Galaxy S10 Bright Night camera feature discovered in One UI beta

From a hardware standpoint, Samsung’s flagship smartphones are the best out there for low-light photography, and the Galaxy S10 may be even better thanks to some software tricks. The folks over at XDA Developers have discovered code in the Galaxy Note 9’s Android Pie beta camera app that hints at a dedicated camera mode for bright pictures “even in very dark conditions.” This would be similar to Google’s Night Sight and Huawei’s Night Mode feature.

As you can see in the image below, the text in the code makes for a pretty clear hint. Bright Night seems to be the new camera feature’s name, with Super Night describing just how it would work: taking multiple shots and combining them to get brighter images. Samsung’s new flagships already combine multiple shots for excellent end results in all conditions, and Bright Night is likely to add long exposure and slow shutter speeds to the mix for better low-light shots. Think of it as an automated Pro mode, as it would adjust the necessary camera parameters on its own instead of putting the onus on the user.

Samsung’s implementation is likely to depend mainly on long exposure times and slow shutter speed. Google’s implementation of Night Sight on Pixel phones uses machine learning and software processing, but while Samsung doesn’t have any major machine learning skills, factors like a camera sensor with F1.5 aperture should even things out.

Bright Night might someday make its way to currents flagships (Galaxy S9 and Note 9), similar to how Super Slow-mo or AR Emoji were released for the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy Note 8. That may take a few months, however, as Samsung is going to need the Galaxy S10 to offer as many exclusive features as possible to attract consumers.

The post Galaxy S10 Bright Night camera feature discovered in One UI beta appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile http://bit.ly/2ScdQz7
via IFTTT

Tip: Your Galaxy smartphone has a temporary mute option (Android 8.0+)

The option to put a phone on vibration or mute when you don’t want to be disturbed by calls and notifications is almost as old as time itself (okay, we exaggerate, but you get the gist). However, we have all been guilty of putting our phones on mute and forgetting to put it back on vibration or ring mode, sometimes missing important alerts in the process.

Do Not Disturb modes on smartphones have alleviated those troubles by giving us the option to schedule those moments of peace and quiet, but did you know Galaxy smartphones come with a temporary mute feature? All Galaxy phones running Android Oreo have the feature (though some devices like the Galaxy S8 had it on Nougat as well).

Yes, we’re aware that some of you may already know about the feature, so this is for those who don’t. On Galaxy smartphones that run Android 8.0 Oreo (and soon, Android Pie), you can mute the device for a custom number of hours. You can choose from as little as one minute to 24 hours, and the phone will come back to the previously selected sound mode (sound or vibrate) after that time period has elapsed.

This works great in tandem with do not disturb mode, if you wish to completely silent the phone for a little while without changing your regular do not disturb settings. And, well, it’s great for those who do not wish to use do not disturb mode and just prefer simpler options.

How to enable temporary mute on Galaxy smartphones (Android 8.0 and above)

Step 1: For the initial setup, we’ll do this from the Settings app on the device. Open the Settings app, tap Sounds and vibration, then tap the Sound mode option.

Step 2: Here, select the Mute option. Once you do that, a new option called Temporary mute will show up just below.

Step 3: Enable this Temporary mute option. This will show yet another new option just below called Mute duration.

Step 4: By default, the mute duration may be set anywhere between 1 to 3 hours, but you can customize this by tapping on the Mute duration option and selecting the Custom option. Just adjust the hour and minute fields to your liking and then hit the Done button.

Step 5: That’s it. You will now see the Mute option selected and your selected duration mentioned alongside it. It will count down like a timer, so you can always check how long the mute option is going to stay enabled. Once the mute duration completes, the phone will go back to the sound or vibrate mode depending on what was active before you activated temporary mute.

That’s it. From next time, you can simply swipe down the status bar twice to access the quick toggles and use the sound toggle to set temporary mute. For changing the mute duration, you can go back into the sound settings and make the necessary adjustments.

Finding out about the temporary mute option only now? See what more you’re missing in our tips and tricks section.

The post Tip: Your Galaxy smartphone has a temporary mute option (Android 8.0+) appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile https://ift.tt/2PSgZ5o
via IFTTT

Samsung distributor claims Galaxy S10 Edge name, pre-installed screen protectors

Some interesting information has surfaced today regarding the Galaxy S10 from an official Samsung distributor. We have already told you that the Galaxy S10 accessories will include the case and cover options that we get for its flagship smartphones every year.

It may be kicking things up a notch next year by pre-installing screen protectors on all three models of the Galaxy S10. Speaking of models, Samsung is said to revive the “Edge” branding as one model will be called the Galaxy S10 Edge.

Galaxy S10 Lite’s flat display may necessitate return of the “Edge”

Many of you will be aware that Samsung stopped using the “Edge” branding with the Galaxy S8. The first models with its Infinity Display were called the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+. It has kept the same branding for the Galaxy S9 series as well.

Samsung is now gearing up to launch three models of the Galaxy S10. Previous reports have said that the three models will be called the Galaxy S10 Lite, Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10+. Retailer MobileFun hears from its official Samsung distributor that the Galaxy S10 – the model with a 6.1-inch display – will actually be called the Galaxy S10 Edge.

It seems odd to use the Edge branding for the model which has long been expected to be called the Galaxy S10. It would be a direct successor to the Galaxy S9 after all. Samsung used this branding in the past to differentiate between models with flat and curved displays. Given reports that the Galaxy S10 Lite might have a flat display, perhaps it wants to reiterate that point by calling the next model in this lineup the Galaxy S10 Edge.

The distributor also mentions that all three models of the Galaxy S10 will come with a screen protector installed out of the box. This is something that Chinese smartphone manufacturers like Huawei have long done. It would be appreciated by many customers as screen protectors are often the first accessories that customers purchase for their expensive flagship phones.

The list of official accessories shared by the retailer mentions the LED View Cover, Silicone Cover, Protective Standing Cover, Leather Cover and Clear View Cover. The color options for these accessories include Berry Pink, Yellow and Green, the new color options that have already been highlighted in earlier reports. We exclusively reported last week that the Galaxy S10 Lite may be the only model to come in Yellow.

The name of the device won’t really matter much to most customers as long as it meets their expectations from what will be Samsung’s 10th Anniversary Galaxy S flagship. It goes without saying that this isn’t set in stone yet. No further evidence has surfaced to support this Galaxy S10 Edge theory even if it sounds plausible on paper.

However, would you appreciate if Samsung does ship the models with a screen protector pre-installed? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section.

The post Samsung distributor claims Galaxy S10 Edge name, pre-installed screen protectors appeared first on SamMobile.

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

Samsung seems to have backtracked on time limit for free Galaxy themes

We reported last month that Samsung would implement a time limit for free Galaxy themes with Android Pie. A notice was sent out through the Samsung Themes store to inform users that they would only be able to use free themes for fourteen days after they’re applied.

However, it appears that Samsung has backtracked on implementing a time limit on free themes. There no mention of the fourteen day trial in the app anymore when applying a free theme on a device with the Android Pie beta.

Samsung backtracking on time limit for free Galaxy themes?

Samsung didn’t offer a clear explanation for this policy change. The notice only said that starting with Android Pie, free themes will be usable for fourteen days. The device will revert to Samsung’s default theme automatically once the time was up.

What the notice did say was that the policy has been changed to “help our designers continue to create high quality products and also to provide stable and satisfactory services for you.” It felt like Samsung wanted to enable theme developers to make more money by limiting the use of free themes.

Users were to receive a pop-up notification the day before and also ten minutes before the usage period for their applied theme was to run out. The notification would also include suggestions for other themes.

Samsung seems to have changed the free Galaxy themes once again. There’s no mention of the fourteen day trial anymore in the Samsung Themes app. The button that reminded users of the trial when applying a free theme is no longer there.

Perhaps Samsung has realized that there may not be a lot of users willing to pay for themes in the first place. So instead of limiting their options, it may have backtracked. However, it’s possible that the policy could be implemented once again after Android Pie is released to the public. It’s in beta now, after all.

Do you think that’s what has happened here? Do you prefer this policy over the time limit? Let us know in the comments below.

The post Samsung seems to have backtracked on time limit for free Galaxy themes appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile https://ift.tt/2A9NpmZ
via IFTTT

New benchmarks once again point to a 19:9 display for the Galaxy S10

Samsung started using Infinity displays for its smartphones beginning with the Galaxy S8/S8+. The new screens were longer with an increased aspect ratio of 18.5:9 from the then-common 16:9. The upcoming Galaxy S10, or at least some of its variants, may push the aspect ratio even further to 19:9 if we are to believe the new browser benchmarks of the alleged Galaxy S10 models.

New HTML5test results have surfaced online for the G970F and G975F – models believed to be the Galaxy S10 Lite and Galaxy S10+. Though the new benchmarks don’t offer any exciting information about the upcoming Galaxy flagship, they do hint once again that the new devices might sport 19:9 displays. The browser benchmark mentions a screen size of 360 x 760 pixels for the G970F which, when we consider how the benchmark works, translates to a 5.8-inch display with a 19:9 aspect ratio. The G975F benchmark, on the other hand, indicates a 6.4-inch display with the same 19:9 aspect ratio.

Higher aspect ratio also means smaller bezels

A possible change in the aspect ratio was already rumored and reported based on an HTML5test result back in September. The benchmark listing, however, carried the SM-G405 moniker, which was believed to be a placeholder model for one of the Galaxy S10 variants. The new HTML5test results add more credibility to the earlier report by mentioning what seems to be the official model numbers.

The higher aspect ratio also confirms that the Galaxy S10 might have smaller bezels, primarily due to the rumored use of Infinity-O display. Multiple sources have already confirmed that Samsung is planning to release three variants of the Galaxy S10: Galaxy S10 Lite, Galaxy S10, and Galaxy S10 Plus. The aspect ratio for these variants may differ slightly depending on the design choices Samsung make for each of them.

While nothing mentioned in the Galaxy S10 rumors and reports sound too far-fetched and may very well turn out to be true, it is worth remembering none of this is official information and hence subject to change.

The post New benchmarks once again point to a 19:9 display for the Galaxy S10 appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile https://ift.tt/2SbU9rp
via IFTTT

Galaxy J6 gets auto brightness and dual VoLTE support

Samsung introduced the “selfie for auto brightness” feature for its budget smartphones with an update for the Galaxy J8 last month. The feature is now making its way into the company’s more budget offerings. The Galaxy J6 is getting a new update in India bringing the feature to the device.

The latest update also bring the December 2018 security patch and dual VoLTE support to the device. The same update is also available for the Galaxy On6, the online-only variant of the J6 in India. The Galaxy J6 also received an update earlier this month with AR Emoji.

Galaxy J6 gets auto brightness and dual VoLTE support

Samsung launched the Galaxy J6 as its first budget smartphone with an all-screen design. It is, in fact, the cheapest Samsung smartphone with an Infinity Display. But as has been the case with most of Samsung’s budget offerings, it also lacked an ambient light sensor. Samsung is now bringing about the feature with a software tweak. Click here to read about how the feature works. The latest Galaxy J6 update also brings dual VoLTE support. You can now use VoLTE in both of the SIM slots of your J6 simultaneously.

In addition to the two new features, the J6 is also getting the December security patch. It is an important security update as it fixes quite a few critical vulnerabilities.

The new firmware update for the Galaxy J6 and the On6 is based on Android 8.0 Oreo and weighs nearly 286 MB over the air. To update your phone, go to the Software update section of the Settings app and select the Download updates manually option.

The post Galaxy J6 gets auto brightness and dual VoLTE support appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile https://ift.tt/2A8W09f
via IFTTT

Galaxy A9 (2018) launched in South Korea

Samsung has announced the launching of the Galaxy A9 (2018) in South Korea. The world’s first quad-camera phone, which was initially unveiled in Malaysia in October, will be available in Samsung’s home country from December 21.

Along with the 24MP main shooter, the Galaxy A9 (2018) also gets a 10MP telephoto lens for 2x zoom, 8MP ultra-wide sensor, and 5MP depth sensor for Live Focus pictures. On the front, the device gets a 24MP camera with f/2.0 aperture.

Galaxy A9 (2018) hits South Korean shelves

The Galaxy A9 (2018) price in South Korea starts at 599,500 won ($530) for the 6GB/128GB variant. An 8GB/128GB variant also exists but there’s no word yet on its availability in the country. The device will be available in three color options, Bubblegum Pink, Caviar Black, and Lemonade Blue, each with a gradient.

The new A9 features a 6.3-inch Full HD+ (1080×2220 pixels) Super AMOLED Infinity Display with an 18.5:9 aspect ratio. It is powered by the Snapdragon 660 octa-core processor and comes with Android 8.0 Oreo. The battery capacity stands at 3,800mAh and supports fast charge via USB Type-C. The device has a metallic frame while the front and back is made of a 2.5D curved glass.

The Galaxy A9 (2018) does pack some amazing camera specs for photography, but it’s not the cameras that make this phone good. Read our review and find out what the new Galaxy A9 is all about.

The post Galaxy A9 (2018) launched in South Korea appeared first on SamMobile.

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

Samsung Pay Favorite Cards open automatically near an NFC terminal

The Samsung Pay mobile payments service was launched a few years ago. It allows users with compatible Samsung smartphones to make payments on the go. What makes the service unique is that in addition to NFC, it has support for MST (Magnetic Secure Transmission) technology. This allows users to make mobile payments even at merchants that don’t have special NFC terminals. MST lets them accept Samsung Pay using nothing more than a conventional card machine.

The most recent version of the Samsung Pay app brings a useful little tweak for where users are near an NFC terminal. It will automatically pull up their Favorite Cards if their phone is awake near an NFC payment terminal.

Samsung Pay Favorite Cards makes accessing frequently used cards easier

Users can add credit and debit cards from supported banks and financial institutions to Samsung Pay. The app allows them to make some of those cards as favorites. This makes it easier for them to access the cards that they use most frequently for purchases. There’s no need to scroll through the entire list of added cards just to get to a particular one.

With the latest version of Samsung Pay, when the device is awake near an NFC payment terminal, the Favorite Cards will open automatically. Users can just tap to select the one they’d like to use and can proceed to make the payment. It shaves some time off the entire process which is a good thing.

This feature is present in the latest version of the Samsung Pay app.

The post Samsung Pay Favorite Cards open automatically near an NFC terminal appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile https://ift.tt/2QHNf07
via IFTTT