Galaxy A5, A7 (2017) update brings selfie focus, other camera features

Samsung has added a number of new camera features for the Galaxy A5 (2017) and Galaxy A7 (2017) in the latest update, somewhat bringing the two devices in line with their 2018 successors as far as camera functionality is concerned. We say somewhat because the Galaxy A8 (2018) and A8+ (2018) also pack upgraded camera hardware to match the new features on-board, although it’s nice to see the company introducing software parity on existing devices in the lineup without making people wait for the next major Android upgrade.

Selfie focus is the highlight feature

Among the new camera features, the Selfie focus mode for the front camera is the most notable here. There’s no dual camera setup on the 2017 A series models, so this mode is just a take on the Selective focus mode seen on Samsung’s flagship phones. It’s a simple take at that: You just enable Selfie focus and take a picture, with no need to tap on the screen to choose a subject nor an option to adjust background blur after a photo is taken. But the feature seems to work well as long as the lighting is sufficient, so we don’t think anyone will care it’s not as full-fledged as Selective focus.

The update also introduces a color correction option for your skin tone in the front camera (accessible by tapping the beauty effects icon); the rear camera, meanwhile, gets augmented reality (AR) stickers and stamps. A new security patch is also part of the update, but Samsung isn’t keeping things consistent in this regard, as some regions are getting the November security patch while others are getting the more recent December patch. Then again, that’s how it is with security updates for all of Samsung’s devices, so we’re not surprised.

If you’re rocking a Galaxy A5 (2017) or Galaxy A7 (2017), you can check to see if the update is available for your phone by going into the Settings app, then tapping the Download updates manually option in the Software update menu. We’re not entirely sure if every region is getting these features in the latest update, so if you have received an update in the last few days, do let us know if you see the new features on your device.

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SamMobile Firmware Update Magazine: January 1, 2018

Welcome to the latest edition of our weekly Firmware Magazine – the first of the new year!. You can think of it as your go-to resource to find out which of your Samsung devices has received a new update or if it’s going to receive a new firmware update in the near future.

To keep things interesting, we present the Firmware Magazine in new designs every week. It will always include the important details about firmware updates such as the firmware versions, device model numbers, Android OS versions and the country where said update is out already.

Keep in mind, however, that these firmware details are based on the firmware that are available in our database, and in some cases, the latest updates might not show in the same week as the full firmware files take additional time to make it to our database.

The purpose of this magazine is to bring all of that important information about firmware updates to you, the reader, in a manner that’s easy to comprehend—so even if you’re new to the world of firmware, you’ll have no trouble making sense of it all.

The post SamMobile Firmware Update Magazine: January 1, 2018 appeared first on SamMobile.

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Samsung acknowledges Galaxy Note 8 battery issue

It was reported last week that some Galaxy Note 8 owners had complained on the Samsung community website that their handset basically bricked itself after the battery was drained completely. They couldn’t turn on the device by plugging it in. Swapping chargers didn’t help and neither did trying to power it on in safe mode.

There were some reports from Galaxy S8+ owners as well who faced a similar problem. Samsung didn’t provide an explanation but it did offer replacements to affected customers.

Galaxy Note 8 battery issue

It’s unclear at this point in time what’s causing this Galaxy Note 8 battery issue. Samsung hasn’t explained it and no one has been able to figure it out. Devices from US carriers appear to be most affected by this issue so it’s likely that the Galaxy Note 8 battery issue is limited to the Snapdragon-powered variant.

It can’t be said for sure right now if this is a hardware or a software issue. Some users reported that their unit shows the charging circle when connected but doesn’t actually charge. Others said that the device gets warm but the screen doesn’t turn on. Wireless charging doesn’t help either.

Samsung has now acknowledged the Galaxy Note 8 battery issue. It has sent out the following statement (machine translated from German):

Samsung is taking all reports of this kind seriously, we only received a very small number of customer inquiries that could be linked to charge management, and unfortunately we can only comment on the matter further.

The statement is vague at best and doesn’t help us understand what’s causing this. Hopefully, it will provide more clarity on this in the near future.

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Samsung launches Samsung Pay Web Checkout in Russia

Samsung and Sberbank have launched Samsung Pay Web Checkout in Russia. It is a new payment option which aims to make online purchases on any device simpler by using Samsung Pay.

On supported websites and apps, Samsung Pay Web Checkout eliminates the need to enter card details. A buyer can just enter the email address linked to his/her Samsung Account (the same email address is used by Samsung Pay as well) on Sberbank’s online payment page. This triggers a notification on the corresponding Samsung Pay enabled smartphone requesting payment. The buyer can then choose any of the cards linked to his/her Samsung Pay and authenticate the transaction with the help of a fingerprint or PIN.

Works in any browser on any device

According to the press release, Samsung Pay Web Checkout will not require any additional integration if the seller already accepts payments through Sberbank’s online payment page. Sberbank has been an enthusiastic supporter of Samsung Pay. It was the first bank to support Samsung Pay when it was launched in Russia in September 2016.

Since Samsung Pay Web Checkout is not dependant on online stores integrating Samsung Pay, it should help in faster adoption of the service. Samsung says the service is available in any browser on any device as long as you have a Samsung Pay enabled device to make the payment.

In the US, Samsung partnered with MasterCard to facilitate web payments through Samsung Pay. Under the partnership, buyers can pay through Samsung Pay on any site or app which accepts Masterpass.

While Samsung’s exclusive MST technology gives Samsung Pay an edge at millions of Point of Sale (POS) locations around the world, online payments require buy-in from many partners such as online stores, banks, Credit Card companies, payment wallets etc. Samsung’s efforts in this space will help Samsung Pay acquire widespread adoption for online payments.

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