Samsung Galaxy S4 •

Samsung Releases New Update For The Galaxy S4

July 5, 2013 By Deborah Cobing 2 Comments

Users of the Samsung Galaxy S4 have a pleasant surprise waiting for them. Their days of bugging issues appear to be ending soon, what with Samsung announcing an update for the device. The most common bug that had been tormenting the otherwise popular gadget had been its storage management. The latest upgrade to come is sure going to make this something of a bad past memory only.

The other important feature that the update would give the users of the Galaxy S4 is the ability to move applications to the micro SD card. The Galaxy S4 comes with 16 GB of internal; storage. But most of this space is taken up by the OS as well as the TouchWiz UI that runs over the OS. The user finally has just 9.15 GB of storage space left to play around with. After the update is applied, users would get 9.25 GB on the internal memory.

Other interesting features that the update comes with include better photographic abilities so that HDR recording will now be possible. The status bar would turn semi transparent and the notifications area can be toggled with the Smart Pause Toggle feature. Users of the gadget had complaints about a purple effect visible when scrolling on the gadget. This effect would not be there anymore post the update. For setting the secure boot status user can do that from Settings-> About Phone. There are also some more icons which users would have at their disposal.

SamMobile reports the upgrade is currently available for the Samsung Galaxy 4S models which run on the Sanpdragon processor that is the GT-I9505 models. Users in Germany only, with this variant would be able to download the update and install the same on their gadget. In the near future, those who own the GT-I9500 model also would be able to download the update which in turn will be made available to other parts of the world as well soon.

The update can be availed of either off the air or using the Samsung KIES application. The update is 366 MB by file size.

Samsung Galaxy S4 and HTC One Google Edition Might Not Be As Attractive As It Seems

July 4, 2013 By Jack M. Robinson 2 Comments

The Samsung Galaxy S4 and the HTC One right now represents the best example of a top of the line Android smartphone. It is therefore least surprising Google zeroed in on these two for coming up with the respective Google Edition devices. What this entails is that the two smartphones will be stripped off their respective company specific user interface which in turn will also rob them off of several of their unique features. Further, what is expected of a Google Edition is that Google will be directly dealing with any subsequent software revisions and will reach the Google Edition devices before the respective devices from the company. All of this should paint a rosy picture for those who are eager to experience Android in its purest form on the Galaxy S4 as well the HTC One. However, that does not seem to be the case. Read on to find out why.

If the guys at Anandtech are to be believed, software updates for the two Google Edition devices may not be as prompt as is being made out. This since Google won’t be directly overseeing the updates in spite of them being sold directly via the Play Store. Instead, it is the respective manufacturers, .i.e. Samsung and HTC that would be overseeing the update process. While Google will be supplying the software updates to the manufacturers, it is the OEM that would be in charge of setting up everything to ensure the updates work flawlessly on the smartphones.

Both the Galaxy S4 and the HTC One are now on sale only in the US and are not likely to be bought in huge numbers. It is just this that is making many apprehensive if the Samsung and HTC will really care about dedicating enough resources in making sure the updates are made available to the two devices and on time. Both the devices are no on pre-orders with deliveries likely to commence from July 9^th.

Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Edition With Android 4.3 Rom Leaked

June 29, 2013 By Jack M. Robinson Leave a Comment

Samsung is reported to have access to the source codes of the yet to be released Android 4.3 Jelly Bean which is being tested on the Galaxy S4 Google Edition. What is even more interesting is that the Android 4.3 ROMs for SGS4 GPE has even leaked online, which can be seen as a sort of a pseudo confirmation of Google actually readying the Android 4.3 update in the short term before the more feature laden Key Pie Lime is made available. Google though has never made any official mention of the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean version which is seen is a minor upgrade over the current version.

Also, the leaked ROM is being reported to be functional and has already been tried out on the Galaxy S4 version which comes with the Snapdragon 600 chip. Doing so makes sense as it is this version that bears a close resemblance with the Galaxy S4 Google Play Edition. However, it is strongly advised to not to try installing the Android 4.3 version on the Galaxy S4 devices that are based in the Exynos processor as the software in its present configuration is not compatible with that particular chip and might even brick the phone.

The Android version can be downloaded from the website sammobile.site and can be flashed with the help of a custom recovery like CWM or TWRP on GT-I9505. However, most of the changes that the Android 4.3 version stands for seems to be restricted to under the hood with there being almost no visually perceptible changes to be perceived.

Verizon Samsung Galaxy S4 Rumors – S4 Mini And S4 Active to follow

June 21, 2013 By James Faulkner 3 Comments

A Bluetooth SIG filing for a gadget labeled Samsung SCH-I545L gives substance to the idea of a new Verizon Samsung Galaxy S4 coming up in the near future. The previous Verizon Galaxy S4 had a model number of SGH-I545. The new model being filed for has an extra L to it.

Samsung is coming out with a number of gadgets in its Galaxy S4 line of product. There would be the Galaxy S4 Mini and then the Active as well as the Zoom models to fill up the line. A Galaxy S4 which would have a Snapdragon 800 processor at its core is also in the tunnel along with one more that would be sporting Advanced-LTE.

The Galaxy S4 which is being talked about going the Verizon way would not be the Verizon Galaxy S4 with a 32 GB memory. The one being talked about is a customized one and which would allow its users to change the back plate. This limited edition pieces from Verizon would be designed either by Kink, Kid Robot, KAWS or Undefeated.

These talks have not been confirmed or even mentioned by Samsung in any platform. The information however comes from evleaks who has been experienced to be quite accurate with their predictions.

The Bluetooth SIG where this model with the missing L has been applied for does not also give any further details of the device. It could be either an Advanced LTE model or the model with a customized back, the latter item being the more probable one. For sure it is going to be a new Verizon Galaxy S4 model is what can be concluded as of now. The rest is all accurate speculation as of now.

Samsung Galaxy S4 Active Rumored to Retail For 649 Euros

June 10, 2013 By Deborah Cobing Leave a Comment

The date of July 1being the day when Samsung launches its Galaxy S4 Active in the UK has yet to be confirmed officially by Samsung themselves. Yet, there is additional information that indicates that the price which the Galaxy S4 Active would come at is 649 Euro.

The Galaxy S4 Active is supposed to be a dust proof and water proof gadget and comes with an IP67 certification to this effect. The gadget would be able to sustain its watertight properties for 30 minutes, if it is kept submerged in the water. Other features of the device are its 5 inch screen which is full HD of 1920 X1080 pixel and 443 PPI. The screen is a TFT LCD technology based display unit.

The core processor is a quad core chip clocking 1.9 GHz. Its inbuilt memory is `16 GB and the RAM is of 2 GB. Off the 16 GB memory, 11.25 GB is usable for storage and the balance is taken up by the operating and starting up applications. Memory expansion provision is available via the microSD card slot that can take on 64 GB additional memory.

The Galaxy S4 would come with dual camera on it. Where the front one would be of 2 megapixel resolution, the rear camera will be of 8 megapixels. It would also have LED flash feature in it. OS of the Smartphone would be Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean. Over all, the device is expected to be a feature full gadget that is necessary to keep ahead in this very tough and tight mobile market. With so many other equally feature full gadgets doing the rounds, every bit of extra additions would go a long way in making a particular device like the Samsung Galaxy S4 Active a success.

Galaxy S4 Sales Cross 10 Millions in First Month but Still behind Apple iPhone

May 29, 2013 By Troy Rubenson Leave a Comment

The Korean based Samsung Electronics have made it public that in the first month of release of flagship Galaxy S4, the device managed to achieve 10 million sales. The Galaxy S4 made global debut on 27^th April and it is being purchased at the rate of four handsets each second.

Experts feel that HTC One is quite good and on some aspects it is on par with Samsung Galaxy S4. However, even though HTC One released around two weeks before the Galaxy S4, the sales of HTC One is considerably less than Galaxy S4. The main reason behind it is that Samsung has invested heavily in advertising its flagship device. Now, it has reached such a point that even if it does not advertise its Galaxy S line of devices, the products will be able to achieve impressive results.

Apple’s iPhones are still the most preferred smartphone brands in US. The sales of Galaxy S products are less than that of iPhones. Achieving 10 million sales in just one month is quite an achievement for Samsung. The predecessor phone, the Galaxy S3 was able to achieve the same mark in 50 days. It took around five months for Galaxy S2 to reach 10 million sales. The same result was achieved by Galaxy S in seven months.

On the other hand, 5 million units of iPhone 5 was sold in the first week and by first quarter, it managed to achieve 47 million sales.At present, the Galaxy S4 is being sold in 110 countries and in the near future it will be made available to 155 countries.

In some countries, the Galaxy S4 is powered with Samsung Exynos 5 Octa CPU and in other countries it is powered with Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 CPU. The Samsung Galaxy S4 comes with a 5inch Super AMOLED display which supports 1920 x 1080 pixels resolution with 441ppi. It has got 2GB RAM and is available three storage variants such as 16GB, 32GB and 64GB. It has also external memory slot.

The Galaxy S4 houses a staggering 13MP camera at the rear and the front facing camera is of 2MP. Both the cameras are capable of recording HD videos of 1080p. As far as connectivity is concerned, it provides you with Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, and MHL 2.0. It is packed with 2100mAh battery. It runs on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Ben OS and we feel the phone will be soon updated to Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. You can browse high speed internet on through its 4G LTE connectivity.

Samsung is releasing various versions of the Galaxy 4 such as the ruggedized Galaxy S4 Activ and Galaxy S4 Mini. Also, there are rumors that the S4 is going to be available in different colors such as blue, red, purple and brown. Currently, the S4 is available in white and black colors only. The only competitor for Samsung is Apple. Very soon Samsung plans to launch various new products including ATIV products which include desktops, laptops, tablets and smartphones powered with Windows Phone OS. If Apple does not manage to provide something unique in its forthcoming iterations, Samsung can easily surpass Apple in the near future.

Samsung Galaxy S4 With 24ct Gold Decked Hits The Market For $2200

May 21, 2013 By Georgia Dawson 1 Comment

If you do not have any qualms in shedding few thousand dollars on a smartphone, you can consider purchasing the 24ct Gold decked Galaxy S4 from GoldGenie. The phone is plated with Gold, Rose Gold and Platinum.

Samsung Galaxy S4 is undoubtedly the best smartphone in the market. Owning a premium 24ct gold version of the Galaxy S4 is surely a luxurious addition to any gadget lover’s collection. Galaxy S4 gold edition is priced at $2200. You may think that the price is too high. Still, you can consider buying it. If you think about buying any smartphone on a contract, you will come to know that purchasing the gold version of the Galaxy S4 is not that expensive.

When you buy a smartphone on a contract, you have to make a down payment or you may have to pay a lower amount with a new contract. And then every month you will have to pay monthly installments. By the time contract comes to an end, you will find yourself spending more than $1000 on the device. At first, it appears to be a cheaper as it allows you to pay very less amount to own the desired smartphone. However, once the contract comes to an end, you will realize that the deal eventually made you spend more money.

So, if you are someone who can spend more than such an amount, you can consider owning the Galaxy S4 from GoldGenie that comes plated with Gold, Rose Gold and Platinum. The device is currently only available in United States. It comes with a personalized rim. The Galaxy S4 gold version is packed in a very luxurious Luxury Cherry Oak Finished Box.

The Galaxy S4 gold edition is sleek and thin and boasts iconic design. GoldGenie brings the device to you in black and white colors. The regular version of the Galaxy S4 is also available in these two colors. As far as hardware and specs are concerned, the GoldGenie version of the phone is same as the regular version of the phone. It comes loaded with 5inch display that supports 1080p, quad-core CPU, 13MP cam, Android 4.2 Jelly Bean OS and other cool features.

Even though the phone has been designed with precious metals, the weight of the phone remains the same as that of regular version. The phone will be available for purchase from May 23^rd. Compared to other luxurious phones in the market such as Vertu Ti which is priced at $10500 and AEsir AE which is priced at $36000, the Galaxy S4 from GoldGenie surely appears to be an affordable deal.

Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Edition with 4G LTE at AT&T and T-Mobile

May 20, 2013 By Janet Vasquez Leave a Comment

At the Google I/O even which was held last week, there were no announcement made on the next Nexus device. However, Google had announced that will be releasing a special version of Samsung Galaxy S4 which would be called Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Edition running on stock Android.

How is the Google Edition version of S4 different from the Galaxy S4 which is already available in the market?

The Google Edition will run on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean. Also, it will not have Samsung’s TouchWiz UI. The regular version of S4 is preloaded with TouchWiz UI from Samsung.

The 16GB S4 Google Edition will be priced at $649. The unlocked device can be directly purchased through Google Play Store in the month of June. The release date of Galaxy S4 Google Edition is expected to be 26^th June. Both AT&T and T-Mobile will be offering 4G LTE connectivity.

The tech specs of Galaxy S4 Google Edition are same as the regular version of S4. It comes with a huge 5inch display that supports 1080p display, a powerful Snapdragon 600 CPU, 2GB of memory, 16GB internal storage and a mammoth battery life. As mentioned before, what makes this device desirable is that it comes with vanilla Android out of the box. Since the device will be running stock version of Android, all the updates will be readily available for the device.

The moment you turn on the Google Edition phone, you will see the “vanilla” Android running on the device. Not only there is a difference in the software, but also there will be difference in the storage space. The regular edition of Galaxy S4 has got 16GB internal storage. However, much of the storage space is used up by the operating system and TouchWiz user interface.

At the Google I/O event, Google did not announce the successor device for Nexus 4. Many are considering that the Galax y S4 Google Edition that was unveiled by Hugo Barra at the event may be the next Nexus smartphone. At the event, Barra went on to say, “Google’s take on Android – and it feels really awesome on the Galaxy S4”.

The name ‘Google Edition’ is not the official name of the device. The name came into existence through an earlier rumor. Google has refrained from revealing any name for their newest smartphone. Also, they did not mention anything about releasing the phone in other countries outside US. However, we expect that very soon the Google Edition S4 will be available for UK market and other countries. It may also happen that Google can make the vanilla Android exclusively available S4 owners outside US.

How is the Google Edition version of S4 different from the Galaxy S4 which is already available in the market?

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