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Posts Tagged ‘Samsung-Galaxy-S’

Samsung sued by Apple

Thursday, April 21st, 2011

It should not be too surprising that Apple would begin the legal battle concerning Android. While Microsoft who has also claimed that Android infringes on its patents for the most part has kept most of its legal battles outside of court, Apple has chosen to take its fights to the courts and it is doing so once again with Samsung.

According to Apple: “Rather than innovate and develop its own technology and a unique Samsung style for its smart phone products and computer tablets, Samsung chose to copy Apple’s technology, user interface and innovative style in these infringing products.”

The ironic thing is Samsung manufactures most of the flash memory, screens and other components used in the iPad, iPhone and other Apple products. But I’m sure Apple is not sitting well with Samsung’s sale records of last year (80 million Galaxy S smartphones). Either way, the lawsuit could be interpreted as Apple seeing Samsung as more than a partner and rather a rival.

Source: Wall Street Journal

Android 2.3 Gingerbread for Galaxy S leaks

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011

Many Samsung Galaxy S owners still have not received the update for 2.2 Froyo yet, so you can imagine that some would be a little annoyed at the fact that 2.3 Gingerbread is floating around sporting Samsung’s TouchWiz 4.0.

But before you go jumping to the download link to get your Gingerbread on, let us warn you that this is an early build of the ROM and as such we are sure there are a few bugs that might not be sweet to deal with.

The ROM was leaked on the SamFirmware forum and according to initial reports; the ROM might require a rooted phone in order for the Android Marketplace to work with this version of the software. More importantly, we’re hearing that this version sports TouchWiz 4.0 which is currently rocking its wares on the next generation of Galaxy S devices.

In order to use the update, users are recommended to use the ODIN tool and thanks to the new EXT4 file system, it should be a lot faster than the RFS file system. Just be aware that if you should make a mistake or something should go wrong during the update, you could end up with an expensive brick. But for those who love to hack, we’re sure this will not deter you.

On a side note, the TouchWiz 4.0 interface does not stray far from the current version (3.0) and still carries quite a few of the highly controversial colorful icons. Other than that, most of the new features will be that of the actual Android update and not Samsung’s skin overlay.

It is our guess as to when an official release of this software could occur, but there is not trouble in hoping is there? We’ll let you know if anything else transpires about said update.

Source: Cnet

Today’s Top Mobile News Stories

Monday, December 13th, 2010

Apple’s iPad 2 is back in the spotlight again and this time, thanks to a new confirmation from Apple that the device will be able to support video chat thanks to the dual camera feature. While we already knew early on that a camera would be part of the device’s specs, nobody could confirm that a second front-facing camera would also be available.

Also from Apple is a new patent for software technology that would allow app sharing among smart phone users. This new feature has yet to see any practical use in the industry, though it is likely that Apple has already got a business model to make full use of this feature. Hopefully, Apple also starts convincing developers to create more game and application demos in order to encourage people to buy more from the iTunes store.

LG and Samsung may have a little bit on the fence about updating their top Android devices to version 2.3 Gingerbread. While the exact reasons have been lost in all the confusion and conflicting information (LG’s Facebook page stated that the 600MHz CPU was not enough, though it was never stated by Google that the Android would need a 1GHz processor in the first place –and it does not).

In any case, the 2.3 update has been confirmed for both developers and specially their phones: the Optimus One and the Galaxy S. Both devices are now confirmed to be compatible and waiting for the next Android update. Speaking of the i9000 Galaxy S from Samsung, the update to version 2.3 will also be appearing early for users under T-Mobile UK and 3 UK. LG’s Optimus One still has no confirmed network operators that will be offering the update when it launches.

Microsoft has announced that it will be paying developers of the Windows Phone 7 mobile platform as early as January –as opposed to February. The good news just came in just a while ago and is part of the new developer payout system that MS will be implanting starting next year.

Samsung and LG: Still Pondering Gingerbread Update

Friday, December 10th, 2010

Korea’s two largest mobile phone makers have certainly made an impact in the industry. Currently, the LG and Samsung both occupy spots in the top three mobile phone manufacturers in the world –coming in second only to Finnish super giant Nokia. It is also pretty well known in the industry that the two are solid supporters of the Google Android operating system as well.

LG’s Optimus series focuses on both the Windows Phone 7 and the Google Android mobile platforms with Samsung’s Galaxy line up of devices are composed of a pure Android line (including the Galaxy Tab touch screen tablet). However, despite their strong backing for the open source platform –and the fact that Samsung has had a direct hand in the development of the Nexus S, the bottom line is that both companies still do not know what to do with the Android Gingerbread update.

This is mostly due to the fact that Google has yet to release specific details on the hardware requirements for the latest version of the platform. LG has already made the mistake of jumping the gun by announcing yesterday that there would be no update for the Optimus One with its 600MHz CPU. The statement has since been retracted and now, LG is still undecided.

The same goes for Samsung. With the Galaxy S already doing so well, they see no reason to back off from a good formula; while they are not against an update, they would like to see first how it would affect the overall performance of the device.

In any case, there is really no need for further concern. The Android update to Gingerbread is still not officially out, and many phones are still waiting for an Android 2.2 Froyo update. Google will certainly be helping out manufacturers make the transition once the update is officially available for download.

All the New Handsets: Today’s Highlights

Wednesday, November 10th, 2010

If you have been planning to grab a new phone this holiday season, either for yourself or as a gift, expect to have plenty of choices. And the most recent launches of today should still count in the list even if the holiday season still has a few weeks before it arrives.

First off, tablets. Not exactly mobile phones, but equally as impressive; the Samsung P1000 Galaxy Tab is one of the most recommended ones around as it delivers and excellent degree of functionality that is not even matched by larger and more famous Apple iPad. While the regular version of the Tab is available through various network operators, you can also get a fully customized one from Harrods at almost 2,700 Pounds. This expensive tablet is loaded with Swarovski crystals all over and is certainly something for those with less than practical plans in mind.

If you want something that is a little more sensible and practical, you might want to stick to the basic mobile phones that have been announced. While these would certainly not be good replacements for your high end smart phones, these two are certainly better alternatives when you simply need to have a handset around.

First off, Alcatel’s new Virgin Mobile devices, the OT-209; this is a cheap phone. And by cheap, we are referring to the fact that it is bought at a price tag of 99 Pence when you buy a 10 Pound top up. The handset manages to deliver a colored VGA screen, FM radio and even conference call capabilities.

Our other budget alternative is the T-Mobile Vibe. This handset is a lot like an LG handset, though this one comes from China based manufacturer, ZTE. The Vibe brings together a touch screen display and a physical QWERTY keyboard. This handset is available under T-Mobile’s pay as you go plans.

Massive Samsung Update: Galaxy S Gets Froyo and WiFi Direct

Monday, November 8th, 2010

Are you a big fan of the Samsung’s Galaxy S mobile phones? The Android smart phone has been moving up the charts since it first arrived on the market and judging from how the device is being talked about, this Korean made Android is certainly living up to expectations.

So what has the 1GHz powered, super AMOLED power-phone really all about? Samsung has designed this device to be an iPhone killer, and while Samsung’s Galaxy S sold significantly less, it is certainly earning more approval –which is pretty much a stronger success than any other so-called iPhone killer devices ever launched.

According to Samsung, this Android smart phone is finally getting an Android OS update in the UK. While the initial delay was supposed to have been out more than a month ago, the sheer volume of work to be done in being able to provide users with a smooth and error free update was quite plentiful and time consuming.

Android 2.3 Gingerbread and 3.0 Honeycomb are already in the works –which means that this latest step up to version 2.2 Froyo will be an important milestone for the Galaxy S; not to mention the fact that Froyo brings plenty of important features such as speed and performance boosts as well as Flash support. It is expected that the Samsung Galaxy Apollo will also be receiving an Android Froyo update once the Galaxy S update is already available.

Samsung has also announced that the Galaxy S will be getting an additional feature: WiFi direct. Much like the wireless LAN connectivity used by the Sony PlayStation Portable, this little update will provide the smart phone with additional connectivity features by directly connecting to other WiFi devices as opposed to linking up over the local network router. This is perfect for direct file transfers as well.

Mobile News Bits: Updates and News from UK Networks

Thursday, September 23rd, 2010

T-Mobile UK is promising something special for users of the Samsung i9000 Galaxy S at the end of this month: the Android 2.2 Froyo will be made available for the smart phone ahead of schedule. For users of the phone on other networks, the expected update launch is set for early next month. This means that T-Mobile subscribers get to enjoy Flash and improved OS and web browsing performance ahead of their peers by the end of September.

Speaking of the Froyo update, the much delayed Orange Mobile UK Froyo update for the HTC Desire has finally been rolled out. Originally, Orange was able to make the update available as scheduled but had to it pull down due to technical issues that the update brought.

While it certainly took them quite some time to come up with a solution, they have finally done it and are now making the update available to all HTC Desire users under their network. It is advisable for those planning to download the update to do so under a secure and stable connection as the patch is about 90MB in size.

On a much larger news scale, T-Mobile, Orange, O2 and Vodafone are all confirmed to be offering Windows Phone 7 handsets when the new mobile platform finally comes out this coming October. Microsoft seems to have made well laid out plans as they have been able to get devices into all networks –effectively expanding the market viability of the new OS.

With several other powerful platforms already established on the market, it is important for MS to be able to show that the new WP7 platform is as flexible and versatile as they had promised.

Lastly, 3 UK has confirmed that they will be offering the Nokia C7 nHD smart phone later this year. The new media centric Symbian device will be sporting a 3.5 inch nHD touch screen display and support for HD video.

White Color Variants: People Love Them

Friday, September 10th, 2010

While it is pretty hard to determine the reason as to why the aesthetic appeal of white color variants are so predominant, seeing that fact in application is pretty easy.

Take into account the whole fuss over the very-delayed release of the white version of the iPhone 4. Sure, the device has an extremely bad antenna design that drops calls when the device is held in the wrong way and that many phone manufacturers are looking down on the mistake. But the real consumer focus has been on the fact that only the black version of the iPhone is available.

Samsung, a very close competitor of Apple, has followed suit and has announced a white variant for the Galaxy S Android smart phone.

Not to be outdone, another major mobile phone manufacturer, Taiwan based HTC, has confirmed that they are now working on a couple of color variants that will certainly appeal to a lot of people: white versions of the HTC Desire and the HTC Wildfire.

For those not familiar with the two devices, these are most successful Android devices from HTC and are considered to be the best choices for Google fans this year –despite the launch of the Nexus One handset last January.

The HTC Desire is currently the best handset that HTC is offering and it packs a powerful set of hardware loaded on the device. The processor is a Qualcomm Snapdragon CPU clocked at 1GHz providing the handset with all the speed and power it needs while the 3.7 inch AMOLED capacitive touch screen display is also perfect for viewing media and other content.

The HTC Wildfire on the other hand is a social networking smart phone. While it does not pack the same hardware prowess as the Desire, it has extra features for getting in touch with friends and family through Facebook.

Mobile Updates: Galaxy S Issues; and the Nokia C7 & N8 Launch

Friday, August 27th, 2010

Fans of the Symbian operating system (few that there are) have something definite to look forward to now. According to Vodafone, the N8 is indeed going to be launched. Despite the fact that the Nokia N8 has been delayed so much, a new piece of news has rekindled the hope: Vodafone UK is getting an exclusive green color variant.

While mint green is not really all that exciting, the confirmation is certainly something that stands out. With the device being delayed for almost six months, it got to a point where many folks simply did not care anymore.

Not that the N8 is a bad device however, while it packed a mid range processor, the media functions are top notch. The phone comes with a 12 mega pixel camera, Carl Zeiss lenses, Xenon flash, 720p HD video recording and even an HDMI output port.

Speaking of the Nokia N8, another Symbian^3 handset will also be launched this year. The Nokia C7 is basically a low end version for the N8 and is jam packed with features. Images showcasing the device started to appear on the web and from the initial looks of things; the C7 is turning out to be quite the ideal Nokia handset.

Moving on, the Samsung Galaxy S Android smart phone has been reported to be having some issues when it comes to connecting the device to a computer. Users are being advised not to use filenames that are longer than 16 characters in length.

According to reports, the problem occurs when the handset is connected to a computer and the filenames are detected. This then would result in a bug that starts a data wipe -which is a very major issue.

Samsung is apparently working on a solution to the problem to help out the users of the Galaxy S. In the meanwhile, users are advised not to connect the phone to a computer directly (though inserting the micro SD card into the computer directly should not be a problem).

Brit Takes Claim to Faster Texter in the World

Tuesday, August 24th, 2010

Just a while back, a British woman managed to type out “the razor-toothed piranhas of the genera Serrasalmus and Pygocentrus are the most ferocious freshwater fish in the world. In reality they seldom attack a human.” In a span of 25.94 seconds that is about a second for every word.

And anyone who can spell out serralsalmus in a single second using a touch screen keyboard really should be proud of themselves.

The feat was accomplished recently and has earned Melissa Thompson the informal rank of being the fastest texter in the world. Originally, the position was being held by an American who typed out the same content but for a full 9 seconds longer. Sadly, the award has yet to be officially awarded to the woman as Guinness officials will still need to study the record breaking feat.

In any case, this is a bit of an important step for smart phone technology. While not everyone will be able to type as fast as the woman in question, it does lend credence to the statement that the use of Swype technology really does improve texting speed. Melissa believes that everyone should try it out as it truly helps increase the typing speed on a mobile phone.

Samsung also has something to celebrate about with the feat. According to reports, the phone that was used was the Samsung Galaxy S Android smart phone. The device packs a 4 inch super AMOLED touch screen display and a 1GHz processor. The high end smart phone has been around for quite some time now and is one of the most recommended Android smart phones available.

Of course, this does not mean that physical keyboard technology is dead. Many people still prefer to have slide out QWERTY keyboards and until haptic technology is perfected to simulate having a physical keyboard, it will be a while before we see a full switch to virtual keyboards.