Verizon rolls out much-needed maintenance update for the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge

Verizon Wireless has just started distributing a much-needed maintenance update for its carrier-branded variants of the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge. The upgrade has been developed specifically to eliminate a software bug which resulted in a Factory Data Reset (FDR) after multiple consecutive failed attempts to unlock a handset using a fingerprint. Once the firmware has been installed, users will have ten tries to unlock their device using their fingerprint. If that doesn’t work, they’ll have five additional opportunities to gain access using their backup PIN or password. Once all fifteen attempts have been used unsuccessfully, the unit will initiate an FDR.

The update, which carries the software version MMB29K.G920VVRU4CPF2 for the Galaxy S6 and MMB29K.G925VVRU4CPF2 for the Galaxy S6 Edge, is available to download over-the-air (OTA) via a secure Wi-Fi connection. To see if it’s ready for your handset, simply head into Settings, followed by About Device, locate and select Software Update, then hit the Update Now button. Alternatively, you can wait until you receive a push notification prompting you to download and install the update from Samsung’s servers, but you’ll only receive this prompt in a timely manner if you have at least 50% of battery, or you’re plugged into a power outlet.

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Samsung shines some light on how the Gear Fit 2 has been optimized for fitness tracking

Samsung has already published an interview shining some light on the design and development process behind its second-generation sports band, the Gear Fit 2. However, the manufacturer left many questions unanswered with regards to how the device is more tailored to fitness than other wearables on the market, so the firm has taken to its Newsroom to share yet another Q&A, but, this time, it’s mainly focused on how it optimized the unit to monitor activity.

It’s clear that the defining feature of the Gear Fit 2 is the inclusion of a GPS chip. This enables the band to not only calculate distance better, but provides a more accurate representation of speed and calories burned. The designers believe that the unit is also more functional than its competitors, which is mainly achieved by the vibrant touchscreen mounted on the front that permits users to receive all the notifications they would on their smartphone on their wrist.

Check out the full Q&A by hitting the source link below.

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Samsung SM-W2017 clamshell smartphone spotted on Zauba with 4.2-inch display

We exclusively reported last month that Samsung is working on a high-end clamshell smartphone codenamed Veyron. Now, the device has been spotted on the Indian import/export listing site Zauba.

According to the listing on Zauba, the China-exclusive SM-W2017 features a 4.2-inch display, which is larger than 3.9-inch displays of its predecessors, the SM-W2016 and the SM-W2015. Five units of the SM-W2017 have been imported into India for testing purposes.

Codenamed Veyron internally, the device could feature a glass-and-metal build, an Exynos 8890 processor, a 12-megapixel primary camera with dual-pixel phase-detection autofocus, and a 5-megapixel secondary camera.

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Possible Gear VR revamp for Galaxy Note 7 surfaces

With the upcoming Galaxy Note 7 likely equipped with a USB Type-C port, the question of Gear VR compatibility is a very relevant one. A possible answer to that question has just surfaced.

Notorious import database Zauba reveals a Gear VR variant carrying model code SM-R323. The relevance of this number quickly becomes clear, taking into account that the SM-R320 was the first Innovator Edition for the Galaxy Note 4, the SM-R321 was the Innovator Edition for the Galaxy S6, and the SM-R322 is the Consumer Edition currently on the market.

As much as Samsung has pushed the Gear VR, a Galaxy Note 7 with USB Type-C port would not be compatible with the current generation of the headset. Thus, the launch of a new version, around the same time as the new Note, would make a lot of sense.

Still, no further details are available at present, but we hope to learn more in the coming weeks, or at latest on August 2, when Samsung is expected to officially launch the Galaxy Note 7.

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Samsung plans to bring QLED displays to TVs, smartphones, and monitors

Samsung applied for QLED TV and Quantum Dot TV trademarks at the US Patent and Trademark Office on June 27, 2016. This is the first time the South Korean TV giant has applied for the trademark of QLED TVs, but that’s not the only area where Samsung plans to use QLED technology.

According to the information found in the trademark application, Samsung intends to bring this display technology to its smartphones, tablets, and monitors. As opposed to LG, Samsung is planning to use QLED display technology in its high-end TVs because OLED TVs did not make enough progress in life and yield rates.

QLED displays emit their own light using semiconductors as small as 2nm to 10nm, so they don’t need a separate layer for the backlight. The company is expected to release QLED TVs in 2019. Samsung has also applied for Quantum Dot TV trademark in the US and Korea.

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Samsung details contents of July security patch

Samsung has taken to its official Security Blog to share the contents of this month’s maintenance patch. The upgrade, which has already started making its way to the unlocked variant of the Galaxy S6 edge via Smart Switch, is primarily targeted at fixing a critical error that results in the Jack audio service enabling malicious applications to access or modify values in shared memory. This makes it extremely easy for hackers to execute a remote code to clone the contents of a device.

As you’d expect, a lot of the contents of the update remain unknown. However, there is a genuine reason for this. The manufacturer cannot disclose the entire changelog for the upgrade as there are patches for bugs present that may not have been discovered yet and, once uncovered, hackers may attempt to manipulate them before the firmware is rolled out — so it’s best to keep them secret until the patch is distributed to all compatible handsets.

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Samsung launches 44 new TVs in India including SUHD and Joy Beat TVs

Samsung has launched 44 new TV models in India including its high-end SUHD TVs, mid-range Smart TVs, and affordable range of Joy Beat TVs. Prices of these TVs range from as low as INR 28,000 ($415) to as high as INR 2,400,000 ($35,725).

The company’s SUHD TV lineup with bezel-less curved quantum dot displays and 1000 nits brightness for HDR will be available in sizes of 49 inches to 88 inches with price tags ranging between INR 179,900 ($2,670) and 2,399,900 ($35,725).

The new Smart TV range from Samsung with features like Smart Interface, Smart Content, Smart Convergence and Smart play will be available in sizes of 32 inches to 88 inches for INR 34,500 ($512) to INR 703,900 ($10,450).

Affordable Joy Beat TVs come with a retro design and front-firing speakers with tweeters will be available in sizes of 32 inches to 49 inches for INR 27,900 ($399) to INR 69,500 ($1,030). The Cric-o-mania TV app developed by Samsung allows Indian consumers to keep up with cricket sports scores even when they’re watching other channels.

“Samsung aims to revolutionize the concept of home entertainment with beautifully designed TVs to meet the changing needs of our consumers, depending on their budget and lifestyle. While we are introducing the best picture quality ever with Quantum Dot technology in our new SUHD range, we are also introducing meaningful innovations in our Smart and Joy Beat ranges. With these offerings, we aim to further consolidate our position as the market leader across segments,” said Mr. Rajeev Bhutani, Vice President of Consumer Electronics at Samsung India.

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