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Posts tagged feature
Galaxy Note 3 to feature a 6-inch AMOLED non-flexible display, report says
011 days
by J
Galaxy Note 2 (left) vs Galaxy S4 (right)
A report from a South Korean investment firm reveals that the third-generation Galaxy Note would pack a 6-inch AMOLED display, but that it won’t be a flexible one as certain rumors have recently said.
In a detailed note to investors (see PDF file at the second Source link), Korea Investment & Securities Co. reveals that Samsung’s “first-ever” 6-inch flagship handset is more likely to sport a 6-inch AMOLED display than an LCD one. OLED displays are seen as a “pillar” of Samsung’s brand image by the firm, and therefore a logical choice for a flagship handset like the Galaxy Note 3.
It’s worth noting that both the Galaxy Note and Galaxy Note 2 feature AMOLED displays, with the former packing a 5.3-inch AMOLED PenTile screen with 1280 x 800 resolution and the later featuring a 5.5-inch AMOLED non-PenTile display with 1280 x 720 resolution. Previous rumors have said that the Galaxy Note 3 would feature a 5.99-inch display.
More interestingly, the report claims that said display would not be a flexible one, as some reports have suggested. Apparently Samsung would not be able to mass-produce the appropriate number of flexible 6-inch AMOLED screens to meet demand for such a potentially popular handset as the Galaxy Note 3:
Although equipment for most processes has been delivered and the supply of remaining equipment (only for a specific process) should be finalized in 1H13, we cannot say [Samsung Display] is ready to mass-produce flexible OLED panels. Production technology still seems incomplete, and even assuming the start of production in 2H13, shipments that can be supplied to finished products would be minimal. As such, we believe chances are slim for [Samsung Electronics] to adopt flexible OLED panels for its Galaxy Note 3 (slated for release in 2H13). [Samsung Electronics] will likely choose flexible OLED for its smartphones as a differentiating design feature but would need more time to adopt it for the major models.
LG, which previously confirmed that it will have a smartphone with flexible display in stores by the end of the year, seems to have issues mass-producing such panels also, and may delay the launch of such a product.
Without going into too many details about flexible display technology, the report reveals that Samsung and LG use two different technologies. Samsung relies on thin-film encapsulation while LG is developing face-sealing encapsulation technology. In either case, the object is to prevent water and/or oxygen to reach the inside of the device. The report says that Samsung “is still far away from securing product reliability that guarantees mass-production” and LG’s technology “has not yet been tried for mass-production.”
The Galaxy Note 3 is expected to be unveiled at some point in Q3 2013, most likely at IFA 2013 in Berlin, Germany, according to other rumors. The report also mentions that Samsung’s “6-inch display smartphone model [is] scheduled for release in 2H13.”
That said, we’ll remind you to take everything with a grain of salt when looking at such reports, as, after all, both Samsung and LG are yet to announce commercial products sporting flexible displays.
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Look out Gorilla Glass, next gen devices might feature sapphire displays
064 days
by J
Have you ever dropped your smartphone or tablet? Not a pleasant experience, I know. As always, the relentless pursuit of innovation is yielding achievements and developments in areas not previously thought possible. Science once confined to the limits of military and security applications has been leaping over to the cutthroat mobile device market for some time now.
When it comes to protecting the displays of our precious devices, Corning’s Gorilla Glass is currently state of the art. Here’s a demo we’ve seen at MWC in February.
Sapphire could be the next wonder material
Sapphire itself is a special material. With a melting point of 2,030C, it remains virtually impervious to pretty much everything that’s thrown at it. As the second hardest material next to diamond, it is significantly more abundant and less expensive, making it perfect for our beloved mobile devices. What’s more is that it has long enjoyed success in a variety of applications – namely bulletproofing the cars of some very special people, and on Rolex watches to ensure that the face stays scratch free throughout years of use. And there’s many more.
Extremetech GT Advanced Technologies sapphire glass prototypes. Can you spot the one for the iPhone 5 on the far left?
The sum of it is that sapphire is ten times more scratch resistant than normal glass, and, while we don’t have real world tests of how it will stack up next to Corning’s famous Gorilla Glass, we’d have to say that it’s likely to yield some drastic improvements for people that tend to drop their devices more than they ought to.
Naturally, it’s still a material that has a crystalline structure, and is therefore still capable of shattering or cracking, but the fact remains, it is significantly harder and stronger than the materials used in our smartphone displays today. While it remains roughly ten times as expensive as its immediate competitor – Gorilla Glass, economies of scale in the furiously competitive mobile device economy will result in it becoming much cheaper in a relatively short period of time. According to the talented nerds at ExtremeTech:
”Sapphire glass is around three times the strength and scratch resistance of Corning’s Gorilla Glass, [making] an almost perfect smartphone screen. There’s one caveat: according to a market analyst, a sheet of Gorilla Glass costs around , while the same piece of sapphire glass would cost . Thanks to increasing competition, though, the cost of sapphire glass is dropping. It wouldn’t be surprising to see a high-end smartphone (such as the iPhone) use a sapphire screen in the next few years.”
If you’ve taken the time to see our drop tests, you’ll know that most devices don’t hold up very well against concrete. Assuming similar advancements are made in other materials, we one day could all own devices that are incredibly hard to smash, shatter, and break.
Is this a welcome advancement? Have you ever shattered or broken your devices display?
The post Look out Gorilla Glass, next gen devices might feature sapphire displays appeared first on Android Authority.
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Meizu MX3 is rumored to feature an Exynos 5 Octa processor
065 days
by J
Looking for a sexy and unique smartphone without paying a fortune? You might want to forget all the shiny new handsets coming out of Korea, Japan and the United States, and instead turn your attention to China. There are plenty of great brands to be found in China, including Oppo, Xiaomi, Huawei, and Meizu. The later of these is actually preparing for its successor, the Meizu MX3.
We can’t say for sure if the Meizu MX3 will live up to the aesthetically pleasing design seen with the MX2 (pictured above), but its specs certainly will make your mouth water.
The phone is expected to feature a 5.1-inch display with a 1920 x 1200 display and an impressive Exynos 5 Octa processor. Yes, that’s the same processor as you’ll find in the Samsung Galaxy S4. The phone is also believed to have a bezel that is ultra-thin on both sides to make it easier to handle with one hand, similar to what was seen with the recently leaked picture of what is believed to be the Xiaomi MI-3.
Not much else is known about what the next-gen Meizu phone will bring to the table, nor do we have any idea when it will hit or how much it will cost. There is also the possibility that this is nothing more than a rumor. Still, if you are a fan of high-end Chinese handsets, the Meizu MX3 is probably going to be worth keeping an eye out for.
The post Meizu MX3 is rumored to feature an Exynos 5 Octa processor appeared first on Android Authority.
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Google’s Nexus 10 commercial touts its multiple user feature [video]
066 days
by J
Unlike the mocking and comical undertones that most Samsung’s mobile commercials seem to have, Google has adopted a different strategy when it comes to promoting its Nexus line of devices, one that revolves around family values.
The latest Nexus 10 commercial doesn’t stray too far from the above, but it does add a surprise mix to the formula, a cute baby. We’re not giving away all the details, but the ad features a couple who is expecting and is contemplating on whether to name the baby boy Alfie or Kevin.
Where does the Nexus 10 fit in all this? In case you’ve forgotten, the N10 can be set up to be used by multiple users. Although the couple only has one tablet, the ad shows how each user can have his or her home screens, and how the tab can be shared easily amongst the two as they prepare for the arrival of the baby.
Simply put, we like the new commercial. Are you curious about the name that they chose? Want to see the N10’s multi-account feature in action? Press play on the embedded video.
The post Google’s Nexus 10 commercial touts its multiple user feature [video] appeared first on Android Authority.
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Rumored Samsung Orb feature to release with Android 5.0 update
067 days
by J
The Samsung Galaxy S4 was officially launched a few days ago, but the rumors associated with the device haven’t stopped just yet! Samsung Orb, not to be confused with the Nexus 4 Orb which is a wireless charging device, which first crept up in a leak about a month ago, is the company’s Photosphere-like camera feature that allows you to take 360 degree panorama shots.
While the earlier rumor suggested that the Samsung Galaxy S4 would be released with this feature, it was obviously missing on the day of the launch, otherwise I’m sure we’d have seen another “great” bit on how this feature would apply to our daily lives. Even though the Samsung Galaxy S4 will release with Android 4.2 on-board, the company obviously decided to forego using the Photosphere app that was launched with the latest Android OS iteration. Surprised? Granted, that’s harsh, because Samsung isn’t the only, and not even the first, company to do so, with LG also releasing the Panorama VR feature with the LG Optimus G Pro, which is, again, similar to Photosphere.
Back to the rumor! SamMobile reports that according to an insider, the Samsung Orb feature will be available when the Samsung Galaxy S4 receives the upgrade to Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie, which is expected to be announced at this year’s Google I/O in May. With the feature not making the initial release, this move certainly makes sense, as Android 5.0 will be the next major update for the smartphone. Software updates are enough of a hassle already, without the addition of incremental updates to add one or two features or enhancements.
Till then, you’ll have to use the 13MP shooter (and 2MP front camera) to take “Dual Camera” photos and “Shot and Sound” pictures. Again, keep some salt around, because this is a rumored delay of a rumored feature that will appear with a (technically still, even though we’re 99.9% sure) rumored OS upgrade.
Don’t forget to take a shot at winning the Samsung Galaxy S4 in our international giveaway!
What are your thoughts? Are you looking forward to the Samsung Orb feature for the Galaxy S4? How excited are you about Android 5.0?! Let us know in the comments section below.
The post Rumored Samsung Orb feature to release with Android 5.0 update appeared first on Android Authority.
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Samsung Galaxy S4 to launch Knox feature for fast personal and business account switching
071 days
by J
Enterprise has traditionally been the expertise of BlackBerry, but the rise of bring-your-own device (BYOD) policies in the workplace has encouraged workers to choose Android and iOS devices as their work smartphones and tablets. But this has resulted in security concerns, which can include malware, data theft and the like, especially given how users tend to mix their personal apps and data with their work-related ones.
Samsung launched its SAFE initiative in 2012 to improve its enterprise security profile. Earlier at MWC this year, Samsung also introduced Knox, which provides an easier way for users to manage both their professional and personal accounts.
At the Galaxy S4 launch event, Samsung says its latest flagship smartphone will ship with Knox pre-installed, which should be a good thing for IT departments, professionals and just about anyone who wants to have separate access to their work and personal accounts on their phone. What’s so good about Knox is that the phone essentially stores work and personal data in separate spaces, which include messages, apps and user accounts.
This means you can switch to your personal account at the tap of a button, say, when you leave the office, and you can switch back when you want to access work-related information. What’s great is that your company’s IT department won’t be able to access data from your personal account. And if you’re fond of installing apps that tend to pull data from your smartphone, you can install these on your personal account without worrying that the app will get information from your work data.
As a refresher, Knox has the following key features:
- Platform security, which includes secure boot, security-enhanced Android, ARM TrustZone based integrity measurement architecture.
- Application security, which includes the Knox Container environment. This separates enterprise data from personal information that may be stored in a device. The KNOX container has its own home screen, launcher, applications and widgets. Application security also includes an encrypted file system and on-demand FIPS-certified VPN.
- Mobile device management in partnership with an enterprise-preferred vendor. This means your company can manage the pro-side of Knox with its preferred IT provider.
Again, Knox lets you switch between the business and personal sides of your smartphone at the tap of an on-screen button, which means you don’t have to reboot, refresh or even launch one of these instances in a virtual environment, which can be very slow, time-consuming and resource-hogging.
Knox will not be a Galaxy S4-exclusive, though, but Samsung will initially launch it with the S4, along with its other software features.
The post Samsung Galaxy S4 to launch Knox feature for fast personal and business account switching appeared first on Android Authority.
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Will the Samsung Galaxy S4 feature a “Hyper Bright Display?”
071 days
by J
Samsung Galaxy S4 leaks and news are flooding in hours before the launch! We’ve already seen high-res image leaks of what the Samsung flagship is expected to look like, with the same person also uploading videos on some new Galaxy S4 features like the floating touch technology and Smart Pause. We now have some information, and maybe confirmation, of the type of display technology Samsung will be using for its flagship smartphone.
As US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) filing shows that Samsung has trademarked the term “Hyper Bright Display.” While this isn’t confirmation that the moniker will be used for the Galaxy S4, the rushed filing the past Monday seems to indicate that this might be the case. It certainly makes sense, with all the talk of PHOLED and ultra-bright AMOLED displays that have been reaching us for the past week.
In case you’re wondering what this means, here’s a brief explanation. There are two types of OLEDs (organic light emitting diodes) in an AMOLED display, fluorescent and phosphorescent. For its previous devices, Samsung has used both types, with the green and blue OLEDs being fluorescent, and the red OLEDs being phosphorescent. The company is changing the combination this time around with the Galaxy S4, using phosphorescent for the red OLEDs as well as the green, with only the blue OLEDs being fluorescent.
While we knew that this change is supposed to make the display more efficient and reduce power consumption, it looks like there may be a change in the brightness levels as well. This also puts into perspective the Galaxy S4 teasers the company has released, with the bright light shining from the box. With the design of the device looking to be somewhat similar to the Galaxy S3, maybe Samsung is banking on its upgraded display technology to woo consumers.
We’ll be covering the launch live here at Android Authority, along with in-depth coverage of features, accessories, availability, and most importantly, comparisons. Just a few hours to go!
The post Will the Samsung Galaxy S4 feature a “Hyper Bright Display?” appeared first on Android Authority.
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Health functionality to be central feature on Galaxy S4 – Korean report
091 days
by J
Samsung is doubling down on the integration of health and medical functionality into its mobile strategy, according to Daum.co.kr. The Korean site says that the Galaxy S4 will collect information about your health using optional accessories.
The Samsung conglomerate is active in the healthcare business, with the American division of Samsung Electronics announcing a consolidation of its health and medical efforts last year. Moreover, Samsung is said to be targeting healthcare startups as potential investment candidates for its newly set up investment fund.
Daum.co.kr suggests that there is a growing interest within Samsung for creating synergy between the mobile business and the medical business. But this isn’t a novel development – the Koreans have made their intentions clear since last year, when an app called S Health was launched. Running on the flagship Galaxy S3, S Health allowed smartphone users to connect to medical devices such as blood pressure monitors, glucose level scanners, and electronic scales. But S Health was only made available in certain markets, and the initiative lacked the marketing push required to gain traction in the consumer market.
This year, Samsung seems more resolute in promoting the health and medical functionality of its devices. Daum.co.kr even mentions a health hub, which could mean that Samsung plans to preinstall its health apps on the Galaxy S4. The company already preinstalls other similar apps, like Social Hub, Game Hub, or Readers Hub.
The report also mentions an optional health accessory that Samsung could sell along the Galaxy S4. It’s also possible that Samsung is integrating health-monitoring functionality in the rumored smartwatch it’s preparing, codenamed Altius.
Regardless what Samsung has up its sleeve, we’ll find out more on March 14, when the Galaxy S4 is said to be launching.
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Huawei Ascend P2 to feature 4.7-inch 720p display, not 1080p as first believed
092 days
by J
MWC 2013 is only a few days away, and since major players like HTC and Samsung favor standalone events, upcoming OEMs get a chance to shine in Barcelona, Spain. One such device manufacturer hoping to make it big in the Android smartphone world is Huawei, which had some great devices on offer last year, and will look to continue that trend in 2013.
The Huawei Ascend P2, the mid-range offering from the company, has been in the news a lot recently, with a slew of leaked images showing up online. Considering it’s meant to be a mid-range device, the rumored specifications are certainly impressive, including a 1.5GHz quad-core Hisilicon K3V2 CPU, 2GB of RAM, Android 4.2.1 Jelly Bean, 4.7-inch display,13MP camera, and 3,000mAh battery.
Since 2013 is going to be the era of 1080p displays, it’s what we initially expected the Huawei Ascend P2 to offer as well. That particular rumor has been proved untrue by Richard Yu, head of Huawei’s mobile division, who took to Sina Weibo (Chinese Twitter if you will) to mention that the Huawei Ascend P2 will sport a 4.7-inch 720p display.
He also added that a 1080p display that is smaller than 5 inches didn’t make sense, as the human eye would be incapable of positively identifying the difference between that an a 720p panel. Not sure if that’s a shot at HTC or not, considering the fact that the HTC One features a 4.7-inch 1080p display.
With leaked images showing the presence of a 13MP camera, and the confirmation of the display specifications, that’s two things we know for sure about the Huawei Ascend P2.
What are your thoughts? Are you excited about the Huawei Ascend P2? Do you agree that at less than 5 inches, a 720p and 1080p display have the same effect?
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Optimus G2 to feature LG’s eight-core ‘Odin’ processor
092 days
by J
It’s not just Samsung that’s interested in using eight-core processors on future mobile devices – although the Galaxy S4 is said not to pack the Exynos 5 Octa CPU – as a new report now reveals that LG has its own big.LITTLE eight-core project, a SoC that will apparently power the Optimus G2.
According to South Korean publication DDaily, the eight-core processor – dubbed Odin – will use a 28nm HKMG process, with LG hiring TSMC to produce it. The processor should be ready for market later this year, and should be found inside the Optimus G2, which we can only assume it’s coming in late 2013, about a year after the Optimus G.
The Odin will feature four Cortex A15 cores for heavy-duty requirements, while four Cortex A7 cores will deal with more mundane activities. Just like the Exynos 5 Octa, LG’s eight-core processor aims to offer high performance when needed, but also improved battery life, thanks to the big.LITTLE architecture.
The SoC will apparently offer eight-core graphics capabilities as well with support for Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080) and higher, but it will lack a baseband modem.
We’ll have more details about Odin as we get closer to the Optimus G launch. What’s clear though is that we’ll see an interesting battle between processors later this year, with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 800, Samsung’s Exynos 5 Octa and LG’s Odin being some of the high-end SoCs to follow.
