Galaxy Mega launched in India

Samsung Galaxy Mega 5.8 and Galaxy Mega 6.3 launched in India

Anupam Saxena, May 28, 2013

Samsung has launched its Galaxy Mega large screen smartphones in the Indian market. The Galaxy Mega 5.8 will be available across the country within a week from today for a price of Rs. 25,100 while the Galaxy Mega 6.3 will be available in mid-June for a MRP of Rs. 31,490. 

Samsung Galaxy Mega 5.8 is a dual-SIM device that has a 5.8-inch screen with qHD(540x960 pixels) resolution. It is powered by a 1.4GHz dual-core processor alongside 1.5GB RAM and features an 8-megapixel rear camera, as well as a 2-megapixel front facing camera. The phone comes with 8GB expandable storage and has a 2,600mAh battery. It runs on Android 4.2 Jelly Bean out of the box. 

The Samsung Galaxy Mega 6.3 sports a 6.3-inch 720x1280 display and features the same camera as that of Galaxy Mega 5.8. It is powered by a dual-core processor clocked at 1.7GHz. The Galaxy Mega has 1.5GB of RAM, Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n and A-GPS. The phone comes with a 3,200 mAh battery and runs Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. The phone comes with 16GB internal storage capacity and has a microSD card for expanding the storage up to 64GB. 

The GALAXY Mega smartphones will offer split screen capability for a variety of applications including email, messages, 'MyFiles,' 'S Memo,' 'S Planner', amongst others. The devices will also feature the much touted 'Air View' feature, that lets users preview information in emails, photos in Gallery, and speed dial contacts without opening them. 

The phones are being launched with special offers from RCOM and Vodafone. RCOM customers buying the phone will get 2GB data per month free for 3 months and unlimited access to Big Movies library, WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter. Vodafone customers will get 2GB data download(2G+3G) per month for two months.

Samsung Galaxy Mega 6.3 key specifications 

• 6.3-inch HD display of 720x1280 resolution
• 1.7GHz dual-core processor
• 1.5GB RAM
• 16GB internal storage, can be expanded by up to 64B
• 8-megapixel rear camera with LED flash
• 2-megapixel front camera
• 3G, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth v 4.0, GPS
• Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean)
• 3200 mAh battery

Samsung Galaxy Mega 5.8 key specifications 

• 5.8-inch display with resolution of 540x960 pixels
• 1.4GHz dual-core processor
• 1.5GB RAM 8GB internal storage, can be expanded by up to 64B
• 8-megapixel rear camera with LED flash
• 2-megapixel front camera 3G, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth v 4.0, GPS
• Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean)
• 2600 mAh battery

Samsung Galaxy

Samsung Galaxy Mega, Galaxy S4 mini, Galaxy S4 Activ and Galaxy S4 Zoom rumoured launch dates revealed

Anupam Saxena, May 09, 2013

Samsung is expected to launch a number of smartphones under the umbrella of its Galaxy S4 smartphone, and even before the company officially announces them a new report reveals the release timeline of these phones.

Samsung focused blog SamMobile has got hold of an official list from insiders that has launch date targets of the unannounced phones from Samsung including the rumoured Galaxy S4 mini, Galaxy S4 Activ (the rugged version of the Galaxy S4) and the Galaxy S4 Zoom (the camera focused variant), in addition to the officially announced Galaxy Mega 5.8 and Galaxy Mega 6.3 for Europe.

According to the website, the White coloured variant of the Galaxy Mega 5.8 will release in week 20 of this year i.e. between May 13 and 19, while the Black variant will launch between June 17 to 23. The Galaxy Mega 6.3's Black variant is expected to launch in the week starting May 6, while its White version is expected to launch the week starting May 20.

The report pegs the launch of the Galaxy S4 mini in the week starting July 15 in both White and Black colours. This is in-line with an earlier report that suggested that the Galaxy S4 mini will release in July.

The Galaxy S4 Activ, which is reportedly a ruggedised phone based on the Galaxy S4 platform, is also expected to release in the same week in Metallic Orange colour.

Interestingly, the Galaxy S4 Zoom, a smartphone that has been rumoured to feature a 16-megapixel camera has a target launch date between June 3 and June 9 for the Black variant and June 17 to 23 for the White one. The phone's existence was revealed just a day back.

Canvas HD Pro

Micromax Canvas HD Pro specifications leak online

Surbhi Chawla, May 08, 2013

Micromax is all set to add another device in its Canvas portfolio in the form of Canvas HD Pro.

As per a news report by Gadgetronica.com, Canvas HD Pro will be unveiled on June 30, 2013. This smartphone is expected to sport a 5.5-inch full-HD display. Canvas HD pro will allegedly come with a Cortex A7 quad-core processor along with 2GB of RAM. It is expected to offer 8GB of internal storage and can be expanded by up to 64GB via a microSD card.

This smartphone will also pack in a 13-megapixel rear camera and a 3.2-megapixel front-facing camera. Micromax Canvas HD Pro will come with a 3,000mAh battery and run on Android 4.2.1 (Jelly Bean).

If the specifications of Micromax Canvas HD Pro are indeed true then it will become the new flagship smartphone from the company. There is no word on what Micromax Canvas HD Pro will cost.

Micromax had recently launched its first 3D phone, Micromax A115 Canvas 3D that offers a glasses-free option to view 3D content for Rs. 9,999.

Micromax A115 Canvas is the fourth member of the Canvas series and it comes with a 5.0-inch display with 480x800 resolution. The smartphone is powered by a 1GHz dual-core processor alongside 1GB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage, which is expandable by another 32GB via microSD card. The smartphone runs on Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean).

Packed with a 2,000 mAh battery, the phone is rated at a talk time of up to 4.5 hours. The phone sports a 5-megapixel rear camera with auto focus and a VGA front camera for video chatting.

Connectivity options on Micromax A115 Canvas 3D include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, 3G and USB. The phone comes with 'Micromax 3D Space' pre-installed that offers access to 3D videos, and pre-loaded 3D games.

Galaxy S4's new ad

Samsung Galaxy S4's new ad labels iPhone as old

Surbhi Chawla, May 06, 2013

The Samsung launch party seems incomplete without Apple bashing ads and it came as a bit of a surprise that Samsung had not launched any such combative television commercials for Samsung Galaxy S4. Until now.

The Korean smartphone maker has launched a new television commercial that talks about the new features in the Galaxy S4 and mocks Apple iPhone 5. The ad even goes on to state some smartphones (read Galaxy S4) are smarter than others (iPhone 5).

The ad begins with a graduation party taking place and people seem to be enjoying food and jumping into the pool - kids being kids. In the party, the students are shown using the Samsung Galaxy S4, while their parents and teachers (the older lot) are shown using the iPhone.

The television unfolds to demonstrate the Air Gesture feature as the person eating a juicy piece of ribs is able to answer the call by merely waving at the device. Also the pictures clicked at the graduation party are shared between devices using the S Bean functionality of the Samsung Galaxy S4. It further goes on to how the Samsung Galaxy S4 can control an HDTV and recommend TV shows to you.

Samsung has also released a 30 second video that continues with the graduation theme to showcase the eraser shot feature of Samsung Galaxy S4. In this short television commercial, Samsung does not make fun of Apple's iPhone.

Mocking competitive products in a television commercial is not a new concept in the smartphone space. A few days ago, Microsoft has rolled out a new television commercial for Nokia Lumia 920. In this ad, Microsoft seems to be mocking the rivalry between Apple and Samsung to drive home the "Switch to Lumia" message.

However, the current Samsung Galaxy S4 is not as quirky and quick-paced as the Microsoft one.

Android 5.0

Android 5.0 may have to wait as Android 4.3 Jelly Bean spotted in the wild

Surbhi Chawla, April 29, 2013

Guess the wait for the Android Key Lime Pie gets longer. The latest news reports are suggesting that Google will be rolling out Android 4.3 at Google I/O this year, instead of Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie as it was widely expected.

The folks at Android Police have discovered server logs that indicate that Google is currently working on Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean). As per these server logs, there are various devices running on Android 4.3 build JWR23B. The report also mentions that it has already seem Nexus 4 and Nexus 7 devices running on Android 4.3. Furthermore, the IP addresses of these devices were tracked back to the Google Campus.

Given that Google I/O is just days away and that Android 4.3 has already started cropping in the logs, we might see the search engine giant announce it at this event.

Google had announced Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean) in October last year. This new version added features like Photo Sphere, Gesture Typing, multiple user support, Wireless display or Miracast support, amongst others. The most recent update rolled out by the company was in the form of Android 4.2.2, which carries the JDQ39 build number and offers various bug fixes and performance enhancements.

As per data revealed by Google for the month of April, Android 4.1 and Android 4.2 Jelly Bean are now on 25 percent of all Android devices. In the month of March, Jelly Bean's share was 16.5 percent. On the other hand, as per this report, the percentage of devices currently running Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0.x) is 29.3 percent, which is a marginal increase of 0.7 percent as compared to the previous month.

The past rumours had suggested that Google will be rolling out Android 5.0, which would be dubbed Key Lime Pie or another dessert starting with the alphabet K at the Google I/O. This version is now being touted to be released later in the year.

Of course it doesn't matter what will be the version number or the name of the next update, but what this new version of Android will bring to the table. So far, there is no word on what new features we can expect in the update.

Galaxy S4 doesn't come with FM radio

Samsung explains why Galaxy S4 doesn't come with FM radio

 April 19, 2013

Samsung Galaxy S4 was unveiled by the company on 14 March. While the phone boasts high-end specs like a 5-inch full-HD screen with 441 pixels per inch, a 1.6GHz Exynos octa-core processor in some regions and a 1.9GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon quad-core processor in others, and 2GB of RAM, it received criticism in some quarters for missing out on a rather basic feature: FM radio.

The omission of FM was indeed a strange one from Samsung. While Apple has never shipped an iPhone with built-in FM radio - despite receiving its share of criticism - Samsung's first three flagship devices, and indeed, most other phones, come with FM radio. In that sense, Samsung customers are used to enjoying the feature. There have been complaints since the omission was confirmed after Galaxy S4 was officially unveiled but Samsung was mum on the subject - until now.

Samsung's Facebook page in Russia has made the following announcement on the subject, which was picked up by GSM Arena via Hi-Tech.Mail.Ru.

Our studies show a trend shift of interest to digital broadcasting, specifically - focus on listening to music content in social networks or on the channel YouTube. The flagship model of our products are focused on customers who use digital content, which use modern formats and channels of information consumption. (translated from Russian).

While Samsung may be right in believing that flagship customers tend to be focused on digital content, the fact is, if you take something away from people after they become used to it (in other Galaxy flagships), they are far more likely to complain, than if they never enjoyed the feature in the first place.

Something tells us we haven't heard the last on the Samsung Galaxy S4 FM radio debate. What do you think us of Samsung's decision? Will your decision to buy the Galaxy S4 be impacted by it? Let us know via the comments.

Samsung Galaxy S4 key specifications

• 5-inch full-HD (1080x1920) Super AMOLED display (441 ppi)
• 1.9GHz quad-core processor/ 1.6GHz octa-core processor (Depending upon region)
• 2GB RAM
• 16/32/64 GB Storage (expandable by 64GB via microSD slot)
• 13-megapixel rear camera, 2-megapixel front camera
• Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, GPS/ GLONASS, NFC, Bluetooth 4.0, IR LED, MHL 2.0
• Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean)
• 2,600 mAh battery
• 136.6 x 69.8 x 7.9mm
• 130 grams

Galaxy S4 mini

Samsung Galaxy S4 mini 'confirmed' via company's website

Surbhi Chawla, April 18, 2013

In the past couple of months, there have been plenty of rumours regarding Samsung planning to launch miniature version of Samsung Galaxy S4.

Now SamMobile is reporting that Samsung Galaxy S4 mini has been listed on Samsung's UAPROF website. As far as the specifications are concerned, the Samsung Galaxy S4 mini will have a 4.3-inch qHD display. The smartphone will pack in 8-megapixel camera. Samsung Galaxy S4 mini will run on Android 4.2.2 out of the box along with a layer of Samsung's own Touch Wiz Nature UX. Connectivity options includes 3G, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and AGPS

SamMobile states that Samsung is planning to launch Samsung Galaxy S4 mini in two variants. The first will be a single SIM phone that has been codenamed GT-I9190 and the other dual-SIM option that has been codenamed GT-I9192. The single SIM variant will be powered by a quad-core processor, while the dual-SIM version will get a dual-core processor. It is expected that Samsung may also release GT-I9195, which will be Samsung Galaxy S4 mini variant that will support LTE.

Earlier news reports have suggested that Samsung will be looking at launching its Galaxy S4 mini shortly after Samsung Galaxy S4 becomes available in a few days time.

The Korean chaebol had unveiled its latest flagship smartphone Galaxy S4 at an unpacked event on March 14, 2013. The Galaxy S4 sports a 5-inch full-HD screen with a resolution of 1080x1920 pixels, and pixel density of 441ppi. It is powered by 1.6GHz Exynos octa-core processor in some regions, and a 1.9GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon quad-core processor in others. It has 2GB of RAM and a PowerVR SGX544MP3 triple-core GPU.

The smartphone will come in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB variants and will also feature a microSD card slot for expanding the memory. The Galaxy S4 sports a 13-megapixels rear shooter and a 2-megapixel one on the front. The Galaxy S4 also offers more camera features including dual-shot, employing the use of both front and back camera, an eraser shot mode to remove people from photos, and a Cinemagram like feature called Cinema Photo, among several other tricks.

The smartphone is expected to be available in US in the week starting April 22, 2013. Telecom operator AT&T has listed 16GB variant of Samsung Galaxy S4 for contract-free price of $640.

Galaxy Ace 3

Samsung Galaxy Ace 3 shows up in GLBenchmark, to feature a 1GHz processor, Jelly Bean

Anupam Saxena, April 18, 2013

After initial rumours pointing to the phone's existence, the third phone in Samsung's Galaxy Ace series has made an appearance on GLBenchmark's servers.

According to a report by The Droid Guy, the Galaxy Ace 3 benchmark results indicate that the phone, also known as the GT-S7272,  will be powdered by a dual-core Broadcom CPU clocked at 1GHz and a VideoCore IV GPU. The same processor was used in the Galaxy S2 Plus. 
The benchmark results also mention that the phone will run Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean and will feature a 800x480 pixel screen.

The device should have a screen resolution of 480×800 (WVGA). Surprisingly, the Galaxy Ace 3 will run on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean with Samsung's Nature UX 2.0 out of the box.

Earlier this month, another report had mentioned that the Samsung Galaxy Ace 3 would be code named codenamed GT-S7272 and will be launched in May end or beginning of June. The website had also claimed that the Samsung Galaxy Ace 3 will have a 4-inch screen and 1.2GHz dual-core processor. The smartphone will allegedly have a 5-megapixel camera. Other rumoured specifications of Samsung Galaxy Ace 3 include 4 GB internal storage, Bluetooth 4.0, 1500 mAh Battery and Android Jelly Bean. The report also indicated that Samsung Galaxy Ace 3 might be a dual-SIM smartphone and will cost roughly about 300 Euros. It expects the smartphone to be available in four colour options - Metallic Black, Metallic Blue, Pure White and Wine Red.

Samsung had launched its Galaxy Ace 2 smartphone in February 2012. The phone also has a 5-megapixel camera, 4GB of internal storage and 1,500mAh battery. The other specifications of Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 are 3.8-inch TFT LCD screen, 800MHz dual-core processor, 786MB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage.

At the time of launch, the smartphone offered Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) out of the box. However, this smartphone was bestowed with the goodness of Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) recently.

The first device under the Ace series was introduced in February 2011. Samsung had also introduced Samsung Galaxy Ace Plus smartphone in January 2012, and this smartphone was placed in between Samsung Galaxy Ace and Galaxy Ace 2.