Wallpaper Wednesday: Hues

Welcome to the latest edition of Wallpaper Wednesday. This week we’re highlighting three backgrounds that feature different hues. All of the images are available in a suitable resolution for the Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+ and just about any other smartphone on the market.

If any of the following images float your boat and you want to download and set one as your wallpaper, simply tap on the photo to maximise it, then click and hold to save it. Once the picture is stored locally, open up Settings, locate and select Wallpaper, then just press the image to set it as your background.

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Color Burst

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Gravel

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Pyramids

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Download

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Oculus rolls out worldwide refund policy for digital content on the Gear VR

Oculus has announced that its digital marketplace for the Gear VR now features an automated refund policy. The feature automatically refunds (if requested by a user) the price of any content that is purchased through the store. It is now available worldwide, so everyone can use it if they’re not satisfied by apps or games purchased for Samsung’s virtual reality headset.

As per Oculus, customers can request for a refund within three days of purchasing it, provided that they’ve interacted with it for less than 30 minutes. However, content such as movies, bundles, and in-app purchases won’t qualify for this automated refund mechanism. The company says that it takes around five days for it to review, verify, and process refund requests, but it could take more time for the refund amount to hit your payment source.

If you’ve purchased an app or a game from the Oculus Store for the Gear VR headset and are unsatisfied by it, you can request for a refund within the mentioned time period. One more thing to note is that returns will have to be made through the device that was used to purchase the content. For example, you can’t initiate refund requests from a friend’s Gear VR.

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Galaxy S7 may get the Samsung Experience UX in an upcoming update

The Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge were launched last year with Android 6.0 and the company’s TouchWiz UX. The phones were updated to Nougat at the beginning of 2017, and the update brought with it a newer version of Samsung’s user interface. Unofficially Grace UX, it was introduced to last year’s Samsung devices through the Nougat update, but the Galaxy S8 came with an even newer version of the interface, which the company is calling Samsung Experience. The S8 came with Samsung Experience 8.1, and later, the Note 8 debuted with version 8.5.

We have seen Samsung Experience 8.1 make its way to devices like the Galaxy J5/J7 (2016) and the 2017 Galaxy A series phones, but it hasn’t yet arrived on the S7 and S7 edge. We expected it to come to the S7 duo with the Android Oreo update, as it would make no sense for Samsung to spend resources on an update that simply refreshed the user interface, but it looks like the Korean giant will do just that. One of the Samsung Members community admins has said as much in response to a user asking why the S7 hasn’t received Bixby or the latest UI. Well, it could be that the update the admin is talking about would be Android Oreo, as no timeline is mentioned, but it does serve as confirmation that Samsung Experience will come to the S7 and S7 edge for those who were dreading it might not.

It’s important to note that Samsung Experience isn’t as much of a feature update as a visual one, so S7 and S7 edge owners aren’t missing out on much. Not that it’s nice to know your costly flagship phone isn’t running the latest software while much cheaper devices are, so hopefully, it won’t be long before 2016’s best flagship phones get the best version of Samsung’s user interface.

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Blueborne fix for Galaxy Note 4, Galaxy J3 (2017), Galaxy S5 Plus and Galaxy Tab S3 released

Samsung continues to plug a major security vulnerability on its devices. The company today rolled out the Blueborne fix for Galaxy Note 4, Galaxy J3 (2017), Galaxy S5 Plus and the Galaxy Tab S3. Devices like the Galaxy S8, Galaxy Note 8, Galaxy S5, Galaxy A5 (2016) and many others have already received the fix.

The Blueborne vulnerability affects countless Android smartphones. It enables hackers to completely take over a target’s device even when the device isn’t paired with the hacker’s device or set to discoverable mode.

The Blueborne fix for Galaxy Note 4 has been released with firmware version N910FXXS1DQI5. It doesn’t bump up the device from Android 6.0.1 and also retains the security patch level to August 2017. Download it here.

The first device in this year’s Galaxy J series to receive the Blueborne fix is the Galaxy J3 (2017). Samsung has rolled out firmware version J330FNXXS1AQI1 for this device today. It also gets the August 2017 security patch.

Samsung has also released a firmware update for the Galaxy Tab S3 today which brings the fix for this vulnerability. The tablet was previously on the June security patch so a jump to the August patch is a welcome upgrade. Download it from our firmware section.

Last but not the least, the Galaxy S5 Plus has received firmware version G901FXXS1CQI4 today with the August patch as well. It was previously on the April security patch. Samsung has already released the Blueborne fix for the Galaxy S5. It’s also available for download now.

We can be sure that the company is going to roll out this fix for additional handsets in the coming days.

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Samsung opens an AI lab in Canada to focus on better algorithms

Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology has announced that it has opened an artificial intelligence lab in the University of Montreal, Canada, which will focus on developing core algorithms that can be used in various AI-related applications such as self-driving automobiles, language translations, robotics, and visual and voice recognition.

The company said that SAIT researchers from Korea, such as Yoshua Bengio who has an authority in deep learning and AI, will join the university staff for help in research and development. The lab will conduct research in collaboration with SAIT to improve artificial intelligence-related algorithms. The AI lab and SAIT will research on a long-term basis on the mentioned technologies so that they can be made commercially available in the next five to ten years.

The institute has already developed cadmium-free quantum dot materials, which are being used in high-end QLED TVs by Samsung. The company is also said to be working on an AI-powered wireless speaker, similar to that of the Amazon Echo, Apple HomePod, and Google Home. Samsung is also trying to include AI features in all its home appliance lineups by 2020.

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SamMobile Daily Recap: September 27, 2017 — Galaxy A5 (2018), Galaxy S8 and more!

We publish a lot of stories on a daily basis. Unfortunately, the majority of news breaks during our European hours of operation, which makes it difficult for our readers in the US (and other regions) to keep up. However, we think we’ve come up with a fantastic solution — a daily recap.

Here’s what we published today.

Business

Samsung heir set to appeal his prison sentence

Samsung to form an advisory panel to enhance its foundry business

Deals

Daily Deal: Save 60% on a Gear VR (2016)

Firmware News

Galaxy Tab A 9.7 Nougat update arrives with version 7.1.1

Phones

Galaxy A5 (2018) fan render envisages design assumptions

Samsung launches Rose Pink Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ in Europe

Virtual Reality

Samsung is working on a Windows Mixed Reality headset with AKG audio

Watches

Samsung selected as a partner for the US FDA’s digital health software program

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Galaxy Tab A 9.7 Nougat update arrives with version 7.1.1

It’s not surprising that the Galaxy Tab A 9.7 Nougat update has been released. What’s surprising is that Samsung has bumped it straight up to Android version 7.1.1. The update has now started rolling out in several markets. It will soon be available in additional markets across the globe as well.

It hasn’t been long since it was reported that the 2015 Galaxy Tab A models will receive the Nougat update. That’s why it’s not surprising to see that the Galaxy Tab A 9.7 Nougat update is rolling out. However, it’s surprising to see that the version number is Android 7.1.1.

This makes the Galaxy Tab A 9.7 Samsung’s first device to jump from Android 6.0.1 straight to Android 7.1.1. All of the other devices that are on Nougat now were first upgraded to version 7.0. The only other device that’s running on Android 7.1.1 right now is the Galaxy Note 8 and it just came out like two weeks ago.

It’s likely that the devices that are currently on Android 7.0 will not be upgraded to Android 7.1.1. Devices like the Galaxy S8 will simply make the jump to Android 8.0 Oreo in a couple of months. Samsung is already developing Oreo for the Galaxy S8.

Don’t worry if your device is on Android 7.0. There’s isn’t much difference and Samsung already baked in most of the changes of version 7.1.1 into its version 7.0 release.

The Galaxy Tab A 9.7 Nougat update is already out in several countries across Europe, such as Spain, Italy, Hungary, Ireland and Germany. The update is available for download from our firmware section.

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Samsung heir set to appeal his prison sentence

Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong was arrested earlier this year on charges including bribery and corruption. He denied wrongdoing throughout the proceedings but the court found him guilty and sentenced him to five years in prison. Lee Jae-yong, who is also the heir apparent to the conglomerate, is set to begin his appeal against the prison sentence tomorrow.

He was convicted by a lower court last month on charges that included bribing the country’s former president Park Geun-hye. Lee’s legal team had said last month that he had every intention of appealing the decision.

The process of his appeal starts tomorrow with the Seoul High Court setting the order of witnesses and evidence for the appeal trial. The appeal trial is expected to being by mid-October. Lee has hired a new legal team for the appeal.

It’s possible that a ruling on the appeal will be passed by the court by January next year. As per South Korean law, he can only be kept in detention for a maximum of four months while the court considers his appeal.

Even if he loses this round, Lee will have another right of appeal before the country’s Supreme Court. Then again, this right will also be available to the prosecutors. His legal troubles are far from over.

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Daily Deal: Save 60% on a Gear VR (2016)

Amazon has cut the price of the Gear VR (2016) by 60%, meaning you can currently pick one up for the modest price of $39.99. But there’s a caveat: the promotion is only available in the United States.

To purchase the Gear VR (2016), all you need to do is hit the Buy Now button below. You’ll need to hurry though, as Amazon only has a limited amount of inventory available—and once it’s gone, it’s gone.

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Galaxy A5 (2018) fan render envisages design assumptions

Samsung is due to launch the new Galaxy A series in a couple of months. We’ve started hearing more rumors about these handsets and while we’ve yet to see any official renders being leaked, a fan-made render of the Galaxy A5 (2018) has surfaced online from South Korea. The render envisages what the handset might look like based on recent reports.

According to reports, the Galaxy A (2018) series will feature an Infinity Display. The jury is still out on whether it will be a flat or curved panel. Chances are that it’s going to be the former. The render reiterates this assumption.

Since it’s going to have an Infinity Display, the Galaxy A5 (2018) won’t have a home button. This means that the fingerprint sensor will have to be repositioned.

The render envisages the fingerprint sensor at the back where it’s likely to be placed. The placement itself will likely be deemed too high by many users so Samsung will end up taking flak for it.

While there have been rumors about a dual camera system, it may be the Galaxy A7 (2018) that gets it. There have been no reports so far suggesting it for the Galaxy A5 (2018).

As far as the specs are concerned, the Galaxy A5 (2018) will reportedly feature an Exynos 7885 processor. The chip will be paired with 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage.

Keep in mind that this is a fan-made render so what you see is probably what you won’t get when the Galaxy A5 (2018) is finally official.

Would you consider buying the Galaxy A5 (2018) if it looks anything like this? Let us know in the comments below.

Thanks, Lee!

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Samsung launches Rose Pink Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ in Europe

Samsung has made official the Rose Pink color variant of the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ for Europe. The Rose Pink S8 and S8+ will go on sale in the Netherlands and other European markets in early October with official price tags of €799 and €899 respectively. Samsung isn’t saying which markets will see a launch of the pink variants, but availability will no doubt be limited to just a few regions.

Naturally, the pink hue will only be seen on the back and sides of the devices; the front will remain as black as ever to make the Infinity Display stand out. As for the specs, those will remain the same, including the 5.8-inch and 6.2-inch Super AMOLED displays, Exynos 8895 processor, 12-megapixel and 8-megapixel rear and front cameras, and 3,000 mAh and 3,500 mAh batteries. Which is to say these are the same excellent flagships Samsung launched a few months ago, remaining a great bet for those who do not need the stylus offered by the Note 8. Well, you don’t get a dual rear camera on the S8 and S8+, but that feature does mean paying up considerably more for the Galaxy Note 8.

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Samsung to form an advisory panel to enhance its foundry business

While Samsung is the largest memory chip maker in the world right now, its system-on-chip business is considered as relatively weaker. After the company spun off its semiconductor manufacturing arm from the System LSI division in May last year, it is striving hard to improve the business by forming an advisory panel. It is currently making chips for brands like AMD and Qualcomm.

According to a report from Business Korea, the advisory panel for Samsung’s Foundry business would consist of around ten members, and they’ll be organized before the end of this year. The panel members will conduct regular meetings to enhance the business. The global foundry market is expected to show an annual average growth rate of 7.8 percent until 2021.

Last year, TSMC had a 50.6 percent market share of the global foundry segment, while Samsung had a market share of just 7.9 percent. Samsung is trying to boost its market share by using 7nm and 8nm process technology for fabricating chipsets. The company brought the 10nm FinFET process for the first time last year, and it used the technology to make Exynos 8895 and Snapdragon 835 chipsets this year.

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Samsung is working on a Windows Mixed Reality headset with AKG audio

While brands like Facebook, HTC, Oculus, and Samsung are focusing on virtual reality and Apple is focusing on Augmented reality, Microsoft has made Mixed Reality a big part of its Windows 10 operating system. The company is holding a special Mixed Reality event next week where it could launch multiple Windows Mixed Reality headsets, and Samsung appears to be one of its partner brands.

Twitter user Walking Cat has uncovered images of what appears to be Samsung’s Windows Mixed Reality headset. It appears to have six degree-of-freedom tracking, like most other Windows Mixed Reality headsets. It has two cameras on the front and AKG-branded headphones, similar to Oculus’ Rift VR headset. Samsung’s headset could ship with Microsoft’s motion controllers.

Nothing much is known about the upcoming Mixed Reality headset from Samsung as of now, but it could be unveiled at Microsoft’s event and launch next month alongside Windows 10 Fall Creators Update on October 17. As of now, Asus, Acer, Dell, HP, and Lenovo have unveiled their Windows Mixed Reality headsets, and pricing ranges from as low as $299 to as high as $450.

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Samsung selected as a partner for the US FDA’s digital health software program

The US Food and Drug Administration has announced the names of nine companies that have been selected as partners for its pilot program that will help in revolutionizing digital health regulation in the country. Samsung is a part of the pilot program, and so are Apple, Fitbit, Johnson & Johnson, Pear Therapeutics, Phosphorus, Roche, Tidepool, and Verily. These brands are considered to be the innovators and leaders in the medical device and technology sectors. The program has received interest from more than 100 brands.

The FDA’s digital health software pre-certification program will help in taking a tailored approach towards digital health technology’s software rather than focussing on the end product. The FDA will review the software design, validation, and maintenance to determine whether a company has met quality standards, and if it did, it would be a pre-certified. With the information received from the pre-certification program, the FDA will determine key metrics and performance indicators.

The companies who receive the pre-certification can submit less data than what is currently required before launching new health-related products. The pre-certified companies may not be required to send their new products like fitness and health tracking devices to the FDA for premarket reviews in some cases. The FDA launched the pre-certification pilot program on July 27 as a part of its Digital Health Innovation Action Plan. In selecting the first group of companies, the agency considered a lot of factors such as the company size, track record, and more.

“Our method for regulating digital health products must recognize the unique and iterative characteristics of these products. We need to modernize our regulatory framework so that it matches the kind of innovation we’re being asked to evaluate, and helps foster beneficial technology while ensuring that consumers have access to high-quality, safe and effective digital health devices. These pilot participants will help the agency shape a better and more agile approach toward digital health technology that focuses on the software developer rather than an individual product,” said Dr. Gottlieb.

As a part of the program, the participant companies have agreed to provide access to measures they use to develop, test, and maintain their software products. They have also accepted to provide the agency with post-market data. The companies will also be available for site visits from the agency staff. The agency, in partnership with top brands, wants to improve the health measuring and tracking tools as well as software, which will benefit the end users.

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