Tag: Samsung

  • Q2 2024: Global Smartphone Shipments Surge 12% to 288.9 Million

    Q2 2024: Global Smartphone Shipments Surge 12% to 288.9 Million

    Global smartphone shipments surged by 12% year-over-year, reaching 288.9 million units in the second quarter of 2024. This marks the third consecutive quarter of growth. Canalys, a market research firm, attributes this resurgence to innovative product launches and improving economic conditions.

    Samsung Solidifies Lead as Market Exceeds Expectations

    Samsung maintained its market leadership with an 18% share, shipping 53.5 million units. The company’s high-end devices continue to drive revenue growth. Apple held onto the second spot, shipping 45.6 million units, showcasing strong performance in North America and the Asia-Pacific region.

    Xiaomi is catching up with Apple, securing third place by shipping 42.3 million units. The Chinese tech giant’s competitive product lineup has fueled its rapid growth. Xiaomi also reclaimed the top spot in India’s smartphone market in Q2 2024, with an 18% market share. Vivo took the fourth spot with 25.9 million units, while Transsion, the maker of Tecno and Infinix branded smartphones, rounded out the top five with 25.5 million units shipped.

    Component Shortages and Future Challenges

    Despite the overall market’s upward trend, challenges remain. Component shortages, particularly for high-end features like large displays and advanced cameras, are impacting production costs. This could pressure brands targeting the mass market. Additionally, maintaining a competitive edge will become more difficult as the market matures.

    To stay ahead, industry leaders are differentiating their offerings. Samsung and Apple are prioritizing long-term strategies in established markets while emphasizing generative AI features in their flagship devices. Chinese brands are also heavily investing in AI technology to compete in the high-end segment.

    As the smartphone market continues to evolve, consumers can expect more AI-powered features, advanced camera systems, and larger, more immersive displays. However, the rising cost of components could lead to higher prices for premium devices.

    Q2 2024: Global Smartphone Shipments Surge 12% to 288.9 Million
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  • Samsung’s Next Flagship to Match Pixel 9 Pro XL in RAM

    Samsung’s Next Flagship to Match Pixel 9 Pro XL in RAM

    Details about Samsung’s next top-tier model, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, have been slowly surfacing. Recently, a fresh tidbit hints that Samsung could be gearing up for a boost in RAM capacity.

    A well-known informant @UniverseIce shared a post on X (previously known as Twitter) simply stating "16GB" RAM without naming any specific device. However, considering the timing of this leak and Samsung’s track record with this source, it strongly implies this pertains to the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

    Historical Context

    This wouldn’t mark Samsung’s initial foray into offering 16GB of RAM; the Galaxy S20 and S21 Ultra also featured similar configurations. Nonetheless, Samsung reverted to 12GB RAM with the S22 Ultra and has stuck to this as the peak RAM option for its high-end models ever since.

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  • Samsung Delays One UI 7 Update Due to Heavy Workload

    Samsung Delays One UI 7 Update Due to Heavy Workload

    Samsung is progressing with the development of One UI 7, aiming for a complete overhaul of its smartphones. The project is almost finished. Initially, it was expected that the company would unveil the first beta version of One UI 7 on July 29. However, recent updates indicate that the Korean tech giant has postponed the Android 15 beta. Here’s what we know…

    Samsung Delays One UI 7 Beta Due to Ongoing One UI 6.1.1 Update

    The release of Android 15-based One UI 7 is imminent. Leaks about Google’s early release of Android 15 have fueled these expectations. Yet, when July 29 came around, it became clear that Samsung has slightly altered its schedule. The delay is primarily due to the ongoing One UI 6.1.1 update.

    Samsung has recently launched its next-gen foldable smartphones, the Galaxy Fold 6 and Flip 6. These devices feature Android-based One UI 6.1.1 and advanced AI capabilities. The company is now working to extend these features to more users by rolling out the One UI 6.1.1 update to other models.

    Balancing Updates and Avoiding Distractions

    While Samsung focuses on distributing the One UI 6.1.1 update, it’s also cautious about initiating the Android 15-based One UI 7 beta. The concern is that launching the new beta might divert user attention and lessen the impact of One UI 6.1.1. Moreover, they want to steer clear of any technical hitches.

    Reports from early users of One UI 7, describing it as “very problematic,” seem to validate these concerns. It appears that the first Android 15 beta is postponed due to Samsung being heavily involved in current One UI updates.

    Future Prospects

    Despite the delay, we are hopeful that Samsung will soon make One UI 7 available to its users. As previously mentioned, the upcoming version promises to bring significant design enhancements to Samsung smartphones.

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  • Samsung follows Apple in blocking users from sideloading apps

    Samsung follows Apple in blocking users from sideloading apps

    Samsung shared a post earlier this month saying “Protect your Galaxy device with the Auto Blocker feature”. Samsung’s OneUI 6 based on Android 14 comes with a security feature called Auto Blocker, which is located in the Security and Privacy settings. It reportedly protects your Galaxy device by preventing the installation of applications from unauthorized sources. The Auto Blocker feature is enabled by default; however, you can disable it during the setup process.

    Strengthening Phone Security

    Installing apps from third-party sources can sometimes pose risks to the device’s security. While pre-installed app stores are not flawless, they implement various safety checks to prevent malicious apps from being distributed.

    Notably, Android already blocks sideloading by default at an operating system level. The permission most third-party app stores use, REQUEST_INSTALL_PACKAGES, has to be explicitly granted by the user.

    Enhanced Blocking with Auto Blocker

    Samsung’s Auto Blocker feature entirely blocks the installation of apps from unauthorized sources, even if the source has been granted the REQUEST_INSTALL_PACKAGES permission.

    Disabling Auto Blocker

    Users of devices that receive the feature through the OneUI 6.1.1 update can disable it by navigating to Settings > Security and Privacy > Auto Blocker. After this, users will need to permit an app to sideload another, which aligns with Android’s default sideloading behavior. Samsung devices running on One UI 6.1.1 reportedly include the past few generations of Galaxy S series and Z series devices so far.

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  • Samsung One UI 7 Release in July: New Gallery Icon Leaked

    Samsung One UI 7 Release in July: New Gallery Icon Leaked

    Samsung’s One UI is frequently recognized as one of the leading Android skins available. With the anticipation building for One UI 7, it seems the wait for a glimpse of this new software might be drawing to a close.

    Anticipated Beta Program

    Ice Universe, a dependable source for Samsung leaks, recently indicated that the One UI 7 beta program is likely to commence in late July or early August, barring any unforeseen delays. This prediction stands in contrast to another tipster, Tarun Vats, who forecasted a September rollout in the US, Korea, and Germany. Given Ice Universe’s reputable history, the earlier timeline appears more plausible.

    Inspired by iOS?

    Preliminary details about One UI 7 suggest it may incorporate elements from Apple’s iOS. Expected changes include an updated notification panel, a revamped quick settings section, and new quick actions on the lock screen.

    Adding to the speculation, an image has emerged online, purportedly showing a redesigned Gallery app icon for One UI 7. Shared by @chunvn8888, the new icon moves away from the traditional monochrome design, opting for a more vibrant palette.

    Instead of the usual red background with white petal shapes, the new design features a white base with each petal in a different color, reminiscent of Google’s app icons.

    Icon Revamps and New Features

    This leak suggests Samsung might be overhauling other app icons as well. Similar updates could be expected for existing monochrome icons for apps like Email, Notes, and Camera. Additionally, there are murmurs about a native app-locking feature, akin to those found in other Android skins.

    Samsung’s annual SDC event, typically held in October, might serve as the platform for the stable release of One UI 7. Reflecting on last year’s schedule, Samsung unveiled One UI 6 at the SDC and completed the rollout within the same month.

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  • Samsung Q2 Profit Soars 13x, Boosted by AI and Chip Industry

    Samsung Q2 Profit Soars 13x, Boosted by AI and Chip Industry

    Samsung Electronics has projected a staggering 13-fold increase in its second-quarter profit, marking a notable recovery from the same period last year. The estimated operating profit for Q2 2024 is 8.8 trillion won ($6.34 billion), a significant rise from the 670 billion won reported in Q2 2023. This represents Samsung's highest profit since the third quarter of 2022.

    A key contributor to this profit spike is the rebounding performance of Samsung’s semiconductor division. This sector has dramatically improved, with an estimated operating profit of 4.6 trillion won in Q2 2024, reversing a loss of 4.36 trillion won from the same period last year. The surge in demand for high-end DRAM chips, especially those utilized in artificial intelligence (AI) applications, has driven this growth. Prices for DRAM chips have increased by 13% to 18%, while NAND Flash chips used for data storage have risen by 15% to 20%.

    AI Boom Boosts Chip Demand

    The thriving AI sector has significantly bolstered Samsung’s profits, with a heightened requirement for advanced memory chips like high-bandwidth memory (HBM) solutions employed in AI data centers. This trend has led to an uptick in prices and demand for Samsung’s premium DRAM chips, crucial for AI chipsets and data center servers.

    Despite the overall profit growth, Samsung’s mobile business has faced a decline. The projected Q2 operating profit for this segment is 2.2 trillion won, down from 3.04 trillion won a year earlier. This decrease is due to higher costs for parts and marketing, as well as investments in AI service development. The volume of smartphones shipped remains consistent with last year, suggesting that external factors like increased costs are affecting profits.

    Upcoming Product Launches

    Samsung plans to unveil its latest flagship foldable phones, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6, along with new mobile accessories, on July 10 in Paris. Additionally, the company is introducing a new health monitoring ring, aiming to rival Apple in the high-end market.

    Analysts have estimated Samsung’s Q2 operating profit to be between 8.547 trillion won and 8.8 trillion won. Samsung is expected to provide a detailed earnings report at the end of the month. The company’s strategy to expand and diversify its business divisions, along with the rising chip prices, indicates a promising future ahead.

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  • One UI 7 May Introduce New App-Locking Feature

    One UI 7 May Introduce New App-Locking Feature

    One UI is anticipated to get a new function called App Lock with the release of One UI 7. This information comes from tipster Tarun Vats on X (formerly Twitter). Interestingly, this won't be a completely new feature for One UI, as it existed in earlier versions in some regions. Apple is also working on similar functionality, which might have prompted Samsung to develop this feature for One UI 7.

    One UI 7 might include an App Lock feature

    The App Lock feature is currently absent from One UI 6. A screenshot above shows this feature available in a development version of One UI. It appears under the Advanced Features section in the Settings app. Currently, you won't find the "App Lock" feature below Dual Messenger in the Advanced Features section on devices running One UI 6.1.

    You can still hide your apps, documents, and files in the Secure Folder by setting up the feature for the first time and installing a new instance of the app. However, if you're not interested in the setup process and prefer a straightforward app lock, the upcoming feature could be beneficial.

    Existing Similar Features

    There are a few other useful features in One UI, such as Samsung Pass, Auto Blocker, Secure Folder, and Private Share.

    However, the App Lock feature is still under development, and it remains uncertain whether the company will include it in the forthcoming One UI 7.

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  • OneUI 6.1.1: Next Big Upgrade with New AI Features, Says Tipster

    OneUI 6.1.1: Next Big Upgrade with New AI Features, Says Tipster

    Samsung may deviate from its usual release pattern this year by launching the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 with OneUI 6.1.1 and postponing the release of the Android 15-based OneUI 7. The OneUI 6.1.1 update is expected to be a significant upgrade, featuring additional AI capabilities and camera enhancements. This information comes from the renowned tipster Ice Universe, who suggests that the build will be available for the Galaxy S24 series in August, though he did not specify an exact date.

    Galaxy Z Fold 6 to Feature New AI Capabilities with OneUI 6.1.1

    The tipster also reveals that Samsung will introduce a new graffiti generation AI-powered tool in the forthcoming One UI 6.1.1 update. According to him, this feature will make "very good use of S Pen and imagination," potentially allowing users to convert their S Pen writings into graffiti using AI.

    It’s worth noting that the AI features currently available in OneUI 6.1 do not utilize the S Pen. Samsung appears to be aiming to maximize the hardware capabilities it already offers with Galaxy AI. The new release may also bring improvements to system animations.

    Testing and Release Schedule

    Samsung generally starts testing new Android versions around July or August, releasing a stable build with the latest Android version around October, shortly after its public release. However, according to the tipster, the release of the Android 15-based OneUI 7 might be delayed this year. He mentions, "One UI 7 will not arrive very early, because there are special circumstances this year."

    Since its launch, the Galaxy S24 series has not received a significant firmware update. Ice Universe indicates that the OneUI 6.1.1 build, which will be available for the series in August, could also bring camera optimizations and resolve various image processing issues.

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  • Samsung Misses Launch, Gives Away Galaxy Watch FE

    Samsung Misses Launch, Gives Away Galaxy Watch FE

    Samsung has yet to officially announce the Galaxy Watch FE, but its release seems inevitable. The watch has already appeared in official images and on Samsung’s support page. Recently, Samsung inadvertently confirmed it once again by listing the Galaxy Watch FE on its official website.

    Promo Offer in Belgium

    The wearable was noticed in an interesting promotional offer in Belgium. Users can receive a free Galaxy Watch FE when purchasing a Galaxy S24, S24+, or S24 Ultra with a subscription plan from Orange or VOO before June 30. This is quite unexpected since Samsung hasn't officially revealed the Galaxy Watch FE yet.

    This understated approach is consistent with Samsung’s typical Fan Edition (FE) marketing strategy, which usually aims to clear out older inventory by repackaging existing models at a lower cost.

    Similarities to Galaxy Watch 4

    According to leaks, the Galaxy Watch FE seems to be merely a rebranded version of the three-year-old Galaxy Watch 4. Don’t expect any upgrades or new features. The FE will maintain the circular design, AMOLED display, and most features of the Watch 4, though there might be some differences in areas like battery life. For an in-depth look at possible changes, see our dedicated comparison article on the Galaxy Watch FE vs. Galaxy Watch 4.

    Expected Release Date

    The listing, accidental or not, indicates that Samsung plans to release the Galaxy Watch FE before the Galaxy Unpacked event next month, rumored to be on July 10. The promotional campaign for the Watch FE with Galaxy S24 pre-orders runs until the end of June, suggesting a launch either in the last week of June or the first week of July.

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  • Android 15 Instant Hotspot Not Compatible with Samsung Devices

    Android 15 Instant Hotspot Not Compatible with Samsung Devices

    As Android 15 gears up for its launch later this year, Google is making final adjustments to its new features. One notable addition is Instant Hotspot, a handy tool that enables Android tablets and Chromebooks to effortlessly connect to a phone’s hotspot. However, recent findings indicate that this feature will not be accessible on Samsung Galaxy devices.

    Instant Hotspot enhances the ease of connecting your tablet or Chromebook to your phone’s internet. When nearby and lacking Wi-Fi, a prompt will appear on your device, urging you to connect to the phone’s hotspot. It’s a straightforward and user-friendly experience.

    Familiar Territory for Galaxy Users

    For those using Galaxy devices, this might seem recognizable. Samsung’s One UI already includes a similar function named Auto Hotspot. Both features serve the same purpose of linking your tablet or Chromebook to your phone’s internet.

    The main distinction is in compatibility. Google’s Instant Hotspot is compatible with any Android tablet and Chromebook, whereas Samsung’s Auto Hotspot is restricted to Galaxy devices that are part of the same Samsung account or family group.

    Impact on Galaxy Users

    Although Samsung users have been benefiting from Auto Hotspot for some time, the lack of Instant Hotspot in Android 15 won’t significantly impact their experience. If you exclusively use Samsung Galaxy devices, you won’t miss out on the advantages of Instant Hotspot.

    However, if you were looking forward to using Auto Hotspot with other Android tablets or Chromebooks, you might be disappointed when Android 15 is released.

    Speculations on Feature Exclusion

    The reason why the Instant Hotspot feature won’t be available on Galaxy devices remains unclear. The feature is part of Google Play Services, which is accessible on all Google-certified Android devices, including Samsung’s.

    Samsung probably chose to exclude this feature due to its overlap with their existing Auto Hotspot. Nonetheless, with the introduction of Instant Hotspot, the practicality of Auto Hotspot seems somewhat diminished.

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