Rumor: Samsung’s flagship S series to be called Galaxy X from 2019

Yes, we know what you’re thinking: Isn’t Galaxy X supposed to be the name of Samsung’s foldable smartphone? Well, that’s what the rumors have called it, but there hasn’t actually been any sort of evidence to support those rumors. In fact, the device we all thought would be the Galaxy X turned out to be a custom-made rugged device for train personnel in South Korea. But that doesn’t have to mean there isn’t going to be a Galaxy X somewhere in the future of Samsung’s smartphone lineup, especially if a report published by GizChina is to be believed.

Samsung’s flagship S series could be called Galaxy X from 2019

Citing “a source from Korea,” the publication says that Galaxy X will be the naming scheme for Samsung’s Galaxy S flagship line starting 2019. Now, it’s worth noting that we’re more than a year away from the Galaxy S10, but it would certainly make sense for Samsung to change things up with the tenth Galaxy S flagship. The biggest reason, of course, is to take on the iPhone X, which may not have done as well as Apple (or Samsung’s display division) had hoped but is certainly the device that will shape the future of the iPhone. Secondly, names such as Galaxy X, Galaxy XI (or Galaxy X1) and so on would be simpler and look better than Galaxy S10 or Galaxy SX. The X would fit the Note lineup even better, as Samsung wouldn’t need to replace the Note branding.

Again, with the Galaxy S9 yet to go official, it’s not advisable to put too much stock in a rumor about the S9’s (inevitable) successor. But if Samsung is looking to go for a new naming scheme for its flagships, it probably has been discussing the matter behind closed doors already, so it wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibility that this information comes from someone in the know. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire, but we’ll just have to wait and see what the future holds for the Galaxy S line.

What do you think?

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Samsung’s Exynos 7270 processor now powers a HiFi music player

A few weeks back, there were reports about Samsung marketing its Exynos range of processors to Chinese OEMs. So far, Meizu has been the only major Chinese brand to use Samsung Exynos processors to power its smartphones. Continuing the trend, Meizu M6s was launched in China with a Samsung Exynos 7872 processor on board in January this year.

New territory for Exynos chipsets

Although Samsung’s efforts in promoting its Exynos chipsets may be focused on the Chinese smartphone brands, it seems Exynos processors are also making their way into products other than smartphones. Fiio, a Chinese audio hardware company, has launched a high-end music player, named Fiio M7, powered by an Exynos 7270 Dual chipset. The Exynos 7270 Dual is a dedicated processor for wearables and is already used by Samsung in its Gear S3 frontier and Gear S3 classic smartwatches. It is built on a 14nm FinFET process and packs two Cortex A53 cores clocked at 1 GHz each.

The Fiio M7 music player is reasonably-equipped with a high-end DAC, FM radio, Bluetooth 4.2, 2GB internal storage and a 3.2-inch display with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels. Though there is nothing particularly exciting about the music player itself, an Exynos chipset powering it marks the entry of Samsung’s processors into a new territory.

Last year, Samsung emerged as the world’s largest chip maker overthrowing Intel. While Samsung’s Exynos efforts so far have been focused on powering its own smartphones, becoming a SoC vendor for Chinese OEMs will help Samsung in maintaining its lead over Intel.

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Galaxy S9 launch colors and new renders leaked online

As we eagerly wait for the launch of the Galaxy S9 duo on February 25 at Barcelona, Spain, new leaks are flooding the market every day taking all the surprise factor out of the official announcement. After official Galaxy S9 cases surfaced online and confirmed all the rumors about the dual camera set-up for the Galaxy S9+ and the repositioned fingerprint reader, now new press renders in Lilac Purple color have been leaked online.

Galaxy S9 will come in a new Lilac Purple color

After leaking the alleged press renders of the Galaxy S9 and the Galaxy S9+ earlier, serial leaker Evan Blass is back with new renders and full-color palette of the Galaxy S9 duo. According to him, the Galaxy S9 duo will launch in four colors at launch: Midnight Black, Lilac Purple, Titanium Gray, and Coral Blue. Apart from this, the Galaxy S9 should also come in the usual special editions throughout the year. These color options are in line with what we have reported earlier about the Galaxy S9 launch colors.

The new renders by Evan Blass once again make it clear that the dual-camera set-up will be exclusive to the Galaxy S9+. This marks a change in Samsung’s strategy, who so far has kept the camera features same on both the regular and plus variants of its flagship smartphones.

With credible leaks about the Galaxy S9 color options, camera features, and official accessories making their way online, there is perhaps very little left for Samsung to surprise us on the day of the official announcement.

 

(The full color pallette, FYI, is:

– Midnight Black
– Lilac Purple
– Titanium Gray
– Coral Blue

– plus the usual lineup of special/limited edition finishes.) https://t.co/pzSBHBUtmB

— Evan Blass (@evleaks) February 5, 2018

…in Lilac Purple. pic.twitter.com/p506mqDci4

— Evan Blass (@evleaks) February 5, 2018

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SamMobile Firmware Update Magazine: February 5, 2018

Welcome to the latest edition of our weekly Firmware Magazine. 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.

SamMobile Firmware Update Magazine

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.

Click on the image below to grab the latest firmware magazine!

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Samsung demonstrates video call over 5G with Verizon and KT

Samsung, Verizon, and KT have been collaborating on 5G research and development since 2015. The three companies have played an important role in aiding the development of early 5G specifications and global standards. Samsung has teamed up with them once again at a sporting event in the United States to demonstrate Samsung’s 5G solutions and possible use cases. The company did so by conducting a live video call over 5G technology between Minneapolis, USA, and Seoul, South Korea by using Samsung’s end-to-end 5G solutions in each location.

Samsung demonstrated a fully-functional 5G tablet prototype

Samsung facilitated the demonstration at the event by supplying 5G access units, 5G home routers (CPEs), a prototype 5G device, virtualized RAN and virtualized core network. By leveraging in-house technology, Samsung has made one of the smallest 5G radio base stations and 5G home routers (CPEs) in the market. Samsung also demonstrated a fully-functional 5G tablet prototype, capable of handling multi-gigabit 5G speeds along with support for data session handovers between 4G LTE and 5G to ensure seamless connectivity.

“We have been working closely with KT and Verizon to demonstrate mobile 5G use cases at two prestigious global events. This demonstration conducted today with KT and Verizon represents a huge milestone for us, showing our contribution to the development of early 5G global specifications and 3GPP NR (New Radio), and spotlighting the next generation Samsung technologies that let operators implement robust new services,” said Woojune Kim, Senior Vice President and Head of North American Business, Samsung Electronics.

Samsung has shown great interest in leading 5G mobile technology on many occasions. At CES 2018, Samsung reportedly showcased its 5G modem prototype behind closed doors to its partners. Samsung is also supplying hardware for Verizon’s commercial 5G launch. Being the largest chip maker in the world, it makes sense for Samsung to invest in the development and deployment of 5G technology. The company has been working to lead the 5G era by creating an ecosystem of products for both carriers and customers.

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On Oreo, biometrics can be used and stored only with a secure screen lock

With Android 8.0 Oreo, a big change is in order as far as biometrics on a Samsung device are concerned. Thanks to new compatibility rules implemented by Google in the latest version of Android, owners of Samsung devices will not be able to store their fingerprint, iris, or facial recognition data unless they use a secure screen lock such as a pattern, PIN, or password. Right now, even if you choose to keep your phone unsecured, you can use biometrics inside Samsung Pay, Samsung Pass, and other apps and features that support them. With Oreo, that will not be possible.

Secure screen lock a must to keep biometric data on Oreo

The information comes from a document we have obtained, and indeed, we tested it out on a Galaxy S8+ running the Oreo beta and were able to confirm it. This doesn’t apply to those who are already using an insecure screen lock (‘swipe to unlock’, or the ‘none’ option that keeps the phone unlocked and skips the lock screen altogether) while having biometrics enabled for apps before they upgrade to Oreo. But switching back to an insecure screen lock on a device running Oreo will delete all biometric data. No option will be offered for keeping that data, as is the case on Nougat.

What does this mean? It means that should you want to use biometrics inside apps and features such as Samsung Pay or Samsung Pass, you must use a pattern or PIN to lock the device. It’s a good security measure, although it will be inconvenient for those of us who don’t prefer using biometrics to unlock their phone (yes, we do exist). Sadly, Samsung cannot skirt this rule as it is a part of the Android Compatibility Definition Document (CDD), which every manufacturer has to adhere to if it wants its devices to run Google’s apps and services.

The only way then, as mentioned above, is to make sure you have already set the screen lock type (in Settings » Lock screen and security) to swipe or none and saved your biometrics before you upgrade to Oreo. Thankfully, the Oreo update is still yet to arrive on any Samsung device, so you can go in prepared when the update hits. Well, unless you installed the Oreo beta on the Galaxy S8 or Galaxy S8+ without knowing about the new rule (which would be all of us), in which case you’re doomed to keeping your phone locked with a pattern, PIN, or password if you want to authenticate inside apps via iris, fingerprint, or facial recognition.

Are you among those users who keep their phone unlocked while using biometrics for other functionality? Tell us how you feel about the policy change on Android 8.0 Oreo.

Related: What’s New With Android 8.0 Oreo

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Galaxy S7, Galaxy A5 and Galaxy Tab S3 Android 8.0 Oreo update being developed

Samsung is now done developing the Android 8.0 Oreo update for the Galaxy S8 and the Galaxy S8+. The beta program ended over a week ago and it’s only a matter of time before this update is released to the public. We can now confirm along with our friends over at GalaxyClub that Samsung has started developing the Android 8.0 Oreo update for the Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 edge, Galaxy A3 and Galaxy A5 (2017) as well as the Galaxy Tab S3.

Samsung is yet to confirm precisely when it’s going to release the Android 8.0 Oreo update for the Galaxy S8. Even if it’s rolled out in the coming days, some users in select parts of the world may have to wait until the end of February to get this update.

The next wave of Oreo updates from Samsung

The company can now focus its attention on getting the update ready for some of its other devices. It’s already known that work on the Oreo update for the Galaxy Note 8 is already underway. We can now confirm that work is also underway to develop the update for the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge, the Galaxy A5 and Galaxy A3 (2017) and the Galaxy Tab S3.

It’s going to be a while, though, before Samsung rolls out the Android 8.0 Oreo update for the aforementioned devices. While some Galaxy S6 owners have been hoping that their handsets will receive Oreo, we have not seen any evidence as yet that would suggest that it will get Oreo. We’ve already told you that it would be wise not to hold your breath for Oreo on the Galaxy S6.

We’ll update you about Samsung’s Android 8.0 Oreo update plans as and when new information comes in.

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Samsung’s Cinema LED Screen makes its way to China with Wanda Cinemas

Samsung launched the world’s first Cinema LED display last year and it installed the first ever commercial display at the Lotte Cinema World Tower in South Korea. It’s an HDR-compatible theater screen which stretches almost 33.8ft wide and can be installed in multiple theater configurations. It brings 4K resolution with a peak brightness level of 146fL which is almost ten times greater than existing projector technologies.

The Cinema LED Screen is paired with state-of-the-air audio technologies from JBL by Harman. Powerful speakers line the screen and provide an expanded audio sweet spot throughout the theater’s seating area to create a true multi-sensory experience.

Samsung’s Cinema LED Screen comes to China

The company has gradually been launching this technology in other markets across the globe. Samsung’s Cinema LED Screen has already been installed in select cinemas in Thailand and Switzerland. It’s now making its way to China with the world’s largest theater operator, Wanda Cinemas.

Samsung has announced a partnership with Wanda Cinemas to brings its Cinema LED Screen to Wanda’s Wujiaochang theater located in Shanghai’s Yangpu District. This is the first implementation of Samsung’s Cinema LED Screen in the country. Work is underway to install this technology at Wanda-owned Cinema in Beijing, the venue is expected to open to the public in the first half of this year.

The company’s partnership with Wanda might lead to the Cinema LED Screen being installed in many other locations across the globe. Wanda Cinemas is the world’s leading cinema chain as it operates nearly 14,347 screens at over 1,352 theaters across the globe.

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Galaxy S9 and S9+ cases and fast wireless charger pictured in new leak

With just twenty days left for the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+’ highly anticipated launch, we’re going to see a new leak almost every day if history is any indication. Recently, accessory retailer Mobile Fun gave us a glimpse of the official Clear View cases for the S9 and S9+, revealing that the new phones won’t be much different in size from their predecessors. Samsung’s new flagships are expected to launch with mostly the same cases and accessories as the S8 and S8+, and a leaked image is giving us a glimpse of at least two of those cases and the convertible fast wireless charger.

Galaxy S9 and S9+ cases and fast wireless charger pictured

As you can see in the picture below, all but one of the cases are for the larger Galaxy S9+, with a cutout for the dual rear cameras standing out in stark contrast to the single-camera cutout for the regular S9. The pictured cases include the Alcantara case and what looks like the Clear View cover as seen in the previous leak. Also sitting next to the cases is Samsung’s convertible fast wireless charger. It’s probably the exact same model as the one that launched last year, though, and we’d have loved to have a look at the DeX Pad instead. And, before you ask, that camera in the picture isn’t an accessory for the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+, but we’d wager it doesn’t cost much more than the S9 duo.

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Samsung teams up with Grab to enter the ride-hailing market in Southeast Asia

The ride-hailing market is one of the fastest growing internet services sectors in Southeast Asia and it’s expected to be worth $25 billion by 2022. Samsung wants to be a part of this which is why it has inked a multi-year MOU with the region’s leading ride-hailing service Grab. The two companies will develop new mobility solutions, micro-financing schemes for Grab’s driver-partners and new in-car experiences.

The press release also mentions that Grab and Samsung will work together to expand into the region’s fragmented mobile payments ecosystem “and provide a mobile payments solution that will serve the needs of consumers in Southeast Asia,” expect Samsung Pay to play a role in this at some point in the future.

Samsung and Grab will work together to improve the customer experience

The two companies will offer micro-financing of mobile devices for Grab’s driver-partners. This will reduce the cost of purchasing a smartphone for them, the program will offer them Samsung smartphones “with superior software and security features.”

To improve the customer experience for the ride-hailing company’s users, Samsung devices will be installed at new GrabKiosks and GrabBooths in busy consumer hubs such as hotels, shopping malls and airports. This will enable individuals and concierge services to book a Grab ride for themselves or others even when they don’t have data connectivity.

GrabKiosks and GrabBooths have been introduced in Myanmar and Indonesia so far. They will be rolled out in Vietnam and Singapore this quarter with other countries in the region getting them later this year.

Grab users will also find Samsung tablets inside selected cars with multimedia services in Singapore. They will be able to use these tablets to view infotainment content during their ride. After its debut in Singapore, this program will be piloted throughout Southeast Asia this year.

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Samsung heir walks free as court suspends prison sentence

Samsung found itself ensnared in a corruption scandal last year that brought down South Korea’s former president Park Geun-hye. Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong, the conglomerate’s heir apparent, was arrested on charges that included bribery and corruption. He denied wrongdoing throughout the trial but a Seoul court found him guilty and sentenced him to five years in prison. Lee filed an appeal against his prison sentence with the Seoul High Court and he has now emerged victorious.

Lee Jae-yong is now a free man

Lee Jae-yong walked out a free man today almost a year after he was first arrested and detained. The Seoul High Court ruled on his appeal today and reduced the original prison sentence by half to two and a half years. It also suspended the sentence which means that he does not have to serve any time behind bars.

Presiding senior judge Cheong Hyung-sik said during today’s proceedings that Lee’s involvement in the entire episode was a “passive compliance to political power.” Lee was convicted in August last year for allegedly bribing President Park to cement his control of Samsung Electronics, the conglomerate’s crown jewel.

The prosecutors had originally sought a 12-year jail term for the Samsung scion. They’re expected to appeal this ruling to the country’s Supreme Court. Lee can return to running the conglomerate as there’s no law barring him from working at Samsung.

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Report: Galaxy S9 to carry £100 premium over the S8 in the UK

Flagship phones aren’t getting any cheaper, and the Galaxy S9 is expected to command a higher price tag compared to the Galaxy S8 to continue that tradition. While prices will vary according to market, a new report is shedding light on the kind of premium the S9 could command over its predecessor in the UK. Citing a source in the “UK mobile phone deals industry,” TechRadar says the S9 will be £100 more expensive than the Galaxy S8.

Galaxy S9 to carry £100 premium over the S8 in the UK

The S8 launched in the UK for £689, so the S9 would start at £789. That’s for the standard Galaxy S9, so one can assume the Galaxy S9+ will have an even more significant price hike over the S8+, since it’s expected to be more of an upgrade than the regular S9 thanks to features such as a dual rear camera and 6GB of RAM. The Galaxy S9 will also have a “reimagined camera,” one that will have a variable aperture and features such as “super slow-mo video recording,” but all that might not be enough to justify the asking price.

Again, the phone may not command the same kind of premium in all markets, although it certainly looks like every day brings us a new reason for why we shouldn’t be too excited for the smaller of Samsung’s upcoming flagships. Apple has long been derided for keeping the good stuff exclusive to its plus-size iPhone models, and Samsung is all set to copy its arch-rival on that front, with a higher price tag to boot.

What do you think?

Don’t Miss: What to expect from the Galaxy S9

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