Tag Archives: Galaxy
LoJack for Android to be embedded in Samsung Galaxy S4′s firmware
Since the Galaxy S4′s launch, Samsung’s been eager to make security one of the device’s stronger selling points. Through its partnershup with Absolute Software, makers of LoJack for Laptops, Samsung will soon embed a theft recovery system right into the the phone’s firmware. LoJack for Android smartphones, launching exclusively on the Galaxy S4, joins SAFE for Knox in Samsung’s quest to develop “the most comprehensive mobile security solution” on the market. While there are plenty of apps that can locate misplaced phones via GPS and wipe their contents, the hope of retrieving a stolen phone is slim to none. In addition to content-clearing software, LoJack will offer a service in which “recovery specialists” attempt to return lost phones to their owners. There’s no guarantee that said recovery specialists will be able to successfully track down thieves and reclaim stolen devices, but it’s nice to dream. Subscriptions for LoJack for Android will start at $ 29.99 a year, though there’s no official word yet on a release date.
Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile, Samsung
Via: CNET
Source: Absolute Software
Samsung rumored to roll out fingerprint scanning on future Galaxy devices
It seems Apple isn’t the only company working on fingerprint scanning technology. It looks like Samsung is also getting into the biometrics business with a solution of their own. Deep within the Galaxy S III file system, some images have been discovered that show off illustrated fingerprints, hinting to that possibility that Samsung may implement fingerprint scanning in future devices.
According to SamMobile, a tipster found the images within the SecSettings.apk at SecSettings\res\drawable-hdpi. This indicates that Samsung could be testing some type of fingerprint scanning technology internally, and these images could’ve been left on older Galaxy S III devices by mistake, or just hidden deep within the file system so that no one could find them, but that didn’t turn out so well for them.
Then again, the images provide no indication of what exactly Samsung might have planned. We’re given just a generic group of fingerprint art, along with an image that shows a user tapping on the home button (or scanning their fingerprint, in this context), as well as some plus signs and a checkmark. Some of the pieces fit together, but we can’t be too sure, of course.
Apple has been rumored to bring fingerprint scanning to iOS devices for a while now. The company purchased security firm AuthenTec last year over the summer, as well as made a deal with biometric security startup Microlatch. Both of these business transactions could be a hint at the possibility of Apple getting into the fingerprint scanning industry.
However, we would take this with a grain of salt for the time being. Apple bought these companies before they released the iPhone 5, but biometric security was nowhere to be found on the new smartphone. It’s still possible that Apple is continuing to work on the technology, which could mean that the next iPhone will come equipped with such a feature. As for Samsung, we could see fingerprint scanning on the Galaxy S 5, although that’s a year away at this point now that the Galaxy S 4 is just being released.
SOURCE: SamMobile
Samsung rumored to roll out fingerprint scanning on future Galaxy devices is written by Craig Lloyd & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.
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Verizon Galaxy S4 starts shipping early
Forwarded from a reader who goes by "Delons."
(Credit: Screenshot by Eric Mack/CNET)
Big Red looks to be feeling the heat to get its take on Samsung’s new Galaxy S4 into the hands of customers.
Verizon customers have begun to report receiving notifications from the carrier that their new Android superphones have shipped earlier than expected.
Related stories
- Samsung Galaxy S4 (review)
- Where and when to buy the Samsung Galaxy S4
- Samsung plans a hard-core Galaxy S4, says report
While I’ve yet to see video footage, I can only assume that many happy dances have followed receipt of these emails.
The Galaxy S4 on other carriers, including Sprint and AT&T, has been available for a few weeks now.
Originally we were told to expect Verizon to get the Galaxy S4 into consumers’ hands by the end of the month. That date was later bumped up to the 23rd, and it now looks like the phones will arrive even a … [Read more]
Related Links:
AT&T confirms April 25 release for Galaxy S4 pre-orders
Samsung plans a hard-core Galaxy S4, says report
Verizon opens preorders for Galaxy S4 16GB
RadioShack sells Samsung Galaxy S4 on April 27
Where and when to buy the Samsung Galaxy S4
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Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 image, specs leak
Verizon’s Galaxy S4 to launch sooner than expected on May 23rd
BGR
Tech21 Impact Shield for GALAXY S 4 and iPhone 5 Review
This week we’ve had the opportunity to have a look at Tech21′s Impact Shield smartphone screen protector technology in the form of it’s iPhone 5 and Samsung GALAXY S 4 iterations. This product works with three layers of shielding, each of them working with slightly different features for an overall 80 percent lessening of impact by objects aimed at your smartphone’s screen.
While in the past working with screen protectors that are anything thicker than a simple super-thin layer of plastic, it’s been a toss-up whether or not they’d do what they said they would, here Tech21 appears to come through. The final product does appear disperse impact and protect the screen while touch sensitivity remains.
NOTE: As a special experiment / treat, we’re recorded the hands-on of this product’s application process with Google Glass. The photo at the head of this article also comes straight #throughglass, is it were. Take heed – this video also appears in an expanded Google Glass in action review of the wearable technology’s abilities, specifically its camera.
The technology inside this screen protector is what Tech21 describes as their most advanced implementation of display shielding yet. The first layer works to spread the impact force of whatever’s aimed at your device’s screen. The third (closest to the screen) layer is a soft base, further absorbing the impact force of a blow.
The middle layer is the most interesting – or at least the most interestingly titled. Here we’ve got the BulletShield impact protection layer using BASF absorption polymer technology. BASF is also known as “The Chemical Company” and is, not coincidentally, the largest chemical company in the world. This layer provides non-yellowing UV protection with absorption polymer also used in bulletproof glazing.
Thus far this shielding has held up every bit as well as the other Tech21 products we’ve tested, including the orange goo you’ll remember from some months ago. Have a peek at a demo we received at the hands of Tech21′s CEO with a hammer, Tech21 Impactology excellence, and a human hand. You’ll certainly not regret having done so.
Also note that this multi-layer screen protector system is out there in the wild for your pocket in several iterations right this minute. For $ 29.99 MSRP you’ll find the Tech21 Impact Shield for the Samsung Galaxy S III, Samsung GALAXY S 4, Apple iPhone 5, and Samsung Galaxy Note II as well. We’ll keep you updated on the spread of this shield to other devices soon as well – stay tuned!
Tech21 Impact Shield for GALAXY S 4 and iPhone 5 Review is written by Chris Burns & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.
SlashGear
Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom apparently confirmed by Bluetooth SIG
Rumors have been circulating that Samsung is getting ready to launch some other smartphones based on its popular Galaxy S 4 smartphone. One of the rumors that keeps circulating is that a smartphone called the Galaxy S 4 Zoom (SM-C1010 or SM-C101) will be coming to market. Some information has turned up over on the Bluetooth SIG website that appears to confirm that phone is in fact the works.
Bluetooth SIG is the special-interest group that certifies products that use Bluetooth technology. That means just about everything that hits the market rolls through their hands at one time or another. The latest device to surface in documents on the website of the Bluetooth SIG is called the Samsung Mobile Phone SM-C101.
That SM-C101 is the part number that’s been rumored to go along with the Galaxy S 4 Zoom. The documentation on the website doesn’t exactly offer a lot of details on the smartphone, but it does appear to confirm that the device is real and coming. Luckily, the rumors that have been circulating do have a few details.
The rumor says that the Galaxy S 4 Zoom will resemble the Galaxy S 4 Mini. The biggest difference between the two smartphones comes in the fact that the Zoom has a very impressive 16-megapixel rear camera features optical zoom, at least according to the rumor. Rumors also indicate that the Zoom may be coming in early June. Keep in mind that all of this is unsubstantiated rumor since that part number is only associated with the Zoom by rumor.
[via Unwired View]
Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom apparently confirmed by Bluetooth SIG is written by Shane McGlaun & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.
SlashGear
Samsung Galaxy Centura smartphone destined for Straight Talk
Samsung has quietly slipped a new smartphone into the market, this one destined for Straight Talk and bestowed with the Galaxy Centura name. The phone wasn’t announced, instead appearing over on Samsung’s website, where it currently sits without a price or launch date, but alongside a list of specifications that point to an all-around basic lower-end handset for those needing a (we’re assuming) budget phone.
The handset is a small device with an equally-small 3-inch display with a resolution of 320 x 480. In case that doesn’t tip you off, the rest of the specs are likewise nothing that will jump out at you, including its 800MHz MSM7625A Qualcomm processor and 512MB of RAM. There’s 4GB of internal storage space, as well as a microSD card expansion slot with support for up to 32GB.
One of the specs’ upsides is the addition of Bluetooth, which means users will be able to use wireless headsets when driving or in situations that demand it. The battery is also a decent 1,500mAh, which given the lower-end processor and small screen results in an appreciable standby charge time of 10 days and talk time of 7 hours – assuming the user doesn’t run Bluetooth constantly, which will reduce those numbers.
There’s a single camera around back with a 3-megapixel resolution and 3x digital zoom, as well as a few different image modes and the ability to record video. There’s also GPS. The handset runs Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, and has the cell phone standards of speakerphone, voicemail, and such. There’s no word on when it’ll be available, but we’ll update you when we know more.
[via Phonescoop]
Samsung Galaxy Centura smartphone destined for Straight Talk is written by Brittany Hillen & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.
SlashGear
AT&T GALAXY S 4 bug hits Wi-fi tethering: fix in the works
This week the AT&T Samsung GALAXY S 4 has been discovered to have a bit of a bug in its build affecting users’ ability to work with stock wi-fi hotspot and tethering. While some third-party services still work to allow tethering and wi-fi hotspot, AT&T’s direct menu support is not appearing working on some (if not all) units at the moment. SlashGear has reported this issue to Samsung and they are currently looking into it.
While working with an extended internet connection from your Samsung GALAXY S 4 may not be working straight from your normal menu right this minute, you do have options outside the regular fold. The widget set Extended Controls is one which allows quick-access to your mobile hotspot, Bluetooth, music, and a few other bits and pieces. There’s also the Koush-made USB tether app which makes tethering undetectable by your carrier of choice.
The Samsung GALAXY S 4 has appeared earlier today in the newest CyanogenMod 10.1 release for T-Mobile and has appeared earlier this month for AT&T. This setup allows you internet tethering and mobile hotspot abilities that we’ve not yet gotten the chance to test with this particular bug – but chances are there are good things to be said about the build. If you’re using the AT&T version of the Samsung GALAXY S 4 and CyanogenMod 10.1, be sure to let us know if you’re up and running!
The Samsung GALAXY S 4 is headed out to – or is already on – each of the major mobile device carriers in the United States right now and is spreading abroad as we speak. Have a peek at our full review of the Samsung GALAXY S 4 and let us know if you’re planning on checking one out in the near future!
AT&T GALAXY S 4 bug hits Wi-fi tethering: fix in the works is written by Chris Burns & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.
SlashGear
Samsung Galaxy Core Announced
The arrival of a flagship phone from Samsung means a bunch of lesser siblings are also on the way. With the Samsung Galaxy S4 out in full force, it’s time to let the less-beefy siblings shine. Today, the announced handset of choice is the Samsung Galaxy Core. While it’s no S4, the handset will be getting some of the exciting new software features found in the flagship. Most notably, you’ll find Motion UI (basically, controlling [...]
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