5 will also ship with the advanced stylus. Judging from these most recent leaks, it’s going to be much shinier than previous versions and could have a press-able, or clickable end at the top.
Take a look at the pictures below. They were originally shared on Chinese social media site, Weibo and picked up by Steve Hemmerstoffer at NWE. If you look closely at the two images showing the top end of the S-Pen, you’ll clearly see that the gap between the end and the main shaft of the stylus is bigger in one than the other.
If I had to guess as to why it was designed this way, I’d suggest that it’s almost certainly to help release the S-Pen from its silo. The way the phone has been designed (based on leaks) suggests that the stylus sits flush with the metal chassis of the smartphone. Case leaks have suggested that there’s not going to be any special room left for you to pry the stylus out with your fingernail. So, perhaps the end of the pen — when pressed — clicks and extends, so that you can easily remove the S-Pen from the body of the phone.
Other possibilities are easily eliminated. It’s clearly not replacing the Air Command button, since that’s still built in to the shaft of the pen. And it doesn’t extend the tip of the S-Pen either, since that’s ever-present, and visible in the photos, regardless of whether or not the top end is extended.
Rumors so far have indicated we’ll see this new Galaxy Note 5 launch alongside a Galaxy S6 Edge+ at the end of August. Both devices will essentially look like the S6 and S6 Edge, except much larger and with the inclusion of this redesigned stylus.
WSJ: Samsung bringing Galaxy Note 5 launch forward to August, ahead of Apple
The existing Galaxy Note 4
Samsung is planning to bring forward the launch of the Galaxy Note 5 from September to August, according to the WSJ. It’s believed the change in schedule is designed to get the device on sale ahead of Apple’s anticipated September launch of the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus, which is likely to dominate tech media coverage that month.
Samsung has always previously launched its Note models on the eve of the IFA conference, which takes place in Berlin in September. The WSJ cites only a single source for the claim, but it’s not the first time we’ve heard suggestions that the company may bring forward the launch this year …
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Pinć $99 VR headset brings its Minority Report-style user interfaces to Android, preorders now live
I first got my hands on Pinć (pronounced Pinch) last month when the company gave me a tech demo of its still-in-development VR headset/smartphone case that utilizes Minority Report-style user interfaces. The company initially opened up preorders for the $99 accessory for iPhones, but today it’s making the Android version official by offering Android devs the same opportunity to preorder the hardware ahead of an official launch next summer.
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Camera app mod improves quality and increases video recording times on Samsung Galaxy Note 4
We already described the camera performance of the Galaxy Note 4 as “pretty incredible” in our detailed review, but if you’re willing to root your device, a new XDA modification lets you push the camera app even further.
First, the mod removes the slight file-compression Samsung applies to still photos, increasing the JPEG quality from 96% to 100%. Video recordings get a much more substantial boost in quality, from 20-28mbit (depending on mode) to 40-65mbit. It also significantly increases video recording times …
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Samsung Galaxy Note 4 Review: The best phablet on the block (Video)
The industry’s most popular large screen smartphone is back again and better than ever, but will “better” be enough to call it your own? Today we’re getting into our full review of Samsung’s Galaxy Note 4 to find out if this phablet king can hold the throne.
Just prior to the Galaxy Note 4, we had the Galaxy Alpha. This was Samsung’s first attempt at a metal-framed smartphone and gave me an optimistic view on the future of its mobile devices. So as you can imagine, when the Galaxy Note 4 was announced, my optimism grew tenfold. Samsung is building things better, there’s no doubt about it…
Samsung Galaxy Note 4 vs Apple iPhone 6 Plus – Full comparison (Video)
Today we’re going to be comparing Apple’s iPhone 6 Plus to Samsung’s Galaxy Note 4. I realized that there are a limited range of “comparisons” that can happen between these two devices, but we’re going to touch on some of the most important factors between the two such as design, software, features, and cameras.
I’m not going to make this a battle between iOS and Android as many people have their own preferences which lead them to one platform or another. Either way, these two devices are shaping up to be the most coveted large screen smartphones of 2014 and it makes sense to compare them and help you make an informed decision…
Epic Samsung Galaxy Note 4 cinematic camera test (4K video)
One of the most important components of a smartphone is its camera. Whether you’re shooting video or taking pictures, there’s a certain level of quality needed to capture those precious moments. Let’s face it, most of our lives are documented by the smartphones we carry around, so why not have one with an excellent camera?
As we covered in our full comparison article, the Galaxy Note 4’s camera features some major improvements over its predecessor. Samsung has stepped up the optics, sensor, and quality of the Note 4’s camera and we decided to put it to the test…
T-Mobile Galaxy Note 4 pre-orders arriving early
The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 releases later this week, however some T-Mobile customers are receiving their orders early. This is pretty normal when it comes to online pre-orders for smartphones, but so far the Uncarrier’s subscribers appear to be the only folks getting the handset ahead of its official launch date.
Samsung Galaxy Note 4 vs Galaxy Note 3: Ultimate Comparison (Video)
Today we’re going to be comparing Samsung’s Galaxy Note 4 to its predecessor the Galaxy Note 3. Samsung made many improvements to the Note series where it counts, but are they enough to warrant an upgrade? Well, without wasting any more of your time, let’s going ahead and find out…
Samsung Galaxy Note 4 gets put through hands-on bend test (Video)
Samsung’s Galaxy Note 4 is beginning to hit stores across the world and the burning question is, will it bend? Well, maybe not for everyone. Samsung originally provided its own bend test as proof that supports the Note 4’s durability, but YouTuber Unbox Therapy decided to take this test into his own hands. Literally…
Samsung Galaxy Note 4 unboxing and first impressions (Video)
When Samsung introduced the Galaxy Note 4 back at IFA 2014, we were very excited about the new design and improved specifications over the Note 3. As you would expect, Samsung bumped up the internal specs to keep things current with today’s market, but they also made massive improvements to the display and build quality…
Samsung offering $200 for your old smartphone trade-in when you purchase a Galaxy Note 4
Pre-orders for the Galaxy Note 4 are now up and running at multiple wireless carriers and to further motivate consumers to buy its new flagship smartphone, Samsung is running a new trade-in promotion that guarantees $200 for your old device. In order to take advantage of this offer, you need to pre-order the Note 4 from any carrier or retailer and trade in a working smartphone between now and October 16th.
Samsung Galaxy Note 4 pre-orders start tomorrow, launches on October 17th (update)
The Galaxy Note 4 became an official product two weeks ago at IFA in Berlin and today US carriers are providing pre-order and launch details for Samsung’s new extra-large smartphone. Each carrier appears to be doing things a little differently, with Verizon and AT&T opening its pre-orders tomorrow, and T-Mobile accepting reservations on September 24th.
Quick comparison: Samsung Galaxy Note 4 vs Galaxy Note 3 (Video)
Samsung’s Galaxy Note 4 was one of the major announcements during this year’s IFA show in Berlin. The new smartphone sports a fanatically durable design with a metal frame that gives it a very premium look. Overall, this is the phablet to buy in 2014, but how does it compare to its predecessor? Let’s find out in our Galaxy Note 4 vs Galaxy Note 3 spec comparison…
Hands-on: Meet Samsung’s Oculus-powered Gear VR (Video)
Along with the announcement of the Galaxy Note 4 and Note 4 Edge, Samsung unveiled the long-rumored Gear VR headset. This headset provides an immersive virtual reality experience, without most of the complexities that come with an Oculus Rift. Oddly enough, Samsung’s Gear VR was created through a partnership between Facebook owned Oculus and Samsung…
Toshiba introduces 13.3-inch 1080P Chromebook 2 with 11.5 hour battery life, 4GB RAM and Skullcandy speakers
Toshiba upped its already solid Chromebook game today with the aptly-named Chromebook 2 laptop. With an optional 1920×1080 pixel display, Haswell processor, 4GB of RAM, HDMI AV out and AC/Bluetooth 4 wireless, it ticks most of the boxes on what you’d want on a high end laptop. It even claims 11.5 hour battery life and new forward facing speakers designed with help from Skullcandy.
It comes in starting at $249 for the 720P 16 Model and is set for release on Oct. 5
Spec sheet follows:
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Acer introduces new Android-powered Iconia Tab 10, Iconia One 8 tablets
Acer may not be one the hottest brand names when it comes to Android tablets, but they’ve taken the stage alongside Samsung and Sony this morning at IFA 2014 to introduce some new tablets: Iconia Tab 10, and Iconia One 8. As you might expect, the numbers in their names represent the screen sizes they have, so we’re looking at a 10-inch device and an 8-inch device, respectively.
Sony reboots its lens-style cameras with new QX1 and QX30 models
Alongside new smartphones, tablets, and wearables, Sony has also today announced a refresh for its lineup of lens-style cameras with two new models: QX1 and QX30. The devices are made to be able to work on their own or clip onto the back of a smartphone, and if you go with the latter option, they’re able to connect via NFC or Wi-Fi and have their display via the Sony PlayMemories Mobile app.
Sony announces latest Xperia smartphones: Z3, Z3 Compact, & E3
Taking stage at IFA 2014, Sony is showing off its latest Xperia gadgets with the new Z3, Z3 Compact, and E3 smartphones. The flagship Z3 is a 5.2-inch “dust-tight and waterproof” aluminum framed device that ships in black, copper, silver green, and white. Included is a feature called PS4 Remote Play allowing you to game on the device with the PS4 controller.
Next up is the Compact Z3, a 4.6-inch device (compact, huh?) that’s also dust-tight and water proof with options in black, green, orange, and white. The Xperia Compacy Z3 also enjoys PS4 Remote Play support (as does the tablet version). Last is the Xperia E3, a 4.5-inch device with a 5 megapixel camera available in black, copper, lime, and white. (Oh, and there were also wearables, of course.) Press releases for each follows…
Sony announces super slim 8-inch Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact w/ PS4 Remote Play
In addition to announcing new Xperia smartphones and its new Android-Wear powered SmartWatch wearable, Sony today announced a new 8-inch “Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact”. Sony said it’s the world’s slimmest and lightest compact tablet (compact meaning its under 7-inches) with the device coming in at 6.4mm and 270g.
Perhaps the most notable new feature for the device and other smartphones announced by the company today is a new PS4 Remote Play feature that lets the device dock into a PlayStation 4 controller and act as a remote gaming experience for the PS4 console (pictured below with Xperia smartphone):
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Sony announces Android Wear-powered SmartWatch 3 & e-ink SmartBand Talk
Following Samsung’s event earlier today, it’s now Sony’s turn to take the stage at IFA in Berlin and to kick things off the company just announced its brand new Android Wear-powered SmartWatch 3 and a new “SmartBand Talk” with a “curved, always-on- e paper display”:
With GPS and 4GB storage memory built in, SmartWatch 3 supports Android Wear by Google to not only deliver useful information and services based on the user’s latest activities, but also enable communication and entertainment including music to be enjoyed remotely, even when the user is away from their smartphone. Meanwhile, SmartBand Talk is equipped with a curved, always-on e-paper display, to enable hands free calls and voice commands. Its intuitive voice controls enable users to instantly check their Lifelog status with just a glance of their wrist.
This will be Sony’s first Android Wear device following Google’s introduction of the platform earlier this year, and the hardware also gets a bit of an upgrade with a new 1.6-inch 320×320 transflective display. The SmartBand Talk, on the other hand, is more of a life/fitness tracker than a full-fledged smart watch, but also includes a mic and speaker for voice commands and calling. The new wearables will also work with a new Lifelog app:
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Samsung shows off Oculus-powered Gear VR headset for Galaxy Note 4
Rounding out its IFA announcements in Berlin today, Samsung demoed its new Gear VR headset powered by Oculus technology (with a plug from Oculus’s John Carmack). Similar to Google’s Cardboard, the Samsung Gear VR is a virtual reality headset made for the new Galaxy Note 4 also introduced today to create an “immersive new dimension of mobile life” through virtual reality. Pricing and availability seem scarce at this point and it doesn’t seem to be compatible with the curved display Note Edge shown off today, but the Note 4 is launching sometime next month. Full press release below:
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Samsung shows off Galaxy Note Edge, with dramatically curved side screen
At its Unpacked event today, Samsung presented a brand new device, the Galaxy Note Edge. The Note Edge is based off of the iconic large-screen Note design, but adds a sharp curve to the side edge of the device. The screen wraps around as well. This makes a ‘screen lip’ which Samsung describes as a unique way of to access information. This curved section displays notifications, quick access buttons to apps and more ancillary features — completely separate from the main phone screen.