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Showing posts with label samsung. Show all posts
Showing posts with label samsung. Show all posts

Nov 19, 2012

Samsung Galaxy Premier goes through out battery life test, here go the results

The Samsung Galaxy Premier is the latest in the line of Samsung droids to undergo out battery test gauntlet, and the dual-core 1.5 GHz device showed some great battery endurance – especially in regards to video playback.

Lets take a look at how this mini powerhouse performs in other areas as well, including talk time and web browsing.

The Premier features the same 2100 mAh battery found on its older brother, the Samsung Galaxy S III, yet it only has to power half the amount of CPU cores . Understandably, we expected good battery performance, and we weren’t disappointed.

We saw some good talk time figures, with the Galaxy Premier even slightly exceeding its manufacturer-rated talk time.


Talk time

  • Motorola RAZR MAXX (ICS)
    21:18
  • Motorola DROID RAZR MAXX
    20:24
  • Motorola RAZR i
    20:07
  • Samsung Galaxy Note II N7100
    16:57
  • LG Optimus G
    15:30
  • HTC One X+
    13:31
  • Huawei Ascend P1
    12:30
  • Samsung Galaxy Note
    12:14
  • Samsung I8530 Galaxy Beam
    11:58
  • Samsung Galaxy Premier
    11:30
  • HTC Windows Phone 8X
    11:07
  • Samsung Wave 3 S8600
    11:07
  • HTC Desire X
    11:03
  • HTC One X (AT&T, LTE)
    10:35
  • Samsung I9300 Galaxy S III
    10:20
  • Samsung I9300 Galaxy S III (JB)
    10:15
  • HTC One V
    10:00
  • Meizu MX 4-core
    10:00
  • HTC One X
    9:57
  • HTC One S
    9:42
  • Samsung I9103 Galaxy R
    9:40
  • HTC Sensation XL
    9:30
  • Nokia Lumia 710
    9:05
  • Motorola Atrix HD
    9:04
  • HTC Vivid
    9:02
  • HTC Rhyme
    8:48
  • Apple iPhone 5
    8:42
  • LG Optimus 3D Max P720
    8:42
  • Sony Ericsson Xperia neo V
    8:41
  • Meizu MX
    8:39
  • Samsung Galaxy S II
    8:35
  • Samsung Galaxy S Duos
    8:28
  • Nokia Lumia 800
    8:25
  • Samsung Galaxy Nexus
    8:23
  • HTC Desire V
    8:20
  • Samsung Captivate Glide
    8:20
  • Sony Xperia T
    8:15
  • HTC Rezound (LTE)
    8:10
  • Samsung Galaxy Note (LTE)
    8:02
  • LG Optimus Vu
    7:57
  • LG Optimus 4X HD
    7:41
  • Apple iPhone 4S
    7:41
  • Samsung i937 Focus S
    7:25
  • HTC Evo 4G LTE (LTE)
    7:21
  • Samsung Galaxy S Blaze 4G
    7:14
  • Sony Xperia acro S
    7:09
  • Samsung Rugby Smart I847
    7:09
  • Sony Ericsson Xperia Pro
    6:57
  • Nokia N9
    6:57
  • HTC Radar
    6:53
  • Samsung Galaxy Ace Duos
    6:53
  • BlackBerry Curve 9380
    6:52
  • Samsung Galaxy Pocket
    5:54
  • Nokia Lumia 900 for AT&T (LTE)
    5:53
  • Sony Xperia ion LTE
    5:52
  • Sony Xperia P
    5:33
  • Nokia 808 PureView
    5:16
  • LG Nitro HD (LTE)
    5:16
  • HTC Titan II (LTE)
    5:10
  • BlackBerry Bold 9790
    5:00
  • Pantech Burst
    4:46

The Premier comes with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean preinstalled, which means great web browsing performance out of box. The Premier came in at 6 hours and 40 minutes of browser performance, which is better than what we got for the S III.

Web browsing

  • Apple iPhone 5
    9:56
  • Motorola RAZR MAXX (ICS)
    9:12
  • Apple iPad mini
    9:05
  • Samsung Galaxy Note II N7100
    8:48
  • HTC One X+
    7:56
  • Motorola DROID RAZR MAXX
    7:23
  • HTC Radar
    7:17
  • Motorola RAZR i
    7:06
  • Apple iPhone 4S
    6:56
  • HTC One V
    6:49
  • Samsung Galaxy Premier
    6:40
  • Motorola Atrix HD
    6:40
  • BlackBerry Curve 9380
    6:40
  • Samsung I9300 Galaxy S III (JB)
    6:27
  • Samsung i937 Focus S
    6:15
  • HTC Windows Phone 8X
    6:01
  • Sony Xperia ion LTE
    5:56
  • Samsung Rugby Smart I847
    5:53
  • Pantech Burst
    5:51
  • Samsung Galaxy S Blaze 4G
    5:45
  • HTC Desire V
    5:44
  • HTC Evo 4G LTE
    5:41
  • Samsung Wave 3 S8600
    5:34
  • Sony Xperia T
    5:33
  • Samsung Captivate Glide
    5:33
  • Samsung I8530 Galaxy Beam
    5:28
  • Samsung Galaxy Note LTE
    5:24
  • Samsung Galaxy S Duos
    5:23
  • HTC Sensation XL
    5:20
  • Meizu MX 4-core
    5:19
  • Samsung I9300 Galaxy S III
    5:17
  • Sony Xperia acro S
    5:16
  • HTC Rezound
    5:16
  • HTC Desire X
    5:16
  • LG Optimus G
    5:15
  • HTC Rhyme
    5:08
  • Samsung I9103 Galaxy R
    5:07
  • HTC One X (AT&T)
    5:03
  • Sony Ericsson Xperia Pro
    4:50
  • LG Optimus Vu
    4:49
  • HTC Vivid
    4:46
  • Samsung Galaxy Ace Duos
    4:45
  • Meizu MX
    4:35
  • Nokia N9
    4:33
  • Samsung Galaxy S II
    4:24
  • Sony Ericsson Xperia neo V
    4:20
  • HTC One X
    4:18
  • Nokia 808 PureView
    4:14
  • LG Optimus 3D Max P720
    4:10
  • Nokia Lumia 900 for AT&T
    4:10
  • Nokia Lumia 800
    4:07
  • HTC Titan II (LTE)
    4:05
  • HTC One S
    4:03
  • BlackBerry Bold 9790
    4:02
  • LG Nitro HD
    4:00
  • LG Optimus 4X HD
    3:59
  • Sony Xperia P
    3:59
  • Nokia Lumia 710
    3:51
  • Samsung Galaxy Pocket
    3:47
  • Samsung Galaxy Note
    3:35
  • Huawei Ascend P1
    3:23
  • Samsung Galaxy Nexus
    3:01

As we said, video playback is where the Premier really shines. It was able to keep going for just under 13 hours with it, which is better than even some tablets out there. We’re not sure, but perhaps the PowerVR SGX544 GPU on the Premier is more efficient at decompressing video than the Mali-400MP on the Galaxy S III, which it outperformed by almost 3 hours.

Video playback

  • Motorola RAZR MAXX (ICS)
    16:35
  • Motorola DROID RAZR MAXX
    14:17
  • Apple iPad mini
    12:51
  • Samsung Galaxy Premier
    12:51
  • Samsung Galaxy Note II N7100
    11:27
  • Apple iPhone 5
    10:12
  • Samsung I9300 Galaxy S III
    10:01
  • Nokia 808 PureView
    9:53
  • Samsung I8530 Galaxy Beam
    9:42
  • Samsung Rugby Smart I847
    9:34
  • HTC One S
    9:28
  • Samsung I9300 Galaxy S III (JB)
    9:27
  • Apple iPhone 4S
    9:24
  • HTC Evo 4G LTE
    9:07
  • Nokia N9
    8:40
  • Samsung Galaxy Note
    8:25
  • HTC One X+
    8:11
  • Motorola RAZR i
    8:11
  • Samsung Galaxy S II
    8:00
  • Samsung i937 Focus S
    7:55
  • Samsung Wave 3 S8600
    7:52
  • Sony Ericsson Xperia neo V
    7:45
  • Huawei Ascend P1
    7:38
  • Samsung Galaxy S Blaze 4G
    7:33
  • Samsung Galaxy Note LTE
    7:30
  • LG Optimus G
    7:16
  • Meizu MX 4-core
    6:33
  • HTC Windows Phone 8X
    6:27
  • HTC Desire V
    6:26
  • HTC One X (AT&T)
    6:26
  • Samsung Galaxy Ace Duos
    6:25
  • LG Optimus Vu
    6:23
  • Samsung I9103 Galaxy R
    6:21
  • HTC Sensation XL
    6:12
  • Samsung Galaxy Pocket
    6:06
  • Samsung Captivate Glide
    6:04
  • Sony Xperia ion LTE
    6:03
  • Samsung Galaxy Nexus
    6:02
  • Sony Xperia T
    6:01
  • Motorola Atrix HD
    6:01
  • HTC Vivid
    6:00
  • HTC Radar
    5:54
  • Nokia Lumia 800
    5:52
  • HTC Titan II
    5:50
  • BlackBerry Bold 9790
    5:47
  • HTC One X
    5:45
  • Sony Ericsson Xperia Pro
    5:44
  • Sony Xperia acro S
    5:38
  • HTC Desire X
    5:38
  • Pantech Burst
    5:38
  • Meizu MX
    5:27
  • HTC Rhyme
    5:23
  • HTC One V
    5:20
  • Nokia Lumia 900 for AT&T
    5:18
  • BlackBerry Curve 9380
    5:09
  • HTC Rezound
    5:03
  • Samsung Galaxy S Duos
    4:30
  • Sony Xperia P
    4:30
  • LG Nitro HD
    4:17
  • LG Optimus 4X HD
    4:14
  • LG Optimus 3D Max P720
    3:28
  • Nokia Lumia 710
    3:27

Finally, standby performance is right on par with what you’d expect from a device with these specifications – it doesn’t seem to be doing too many battery-draining activities while it’s in standby. All of our tests give it a very respectable 51h endurance rating.


Source : blog[dot]gsmarena[dot]com

New paint jobs for Galaxy Note II and Galaxy S III mini might be coming soon

The Samsung Galaxy S III launched with only two color options but Samsung added new colors over time. Rumor has it that it’s now turn for the Galaxy Note II and Galaxy S III mini to get new paintjobs.

The Galaxy Note II and Galaxy S III mini will get three new color options each and they’re somewhat different (in name at least) from the colors that the Galaxy S III is available in.

The Samsung Galaxy Note II will get Amber Brown, Topaz Blue and Ruby Wine versions in addition to the currently available Titanium Gray, Marble White. The units with new paintjobs will come out in 2013.

The Galaxy S III mini will get Titanium Gray, Garnet Red and Onyx Black colors, the first two of which match color options for the big Galaxy S III. The Galaxy S III has a black version too, but that’s called Sapphire Black and there might or might not be a difference. Anyway, the new colors for the S III mini will be available in December or early next year.

The new versions for the Galaxy Note II and Galaxy S III mini haven’t been officially confirmed, but if the rumor is true, they will all be showcased at CES next year.


Source : blog[dot]gsmarena[dot]com

Samsung may debut 4.99-inch, 1080p touchscreen at CES 2013

1080p Generic Phone

A new report indicates Samsung may debut a full high definition display suitable for smartphones during CES 2013. Could it be destined for the Galaxy S3's successor, or a new device entirely?

Samsung could be preparing to debut its own smartphone-sized 1080p display during CES 2013, hot on the heels of HTC’s Droid DNA. Full high definition displays are all set to be next year’s must-have new smartphone feature, although their size will see them used on hardware that tips over into smartphone/tablet hybrid territory.

A Korean newspaper claims Samsung has developed a 4.99-inch touchscreen with a 1080p resolution and a pixel density of 441ppi. While the resolution is the same as the Droid DNA’s, the pixel density beats it by one point.

It’s unlikely we’ll see the hardware related to Samsung’s new screen at the show though, as it’s not expected to go into production until later in the first quarter of 2013, which means Samsung could follow LG’s example and only show off the panel itself.

There are two logical, future homes for Samsung’s Full HD screen: The successors to the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2. The slightly odd 4.99-inch screen size could mean it’s destined for the Galaxy S4, as by keeping it under 5-inches — even if it is by a ridiculous 0.01 of an inch — it could still (just) be classed as a true smartphone.

There’s also a chance Samsung could introduce a new device which neatly fits in-between the 4.8-inch Galaxy S3 and the 5.5-inch Galaxy Note 2. An earlier rumor put the Galaxy S4’s announcement for sometime in March, which seemed a little too soon into the S3’s life, however maybe Samsung is planning an event for that time, but it’s for our mystery 1080p phone and not for the S4.

We won’t find out until closer to the time, but provided the talk of a Samsung 1080p screen is correct, we should get to see it in action during CES 2013, which begins on January 8.


Source : digitaltrends[dot]com

Nov 14, 2012

Samsung denies increasing Apple processor prices

A couple of days ago we reported on the news that Samsung’s chip making division had increased the prices of the processors that it supplies to Apple for use in their iOS devices by as much as 20%. Turns out, that wasn’t true at all.

According to an unnamed Samsung official who spoke to the Korean newspaper The Hankyoreh, Samsung has not increased the prices of the processors. He also said that prices are agreed upon at the beginning of each year and aren’t changed easily.

This puts to rest the news of Samsung increasing the prices but more importantly, the part where people thought they did it just to spite Apple.


Source : blog[dot]gsmarena[dot]com

Samsung SSD commercial featuring Overly Attached Girlfriend gets over 1 million views

Making solid-state drives sound interesting is an advertiser's Everest. However, Samsung's latest ad for its SSD 840 series made us chuckle thanks to Internet star Laina Walker, the Overly Attached Girlfriend.

Solid-state drives (SSD): they’re tough, fast, silent … and inherently difficult to advertise. While you’d want them in your computer, they’re not exactly the feature-rich eye candy you’d want to ogle over on your screen. So when Samsung launched its SSD 840 line, the company decided the best way to drum up publicity for a boring product is to release a hilariously creepy viral video starring Laina Walker, otherwise known as Overly Attached Girlfriend. And lo and behold, the ad has over 1 million views on YouTube.

“Hey, it’s me your computer,” the ditty begins, as Walker’s large, Stepford-Wife-like eyes hold you captive with their unblinking stare. Walker, known for the funny yet slightly unsettling Overly Attached Girlfriend Internet meme, takes on the role of a wayward computer, threatening you to get her a Samsung SSD if you don’t want to lose your files or have sensitive data leaked. “There’s tons I stopped from getting out: passwords, credit cards, bank account. These days, I’m so clumsy, I need your love to calm me,” she sings in part of lyrics.

But all creepiness aside, the Samsung SSD 840 Pro series is designed for use by IT professionals, heavy computer users, and serious gamers. They’re slightly more expensive than the regular SSD 840 products, which are meant for everyone else who just wants an SSD. Both the Pro and regular options feature super-fast load and read speeds – the Pro more so than the regular variant. The Samsung SSD 840 Pro series is available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB configurations, with prices starting at $189.99. The regular SSD 840 series is available in 120GB, 250GB, and 500GB configurations, with prices starting at $139.99. 

Check out the video below and let us know what you think. 


Source : digitaltrends[dot]com

Verizon considering adding free Windows Phone 8 device to its line-up

verizon storefront

Verizon could be planning to introduce a free Windows Phone 8 device to its line-up of smartphones, potentially made by Samsung, as it continues to put its weight behind Microsoft's new operating system.

Verizon never really took to Windows Phone 7 and last year offered just one phone with Microsoft’s operating system onboard. This has changed with the introduction of Windows Phone 8 though, as the carrier has already announcing two devices — the exclusive Nokia Lumia 822 and the HTC 8X — and according to a new report, a third is on the way.

Rather than add another high-end Windows Phone, Verizon may be looking in the opposite direction, and could introduce a free Windows Phone 8 device soon. This comes from Verizon’s marketing officer Tami Erwin, who spoke to TheVerge.com this week, saying “there will be a $99 and a $199 option, and ultimately before the end of the year we will have a device that comes in at the free price point.

We already know the Lumia 822 is the $99 option, and the HTC 8X costs $199, so what device will Verizon choose as its entry-level handset? The Samsung Ativ Odyssey is the obvious choice, as it has already been partially confirmed for the network after making an appearance during the Windows Phone 8 launch event.

The Odyssey is rumored to be a re-branded Samsung Ativ S, but as this is far from a basic phone, it’s unlikely to be made available for free. So, either the spec will be completely different, or another phone will take its place.

Samsung Marco

There could also have been a change of plan at Samsung. Back before Windows Phone 8 was fully revealed, there were two Samsung Windows Phone 8 devices rumored — the Odyssey and the Marco. The names of which became known as part of the documents released during the Apple/Samsung legal battle taking place at the time.

The specs put the Odyssey with a 4.65-inch screen and an 8-megapixel camera, and the Marco with a more modest 4-inch screen and a 5-megapixel camera, although both featured Qualcomm’s 1.5GHz dual-core processor. A tweet from @evleaks, the account responsible for the leaked Odyssey image, states the phone may be the Marco after all.

If so, this puts the phone in the same category as the HTC 8S. As HTC’s second Windows Phone has yet to appear on any US or UK networks, it’s difficult to compare prices, but the SIM-free cost is half that of the 8X.

There’s also a chance Verizon may chose Huawei’s Windows Phone 8 device, which has yet to be announced but will almost certainly be cheap when it does eventually surface. Although Verizon hasn’t really worked with Huawei yet, the Chinese manufacturer indicated a deal with Verizon was “happening” during an interview in October.

A free Windows Phone 8 device could be quite a big deal, not only for Verizon, but for Microsoft too. At the moment, neither AT&T and T-Mobile list a free WP8 device, and Microsoft needs a cheap option if it’s to effectively combat Android.

Earlier this year, Verizon’s CFO Fran Shammo said the network viewed Windows Phone 8 as a “differentiator,” and planned to help the OS become a “strong” third software competitor to iOS and Android. Offering its customers a free phone (with a contract, of course) would certainly be an important step in that direction.


Source : digitaltrends[dot]com

Nov 10, 2012

Samsung Smart Dock shows what it’s capable of with a Galaxy Note II in the front seat

A short while after the launch of the Galaxy Note II, Samsung launched a special dock for the phablet.

Sammy is calling it the Smart Dock and its chock-full of features, which AndroidNZ has shown in a lengthy video.

The Smart Dock features three USB ports, HDMI port with stereo out as well as a 3.5mm audio jack. The phone is docked via its microUSB port, which also charges it.

A trio of USB ports means that you can hook up the Note II to a mouse, keyboard and external storage simultaneously. Obviously, the HDMI is there to connect with an HDTV or a monitor.

And as AndroidNZ has demonstrated the options are limitless. Check out what the Smart Dock is capable of in the video below.

In the US, the Smart Dock is priced at $99.99. EU pricing is not yet detailed.


Source : blog[dot]gsmarena[dot]com

Nov 9, 2012

UK Retailers warn of Samsung Ativ S and Ativ Tab delay, could be a case of first in, last out

Samsung ATIV S

The release of the Samsung Ativ S has been delayed in the UK, moving from mid-November to mid-December. A similar fate has befallen the Ativ Tab, Samsung's entry into the rapidly shrinking Windows RT tablet market.

Samsung was the first to announce a Windows Phone 8 device, when it revealed the Ativ S at a packed IFA 2012 event. It was also joined by a 10.1-inch tablet named the Ativ Tab, which runs Windows RT. Unfortunately, despite this early lead, it’s possible the Ativ S will end up being the last of this first wave of Windows Phone 8 handsets to arrive.

Since the Ativ S’s debut, other manufacturers have not only announced, but launched their Windows Phone 8 hardware, with HTC beating the competition on to the shelves with the 8X. Samsung was expected to put the Ativ S on sale very soon, with November 19 being accepted as the UK release date.

This has now changed, as according to UK online retailer Clove Technology, the Ativ S has been pushed back to the second week of December, with stock expected to arrive on December 10. A glance at Amazon UK’s page tells a similar story, with a five to seven week despatch date quoted.

In the US, the Ativ S — a phone which impressed us — hasn’t found a network interested in stocking it yet, but Verizon has been rumored to be coming up with a version named the Odyssey, and that it could possibly arrive in November. A look online reveals Expansys USA expects the Ativ S to arrive on November 23. We’ve contacted them to see if this still stands, and will update here if we hear back.

So, it’s not looking like good news for the Ativ S, and worse still, the Ativ Tab has also suffered the same delay. Clove has added the same December 10 date for the tablet, which makes the whole affair sound like supply or production issues, however it’s not the first Windows RT tablet to have its release pushed back.

Microsoft’s Surface tablet has caused problems for Acer and Asus, with the former deciding not to release its tablets at all, while the latter has cut the price of its Vivo Tab RT in order to better compete in the market. Is Samsung having similar concerns, and held its own tablet back while it considers its position?

Samsung hasn’t made any official statement about the Ativ S and Ativ Tab’s delay.


Source : digitaltrends[dot]com

Nov 8, 2012

Samsung Galaxy Express steams into your local AT&T store, where it’s yours for $100

Samsung Galaxy Express

AT&T has provided more details about the Samsung Galaxy Express, set to be released onto the network next week. Aimed at first-time smartphone owners, it has 4G LTE connectivity and a sensible price tag.

Previously announced in September, AT&T has now provided some more details about the Samsung Galaxy Express, it’s latest mid-range Android smartphone. The network is pushing the Galaxy Express as being suitable for first-time smartphone owners, or those who’re planning to upgrade from a basic device.

It’s making it an attractive proposition too, as it has slapped a $100 price tag on the front, provided you scrawl your signature on the bottom of a two-year contract. For that, you’ll get a curvy, Galaxy Ace 2-alike device that will happily connect to AT&T’s 4G LTE network.

The specification, while not quite up to the standard of the current crop of superphones, is still intriguing, particularly the screen. It measures 4.5-inches, a fairly unusual size, and one that’s shared by devices such as the Nokia Lumia 920, the Motorola Atrix HD and the Huawei Honor 2. It’s a Super AMOLED Plus panel too, meaning it’s the same as that seen on the Galaxy S2, and not the often unfairly maligned PenTile display used on the Galaxy S3.

Inside is a 1.5GHz, dual-core processor of currently unknown parentage, which should see the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich operating system perform well. There’s no information on the amount of RAM, nor any clues on how much internal memory will be found inside the Galaxy Express, although a microSD card slot is present.

A 5-megapixel camera sits on the real panel, and other features include GPS, Bluetooth and a 2,000mAh battery.

Anyone interested in the Galaxy Express will be pleased to know it’s going to be available from AT&T on November 16. It’s also part of an AT&T offer where you’ll get $100 off a second Samsung smartphone when you buy a Galaxy-branded device with a new contract.


Source : digitaltrends[dot]com

Nov 7, 2012

Apple adds Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, Galaxy Note 10.1 to Samsung lawsuit

Apple is trying to add Android 4.1, Jelly Bean, and the Galaxy Note 10.1 to yet another patent infringement court case against Samsung in California.

Apple argued yesterday that Samsung’s Galaxy Note 10.1 tablet and the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean operating system infringe on its patents and should be added to an existing California lawsuit against Samsung.

Appearing in a federal court in San Jose, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Paul S. Grewal, Apple’s lawyers sought to expand the lawsuit against Samsung with additional patent infringement claims. This follows Samsung’s attempt to add patent infringement claims against the new iPhone 5 back on October 1.

The judge has not issued a ruling yet.

Most notable among Apple’s claims is the inclusion of Google’s Android 4.1 operating system, also known as Jelly Bean. Apple insisted that the Galaxy Nexus is the only phone with Jelly Bean that it is seeking to add to the patent complaint, for now. The implications of this are serious for Google and it’s the first time that Apple has included the Android platform specifically in its cases against Samsung.

It seems the Cupertino-based company is also now looking to add devices with a stylus, such as the Galaxy Note 10.1, and Apple’s attorney mentioned adding a further 17 devices that could use a stylus, but don’t ship with one.

This case is not scheduled for trial until 2014.

We will find a resolution to the highest profile case so far sooner than that. The jury verdict saw Apple awarded $1.05 billion in damages. As we reported before, Apple is seeking more money while Samsung is claiming juror misconduct. Those arguments will be heard in December and there will also be a decision on Apple’s attempt to get eight Samsung smartphones banned from sale in the U.S.

We’ll keep you posted on all the news about Judge Grewal’s decision and the December hearing as it breaks.


Source : digitaltrends[dot]com

Nov 6, 2012

Windows Phone 8X vs. Galaxy S3 vs. iPhone 5: spec showdown

Galaxy S3 vs Windows Phone 8X vs iPhone 5 spec comparison

The biggest representatives of every operating system go head-to-head-.to head. The iPhone 5, Samsung Galaxy S3, and HTC Windows Phone 8X square off in a Spec Showdown. Which phone best meets your needs? Take a look at our comparison and make your call.

Since Apple makes its own products, it’s latest product is the default market leader for iOS. For Android and Windows Phone handsets, however, the field is wide open. The market defines the front runners with their wallets, and there’s the media darlings that manage to snag the hearts of reviewers. The Samsung Galaxy S3 has become Android’s model phone, in part because of an aggressive and enjoyable ad campaign, and because it’s just a darn good handset. With Windows Phone 8 just becoming available, we can’t be certain what the mobile operating system’s chief representative will be. What we can say with confidence, though, is that HTC’s Windows Phone 8X can make quite a case for itself. How do these three heavyweights of the handset world stack up against one another? Take a look at the stat sheet and draw your own conclusions.

Read our full reviews for the iPhone 5, Samsung Galaxy S3, and HTC Windows Phone 8X for our extended take on each option. 

 

iPhone 5 

iPhone 5 display

Galaxy S3

galaxy s3

Windows Phone 8X 

HTC Windows Phone 8X tiny

Size  123.8 x 58.6 x 7.6 (mm)  136.6 x 70.6 x 8.6 (mm)  132.3 x 66.2 x 10.1 (mm)
Weight  112g  133g  130g
Screen  4.0-inch LCD  4.8-inch Super AMOLED  4.3-inch Super LCD 2
Resolution  1136×640 pixels  1280×720 pixels  1280×720 pixels
OS  iOS 6.0.1  Android 4.0 with TouchWiz UI  Windows Phone 8
Storage  16/32/64GB  16/32GB  16GB
SD Card Slot  No  Yes  No
Processor  Dual-core A6X  Dual-core Snapdragon S4 (US)  Dual-core Snapdragon S4
RAM  1GB  2GB  1GB
Connectivity  Wi-Fi, 4G LTE, HSPA+  Wi-Fi, 4G LTE, HSPA+  Wi-Fi, 4G LTE, HSPA+
Camera  Front 1.2MP, Rear 8MP  Front 1.9MP, Rear 8MP  Front 2MP, Rear 8MP
Bluetooth  Yes, version 4.0  Yes, version 4.0  Yes, version 3.1
Battery  1440mAh  2100mAh  1800mAh
Charger  Lightning connector  Micro USB  Micro USB
Marketplace  Apple App Store  Google Play Store  Windows Phone Store
Price  $200+  $200+  $100+
Availability  AT&T, Sprint, Verizon  AT&T, Sprint, T-Mob, Verizon  AT&T, T-Mob, Verizon

What it means: You can sit and compare the processing power and pixel-per-inch count on each device and come to a conclusion about which phone is most technically sound. That said, the biggest and most glaring difference between these three handsets is in one category: the operating system. Apple’s iOS is streamlined and smooth, like everything Apple; Google’s Android OS is in a seemingly constant state of upgrade, but rarely are the changes met with complaints; Windows Phone 8 brings the complete implementation of Live Tiles, and we’ve already started to see that Microsoft may be on to something. The deciding factor may come down to your other devices and computer. If you own a Mac, sticking with the Apple theme may be best for the purposes of continuity. PC users that sprung for Windows 8 should consider snagging the Windows Phone 8X to get the full functionality of the OS. Android devices can work with Mac, Windows, or even Linux, and the NFC features like S Beam make the Galaxy S3 appealing if your friends of co-workers also own the device. Luckily, if you are making your choice from this group, it’s hard to pick wrong.

(Specs by Jeffrey Van Camp)


Source : digitaltrends[dot]com

Nov 5, 2012

Samsung Galaxy S3 vs LG Optimus G spec showdown: Longtime rivals duke it out

Galaxy S3 vs Optimus G spec comparison

Samsung is currently enjoying its spot atop the Android market with its Galaxy S3. But no crown is safe from a good challenge, and LG is looking to provide one with the Optimus G. Can sheer power push LG's handset past Samsung's current king?

Samsung’s Galaxy S3 has managed to make itself the go-to phone when people look for an Android handset. Making its way up the sales charts on the back of its gorgeous Super AMOLED display, impressive processing power, and solid reputation of its predecessors, the Galaxy S3 snagged a top spot for Android-powered handsets right out of the gate. In a market marked by tons of competition though, there is someone vying for the throne. LG, Samsung’s South Korean rival, is hoping its Optimus G is capable of doing just that. With 2GB RAM and processor speed that matches the Galaxy S3′s offering and an HD screen of its own with the True HD IPS Plus Display, LG is making quite the case for itself. Take a look at how all the intangibles add up and see which phone best fits your needs.

Read our full reviews of the Samsung Galaxy S3 and the LG Optimus G for a more in-depth look at each option.

 

Galaxy S3

galaxy s3

LG Optimus G

LG Optimus G

Price
$200/$300 (with contract) $200/$300 (SIM-free)
Availability AT&T, Sprint, T-Mob, Verizon AT&T, Sprint
OS  Android 4.0.1 Touchwiz UX/US  Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) 
Processor  Exynos 4412 (Quad-core)  Snapdragon S4 Pro (Quad-core)
RAM 2GB 2GB
Display  4.8″ Super AMOLED  4.7″ IPS LCD
Resolution  1280×720 pixels 1280×768 pixels
Dimensions (WxDxH)  5.38″ x 2.78″ x 0.34″  5.19″ x 2.71″ x 0.33″ 
Weight 4.69 oz 5.11 oz
4G LTE  Yes  Yes
NFC  Yes  Yes 
Wi-Fi  802.11 b/g/n (dual-band) 802.11 b/g/n (dual-band) 
Rear-facing camera  8 megapixels 13MP Sprint, 8MP on AT&T 
Front-facing camera  1.9 megapixels 1.3 megapixels
Video capabilities  1080p recording  1080p recording 
Internal storage  16/32GB  32GB Sprint, 16GB AT&T 
SD card slot  Yes (up to 64GB)  Yes (up to 64GB)
Max. battery life  11 hours (2100mAh battery)  10 hours (2100mAh battery)

What it means: LG clearly has a contender when it comes to the numbers. But with any boxing match, the tale of the tape only tells so much. You’d be best served taking each phone in hand and playing around with the UI. Both phones run on a modified version of Android 4.0, and those tweaks may be a deciding factor for you in one feels more natural than the other. You may also want to consider your carrier, because the Optimus G base model comes with a 13-megapixel rear-facing camera, but AT&T has neutered the device and dropped it to a standard 8-megapixel camera. The Optimus G ups the ante on the processor, jumping to a quad-core compared to the Galaxy S3′s dual-core. However, Samsung’s offering has the benefit of a sizable market share and some impressive NFC features that only work if two people have Samsung phones. If sheer power is your biggest sales point, consider the Optimus G, but if features outweigh numbers on your scale, the Galaxy S3 may be the way to go.


Source : digitaltrends[dot]com

Samsung Ativ and Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 coming to AT&T Nov. 9

Samsung and AT&T announce the Ativ and Galaxy Tab 2 for a November 9 release, bringing new Android and Windows 8 devices to the carrier this week.

If you were planning to buy a tablet this holiday season, rest assured you’ll have plenty of variety to choose from when you head to the stores on Black Friday. Today AT&T has announced two more tablets to hit stores on November 9: The Windows smart PC Samsung Ativ, and latest member of the Android-powered Galaxy family, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1. The Samsung Ativ will retail for about $8o0, and the Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 will cost about $500 — neither of which require a contract for purchase. 

The Samsung Ativ comes as the first of Microsoft’s beefier Windows 8 tablets to hit the market in contrast to its Windows 8 RT tablets released late in October. The tablet features an included clamshell keyboard for high-speed typing when you need it, and a multi-touch display to take full advantage of the Windows 8 UI experience. The device also features an Intel Atom 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 64GB of internal memory, and 2GB of RAM all viewed from a crisp 11.6-inch display. Clocking in at $800, this tablet is a small fortune, but runs the robust Windows 8 OS for a totally mobile and productive experience.

The Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 serves as Samsung’s sequel to their Galaxy Tab 10.1 released back in 2011, and features Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), an external storage slot, and a slightly beefier battery all viewed from a high resolution 10.1-inch screen. At $500, the Galaxy Tab 2 is certainly not the cheapest Android tablet out there, but nonetheless a feature rich one. Read our full DT review on the Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 for more info.

To encourage new customers, AT&T is offering a promotional discount for those who buy two qualifying Samsung devices this holiday season. With a new 2-year agreement, customers can get an instant $100 discount for buying any Samsung Galaxy Smartphone along with any Samsung smartphone or tablet of equal or lesser value. As Sprint also announces its roll-out of the Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 for November 11, it’s safe to say AT&T is trying to grab some essential territory before the rest of the carriers release their tablets for the forthcoming holiday season. 

The tablet market this holiday season is well inundated with devices of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the iPad Mini to Windows 8 smart PC — the only question is figuring out which one is right for you, and just what the wake of the coming holiday-season tablet war will bring to the market.


Source : digitaltrends[dot]com

Apple apologizes to Samsung again, but thanks to some cunning code, you may not notice

Apple Apology Statement

Apple has had another go at following the UK court's instructions on apologizing to Samsung, but has let some code slip in that makes it a little more awkward than it has to be to see said apology.

After editorializing its original statement and subsequently being reprimanded by the UK courts once again, Apple has complied and re-published the statement on its website saying Samsung didn’t copy the iPad’s design. No, really it has, you just have to look for it.

This is Apple’s second try at saying sorry to Samsung, plus — as all children should be made to do — it has to say sorry about making a mess of it the first time too; but before we get to that, let’s look at the statement’s positioning on the site first. Visiting Apple’s UK homepage shows a massive picture of the new iPad Mini and all the usual links above it, but no statement. Instead, visitors will have to scroll down to see it, where it hides out below the privacy policy and the region selector.

While this could be passed off as an idiosyncrasy of the site’s design, a Reddit user says it’s completely intentional, and offers up some unique-to-the-UK-page Javascript which Apple has used to manipulate the way the page is viewed, ensuring the statement is out of sight regardless of screen resolution. Cunning, Apple, very cunning.

If you think that sounds like conspiracy nonsense, have a go at resizing your browser window, and watch that iPad Mini get bigger and bigger each time.

The statement printed at the bottom of the page isn’t an apology to Samsung either, but an apology to the UK courts that leads to a link to the apology to Samsung. Yes, Apple has been very naughty indeed, recently, and needs to apologize to a growing number of parties with each new statement.

It reads “On 25 October 2012, Apple Inc. published a statement on its UK website in relation to Samsung’s Galaxy tablet computers. The statement was inaccurate and did not comply with the order of the Court of Appeal of England and Wales.” Follow the link and you get the simple statement Apple should have published last time.

The irony of all this is that if Apple had just printed the statement properly in the first place, it would have been forgotten about by now. Instead, all the coverage about their childish attempts to get around the court order, do nothing but remind the reader that Samsung didn’t copy the iPad.


Source : digitaltrends[dot]com

Samsung Galaxy S Duos battery tests are complete, results are inside

Dual-SIM phones are still relatively rare and usually limited to the low-end, but the Samsung Galaxy S Duos takes after the Galaxy S III mini in terms of looks (though not in terms of specs, unfortunately).

Dual-SIM phones are usually bought when there are no good plans available – ones that offer enough talk time, texts and data. So, how long can the S Duos last if you need the second SIM for even more talking?

With a time of 8 and a half hours, the Galaxy S Duos manages to outlast its Galaxy Ace Duos cousin, even though it doesn’t have much of an advantage in the battery department – 1500mAh for the S Duos and 1300mAh for the Ace Duos. This is also an hour more than the official specs promise (those are usually conservative).


Talk time

  • Motorola RAZR MAXX (ICS)
    21:18
  • Motorola DROID RAZR MAXX
    20:24
  • Motorola RAZR i
    20:07
  • Samsung Galaxy Note II N7100
    16:57
  • LG Optimus G
    15:30
  • Huawei Ascend P1
    12:30
  • Samsung Galaxy Note
    12:14
  • Samsung I8530 Galaxy Beam
    11:58
  • Samsung Wave 3 S8600
    11:07
  • HTC One X (AT&T, LTE)
    10:35
  • Samsung Galaxy S Duos
    11:28
  • Samsung I9300 Galaxy S III
    10:20
  • Samsung I9300 Galaxy S III (JB)
    10:15
  • HTC One V
    10:00
  • Meizu MX 4-core
    10:00
  • HTC One X
    9:57
  • HTC One S
    9:42
  • Samsung I9103 Galaxy R
    9:40
  • HTC Sensation XL
    9:30
  • Nokia Lumia 710
    9:05
  • Motorola Atrix HD
    9:04
  • HTC Vivid
    9:02
  • HTC Rhyme
    8:48
  • Apple iPhone 5
    8:42
  • LG Optimus 3D Max P720
    8:42
  • Sony Ericsson Xperia neo V
    8:41
  • Meizu MX
    8:39
  • Samsung Galaxy S II
    8:35
  • Nokia Lumia 800
    8:25
  • Samsung Galaxy Nexus
    8:23
  • HTC Desire V
    8:20
  • Samsung Captivate Glide
    8:20
  • Sony Xperia T
    8:15
  • HTC Rezound (LTE)
    8:10
  • Samsung Galaxy Note (LTE)
    8:02
  • LG Optimus Vu
    7:57
  • LG Optimus 4X HD
    7:41
  • Apple iPhone 4S
    7:41
  • Samsung i937 Focus S
    7:25
  • HTC Evo 4G LTE (LTE)
    7:21
  • Samsung Galaxy S Blaze 4G
    7:14
  • Sony Xperia acro S
    7:09
  • Samsung Rugby Smart I847
    7:09
  • Sony Ericsson Xperia Pro
    6:57
  • Nokia N9
    6:57
  • HTC Radar
    6:53
  • Samsung Galaxy Ace Duos
    6:53
  • BlackBerry Curve 9380
    6:52
  • Samsung Galaxy Pocket
    5:54
  • Nokia Lumia 900 for AT&T (LTE)
    5:53
  • Sony Xperia ion LTE
    5:52
  • Sony Xperia P
    5:33
  • Nokia 808 PureView
    5:16
  • LG Nitro HD (LTE)
    5:16
  • HTC Titan II (LTE)
    5:10
  • BlackBerry Bold 9790
    5:00
  • Pantech Burst
    4:46

The web browsing test was done over Wi-Fi and the phone lasted around 5 hours and 20 minutes. It’s a bit better than what the dual-SIM Ace did, which is pretty good considering the Galaxy S Duos has a larger, higher-res screen (4″ vs. 3.5″ and WVGA vs. HVGA).

Web browsing

  • Apple iPhone 5
    9:56
  • Motorola RAZR MAXX (ICS)
    9:12
  • Samsung Galaxy Note II N7100
    8:48
  • Motorola DROID RAZR MAXX
    7:23
  • HTC Radar
    7:17
  • Motorola RAZR i
    7:06
  • Apple iPhone 4S
    6:56
  • HTC One V
    6:49
  • Motorola Atrix HD
    6:40
  • BlackBerry Curve 9380
    6:40
  • Samsung I9300 Galaxy S III (JB)
    6:27
  • Samsung i937 Focus S
    6:15
  • Sony Xperia ion LTE
    5:56
  • Samsung Rugby Smart I847
    5:53
  • Pantech Burst
    5:51
  • Samsung Galaxy S Blaze 4G
    5:45
  • HTC Desire V
    5:44
  • HTC Evo 4G LTE
    5:41
  • Samsung Wave 3 S8600
    5:34
  • Sony Xperia T
    5:33
  • Samsung Captivate Glide
    5:33
  • Samsung I8530 Galaxy Beam
    5:28
  • Samsung Galaxy Note LTE
    5:24
  • Samsung Galaxy S Duos
    5:23
  • HTC Sensation XL
    5:20
  • Meizu MX 4-core
    5:19
  • Samsung I9300 Galaxy S III
    5:17
  • Sony Xperia acro S
    5:16
  • HTC Rezound
    5:16
  • LG Optimus G
    5:15
  • HTC Rhyme
    5:08
  • Samsung I9103 Galaxy R
    5:07
  • HTC One X (AT&T)
    5:03
  • Sony Ericsson Xperia Pro
    4:50
  • LG Optimus Vu
    4:49
  • HTC Vivid
    4:46
  • Samsung Galaxy Ace Duos
    4:45
  • Meizu MX
    4:35
  • Nokia N9
    4:33
  • Samsung Galaxy S II
    4:24
  • Sony Ericsson Xperia neo V
    4:20
  • HTC One X
    4:18
  • Nokia 808 PureView
    4:14
  • LG Optimus 3D Max P720
    4:10
  • Nokia Lumia 900 for AT&T
    4:10
  • Nokia Lumia 800
    4:07
  • HTC Titan II (LTE)
    4:05
  • HTC One S
    4:03
  • BlackBerry Bold 9790
    4:02
  • LG Nitro HD
    4:00
  • LG Optimus 4X HD
    3:59
  • Sony Xperia P
    3:59
  • Nokia Lumia 710
    3:51
  • Samsung Galaxy Pocket
    3:47
  • Samsung Galaxy Note
    3:35
  • Huawei Ascend P1
    3:23
  • Samsung Galaxy Nexus
    3:01

The video playback time of the S Duos was disappointing at 4 and a half hours, which is two hours less than the Ace and puts the phone towards the bottom of the chart. It’s worse than the performance of the HTC Desire V – another dual-SIM droid with almost identical specs.

Video playback

  • Motorola RAZR MAXX (ICS)
    16:35
  • Motorola DROID RAZR MAXX
    14:17
  • Samsung Galaxy Note II N7100
    11:27
  • Apple iPhone 5
    10:12
  • Samsung I9300 Galaxy S III
    10:01
  • Nokia 808 PureView
    9:53
  • Samsung I8530 Galaxy Beam
    9:42
  • Samsung Rugby Smart I847
    9:34
  • HTC One S
    9:28
  • Samsung I9300 Galaxy S III (JB)
    9:27
  • Apple iPhone 4S
    9:24
  • HTC Evo 4G LTE
    9:07
  • Nokia N9
    8:40
  • Samsung Galaxy Note
    8:25
  • Motorola RAZR i
    8:11
  • Samsung Galaxy S II
    8:00
  • Samsung i937 Focus S
    7:55
  • Samsung Wave 3 S8600
    7:52
  • Sony Ericsson Xperia neo V
    7:45
  • Huawei Ascend P1
    7:38
  • Samsung Galaxy S Blaze 4G
    7:33
  • Samsung Galaxy Note LTE
    7:30
  • LG Optimus G
    7:16
  • Meizu MX 4-core
    6:33
  • HTC Desire V
    6:26
  • HTC One X (AT&T)
    6:26
  • Samsung Galaxy Ace Duos
    6:25
  • LG Optimus Vu
    6:23
  • Samsung I9103 Galaxy R
    6:21
  • HTC Sensation XL
    6:12
  • Samsung Galaxy Pocket
    6:06
  • Samsung Captivate Glide
    6:04
  • Sony Xperia ion LTE
    6:03
  • Samsung Galaxy Nexus
    6:02
  • Sony Xperia T
    6:01
  • Motorola Atrix HD
    6:01
  • HTC Vivid
    6:00
  • HTC Radar
    5:54
  • Nokia Lumia 800
    5:52
  • HTC Titan II
    5:50
  • BlackBerry Bold 9790
    5:47
  • HTC One X
    5:45
  • Sony Ericsson Xperia Pro
    5:44
  • Sony Xperia acro S
    5:38
  • Pantech Burst
    5:38
  • Meizu MX
    5:27
  • HTC Rhyme
    5:23
  • HTC One V
    5:20
  • Nokia Lumia 900 for AT&T
    5:18
  • BlackBerry Curve 9380
    5:09
  • HTC Rezound
    5:03
  • Samsung Galaxy S Duos
    4:30
  • Sony Xperia P
    4:30

  • LG Nitro HD
    4:17
  • LG Optimus 4X HD
    4:14
  • LG Optimus 3D Max P720
    3:28
  • Nokia Lumia 710
    3:27

After running the calculations, the endurance rating for the Samsung Galaxy S Duos works out to 43 hours, barely better than what the Ace Duos got, but a bit less than the Desire V score.


Source : blog[dot]gsmarena[dot]com

Samsung may reveal “vibrant” new brand identity at CES 2013

Samsung Logo Door Offices

Samsung is reported to be planning a complete brand overhaul for CES 2013, ably assisted by Brandstream and its CEO Scott Bedbury, who was responsible for turning Nike and Starbucks in global phenomenons.

Samsung is planning something special for CES 2013, and although we’re sure many new products will be among them, a rumored overhaul of the company’s branding may take center stage.

The news comes from a report published by Channel News in Australia, and quotes anonymous sources who say Samsung is almost ready to unveil a “more vibrant international brand image.” While the specifics aren’t discussed, the familiar blue Samsung oval will be replaced, and each part of Samsung’s business will get its own individual color that will be used in its advertising.

On the subject of advertising, this will shift from being based around features and benefits, to focus instead on “lifestyle activities.”

According to Channel News’ sources, the man at the helm of this ambitious project is Scott Bedbury, CEO of brand development consultancy Brandstream. This is a fascinating choice, and if anyone can enhance Samsung’s already well-established brand image, it’s Bedbury.

During his time at Nike in the late 80s and early 90s, he directed the launch of the Just Do It campaign, which you’re probably familiar with, and turned Nike around from being a youthful, aspirational American brand to being a global, all-inclusive fitness phenomenon. After Nike, he pushed Starbucks out into the world, and introduced the comfy chairs and CDs.

Since then, he has gone on to work with companies including Nokia, Facebook, Amazon, T-Mobile and Google.

Public perception problem?

A complete brand overhaul means Samsung may have taken recent comments regarding the way it’s perceived to heart. When a judge in the UK says your products aren’t as cool as Apple’s, it’s not only bound to smart, but also raise concerns about the opinion of the man on the street too.

The really interesting thing is, Bedbury isn’t a fan of “cool.” In an interview with FastCompany.com way (way) back in 2002, he warned companies “not to worship cool,” and called it a “false god.” He said (rather prophetically, as it turns out) that companies should “be more concerned with their karma than with being cool,” and closed with the thought that “big doesn’t have to be bad, that profits are only one measure of success, and that great brands can use their unique superhuman powers for good. Now that would be cool.”

An attitude like this makes a major Samsung brand identity alteration intriguing, as it could take a very different route not only to the one it has been on for a while, but the one Apple has chosen too.

Next year’s International Consumer Electronics Show begins on January 8 and ends on January 11.


Source : digitaltrends[dot]com

Samsung releases more official Galaxy Note II hands-on videos, shares some tips and tricks

There are more than 3 million Galaxy Note II owners out there, and to make sure that they get the full potential out of their phablet, Samsung has launched no less than five new videos showcasing the device’s power.

As you know from our in-depth review of the Note II, it comes with the S Pen, on which Samsung emphasizes a lot in the new hands-on videos of the device.

The videos are quite lengthy too, with a combined running time of a little more than 30 minutes. So, waste no time, get some snacks and enjoy the hands-on videos below.

Spoiler: they can contain some tips and tricks.

Design, Performance & Display

Multitasking

Expression Tools (1)

Expression Tools (2)

More Smart Features


Source : blog[dot]gsmarena[dot]com

Nov 2, 2012

Samsung sells 3 million Galaxy Note 2 devices while it waits for the competition to catch up,

samsung galaxy note 2 hardware screen

Samsung has announced that it has sold 3 million Galaxy Note 2 tablet/smartphone hybrid devices, despite it only have been on sale since September. That's a lot of sales for a niche product, so where is its competition?

Samsung must be looking at the latest sales figures for the Galaxy Note 2, which it has just made public, shaking its head and then having a good laugh. It has released a device nobody thought they wanted and critics instantly took against, then went on to sell millions of them. So why is it laughing? Because there still isn’t any competition.

The Galaxy Note 2 went on sale during September in Korea, reached the UK on October 1, and has steadily made its way to the US and other regions around the world since. According to Samsung, in 37 days it has racked up more than 3 million sales.

The original Galaxy Note arrived in September 2011, but didn’t reach 1 million sales until the end of December, so the Note 2‘s performance is impressive going, particularly when you take into account the Note 2 is still a niche device.

But is it so niche that it doesn’t need some competition? Who does Samsung think it is? Apple? Has it really produced an initially derided product that in reality, just caught other manufacturers napping?

Rumors and half-releases

It seems so, as viable alternatives to the Note 2 are few and far between, despite the product line having been on sale for more than a year. There’s the LG Optimus Vu, or the LG Intuition if you buy it from Verizon; but in its infinite wisdom, LG hasn’t bothered to give it a wide release, so its sales are unlikely to impress.

HTC’s bizarrely named J Butterfly phone has a 5-inch, 1080p screen, but it’s only available in Japan, while Panasonic has picked up its 5-inch Eluga Power and taken it home, after it failed to gain any traction in the European market. At least these have seen a release, as phones such as the LG Optimus Vu II, the Oppo Find 5, Lenovo’s S880 and the Thomson X-View 2 are all seemingly in some kind of release date limbo.

Huawei and ZTE have woken up and started talking about their own tablet/smartphone hybrid machines. For Huawei, it will be the Ascend D2 and the rumor is it will be equipped with a quad-core chip and a 720p 5-inch display. ZTE’s Nubia Z5 will have the same specification, but will add a 13-megapixel camera too. Neither are confirmed though, and both are likely to do the rounds in China before possibly going international sometime next year.

There are also a few other rumored devices with 5-inch-plus sized screens coming soon. HTC may adapt the J Butterfly for international release — possibly to be named the Droid DNA and launched on the Verizon network — while the Sony C650X, codename Odin, may arrive next year too, along with a 6-inch screen version codename Yuga. Both of these and the Droid DNA are said to have 5-inch, 1080p screens.

All this gives the Galaxy Note 2 an almost entirely open playing field until well into 2013. How many Note 2 handsets will it have gone on to sell before a true alternative finally goes on sale?


Source : digitaltrends[dot]com

Nov 1, 2012

UK Court slams Apple for the “Samsung/Apple UK judgement” text, orders changes to be made in 48 hours

Following the UK Court of Appeal ruling, Apple had to put a clear statement on its website saying that Samsung didn’t infringe on the iPad patents. And Apple did, but in a way that wasn’t what the judges really had in mind.

According to the official ruling, the guys from Cupertino had to clearly state on their UK website that “Samsung didn’t copy” the company’s designs. Instead, Apple posted a few paragraphs explaining in long how despite the UK’s ruling, courts in the US and Germany acknowledged that Samsung did infringe the company’s highly popular tablet. And that’s not what the court ordered.

Now, infuriated by Apple’s poor execution of the order, the UK Court has given the company 48 hours to carry out the ruling the way it was intended: publish on its front page with a link to the corrected statement in a font no less than 11 points.

As Bloomberg reports, Apple’s lawyers argued that this couldn’t be done in just 2 days and it’d need 14 days to make the changes. However, the judges weren’t having any of that and in the end, in two days we’ll be witnessing how Apple is eventually going to handle the situation with its UK website.


Source : blog[dot]gsmarena[dot]com

UK court orders smug PR spin to be removed from Apple’s Samsung apology

Apple-gavel-antitrust-governement-laws

Apple will need to amend its statement saying Samsung didn't copy the iPad's design, after UK courts took a dim view of the PR spin the company added after the approved text.

Apple’s apology to Samsung, which it was ordered to place on its website following the loss of its patent court case in the UK earlier this year, will have to be amended.

The statement can be found by following a link on Apple’s home page which leads to an otherwise blank page, where Apple has not only published the court-approved text, but added its own PR spin afterwards.

Its smug tone hasn’t gone down well with the UK courts or the presiding judges, with Judge Robin Jacob quoted as saying “I’m at a loss that a company such as Apple would do this,” and called the move “a plain breach of the order.”

The judge is probably the only one who is surprised by Apple’s actions, as the attempt to obfuscate the original meaning of the text by adding some self-serving Apple spin, is exactly the kind of egotistical move many of the company’s detractors have come to expect.

Samsung’s lawyer said that Apple’s statement gives the impression that “the UK court is out of step with other courts,” as it mentions both the $1 billion judgement in the US and another win against Samsung in Germany.

However, the back-slapping that inevitably followed the publication of the statement is all in the past, and Apple must change it to that which the court ordered, and it must do so within 24 hours. At the time of writing, the original statement remains on Apple’s website.

According to Bloomberg, Apple asked for 14 days to make the changes. Judge Jacob was shocked that it would need this long, and rejected the request. “I would like to see the head of Apple make an affidavit setting out the technical difficulties which means Apple can’t put this on their website,” he said. Us too, Judge, as it usually only takes them a couple of hours to put up an entirely new product range.

All this would be amusing, if it didn’t sound so childish.


Source : digitaltrends[dot]com