Samsung pours $2.9 million into crypto wallet startup Ledger

Earlier this week we heard that Samsung is mulling over a move into the cryptocurrency market with the introduction of its own token, and now it’s been revealed that the firm has poured $2.9 million into French hardware wallet manufacturer Ledger — adding some substance to the broad claim.

While Ledger confirmed the investment, it refrained from providing additional details about the deal itself. We can’t help but think that Samsung could be using the funding as a chance to dip its toe in the water and grasp a clear understanding of the hardware ledger market, before launching its own.

Samsung launched a software ledger alongside the Galaxy S10 back in February. What’s strange, however, is that it can only be used with Ethereum and Ethereum-derived tokens. Or is it? Ever since it emerged that Samsung Coin would be based on Ethereum, the move has made a lot more sense.

Samsung Coin? What’s a Samsung Coin?

Little is known about the token Samsung is working on, however. CoinDesk Korea learned earlier this week that the firm has started building the framework for its own blockchain mainnet, which could be opened to the public, which would allow Samsung Coin to be traded on exchanges alongside Bitcoin.

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Samsung Galaxy J8 gets Android Pie update in India

Samsung was quick to release the Android Pie update for its Galaxy J series phones, with the Galaxy J6 and Galaxy J8 being the first two to receive the latest version of Android. The Galaxy J6 and J8 had considerable success in the Indian market, and following the release of the Pie update for the Galaxy J6 in the country earlier this week, it is now the turn of the Galaxy J8.

Galaxy J8 Pie update comes with April security patch

The 1.2GB update is rolling out over the air in India today, and in addition to most of the Android Pie features and the new One UI interface, it comes with the latest Android security patch. Galaxy J8 owners should be able to start downloading the update by tapping the Download updates manually option in the Software update menu of the phone’s settings. The big update is best downloaded over a Wi-Fi connection, and it’s also a good idea to have at least 30 percent battery charge as major OS updates take a long time to install.

We also have the Android Pie firmware for India on our database, and those unwilling to download the update over the air can download the firmware and flash it manually on their Galaxy J8 using a Windows PC. Another option is Samsung’s Smart Switch program, which works on both Windows and Mac PCs.

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Best 5 smartwatches

In this age of technology, the term ‘smart’ seems to be what everyone desires in their everyday gadgets. It started with mobile phones and now almost every day-to-day gadget is becoming smart. Perhaps the most notable of these gadgets is the watch we wear on our hand. Yes, we are talking about smartwatches.

Smartwatches took the world by storm in the past few years — although they’ve been around for a while, it’s only recently that major tech companies have started to produce innovative smartwatches. A smartwatch is very important to keep your life in order, so if you are planning to buy one, then this article is for you.

Samsung Gear S3

Everyone knows about the popularity and success of Samsung in the world of technology. They produced smartphones that were game changers, and their smartwatches are no different. Unlike other smartwatches on the market, the Samsung Gear S3 has key features which makes it a useful partner for your smartphone. The watch has a premium feel to it and is extremely well built. The Gear S3 also has a big screen, and combined with the beautiful AMOLED display, you’ll have a watch that’s a treat to look at. And thanks to a rotating bezel ring, you can also intuitively scroll through the user interface.

Get it at Samsung Store | Get it at Amazon | Get it at eBay

Samsung Galaxy Watch

This is without a doubt the best smartwatch out there in the market. The Galaxy Watch is Samsung’s way of providing us with the power of a Galaxy smartphone in a watch. It has an amazing design which makes it suitable for both formal and sporting occasions. You can buy it in three colors. The big and bright display allows you to operate the watch even when you are out in the sun. A single charge can last for days and you can charge the watch wirelessly too! The Samsung Galaxy Watch has all the features that you might expect in an Android smartwatch and its powerful processor makes it very fast.

Get it at Samsung Store | Get it at Amazon | Get it at eBay

Motorola Moto 360

If you are familiar with Motorola, then you probably have an idea about how ambitious the designs of their products can be, and that’s true for their smartwatches as well. The Motorola Moto 360 is a sports smartwatch packed with all necessary trackers. A great thing about this watch is that you can get it a variety of colors. A thing to note about this smartwatch is that it may not be suitable for people who are looking for a formal watch. This is better suited to sporty users. The innovative AnyLight display that the Motorola Moto 360 comes with allows you to clearly view the watch even in the harshest sunlight.

Get it at Amazon | Get it at eBay

Fossil Gen 3 Sport Smartwatch

It is no surprise that the Fossil smartwatch has made it to the list. Unlike the other contenders, Fossil is a brand well-known for their watches, rather than their tech. The Fossil Gen 3 is best suited for those that are interested in sporting activities. You can refer to it as your professional health recording buddy for tracking your activities. However, while it has an amazing display, the Fossil Gen 3 Sport watch lacks features that should’ve been there given its price.

Get it at Amazon | Get it at eBay

Xiaomi Amazfit

Xiaomi is a relative newcomer in the world of smartphones and watches, but it has definitely made an impact due to its effective pricing. With an amazing design, this smartwatch doesn’t have the top-notch features like other watches on the list, but it sure does have all the core features. Xiaomi Amazfit is a very durable smartwatch which makes it suitable for outdoor activities. This may not be the best watch for formal occasions but you may find cases/straps with different designs for it. For the price, this smartwatch is definitely worth looking into.

Get it at Amazon | Get it at Banggood

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Samsung launches the Galaxy M series in Brazil

Samsung has launched the new Galaxy M series in Brazil. All three Galaxy M phones, the Galaxy M10, M20, and the Galaxy M30, will be available in the country starting May 16. The devices will be sold through online retail stores only.

Galaxy M30 is the top dog in the lineup

Samsung introduced the Galaxy M series in India in January this year. The lineup so far comprises of three smartphones, all featuring a similar look, notches, multiple rear cameras, and big batteries. The Galaxy M30 (review) is the most advanced of them all. It features a 6.4-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED Infinity-U display and is powered by an Exynos 7904 SoC.

The Galaxy M30 also gets a triple rear camera setup. The 13MP primary camera is accompanied by a 5MP depth sensor and a 5MP wide-angle lens. There is also a 16MP selfie camera with Live Focus support. The device packs a 5,000mAh battery with support for fast charging and gets a fingerprint reader on the back.

The Galaxy M10 and M20 (review), meanwhile, come with 6.2-inch and 6.3-inch LCD Infinity-V displays of HD+ (720×1520 pixels) and Full HD+ (1080×2340 pixels) resolution respectively. The former is powered by an Exynos 7884 SoC, whereas the latter gets an Exynos 7904 chipset.

Both phones get a dual camera setup on the back, with a 13MP primary camera and a 5MP ultra-wide sensor. The notch on those displays holds an 8MP selfie camera on the M20 and a 5MP camera on the M10. The Galaxy M20 also boasts a superior 5,000 mAh battery, whereas the M10 gets a 3,400mAh battery. The Galaxy M10 also lacks a fingerprint reader. All Galaxy M phones run Android 8.1 Oreo with Samsung Experience 9.5 and are slated to get Android Pie later this year.

Samsung is selling the Galaxy M30 with 4GB+64GB memory configuration at 1,499 BRL (~$375) in Brazil. The 3GB+32GB Galaxy M10 is priced at 899 BRL (~$225), whereas the 4GB+64GB Galaxy M20 costs 1,199 BRL (~$300). Color options include blue and black for all three phones.

Also Read: Samsung Galaxy M40 (SM-M405F) with 128GB storage in the works

Galaxy M10

• Model: SM-M105F
• Dimensions: 160.6 x 76.1 x 7.9mm
• Display: 6.2"(157.48mm) TFT
• CPU: Exynos 7870
• Camera: 13 MP, CMOS F 1.9 & 5 MP, CMOS F2.2 Ultra Wide

More specifications

Galaxy M20

• Model: SM-M205F
• Dimensions: 156.6 x 74.5 x 8.8mm
• Display: 6.3"(160.02mm) TFT
• CPU: Exynos 7904
• Camera: 13 MP, CMOS F 1.9 & 5 MP, CMOS F2.2 Ultra Wide

More specifications

Galaxy M30

• Model: SM-M305F
• Dimensions: 159 x 75.1 x 8.4mm
• Display: 6.38"(162mm) LCD
• CPU: Exynos 7885
• Camera: 13 MP, CMOS

More specifications

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Verizon starts taking pre-orders for the Galaxy S10 5G in the US

The Galaxy S10 5G is nearing its launch in the US. Verizon has started taking pre-orders for the device in the country. As reported earlier, the phone will be available in Verizon stores on May 16. It will remain exclusive to the carrier for a while before arriving on others.

Prices start at $1300

Starting today, the Galaxy S10 5G is up for pre-orders in the US. The Verizon-exclusive device will cost $1,300, or $54.16 per month for 24 months, for the 256GB model. The 512GB model is priced at $1,400, or $58.33 per month for 24 months, and may be the better option for those who require lots of local storage as the 5G Galaxy S10 doesn’t have a microSD slot. Both phones are available in Crown Silver or the Verizon-exclusive Majestic Black. Deliveries are scheduled for May 16.

Pre-orders for the Verizon Galaxy S10 5G include special goodies, too. Customers who pre-order the device will get a “VIP Kit” that includes a pair of Galaxy Buds, a wireless charging battery pack, and a water bottle. Verizon is also offering a trade-in program, where customers can trade in an eligible smartphone and save up to $450. Customers who switch to Verizon from other carriers will get an extra $200 prepaid gift card for the Galaxy S10 5G.

You can pre-order the Galaxy S10 5G from Verizon’s official website, as well as at Samsung’s online store, Samsung Experience Stores, and Best Buy.

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Sprint rolling out April security patch for the Galaxy Note 9

US carrier Sprint has been on a roll as of late. Last week, it started rolling out this month’s security update for the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+, as well as the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ — and now it’s turned its attention to the Galaxy Note 9, distributing a near-identical release for the handset.

The update addresses five critical and dozens of high-risk vulnerabilities in the Android OS, as well as 15 that are exclusive to Samsung’s own firmware. Sprint is no stranger to bundling a number of miscellaneous network improvements into its releases, so there could also be a few of them in there.

Sprint, which was once notoriously slow at distributing updates, has pulled a complete one-eighty, now beating even Samsung to the punch in the United States. Notably, it was the first operator to start circulating this month’s security update for the Galaxy S10, Galaxy S10e and Galaxy S10+.

Like usual, the upgrade is being pushed out in stages. To see if it’s available for your handset, head into Settings, navigate to Software update, then select Download and install. Alternatively, you can download the firmware from our database to flash it on to your handset manually.

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Samsung launches its 8K QLED TV lineup in South Africa

Samsung significantly expanded its 8K TV lineup by launching many 8K QLED TVs at CES earlier this year. The company plans to sell five million units of those TVs globally by 2022. The latest Samsung premium TVs are already available in more than 60 markets around the world. Further expanding their availability, Samsung has now launched its 2019 8K QLED TVs in South Africa.

New 4K QLED TVs also launched

At an event in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg, Samsung announced that its 2019 QLED TV lineup, which includes four 4K models and one 8K model, will be available in South Africa from May. The 8K model comes in four screen sizes, 65-inch, 75-inch, 82-inch, and 98-inch, whereas the 4K models are available in screen sizes varying from 55-inch to 82-inch.

Samsung’s new 8K TVs feature the company’s proprietary Quantum Processor 8K, which is capable of up-scaling lower resolutions into crisp 8K content. You also get high contrast and an astonishing maximum brightness of 4000 nits. And with ‘Ultra Viewing Angle’ technology, you get a vibrant image regardless of your viewing position.

In addition, the new TVs come with Apple’s AirPlay 2 support, allowing you to AirPlay content from your iPhone, iPad or Mac directly to the TV. The TVs also feature Apple’s iTunes Movies app, so you can rent and watch 4K HDR content. As for gaming, Samsung is offering a Real Game Enhancer feature that “optimises the gaming experience through a unique set of gaming features.”

Samsung’s 2019 8K QLED TV lineup will be available in South Africa trough select retailers from May. Prices start at R76,999 (~$5,310) for the 65-inch model and go all the way up to R999,999 (~$68,980) for the 98-inch model. Customers who pre-order the TVs before May 5 will get a Samsung soundbar as a gift.

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