Samsung has a whole lot of memory and media options available, from SSDs to microSDs, Samsung also supplies Nand flash cards to most Smartphone manufacturers. The new Evo Plus cards are available in capacities ranging from 16GB to 256GB and boast impressive speeds of 90MB/s + for Reads as well as writes making them not only ideal for playback of high res media files but also a fantastic option for Professionals who need to capture high quality 4k footage.
Price
The cards range in price from Rs. 500 for the 16 GB variant all the way upto Rs. 9900 for the 256 GB variant of the card.
Build
The Micro SD card features a temperature resistance rating of -25° to 85° Celsius, and can survive in seawater for upto 72 hours making it extremely resistant and resilient in storing your data safely. The Evo plus card from Samsung does have magnetic and x-ray shielding allowing you to secure your data from the airport scans.
Speed
While the smaller size variants from 16 GB to 128 GB storage capacities are rated for 80 MB/s Reads and only 20 MB/s writes the 256 GB card really shines with high speed card access. Making this ideal not only for smartphones with 4k video recording capabilities, but also for devices, like the GoPro, DJI Osmo and drones that use microSD and capture 4K footage.
While our actual tests show much lower speed than the rated 95MB/s Reads and 90MB/s writes, the overall result is still impressive for a 256 GB microSD card.
Conclusion
The 256 GB Samsung Evo Plus is a solution not for the faint of heart, with a hefty price tag of Rs. 9,900 the 256 GB Samsung Evo Plus will definitely put a big hole in your pocket but will also give you storage and speeds that you need to access the storage. With media storage mediums getting cheaper and cheaper the Samsung 256 GB Evo Plus which retails for Rs. 13999 is now available for Rs. 9,900. It is a high quality well built reliable and resilient card and does not throw up any read/write errors on devices and gives the speeds that are required.
Fresh new information coming in for the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S8. New reports suggest that the new Samsung Galaxy S8 will feature an iris scanner along with an autofocus front camera. The Samsung Galaxy S8 will be the first big phone from the company after the failure and recall of the Galaxy Note 7.
The new Samsung Galaxy S8 is already expected around MWC in February sporting a large display to body ratio crossing 90% and a new buttonless fingerprint sensor that sits behind the display. Samsung is pulling all stops to ensure that the Samsung Galaxy S8, just like the Galaxy S7 is a huge success. The company will also be removing the 3.5 mm headphone jack and bundling wireless earphone inside the box of the Samsung Galaxy S8.
The Samsung Galaxy S8 will be available in two sizes according to reports, that include the 5.7 inch Samsung Galaxy S8 and the 6.3 inch Samsung Galaxy S8 plus. The phones will also see S-Pen compatibility and Samsung is expected to introduce the S-pen as an extra-optional accessory. Samsung will also launch more accessories, including a keyboard case and new s-window flip cases for the phones.
The Samsung Galaxy S8 is expected to hit markets including the US, UK and India in March of 2017 sporting a price tag of US $799 for the base model Samsung Galaxy S8. the phones will offer storages upto 256GB, something that Samsung has already done with the recent launch of the Black Pearl Samsung Galaxy S7 in select markets.
Samsung has ended its Beta program and skipped the Android 7.0 update to directly seed the Android 7.1.1 to the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge starting January. Samsung has traditionally been the slowest to roll over to the latest version of Android, and usually the next S series launch makes the update available. However, this time it seems that the company will start pushing the update on Jan 17th in a phased manner. Meaning, not all devices will get the update at the same time.
Android Nougat 7.1.1 was made dev friendly in November and the Google Pixel devices were the first phones to run this build of Android. The new update will bring some new changes to the user interface and also enable the new multi gender emojis.
Samsung was the first company to ship multi window in their large size phones, now with the official update the S series phones will also get that ability. Samsung had recently announced that the company will skip 7.0 and seed 7.1.1 directly to keep up with the competition, thus confirming this rumour.
“We have to ensure that our final rollout of the update is free of any bugs and, and can be pushed OTA without causing damage to the devices of users Data. We have taken proper steps to ensure the rollout is smooth and the Samsung Galaxy users are happy” – Samsung India spokesperson.
Samsung is also prepping for the launch of the Galaxy S8 and S8 plus which is expected to launch in the end of February with S Pen support and a larger screen to body ratio than before. The next major Galaxy phone should be launched at MWC 2017.
Samsung has launched the third edition of the Samsung Gear S3 in India at a price of Rs. 28,500. Available in two models the classic and frontier, the Gear S3 also features IP68 water resistance, up to 4 days of battery backup, dedicated app store and built-in speaker and GPS.
The Gear S3 features Corning Gorilla Glass SR+, which is specifically designed for wearable devices to provide a tougher and more scratch resistant display. The Gear S3 features a case crafted from watch grade steel 316L, and has an Always On Display (AOD) and Super AMOLED screen.
Gear S3 has a rotating bezel that comes with new features users can accept or reject a call or snooze an alarm. Messages can be scrawled by finger on the screen to automatically convert to texts. The Gear S3 has a built-in speaker, and allows users to take calls, activate voice messaging and listen to their music. The battery lasts up to four days on a single charge according to Samsung which is a great improvement from daily charges in the previous model.
Samsung has also opened the SDK to developers to allow them to create apps for the Gear S3 and future Gear watches. Samsung Gear S3 watches work with Android and iOS giving iPhone users an Alternative to the Apple Watch.
Samsung is working on making the next Galaxy Note phone, after the tragic end of possibly the best phone of the year. The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is said to be rocking the big comeback in 2017 with a 4k Super AMOLED display apparently to improve VR capabilities with a new Gear VR they are expected to launch alongside the Note 8.
Samsung has always considered the Note series it’s flagship and it appears that the company will not let go of it easily. The Note 7 had serious battery issues that caused consumers to doubt the reliability of Samsung products in general. Samsung will launch the Note 8 in Summer of 2017 in a bad up before the Apple iPhone gets a rumoured OLED overhaul.
Reports of the new assistant Bixby, launching with the Galaxy S8 expected in coming months will be another highlight of the Galaxy Note 8 smartphone.
Samsung will also reveal investigations into the Galaxy Note 7 fires and why they happened by the end of January, finally and hopefully putting an end to the whole scenario.
The rumours are heating up about Samsung’s next flagship. Apart, from launching a larger variant of the S8 with Pen capabilities, Samsung is trying to recover from the Note 7 fiasco by bundling wireless earphones in the box of the next flagship.
Since Samsung is removing the headphone jack in the Samsung Galaxy S8, it would only make sense to include these wireless earphones, as Samsung fans may not be as forgiving as Apple fans.
This move could also lead to a possible trend of wireless earphones in boxes from other manufacturers. The earphones are expected to the similar to the Gear Icon X earphones, but with more battery power.
Samsung is said to increase the screen to body ratio in the Samsung Galaxy S8 making it closer to what we say with the Mi Mix phones from Xiaomi. Samsung Galaxy S8 will also feature hardware enhancements like more RAM , bumping it up to 6 GB and storage options all the way to 256 GB.
Samsung is also said to be focusing on Cameras and optics, and the Samsung Galaxy S8 will feature some new enhanced optics according to reports.
Samsung will launch a new CH711 curved Quantum Dot monitor at CES 2017, aimed at the growing gamers market. the Monitor will be available in 27- and 31.5-inch variations, and is scheduled for an early 2017 commercial release. The CH711 monitor has a 1,800R curvature and an ultrawide 178-degree viewing angle.
The design allows for the monitor’s horizontal and vertical positioning adjustment. The CH711 has 125 percent sRGB color coverage and 2,560 x 1,440 WQHD resolution. The monitor also features a “Gaming UX” allowing for precise corrections of colour brightness and picture along with presets for FPS, RTS, RPG and AOS game genres.
Today’s multimedia consumers, quite rightly, have high expectations and demand a truly cutting edge, totally immersive experience that realizes the full potential of whatever they are playing or watching, This year’s line-up of curved Quantum Dot monitors offers brilliant design, richer color and deeper contrast than ever before. We can’t wait to share them with the world at CES 2017 in Las Vegas.” – said Seoggi Kim, Senior Vice President of Samsung Electronics’ Visual Display Business.
Missing the stealthy black Note 7? Looks like Samsung is missing it too, as they launch the black pearl Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge in India for Rs. 56900 with a 4GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage.
The upgrade in storage comes in replacement of the ill fated Note 7 smartphone which was recalled by Samsung, and the iPhone 7 which is selling really well in the 128 GB model. This is also a take on the OnePlus 3T which now offers up 128 GB of storage for a lesser Rs. 34900, however, seems to be missing from sales.
The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge remains one of the best phones of 2016, with the addition of this new variant it makes the deal even more sweeter. However, with 2017 just around the corner and rumors of that brilliant edgeless S8 surfacing in the tech industry, will it make sense buying this phone?
Samsung s trying to sweeten the deal by adding things like discounts on the New Gear VR which will be sold for Rs 1990 with the S7 edge and the Korean company is also offering one time Screen Replacement for Rs. 990.
Samsung’s upcoming 2017 flagship the Galaxy S8 along side the bigger rumoured brother set to replace the Samsung Note 7, the Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus will come without a 3.5mm headphone jack if rumours are to be believed.
Samsung will also replace the dated micro-USB port with the new USB-C port along with include the new powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipsets. Samsung will follow Apple’s lead to remove the 3.5 mm headphone jack in order to make the phone slimmer. The Galaxy S8 is now an edge only variant, which means no flat screen Samsung Galaxy S8 will be launched, same seems to be the case with the Galaxy S8 plus.
Samsung will also finally make the jump to 6 GB of RAM on the new S8 and S8 plus phones along with 128 and 256 GB storage options. The Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus sold in Asia will carry a new Exyos chipset.
While earlier reports suggested that Samsung will use a 4K display on the S8 , this may not come true in this iteration of the smartphone and may be the case with 2018’s flagship Samsung phone. In an attempt to kill the Note series, the Galaxy S8 plus will be sold with an optional S Pen accessory which will give it all the functionality of the Note phones.
Samsung will focus heavily on aesthetics and camera with the Galaxy S8 and S8 plus, so a slight new reduced bezel design is in the works. Especially after Xiaomi has shown off that it is possible. The Galaxy S8 and S8 plus will feature new style of fingerprint sensor that sits behind the main glass of the phone, allowing for additional security while keeping the front surface clean.
Samsung is utilising two sensors of 16 MP capability in the Galaxy S8 and with allow new “depth” effects, and unlike the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, where only the plus variant got the two camera setup, in Samsung’s case both the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 plus will feature the dual camera setup.
The Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus will also feature the iris scanner shown off in the infamous Note 7 handset.
Samsung will launch two Galaxy S8 models according to new rumours in an attempt to make up for the Note 7. The Galaxy S8 Plus will feature a larger 6.2 inch display which will retain the edge design but will also increase the screen to body ratio of the phones quite a lot to somewhere upwards of 85%. The Galaxy S8 will remain a 5.5 inch phone but will also have an edge design.
Reports of Samsung launching the phones early seem to have been dismissed as the launch refresh cycle boots back to Mobile World Congress in Barcelona end February 2017. South Korea’s Electronic Times reported this month that Samsung will be the sole contract manufacturer of Qualcomm Inc’s high-end Snapdragon 830 chips using 10-nanometre production technology, and these processors will be used in half of Samsung’s next Galaxy S smartphones expected to launch in early 2017.
Rumours are also pointing to a fingerprint sensing display and bezel less design which will put the fingerprint scanner behind the glass instead of in a button. Samsung will also add a dual lens camera in the Galaxy S8 Plus much like the iPhone 7 plus offering zoom capability and a depth effect.
Samsung has also designed a new battery process to ensure battery safety and prevent exploding phones. This tech will fist be used in the Galaxy S8 and S8 plus then to be later moved to other devices in their lineup.
After the pullback from the Galaxy Note 7, Samsung is hard at work making the next flagship which may launch sooner than expected. The Samsung’s Galaxy S8’s claim to fame and revival of the brand may depend on new exciting smartphone features, and to do that Samsung may feature a flexible OLED display with a Screen to body ratio of over 90%.
Samsung Display would roll out a full-screen display whose display area ratio reaches more than 90 % next year -Samsung Display principal engineer Park Wong-sang
Samsung engineers claim that soon they will be able to add sensors in parts of the display making the ratio increase up to 99%.
During his presentation, Park Wong-sang also showed a concept image of a Galaxy S7 Edge with a full screen lacking a home button on the bottom of the screen, saying the edge-to-edge display would allow almost all sensors, such as the fingerprint sensor, to be built under the screen.
Apple is reportedly already working on an all glass design for the next iPhone, which in all possibility could be manufactured by Samsung.
Samsung may also push its launch cycles of its Galaxy S8 smartphone from late February near Mobile World Congress to early January to launch the handset around CES to make up for time lost during the Galaxy Note 7 recall and sales halt.
The Apple iPhone refresh will happen late 2017 in September.
Samsung Gear IconX is the first wireless set of earphones, offering true cord free experience from a big company. But, are they really worth the big price tag, or should you consider something more affordable.
[section label=”Design”]
Design and Build
The Gear IconX is built really well, with a good quality outer casing. The earphones offer up splash and dust resistant P2i Nano coating despite having a fairly wide feature set. They should withstand your sweat incase you decide to use these for your active life or sports.
The included wing tips and in ear plugs come in a total of 4 different sizes for a perfect fit and are extremely easy to switch.
The carry case also has a rubberized coating on the outside and is built to survive several drops, and it does not pop open incase you do drop it.
[section label=”Hardware”]
Hardware
The Samsung Gear IconX comes with 4GB of inbuilt storage, which can come in handy if you decide to get some music without your phone. Connectivity with your smartphone is via Bluetooth 4.1 (BLE). The Gear IconX also track your fitness via the inbuilt HR sensor and an Accelerometer. The capacitive touch input on both earphones allow for handling and navigating through your music handling calls and listening to the contextual menus.
The Gear IconX come with 2 microphones per earbud, for noise cancellation and audio for phone calls. The Frequency Range is 20~20 kHz, with a Speaker Sensitivity of 89.5 dB ± 3 dB / 1mW and a Speaker Impedance: 16 ohm.
Each earbud has a inbuilt 47 mAh while the outer carrying case has a 315 mAh.
[section label=”Audio Performance”]
Performance and Audio
When you setup your Gear IconX with your phone, the audio is usually set to 50% which is optimised to get you a good battery life.
Audio performance is excellent, while music volumes can be extremely high. Low range and Mids are handled extremely well and audio profiles can be customised using the Gear app on your Android phone.
You can also use a single earbud as a regular bluetooth earpiece incase you like to keep it old school and answer your calls like that.
If you go for your run or go about your fitness routine without your phone, the earphones will still track your health info and heartbeat and then sync up with your phone later.
As wireless earphones they have excellent range and sound and thanks to the snug fit the outside noise is easily cut. The ability to long press and listen to ambient sound means you don’t need to constantly pull the earphones out of your ear.
[section label=”Battery Life”]
Battery Life
The biggest downfall of the Gear IconX has to be the battery life, if you increase the volume from the default while connected to your phone, you will need to charge the IconX every 60-75 minutes. Which if you are used to listening to music for long periods is a definite negative.
The carry case will charge both your earbuds a total of three extra times. However, if you leave your earphones in the case they will be charged constantly basically draining the battery of the earphones and the case as well. Which means leaving your earphones overnight will kill them, making them impossible to travel with.
[section label=”Conclusion”]
Conclusion
The Samsung Gear IconX is the best direction towards a truly wireless music experience, and seems like a better setup than what is expected from the Apple AirPods. However with a 5 hour battery the AirPods have the definite advantage. The Gear IconX will work with iPhones and Windows Phones too if you have those, however, you will get basic bluetooth connectivity and not deep controls and customizations which can be had on Android phones via the Gear App.
The battery life however is a step backwards, and it seems that Samsung rushed into these too early without figuring out real usage scenarios. The poor batteries make it difficult to use these daily, or ever! The battery life is also unwarranted considering the heavy price tag on these.
This is the right approach, however, it’s pre-mature and the battery life is unacceptable, sound quality and volumes are great. The earphones are extremely light and fit well in your ear. The fitness features are also a great add-on.
Samsung India is finally informing the Preorder customers that the Note 7 will not be going on sale in India, and is offering up replacement devices along with freebies to keep its consumers happy. If you did order a Note 7 in India, you will get a pick of either a Galaxy S7, or S7 Edge device, along with a free VR Headset, wireless earphones and gift card of Rs 3300.
This will only happen if you decide not to get a full refund on the Note 7, which by the way is also an option.
Please visit the retailer or online portal from where you had pre-booked your Galaxy Note7 to avail the above offer. In case you do not wish to avail the offer, you can get full refund of the pre-booking amount from your retailer or online portal.
Samsung claims that on purchase of Samsung Galaxy S7/S7 Edge, you will get the following benefits:
· Samsung will ship the new Samsung Gear VR to you absolutely free
· Samsung will also ship a Samsung Level U – Stereo Wireless Headset absolutely free
· Samsung would be gifting you an Oculus VR content voucher worth INR 3,300 approx. ($50)
All S7 and S7 Edge buyers who avail this offer will also get One Time Screen Replacement for a period of 12 months from date of activation of their devices. If you were looking for an alternative to the Note 7 Samsung may have just made the deal sweet enough for most buyers to bite. However, it will still take time to repair the bad karma around the Note 7 and it’s explosive batteries.
The state of affairs are poor for Samsung Mobile, as the company deals with its biggest disaster yet. The Note 7 has truly turned out to be a problem for the brand, an expensive problem at that.
The reported recall and disposal of the Note 7, will cost the parent company a whopping $5.3 Billion. However Samsung has assured its investors that it plans to recover the losses in less than three quarters after the Note 7 process is complete.
Samsung claims it will expand sales of the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge and will not be releasing updated versions of those devices. Samsung has recalled 1.9 million Note 7 units in the US , 200,000 phones in China and about half a million phones in South Korea. This after a total 96 reports of the batteries of the Samsung Note 7 exploding emerged.
Surprisingly most reports of the Explosive Note 7 handsets has come from the US, also the largest market where the Note 7 was on sale. However, Samsung claims that the financial loss reports are incorrect and issued the following statement. :
Samsung India is appalled by the incorrect reporting of company’s financials based on reports by various research agencies.
The reports covered in some news articles quote different revenue loss estimates for Samsung India. These research reports are not based on empirical facts. Such projections by any research agency or analyst, therefore, is incorrect.
Samsung has not sold Galaxy Note7 in India. However, we can confirm that contrary to these reports, we are headed for record sales of mobile phones this year. The festive season has started for Samsung on a high and we have strong support and trust of our customers.
However, according to the Branding Brand survey, over 40% of current Samsung consumers say they won’t buy another phone from the brand. Out of which:
Samsung has confirmed that they will be putting the Note 7 to rest the old fashioned way. The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 units will be completely disposed off, as it seems Samsung wants no reminder of its failings. Samsung has already adjusted its quarterly estimates to account for $2 billion in losses.
The reality is that, short of Apple’s new recycling initiatives, smartphones are not really recycled. They end up in landfills causing huge environmental damage. Samsung has in all manufactured over 2 million Note 7s, and inefficient manufacturing along with no plans of smartphone recycling make the difficult-to-mine rare earth elements, like gold, silver, copper, platinum and aluminium among other components irrecoverable.
Now those with interest in mining phones should start hunting up dumping grounds where Samsung will lay the Note 7 to rest, however, it it is anything like Atari’s story, they might just show up in the future.
