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Samsung Galaxy S III for Verizon Wireless review
More Info Galaxy S III (I9300) review Galaxy S III review shootout: AT&T vs. Sprint Galaxy S III for T-Mobile review Your girlfriend might be three times a lady, but the Samsung Galaxy S III is four times a smartphone -- at least when it comes to the US. Indeed, the manufacturer's latest flagship device has managed to hit the cellular equivalent of a grand slam stateside, as each of the four national carriers are adding it to their respective smartphone lineups. For the first time since the original Galaxy S series made its debut two years ago, customers won't have to bother switching carriers just for the privilege of using one of the best devices on the planet. But there was a rather significant asterisk associated with the original Galaxy S's reign on American soil: even though all four major networks offered it, none of the carrier-branded iterations used the same name or design as the original model that inspired them. Fast-forward two years to 2012, and it's a completely different ballgame -- the Galaxy S III on each mobile operator bears the same name and design. Hold an AT&T-branded model next to its T-Mobile counterpart, for instance, and you'll have a rather difficult time telling the two apart. Same with Sprint and Verizon; aside from the logos on the back and a couple other tiny differences, you're seeing the same exact phone across the board. Not only has Verizon been waiting in the dugout for its time to step up to the plate, but an untold number of customers undoubtedly have been, too. Given its brand recognition and top-of-the-line features, the Galaxy S III has a shot at becoming the all-star in Big Red's lineup. So how does Samsung's new darling hold up on the country's biggest network? Join us after the seventh inning stretch to find out.%Gallery-159908%
Verizon support blames Samsung for locked bootloader in Galaxy S III (updated)
Verizon cleared up its stance on locking the bootloaders in phones using its network earlier this year. In short: it encourages OEMs to do so, to keep its network humming along as Big Red feels it should. Well, it seems that VZW Support is telling a different story, as it's laid blame for the Galaxy S III's closed bootloader squarely at Samsung's feet, claiming that it's locked "per the Manufacturer." Now, that doesn't explicitly state that VZW had no part to play in denying users access, but it surely seems like this is a game of PR pass the buck to us. Of course, as we reported earlier, there's a workaround to be had by rooting the GSIII, which revealed a vulnerability allowing non-stock ROMs to be flashed to the device. But it's only a partial workaround, as the kernel's signed and implementing a full custom ROM experience is neither for the unskilled nor the faint of heart. We reached out to both Verizon and Samsung for comment on the matter, but have yet to hear back. While you wait for official word, feel free to check out the ongoing conversation at the source link below. [Thanks, @supercurio] Update: Seems that Verizon's still singing the same tune it was back in February, claiming that unauthorized software brought by open bootloaders could harm the overall network user experience: Verizon Wireless has established a standard of excellence in customer experience with our branded devices and customer service. There is an expectation that if a customer has a question, they can call Verizon Wireless for answers that help them maximize their enjoyment and use of their wireless phone. Depending on the device, an open bootloader could prevent Verizon Wireless from providing the same level of customer experience and support because it would allow users to change the phone or otherwise modify the software and, potentially, negatively impact how the phone connects with the network. The addition of unapproved software could also negatively impact the wireless experience for other customers. It is always a delicate balance for any company to manage the technology choices we make for our branded devices and the requests of a few who may want a different device experience. We always review our technology choices to ensure that we provide the best solution for as many customers as possible.
Verizon website pushes Galaxy S III availability back two days, still shipping pre-orders
Looking forward to picking up a Galaxy S III from Verizon this Tuesday? You'd better reschedule. According to the carrier's website, Samsung's latest Galaxy smartphone won't be available until July 12th, contradicting the previously stated July 10th shelf date. Don't get frustrated just yet though, we're hearing reports from readers that their phone has already shipped, or in some cases already arrived, suggesting that pre-orders are sticking to Verizon's original schedule. Stuck waiting? Look on the bright side, you have two extra days to read up on circumventing that Verizon-exclusive locked bootloader, right? [Thanks, John]
Samsung finds exploding Galaxy S III was due to 'external source', owner says it was a 'mistake'
Remember the melted Samsung Galaxy S III that surfaced in an Irish forum a few weeks ago? Samsung said they were looking into it and, along with a third party investigation, have decided it occurred as a result of "external energy" being applied to the device, not anything from within the phone itself. The damage is apparently consistent with the phone going in the microwave. The original poster dillo2k10 has posted an update on Boards.ie, indicating it was a mistake by someone else in an attempt to recover the phone after it got wet. The Samsung Tomorrow post linked cites a report from Fire Investigations UK finding that the phone itself was not responsible for generating the heat that caused the damage, so GSIII owners (and the pockets of their skinny jeans) should be able to breathe easier.
Samsung Galaxy S III OTA update adds brightness widget to drop-down menu
While we didn't have many complaints with what Samsung offered us in its 2012 flagship, several users noted that the auto-brightness setting wasn't really making the most of that 4.8-inch screen. The Galaxy S III's latest OTA update tries to fix this by throwing in a new brightness gauge and auto toggle within the drop-down notification menu. There's also a handful of stability fixes included in the 73MB update and according to SlashGear, the update can now be pushed to global models by hitting up the update section in the settings menu.
Samsung Galaxy S III hits Verizon shelves on July 10
In regards to the Samsung Galaxy S III, Verizon Wireless has been very vague about its "coming weeks" launch window, but it's become much more specific now: July 10, to be exact. The flagship device will be hitting both online and brick-and-mortar stores on that day, though only the 16GB model is going to be in retail stores at first (the 32GB will be available online, but won't get to stores until -- you guessed it -- the "coming weeks"). The phone will come in both white and blue -- the same color selection we've seen on Sprint and T-Mobile. As for pricing, the 16GB version will cost you $200, while the 32GB will be $250. The press release is just below, if you want to check it out.
Wolfson confirms the Samsung Galaxy S III uses its audio chip
The Galaxy S III was widely tipped to possess a Wolfson digital-to-analog converter for high quality audio output -- a feature not seen in this range since the first Galaxy S. That notion has just been confirmed by the Scottish electronics firm itself, which says its WM1811 Audio Hub has been selected for use in Sammy's flagship. The chip promises "crystal clear voice call quality" and "enriched audio playback for music and video" thanks to its 24-bit hi-fi DAC, active noise reduction circuits and other wizardry. The GS II, meanwhile, used a Yamaha DAC to convert digital data (e.g. in an mp3 file) into an analog signal that could drive a speaker (for example in your headphones), but even if most people couldn't hear the difference, audiophiles have insisted they preferred the sound in the older Galaxy. The only question remaining, which the PR after the break does not expand upon, is whether the Wolfson hardware is found in all variants of the new phone. Check out the More Coverage links for further reading. Update: Francois Simond (aka Supercurio) tweeted us to say that the US variant of the GS III uses Qualcomm's own WCD9310 for audio, not the Wolfson. Yup, it's that multi-talented Snapdragon S4 again.
Samsung coughs up source code for AT&T and T-Mobile Galaxy S IIIs
We've gotta hand it to Sammy, the company has been pretty good at releasing source code for its handsets in a timely manner. Just a few days ahead of the launch of the SGH-I747M and SGH-T999V (the Galaxy S III on AT&T and T-Mobile, respectively) Samsung Mobile has let the Android 4.0 source for the two devices loose on the web. For the average user, piles of code like this mean very little, but it should make it easier for those crafty devs out there to whip up some top-notch custom ROMs. If you're one of those Android-hacking folk, check out the source links to download Samsung's code.
US Cellular announces its Galaxy S III plans, pre-orders begin June 12, retail availability in July
The flood continues. We knew as of early this morning that regional carrier US Cellular would be carrying the Samsung Galaxy S III, and we now have a few more details to add to our interest. The flagship device will be available for pre-order June 12th and is going to be in stores and online sometime in July. The pricing hasn't been announced yet, but US Cellular mentions that this will be known as soon as the presale begins, and we wouldn't be shocked if it fell right inline with Sprint's price points ($199 for 16GB and $249 for 32GB). Once the purchasing magic begins, you'll have your choice of a 16GB model in Marble White or Pebble Blue, or a 32GB version in only the paler shade. The carrier also plans to start pushing its fledgling LTE network into new areas to support its latest handset coup. For a few more details, most of which will probably sound pretty familiar at this point, check out the PR after the break.
CyanogenMod 9 add-on gives your Galaxy Nexus a glass slipper, it will go to the GS III ball
If the arrival of the GS III has placed a dent in your "latest Galaxy" street-cred, help is at hand. Once again it's the fine folk at XDA-Developers who come up with the goods, in the form of a CM9 add-on pack for the apparently passé Galaxy Nexus. Included in the bundle are all the leaked goodies from Samsung's latest flagship so far (including a working S Voice), as well as a TouchWiz launcher for added authenticity, plus a few other treats for good measure. While designed for CM9, it's believed it may also work with other, similar ROMs. It's available just in time for the real-deal release, so no one (well those with a very untrained eye, at least) need ever know your dirty little secret.
Samsung phone lands on the FCC table, GS-three guesses which one
While we're no champions at "pin the tail on the donkey" we're pretty sure we're close to the mark with this one. An FCC report for a new Samsung phone bearing an SGH-I747 model number? Sporting HSPA+ and LTE bands that play nice with AT&T, Rogers, Telus and Bell? While it's not explicit, if this doesn't sound like the GSIII coming to town, we don't know what does. After all, it's not like we didn't know it was on its way.
Samsung Galaxy S III manual goes online, teaches you wax-on, wax-off
As you can imagine, we love nothing more than sitting next to a roaring log fire and diving into a good owners manual. As luck would have it, we'd just finished the last one, and then this lands in our laps. Yes, if you've already decided that you will be treating yourself to Samsung's latest mobile darling, you can start boning up on all those new features, and see the specifications for yourself in black and white. At the very least, you can start getting to grips with those new "use motion" gestures. Our favorite? The "Palm touch" media pause move. Hit the source to find your own fave.
Samsung Galaxy S III gets permission to enter US, still only with HSPA+
This is the same European version we've already spent so much time with, just stopping by the FCC to get its wireless paperwork in order. There's no LTE onboard, but the phone would handle HSPA+ on AT&T or just EDGE on T-Mo if it was (now legally) carried into the States. The regulatory label also helpfully alludes to one of the phone's key selling points: its 2,100mAh battery, which reportedly lasts for a tablet-like ten hours under load. It'll be globally available from May 29th, if you fancy getting into the import / export business.
Samsung Galaxy S III C-Pen stylus gets leaked with more accessory press shots
Samsung wasn't done with the accessories when it announced a whole stack of 'em alongside the incoming Galaxy S III last week. A few more have now started to appear on pre-order, including, yes, another stylus. This is the C-Pen and it's different from both the S-Pen and the stylus we used with Samsung's sketch-friendly tablet. Aside from these press shots courtesy of Mobile Fun, specifics remain a little light -- we're not even sure what the C stands for, but we'd hazard a guess at "creative", possibly "chrome"? It's joined by a substantial £80 (or around $128) WiFi display hub, a battery-charging holster for the phone (£35, around £56) and the previously seen Galaxy S III flip cover (£30, around $48). The stylus is up for pre-order at £20 (about $32) for the British Isles, but a release date for the whole collection still eludes us.
Editorial: Engadget on the Samsung Galaxy S III
Samsung Galaxy S III preview Under the microscope: Samsung Galaxy S III's HD Super AMOLED display Samsung Galaxy S III wrap-up Was it everything you imagined? The Galaxy S III didn't really slap us silly with hardware spectacle or a particularly brave design and instead plowed into software additions and contextual features. There was plenty to chew over and plenty of discussion followed its big reveal, spilling out over the last few days -- this was a big launch for not only Samsung but Android itself. We've got the six editors who spent time with the device to offer up their own thoughts on this new Android Olympian.
Samsung S-Pebble MP3 player / accessory hands-on
We're here on the floor at Samsung's "next galaxy" event taking a look at the company's new S-Pebble MP3 player / accessory. Curious about how it works? Head on past the break for our initial impressions.
Samsung announces buddy share feature, automatically sends photos to friends and family for you
Whenever we take a group photo, it's always a pain to have to go and email a copy to everyone afterwards. Good thing Samsung's rolled out a new buddy photo share feature on its new Galaxy S III to save us those precious post-photo seconds. It works using facial recognition tech to identify each of your subjects, then shoots the picture to them automatically via email or text message. Fantastic, now our mother won't be pestering us for weeks to get copies of all those family reunion photos next year.
Samsung Galaxy S III vs Galaxy S II and Galaxy S: meet the family
If you don't know where you came from, you won't know where you're going. That's why we're stacking up Samsung's Galaxy S III against the S II and the Galaxy S to see how the range has come on in the three years it's existed. If you fancy a trip down memory lane to the heady days of 2010, then join us after the break.
Samsung Galaxy S III vs. rival flagships: iPhone 4S, HTC One X, Lumia 900
Oh yes, it's a good time to go shopping for a smartphone, particularly if you've acquired a taste for an abundance of pixels and silicon cores. But which phones ought to be considered flagships worthy of comparison with the shiny new GS III? Yes, we're including the Lumia 900 in this context, for the sake of platform neutrality and also in recognition of the fact that raw specs don't count for everything -- but we can't overlook that this handset is sorely lacking in terms of ppi and some other areas. The next two choices are more obvious: the eternal (or infernal) iPhone 4S and AT&T's version of the HTC One X. So here it is: one table to rule them all, right after the break.
Alleged Galaxy S III pops up again, with rounded glass and GT-I9300 branding
Well, the leaks and rumors just won't stop coming and, while we were initially pretty dismissive of the rounded glass design it just keeps cropping back up. We're still note entirely convinced this is, in fact, the Galaxy S III (or the Next Galaxy) but the consistency of the leaks is making us slightly (but only slightly) less skeptical. SamMobile scored a pair of shots from Mr. Blurrycam's cousin, Sir Softfocus, that look quite similar to the photos we've seen circulating for the past few weeks. What's more, the site has an image of the settings page which labels this rather interesting looking handset as the GT-I9300. We've still got some concerns, though, that lead us to believe this is, most likely, a prototype device. Chief among those issues is the physical home button, flanked by a capacitive menu and back key. We'd say it's a pretty safe bet that we're looking at three entirely software-based buttons in the final product, just like the version spotted in the Vietnamese video. One more image after the break. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
