Samsung launches the 128 GB variant of the Galaxy S9 and S9+ in India

After the official unveiling in Barcelona, Samsung didn’t waste any time in bringing the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ to India. The latest Galaxy flagship smartphones were available for purchase in India from March 16 onwards, in line with other major markets around the world. Both the devices were available in 64 GB and 256 GB storage variants so far.

Available currently in offline channels

According to an NDTV report, Samsung has quietly launched the 128 GB variant of the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ in offline channels in India. We can independently confirm this news from our sources in the retail channel as well. At the time of this article, the 128 GB model is not listed on any of the major shopping websites in India. We currently don’t know if Samsung intends to sell the 128 GB model exclusively through its offline partners and the color options the company will provide. The 256 GB variant is only available in Midnight Black in India, and that may be the case for the 128 GB version as well.

As far as the pricing is concerned, 128 GB model will retail for INR 61,900 and INR 68,900 for the Galaxy S9 and S9+ respectively. In comparison, the 64 GB S9 and S9+ currently retail for INR 57,900 and INR 64,990 respectively. The 256 GB model, on the other hand, is priced at INR 65,900 for the Galaxy S9 and INR 72,900 for the Galaxy S9+. As you can see from the pricing details, there is a difference of INR 4000 between the 128 GB and 256 GB storage variants. Given that the current prices of the 128 GB microSD cards hover around INR 3000, going for the 256 GB model makes more sense.

The base 64 GB model is already enough for most users. However, those who love to shoot a lot of 4K videos or watch a lot of VR videos should consider buying the 256 GB model. If you’re planning to buy the Galaxy S9 or S9+, do check our review.

The post Samsung launches the 128 GB variant of the Galaxy S9 and S9+ in India appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile https://ift.tt/2I5zD6e
via IFTTT

Samsung set to face Dutch Consumers’ Association in court over updates

Back in 2016, the Dutch Consumer’s Association filed a summary lawsuit against Samsung demanding regular software updates and transparency in the update schedule. The judge did not pass a verdict then as the issue was too complex for the legal process adopted.

In November that year, the Consumers’ Association filed a more comprehensive lawsuit to pursue the matter further. The two parties are now going to face each other in the District Court of The Hague as the matter is up for hearing today.

Demanding timely updates

Though Samsung has improved its update policy in the last couple of years, it is still far from satisfactory. The Netherlands Consumers’ Association is demanding Samsung to provide timely Android updates for four years after a device hits the market or at least two years from the date of purchase. The group is also demanding increased transparency and communication about Android updates.

The Consumers’ Association has conducted several surveys to bolster its argument against Samsung’s poor track record in software updates. According to the group’s most recent survey, only 22% of the Samsung smartphones sold between January 2015 and February 2018 had received a security update in the first two months of this year. Android feature updates are even rarer with little to no information about the update schedule.

However, the Association’s demand doesn’t make sense in its entirety. That’s because it would be impossible for Samsung to track purchases and provide software updates for two years after the date of purchase. Samsung could do that for units that it sells directly but not for those sold through carriers and retail partners which tend to account for the bulk of its sales.

Having Samsung support a device for four years after it has been launched would make sense on paper but it would make little business sense for the company to do that for devices that don’t make it a lot of money. So this is far from being an open and shut case. It will certainly be interesting to see what arguments are put forward by both sides.

The post Samsung set to face Dutch Consumers’ Association in court over updates appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile https://ift.tt/2G5A83A
via IFTTT

SamMobile Firmware Update Magazine: March 26, 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!

The post SamMobile Firmware Update Magazine: March 26, 2018 appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile https://ift.tt/2IPqoYZ
via IFTTT

Samsung Premium Care for the Galaxy S9 will soon cover aftermarket enrollment

Samsung has confirmed that it will soon open up Samsung Premium Care for Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ to aftermarket enrollment. The company launched its extended warranty program in the United States with the Galaxy S8 last year and later expanded it to the Galaxy Note 8.

While customers are able to sign up for Samsung Care for Galaxy S9 when they purchase their handset, it doesn’t allow them to enroll the Galaxy S9 or Galaxy S9+ after the fact, but the company has now promised that this will change soon.

Samsung Premium Care for Galaxy S9

The Samsung Premium Care enhanced warranty program costs $12 per month and it includes accidental damage protection. The company teamed up with HelloTech and Dish in the US to provide this service.

Subscribers can have a service representative meet them at their location in select regions who can then help them with setup, troubleshooting, repairs as well as replacements in just a few hours.

The replacement process is quite simple. A remote assessment is carried out and once the claim is approved, Samsung will dispatch a courier to the subscriber who will swap the broken handset for a new one in-person. Users can get up to three replacements per year if they pay a $99 deductible every time.

As previously mentioned, Galaxy S9 customers can only sign up for this program when they’re buying the handset. Even Samsung’s website mentions that the Galaxy S9 is not eligible for aftermarket enrollment in Premium Care. On the other hand, Samsung allows aftermarket enrollment for the Galaxy S8/S8+ and the Galaxy Note 8.

Customers just have to use a diagnostic app and upload photos of the front and back of their device using a mirror. If their device meets the criteria it will be signed up for Premium Care regardless of when and where it was purchased.

“In the coming weeks, we are launching the ability to sign up for Premium Care to all customers, regardless of where they purchased their Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+,” Samsung has confirmed in a statement, adding that it will notify owners when that happens.

The post Samsung Premium Care for the Galaxy S9 will soon cover aftermarket enrollment appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile https://ift.tt/2DTW9MY
via IFTTT

Samsung reportedly wants to sell 1.5 million QLED TVs in 2018

Samsung wants to further expand its position in the global premium TV market which is why the company has reportedly set an internal goal to sell 1.5 million units of its QLED TVs in 2018. It’s a very ambitious target considering the fact that the company is believed to have sold 1 million units just last year. If it’s able to achieve this figure it would translate into a 50 percent surge in sales in just one year.

Samsung wants to dominate the premium TV market again

Industry sources told The Korea Herald that Samsung’s display unit has set a goal to sell 1.5 million QLED TVs in 2018 to expand the gap to its competitors in the global premium TV market. If the company sells more of these expensive TVs, it will be able to raise the average selling price of its total sales volume.

Samsung is facing stiff competition in this market so it will really have to focus all of its energies to ensure that it can meet this goal. “The strategy is to raise its revenue by concentrating on selling super-sized TVs,” said an unnamed Samsung official cited in the report.

Some industry watchers are of the view that Samsung is set this ambitious goal because it wants to reclaim the lead in the global premium TV market after slipping to third place for the first time in 12 years last year after Sony and LG took the first two places.

The company unveiled its 2018 QLED TV lineup about three weeks ago in New York. It brings design innovations and new technological advancements such as Direct Fully Array contrast technology. It’s also the first smart TV lineup from Samsung to feature Bixby integration.

Samsung revealed the prices for its 2018 QLED TV lineup only recently, the new range starts at $1,500 and goes all the way up to $6,000. It’s offering the new models in different screen sizes ranging from 49-inches to 82-inches with both curved and flat panels.

Whether or not Samsung is able to achieve this goal to sell 1.5 million QLED TVs this year remains to be seen.

The post Samsung reportedly wants to sell 1.5 million QLED TVs in 2018 appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile https://ift.tt/2GdcOgv
via IFTTT

Samsung and KDDI conduct 5G trial in Japan with prototype tablets

Samsung and KDDI have been working closely to showcase the potential and performance of 5G in real-life scenarios since 2015. In December last year, the companies ventured out to demonstrate 5G connectivity on a moving train for the first time. Continuing their collaboration, Samsung and KDDI have now announced the successful completion of a 5G field trial at the Okinawa Cellular Stadium in Japan.

Samsung’s end-to-end 5G solutions were deployed

As is the case with many 5G trials involving Samsung, the company’s end-to-end 5G solutions were been deployed to conduct the trial. The trial, which involved streaming and downloading the live 4K feed simultaneously on the prototype 5G tablets, used Samsung’s virtualized core, virtualized RAN, 5G access units, and prototype 5G tablet devices. Samsung says this is the first time 5G performance has been tested in Japan using 5G tablets.

To create 5G coverage area in the direction of home plate and first and third bases, Samsung’s 5G access units were installed on a light tower outside the left field fence. The tablets placed on seats in the coverage area where then able to stream and download 4K live feed via 5G. Samsung and KDDI used the 28GHz band for this trial.

“5G holds the powerful potential to create new user experiences and business models that are more immersive and dynamic than ever before,” said Youngky Kim, President and Head of Networks Business at Samsung Electronics.

The results of this 5G stadium trial demonstrate the suitability and performance of 5G in a wide variety of crowded environments such as sporting events, live music concerts, exhibitions, conferences, etc. The successful completion of this trial brings the commercial launch of 5G networks one step closer.

The post Samsung and KDDI conduct 5G trial in Japan with prototype tablets appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile https://ift.tt/2pH3R81
via IFTTT

You can now use Samsung Pay in Dubai to pay your taxi fare

Paying your taxi fare in Dubai just got a lot easier. You can now use Samsung Pay in Dubai to settle your fare as taxis are now capable of accepting this payment method. Samsung Pay was originally launched in the United Arab Emirates in April last year, allowing users in the country to make payments on the go effortlessly using their smartphones.

Use Samsung Pay in Dubai to pay taxi fare

The United Arab Emirates became the first country in the Middle East to welcome Samsung’s mobile payments service last year. The service utilizes Magnetic Secure Transmission technology and Near Field Communication to replicate a card swipe, thus enabling merchants to accept Samsung Pay even if they don’t have any special terminals. They can simply use their existing card machines.

Samsung Pay was supported by major UAE banks at launch, including HSBC, Emirates NBD, ADCB, Mashreq, National Bank of Abu Dhabi, Standard Chartered and others. Samsung also partnered with major payment networks such as Visa and Mastercard to ensure that the service was available to more consumers in this market.

The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is now allowing the use of smartphones to pay for taxi fares in the emirate. Network International, the company that providers POS services to RTA, has enabled this functionality in Dubai taxis. More than 8,000 taxis in the emirate will now allow passengers to use Samsung Pay in Dubai to settle their fares.

“The service is aimed to offer taxi riders smooth payment options that raise their satisfaction and happiness,” said RTA Public Transport Agency’s CEO Ahmad Hashim Behroozian. He added that this is part of the government’s Smart City initiative.

The post You can now use Samsung Pay in Dubai to pay your taxi fare appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile https://ift.tt/2pEQyFP
via IFTTT

Galaxy Note 8, Galaxy S7 and Galaxy A7 receive latest security patch

As we approach the end of the month, Samsung is rolling out the latest security maintenance release to more supported devices. It has released the March 2018 security patch today for the Galaxy Note 8, Galaxy S7 and the Galaxy A7 (2017). The relevant firmware files are now available for download.

March 2018 security patch rolling out to more devices

Samsung detailed the March 2018 security patch over three weeks ago. It brings all of the fixes that are part and parcel of Google’s Android Security Bulletin – March 2018 package.

The update fixes nine critical vulnerabilities in the Android operating system aside from scores of moderate-risk and high-risk vulnerabilities. It brings fixes for five Samsung Vulnerabilities and Exposures (SVE) items as well which were discovered in Samsung’s software.

The March 2018 security patch has only been released for a handful of devices so far including the Galaxy A8 (2018), Galaxy S9, Galaxy J2 Prime, Galaxy S8/S8+ and others. We can expect it to make its way to more compatible devices in the coming days.

Samsung has rolled out firmware version N950NKSU3CRC2 for the Galaxy Note 8 in South Korea. The relevant file is now available for download from our firmware section. Firmware version G930FXXS2DRC3 is now out for the Galaxy S7 in several markets including the Netherlands, Italy, Luxembourg and the Czech Republic. It’s also readily available for download.

Last but not the least, the Galaxy A7 (2017) has received firmware version A720FXXU3BRC2 in South Africa so far. You can download the file from our firmware section.

The post Galaxy Note 8, Galaxy S7 and Galaxy A7 receive latest security patch appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile https://ift.tt/2G7Fo70
via IFTTT

Galaxy Note 8 Oreo update will be out for all US variants in 2-3 weeks

Samsung finally released the Galaxy Note 8 Oreo update on March 16 and it’s now being rolled out gradually in more markets across the globe. The firmware for the international unlocked variant is already available for download. Galaxy Note 8 owners in the United States have yet to receive the update and the company has now revealed that it’s going to release the Galaxy Note 8 Oreo update for all US variants in 2-3 weeks. It has also made a similar promise for the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+.

Galaxy Note 8 Oreo update

All four major carriers – Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint – have released the Android 8.0 Oreo update for the Galaxy S8 and the Galaxy S8+ on their networks. However, the update hasn’t been released for the unlocked variant in the United States.

As you can probably imagine, those who own the unlocked variants aren’t pleased as they were mostly purchased with the hope that they will receive updates ahead of their carrier-locked counterparts. Mobile carriers tend to delay updates because they run their own tests before rolling out the firmware.

However, they only have to test the firmware to ensure that it works properly on their network. Samsung points out in a post on its official US forums that unlocked models have to go through more rigorous testing than the carrier-locked models because the company needs to make sure that proper network functionality has been achieved across all supported networks.

The company says that this is why the unlocked Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ haven’t received Oreo in the United States as yet even though the country’s major carriers have rolled it out already. The handsets should receive it in a couple of weeks. The rollout is yet to begin for the Galaxy Note 8, though.

Samsung has also confirmed in its post that it’s going to release the Galaxy Note 8 Oreo update for both the carrier-locked and unlocked variants in the next “2-3 weeks.” We’ll be sure to let you know when the firmware starts rolling out.

The post Galaxy Note 8 Oreo update will be out for all US variants in 2-3 weeks appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile https://ift.tt/2pHljt5
via IFTTT