Galaxy S8 and Note 8 may be getting Android Pie beta program!

It was a pleasant surprise when Samsung launched the Android Pie beta program for the Galaxy Note 9. It marked the first time the company allowed owners of a Galaxy Note flagship to test a new version of Android ahead of the official release. And the company is now working on possibly another such surprise: The Galaxy Note 8 and the Galaxy S8 may soon be getting an Android Pie beta program as well!

Sounds too good to be true? Well, the presence of test Android Pie builds on Samsung servers for the S8, S8+, and the Note 8 is a solid hint that these devices could indeed get the Pie beta. Software versions G950FXXU4ZSA1, G955FXXU4ZSA1, and N950FXXU5ZSA1 are currently being tested for these devices, and the letter Z in the software version is what tells us that these are beta builds and not just regular test versions. Similar builds for the Galaxy Note 9 were also spotted before Samsung started the Note 9 Pie beta.

The beta program is likely to be launched in markets where the S9 and Note 9 betas were available (including the US, Germany, South Korea, India, and the UK). All we can do now is wait for Samsung to open registrations for the beta program. Since the Android Pie roadmap in some countries says the Galaxy Note 8 will get the update before the Galaxy S8, Note 8 owners may be the first to get the beta as well.

What do you think about Samsung extending the One UI and Android Pie beta program for the Galaxy Note 8 and Galaxy S8?

Galaxy S8

• Model: SM-G950F
• Dimensions: 148.9 x 68.1 x 8.0mm
• Display: 5.8” (146.5mm) Super AMOLED
• CPU: Exynos 8895
• Camera: 12 MP, Dual Pixel F1.7 OIS

More specifications

Galaxy S8+

• Model: SM-G955F
• Dimensions: 159.5 x 73.4 x 8.1 mm
• Display: 6.2” (158.1mm) Super AMOLED
• CPU: Exynos 8895
• Camera: 12 MP, Dual Pixel F1.7 OIS

More specifications

Galaxy Note 8

• Model: SM-N950F
• Dimensions: 162.5 x 74.8 x 8.6mm
• Display: 6.3" (160.02mm) Super AMOLED
• CPU: Exynos 8895
• Camera: 12 MP, 2x, 1 telephoto F2.4 and 1 wide angle F1.7 OIS

More specifications

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Samsung launches its first auto-branded Exynos chip with Audi

Samsung confirmed in 2017 that it will be supplying its Exynos chips to Audi for use in its infotainment systems. It joined the Audi Progressive SemiConductor Program as a supplier in 2017. Samsung has since been supplying the Exynos-branded chips to the German auto giant.

It later decided to establish a separate brand called Exynos Auto for these chips. Samsung has launched its first auto-branded Exynos processor today. The Exynos Auto V9 will be used in Audi’s next-generation in-vehicle infotainment system which is expected to debut in 2021.

Exynos Auto V9 packs Cortex-A76 CPU cores

“We are thrilled to introduce the new Exynos Auto line of products, starting with the Exynos Auto V9, which brings powerful processing performance to the next generation of automotive in-vehicle infotainment systems while meeting the industry’s strict reliability requirements,” said Kenny Han, VP of Samsung’s device solutions division.

The Exynos Auto V9 has been designed for advanced infotainment systems. It will allow for content to be displayed on multiple screens for a safer and more enjoyable experience. The chip itself is based on the 8nm process technology and features ARM’s latest Cortex-A76 CPU cores, 8 to be precise, at up to 2.1 gigahertz.

They’re coupled with ARM Mali G76 GPU, premium HiFi 4 audio digital signal processor and an intelligent neural processing unit. There’s also a safety island core with support for Automotive Safety Integrity Level (ASIL)-B standards. The Exynos Auto V9 has support for LPDDR4 and LPDDR5 DRAM.

The Exynos Auto V9 has support for up to six displays and twelve camera connections for multiple sub-systems. Its GPU is arranged in three separate dedicated sets of Mali G76 GPU cores to seamlessly power multiple systems like the central information display, cluster display and rear-seat entertainment.

Samsung may also supply this chip to other car manufacturers if it wins over any of them. Cars are increasingly becoming more connected and there’s a need for more computing power. Samsung’s Exynos Auto V9 seems to fit the bill.

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Samsung’s CES 2019 press conference will focus on AI and IoT

Samsung normally unveils new home appliances and TVs at the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. It won’t be a different story in 2019. The Samsung CES 2019 press conference will revolve around these products in addition to its advancements in artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things.

The company says that it will showcase the many ways in which its latest artificial intelligence and Internet of Things technologies can make daily life simpler. It will showcase new applications for these technologies and new ways to make AI achieve more.

Samsung’s CES 2019 press conference

It hasn’t mentioned what new devices will be unveiled at the event. If history is any indication, we can expect Samsung to announce new appliances like refrigerators and washing machines. Its latest lineup of premium TVs may be on the agenda as well in addition to new notebooks.

A promotional image that Samsung has created for its CES 2019 press conference also features the Galaxy Home smart speaker. We haven’t heard much about this device ever since it was shown in August 2018. It’s possible that Samsung may have more to share about the device and its launch at CES.

Despite the rumors, don’t expect Samsung to make any major smartphone-related announcements at CES 2019. It would be better not to keep your fingers crossed for the Galaxy S10. Samsung tends to make flagship smartphone announcements in February at the annual Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

Samsung’s CES 2019 press conference starts on Monday, January 7 at 14:00 PST. Since not everyone will be in Las Vegas with a CES badge to attend the proceedings live, Samsung will stream its press conference live online.

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[Poll] Do you change the navigation button order on your Galaxy phone?

Samsung’s move to software navigation keys came with the Galaxy S8, just in time for the shift to Infinity displays with minimal bezels (although what was minimal then is almost giant compared to what’s coming). The software keys also enabled the ability for users to change the traditional order of the back and recent apps keys that Samsung had used for years, fixing one of the complaints those fond of stock Android had always had with Galaxy smartphones.

Samsung’s implementation, which has the back key on the right of the home button, always made more sense. The back button is more often used than the button for viewing the recent apps screen and, therefore, benefits from being closer to the user’s thumb. Most Samsung fans probably leave the software key order unchanged for that reason, while those who were moving from something with the stock Android placement got the option to use that setup on their new Galaxy smartphone.

And that brings us to the question of the day: Which of the camps do you fall in? Do you change the navigation key order on your Galaxy device to match that of stock Android, or do you stick to Samsung’s default setup? Let us know by voting in the poll below, then tell us more about your preference in the comments section. And don’t forget: On Android Pie, you can switch to navigation gestures and get rid of the software keys altogether!

Do you change the navigation button order on your Galaxy phone?

• Nope
• Yes, I prefer stock Android setup
• Prefer Samsung setup, now using gestures on Pie
• I didn't even know the option to change them exists!
• Prefered stock Android setup, now using gestures on Pie

Results

• Nope 78%, 7 votes
  7 votes 78%

  7 votes - 78% of all votes
• Yes, I prefer stock Android setup 11%, 1 vote
  1 vote 11%

  1 vote - 11% of all votes
• Prefer Samsung setup, now using gestures on Pie 11%, 1 vote
  1 vote 11%

  1 vote - 11% of all votes
• I didn't even know the option to change them exists! 0%, 0 votes
  0 votes

  0 votes - 0% of all votes
• Prefered stock Android setup, now using gestures on Pie 0%, 0 votes
  0 votes

  0 votes - 0% of all votes

Total Votes: 9

2 January 2019

×

You or your IP had already vote.

• Nope
• Yes, I prefer stock Android setup
• Prefer Samsung setup, now using gestures on Pie
• I didn't even know the option to change them exists!
• Prefered stock Android setup, now using gestures on Pie

×

You or your IP had already vote.

Results

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Samsung’s foldable smartphone may sport a triple-camera setup on the back

There has been a surge in the leaks and rumors about the much-awaited Samsung foldable smartphone as the device inches closer to launch. In the last couple of months, we have already seen reports about firmware development, design, battery, availability info, and more from various sources. A new report from Korea is now adding camera information to the mix.

According to ET News, Samsung’s foldable smartphone, rumored to launch as the Galaxy Fold, will reportedly sport a triple-camera setup on the back. The company has already released a couple of devices with a multi-camera system in recent months as part of its revamped midrange strategy. The upcoming Galaxy S10 is also expected to have a similar camera setup, and if we go by this report, the same setup will make its way on to the Galaxy Fold as well.

Samsung will go with the Galaxy A7 formula

There is no market standard for multi-camera systems on smartphones, and each company tends to add different lenses to achieve different objectives. The triple-camera setup on the Galaxy A7 (2018) consists of a primary sensor, a depth sensor for bokeh effect, and an ultra-wide lens. Samsung added a telephoto lens to the mix on the quad-camera setup on the recently launched Galaxy A9 (2018). According to ET News, Samsung will go with the Galaxy A7 formula, which is also the rumored setup on the Galaxy S10, for the upcoming foldable smartphone. The report doesn’t offer any information about the camera system on the front of the device.

The Galaxy Fold is believed to be an expensive offering – more expensive than the already pricey Galaxy flagship models. If the company is indeed going to charge such a premium, it makes sense to equip the device with all the latest tech in the market.

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Worldwide firmware development for Samsung’s foldable phone has begun

It’s been a long wait for Samsung fans when it comes to the company’s foldable phone. Samsung has been teasing the device – rumored to be called Galaxy Fold – for years, and while it finally gave us a look at the foldable display in action, the device’s design remains a mystery. The Galaxy Fold’s release date remains unknown as well, but the company has finally started developing firmware for the device worldwide.

Development on firmware for the US has been going on since before Samsung unveiled the foldable display at its developer conference. Now, firmware development has been started for other regions right as we enter the new year. The Galaxy Fold will take advantage of One UI’s focus on easier one-handed usage, and Samsung is also working alongside Google to bring UI elements from its foldable phone to stock Android. Details on specifications are sparse at the moment, but the device will have a 7.3-inch main OLED display and a 4.6-inch external display.

The Galaxy Fold will be released worldwide, but availability will be limited, with Samsung looking at producing only one million units for the initial run. The device will be available in at least black and silver color options, along with a 512GB storage option. And, of course, it’s going to cost a fortune, with some reports suggesting a price tag as high as $2,500.

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Samsung Android Pie update schedule for China revealed

The stable Android Pie release for the Galaxy S9/S9+ came as an early Christmas present from Samsung. The company had previously said that it would begin rolling out Pie to the public in January. The carrier locked variants will most likely be getting the update this month.

The update roadmap was sent out by Samsung through its Members app last month. It won’t be applicable to China though. A separate Samsung Android Pie update schedule has now been released for the People’s Republic.

Samsung Android Pie update schedule

Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+ and Galaxy Note 9 owners in China can expect to receive the Android Pie update starting next month. The Galaxy A9 Star will get it in March. Samsung will then release Pie for the Galaxy S8/S8+ and the Galaxy Note 8 in April. The Galaxy A9 Star 4G+ and the Galaxy A9 2019 will get it in that month as well.

As per this Samsung Android Pie update schedule, the update will be sent out for the Galaxy A9 Star Lite and Galaxy Tab S4 in May this year. The premium SM-W2019 flip phone gets it in August while the Galaxy A6s and Galaxy S Light Luxury both get updated to Pie in September. That’s also when the update is released for the Galaxy Tab S3 and the SM-W2019 flip phone. The Galaxy J3 and Galaxy Tab A 10.5 (2018) will finally get a taste of Pie in October 2019.

Compared with the Samsung Android Pie update schedule released for other markets, it appears that users in China will have to wait for about a month before those same devices get updated in the People’s Republic.

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Galaxy Note 8 Android Pie update may come before the Galaxy S8’s

It’s not often that Samsung brings a major Android upgrade to a Galaxy Note flagship ahead of the Galaxy S flagship from the same year. On most occasions, the Notes get the update a few days or even weeks later, but that may be changing in 2019. Samsung has published its Android Pie roadmap in more countries this week, and the updated roadmap says the Galaxy Note 8 Android Pie update will come in February while Galaxy S8 owners will have to wait till March.

Of course, this may not be the case for all markets. These roadmaps are often different in different regions and countries, so the dates may differ for various markets for the same device. For example, Samsung Turkey says both the 2017 flagships will receive Android Pie in February. It’s still good to see Samsung finally giving the Galaxy Note owners the respect they deserve, though, starting with including the Galaxy Note 9 in the Android Pie beta program. Speaking of the Galaxy Note 9, it’s still slated to get Pie in January, and so are the Galaxy S9 and S9+ (barring some countries which received the update in late December).

You can see Samsung’s Android Pie roadmap notice in the Samsung Members app on your Galaxy device. It may not be visible for everyone just yet, but that should change in the next few days as we get closer to the worldwide release of the update for the Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+, and the Galaxy Note 9. The schedule for various devices could also change as time goes by, as Samsung notes in the roadmap.

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Screen protectors hint at minimal display curve for the Galaxy S10

Amid reports that at least one Galaxy S10 model may have a flat display, these screen protectors for the Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10+ suggest that Samsung may have gone with a minimal display curve this time around.

These screen protectors are from Olixar, the same accessory manufacturer that has previously released renders of its Galaxy S10 cases. Mobile Fun has posted a video online comparing these screen protectors with the ones released by Olixar for the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+.

Galaxy S10 display curve might not be as pronounced

The dimensions are in line with reports about the next flagship’s display sizes. The Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10+ are expected to feature 6.1-inch and 6.4-inch displays. These protectors have been cut to the same size.

The gains in screen real estate are quite evident when compared with the protectors for the Galaxy S9. It seems like Samsung has been able to achieve significantly slim bezels which is something that many fans will appreciate. This will be made possible by the Infinity-O display. It eliminates the need for a front camera notch by placing it inside a cutout in the display itself.

Samsung completely shifted its flagship lineup to curved displays with the Galaxy S8. Both the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S9 have displays with rather pronounced curves on both edges. It may switch things up a bit with the Galaxy S10 if recent reports are any indication. It may offer a flat display with the entry-level model of the Galaxy S10. These screen protectors show that while the Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10+ displays will be curved, they will be noticeably less so compared to previous models.

Could this lead to a return to fully flat displays on future Samsung flagships with a high screen-to-body ratio? It’s also possible that these protectors don’t tell the entire story, they’re not a Samsung-made part after all. What do you think, though? Do let us know in the comments below.

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