Second Galaxy S8 Android Pie beta update released

Samsung has released a new Android Pie beta update for the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ today. A similar update was rolled out to the Galaxy Note 8 yesterday, and the S8 and S8+ are getting bumped to software versions G950FXXU4ZSAC and G955FXXU4ZSAC respectively.

The changelog appears to be the same as the Note 8 update. The update fixes bugs with the camera, detection and storage of files on the external storage, and lock screen security, among others. The update also comes with an issue that remains unfixed: the People Edge panel in the Edge screen can cause the device to reboot, and Samsung says that a temporary solution for this is to check the People Edge panel “immediately when a missed call occurs” if you don’t wish to outright disable the People Edge functionality.

Samsung is currently hoping to release the stable Android Pie update for the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy Note 8 in February, so there may not be many beta updates after this one. On the Galaxy S8 or S8+ Pie beta? Download the latest update by going into the phone settings, tapping Software update and selecting the Download and install option. If you haven’t already, do check out all the new features that Pie brings to Galaxy smartphones.

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

The post Second Galaxy S8 Android Pie beta update released appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile http://bit.ly/2FJRLW9
via IFTTT

PSA: Galaxy S8 and Note 8 get Dolby Atmos with Android Pie

Samsung’s 2017 flagships, the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy Note 8, get support for Dolby Atmos with the Android Pie update. Dolby Atmos was introduced to Samsung’s smartphone lineup with the Galaxy S9 when the company finally brought stereo speakers to its flagship line, and we have seen the feature included in many mid-range and budget devices ever since. Samsung also brought Dolby Atmos to some devices via software updates, and the Galaxy S8 and Note 8 are now joining the party as well.

The Galaxy S8 and Note 8, like other Samsung devices without stereo speakers, get Dolby Atmos only for wired and Bluetooth audio. But don’t let that disappoint you, as Dolby Atmos is more suited to wired/Bluetooth audio anyway, with the biggest benefit coming in the form of an increase in overall volume output and better separation between the left and right channels. Like the S9 and Note 9, you can choose between Movie, Music, and Voice mode depending on what type of content you’re listening to or just leave it at Auto mode, which automatically attempts to select the best mode for the occasion.

To use Dolby Atmos on Android Pie on the S8, S8+, or Note 8, you will first need to have earphones or a Bluetooth device connected to the phone. You can then drag down the status bar twice to access the quick toggles and enable Dolby Atmos using its dedicated toggle. It’s set to Auto by default, and to select a custom mode, you can either tap the Dolby Atmos text under its quick toggle or go into the Dolby Atmos menu in the Sounds and vibration » Advanced sound settings » Sound quality and effects section of the Settings app .

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 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

The post PSA: Galaxy S8 and Note 8 get Dolby Atmos with Android Pie appeared first on SamMobile.

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

Samsung Blockchain KeyStore confirmed by Galaxy S10 leaked images

We exclusively confirmed last month that Samsung would be launching a cryptocurrency service with the Galaxy S10. Several live images of the Galaxy S10 have now leaked online which confirm the Samsung Blockchain KeyStore app.

Our report mentioned that the cryptocurrency service would be split into two parts. There will be a cold wallet for saving digital currencies, public and private keys, and signing private keys for transactions. There’s also going to be a crypto wallet for viewing account information, transfers and transaction history.

Leaked Galaxy S10 images confirm Samsung Blockchain KeyStore

The images how the Samsung Blockchain Keystore app running on the Galaxy S10. The splash page mentions that this app is a “secure and convenient place for your cryptocurrency.” As we detailed in our report, the images also show that the app will let users import an existing wallet while also being able to create a new one. Ethereum is listed as a supported cryptocurrency but it will have support for Bitcoin, Ethereum-derived token ERC20 and Bitcoin Cash at launch.

There’s also going to be a relevant menu item for Blockchain KeyStore in the Settings app under the Biometrics and security section. It mentions that the service lets users secure and manage their blockchain private key. All of these features have been discussed by us in depth in our exclusive report.

These images are also the clearest live shots of the Galaxy S10 that we have seen so far. The single front camera gives away the fact that this is a Galaxy S10 and not a Galaxy S10+. We can see that the bezels are quite minimal which is something that many Samsung fans will appreciate.

Do you think it’s a good thing that Samsung is shipping a cryptocurrency service with its next flagship? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

The post Samsung Blockchain KeyStore confirmed by Galaxy S10 leaked images appeared first on SamMobile.

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

Samsung could push Android Pie to some devices earlier than initially planned

Samsung is constantly adjusting its roadmap for the Android Pie update for various devices, and the company now says the Android Pie update for some of its mid-range and budget devices could come out earlier than initially planned. For example, the Galaxy A7 (2018) and Galaxy A9 (2018) are now slated to get Pie in March instead of April. The Galaxy J6, meanwhile, is expected to get the update in April (instead of May).

In fact, almost every device seems to now be scheduled to get Pie a month early. The March time frame for the A7 (2018) and A9 (2018) is also mentioned on Samsung Turkey’s official website, so it seems Samsung is hopeful of releasing Android Pie for its devices faster than it had originally anticipated. Of course, this probably isn’t going to be the case for all markets, and you should be able to confirm that by checking the Pie schedule in the notices section of the Samsung Members app on your device. But it’s nice to see that for once, the Korean giant is moving its estimated schedules up instead of adding delays.

It bodes well for software updates for Galaxy devices in general, and with Samsung even telling us when some of its unannounced devices will get Pie, things certainly seem to be getting better. All we have to do now is wait and see just how many of the deadlines the company is actually able to meet.

The post Samsung could push Android Pie to some devices earlier than initially planned appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile http://bit.ly/2S1qNiE
via IFTTT

[Poll] Are you using navigation gestures on One UI (Android Pie)?

Samsung switched to software navigation keys with the Galaxy S8 and has launched every new device since then with software keys instead of the traditional hard home button and capacitive back and recents keys. Not everyone liked the change, but it’s a change that’s here to stay. However, Samsung did introduce a neat solution for those who weren’t happy with the software keys taking up the screen in the form of navigation gestures.

Navigation gestures were introduced in Android Oreo with some devices and it is a standard feature of Samsung’s One UI skin found in Android Pie. The gestures permanently hide the software keys and users can simply swipe up from the bottom of the screen to perform the home, back, and recent apps actions. It’s an ingenious solution that allows you to use more of the screen for your apps, and Samsung also lets you quickly switch between gestures and standard navigation keys with a quick toggle.

And those navigation gestures are what our latest poll is about. Do you use navigation gestures since you updated to Android Pie on your Galaxy smartphone? If yes, do you use them all the time or do you switch to regular navigation keys from time to time? Let us know by voting in the poll below, then get a discussion going in the comments!

Are you using navigation gestures on One UI (Android Pie)?

• Yes, all the time
• Yes, but I also use standard navigation keys sometimes
• Didn't know about the feature, but I'll use gestures from now on!
• Never

Results

• Yes, all the time 76%, 16 votes
  16 votes 76%

  16 votes - 76% of all votes
• Yes, but I also use standard navigation keys sometimes 14%, 3 votes
  3 votes 14%

  3 votes - 14% of all votes
• Didn't know about the feature, but I'll use gestures from now on! 10%, 2 votes
  2 votes 10%

  2 votes - 10% of all votes
• Never 0%, 0 votes
  0 votes

  0 votes - 0% of all votes

Total Votes: 21

23 January 2019

×

You or your IP had already vote.

• Yes, all the time
• Yes, but I also use standard navigation keys sometimes
• Didn't know about the feature, but I'll use gestures from now on!
• Never

×

You or your IP had already vote.

Results

The post [Poll] Are you using navigation gestures on One UI (Android Pie)? appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile http://bit.ly/2R7YXg6
via IFTTT

Galaxy J7 Max and Galaxy On Max get Android 8.1 Oreo update in India

Samsung is rolling out the Android 8.1 Oreo update for the Galaxy J7 Max in India. The update, along with the new Android version, brings Samsung Experience version 9.5 to the device. Galaxy On Max, the rebranded J7 Max for online sales, is also getting the same Oreo update.

The update bumps the firmware version to G615FXXU2BRL3 and G615FUDDU2BRL3 for the J7 Max and On Max, respectively.

Bundles December 2018 security patch

The Galaxy J7 Max is a mid-range device launched in June 2017, while the On Max is its online-only variant. The smartphones came with Android 7.0 Nougat on board and are now getting their first major OS update. Naturally, this update brings a host of new features and a new and improved Samsung UI. The update also bundles the December 2018 security patch for both the devices.

Samsung started rolling out the update a few days back and it is being released in patches. It may take some time before it reaches your device. When available, you should get a notification to download the update, which weighs 1169.27 MB for J7 Max and 1189.76 MB for the On Max. You can also manually check for updates by opening the Settings app, tapping Software update, then selecting Download Updates Manually on your device.

Have you received the update yet? Let us know in the comments section below.

The post Galaxy J7 Max and Galaxy On Max get Android 8.1 Oreo update in India appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile http://bit.ly/2FIr4RF
via IFTTT

Samsung confirms Android Pie update for upcoming Galaxy M10 and M20

Samsung is yet to unveil its new Galaxy M lineup of smartphones, but the company is already telling us when we can expect two devices from the lineup to get the Android Pie update. The Galaxy M10 and Galaxy M20 are scheduled to get the Pie update in August, according to Samsung’s roadmap for Android Pie in the Samsung Members app.

The schedule in the Samsung Members app serves multiple purposes. First and foremost, it tells us the M10 and M20 are going to be the first Galaxy M smartphones to be unveiled, as rumors and Samsung’s teasers and support pages had already suggested. The other thing we learn is that the M series will get updated to Pie at some point, although that shouldn’t come as a surprise. Samsung is now offering two major Android upgrades for its Galaxy J smartphones, and while we can’t say if the M series will also be updated to Android Q, Android Pie was never out of the question.

Of course, it doesn’t excuse the fact that Samsung is still launching new devices with an older version of Android, although it’s a habit of the company’s that we’re used to at this point. And August is quite far down the line for devices that are launching here in January. But that is on par with how Samsung usually deals with software updates for budget smartphones, and Samsung’s new One UI skin should make it worth the wait.

Don’t Miss: Galaxy M20 first impressions appear to be promising

The post Samsung confirms Android Pie update for upcoming Galaxy M10 and M20 appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile http://bit.ly/2HsIzY3
via IFTTT

Samsung reveals pricing and availability details of the new 8K QLED TVs

Samsung unveiled its new 8K QLED TV series at the CES 2019 in Las Vegas earlier this month. In addition to the previously announced 85-inch model, 8K TVs in 65-inch, 75-inch and 82-inch screen sizes were also announced. Samsung has now revealed the pricing and availability of the full range of models for the U.S. market.

A mammoth 98-inch 8K QLED TV was also announced at the CES 2019. Pricing and availability information of this model is expected to come later this year.

Samsung 8K QLED TVs up for pre-orders

Samsung’s 8K TV series features an embedded Quantum Processor 8K chip which touts features such as Real 8K Resolution and a high level of peak brightness. The processor can recognize and upscale content to 8K from sources like HDMI, USB, set-top boxes, streaming services and even mobile mirroring. In addition, Samsung also promises an improved version of Bixby in this series.

The 8K TVs ship with Samsung’s One Connect box which currently comes equipped with HDMI 2.0b ports, limiting the bandwidth to video quality of up to 8K at 30Hz. For 8K at higher frame rates, HDMI 2.1 connector will be required. Samsung is still testing the new connector and will supply an upgraded One Connect box once it has been certified.

Samsung announced the 85-inch model in October last year, with a price tag of $14,999. The company will begin shipping the units on February 8. The 65-inch and 75-inch models are listed with an expected shipping date of March 1, while the 82-inch model will ship by March 22. These three models are priced at $4,999, $6,999 and $9,999, respectively.

You can pre-order the televisions through the Samsung Online Store now.

The post Samsung reveals pricing and availability details of the new 8K QLED TVs appeared first on SamMobile.

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

Galaxy Wearable app updated with new features and bug fixes

Samsung started rolling out the Tizen 4.0 update to the Gear S3 andd Gear Sport a couple of days back, bringing many of the new features and tweaks from the latest Galaxy Watch to the older Gear smartwatches. Along with pushing out an update to the devices, the company is also now updating the Gear S Plugin app to add new functionality to the Galaxy Wearable companion app.

The update bumps the Gear S Plugin version to 2.2.03.19010761 and mostly contains features already available to Galaxy Watch users. These include a new tab for previewing and customizing watch faces, the ability to change more watch settings from the phone, and a few bug fixes.

Option to remap the double press of the Home key

The Settings tab now allows users to remap the double press of the Home key to launch specific apps. According to users on Reddit, the update also seems to have fixed some annoyances such as the persistent Gear connection notification and buggy widget selection.

The previous updates for the Gear smartwatches were marred with battery drain issues. So far, neither the firmware update nor the Gear S Plugin update appears to be plagued by any such bugs. In fact, there have been sporadic comments from users about improved battery life after the firmware update – something which we can’t confirm and need to be verified on your own.

The Gear S Plugin update appears to have started rolling out yesterday, but given Samsung’s phased rollout strategy, it may not be available in all regions and to all users at once. Merely opening the Galaxy Wearable app should prompt you to install the update if it’s available to you. Alternatively, you can also download the APK from our database and install it if you are impatient to wait.

The post Galaxy Wearable app updated with new features and bug fixes appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile http://bit.ly/2W5dsF0
via IFTTT

Galaxy M20 first impressions appear to be promising

Samsung confirmed last week that it will officially unveil the new Galaxy M series on January 28 in India. They’re Samsung’s first smartphones with an Infinity-V display. It places a waterdrop style notch up top for the front camera.

Samsung appears to have sent a test unit to a lucky user who is a part of its Samsung Members community in India. The user got to play around with the phone and their first impressions of the Galaxy M20 appear to be promising.

Galaxy M20 first impressions make it seem like a solid product

There are three devices in this new series. The Galaxy M10, M20 and the M30. Samsung has previously confirmed that it will only be selling the Galaxy M series online in India. These devices have been made with a specific purpose in mind. Samsung aims to better compete against Chinese rivals in the country with the Galaxy M handsets. Selling them online only will allow Samsung to be more competitive on price.

The user is singing praises of the Galaxy M20’s Infinity-V display which offers a viewing experience unlike any Samsung smartphone before it as well as its battery. The Galaxy M20 and M30 are both expected to feature a 5,000mAh battery.

We have already confirmed the Galaxy M20’s specs. It features a 6.3-inch LCD display with 2340×1080 pixel resolution. There’s a dual rear camera with 13-megapixel and 5-megapixel sensors, the latter shooting ultra-wide images. The handset will be powered by Samsung’s latest Exynos processor with 3GB of RAM. It has a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor and will ship with Android 8.1 Oreo. We also have the official firmware and wallpapers for the Galaxy M20 available for download.

Samsung will be unveiling the Galaxy M series on January 28.

The post Galaxy M20 first impressions appear to be promising appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile http://bit.ly/2RHPLE5
via IFTTT

Galaxy Note 8 getting second Android Pie beta update

Samsung has just released a new Android Pie beta update for the Galaxy Note 8. This is the first update since the beta was launched a week ago and comes with software version N950FXXU5ZSAB. There are a number of bug fixes included in the update, which comes in at a sizeable 705 MB (thanks to the lack of Project Treble on the Note 8). We’re assuming the Galaxy S8 will also be getting this update, but we can’t confirm that at the moment.

The update fixes a few issues with the camera app, such as force closures when trying to use the slow motion modes and the camera viewfinder appearing blurry and not responding to touches. The other fixes seem to be for downloading files to the microSD card, including issues such as music on the microSD card not being detected or files downloaded in Samsung Internet to the external storage not actually being saved. The update also deals with a serious issue that would freeze the screen after the user puts in the secret PIN to unlock the device.

Samsung also notes an issue that hasn’t been fixed with the new update. This one involves the People Edge panel in the Edge screen that can cause the device to reboot, although the company says the issue can be avoided by checking the panel instantly after a missed call. Of course, the better solution is to just turn the People Edge panel off until a fix arrives with a future update.

If you’re on the Android Pie beta on your Galaxy Note 8, you can download the new update by tapping the Download and install option in the Settings » Software update menu on the phone.

The post Galaxy Note 8 getting second Android Pie beta update appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile http://bit.ly/2sH811F
via IFTTT

Another live Galaxy S10+ image is making the rounds

Less than a week after a Galaxy S10+ was spotted being used in the wild, another live image of the handset is now making the rounds online. It doesn’t tell a story different to the one we’ve been hearing about this particular device. It’s all business as usual on that front.

You can imagine that there’s a lot of anticipation for the Galaxy S10. This means that even the most basic of leaks and rumors tend to get a lot of exposure. That certainly is the case for this particular live Galaxy S10+ image.

Live Galaxy S10+ image shows it’s business as usual

It’s not even a direct shot of the phone. What’s making the rounds online is a screenshot of a KakaoTalk chat. An image of what appears to be the Galaxy S10+ has been shared in the chat. For those who are unaware, KakaoTalk is a cross-platform messaging app that’s quite popular in South Korea.

The device in the image has a dual front camera which will be present on the Galaxy S10+. It also appears to have the same protective security case as the device in the live image that was leaked last week. Not much else can be made out in this image.

You can get a much better idea of the Galaxy S10+’s expected design in the renders that have been leaked recently. At first glance, it does seem that the camera holes on this device will be smaller than the one on the Galaxy A8s. Just how much the usable display area will expand due to the Infinity-O display remains to be seen.

Samsung has confirmed that the Galaxy S10 is going to be unveiled on February 20. We’ll be on the ground in San Francisco to bring you all of the latest updates from the event.

The post Another live Galaxy S10+ image is making the rounds appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile http://bit.ly/2S2tsIK
via IFTTT