الغريب: 09/08/21

الأربعاء، 8 سبتمبر 2021

Galaxy M31 gets Samsung Pay Mini support with September 2021 security update

Samsung started rolling out the September 2021 security update last week with the Galaxy S20 FE. Multiple high-end and mid-range smartphones have already received the update. The Galaxy M31 has now started getting Samsung’s latest security patch and Samsung Pay Mini functionality.

The Galaxy M31 is getting a new software update in India. It comes with firmware version M315FXXU2BUH6 and includes the September 2021 security patch that fixes more than 50 vulnerabilities related to privacy and security. The update also brings Samsung Pay Mini to the smartphone, allowing users to make mobile payments at retail locations via QR codes. As usual, the update includes device stability improvements and bug fixes.

If you are a Galaxy M31 user in India, you might have received the update already. If you haven’t, you can check for the update manually by navigating to Settings » Software update and clicking on Download and install. You can also download the latest firmware file from our firmware database and flash it manually. The update could expand to more markets over the next few days.

Samsung had launched the Galaxy M31 in early 2020 with Android 10-based One UI 2 onboard. A few months ago, the smartphone received the Android 11-based One UI 3.0 update and the One UI 3.1 update in March 2021.

Samsung Galaxy M31 September 2021 Update Samsung Pay Mini

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Galaxy Watch 4 gets Google Pay in markets where Samsung Pay is M.I.A.

Google is bringing its mobile payment platform to Wear OS in more countries, which means Galaxy Watch 4 users now have an alternative to Samsung Pay. Even better, Google Pay just went live for Wear OS in several countries where Samsung Pay has yet to be released.

Following the recent update (via Android Police), Google Pay is now supported in a total of 40 countries. Out of these 40 markets, 37 support mobile payments through Wear OS. The ten new markets that got added to the list of supported regions for Google Pay on Wear OS are Austria, Bulgaria, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Portugal, Romania, and Singapore.

Google Pay is supported in nearly twice as many markets

Save for Singapore, Samsung Pay isn’t available in any of these countries. But because the new Galaxy Watch 4 smartwatch series runs Wear OS instead of Tizen, owners can now perform mobile payments directly from their wrists in markets where Samsung Pay isn’t available. At least, as long as they’re willing to use Google’s mobile payment platform instead of Samsung Pay.

If you are using the Galaxy Watch 4 or Galaxy Watch 4 Classic and you’d like to use Google Pay — in countries where Samsung has yet to release Pay or otherwise — you’ll have to change some settings first. It’s real easy. Just open Settings, access Connections >> NFC, and select Google Pay as your mobile payment method.

Galaxy Watch 4 series best features | Galaxy Watch 4 series review

SamsungGalaxy Watch 4 Classic (46mm)

SamsungGalaxy Watch 4 (44mm)

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Galaxy Gaming: What we are playing in September 2021

Summer is traditionally the least interesting period of the year for video games, mobile gaming included. And while we haven’t seen that many new releases worth highlighting, this was a good time time to revisit some of this year’s other intriguing titles.

Before we get into it, let’s just mention how this is very much an experimental format. Meaning we’d love to hear your thoughts on it even more so than usual. The gist of it is that finding new mobile games worth your time is difficult. There’s so much trash floating around that spending any amount of time searching for new titles to play can often feel like an exercise in frustration. We’d like to make it less so, which is where Galaxy Gaming comes into play.

With all of that said, let’s highlight some of the top mobile games that have been eating our time in recent weeks. All of which are confirmed to be working on a wide variety of Galaxy devices, of course.

NieR Re[in]carnation

NieR Re[in]carnation is such an unusual game that even its very name refuses to be constrained by the English alphabet. It’s been available globally for a couple of months by now, with its soft launch happening back in late spring. Though now would be a good time to check out this new addition to the NieR series. Not least because it turned out to be quite a worthwhile continuation of the iconic RPG saga.

See, while Square Enix has a decent track record with mobile games, it’s hard to resist skepticism when you hear the words “free-to-play gacha“. Fortunately, that skepticism was entirely unwarranted this time around. NieR: Re[in]carnation lacks hard paywalls and is easy to enjoy without spending a dime. This business model will hopefully end up working for the developer, as we’d like nothing better than to see a follow-up on this project.

Not that the studio is done with putting out new story content on a monthly basis. But the main story, which runs for around eight hours, can now be enjoyed to completion. And enjoy it, you shall. Especially given the absolutely stunning presentation, which includes both visuals and a captivating original soundtrack.

Download NieR Re[in]carnation from the Play Store

Genshin Impact

The Android port of Genshin: Impact is worth trying out for the sole purpose of marveling at its visuals. The game’s art direction is top-notch, even if it borrows quite heavily from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. But if you haven’t been keeping up with mobile gaming lately, you might be surprised to see what kind of graphics even your mid-range Galaxy device is capable of outputting.

Beneath the surface, however, the aforementioned BoTW influences don’t mesh too well with the grindy nature of a freemium ARPG. Not that we ever felt forced to pay to have fun. It’s just that the threshold for “fun” gets quite a bit lower when Nintendo’s open-world formula is married to a grindfest that Genshin: Impact devolves into following its opening hours. Still, if you’re a sucker for pretty graphics and anime tropes, there’ll be a lot for you to enjoy here.

Project CARS GO

Remember any racing games from the early days of smartphones? Remember how every single one was designed primarily for tilt controls? Like the gyroscope was the greatest thing ever invented, and not a fiddly gimmick totally unsuitable for controlling anything? The folks at Gamevil seem to remember.

And while they were mostly doing action RPGs back in those day, their take on the Project Cars formula is interesting enough to warrant our recommendation. Granted, hardcore racing fans might absolutely hate the low level of player agency on offer. But there’s no denying that Project Cars Go offers a seamless gameplay experience.

Sure, getting to this point required a lot of compromise. Like turning a racing simulator into a mini-game fest; one that just so happens to be showing auto races while you’re tapping away at the screen. But half the fun in this kind of games is gawking at your growing collection of vehicles. And boy, does Project Cars Go deliver on this front. So – gawk away.

Download Project CARS GO from the Play Store

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SmartThings survey suggests people are ready to live in IoT smart homes

Smart home devices are becoming increasingly important for people when they’re looking to relocate, shows a recent SmartThings survey shared by Samsung. Nearly 75% of people surveyed claim that IoT is an important factor when purchasing a new home, as smart home devices can lower bills, improve security, and streamline various processes.

The pandemic forced many people to consider relocating and has caused demand for houses to skyrocket in the USA, reaching the highest level seen in years. The need for smart home devices also became more evident over the last year as a result. 81% of people surveyed claim they are familiar with connected technologies. 75% said smart home capabilities are an important feature when looking for a place to live.

High costs are the main deterrent but things are changing

Smart home device costs have kept many potential buyers away, but as IoT becomes more mainstream — partly because more people are now working from home — residents, managers, and landlords alike can greatly benefit from these connected technologies.

The survey suggests that most people believe smart home devices are limited to smart lights and smart locks. However, smart homes and buildings can be equipped with the necessary IoT equipment to lower operation costs for residents and landlords alike. They can make home repairs easier thanks to SmartThings’ integration with Greystar, Entrata, and Willow, not to mention that smart home appliances can be monitored and diagnosed remotely in real-time.

Aside from the hardware itself, Samsung’s IoT platform continues improving with new software updates every so often. SmartThings Energy was released earlier this summer for customers in the United States, and 61% of survey participants claim to have already saved money on utilities each month by using SmartThings technologies.

According to the survey shared by Samsung, the most important smart home devices for IoT users are smart cameras, lights, appliances, speakers, plugs, and smart locks. Meanwhile, the SmartThings Find network hosts 100 million find nodes and locates roughly 230,000 misplaced devices every day.

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AMD-powered Exynos chips could be coming to Galaxy A series

The next-gen Exynos 2200 chipset won’t be the only Samsung SoC to utilize an AMD graphics chip based on the RDNA 2 architecture. At least not according to a recent rumor claiming that Samsung has another AMD-powered Exynos chipset in the works for the mid-range Galaxy A lineup.

The name is unknown, but regardless, the rumor suggests that there will be two versions of the same mid-range Exynos chip. One will have two compute units and be aimed at the mid-range Galaxy A family of devices, and the other will boast four compute units for improved performance in the upper-mid-range segment.

The latter AMD Exynos chipset model will be employed by at least two smartphone OEMs from China, claims the source, and this sort of falls in line with previous reports of OPPO and Xiaomi eyeing the Exynos 2200 SoC for some of their future phones.

Galaxy A53 and A73 would be prime contenders for AMD Exynos SoCs

The source didn’t mention any specific Galaxy A model that could end up employing AMD graphics in the future. However, if Samsung does indeed plan on following this strategy, then the Galaxy A53 and A73 would be prime contenders.

These two phones have yet to be announced, but it’s logical to assume that they will, eventually, given their lineage. The Galaxy A5x is one of the most flourishing smartphones series, and both the Galaxy A52 and Galaxy A72 have redefined the mid-range segment earlier this year — all thanks to additions such as water resistance, stereo speakers, 120Hz displays, and more.

Samsung may want to keep the momentum going by improving the upcoming Galaxy A53 and Galaxy A73. Boosting performance with the help of AMD graphics could go a long way, but we’ll see.

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Guess the Samsung device 16 – See if you can get them all right!

This is a fun new activity that we have put together for our readers. Think you can correctly identify all Samsung devices? Take part in our quiz below and let’s see how many you can get right!

We’ll create a new visual quick every week for you to participate and hopefully learn more about the many Samsung Galaxy devices. Do share the results of the quiz with your friends and see if you can compete against them for higher scores and bragging rights.

Remember, if the quiz isn’t loading properly, please access the non-AMP version of this webpage.

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SmartThings Find is now being used to locate 230,000 lost devices daily

Samsung’s SmartThings Find service has become surprisingly popular in a very short amount of time. The service was first released near the end of October last year, and now, less than 12 months after its debut, SmartThings Find is used to locate roughly 230,000 devices every day.

According to Samsung, the SmartThings Find network now comprises more than 100 million find nodes, allowing hundreds of thousands of misplaced devices to be found every day. In the recent announcement, President and Head of Mobile TM Roh said “SmartThings Find is yet another example of how Samsung is continuing to create meaningful new experiences that help make life more convenient and less stressful.”

And indeed, SmartThings Find kept getting new features after its release last year. A few months after its debut, the service became compatible with Android Auto and now allows SmartThing Find users to find their car’s parking location and control certain features — such as air conditioning — remotely.

SmartThings Find leverages Bluetooth LE and ultra-wideband (UWB) technologies to locate devices, and even if your smart device is offline, other Samsung devices owned by other people in the Find network can help you locate your misplaced phone, tablet, Smart Tag etc. And thanks to further updates, users can now invite up to 19 other people to SmartThings Find Members and locate up to 200 devices at once.

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Samsung’s new 13-inch stretchable OLED literally adds a 3rd dimension

Over the years, Samsung’s OLED panels went from rigid to flexible to foldable, and now it looks like the next evolutionary step may be stretchable OLED panels. Earlier today, Samsung Display demonstrated such technology at Global Tech Korea 2021.

This wasn’t the first demonstration of a stretchable OLED display, but it certainly looks like Samsung Display brought this technology to a whole new level from the last time we saw it in action.

A few months ago, SAIT demonstrated stretchable display technology for a small wrist-worn heart rate monitor. The stretchable display looked unconventional and consisted of a few pixels — too few to form high-detailed images. However, the stretchable OLED panel demonstrated earlier today (via @Kuma_Sleepy / ETNews) looks much more like a conventional display with very unique characteristics.

Watch Samsung’s 13-inch stretchable OLED display in action

The video below emerged after the Global Tech Korea 2021 presentation from earlier today concluded, and it shows a stretchable 13-inch OLED panel in action. There’s an image of flowing lava on the screen, while a hardware element hidden behind the stretchable OLED panel pushes the surface of the screen outwards. It literally adds a third dimension to the otherwise 2D surface of a screen.

Now, this type of technology might not be fit for conventional mobile phones or tablets, but Samsung creates all sorts of display-based products, from mobile panels to the largest LED videoboards and digital waterfalls in the world. The company also powers cinemas and has created a green screen alternative for film creators. With that in mind, Samsung and/or its numerous display clients have surely considered more than one use for this new technology. Time will tell if it will ever be put into practice, and until then, we can only imagine what its applications could be.

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When will my Galaxy phone get a security update?

Software of any kind can have unintended vulnerabilities and flaws, and Android is no different. As the most widely used mobile operating system, Android is a major target for hackers looking for a way to exploit those vulnerabilities in order to access user data and cause other such inconveniences. To prevent major security exploits, Google fixes newly discovered vulnerabilities in Android by the way of monthly patches that are then released by various smartphone manufacturers for their smartphones through security updates.

Samsung makes the most number of Android smartphones, and it releases security updates for many of them on a monthly basis. In addition to fixing vulnerabilities in the core Android OS, these updates also fix vulnerabilities that affect Samsung’s custom version of Android that runs on all Galaxy smartphones and tablets. But releasing monthly updates to every device in its lineup is a near-impossible task, so Samsung releases new security updates for some devices on a quarterly basis (that is, once every three months).

Usually, it’s the flagship devices that receive monthly security updates and the mid-range and budget ones that get quarterly updates, but it’s not always that clear-cut. Some devices may get monthly updates for the first year or two after they hit the market and then be moved to the quarterly schedule, while some may be relegated to quarterly updates from day one.

Some devices, especially those that went on sale more than three years ago, only get bi-annual updates. In some cases, Samsung may send security updates when a critical vulnerability is discovered or an old vulnerability gets fixed for any device.

When will my Galaxy phone or tablet get a security update?

How do you know how often your Galaxy phone or tablet is supposed to get security updates? Below is a list of all devices that Samsung currently offers monthly and quarterly updates for, and also those that get security updates only when necessary.

Devices on monthly security update schedule

Galaxy Fold, Galaxy Z Fold 2, Galaxy Z Fold 2 5G, Galaxy Z Flip, Galaxy Z Flip 5G, Galaxy Z Fold 3, Galaxy Z Flip 3
Galaxy S10, Galaxy S10+, Galaxy S10e, Galaxy S10 5G, Galaxy S10 Lite
Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20 5G, Galaxy S20+, Galaxy S20+ 5G, Galaxy S20 Ultra, Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G, Galaxy S20 FE, Galaxy S20 FE 5G
Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, Galaxy S21 Ultra
Galaxy Note 10, Galaxy Note 10+, Galaxy Note 10+ 5G, Galaxy Note 10 Lite
Galaxy Note 20, Galaxy Note 20 5G, Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G
Galaxy A52, Galaxy A52 5G, Galaxy A52s
Enterprise Models: Galaxy A50, Galaxy XCover 4s, Galaxy Xcover FieldPro, Galaxy Xcover Pro, Galaxy Xcover 5

Devices on quarterly security update schedule

Galaxy S8 Active, Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+
Galaxy Note 8, Galaxy Note 9
Galaxy A20s, Galaxy A30s, Galaxy A40, Galaxy A50s, Galaxy A70s, Galaxy A90 5G
Galaxy A01, Galaxy A01 Core, Galaxy A11, Galaxy A21, Galaxy A21s, Galaxy A31, Galaxy A41, Galaxy A51, Galaxy A51 5G, Galaxy A71, Galaxy A71 5G
Galaxy A02, Galaxy A02s, Galaxy A12, Galaxy A22, Galaxy A22 5G, Galaxy A32, Galaxy A32 5G, Galaxy A42 5G, Galaxy A72, Galaxy A82 5G
Galaxy M10s, Galaxy M30s
Galaxy M01, Galaxy M11, Galaxy M21, Galaxy M21 2021, Galaxy M31, Galaxy M31s, Galaxy M51, Galaxy M12, Galaxy M32, Galaxy M42 5G, Galaxy M62
Galaxy F12, Galaxy F22, Galaxy F42 5G, Galaxy F52 5G, Galaxy F62
Galaxy Tab A 8.4 (2020), Galaxy Tab A7, Galaxy Tab A7 Lite, Galaxy Tab Active 2, Galaxy Tab Active Pro, Galaxy Tab Active 3
Galaxy Tab S6, Galaxy Tab S6 5G, Galaxy Tab S6 Lite, Galaxy Tab S7, Galaxy Tab S7+, GalaxY Tab S7 FE
W20 5G, W21 5G
Enterprise Models: Galaxy A8 (2018)

Devices getting security updates bi-annually

Galaxy S8 Lite, Galaxy Note FE
Galaxy A10, Galaxy A10s, Galaxy A10e, Galaxy A2 Core, Galaxy A20, Galaxy A20e, Galaxy A6, Galaxy A6+, Galaxy A7 (2018), Galaxy A8+ (2018), Galaxy A8 Star, Galaxy A8s, Galaxy A9 (2018), Galaxy A30, Galaxy A60, Galaxy A70, Galaxy A80
Galaxy J2 Core, Galaxy J3 Top, Galaxy J4, Galaxy J4+, Galaxy J4 Core, Galaxy J6, Galaxy J6+, Galaxy J7 Duo, Galaxy J7 Prime2, Galaxy J7 Top, Galaxy J7+, Galaxy J8
Galaxy M10, Galaxy M20, Galaxy M30, Galaxy M40
Galaxy Tab A (2017), Galaxy Tab A 10.5 (2018), Galaxy Tab A 10.1 (2019), Galaxy Tab A 8 (2019), Galaxy Tab A with S pen, Galaxy Tab S4, Galaxy Tab S5e, Galaxy Tab E 8 Refresh, Galaxy View 2

Why doesn’t my Galaxy device always get security updates on schedule?

Unfortunately, even if Samsung says a device is scheduled to get monthly updates, it may not provide a monthly update for that device in every country or region. Samsung can update a device in some regions in, say, the month of April while making owners of the device in other countries wait until the next month (or the one after that) for the latest security update. Sometimes, a device may not get a new security update in any country according to the usual schedule. These delays are often a result of Samsung working on a major update that brings new features or a newer version of the Android OS.

Carriers also affect the schedule for some devices. For example, some carriers may choose to put a device on a quarterly schedule even if Samsung provides a monthly update for unlocked units. And even Samsung doesn’t follow the schedule in every country. In the UK, for example, not even flagships get monthly security updates at times. There are no guarantees, basically, and while Samsung releases security updates with impressive regularity, it’s always possible a Galaxy phone or tablet may miss out on some security patches from time to time.

How do I check if a security update is available?

A security update, like any update, will show up on your device on its own once Samsung releases it in your country. You can also check to see if there’s an update available yourself by opening the Settings app on your device, navigating to Software Update, then tapping the download option (this can be Download updates manually or Download and install depending on your OS version). On older devices, the Software update menu may be inside the About device section of the Settings app.

If an update is not available over the air right from your device, you can check for an update using Samsung’s Smart Switch software for Windows and Mac PCs. Another alternative is to download the most recent firmware for your device and country from our firmware database and upgrade manually using a Windows PC.

How long can I expect security updates for my Galaxy device?

As already mentioned earlier, it’s usually flagship devices that get monthly security updates while mid-range and budget offerings get them every three months. But how long will your Galaxy phone or tablet continue to get security updates? Well, you can expect your device to be on the same schedule for the first two years after it hits the market. In the third year, a device in the monthly schedule is downgraded to quarterly updates and those on a quarterly schedule start getting security updates only when necessary. Samsung has increased the support period for security updates for some devices to the fourth year, but whether this is something that will happen with more devices remains to be seen.

You don’t have to search for your phone’s (or tablet’s) release date to see just how often it will get security updates, though. You can bookmark this page instead and keep checking back to see what security update schedule your Galaxy device falls under. Also keep reading SamMobile for news on when a Galaxy device gets a new software update (security updates, feature updates, and major OS updates). And if you don’t mind getting a bit technical, you can visit Samsung’s dedicated website for Android security updates for details on the major vulnerabilities that are fixed in each month’s security update.

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Watch Samsung unbox Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 Thom Browne Edition phones

Last month, Samsung had unveiled Thom Browne versions of the Galaxy Z Flip 3 and the Galaxy Z Fold 3. Both limited-edition smartphones sold out within five minutes of going on pre-order despite their eye-watering prices. The company has now published an official unboxing video of the Galaxy Z Flip 3 Thom Browne Edition and the Galaxy Z Fold 3 Thom Browne Edition.

While many of us can’t afford these special edition foldable smartphones from Samsung, we can at least look at their unboxing videos. The Galaxy Z Fold 3 Thom Brown Edition box consists of the Galaxy Z Fold 3, Galaxy Watch 4, and the Galaxy Buds 2. All these devices feature a white colorway and the signature three-colored stripe associated with Thom Browne. The Galaxy Watch 4 comes with Thom Browne-inspired straps, while the rest of the devices can be protected using Thom Browne-themed leather cases. There’s an S Pen Pro in the box as well.

The Galaxy Z Flip 3 Thom Browne box consists of the foldable phone, Galaxy Watch 4, and the Galaxy Buds 2. There are special-edition leather cases for the Galaxy Z Flip 3 and the Galaxy Buds 2. The Galaxy Watch 4 comes with two specially designed straps. Both boxes include the Wireless Charger Trio, which can wirelessly charge three devices simultaneously. Of course, all the devices in these two boxes have Thom Browne branding on them.

Galaxy Z Fold 3 hands-on | Galaxy Z Flip 3 hands-on
Galaxy Z Fold 3 review | Galaxy Z Flip 3 review

SamsungGalaxy Z Flip 3

SamsungGalaxy Z Fold 3

SamsungGalaxy Watch 4 (40mm)

SamsungGalaxy Buds 2

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SamMobile Weekly Giveaway: Enjoy great sound with the Galaxy Buds 2!

We’re back with the latest SamMobile Weekly Giveaway. Here’s your chance to grab Samsung’s latest wireless earbuds. The Galaxy Buds 2 were launched just last month and they’re certainly among the best yet from Samsung.

Our Galaxy Buds 2 review highlights all of the strengths of these earbuds. They offer a great sound experience, impressive noise cancellation and incredible comfort for those long listening sessions.

Simply use the widget down below to submit an entry. All SamMobile readers across the globe are eligible to participate. The winner will be announced on September 15th, 2021.

Galaxy Buds 2 international giveaway!

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[Result] SamMobile Weekly Giveaway: Win the brand new Galaxy Watch 4 Classic!

Samsung just came out with its new wearable devices and we’re giving one away as part of the SamMobile Weekly Giveaway. This is your chance to win Samsung’s brand new Galaxy Watch 4 Classic.

As we mentioned in our Galaxy Watch 4 review, the Classic model retains the fan-favorite rotating bezel. It also has a powerful processor, new Android-based Wear OS, tons of apps and many new features.

Simply submit an entry using the widget down below for a chance to win the new smartwatch. The winner will be announced on September 8th, 2021.

Result: Congratulations to Alfred L Francisco for winning the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic! We’ll get your prize out to you soon. For everyone else, there’s always next week!

Galaxy Watch 4 Classic international giveaway!

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Samsung ends firmware support for this Galaxy Note device

Samsung has made a few changes to its firmware update schedule this month. Whenever it makes such changes, there are always some devices that get cut off permanently. It’s a similar story this time around as well.

The device in question is already four years old. It’s highly uncommon for Samsung to support devices for security updates after they have been out for four years.

It’s the end of the line for the Galaxy Note FE

The changes Samsung made this month have also relegated the Galaxy Note 9 to the quarterly cycle. The device previously received monthly firmware updates. It only got security updates since it has already got the two Android OS upgrades it was eligible for. The Galaxy Note 9 will now get quarterly updates.

The Galaxy Note FE has been shown the door. Samsung has ended software update support for this device entirely. It won’t receive any updates in the future, not even any security patches going forward. The Galaxy S8 Lite has also been cut. It’s a watered-down version of the Galaxy S8 that was only released in China.

Some of you might remember the Galaxy Note FE. This device was born from the ashes of the Galaxy Note 7, quite literally. It was the refurbished version of Samsung’s cancelled phablet. The Galaxy Note FE had a similar design and specs with a smaller battery that didn’t explode.

Samsung only intended to sell 400,000 units of the Galaxy Note FE so this change isn’t going to impact a whole lot of people. Nevertheless, those who are still holding on to their Galaxy Note FE should probably upgrade to a new phone now. Our list of best Samsung phones has many great options in all price ranges to choose from.

You can find all of the firmware released for the Galaxy Note FE so far in our database.

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Samsung keeps hoarding engineers in post-COVID world

As the global economy keeps struggling to recover from the still-ongoing pandemic, most tech companies are finding it difficult to reinforce their engineering ranks. Especially in the Far East. And particularly if their name doesn’t start with “Samsung”.

A new report out of South Korea claims Samsung has pretty much been eating all qualified engineering talent in the country. Its chip business, alone, ramped up hiring by adding thousands of new employees to its ranks within the last 18 months.

Samsung’s rivals are getting desperate, and desperation is expensive

Today, Samsung Electronics Device Solutions has a headcount north of 60,000. That’s a 10% annual increase, and one that isn’t ending just yet. At least not if the company’s own officials are to be believed. Samsung Group Chairman, Lee Jae-yong himself, said as much around this time last year. Back when he was still Vice Chairman and the chaebol was mounting another AI hiring spree.

And as this spree is showing no end in sight, some companies are resorting to desperate measures. Like acquiring talent through mergers and acquisitions, which is by far the most expensive and unreliable way to do so. Unreliable because human resources tend to have a high turnover under any new management, both in tech and beyond. And expensive because these are $200,000-a-year positions we’re talking about. And that’s on the lower end of the spectrum, as far as semiconductor designers with ten years of experience are concerned.

Some companies in the Far East are already at a point that they see no other option but to overpay for a volatile talent pool. ADTechnology is one such stakeholder which acquired three entities employing 450 engineers in total since 2020, TheElec reports.

Taiwan, Vietnam, and China have all started bleeding talent due to this increased demand from South Korea. And if this year’s chip shortage is any indication, we might very well be looking at the start of a larger trend. One threatening to bleed everyone’s pockets – bar Samsung’s.

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Your Galaxy Note 9 will no longer receive monthly firmware updates

It’s been three years since the Galaxy Note 9 came out. The device has already received its two major Android OS upgrades. Now that its third year of security updates has also ended, Samsung has decided that it will no longer release monthly firmware updates for the Galaxy Note 9.

That’s not to say there won’t be any security updates for this device going forward. The company has simply decided that there’s no reason to keep this outdated device on the monthly release cycle going forward.

Galaxy Note 9 will only receive quarterly updates now

It’s usual for Samsung to refresh the firmware update cycles for its devices every few months. As devices get older, they can be dropped from the monthly schedule to the quarterly. That’s exactly what has happened to the Galaxy Note 9.

Samsung has dropped the Galaxy Note 9 down to the quarterly release schedule. So it will continue to receive security updates but only once every three months. This is still better than being on the bi-annual schedule. Devices on that list only receive firmware updates twice a year.

If history is any indication, the Galaxy Note 9 should be on the quarterly cycle for about a year before it gets relegated even further. It’s also possible that Samsung might just drop support for the device altogether once it hits the four-year mark.

You can always use our custom tool to find if your Samsung phone is running the latest patch. We also have just about every Galaxy Note 9 firmware that you’ll need in our database.

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Samsung monthly updates: September 2021 security patch details are out

It has been over a week since Samsung started sending out the September 2021 security patch for eligible devices. We normally have to wait for a bit before the company actually reveals everything that the latest security maintenance release patches.

With most of its key devices already receiving the update, the company has now released the details of its September 2021 security update. As you’d expect, it patches up dozens of vulnerabilities in both Android OS and Samsung’s own software.

Samsung details the September 2021 security patch

Patches from both Google and Samsung are bundled in this latest update. Google has fixed three critical vulnerabilities in its Android OS in addition to dozens of high and moderate-risk exploits.

Also included in this patch are fixes for 23 Samsung Vulnerabilities and Exposures items. These are the vulnerabilities that were found in Samsung’s own software. One such exploit allowed improper access control in Bluetooth APIs, allowing untrusted apps to get Bluetooth information.

There are quite a few devices that have already received this update. The list includes the Galaxy S20 FE, Galaxy Z Flip, Galaxy S10 Lite, Galaxy S20 series, Galaxy S21, Galaxy Z Flip 3 and the Galaxy Z Fold 3.

All other compatible devices should receive the latest Samsung security patch soon. You can use our custom tool to check whether your device already has the up to date security update.

The post Samsung monthly updates: September 2021 security patch details are out appeared first on SamMobile.

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LG’s new foldable display tech could mean big trouble for Samsung

LG may not be competing in the smartphone market anymore but like Samsung, it has other divisions that produce key components for mobile devices. LG Chem has announced a new foldable display material that it claims to be superior to existing glass-type materials, the kind that Samsung uses.

The company claims that its new foldable display coating is able to make the panels as hard as glass while retaining the flexibility of plastic. It even says that the crease on the foldable panel won’t be as noticeable as it is on existing materials.

LG is coming after Samsung’s lead in foldable displays

The Ultra-Thin Glass panels that Samsung uses for the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 are protected with a stretchable PET or plastic film. Samsung does say that it’s 80% tougher than the previous model.

LG is calling its new material ‘Real Folding Window.” It doesn’t rely on glass at all. This new material is a coating that’s only a few dozen micrometres thick. It’s applied to both sides of a PET film to improve its heat resistance and mechanical properties.

The PET film, which is thinner than existing glass solutions like Samsung’s UTG, is then able to achieve the same level of hardness without cracking on the screen and a less prominent crease. LG Chem says that the coated film is durable to withstand being folded over 200,000 times. That’s also the benchmark Samsung uses for its foldable panels.

This film will be the cover material that’s applied to a flexible OLED panel. LG says it’s going to be more competitive on price and suitable for a variety of devices including smartphones, tablets, laptops and rollable display phones.

The company points out that while existing cover materials are optimized for in-folding devices, like Samsung’s foldables, the Real Folding Window is also suitable for devices that fold outward.

It’s going to be a while before this new display technology hits the market. The company says it plans to start full-scale production in 2023. LG Chem is even working on new technologies that would enable it to produce a thin Real Folding Window with just the coating alone without requiring the PET film.

This is going to be a challenge for Samsung as the company wants to ramp up production of its foldable panels to supply other manufacturers who want to make foldable smartphones. Google is expected to be one of Samsung’s clients.

A cheaper and potentially easier to manufacture alternative from LG would threaten the advantage Samsung has gained so far. It would also push the company to compete on price. Consumers would win in the end, though, as this will help bring down the price of foldable smartphones in the future.

The post LG’s new foldable display tech could mean big trouble for Samsung appeared first on SamMobile.

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Samsung indirectly confirms Galaxy M52 5G is coming soon to Europe and India

After launching the Galaxy A52, Galaxy A52 5G, and the Galaxy A52s 5G this year, Samsung seems to be readying yet another mid-range smartphone. It was revealed a few months ago that the company is working on the Galaxy M52 5G, and Samsung has indirectly confirmed that phone today.

A support webpage for an upcoming Samsung smartphone with model number SM-M526BR/DS has been published. The device could be launched as the Galaxy M52 5G. The webpage is currently live on Samsung France and Samsung India websites (SM-M526B/DS), and the model number reveals that the device will feature 5G connectivity and a dual-SIM card slot.

We had previously reported that the Galaxy M52 5G features the Snapdragon 778G processor and 6GB of RAM. The phone’s leaked benchmark revealed that it runs Android 11 out of the box. The device is expected to feature a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Infinity-O display with Full HD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It could have 64GB/128GB internal storage, a microSD card slot, a 32MP selfie camera, and a 64MP quad-camera setup.

The smartphone has already received certification from the Bluetooth SIG, which means that it could launch soon. A 5,000mAh battery powers the phone, and it could be compatible with 25W fast charging. Samsung could bring the Galaxy M52 5G to Europe and India.

Samsung Galaxy M52 5G Support Webpage

Samsung Galaxy M52 5G Support Webpage India

The post Samsung indirectly confirms Galaxy M52 5G is coming soon to Europe and India appeared first on SamMobile.

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Unlocked Galaxy Note 10 variants finally getting August 2021 security update

While the international variants of the Galaxy Note 10 series have already started getting the September 2021 security update, the unlocked versions in the US aren’t so lucky. They have just started getting the August 2021 security update. Meanwhile, the carrier-locked variants of the Galaxy Note 10 and the Galaxy Note 10+ received the August 2021 patch last week.

The unlocked versions of the Galaxy Note 10 and the Galaxy Note 10+ have started getting a new software update on Comcast, C-Spire, and Verizon’s networks in the US. The update carries firmware version N97xU1UEU7FUH3 and includes the August 2021 security patch. Samsung had unveiled last month that the August patch fixes 40 vulnerabilities related to privacy and security.

If you are a Galaxy Note 10 series user on Comcast, C-Spire, or Verizon’s network in the US, you can check for the update manually by navigating to Settings » Software update and tapping on Download and install. You can also download the appropriate firmware file from our firmware database and flash it manually.

Samsung had launched the Galaxy Note 10 and the Galaxy Note 10+ in August 2019 with Android 9 Pie-based One UI. The phones received the Android 10-based One UI 2 update last year and the Android 11-based One UI 3 update earlier this year.