Samsung launches Android 7.0 beta program for the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge in South Korea

Two days after it kicked off its Android 7.0 Nougat beta program for the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge in the UK, Samsung has revealed that it’s now running the same scheme in South Korea. To be in with a chance of participating, users have to download the official Samsung Members application from the Galaxy Apps or Google Play Store. Once installed, they’ll have to register for an invitation to join the beta by filling in a request form.

It’s worth noting, however, that the beta program will only be available for the SKT model of the Galaxy S7 and KT and LG U+ variants of the Galaxy S7 edge in South Korea. The regular factory unlocked unit, together with the Injustice and Olympic Edition of the Galaxy S7 edge are all exempt from the scheme for reasons that remain unknown. Although, we’re guessing it’s because they run modified firmware that will require a greater deal of maintenance to run Nougat.

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Samsung has reportedly enlarged the Galaxy S8′s display to attract former Galaxy Note 7 owners

If a new report is anything to go by, it would appear that Samsung has decided to enlarge the display of the long-awaited Galaxy S8 to attract former Galaxy Note 7 customers as they prefer a bigger screen phone. It’s believed that the handset will be launched in two models — one with a 5.7-inch and the other with a 6.2-inch panel — when it hits the shelves in H1 of 2017.

To achieve the added screen real estate, Samsung won’t change the physical size of the phone. Instead, it’s expected to introduce a bezel-less design, which will remove the home button on the bottom, allowing more space for immersive viewing. It’s also believed to drop the flat model of the Galaxy S8, in favor of launching two curved screen variants.

“In order to attract potential Note consumers who prefer a large screen, Samsung has decided to adopt bigger screens for both new models of the S8,” an analyst was quoted saying on Wednesday, November 9. Another expert then went on to add that it’s “likely” that the slightly larger model will sport the “Plus” moniker that the firm used for the larger model of the Galaxy S6 edge back in August, 2015.

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Samsung’s now rolling out an update to limit the Galaxy Note 7′s battery capacity in the US

In an effort to prevent any more Galaxy Note 7 smartphones from bursting into flames, Samsung has revealed that it’s now in the midst of rolling out a compulsory maintenance update to all units to limit the phone’s ability to charge beyond 60 percent. The upgrade also introduces a recall reminder notification that will appear on the screen every time a user charges, reboots or turns on the screen of their device.

Fortunately, the update should arrive fairly quickly on the remaining Galaxy Note 7′s in circulation as the South Korean has already recalled nearly 85 percent of all of the smartphones as part of its official Refund and Exchange Program, with the majority of participants opting to receive another Samsung smartphone. If you’re still yet to trade in your handset, we’d urge you to do so as soon as possible by heading over to this website and arranging a refund or exchange.

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Samsung Electronics headquarters raided in Seoul as company gets ensnared in political scandal

The headquarters of Samsung Electronics – the Samsung Group’s cash cow – was raided by prosecutors in yesterday as the political crisis that has gripped South Korea ensnared the country’s biggest conglomerate as well. Samsung’s HQ in the upscale Gangnam area of Seoul was searched by prosecutors after days of allegations in local media that the Samsung had poured in millions of euro into a foundation run by a “shaman adviser” and long-time friend of President Park Geun-hye.

Samsung hasn’t really commented on the entire episode, it only confirmed that a raid had taken place and that it would “fully co-operate with the investigation.” This political scandal started when it became evident that Choi Soon-sil, a long-term personal friend of the president who holds no government position had actually been influencing presidential decisions. Ms. Park has received a lot of criticism for this and the public has been protesting daily as allegations of selling influence and corruption threaten to bring down the presidency.

Ms. Choi is now in detention. It’s claimed that she used her position of confidence with Ms. Park to put pressure on major conglomerates like Samsung, SK group and Lotte to download millions of euro to foundations controlled by her. The police are now looking into claims made by local media last week that Samsung had transferred 2.8 million euro to Widec Sports in Germany which is controlled by Ms. Choi.

Apparently the money was meant to support the development of national equestrian activities prior to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics but it’s alleged that most of it was spent on a horse used by Ms. Choi’s daughter for training. Media reports also reveal that Samsung is being investigated for allegedly offering illicit favors to the daughter, Jeong Yu-ra.

Local media outlets have reported that prosecutors took documents related to Samsung’s business with the Korea Equestrian Federation in their custody following the raid. Head of external affairs at Samsung Electronics, Park Sang-jin, was also reportedly targeted. If these allegations are proven it would further harm the company’s reputation which is already reeling from the Galaxy Note 7 recall. The possibility of legal action from shareholders is something else that might keep the executives at Samsung up at night.

Image credit – Reuters

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Samsung successfully conducts 5G trial with China Mobile

Samsung has been conducting 5G trials lately with carrier partners to showcase the advancement of its network technology. The company today announced that it has successfully conducted a 5G prototype trial in collaboration with China Mobile Research Institute. The trial is a cooperation milestone between the two companies since Samsung became a member of the China Mobile 5G Innovation Center in June this year.

Key technologies like spatial modulation and Filter Band Multicarrier were validated for low-frequency (3.5GHz) while outband emission and performance of throughput were also tested during the trial in Beijing. “Over many years of research and development, Samsung has accumulated a wealth of technology and experience related to 5G technology and product development,” said Dai Jun Zhang, Vice President and Head of Samsung R&D Institute China – Beijing, adding that the company will continue these efforts to accelerate the realization of 5G standardization.

Samsung has been continuously investing in the research and development of 5G technologies since the late 2000s. It has been particularly focusing on 5G commercialization technologies since 2014. It’s working towards the aim of a global and unified 5G standard to be locked down by the year 2018.

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Samsung slapped with a class-action lawsuit in Canada over the Galaxy Note 7

A law firm in Canada has filed a class-action lawsuit against Samsung for allegedly misleading the public and knowingly shipping faulty units of the Galaxy Note 7. Originating from Ontario, the complaint was filed by McKenzie Lake Lawyers LLP with the Ontario Superior Court, London (Canada) and is awaited a hearing.

The complainant is looking for a compensation in damages and a disclosure that the company’s actions during the early recall were wrong. They are alleging that the Korean manufacturer has violated the Consumer Protection Act and the Competition Act in the country.

This is not the first lawsuit against the Galaxy Note 7, and it certainly won’t be the last. In fact, Samsung has seemingly prepared for more lawsuits in the following months.

Earlier today, we saw Samsung taking out full-page ads as an apology for the Galaxy Note 7 and the recent washing machine controversy. Leading publications like The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post were part of the company’s new ad campaign.

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Samsung Canada will exchange all Galaxy Note 7 units purchased from a third-party retailer

Here’s some great news for Galaxy Note 7 owners in Canada who might have purchased their handset from a third-party retailer. Samsung Canada has confirmed that it’s going to exchange those units for a Galaxy S7, regardless of whether they were bought off of eBay, at a flea market or any other gray market channel. Users will have the choice to exchange their unit for a Galaxy S7 or a Galaxy S7 edge.

Samsung requires a bill of sale for a full refund of a Galaxy Note 7 but that piece of documentation can be hard to come by if the handset was purchased through an unofficial channel. Customers with those units don’t qualify for a full refund but they will be able to exchange it for a Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 edge. They will be sent a pre-address box which they have to use to return the Galaxy Note 7, Samsung Canada says that exchange requests will be processed within two-to-four weeks of the agreement being signed. Since Samsung is on a mission to have all Galaxy Note 7 out of users’ hands, it’s having to take steps like these to ensure that users no longer carry around a potential fire hazard in their pockets.

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Daily Deals: Snag yourself a Galaxy S6 edge+ and a protective case for just $380!

If you’ve been thinking about picking up a new smartphone for a while now, but aren’t in need of a flagship device with mind-blowing specifications, you may want to listen up. While stock lasts, you can pick up a brand new Galaxy S6 edge+ over on eBay for $369.99 ($140 off), together with a Spigen Rugged Armor case to keep it protected for just $10.99 ($9 off) from Amazon. That’s a combined saving of $149!

It’s worth noting that the Galaxy S6 edge+ the Top Rated Plus eBay selling is mint in box and factory locked to AT&T. However, the seller is throwing in a free unlocking code with every handset sold, so you’ll be able to use it with any GSM carrier in the United States, including T-Mobile. It’ll also work with the majority of operators in Europe, which favor GSM over CDMA.

If you like the sound of either the Galaxy S6 edge+, Spigen Rugged Armor case or both and want to take advantage of the great promotions, hit the relevant Buy Now button below. We strongly advise you to hurry, though, as both of the retailers only have a limited amount of inventory available for each deal and once it’s gone, it’s gone.

Buy Now – Galaxy S6 edge+ Buy Now – Spigen Rugged Armor Case

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Samsung Members customer communications app rolled out in India

Samsung has rolled out its Samsung Members app for its customers in India. The all-in-one app, which was first launched in select countries seven months back, offers a broad range of customer communication, troubleshooting, and feedback services as well as offers various benefits to Galaxy owners.

The Samsung Members app offers a variety of troubleshooting and feedback services. The 1:1 Questions section offers expert advice and advanced troubleshooting as well as error reporting. The Device Diagnostic section allows users a way to test a number of things on their smartphone such as the battery, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, all the sensors onboard.

The Smart Tutor section in the app lets users get in touch with live technical service agents for instant support and tips for an enhanced experience. The Community section is an official forum where Galaxy users around the world can discuss various topics related to Samsung devices.

Customers in India can now download the Samsung Members app from the Play Store or the Galaxy Apps store.

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Samsung details November security patch

Samsung releases a new security update every month which includes all of the monthly Android Security Bulletin patches from Google as well as the patches for Samsung Vulnerabilities and Exposures. The company has set up a dedicated blog for this purpose where it details these updates and hosts information about all past updates. Samsung today detailed the November security update which features countless fixes from Google as well as patches for 14 Samsung Vulnerabilities and Exposures items.

The latest Security Maintenance Release package features dozens of patches for Android OS from Google, they range from critical to low severity and are mentioned in detail on Samsung’s security blog. Patches for 14 Samsung Vulnerabilities and Exposures items are included in this latest release as well. Samsung may have provided more information about the latest patch just now but it has already started rolling it out. The update that T-Mobile sent out for the Galaxy S7 and the Galaxy S7 edge over the weekend was perhaps the first to feature the November security patch and it will surely be landing on other devices across the globe in the very near future.

 

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