Tag: Samsung

October 1, 2024
Epic Games Sues Google and Samsung Over App Store Manipulation
Epic Games has a long history of being involved in legal battles, often finding itself in more lawsuits than many other companies. While it has had some victories, it has also faced defeats. One of the most significant cases was Epic Games v. Apple in 2020, where Epic challenged Apple’s App Store rules, arguing they were anti-competitive. The court determined that Apple was not a monopolist under federal or state antitrust laws, but it did conclude that Apple’s anti-steering rules were in violation of California’s Unfair Competition Law, giving Epic a partial win. Despite this, Epic lost the majority of its claims in that case.
New Allegations Against Google and Samsung
Now, Epic is targeting two major tech companies—Google and Samsung—accusing them of working together to hinder competition in app distribution on Samsung devices. The crux of the lawsuit revolves around Samsung’s Auto Blocker feature, launched in 2023, which by default stops users from installing apps from third-party sources. To bypass this restriction, users must go through a complex 21-step process.
Epic argues that the Auto Blocker was designed to protect Google’s monopoly on app distribution, contravening a prior court ruling against Google. According to the lawsuit, this feature reinforces Google’s dominance by making the Play Store the only easily accessible source for app downloads on Samsung devices, thereby suppressing competition.
Seeking Change in App Distribution
Through this legal action, Epic aims to compel Samsung to disable Auto Blocker as the default setting, ensuring that the court’s earlier decision in Epic v. Google is honored, which should curtail further anti-competitive behaviors. Epic has previously won a case against Google in a U.S. court regarding the Play Store’s billing practices; it remains to be seen whether they can achieve success once more.
For further details, including the complete statement from Epic Games and the 21 steps to install Flow on Samsung devices, you can find the full exhibit available online.
Tags: Epic Games, google, Samsung
October 1, 2024
Galaxy S25 Ultra Takes Design Inspiration from S21 Ultra
A recent leak from tech insider Ice Universe has uncovered a significant design alteration for the upcoming Galaxy S25 Ultra. In a video posted on X (formerly known as Twitter), the tipster displayed a jelly case for the device, highlighting its rounded corners on all sides.
Design Changes for Comfort
Samsung shifted from the rounded design of the S21 Ultra to a sharper, 90-degree corner style with the S22 Ultra and later models. However, many users expressed dissatisfaction with the square design, finding it less comfortable to hold.
It appears that Samsung is now responding to user feedback by reverting to a more user-friendly design for the S25 Ultra. The video confirms that the S25 Ultra case features noticeably rounded corners. While these corners are not as rounded as those on the S21 Ultra, they are definitely more pronounced than the corners found on the S22 through S24 Ultra models. This change is expected to enhance comfort for users who previously struggled with the sharper corners.
Slimmer Bezels and Specifications
In addition to the ergonomic updates, the S25 Ultra is anticipated to come with thinner bezels, reportedly even slimmer than those on the newly announced iPhone 16 Pro Max. However, this change raises some concerns, as many users have experienced accidental touches on the iPhone due to its slim bezels. Thus, the S25 Ultra might face similar challenges with its expected thinner bezels.
On a brighter note, the new device may also be lighter and thinner. It is expected to have a thickness of 8.2mm and weigh 219 grams, a reduction from its predecessor’s 8.6mm thickness and 232-gram weight. Additionally, it will have a slightly narrower profile at 77.6mm compared to 79.0mm, while still maintaining the same 5000mAh battery capacity.
Expected Specifications of the Galaxy S25 Ultra
Now, let’s discuss the anticipated specifications of the phone. Unlike prior generations that featured a blend of Qualcomm Snapdragon and Samsung’s Exynos processors, reports indicate that the S25 series will exclusively use the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 across all models.
According to 3C certification, the phone will support 45W charging, similar to its predecessor. Furthermore, it will feature satellite communication support, a first for any Samsung device.
The camera setup is expected to include a 200-megapixel primary camera from the S24 Ultra, along with a new 50-megapixel ISOCELL JN3 ultra-wide lens, a new 50-megapixel telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, and a periscope telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom.
Tags: Galaxy S25 Ultra, Samsung, smartphone design
September 30, 2024
Samsung Delivers 7 Years of OS Updates with Galaxy S24 FE
Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S24 FE late last week, adding it as the fourth device in its Galaxy S Fan Edition (FE) lineup. Notably, this new smartphone was launched alongside the Galaxy Tab S10 Plus and Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra, rather than with other FE products. In contrast, the Galaxy S25 series, which includes the flagship Galaxy S25 Ultra, is expected to be released early next year.
Similarities with the Galaxy S23 FE
The Galaxy S24 FE retains many features from last year’s Galaxy S23 FE, which is currently priced at $339 on Amazon. Both smartphones share similar camera hardware and display specifications, featuring a 1080p AMOLED screen with a 120 Hz refresh rate, along with support for 25 W wired and 15 W wireless charging. However, Samsung has implemented a significant change in software support for this generation, ensuring the Galaxy S24 FE will receive updates for a longer period compared to its predecessor.
Extended Software Support
For context, the Galaxy S23 FE is set to receive four OS updates during its lifetime, maxing out at Android 17, as it originally comes with One UI 5 based on Android 13. Additionally, users can expect security patch updates until at least October 2028.
In contrast, Samsung has committed to offering seven major OS updates for the Galaxy S24 FE. Since it launches with Android 14 and One UI 6.1, this means it should remain updated up to Android 21 and One UI 13. Samsung will also provide two additional years of security patch updates, aligning the timelines for software and security updates. For further hardware details, please refer to our Galaxy S24 FE launch article.
Samsung via Android Headlines
Tags: Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy S24 FE, Samsung
September 30, 2024
Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition Leaked on Samsung India Site
We are aware that Samsung is developing a Special Edition of its Galaxy foldable device, but no official information has been made available yet. Interestingly, a new webpage for this device has unexpectedly appeared on Samsung India’s site.
Specifications and Model Number
Upon reviewing the listing, we found that the specifications and images correspond to the standard Galaxy Z Fold 6. The model number listed, SM-F956BAKDINS, aligns with the regular version as well. Therefore, we still lack official information about what differentiates this “Special Edition” from the standard model. However, there are a few noteworthy points.
Name and Market Availability
Firstly, it appears that the official title will be “Galaxy Z Fold 6 (Special Edition)” rather than “Galaxy Z Fold (Special Edition)” as suggested by earlier leaks. This indicates that the device remains a part of Samsung’s sixth-generation foldable series. Secondly, the existence of the webpage on Samsung India’s platform implies that the Fold 6 (Special Edition) might not be exclusive to South Korea and China, as previously speculated.
If this webpage is more than just a placeholder (which is a possibility), it could indicate a broader launch in markets such as the US and Europe. However, this remains purely speculative at this stage.
Launch Details
The release of the foldable device may be approaching soon. An X user shared a photo from a Korean retailer that mentions the expected pre-order timeline for the device. According to this information, the pre-order phase will extend until October 24, 2024, with pre-orders likely starting on October 18. The anticipated delivery date is October 25.
Design and Features
While the official Samsung listing does not provide insights into the design or specifications, leaks have revealed a render that shows a larger camera island on the back compared to the standard Fold. The camera module appears to have a squircle design instead of the typical oval shape.
The overall design seems to adhere to Samsung’s usual aesthetic. The power button, which likely serves as a fingerprint sensor, is located on the right side, with the volume controls situated above it. The rear panel has a brushed metal look, unlike the matte finish seen on the Fold 6, although it may also be textured glass that mimics a metal feel.
In terms of specifications, reports indicate that the Z Fold Special Edition will come with a larger 6.5-inch cover display and an 8-inch inner foldable screen, slightly exceeding the Fold 6’s 6.3-inch cover and 7.6-inch inner display.
Tags: Galaxy Z Fold 6, Samsung, Special Edition
September 29, 2024
Samsung Galaxy Watch FE LTE Now Available for US Pre-Order
Samsung has started taking pre-orders for the LTE version of the Galaxy Watch FE in the United States. This variant was first revealed in June during the launch of the Galaxy Watch FE, but it was noted that its release would occur at a later time.
Pre-Order Availability
For those who hesitated to buy the Galaxy Watch FE due to the absence of LTE support, pre-orders for this LTE model are now open on Samsung’s US website. There is currently no information regarding its availability in the UK and Europe.
Pricing Details
As expected, the inclusion of 4G LTE functionality has led to a higher price point. While the Wi-Fi-only version was launched at $199 (now available on Amazon for $179.99), the Galaxy Watch FE LTE is priced at $249.99. Customers can choose from Black, Pink Gold, and Silver colors, with shipping anticipated to start in October.
Specifications and Features
The Galaxy Watch FE LTE does not feature a physical SIM card slot; instead, it uses an eSIM, which allows users to download a SIM profile directly to the watch. After activation, users can make and receive calls, send messages, and access the internet without needing a Wi-Fi connection or a tethered smartphone.
The smartwatch boasts a 1.19-inch AMOLED display safeguarded by sapphire crystal glass, all encased in aluminum. It operates on the Exynos W920 chipset, paired with 1.5GB of RAM and 16GB of storage. Additionally, it supports NFC, Bluetooth 5.0, dual-band Wi-Fi, and has a 247mAh battery.
This device can track heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and ECG readings. It is equipped to detect irregular heart rhythms, provides fall detection, and includes a Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) sensor for assessing body composition, including metrics like body fat and skeletal muscle.
Tags: Galaxy Watch FE, LTE, Samsung
September 28, 2024
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Upgrade Confirmed by Tipster
Samsung is set to introduce the Galaxy S25 Ultra in early 2025. This anticipated Android flagship recently appeared on Geekbench, with two listings indicating that it might not get a memory upgrade. However, well-known tipster Ice Universe has shared different information.
Confirmation of RAM Upgrade
In a recent post on X, Ice Universe stated that the Galaxy S25 Ultra is "100% confirmed" to have a model featuring 16 GB of RAM. This implies that the variant shown on Geekbench is likely the lower-end model, while details about the higher-end configuration still remain unlisted on the benchmarking site.
Expected Performance Improvements
Although Ice Universe did not provide additional specifics, it is thought that the increase in RAM could help the Galaxy S25 Ultra compete better against flagships from other brands like OnePlus and Google. The Pixel 9 series, particularly the Pro versions, has already incorporated this memory upgrade.
OnePlus has been ahead in offering devices with more than 12 GB of RAM since the launch of the OnePlus 11, with its latest flagship model even reaching 24 GB. In contrast, Samsung provided 16 GB RAM options for the S20 Ultra and S21 Ultra but has since remained at 12 GB for the S24 Ultra, which is currently priced at $1,049.99 on Amazon for the 256 GB storage version.
Implications for Galaxy AI Features
The anticipated increase in RAM is expected to enhance the performance of memory-intensive Galaxy AI features on the S25 Ultra. However, reports from @theonecid suggest that the standard S25 and S25 Plus models will be limited to a maximum of 12 GB of RAM, indicating that these versions may not receive any memory upgrades.
@UniverseIce on X (tweet embedded above) via: Android Police
Tags: Galaxy S25 Ultra, Ice Universe, Samsung
September 27, 2024
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10: Premium Tablets with Dimensity 9300+
Samsung has recently launched its new high-end tablet range globally. Along with the Galaxy S24 FE, a budget flagship phone, the Galaxy Tab S10 series has also been introduced. Here’s a detailed overview of these latest tablets.
Features of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Series
The South Korean company has chosen to use the MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ SoC for the Galaxy Tab S10 series, bypassing its Exynos chip and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors. These tablets come with configurations of up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of internal storage, while the Tab S10+ offers an option of 12GB RAM with 512GB storage. Both the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra and Tab S10+ allow for storage expansion of up to 1.5TB via a microSD card slot.
On the display front, the Ultra model features a large 14.6-inch screen, while the Plus variant has a 12.4-inch display. Both tablets are equipped with a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel that has a refresh rate of 120Hz and anti-reflective properties. The rear camera setup includes a 13MP main camera and an 8MP ultra-wide lens on both models. The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra stands out with its dual 12MP front cameras, whereas the Tab S10+ has a single 12MP front camera.
Battery and Additional Features
Powering the devices, the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra has a substantial 11,200mAh battery, while the Galaxy Tab S10+ is equipped with a 10,090mAh battery. Key features include 45W wired fast charging, an in-display fingerprint scanner, IP68 water and dust resistance, S Pen support, a durable Aluminum Armor body, and Galaxy AI enhancements.
Pricing and Release Information
The Galaxy Tab S10 series will be available in select markets starting on October 3, 2024, in Moonstone Gray and Platinum Silver colors. Pre-orders can be made on Samsung’s official website. Here are the prices in India:
Galaxy Tab S10+
- WiFi, 12GB + 256GB – 90,999 INR
- 5G, 12GB + 256GB – 104,999 INR
Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra
- WiFi, 12GB + 256GB – 108,999 INR
- WiFi, 12GB + 512GB – 119,999 INR
- 5G, 12GB + 256GB – 122,999 INR
- 5G, 12GB + 512GB – 133,999 INR
Customers can enjoy an instant bank discount of up to 15,000 INR and benefits totaling 35,100 INR. Additionally, Galaxy Buds FE are available for 999 INR, and there’s a 39% discount on the keyboard cover.
Tags: Galaxy Tab S10+, Samsung, tablets
September 27, 2024
Samsung Compares Exynos 2400e and Exynos 2400 Differences
Samsung has introduced the Galaxy S24 FE, featuring a modified version of the Exynos 2400 chip. This new chip, called Exynos 2400e, has some key differences, particularly in its maximum frequency. According to Samsung Semiconductor, the only distinction between the Exynos 2400 and its modified counterpart is in their clock speeds.
Performance Details
The Exynos 2400e in the Galaxy S24 FE operates at a maximum frequency of 3.1 GHz. In contrast, the standard Exynos 2400 can reach up to 3.2 GHz, resulting in a minimal difference of just 100 MHz. This small change in frequency is unlikely to have a significant impact on real-world performance, with only slight variations expected in benchmarks.
Samsung Semiconductor has indicated that the reduction in maximum frequency was implemented to optimize the SoC specifically for the Galaxy S24 FE. However, the company has not clarified whether this optimization benefits battery life or temperature management.
Availability and Comparisons
It’s important to note that the Galaxy S24 FE exclusively features the Exynos 2400e chip. Previous models, like the S23 FE, had options for Snapdragon variants, while the standard and Plus versions available in the US, Canada, and China use the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy.
In benchmark tests, the Exynos 2400 has outperformed the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy in areas such as 3DMark Sling Shot Extreme, PCMark, and idle power consumption. The Samsung chip falls a bit short in other performance metrics, and this trend is expected to hold true for the chip in the S24 FE.
Future Features
Since the Exynos 2400e and Exynos 2400 are fundamentally the same, the Galaxy S24 FE is set to receive all future Galaxy AI features that are rolled out for the series. Additionally, it will also have access to the various enhancements that come with One UI updates, making it a slightly more affordable option in Samsung’s flagship lineup, with the 128 GB model currently priced at $719.99 on Amazon.
Tags: Exynos 2400e, Galaxy S24 FE, Samsung
September 25, 2024
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Series to Keep US Prices Steady
Samsung is set to launch some new devices soon, including two tablets: the Galaxy Tab S10+ and the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra. Although an official launch date hasn’t been announced yet, the company has released some details about the tablets, including their prices.
Pricing and Specifications
Samsung temporarily published information that indicated the Galaxy Tab S10+ would come in two storage options: 256GB and 512GB, both equipped with 12GB of RAM. The prices for these models are $999.99 for the 256GB variant and $1,119.99 for the 512GB version.
On the other hand, the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra will have three configurations available. The entry-level model features 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, priced at $1,199.99. A 512GB version with the same RAM will cost $1,319.99, while a high-end 1TB model equipped with 16GB of RAM will retail for $1,619.99. It’s important to note that these prices are for the Wi-Fi versions of the tablets.
Additional Information
The information also revealed that there will not be a Galaxy Tab S10 model, and the new tablets will come in two color options: Moonstone Gray and Platinum Silver. The pricing for these new tablets is consistent with that of the Galaxy Tab S9+ (which you can find for $819 on Amazon for the 512GB version) and the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. Although the leaked details did not mention any promotional offers, it is anticipated that there will be trade-in deals available at launch.
Tags: Galaxy Tab S10+, Samsung, tablet prices
September 19, 2024
New Leak Reveals Official Cases for Galaxy S24 FE
Samsung is set to unveil the Galaxy S24 FE in October, featuring a scaled-down version of the S24’s Exynos 2400 chipset. Recent high-definition images of the phone’s official protective cases have surfaced, highlighting various color choices and a familiar back design. The leak indicates there will be four distinct types of cases available: Silicone Case, Standing Grip Case, Smart View Wallet Case, and Flipsuit Case.
Silicone Case Options
First up is the Silicone Case, which will be offered in Blue, Gray, Green, White, and Yellow. This case is designed to be soft to the touch, making it a popular choice among users.
Standing Grip Case Features
Next is the Standing Grip Case, which includes a strap on the back to enhance grip. Apart from the strap, it shares a very similar design with the standard Silicone Case.
Smart View Wallet Case Benefits
The third option, known as the Smart View Wallet Case, comes with an integrated screen protector. A convenient feature of this case is a window located in the top-right corner, allowing users to quickly check the date and time without opening the cover. Additionally, it has a wallet section on the inside of the screen protector.
Flipsuit Case Innovation
The final case is unique as it can sync with your phone and alter its appearance based on the battery status of the device. This feature is not entirely new, as it has been seen in some of Samsung’s recent flip phones and the Galaxy S24 series.
In addition to the cases, the leak also revealed images of an Anti-Reflecting Film screen protector for the Galaxy S24 FE, designed to reduce glare on the display. For those interested, prior leaks also disclosed the pricing details of the phone.
Tags: Galaxy S24 FE, Protective Cases, Samsung