Tag: Samsung

Samsung Launches the Galaxy A8 in China

Barely six months after Samsung launched Galaxy A7, the company has already unveiled its successor, Galaxy A8. Samsung’s latest offering proves how the company is trying to win back the market it once dominated. The phone is the slimmest in Samsung’s lineup, with a 5.9 mm width.

Galaxy A8 offers a bigger display than its predecessor, which is a 5.7-inch full-HD (1080×1920 pixels) resolution Super AMOLED display. The phone sports 64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 processor with Adreno 405 GPU for graphics, and 2GB of RAM. The A8 will run on Android 5.1.1.

In the camera department, the Galaxy A8 uses a 16 MP autofocus rear camera with OIS, a f/1.9 aperture,a wide-angle lens and LED flash. The phone also has a 5MP front camera. The camera can be accessed by pressing the home button twice.

Samsung has upgraded the battery for the A8, from 2,600mAh to 3,050 mAh. A dual-SIM phone, the A8 supports 4G LTE and 3G on both slots. It’s surprising though, that Samsung chose to release two variants of the phone based on storage – 16GB/32GB, which is expandable upto 128 GB. The A8 will also feature a fingerprint scanner.

The Galaxy A8 is now available in China through pre-orders. The company hasn’t revealed its plan to launch it in other countries.

July 15, 2015
Samsung Galaxy Note 5 to Release Sooner Than Expected

While some may call it a bold move, others term it as cautious; Samsung has advanced the launch date for its upcoming Galaxy Note 5 from September to August. According to Asia One, Samsung’s decision to release the phone earlier has to do with struggling smartphone sales.

In April, a new report showed that Samsung’s market share dropped from 31 percent worldwide to 24 percent. The company said last week, that it was expecting profits to decline this quarter. In the past year alone, we have witnessed the rise of companies like OnePlus and Xiaomi, which are giving quality products at a lesser price than rivals Samsung and HTC. To cut down costs, Samsung is trying to cut down its lineup, like it did in November last year, when it slashed a third of its smartphone lineup.

By advancing the launch date, Samsung may have secured the sales for Galaxy Note 5 from massive competition. Apple is reported to launch iPhone 6S in September, which has already gained momentum months earlier.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 is likely to feature a 5.4-inch or 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display with curves on both the edges. The display is likely to also feature a 4K resolution. According to reports, the Note 5 will feature 3GB LPDDR3 DRAM, 32GB of eMMC (embedded multimedia card) along with a controller. The phone may also feature a 16MP rear camera, 8MP secondary shooter, 4GB RAM and 16GB internal storage.

July 14, 2015
Samsung Galaxy Note 5: Everything We Know So Far

Samsung has formed a niche in the smartphone segment with the unique, Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge. The firm recaptured its name and market share because of the latest series and Samsung fans are now anticipating for the next high-end product to hit the market.

Here is everything we know about the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 till now:

As the rounds of reports suggest, the Note 5 will come with a model number SM-N920F. It is likely to feature 5.4-inch or 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display with curves on both the edges. Let us recall you that the Note 4 was the first smartphone with which the curved edge display was included. Other talks speak of a 5.9-inch screen with 4K resolution. The company has been preparing to venture into the 4K technology and the forthcoming Galaxy Note 5 may be the first to implant it.

Needless to say, the bar of prospects has been raised higher for the next phablet. Users may see a dominant processor fitted for computing tasks and sufficient in-built memory to store content. An upgraded version of Samsung’s Exynos 7422 is speculated to govern the computing operations. If we go by reports, the Note 5 will feature 3GB LPDDR3 DRAM, 32GB of eMMC (embedded multimedia card) along with a controller. Other buzz hints of a 16MP rear camera and a 8MP secondary shooter.

A latest report also suggests that the Note 4 heir might sport a USB Type-C, which we recently saw incorporated on the Apple MacBook. The Note 5 might even be powered by an enormous battery of 4,100mAh, which is important for a phablet with these specifications.

Sources close to iGyaan have verified that the device will be launching in India in the 3rd week of September. The source also disclosed the pricing of the new device saying that it will cost Rs 64,999 for the 32GB variant. For now, it is anticipated the device will arrive in 64GB and 128GB variants as well. The same pattern Samsung followed with the Galaxy S6 series. Samsung will also bring out an ‘Edge’ variant, which will cost Rs. 9,000 above the regular edged one.

But, as per Whowired, the next flagship model by Samsung will be unveiled at the end of July, much before the expected time in September. Galaxy Note 5’s early launch seems to be a strategic plan to eclipse the market of iPhone, who’s sales exceed 50 million per quarter. However, the source claims that it is due to the early development of the handset.

Summing up all the considerations and rumours, the Galaxy Note 5 appears to be a major update from the Note 4. It will have advanced features, higher specs and an upgraded S-pen for better user experience. With the iPhone 6s launch scheduled for the same month, we’re now impatiently waiting for September to arrive.

July 10, 2015
Samsung Has Surprisingly Sold One Million Units of Tizen Powered Z1 Since January 2015

It seems Samsung has not lost hope yet with Tizen. Z1, the company’s first phone to run on Tizen OS, got negative responses from critics and consumers alike. It seemed the low price of Rs. 5,000 wasn’t enough to save the phone from extinction. As we previously stated, the phone was barely unique and failed to find space for itself in the brutal smartphone marketplace. Still, Samsung never lost hope in its homegrown OS, also known as the company’s answer to Android One.

It seems Samsung’s faith in Tizen has paid off.

Today, Samsung India said that it has sold a record 1 million Tizen-powered Samsung Z1 smartphones since its launch in January 2015.

Asim Warsi, vice-president-marketing, Mobile and IT, Samsung India, said:

Our insights have shown that consumers hesitate to move beyond the familiar basic and simple interaction with their mobile devices. Keeping this in mind, Samsung Z1 features an easy to use UI that offers a smooth and fast experience to ensure a seamless migration to smartphones.

Samsung is reportedly developing Z2, the successor to Z1. The phone is speculated to feature a 4-inch WVGA display, 1.2 GHz dual-core processor, 768 MB RAM, 4 GB inbuilt storage, and 1500 mAh battery. If the company plays its cards right, Z2 could strengthen the future for Tizen OS.

July 1, 2015
Samsung’s Project Zero 2 is Similar to Galaxy S6 Edge, New Details Emerge

Samsung is reportedly working on a new phone, SM-G928, code-named Project Zero 2. What makes it interesting is that the phone will be similar to Galaxy S6 Edge, save for the display and processor. The phone will reportedly sport a 5.4-inch or 5.7-inch Super AMOLED dual-edge curved screen.

According to the report, the SM-G928 will run on a hexa-core Snapdragon 808 processor. In addition to that, the phone will have a 32GB internal storage space, a 16-megapixel primary camera with optical image stabilizer and 4K video recording, and a 5-megapixel front-facing camera.

As far as physical dimensions are concerned, the phone is around 151 mm tall and around 73 mm wide, which makes it taller and wider than Galaxy S6 Edge. The report speculates that the display will be larger than 5.1 inch, which is currently the display size in Galaxy S6. An increase in physical dimensions should allow the phone to create space for a larger battery, which is rumored to be a 3,000 mAh battery.

The Project Zero 2 is being called Galaxy S6 Edge Plus. However, Samsung has not confirmed anything yet. The report states that an official announcement will be made by the company shortly.

July 1, 2015
Samsung’s New Tech Promises Longer Battery Life

Smartphone users across the world face the same problem regardless of which phone they use – the inevitable dying battery in a short period of time. Our phones run multiple tasks while using bluetooth, wi-fi and cellular networks at the same time. For faster workflow, the processors will use more power, thus resulting in battery drain and the headache of finding ways to charge our phones.

It seems Samsung may have found a solution to our power woes.

Scientists at the company have developed lithium-ion battery technology that promises longer-lasting power. The battery uses a silicon anode, which increases the battery capacity and has layers of graphene on top to improve its density and longevity. Thus, the battery is at least 1.5 times denser than the current battery packs. As a result, the phone, which can previously run on 12 hours of battery, can now function for 21 hours, at least theoretically.

Since the project is still in its research stage, the improved battery will not be expected in the next Galaxy series or any new phones in the coming years. Every year, the phones continue to get better and faster and require a larger battery for the same, which results in an increase in size. That is why Samsung’s breakthrough is important since adding a larger battery won’t be a solution in the future. Plus, as this ad by Samsung shows, we shouldn’t hassle with white cords every time our phone dies.

June 29, 2015
New Leak Gives a Glimpse at What Samsung Note 5 Might Look Like

Samsung’s next flagship phablet is one of the most talked-about topic right now. Many speculations and rumours about the device’s features and launch date have been uncovered till now. But, the main cloud of mystery is related to the appearance of the device.

Thanks to a French blog, NoWhereElse, we can now somewhat draw up an image of the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 in our minds.

The blog shows the rendered images of a case that is designed for the Galaxy Note 5. From the case, we can somewhat deduce that the Note 5 could have almost the same body design as the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge. There is also a cut-out for an S Pen stylus at the bottom and a speaker positioned in the same area. It is a notable change since the previous Note devices had its speaker at the back. It is likely that the Note 5 will come with a semi-protuding camera unit, again, like the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge. The rendered image also shows a microUSB port, so the device may not feature USB Type C charging.

Although there is some time before the smartphone is unveiled, we already have a vague picture of what’s ahead. As far as the spec rumours go, it is said that the Note 5 will be featuring a 5.9-inch Super AMOLED display with curves on both the edges. An improved version of Samsung’s Exynos 7422 is speculated to administer the computing operations. It is said to have a mammoth battery of 4100mAh, which is necessary for a phablet with these specifications.

Amid rumours and reports, we brought to you the arrival date of the Note 5, i.e. September 4, and we also learnt that the 32GB Galaxy Note 5 variant will launch at Rs. 64,999 in India. With the iPhone 6s launch scheduled for the same month, we’re now impatiently waiting for September to arrive.

June 27, 2015
Watch Samsung Take a Dig at Apple in its Latest Galaxy S6 Ad

It seems Samsung will never be tired of poking fun at Apple, whether it is live streaming, bigger displays, or suggesting iPhone users are gradually become “wall-huggers”. In a latest ad to promote the new Galaxy S6, Samsung understands the frustrations a user goes through when the charger has to be untangled to charge a phone.

The ad makes note of the lengths people will go through to connect their phones to a white cable. And as seen in one frame, a bundle of white wires. Samsung points out that they are the source of head-banging, back-ache and anger issues. Then, it shows its wireless charger, which makes the ordinary task of charging a phone, well, ordinary.

So how does Apple figure in this ad? The white cables represent the white charger that comes with every Apple product. To make the point more clear, one frame shows a woman frustratingly trying to connect her phone to a deck.

Samsung’s Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge have buit-in wireless charging. Samsung may have made fun of Apple users, but S6 users will also have to take their charger everywhere they go.

After watching the ad, Taylor Swift will probably write an open letter, asking Apple to include wireless charging in the next iPhone.

June 26, 2015
Exclusive : Samsung Galaxy Note 5 Arrives in India by the 3rd Week of September

Samsung’s upcoming high-end Galaxy Note 5 has been in the news quite a lot lately. We’ve been privy to hear several talks about the flagship’s features as well its launch date. Its arrival was earlier speculated to be as early as July, but our recent report rubbished that rumour. Same as every year, you can expect the new Samsung Note to arrive later in the year. The phablet would be launching on or after 4th September, right at the IFA Trade Show, which is held in Berlin every year.

For all the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 fans, there is another good news. Sources close to iGyaan have confirmed that the device will be launching in India in the 3rd week of September. The source also disclosed the pricing of the new device saying that it will cost Rs 64,999 for the 32GB variant. For now, it is anticipated the device will arriving in 64GB and 128GB variants as well. The same pattern Samsung followed with the Galaxy S6 series. Samsung will also bring out an ‘Edge’ variant, which will cost Rs. 9,000 above the regular edged one.

We might have the pricing and availability confirmed, however the features of the upcoming phone are still a hazy picture. As far as the spec rumours go, it is said that the Note 5 will be featuring a 5.9-inch Super AMOLED display with curves on both the edges. An improved version of Samsung’s Exynos 7422 is speculated to administer the computing operations. A report also suggests that the Note 4 successor might sport a USB Type-C port. It is said to be powered by a mammoth battery of 4100mAh, which is necessary for a phablet with these specifications.

June 18, 2015
Exclusive: Samsung Galaxy Note 5 32GB to Cost Rs. 64,999 at Launch in India

Samsung’s upcoming phablet flagship, Galaxy Note 5, is the current hot topic. The device is expected to be a cut above the last version, overcoming the lags and tapping on constructive points of the Note series. Amid rumours and reports, we brought to you the arrival date of the Note 5, i.e. September 4, and now we have learnt that the 32GB Galaxy Note 5 variant will launch at Rs. 64,999 in India.

A source close to iGyaan disclosed the pricing of the new device saying it will cost Rs. 64,999 for 32GB inbuilt storage. It is anticipated to come in higher variants as well – such as 64GB and 128GB – which Samsung seems to have made a norm for high-end devices with the recent Galaxy S6 release. This means Rs. 64,999 is the minimum amount one has to shell out for owning a Note 5 (at launch). The higher versions can go Rs. 10,000 max. in addition to the base price. Samsung will also bring out an ‘Edge’ variant, which will cost Rs. 9,000 above the regular edged one.

Although there are still two months for the Note 5 to launch, we already know quite a bit about what’s coming ahead. We hear that the Note 5 will be featuring a 5.9-inch Super AMOLED display. The Edge variant will feature curves on both the sides of the display. An improved version of Samsung’s Exynos 7422 is speculated to administer the computing operations.

A latest report also suggests that the Note 4 successor might sport a USB Type-C, which we recently saw incorporated on the Apple MacBook. The Note 5 might even be powered by a mammoth battery of 4,100mAh, which is necessary for a phablet with these specifications. The features might sound exciting, however there is a good reason we recommend you shouldn’t pick up the device at launch.

Keep checking this space for more updates.

June 17, 2015
Samsung Mid-Rangers Galaxy J5 and J7 Arrive in India Next Week

In the past few days we’ve heard several rumours about the unannounced Samsung mid-range smartphones. The two handsets in the Galaxy line-up – Galaxy J5 and Galaxy J7 – have leaked almost entirely, and just an official launch is awaited, which will confirm their price and arrival date. According to insider sources, we won’t have to wait for long.

We’ve now heard that both the Galaxy J5 and J7 will release next week in India. However the date is not specified, the phones are expected to make a debut between June 22 and June 28.

The Galaxy J5 seems to be a regular J1-like device with the Android operating system powering it. From the design aspect, Samsung hasn’t made any alterations and we might see the traditional curved edges from all four sides, just like on the Galaxy S1, S2 and Galaxy Duos. The images leaked online give a sense of Samsung Galaxy J5 being thick, just like the Duos series. Considering the performance factor, the Galaxy J5 is said to house a 1.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 410 under the 5-inch screen. Rumours speak of it embedding 1.5GB RAM and 8GB internal storage space, with a microSD card slot.

The front features a 5MP camera for selfie enthusiasts, with primary 13MP snapper at the back. The phone will be accompanied by a 2600mAh battery, which can last for a day.

The Galaxy J7, on the other hand, is a bigger sibling of the Galaxy J5 with a 5.5-inch screen at 720x1280p resolution. Under the hood is a 1.7GHz octa-core Marvel PXA1936 processor with 1.5GB RAM and 16GB in-built storage space, with expandability option via a microSD card slot. The phone holds similar specifications to the Samsung Galaxy J5 in terms of camera, but differs slightly in battery capacity – which is 3,000mAh.

More details on pricing will be disclosed at the launch. Keep checking back for updates.

June 16, 2015
How Apple Plans to Take Over India’s Smartphone Market

India has moved straight from the lowermost section of Apple’s priority list to sit right on top. The Cupertino-based firm, which has long snubbed the country for other nations like the US, UK and more, now plans to be the No. 1 smartphone seller in India, next year. According to a report by Business Insider, Apple has signed a partnership agreement with Optiemus Group, based in Delhi, to double its iPhone sales.

Optiemus Group has been a major distributor of Samsung and HTC brand handsets in India. Following this partnership, Optiemus will be distributing iPhones as well, increasing the volume of the iPhones in India. Besides this, Apple is reportedly considering teaming up with other distributors whose distribution network is vast. The company is also considering over appointing a new distributor, which may be either of the four – Redington, Ingram Micro, Rashi Peripherals and Brightstar. Optiemus Group then follows, being the fifth larger dealer.

Apple iPhone 6

The company sold a total of one million iPhones last year in India, and with the aim to double its smartphone sales this year, its goal is 2 million iPhone sales in FY 2015. By tying up better distribution networks, the company may even make India one of the priority countries for launches. Apple Watch, its first smartwatch, is yet to arrive in India.

As per an industry insider –

Since shipment figures are one of the indicators of success in the smart phone industry, any new distributor Apple appoints will lead to an instant surge in shipments, which will help it to achieve the target fixed by headquarters and will also lead to a significant jump in retail reach.

In such circumstances, the company will turn into a threat for Samsung and Micromax, who have been battling each other for the top spot, with minimal complexities. The inclusion of Apple in the game, by giving more choices to customers, will make business tougher for Samsung and Micromax. Although it takes a backseat in the overall Indian smartphone market, Apple is the most valuable smartphone brand in the whole world.

[tw-button size=”medium” background=”” color=”” target=”_self”]Source[/tw-button] [tw-button size=”medium” background=”” color=”red” target=”_blank” link=”http://www.businessinsider.in/Know-about-Apples-new-strategy-to-knock-Samsung-out-of-competition-in-India/articleshow/47673988.cms”]Business Insider[/tw-button]

June 15, 2015
Best Wireless Galaxy S6 Accessories Available Right Now

Rather than being just an incremental upgrade in terms of specs and features, Samsung’s latest flagship Galaxy S6 is quite the looker. The tweaked design helps it stand out from the pack of former mundane iterations making it all the more enthralling. There are many cool accessories available in the market that adds substantial value to the handset.

Here’s a list of wireless accessories that helps you make the most of your handset:

QiStone+ Wireless Power Bank

No matter how powerful the battery equipped to the device may be, smartphones are always power hungry. But there is a solution that is effortless, powerful, and lightweight. QiStone+ is a compact, wireless power bank entailing Qi+ technology to top up the device with Qi Receivers. It stores 4000mAh of power, which means your Galaxy S6 can be charged more than once on one full charge.

The 135g power bank turns to Sleep Mode after 30 seconds of inactivity and wakes up through a capacitive touch sensitive switch. There is an option to charge two devices at a time, one phone can be placed on the QiStone+ and another can be connected to the USB socket via cable.

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WoodPuck Bamboo Edition Wireless Charger

The nature-inspired WoodPuck Bamboo edition is another stylish accessory that heavy users would definitely need. Weighing a mere 80g, the charger is extremely handy and sports a distinctive look and feel of natural bamboo. Just like the QiStone+, this wireless charger can fuel up Qi-compatible devices. Provided at one end is a micro-USB socket that connects to the power plug to charge the device.

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Duracell Powermat

Designed to keep two gadgets attached to the power point, Duracell Powermat charges phones without messy long wires. The sleek charging hub lets you drop and charge your favourite devices. The 24-hour power system also charges on the go through Duracell Powermat Wireless Charging Hot Spot. It is available in two colours – white and black.

[tw-button size=”medium” background=”” color=”blue” target=”_self” link=”http://www.duracellpowermat.com/home/batteries/duracell-powermat/powermat-for-2-devices/041333014227.html?cgid=duracellpowermat-powermats-device1#start=1″]Buy Now[/tw-button]

Samsung Wireless Charger

Next is Samsung’s own wireless charger that will cost you Rs. 2,999. The Samsung logo atop the round reflective glass surface looks amazing, and its light weight and considerably small size puts it on traveller’s essentials list. The changing pad allows you to drop the phone on it and refuels the device without any hassle of wires. The wireless charger is available on Samsung India’s online store.

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Belkin Qi Wireless Charging Pad

Albeit its plastic look, the Belkin wireless pad serves the purpose. The company claims that the charger can bring your phone’s battery from zero to 100 percent just as quickly as a conventional, 5-watt wired adapter. It has a simple design, with the curved charging base providing a safe cushion.

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June 6, 2015
This App Replicates Apple’s Continuity Features for Samsung Devices

Apple has an edge over other smartphone brands for its unique Continuity feature that lets iPhone partner with other iOS devices. Samsung is not falling behind to give its users the distinctive tool and has launched a Continuity clone for Samsung devices. Titled Flow, the application integrates all Samsung devices like smartphones, tablets and laptops, allowing applications to seamlessly transit your activities across devices. The application in Beta version is available for download on Play Store.

Just like Continuity, the tool allows transfer of any activity from one device to another. Flow uses Android’s built-in Share feature, which makes it easy for developers to lend support to third-party apps. Since users have to tap on the share button, the feature should work with most apps, according to the company.

According to the promotional video released by Samsung, Flow can send a link from say a mobile to a tablet, so that you can pick up on the tablet where you left. One can also move a call to any of the Samsung devices without any interruption. This includes video chat as well. Flow doesn’t offer transferring activities only, but also allows you to set reminders of a particular activity to resume it later. Just select the right device and tap Remind later for later viewing. You can resume editing of share images, Office files, and can share directions, movies and more.

Users have to set the Flow app on all of their Samsung gizmos once, and then they can continue transporting the activities. It can be activated by using the share button within the app, and some apps also come with a dedicated Flow button. The app compatibility is limited to a handful of devices running on Android 4.4 and above. These include Samsung Galaxy S5, Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 Edge, Galaxy Note 4, Galaxy Note Edge, Galaxy Alpha and Galaxy Tab S.

The app is no doubt remarkable, and such efforts will give a push to Samsung’s market. A fraction of people who consider Apple the best for its unconventional features like Continuity, will definitely take a second to switch.

Here’s the video narrating its features:

May 20, 2015
Samsung’s Smartglass is What Google was Aiming to Build

Samsung enjoys a niche in almost every segment, be it gadgets, home appliances and kitchen appliances. The tech powerhouse is gearing to introduce a new product line in the wearable technology domain that will pit it against the world’s most reputed company in the search arena. The South Korean consumer electronics manufacturer has issued a patent application which discloses that Samsung has developed a smart glass, which is far ahead of Google Glass. The patent application is published by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO).

This has given certification to leaked reports which reiterated that Samsung is looking forward to bringing its own smart glass. According to the patent application of Samsung, the future smart glasses will integrate with almost all devices like gaming consoles, cameras, smartphones, tablets, in-vehicle infotainment systems, medical machines and many others.

Tentatively named Gear Glass, the Glass will come with many exciting features like mirroring live TV or movies running on the connected device. The patent filing suggests another feature that would bring messages and emails right on the smart glass screen, just like Google Glass. Samsung’s upcoming product will be able to capture pictures and record video footage, and will incorporate voice assistant like Siri on iOS and Google Now on Android.

Another impressive highlight would be the support of subtitles while watching movies in foreign languages. Samsung illustrates how the smart glass would work both as a gadget and an accessory, when required. The smart glass will undergo colour change to camouflage as a regular sunglass in sunlight.

The features sound extraordinary. If Samsung succeeds to bring such a product for public use, it would definitely give an edge to Samsung over Google, who scraped its project in January this year. Furthermore, Samsung can get a larger share of the market with the new offering. One needs to take into account that Samsung’s Smart glass is not going to be a reality anytime soon. The patents for the smart glass are still to be granted and it can be delayed for a good 4-5 years. Lets watch how Samsung decides to go about it.

We will update you with more information on Gear Glass. Keep checking here.

May 18, 2015