AT&T starts pushing Android 10 update to Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+, and Galaxy Note 9

After Samsung was done seeding the Android 10 update to the Galaxy S10 series and the Galaxy Note 10 series, it started to push the update to the unlocked versions of the Galaxy Note 9 and the Galaxy S9 in the US. Now, AT&T variants of the Galaxy Note 9, Galaxy S9, and the Galaxy S9+ have started receiving the Android 10 software update.

The biggest cellular carrier in the US has confirmed via its website that it has started rolling out the Android 10-based One UI 2.0 update to the Galaxy S9 (SM-G960U) and Galaxy S9+ (SM-G965U). The Galaxy S9 software version is G960USQU7DTA5, while the Galaxy S9+ software version is G965USQU7DTA5. AT&T has mentioned on its website that the Android 10 OTA update for both the Galaxy S9 devices is around 2GB in size. Apart from Android 10, the update also brings the January 2020 Android security patch to these devices.

Although AT&T hasn’t updated its Galaxy Note 9 page yet, multiple users have confirmed on Reddit that they’ve started receiving the Android 10 update on their devices. It should also get the January 2020 Android security patch, just like the Galaxy S9 series, along with a 2GB firmware file size and Android 10.

Apart from all the usual Android 10 bells and whistles such as Dark mode, newer navigation gestures, fine-tuned privacy and location controls, and new emojis, these phones will also get access to Samsung’s additional features as a part of One UI 2.0. You can have a look at the differences between One UI 1.0 and One UI 2.0 in our detailed article.

If you are an AT&T customer who uses the carrier version of the Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+, or the Galaxy Note 9, be sure to check for the OTA (over-the-air) update by visiting the Settings » Software update section in your device and then clicking the Check for updates button.

The post AT&T starts pushing Android 10 update to Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+, and Galaxy Note 9 appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile https://ift.tt/2OyjD2a
via IFTTT

Samsung Galaxy A50 Android 10 release may not be long now

Since it was one of Samsung’s best-selling smartphones last year, you can bet that there are a lot of people waiting for the Galaxy A50 Android 10 release. We have known for a while now that Samsung has been working on the Android 10 update for the Galaxy A50.

While it’s yet to confirm precisely when this device will get the update, there’s an indication that the release may not be that far off now. This will come as a relief to the many Galaxy A50 owners that are waiting to jump on the latest version of Android.

Galaxy A50 Android 10 release should take place soon

The Galaxy A50 is on the list of Samsung devices that will get Android 10. So sooner or later, this device will be updated to the latest iteration of Google’s mobile OS coupled with One UI 2.0. We reported a month ago that Samsung had started Android 10 development for the Galaxy A50.

The Galaxy A50 has now received its Wi-Fi certification with Android 10 on board. This is a solid indication that the development work on this firmware update has progressed nicely. It’s only a matter of time now before Samsung starts rolling out the update.

Exactly when that happens remains a mystery for now. It can normally take a few weeks for an update to arrive once it starts picking up the required certifications. Samsung has picked up the pace with updates recently so there’s a good chance we may not have to wait too long. If you absolutely can’t wait, maybe consider the Galaxy A51 which comes with Android 10 out of the box.

Are you looking forward to the Galaxy A50 Android 10 release? What one of the many new One UI 2.0 features are you most interested in trying out? Let us know in the comments below.

The post Samsung Galaxy A50 Android 10 release may not be long now appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile https://ift.tt/2S3uEe9
via IFTTT

Samsung rep says Galaxy Home Mini will launch on February 7 for $83

Samsung published an article on its Korean portal a couple of days ago, revealing a February 12 launch date for the Galaxy Home Mini. That page was quickly pulled and it left us wondering if its removal meant that the smart speaker’s debut has been pushed back.

That might be far from the truth, according to a recent thread on the Samsung Korea community website which suggests that the Galaxy Home Mini could hit the shelves this Friday, February 7.

The Galaxy Home Mini wait might be over sooner than expected

The aforementioned thread appears to contain a screenshot of a conversation with a Samsung representative, who claims that the Galaxy Home Mini will become available on February 7 for the price of 99,000 won, or the rough equivalent of $83.

Now, as official as this may sound, we should keep in mind that Samsung’s reps, particularly when it comes to customer service, have a bad history of misinforming customers with erroneous availability details. It was only a couple of weeks ago when a customer was wrongly informed – most likely – by a Samsung rep that Android 10 is coming to the Galaxy S8 and Note 8 this year.

However, the Galaxy Home Mini is more than just a software update. It’s a brand new hardware product and it’s been beta-tested in Korea many months ago. With that in mind, South Korean fans have had a more open communication channel with Samsung regarding the Galaxy Home Mini for a few months.

It would probably make more sense for Samsung to wait a few more days and launch the Galaxy Home Mini at Unpacked on February 11 alongside the Galaxy S20 series and the Galaxy Z Flip. But perhaps the latest bit of information concerning the smart speaker’s launch date and price in the country is accurate, and the device could finally hit the shelves by the end of the week. And even if it misses this date, technically the product should still be on track for an ‘early-2020‘ release.

The post Samsung rep says Galaxy Home Mini will launch on February 7 for $83 appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile https://ift.tt/3bej3Ra
via IFTTT

Samsung shot down carriers’ Galaxy Fold price cut to retain its exclusivity

The Galaxy Fold was Samsung’s most expensive smartphone ever when it arrived last year. There were few who felt that the $2,000 price tag was justified. It was truly the world’s first foldable smartphone and it offered flagship-level specs.

Samsung also wanted to create an air of exclusivity around the device, hence the tightly controlled retail experience and premium after-sales service. So it’s understandable why the company may not be open to discounting its first foldable smartphone. Samsung has reportedly shot down a Galaxy Fold price cut proposal from carriers in South Korea.

Galaxy Fold price cut not allowed because of what it would symbolize

It’s not uncommon for new Samsung flagships to get discounted merely a couple of months after they arrive. We have seen this with both the Galaxy S and Galaxy Note lineups. However, it appears that this is not something that Samsung wants to be associated with the Galaxy Fold just yet.

According to a report, all three major South Korean carriers had proposed a price cut for the Galaxy Fold from 2,398,000 won ($2,025) to 1,998,700 won ($1,688). They were considering it not because the Galaxy Fold hasn’t sold well in South Korea, on the contrary, it sold like hotcakes in Samsung’s home country.

They had proposed the price cut as Samsung’s next foldable smartphone, the Galaxy Z Flip, is set to hit the market next month. Carriers tend to reduce the prices of existing models when a newer model is set to arrive. Samsung is reportedly not allowing them to do so largely because of symbolism. It’s said that the company doesn’t feel its first foldable smartphone should be sold at a discount as that would not make it as exclusive as it was at the beginning.

If this Galaxy Fold price cut were to be allowed, both of Samsung foldable phones would be in the 1 million won price range. Since the Galaxy Z Flip is evidently not a flagship, the Galaxy Fold wouldn’t seem as premium just by association. Samsung probably wants to avoid that as well since it’s yet to launch the Galaxy Fold’s true successor, due later this year. The company would want to maintain clarity in the foldable lineup, with the Galaxy Fold being positioned as the true flagship.

It’s not unheard of for companies to sit on inventory instead of selling their products at a discount. Luxury fashion brands like Louis Vuitton would rather burn handbags that cost tens of thousands of dollars than sell them at a discount because they just don’t want to lose their exclusivity. Samsung wants to do the same thing for the Galaxy Fold.

Do you think it’s the right decision? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

The post Samsung shot down carriers’ Galaxy Fold price cut to retain its exclusivity appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile https://ift.tt/383emaP
via IFTTT

Samsung quietly removes Qihoo 360 library from Device Care via update

Samsung appears to have listened to its community and has decided to remove the Qihoo 360 storage scanner with the latest update to the Device Care suite. Galaxy smartphone users running Device Care version 11.0.02.42 will notice that the ‘powered by 360’ logo has been removed, and so has the Qihoo 360 library, although some vestigial strings remain, according to a Reddit post.

You can read our full report in case you need a bit of catching up with these events. In short, about a month ago, a Reddit user found out that Samsung’s smartphones come preloaded with a third-party storage scanner tool as part of the Device Care suite.

A few sensationalized articles emerged online shortly after. Samsung wasn’t sending your files to China through the Qihoo 360 tool, as some stories would’ve wanted you to believe, but this collaboration with a Chinese company that had a bad reputation for spyware practices didn’t sit well with Samsung fans.

New Device Care version is rolling out gradually

Even if Samsung and/or Qihoo 360 weren’t spying on you, the Korean tech giant has quietly done away with the Qihoo 360 library and has put an end to the exaggerated reports of spyware. However, the update to Device Care is taking place gradually so it’s not yet available everywhere.

We were able to test the update’s availability on numerous devices in various regions, including five Galaxy Note 10/10+ units, the Galaxy Fold, and the Galaxy Tab S6. Out of all of these devices, only one Galaxy Note 10+ got the latest Device Care version. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Fold and Tab S6 run an even older version of Device Care (10.5.00.33) than the rest of the Note 10 units.

Make sure you check to see if you have the latest Device Care version (11.0.02.42) available to you. It doesn’t seem to make a difference whether your phone has the January 2020 or February 2020 security patch, and you should be able to grab the latest update OTA or from the Play Store soon, assuming it’s not already available at your end.

The post Samsung quietly removes Qihoo 360 library from Device Care via update appeared first on SamMobile.

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

Galaxy Buds+ Spotify integration detailed in GIF, new Game Mode coming

A bunch of new screenshots pertaining to the Galaxy Buds+ Android app has emerged via Twitter today, along with new bits of information regarding some of the wearable’s new (and existing) features. The Galaxy Buds+ will have better Spotify integration and this feature has now been visualized in a GIF (tweet embedded below). In addition, the Galaxy Buds+ feature a new Game Mode.

The ongoing Galaxy Buds already offer some level of integration with Spotify, in that users can pause, play, and skip songs through the touchpad. The Galaxy Buds+ will apparently introduce an additional touch gesture that will allow users to launch Spotify by pressing and holding the touchpad.

Check out the tweet embedded below for the GIF, but disregard any information about the LED light, as it seems to be erroneous. The LED already exists on the Galaxy Buds whereby users can check the battery level of the charging case itself, not the Buds. There’s no apparent reason why the external LED would show the Buds+ battery level, given that there already exists an LED dedicated to this function.

Galaxy Buds+ to have a dedicated Game Mode

The Galaxy Buds+ will reportedly introduce a new Game Mode, but it’s not entirely clear what it entails. Samsung’s Game Launcher already prevents distractions to let players focus on gameplay, so perhaps the Galaxy Buds+’ Game Mode is a dedicated equalizer for gaming. Better yet, perhaps it’s a true Game Mode for other smartphone brands and devices that don’t have a dedicated game launcher. The company is already making the Buds+ a more viable option for iPhone users.

Lastly, it’s worth noting that the leaked image gallery depicting the Galaxy Buds+ Android app makes no mention of active noise canceling, lending even more weight to our previous exclusive report on the matter. Ambient Sound will be available, but it is not a brand new feature.

The Galaxy Buds+ should be officially unveiled next week on February 11 along with the Galaxy S20 series and the exciting Galaxy Z Flip clamshell smartphone.

spotify intergration pic.twitter.com/K7QrcyKREG

— Max Weinbach (@MaxWinebach) February 5, 2020

The post Galaxy Buds+ Spotify integration detailed in GIF, new Game Mode coming appeared first on SamMobile.

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

Galaxy S10 series bags February 2020 security patch in Switzerland

It was only yesterday when the unlocked Galaxy S10 models in the USA got the February 2020 security patch, and now a similar update is rolling out for all three models in Switzerland. The update carries version number G97xFXXU4BTA8 and marks the first time for the February 2020 security patch to reach the Galaxy S10 series in International territories.

Along with better security, the latest firmware promises improvements to the overall stability of functions. It doesn’t outright mention any specific functions but we’re wondering if Samsung has touched the Camera app. A few Galaxy S10 owners have recently begun complaining about camera errors or complete device freezes when opening the Camera app. We are unable to confirm this at the time of writing, but hopefully, this latest firmware addresses these problems.

As for improved security, the February 2020 security patch fixes dozens of Samsung vulnerabilities and a couple of issues affecting Android OS. You can read more about it by hitting the link.

Readers who reside in Switzerland and own the Galaxy S10e, Galaxy S10, or Galaxy S10+ should be able to download the update OTA at any moment by opening Settings and heading to Software update. Alternatively, you can check our firmware archive pages for model numbers SM-G970F, SM-G973F, and SM-G975F depending on which device you own. There, you can download the firmware and install it manually on your phone using a Windows PC.

Galaxy S10e

• Model: SM-G970F
• Dimensions: 69.9 x 142.2 x 7.9mm
• Display: 5.8” (146.5mm) Super AMOLED
• CPU: Exynos 9820 Octa
• Camera: 12 MP, CMOS F1.5/F2.4 (77°) & 16MP, CMOS F2.2 (123°)Ultra Wide

More specifications

Galaxy S10

• Model: SM-G973F
• Dimensions: 70.4 x 149.9 x 7.8mm
• Display: 6.1"(157.5mm) Super AMOLED
• CPU: Exynos 9820 Octa
• Camera: 12 MP.CMOS F2.4 45° Telephoto & 12MP F1.5 77° & 16MP F2.2 123° Ultra-wide

More specifications

Galaxy S10 Plus

• Model: SM-G975F
• Dimensions: 74.1 x 157.6 x 7.8mm
• Display: 6.4"(162.5mm) Super AMOLED
• CPU: Exynos 9820 Octa
• Camera: 12 MP.CMOS F2.4 45° Telephoto & 12MP F1.5/F2.4 77° & 16MP F2.2 123° Ultra-wide

More specifications

The post Galaxy S10 series bags February 2020 security patch in Switzerland appeared first on SamMobile.

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

Galaxy Z Flip Leather Back Cover confirmed by official support page

Samsung’s next foldable smartphone will be known as the Galaxy Z Flip. While the moniker was spotted in online applications before, it was never outright confirmed by Samsung. Not until recently when the support page for a Galaxy Z Flip accessory went live on Samsung’s Romania portal.

The Galaxy Z Flip is expected to be less fragile than the original Galaxy Fold, at least in certain key areas such as the display. But for a device that could cost up to $1,400, some customers will want all the protection they can get, and this is where accessories come into play.

Galaxy Z Flip Leather Back Cover confirmed

We knew that the Galaxy Z Flip is going to get its own leather covers for quite some time now, even before the product was acknowledged by online third-party case retailers.

As yet, there are no photos of the Leather Back Cover on Samsung’s support page so the case could have an unexpected design. However, it will reportedly be made from high-grade genuine leather, and it will be available in black or white.

Much like the Galaxy Fold’s cover included in the retail package, the Galaxy Z Flip solution likely comprises two separate pieces, one for each half of the device, leaving the hinge exposed. It’s unclear whether this Galaxy Z Flip Leather Cover will be offered for free along with every device, but retailers already plan on selling it for £99.99.

Samsung’s clamshell foldable should hit the stage at Unpacked next week, so we’ll have all the details soon.

The post Galaxy Z Flip Leather Back Cover confirmed by official support page appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile https://ift.tt/372lJha
via IFTTT

Daily Deal: 14% off the Samsung Galaxy A50

Look no further if you’re on the hunt for a mid-range smartphone that gives you the best bang for your buck. The Galaxy A50 is a beautiful smartphone that’s packed with decent specs and functions. The camera is great for what it offers while the handset comes with an Exynos 9610 chipset which is powerful and makes the phone a good performer for day to day usage. Be sure to check out our review to get all info on the Galaxy A50.

Hit the Buy Now button below to get a Samsung Galaxy A50 at 14% off!

The post Daily Deal: 14% off the Samsung Galaxy A50 appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile https://ift.tt/374kOg9
via IFTTT

Galaxy S20+ leaks in the flesh as well, because why not?

Earlier today we reported on a nice closeup live image of the Galaxy S20 Ultra. We have all seen countless renders of the upcoming flagship but as we inch closer to the launch, actual photos of the devices are now turning up. It’s a free for all at this point.

The Galaxy S20+ is the latest to break cover. A live image of the device lined up alongside the Galaxy S20 Ultra has been leaked online. One can only assume that we’ll soon get to see the Galaxy S20 in the flesh as well.

Galaxy S20+ also leaks out in the flesh

It’s not a super high resolution image but you can still make out the curves at the back and the rather chunky camera module at the back. Given the incredible camera tech that Samsung is stuffing into these new flagships, this was to be expected.

Cosmic Grey will be one of the color options that the Galaxy S20 lineup is going to be offered in. It oozes understated elegance and there will most likely be many takers for it. All of the other design elements are unmistakably Samsung. Besides, after all of the render leaks, there’s nothing left in the design department that could come as a surprise.

Expect to see a lot more of these leaks in the run-up to the Galaxy Unpacked event on February 11. Samsung is going to confirm pricing and availability details at the event. However, there have already been several reports about how much the Galaxy S20 series will cost and when it will be released.

The post Galaxy S20+ leaks in the flesh as well, because why not? appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile https://ift.tt/2OrEG6y
via IFTTT

Galaxy A51 and Galaxy A8 (2018) receiving February security update

Two more of Samsung’s Galaxy A series phones are now being updated with the February 2020 security patch. One of them is the Galaxy A51, which has been on the market for just a few weeks (read our review), and the other is the two-year-old Galaxy A8 (2018). The Galaxy A51 is getting an update with software version A515FXXU2ATA8 in Russia; the Galaxy A8 (2018) update sports build number A530FXXSACTB2 and is available in Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.

The Galaxy A51’s February security update comes just a day after the phone received an update that bundled the December security patch and camera stability improvements in some markets. The February update should have improvements and/or new features in addition to the latest security patch, though at this time we are not aware what those might be. Feel free to tell us by leaving a comment if you own a Galaxy A51 and have received the new update in Russia (or another country).

You will see a notification informing you of the update’s arrival on your phone, but you can also manually pull the update on your Galaxy A51 or A8 (2018) by opening the Settings app, selecting Software update, and tapping Download and install. We also have the latest firmware for these devices available in our firmware archive (Galaxy A51 | A8 (2018), which you can install on your phone using a Windows computer.

The post Galaxy A51 and Galaxy A8 (2018) receiving February security update appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile https://ift.tt/381Ksn8
via IFTTT

Galaxy S10 Lite and Note 10 Lite to get monthly security updates

Samsung has now launched its new Galaxy S10 Lite and Note 10 Lite in several markets. However, information about its update plans for those devices, as well as the Galaxy A71, remained elusive. Until now.

Galaxy S10 Lite, Note 10 Lite to get monthly updates

Over here at SamMobile HQ, we already speculated how Samsung would treat its new ‘lite’ flagships as far as security updates are concerned. We assumed that monthly updates would be one of the features that would fall victim to the ‘lite-ness’. After all, the same happened to water resistance, a glass-and-metal design, and wireless charging. Samsung proves that expectation wrong with the latest addition to its security update overview.

Both the Galaxy S10 Lite and the Note 10 Lite will be updated on a monthly schedule, making sure they remain in flagship territory, update-wise. Of course, given their not-so-modest price tags, this is the only sensible decision, but in previous years we have seen Samsung stick with quarterly updates for similarly-priced devices like the Galaxy A80 and A9 (2018). Color us pleasantly surprised.

Galaxy A71 quarterly updates

A lot less surprising are Samsung’s update plans for the Galaxy A71. Late last year, we already found out the Galaxy A51 will get updated every three months, and the A71 is now set to follow the same schedule. It might be worth pointing it out, however, that the Galaxy A70 has been receiving updates bi-monthly for quite some time now. Though past results are no indication for future success, Samsung is committed to the safety of its current A series.

Android OS updates

Now that we are on the topic, we might as well point out that all of Samsung’s new devices are expected to receive the usual two major Android upgrades. As all phones were launched with Android 10 out of the box, the Galaxy S10 Lite, Note 10 Lite, and A71 are set to receive Android 11 in early 2021. Two years from now, in 2022, they will be upgraded to Android 12.

Thankfully, these phones will not end up in the awkward position currently enjoyed by devices like 2018’s Galaxy A8. That phone is only two years old, but will not receive Android 10 as it already received its two major updates. However, one of them was wasted on bringing it up-to-date after launching with an outdated version of Google’s OS.

Galaxy S10 Lite

• Model: SM-G770F
• Dimensions: 75.6 x 162.5 x 8.1mm
• Display: 6.7" (170.1mm) Infinity-O Super AMOLED
• CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 855
• Camera: 48 MP F2.0, 12MP Ultra-wide F2.2, 5MP Macro F2.4

More specifications

Galaxy Note 10 Lite

• Model: SM-N770F
• Dimensions: 76.1 x 163.7 x 8.7mm
• Display: 6.7" (170.1mm) Infinity-O Super AMOLED
• CPU: Exynos 9810
• Camera: 12 MP F1.7, 12MP Ultra-wide F2.2, 12MP Telephoto F2.4

More specifications

Galaxy A71

• Model: SM-A715F
• Dimensions: 163.6 x 76.0 x 7.7mm
• Display: 6.7" (170.1mm) Super AMOLED
• CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 730
• Camera: 64 MP F1.8, 12MP Ultra-wide F2.2, 5MP Depth F2.2 & 5MP Macro F2.4

More specifications

The post Galaxy S10 Lite and Note 10 Lite to get monthly security updates appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile https://ift.tt/31sgvu1
via IFTTT

Breaking: Check out the Galaxy S20 Ultra in this live image

Samsung’s upcoming Unpacked event has been ruined quite spectacularly already, and it seems the leaks won’t let up until the company makes its new flagship official. We have seen many leaked renders of the Galaxy S20 smartphones and a couple of live images as well, and today, yet another photo of Samsung’s upcoming flagship series has made its way to Twitter. This time, we’re getting a close-up look at the Galaxy S20 Ultra’s rear camera layout.

The photo shows what we expect: Three main rear cameras, an LED flash, “100X Space Zoom” branding, and a 3D ToF camera sensor. There’s also a small hole between the flash and top-most camera sensor, which is likely to be a microphone that is used for the Zoom-in Mic feature. Zoom-in Mic debuted on the Galaxy Note 10: It uses the rear-facing microphone to increase the sound of the subject in focus when the user zooms in on something while recording a video.

The photo, which you can check out below, also shows how much the camera assembly on the Galaxy S20 Ultra will stick out from the main body. The Galaxy S20 and S20+ cameras won’t stick out nearly as much, but that’s because they won’t have the same awesome camera specs as their Ultra sibling.

The post Breaking: Check out the Galaxy S20 Ultra in this live image appeared first on SamMobile.

from SamMobile https://ift.tt/2OtcSP4
via IFTTT