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Samsung announces Galaxy Ace 2 and the Galaxy mini 2

Feb 212012

Samsung today announced two new additions to its Galaxy lineup: the GALAXY Ace 2 and the GALAXY mini 2.

“Launched in 2011, GALAXY Ace and GALAXY mini have been a huge success in the global market. Today, we introduce GALAXY Ace 2 and GALAXY mini 2 with upgraded features and services,” said JK Shin, President of IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung Electronics. “Our goal remains the same—to continue to create new and improved mobile experiences that deliver something suitable for everyone. This is the hallmark of Samsung’s GALAXY range and what has made the GALAXY brand such a runaway hit with consumers around the world.”

Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 specifications:

Processor: 800MHz dual-core
Operating system: Google Android 2.3 with Samsung TouchWiz
Cellular connectivity: Quad-band GPRS/EDGE and dual-band HSDPA 14.4Mbps
Other connectivity: GPS, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 3.0, Optional NFC
Display: 3.8-inch WVGA (480×800) PLS LCD
Input: Capacitive touchscreen
Memory: 768MB RAM
Storage: 4GB onboard and microSD cards
Rear-facing camera: 5MP AF with flash
Front-facing camera: VGA
Battery: 1,500mAh
Dimensions / weight: 62.2 x 118.3 x 10.5 millimeters, 122 grams

Samsung Galaxy mini 2 specifications:

Processor: 800MHz single-core
Operating system: Google Android 2.3 with Samsung TouchWiz
Cellular connectivity: Quad-band GPRS/EDGE and dual-band HSDPA 7.2Mbps
Other connectivity: A-GPS, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 3.0, DLNA
Display: 3.27-inch HVGA (320×480) LCD
Input: Capacitive touchscreen
Memory: 512MB RAM
Storage: 4GB onboard and microSD cards
Rear-facing camera: 3MP FF
Front-facing camera: None
Battery: 1,300mAh
Dimensions / weight: 58.6 x 109.4 x 11.9 millimeters / 106.8 grams (NFC) or 58.6 x 109.4 x 11.6 millimeters / 105.3 grams (Non-NFC)

The Samsung GALAXY mini 2 will launch initially in France in March while the Samsung GALAXY Ace 2 will initially be available starting in the UK in April. Both will be rolled out globally but further details were not announced.

Samsung Galaxy Note now available in Canada

Posted by Jerome No Responses »

Feb 142012

The much anticipated Samsung Galaxy Note is now available in Canada from Bell Mobility, Rogers Wireless and TELUS Mobility.

Samsung Galaxy Note specifications:

Processor: 1.4GHz dual-core
Operating system: Google Android 2.3 (upgradeable to Android 4.0)
Cellular connectivity: LTE/HSPA/GSM/GPRS/EDGE
Other connectivity: 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 3.0
Display: 5.3-inch WXGA (1280×800) Super AMOLED with Gorilla Glass
Input: Capacitive touchscreen, S Pen digital pen
Memory: 512MB RAM
Storage: 16GB onboard and micro SD cards up to 32GB
Rear-facing camera: 8MP with LED flash
Front-facing camera: 2MP
Battery: 2500mAh
Dimensions / weight: 146.85 x 82.95 x 9.65 millimeters / 178 grams

Prices start at CA$199.99 with a three-year contract at all three carriers. Bell is also offering it for CA$729.95 with no contract. Rogers is also offering it for CA$599.99 with a two-year contract, CA$649.99 with a one-year contract, or CA$699.99 with no contract. TELUS is also offering it for CA$679.99 with a two-year contract, CA$729.99 with a one-year contract, or CA$779.99 with no contract.

Samsung announces GALAXY Tab 2 (7.0) tablet

Posted by Jerome No Responses »

Feb 132012

Samsung today announced its first new tablet for 2012. It is fitting that the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (7.0) is the successor to its very first Android tablet, the Samsung Galaxy Tab.

“Two years ago, Samsung GALAXY Tab began to offer customers more possibilities on the go. Since then, Samsung has actively enhanced our tablet line-up with several tablets in different sizes,” said JK Shin, President of IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung Electronics. “The new GALAXY Tab 2 (7.0) will provide people with delighted multimedia experience and allow efficient communication.”

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2. (7.0) specifications:

Processor: 1GHz dual-core
Operating system: Google Android 4.0 with Samsung TouchWiz
Cellular connectivity: Quad-band HSPA+ 21Mbps on 3G model
Other connectivity: A-GPS (on 3G model only), 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 3.0,
Display: 7-inch WSVGA (1024×600) PLS
Input: Capacitive touchscreen
Memory: 1GB RAM
Storage: 8/16/32GB onboard options and microSD cards up to 32GB
Rear-facing camera: 3MP FF
Front-facing camera: VGA
Battery: 4,000mAh
Dimensions / weight: 193.7 x 122.4 x 10.5 millimeters, 344g

Offered in both in 3G and Wi-Fi versions, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (7.0) will launch first in the UK in March. It will be available in other global markets later. Pricing information was not provided.

Samsung to unveil Galaxy S III on March 22nd?

Posted by Jerome No Responses »

Feb 062012

Samsung could unveil the Samsung Galaxy S III on March 22^nd. French site FrAndroid is reporting that the manufacturer will hold a press event in France on this date. It remains to be seen if this will be a local event or part of a larger one. If the former, it’s unlikely that it would be the Galaxy S III announcement though. Unfortunately, the invitation reveals little.

Samsung March 2012 press event

Past rumours suggest that the Samsung Galaxy S III will be powered by a quad-core Exynos processor and Google Android 4.0 with the TouchWiz UI. It will also come with LTE connectivity, a Super AMOLED Plus 720p display and 2GB RAM. It could be as thin as 7 millimeters.

Read more: FrAndroid (in French) [Google translation] (Source: The Verge)

7mm-thick quad-core Samsung Galaxy S III to launch in May?

Posted by Jerome 1 Response »

Feb 062012

Samsung A report by Korean Electronic Times News sheds new light on the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S III. Citing unnamed sources, it provides not only a possible launch date but new details about the device itself.

The report begins by indicating that the Samsung Galaxy S III will launch in May (a bit later than earlier rumours suggested). It does not indicate where the launch will take place although Samsung’s home country of South Korea is likely with other markets to follow.

The report adds that the Samsung Galaxy S III will be among the thinnest smartphones. It could be as thin as 7 millimeters (a sizeable reduction over the Galaxy S II’s 8.5 millimeters) although there may be bump around the camera module as it will be the same as the Galaxy S II’s. Supporting other reports, it also has it coming with Android 4.0, a quad-core processor, a Super AMOLED Plus display, an 8MP rear-facing camera, and a front-facing 2MP camera.

The Google translation is difficult to follow but Samsung could, as it has done with the Galaxy S II, release different variants, including ones supporting improved cameras, 3D (something we already heard) and pen-technology.

For its part, Samsung has only confirmed that the Samsung Galaxy S III will not be unveiled at Mobile World Congress but will get its own event later.

Read more: ETNews (in Korean) [Google translation] (Source: BGR)

Thing Called Love: Samsung’s Galaxy Note Super Bowl ad

Posted by Jerome No Responses »

Feb 062012

Samsung aired its latest ad featuring fans of a competing product during last night’s Super Bowl. It featured the upcoming Galaxy Note rather than the Galaxy S II, The Darkness and a wild street party.

The Samsung Galaxy Note will be available in Canada starting on February 14^th from Bell, Rogers and TELUS. It should follow in the U.S. shortly after.

Galaxy Nexus now available from WIND Mobile and TBayTel

Posted by Jerome No Responses »

Feb 032012

The Galaxy Nexus is now available from two more carriers: WIND Mobile and northern Ontario carrier TBayTel.

With Galaxy Nexus, cutting edge hardware complete with amazing Samsung features like an ultra-wide HD Super AMOLED screen, curved design, and thin form factor, meets the latest platform from Android, Ice Cream Sandwich.

WIND Mobile is offering the Galaxy Nexus starting at CA$249 on the WINDTab+ and up to CA$599 with no tab. TBayTel is offering the Galaxy Nexus for CA$99.99 with a three-year contract.

Vidéotron has also revealed that it will launch the Galaxy Nexus on February 8^th.

Leaked picture shows Samsung smartphone running Android 4.0

Posted by Jerome Comments Off

Feb 022012

One of the “exciting new mobile products” promised by Samsung for Mobile World Congress could be a smartphone powered by Android 4.0 (but it won’t be the Samsung Galaxy S III). An image of such a device has surfaced courtesy of Russian blogger Eldar Murtazin. It reveals a few interesting details.

Rumoured Samsung smartphone headed to MWC 2012

This new Samsung smartphone will be powered by Android 4.0 and will sport the button layout associated with the latest version of the OS. It looks a lot like some of the Galaxy S II models suggesting that it could be the rumoured Samsung Galaxy SII Plus. If so, Samsung may have decided to upgrade it to Android 4.0 since we last saw it.

Mobilicity launches the Galaxy Nexus ahead of schedule

Posted by Jerome Comments Off

Feb 022012

As part of its two-year anniversary celebrations, Mobilicity today announced that it has launched the Galaxy Nexus ahead of schedule.

It may be Groundhog Day, but it’s the sleek shadow of the Galaxy Nexus by Samsung that will be casting attention at Mobilicity stores across Canada starting today.

The news that the fast-growing unlimited carrier is selling the acclaimed smartphone, powered by Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), ahead of its original launch date – and with a free Samsung HM1100 Bluetooth headset – also coincides with the two-year anniversary of unveiling the Mobilicity brand.

Mobilicity is offering the Galaxy Nexus for CA$599.99 with no contract at select Mobilicity stores. While supplies last, it comes with a free Samsung HM1100 Bluetooth headset.

Samsung to release Galaxy S II+?

Posted by Jerome Comments Off

Feb 012012

Samsung While Samsung will not unveil the much anticipated Galaxy S III at Mobile World Congress, it may use the event to announce an updated version of the Galaxy S II. Keen eyes have spotted a new device called the Galaxy S 2+ in the An3DBenchXL benchmark database. The Plus in the name points to improved specifications but no major design changes over the current models.

The specifications suggest that the processor has been bumped from a 1.2GHz one to a 1.5GHz one. It will also come with a WVGA display and is set to run Android 2.3.4.

Launch and pricing details remain unknown but we will hopefully learn more about the Samsung Galaxy S II Plus next month.

Read more: An3DBenchXL (Source: PocketNow)

Samsung confirms no MWC unveiling for Galaxy S III

Posted by Jerome Comments Off

Feb 012012

Samsung The rumours that the Samsung Galaxy S III would miss the upcoming Mobile World Congress have been confirmed. Samsung today told TechRadar that the much anticipated follow-up to the Galaxy S II will not appear at the event:

Samsung is looking forward to introducing and demonstrating exciting new mobile products at Mobile World Congress 2012.

The successor to the Galaxy S2 smartphone will be unveiled at a separate Samsung-hosted event in the first half of the year, closer to commercial availability of the product.

Samsung stays committed to providing the best possible mobile experiences for customers around the world.

Confirming some theories, Samsung confirmed that its decision was at least partially due to it wanting to keep the lead time between announcement and launch to a smaller period. Last year, the Galaxy S II was unveiled at MWC but did not get released in Europe until May and as late as the fall in the U.S.

If there is a silver lining here, it is that Samsung has now confirmed that the Galaxy S III is very real. And while we wait for it, Samsung will have some other products at Mobile World Congress. Perhaps some new tablets?

Galaxy Nexus coming to WIND Mobile on February 3rd?

Posted by Jerome Comments Off

Jan 312012

WIND Mobile had promised to release the Galaxy Nexus in time for Valentine’s Day. A leaked document obtained by MobileSyrup has revealed that the carrier will beat its own deadline quite handily: It will begin to offer the Galaxy Nexus on February 3^rd.

The document also reveals pricing: CA$249 on the WINDTab+, CA$449 on the WINDTab, and CA$599 free of any tab.

Samsung announces Galaxy S Advance

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Jan 302012

Samsung today announced the Samsung Galaxy S Advance. Unlike the other Galaxy smartphones, the Advance will sport the curved display seen on the Nexus S and Galaxy Nexus.

Samsung Galaxy S Advance specifications:

Processor: 1GHz dual-core
Operating system: Google Android 2.3 with Samsung TouchWiz
Cellular connectivity: Quad-band EDGE/GPRS and quad-band HSPA 14.4Mbps
Other connectivity: A-GPS, 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 3.0
Display: 4.0-inch WVGA(480×800) Super AMOLED
Input: Capacitive touchscreen
Memory: 768MB RAM
Storage: 8/16GB onboard options and microSD cards up to 32GB
Rear-facing camera: 5MP AF with LED Flash
Front-facing camera: 1.3MP
Battery: 1,500mAh
Dimensions / weight: 123.2 x 63.0 x 9.69 millimeters / 120g

Samsung will launch the Galaxy S Advance in Russia in February. It will then be rolled out in CIS, Europe, Africa, Middle East, Southeast and Southwest Asia, Latin America and China. No North American plans have been announced.

Samsung Galaxy Note coming soon to Bell and Rogers

Posted by Jerome Comments Off

Jan 302012

TELUS had been the only carrier to indicate that it would offer the LTE-enabled Samsung Galaxy Note until today. Both Bell and Rogers have now also confirmed that they will offer the smartphone-tablet hybrid device.

While Bell only promises that it is “coming soon,” Rogers has provided a better time frame indicating that it will be available in February (Samsung itself suggests mid-February). Rogers customers can reserve it already through the Rogers Reservation System (search under “Special Orders”).

Samsung Galaxy Note specifications:

Processor: 1.4GHz dual-core
Operating system: Google Android 2.3
Cellular connectivity: LTE and HSPA+ 21Mbps models
Other connectivity: 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 3.0
Display: 5.3-inch WXGA (1280×800) Super AMOLED with Gorilla Glass
Input: Capacitive touchscreen, S Pen digital pen
Storage: 16/32GB onboard
Rear-facing camera: 8MP with LED flash
Front-facing camera: 2MP
Battery: 2500mAh
Dimensions / weight: 146.85 x 82.95 x 9.65 millimeters

Pricing information has not yet been made available.

Read more: Bell Mobility and Rogers RedBoard

Exynos 5250 SoC mass production on track to start in Q2 2012

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Jan 282012

Samsung this week reconfirmed that it is now sampling its Exynos 5250 system-on-chip (SoC) and remains on track to begin mass production in Q2 2012. The Exynos 5250 will initially be used in tablets but will eventually make its way into smartphones as well.

The Samsung Exynos 5250 incorporates ARM’s new 2GHz dual-core Cortex-A15 processor which promises to double the performance of the 1.5GHz dual-core Cortex-A9 SoC. It also features improved graphics performance (as much as 4 times better) and support for stereoscopic 3D displays and resolutions up to WQXGA (2560×1600).

There is no word yet on who aside from Samsung (if anyone) could use the Exynos 5250 in future devices.

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