Galaxy Tab Active 3 could be coming soon as it appears in Bluetooth SIG database

It has been close to three years since Samsung launched the Galaxy Tab Active 2, and the company has not come up with its successor yet. However, that could soon change as a new tablet named Galaxy Tab Active 3 has appeared in the Bluetooth SIG database, which means the company could launch it soon.

Three primary variants of the Galaxy Tab Active 3—SM-T570, SM-T575, and SM-T577—appeared in the Bluetooth certification agency’s database. These could be Wi-Fi only and LTE variants of the upcoming rugged tablet. The tablet features Bluetooth 5.0 for fast wireless connectivity. The company seems to have started the development of the tablets in May 2020 as earlier entries are visible in the database.

Apart from the upcoming tablet’s name and model numbers, not much is known about the Galaxy Tab Active 3. Going by previous tablets in the series, it could have a rugged design with MIL-STD-810G standards, IP68 certification for dust and water resistance, an S Pen, a removable battery, and an entry-level processor. Going by the model numbers, it could have variants with Wi-Fi only and LTE connectivity.

What upgrades do you expect from the Galaxy Tab Active 3 compared to the Galaxy Tab Active 2? Let us know in the comments section below.

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Samsung reportedly clinches order to manufacture budget Qualcomm chips for 5G smartphones

After reportedly losing the deal to TSMC for making 5nm chips for Qualcomm last month, Samsung has something to be happy about. According to a new report, the South Korean chip manufacturing firm has clinched a deal to make entry-level Qualcomm processors for 5G smartphones.

It is being said that Samsung will manufacture Snapdragon 4xx series application processors with 5G connectivity. Qualcomm had announced last week during its IFA 2020 keynote that it will bring 5G to affordable smartphones with its upcoming Snapdragon 4xx series chipsets. Christiano Amon, Qualcomm’s president, said that the company’s new affordable 5G chips will start appearing in smartphones in 2021.

Motorola, OPPO, and Xiaomi have already announced that they will launch 5G smartphones powered by Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon 4xx series chipsets. Over the past few months, Samsung has managed to win orders from IBM and Nvidia. The company will make IBM’s POWER 10 chips and Nvidia’s Ampere-based chips that are used in the RTX 3000 series GPUs.

Although Samsung is the world’s largest memory chip maker, it trails behind TSMC when it comes to manufacturing application processors using cutting-edge fabrication technologies. The South Korean firm is a few months behind TSMC when it comes to the 5nm process. TSMC has bagged orders to make Apple’s A14 chipset that will be used in the iPhone 12 series and Qualcomm’s 5nm chips for next year’s smartphones.

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Galaxy Buds Live get limited-edition FILA version in South Korea

Samsung has announced that it has collaborated with the popular sports brand FILA to launch a limited-edition version of the Galaxy Buds Live. The South Korean tech giant is trying to attract young consumers with its new collaboration. Earlier, the company had launched the Galaxy S20+ BTS Edition and the Galaxy Buds+ BTS Edition in collaboration with K-pop music band BTS.

The Galaxy Buds Live FILA Accessory Package will be available only in South Korea. Priced at KRW 209,000 (around $175), the limited-edition wireless earphones will be available starting tomorrow. South Korean consumers can buy the special-edition package of the Galaxy Buds Live via the Kakao shopping channel from 7:30 PM to 9 PM (local time). From September 10, the wireless earphones will also be available through FILA’s and Samsung’s websites.

Samsung will sell only 2,000 units of the Galaxy Buds Live FILA Edition. The package includes a co-branded box with FILA and Samsung logos, a Mystic White version of the Galaxy Buds Live, a cover for the case with a FILA logo, a square case inspired by FILA shoebox, and a disruptor keyring with a small-scale model of a signature FILA shoe.

FILA and Samsung say that the limited-edition truly wireless earphones are designed for the millennials and Generation Z consumers. Recently, the South Korean electronics giant has also collaborated with famous apparel designer Thom Browne to launch limited-edition variants of the Galaxy Z Flip and the Galaxy Z Fold 2.

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Samsung’s online smartphone retail business in India is booming

Samsung India shifted focus on its online retail channels earlier this year as physical stores became unsustainable during the coronavirus lockdown. All signs indicate that the company’s aggressive push to the online space has paid off and according to a recent report citing Samsung India Senior Vice President Asim Warsi, the company now expects its online business to grow in value by 35% this year compared to 2019.

The Senior Vice President confirmed that the Galaxy M lineup has been very successful in the Indian online space this year and that the series was the main driving force behind the company’s success. Post-lockdown, demand and interest in M series is very strong said Asim Warsi, adding that the Galaxy M lineup has seen its average selling price grow by 50%, reflecting the high demand. Indeed, Samsung India had already hit a record high online market share in Q2 2020 when it recorded a 14% year-on-year increase largely thanks to the Galaxy M30s and Galaxy M31.

Samsung is now preparing the Galaxy M51 for release through online channels and expects the upcoming mid-range device to keep the momentum going. The Galaxy M51 will be launched in India on September 10 through the company’s online store as well as Amazon.in. The Galaxy M51 sports a monstrous 7,000mAh battery which is unprecedented for a Galaxy smartphone. Exact launch prices are unknown but the Galaxy M51 is expected to hit the virtual shelves for anywhere between INR 20,000 ($272) and INR 25,000 ($340).

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You can buy the Galaxy Watch 3 for 15% off with this Amazon discount

There are plenty of reasons to love the Galaxy Watch 3 but the higher entry-level price compared to Samsung’s previous smartwatches isn’t one of them. If you feel this way and you’ve been holding off buying the Galaxy Watch 3 in hope of a discount, this might be your day. Amazon is now selling the 45mm Bluetooth model in the USA at a hefty 15% discount, which means that buyers are looking at a $365.30 price instead of the original $429.99.

The offer applies only to the 45mm Galaxy Watch 3 with Bluetooth connectivity and it’s not available for the LTE model. Likewise, it’s valid only for the Mystic Black color, while the Mystic Silver variant continues to be sold for $429. The deal is available only through Amazon and you won’t find it at Samsung.com. However, Samsung does offer you the option to trade-in your older smartwatch, phone, or tablet in exchange for instant credit worth up to $150.

The Galaxy Watch 3 is arguably Samsung’s classiest smartwatch to date. The beautiful design is adorned with a physical rotating bezel, and the circular 1.4-inch Super AMOLED display is easy to read even in direct sunlight. It has powerful fitness tracking features, sleep, stress, and heart rate monitoring, and the 45mm model is compatible with virtually any 22mm wrist band. It’s unclear how long this Amazon discount on the Galaxy Watch 3 will last so you might want to hurry if you’re looking to buy the wearable below the full retail price. Check the links below for more details.

Galaxy Watch 3 review

• Buy the Galaxy Watch 3 from Amazon

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Samsung’s lost smartphone shipment figures to be fully recovered in 2021

Samsung is expected to maintain leadership in terms of global smartphone shipments this year and the company is likely to strengthen its position even further in 2021 as the market should recover with the help of 5G and foldable phones. According to Pulse citing research firm Strategy Analytics, Samsung is expected to reach 265.5 million smartphone shipments this year, down from 295.1 million shipments in 2019. However, the company’s shipment figures could top 295 million units again in 2021.

The market research firm has adjusted its 2020 projected global shipment figures for all brands combined. It estimates that shipments will drop by only 11% year-on-year as opposed to 15.6%. It turns out that the global smartphone market is experiencing a higher-than-expected recovery rate in the USA, Europe, and India, and next year the global market could top pre-pandemic shipment figures similar to those recorded in 2019 (1.41 billion).

As for Samsung’s rivals, Huawei appears to be losing ground at an accelerated rate. The Chinese tech giant temporarily edged past Samsung to become the largest smartphone brand earlier this year but it’s ban in the USA has sent its shipment figures into a nosedive, spelling great news for Samsung. Strategy Analytics estimates that Huawei will be the second-largest smartphone maker in terms of shipments in 2020 with 192.7 million units, but shipments will significantly drop down to 59 million units in 2021. Apple will reportedly remain the third-largest OEM in terms of shipments in 2020 but will regain second place next year on account of Huawei’s misfortune.

Samsung could gain some ground in China at Huawei’s expense

Samsung is one of the weaker brands in China despite the company’s massive success in other markets. The tech giant had a shipment market share of under 1% in China at the end of Q2 2020 (via Counterpoint Research), with brands like Huawei, Vivo, Oppo, Xiaomi, and Apple performing significantly better. However, the tables could be turning soon.

Strategy Analytics estimates that Samsung’s fortunes in China could improve as Huawei continues to slow down its smartphone production. Huawei is the biggest flagship smartphone brand in China but there’s a possibility that both Samsung and Apple will gain some of their rival’s flagship smartphone market share. Meanwhile, other domestic brands will continue to remain popular in the low and mid-range segments.

This could create a snowball effect wherein Samsung will boost its brand visibility through increased flagship sales and become more relevant in China across all segments, but nevertheless, competition will be fierce.

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Galaxy Z Fold 2 Thom Browne pre-orders in Korea are tied to a lottery

The Galaxy Z Fold 2 Thom Browne Edition is available for pre-order in less than a dozen countries but the pre-order process in South Korea is very different compared to other markets. Samsung announced today that the Galaxy Z Fold 2 Thom Browne Edition will be offered to pre-order customers in South Korea through an online lottery system. In other words, pre-ordering the special edition device in South Korea doesn’t guarantee a completed purchase after the pre-order period ends, but there are benefits to this approach.

The obvious reason why Samsung chose to sell the Galaxy Z Fold 2 Thom Browne Edition in this manner in South Korea is because of limited quantities. The company plans to sell only 5,000 units worldwide, and in Thailand at least, the Galaxy Z Fold 2 Thom Browne Edition was sold-out in record time. However, attaching a lottery system to pre-orders should technically give all prospective buyers a chance to receive the device at the end of the month. It’s arguably a more thoughtful approach than having people refreshing the pre-order page in an attempt to be among the first to hit the pre-order button.

Fans of the Galaxy Z Fold 2 Thom Browne Edition in South Korea can apply to pre-purchase the device beginning today. The window of opportunity will last only until tomorrow, September 8. Samsung will reveal the lucky winners on September 9 but it hasn’t revealed exactly how many units will be available in the country. And to be clear, the lucky customers who will be selected at random won’t receive the phone for free. This lottery merely gives them an opportunity to pre-order the Galaxy Z Fold 2 Thom Browne Edition at full price. It costs 3.96 million won in South Korea, or the rough equivalent of $3,330, and it will ship to customers on September 25.

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September 2020 security update has reached the Galaxy Note 8 in Europe

Samsung had first deployed the September 2020 security patch last week, with the Galaxy Note 9 being the first device in its portfolio to receive it. A handful of other devices have followed suit, including the Galaxy Note 10 Lite which also received One UI 2.5. As the rollout continues to expand, the company has now briefly turned its attention towards one of its older S Pen models, namely the Galaxy Note 8.

The Galaxy Note 8 carrying model number SM-N950F is presently receiving the September 2020 security update in Nordic countries. As always, the update’s availability will expand to other regions in the coming days and weeks, so don’t feel left out if you have yet to received the update notification on your phone. The rollout process is gradual but it will eventually reach every one of the millions of Galaxy Note 8 units that have been sold by Samsung over the years.

The latest update for the Galaxy Note 8 can be identified by firmware version N950FXXUDDTH1 and, as expected, it doesn’t seem to bring any new features to the aging S Pen device. In addition, Samsung has yet to detail the September 2020 security patch so it’s unclear what vulnerabilities it’s supposed to fix. Regardless, higher security is always welcomed and you should update your Galaxy Note 8 as soon as you have the opportunity to do so.

If you reside in Nordic countries, you can try to trigger the update process by opening Settings on your phone, accessing Software update, and tapping Download and install. If you reside elsewhere, keep an eye out for new update notifications on your phone. Alternatively, you can refer to SamMobile’s firmware archives, download the latest Galaxy Note 8 firmware on your Windows PC and flash it to your phone manually.

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Will my Samsung Galaxy device get Android 11?

For Samsung, a manufacturer that launches an almost obscene amount of smartphones each year, bringing new Android versions to its customers is a daunting affair. Having so many devices means Samsung needs a lot of time in order to bring one major Android update to each and every one of them. Before the company gets around to completing that task, Google announces — and sometimes releases — the next version of Android, and the cycle continues.

This year is no different. Android 10 has yet to reach all Galaxy smartphones and tablets that are eligible for the update, and people are already talking about Android 11. Android 11 will most likely be accompanied by One UI 3.0, and while we don’t currently know what features Samsung will offer on top of what will be built into stock Android 11, we can tell you if the next version of Android will come to your Galaxy smartphone or tablet.

Samsung Galaxy devices eligible for Android 11 update

The devices listed below are currently expected to get Android 11. The list is based on Samsung’s policy of providing two major Android upgrades to all of its devices and three major upgrades for flagship and select mid-range devices, which means your device will probably get Android 11 if it came with Android 9 Pie or Android 10 out of the box.

• Galaxy A01
• Galaxy A10
• Galaxy A10e
• Galaxy A10s
• Galaxy A11
• Galaxy A20
• Galaxy A20e
• Galaxy A20s
• Galaxy A21
• Galaxy A21s
• Galaxy A30
• Galaxy A30s
• Galaxy A31
• Galaxy A40
• Galaxy A41
• Galaxy A42 5G
• Galaxy A50
• Galaxy A50s
• Galaxy A51
• Galaxy A51 5G
• Galaxy A60
• Galaxy A70
• Galaxy A70s
• Galaxy A71
• Galaxy A71 5G
• Galaxy A80
• Galaxy A8s
• Galaxy A90 5G
• Galaxy M01
• Galaxy M11
• Galaxy M21
• Galaxy M30s
• Galaxy M31
• Galaxy M40
• Galaxy M51
• Galaxy Xcover 4s
• Galaxy Xcover FieldPro
• Galaxy Xcover Pro
• Galaxy S10e / S10 / S10+ / S10 5G
• Galaxy S10 Lite
• Galaxy Note 10 / Note 10+ (LTE/5G)
• Galaxy Note 10 Lite
• Galaxy Note 20 / Note 20 Ultra
• Galaxy S20 / S20+ / S20 Ultra (LTE/5G)
• Galaxy Fold (LTE/5G)
• Galaxy Z Flip (LTE/5G)
• Galaxy Z Fold 2
• Galaxy Tab S5e
• Galaxy Tab S6
• Galaxy Tab S6 Lite
• Galaxy Tab S7 / Tab S7+
• Galaxy Tab A 10.1 2019
• Galaxy Tab A 8.0 2019
• Galaxy Tab A7
• Galaxy Tab Active Pro

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Galaxy Wearable gets Android 11 support, One UI 3.0 beta release soon?

Samsung fans are waiting for the company to open up the One UI 3.0 public beta. This would allow them to take Android 11 for a spin ahead of its general release. Samsung hasn’t said when the beta will be launched but there’s a sign now which suggests that the beta may not be that far off.

Google has already been running a beta program for Android 11. Samsung tends to launch its program a few months after the fact, so it’s not going to be long now before the company makes the announcement that a lot of its fans are waiting for.

One UI 3.0 Android 11 public beta likely coming soon

Samsung did start taking registrations for the One UI 3.0 beta last month. However, this beta program is limited to developers and only covers the Galaxy S20 series. Accessing the beta firmware right now will require an approved application from Samsung.

A public beta is planned and will be launched in due course. Samsung has been running beta programs for the past few years so it’s a matter of when not if it’s going to do the same for Android 11.

The latest update for Samsung’s Galaxy Wearable app drops a hint that the beta may not be that far off. The changelog for version 2.2.33.20082161 mentions “Support R OS.” Android R is another moniker for Android 11 so clearly, this app has been updated in anticipation for the upcoming beta.

We’ll keep our ear to the ground and let you know as soon as there’s more information about the One UI 3.0 beta launch. The public beta will be available for a variety of devices, including but not limited to the Galaxy S20, Galaxy Note 20, Galaxy S10 and Galaxy Note 10 series.

The next major firmware update will start rolling out globally within the year. Samsung has already confirmed that the Galaxy S20 series will be the first to get the Android 11 One UI 3.0 update before the end of 2020. These are all of the Samsung devices eligible for Android 11.

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Galaxy S21 firmware development is underway

With all of its flagship launches for 2020 done and dusted, Samsung is turning its attention to the Galaxy S21. The company has started firmware development for its next Galaxy S flagship over in the United States for all of the country’s major carriers. As you would expect, the firmware is based on Android 11. The One UI version that debuts with the Galaxy S21 is likely to be 3.1, just like the Galaxy S20 series hit retail stores running One UI 2.1.

At this time, Samsung is only developing firmware for 5G-enabled Galaxy S21 models – the SM-G991U, SM-G996U, and SM-G998U, which will probably launch as the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, and Galaxy S21 Ultra. It remains to be seen if Samsung will continue to make LTE variants of its top-of-the-line smartphones next year. The Korean giant is going to provide three major Android OS updates for flagships because consumers are holding on to their phones for longer, and going by that logic, having 5G connectivity as standard would make a lot more sense moving forward.

Naturally, it’s too early to say what Samsung will end up doing, as we’re still almost six months out from the Galaxy S21’s official announcement. That’s assuming Samsung isn’t aiming for a premature launch, considering firmware development for the Galaxy S20 series didn’t start nearly as early as it has for the Galaxy S21 trio. Even the reveal of the battery capacities for the Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21+ came sooner than we expected, so it’s certainly a possibility.

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Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra getting September 2020 security update

The Galaxy Note 20 and Galaxy Note 20 Ultra are getting their first Android security update post-release, the one that brings their security patch level to September 1st, 2020. Identified by build number N98XFXXS1ATH9, the over-the-air release already reached some international variants of the Galaxy Note 20 in Germany and South East Europe as of Sunday evening and should soon be making its way to other countries. Beyond security vulnerability fixes, no other improvements or changes are part of the said update.

Assuming you have a compatible Galaxy Note 20 or Galaxy Note 20 Ultra model, you can download the update over the air from the phone’s Settings » Software update menu. If you aren’t willing to wait for the OTA to reach you, you can always download the full system image containing the new software from SamMobile‘s firmware archive, then flash it onto your device manually. That is assuming you know what you’re doing and understand the risks associated with this level of tinkering, of course.

The first update of many

This is just the first of many updates Samsung is vowing to deliver to the Galaxy Note 20 and Galaxy Note 20 Ultra as the newly released flagships are part of the company’s latest promise to deliver three generations’ worth of Android updates to its contemporary devices.

In related news, it appears the future of the Galaxy Note series is once again being called into question, with Samsung currently said to be considering merging its stylus-equipped lineup with another flagship series. The idea is neither new nor particularly unpopular, but with no clear alternative to in sight, it remains to be seen what Samsung decides to do next year.

Galaxy Note 20

• Model: SM-N980F
• Dimensions: Bar: 161.6 x 75.2 x 8.3 mm
  
• Display: 6.7 inch / 170.18 mm Super AMOLED Plus
• CPU: Exynos 990
• Camera: 12MP

More specifications

Galaxy Note 20 Ultra

• Model: SM-N985F
• Dimensions: Bar: 164.8 x 77.2 x 8.1 mm
  
• Display: 6.9 inch / 175.26 mm Dynamic AMOLED 2X
• CPU: Exynos 990
• Camera: 108MP

More specifications

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Samsung to sell smart home bundles in Netherlands as SmartThings grows

Samsung’s smart home platform, SmartThings, has become quite popular in the Netherlands. Of the 63 million active SmartThings users across the globe, over 1 million in Dutch. This means that 1 in 14 adults in the Netherlands is a SmartThings user.

The company believes that this number is set to grow further in the future. Recent research conducted to take the pulse of the market showed that nearly 4 in 10 Dutch people are positive about smart homes. Samsung wants to cater to them by offering them product bundles for the smart home.

Samsung looks to drive SmartThings adoption with product bundles

The SmartThings platform aims to be a one-stop solution for users who want to live a connected lifestyle. It can be used to control a wide variety of smart objects, including but not limited to thermostats, camera-equipped doorbells, smart lights, TVs, washing machines, and more. SmartThings offers exceptional flexibility to users since it’s not just compatible with Samsung products. Devices from more than 130 different partners use the SmartThings platform.

The convenience that it provides is one of the reasons why SmartThings has grown so rapidly not just in the Netherlands but globally. Samsung had just 28 million registered SmartThings users worldwide in 2018. Merely two years later, it now has 147 million users.

Many Dutch customers will continue to work from home and even stay indoors for exercise and entertainment as winter approaches. Samsung wants them to take full advantage of its smart home platform as the world comes to terms with its new normal. That’s why it’s going to offer product bundles for smart devices to customers in the Netherlands as part of its ‘Welcome To The Easy Life’ campaign.

The bundles on offer include the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite with a 6-month subscription to the Videoland streaming service, The Sero rotating TV with the Galaxy A50, the QLED TV with a Galaxy Watch Active 2 or Galaxy Watch 3, another QLED TV bundle with its Soundbar and its QuickDrive washing machine with the Galaxy Watch Active 2 or Galaxy Fit.

Samsung hasn’t confirmed the pricing for these bundles but it will do that in due course. It remains to be seen if similar product bundles will be offered in other markets across the globe.

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Samsung will permanently shut down its TV factory in China in November

Samsung will soon shut down its sole TV factory in China. According to industry sources, the South Korean tech giant will close its TV manufacturing plant in Tianjin, China in a bid to boost efficiency in its supply chain management. The company has been shutting down its factories in China over the past few years.

The TV plant in Tianjin, which has close to 300 workers, will be closed by the end of November 2020. The decision was taken back in 2018 and is said to be a part of the company’s larger plans to improve efficiency at its production bases worldwide. Samsung has been facing fierce competition from Chinese TV brands, but it has still maintained its leading position in the global market.

The company will stop the production of LCD panels by the end of this year and start focusing on the production of QD-OLED panels for its next-generation QLED TVs. Sources say that the company’s QD-OLED technology is similar to LG’s OLED technology, but Samsung will not market it as OLED. The company is also working on microLED TVs.

Samsung had closed its smartphone factory in Tianjin in 2018 and Huizhou plant in 2019. Soon, the company will only have two manufacturing facilities in China: a chip plant in Xian and home appliances factory in Suzhou.

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