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String a few Galaxy S5s together and you can mine bitcoin
Samsung read the last e-waste report from Greenpeace too, and likely wasn't too happy about the slamming it got from the organization. Which leads us to the Korean electronics juggernaut's system for upcycling old phones. Specifically, the company rigged a bunch of them together and turned them into a bitcoin mining contraption. According to Motherboard, Samsung strung 40 Galaxy S5 together to mine recently, and apparently just eight of them wired together can mine in a way that's more power-efficient than a desktop computer.
Verizon brings Lollipop to Samsung's Galaxy S5 in the US
The rollout started in Europe already, but Samsung Galaxy S5 owners in the States are about to get a taste of Lollipop -- so long as you're on Verizon. Big Red is ready to update those handsets, and it's the first carrier in the US to offer the latest version of Android on said device. The new version packs in Lollipop's new features and a heavy dose of Material Design, all while still sporting Sammy's latest TouchWiz skin. You likely won't see a notification to install Android 5.0 immediately, as these things usually roll out in stages. However, folks with a Verizon GS5 can rest easy knowing that Lollipop will arrive shortly.
Three kicks off same-day smartphone deliveries in London
Christmas is coming, and that might mean it's time to treat yourself or a loved-one to a phone upgrade. To get customers signing on with Three, the UK network has begun trialling a same-day delivery service in London, removing the need to walk into a store or wait around for an online order. Next-day deliveries are notoriously expensive but, similar to Amazon and Argos, Three hopes to stand apart with even faster shipments. The offer is restricted to "selected postcodes" and only covers the iPhone 6 and Samsung Galaxy S5, so the chances of you using it are probably pretty slim. Although you can check online to see if your address is eligible, Three requires that you call between 7AM and 3PM to actually complete an order. If approved, you'll be charged £15 for the privilege and should have a shiny new smartphone sitting on your doorstep before 6PM. Of course, if the trial is successful, there's always a chance Three will expand it to new areas and handsets, eradicating gadget lust for those of us just too busy (or lazy) to venture into town and speak to a rep.
Not really into the iPhone 6? Sprint lets you rent the Galaxy S5, too
If you prefer to carry Samsung's most recent handset instead of that newfangled iPhone 6, Sprint is now offering the Android option for lease. Until now, the carrier allowed customers to rent Apple's phone for $20 a month for two years. After that, you can either continue service month-to-month or send it in for something new. It'll be interesting to see how popular the option is with a phone that's been out for a bit, but the Galaxy S5 Sport is available for lease, too. If you're on the fence, or have a tight budget, Sprint's unlimited everything plan is $10 per month cheaper for iPhone 6 users/lessees.
The NSA can now use Samsung's Galaxy phones for classified work
Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets have just become the first consumer mobile devices approved by the US National Security Agency (NSA) to carry classified documents. The edict covers most of its newer Galaxy devices, including the Galaxy S5, Galaxy Note 4, and the Galaxy Note 10.1 tablet (2014 edition) -- as long as they're equipped with Knox, Samsung's mobile security app. Knox-enabled devices have already been approved by the US Department of Defense, but only for general, not classified, use. That's a shot of good news for Samsung in the face of recent dismal earnings, and it no doubt wants to translate the NSA's golden nod into consumer and corporate sales. Ironically, many of those potential customers may be paranoid... of the NSA.
Samsung's take on Android L looks very familiar
You've probably seen plenty of Google's stock Android L interface by now, but custom interfaces are another story. What will the OS look like when device makers get hold of it? If SamMobile's experience with an early, leaked version of Samsung's TouchWiz software is any indication, it will be... remarkably familiar. At least on the Galaxy S5, it looks like the current front-end with splashes of Google's Material Design philosophy thrown in. Core apps and notifications are now full of card-like, colorful elements, but the home screen, app tray and many other elements resemble what you've seen on existing Samsung hardware.
The iPhone 6 vs. the competition: Can it stay ahead?
By now you're aware that there's an iPhone 6 and you've seen what it has to offer. But are all those new bells and whistles (like Apple Pay) enough to make you choose it above other phones? It's always hard to tell what features will work out, but in the meantime there's always cold, hard specs to look at. We've stacked up the new iPhone against the latest and greatest its competitors have to offer, so check out the numbers and other internals of the iPhone 6 versus the Samsung Galaxy S5 and the HTC One (M8) for Windows. Of course, you can also pick whatever devices you want and pit them against the iPhone 6 with our compare feature!
IRL: Olloclip's 4-in-1 photo lens for Galaxy S4 and S5
We first met Olloclip's tiny pop-on camera lens more than three years ago. The iPhone accessory got its start on Kickstarter, in the crowdfunding site's infancy, and became our very first featured Insert Coin project. Today, it's a staple at the Apple Store and a slew of other retailers -- you can even pick one up at those Best Buy vending machines in the airport. Several more iPhone versions have since debuted, but we've never seen an Olloclip for Android smartphones, until today. The first Android versions are compatible with two recent Samsung flagships, the Galaxy S4 and Galaxy S5. Because photo effects are created using a physical lens rather than an app, Olloclips are designed for specific devices. If you don't own a Galaxy S4 or S5 (or an iPhone), don't lose hope -- we may see models for other handsets in the near future.
Verizon adds push-to-talk to Android phones, makes smart walkie-talkies
Verizon's push-to-talk services already existed, but it was a pretty creaky service. It's now upgraded its offering (for five bucks a month), with a free six-month trial to anyone that signs up now. Right now. Supported Android devices range from the Galaxy S5 to Casio's hardy G'zOne Commando 4G LTE -- the latter is probably the most appropriate handset for the service. Verizon's promising faster connections when trying to talk to your fellow paintballers (and handsome gardeners), as well as improved voice quality. If your device isn't supported, you could hold out hope that the service rolls out to other phones in Verizon's stable -- Kyocera's latest ruggedized smartphone is also set to get the feature later this year.
Samsung's Galaxy S5 mini keeps the sensors but not the specs
Samsung has revealed the smaller-sized update to its latest flagship smartphone: the Galaxy S5 mini. While it's often expected that the company will scrimp on sensors to save on price, the S5 mini includes many of the same features as its sibling, including waterproof certification, power-saving modes, a heart rate monitor, fingerprint scanner and support for Samsung's wearables. As expected, there's also a 1.4GHz quad-core processor, Android 4.4, 16GB internal memory (expandable up to 64) and 1.5GB of RAM, which match what we've seen in years past. The display is a 4.5-inch Super AMOLED panel, which is powered by a 2,100mAh battery, with the cameras enjoying in 8- and 2.1-megapixel resolutions. The company expects the S5 mini to go on sale in Russia from "early July," but there's no word on when it'll spread to other countries. Samsung plans to expand sales globally, though, offering the device in Charcoal Black, Shimmery White, Electric Blue and Copper Gold.
Sprint's outdoor-ready Galaxy S5 Sport packs free fitness training
Americans: you no longer have to flock to AT&T to get a Galaxy S phone that can handle your outdoor adventures. Sprint has unveiled the Galaxy S5 Sport, a spin on the Galaxy S5 Active's formula that revolves around fitness. It's not as tough-looking as the Active, but it still offers both a grip-friendly shell and mechanical buttons that are easier to use when you're on a run. The real highlight, though, is the software. The Sport is the first phone with Sprint's Fit Live, an app and services bundle meant to get you moving. It includes a year's worth of Under Armour's MapMyFitness MVP, which brings custom audio coaching and training plans on top of the usual working stats. You'll also get half a year's worth of Spotify Premium music to amp yourself up, and there's an avalanche of health content that you can plaster across your home screen.
Engadget UK giveaway: win a Samsung Galaxy S5 courtesy of Pixa Prints
Samsung's Galaxy S5 is the best in its flagship series to date (duh), but if you don't have an upgrade loaded, it'll set you back a pretty penny. If only you could get hold of a brand-spanking new one for absolutely nothing (you can see where we're going with this, right?). Thanks to our friends over at Pixa Prints, that's exactly what we have to offer one lucky UK reader. And, because Pixa Prints is in the business of creating personalized mobile and tablet accessories, as well as other gifts and prints from photos and designs, we've also got six phone cases made especially for the winner to keep their new GS5 cosy. If you fancy your chances, head to the Rafflecopter widget below to submit up to three entries, and give the rules a quick read while you're at it, would ya? Good luck (Taken voice). Winning: congrats to Vic L. from Exeter, Devon.
Samsung's extra-rugged Galaxy S5 variant gets caught on video
Rumors of a truly rough-and-ready Galaxy S5 variant have so far had little support beyond vague filings and benchmarks. However, TK Tech News has just delivered the motherlode: it has posted hands-on videos (below) of what looks to be a Galaxy S5 Active for AT&T. The rugged device shown on camera shares a few superficial similarities with its bulked-up Galaxy S4 Active ancestor, including the all-mechanical navigation keys. However, this isn't as much of a step down as last year's toughened Galaxy -- the GS5 Active appears to have the same 16-megapixel camera as the regular S5, and it sports an ever-so-slightly faster variant of its sibling's Snapdragon 801 processor.
When you land at Heathrow Terminal Galaxy S5, you'll know who to blame
A Samsung-sized marketing budget buys airport-sized publicity stunts, as you may well notice if you fly to or from Heathrow this month. For two weeks, starting May 19th, the owners of the "world's busiest terminal" have allowed Samsung, in partnership with JCDecaux, to re-brand all Terminal 5 signage at entrances, security points and gates as "Terminal Samsung Galaxy S5." And who cares if that sounds like an illness? Update: A representative of Heathrow airport has since told iMore that Samsung exaggerated its claims about the rebranding of Terminal 5, and that only existing advertising space will be used as part of the campaign -- not signage and wayfinding as Samsung's press release originally claimed. We'll just have to wait 'til May 19th to see what it really looks like. Update: Today's the day, and our first photo from a reader has just come through. Thanks @Poltymon!
Samsung replaces its mobile design chief (updated)
It might have been defiantly plastic, but the Galaxy S5's lukewarm critical reception has apparently stimulated change at the higher levels of Samsung. Chang Dong-hoon, formerly Head of Mobile Design, tendered his resignation last week , has been shifted to Head Of Design Strategy at the company's corporate design center. He will be replaced by his VP, Lee Min-hyouk. According to Reuters, Lee was heavily involved in designing the Galaxy smartphone series, picking up the nickname 'Midas' in the process. It's mere speculation as to how this will affect Samsung's future smart devices: judging on past form, we are likely to see the Note 3's successor this summer. And what about those rumors of a premium-made Galaxy S5? And we don't simply mean a coating of Swarovski. Updated: Samsung has told us that it's not a resignation, but a "realignment" for Chang's role at Samsung. In his new role, he'll still involve himself with Samsung's phone design. We've added the full statement after the break and have updated this story to reflect that.
Samsung's Galaxy S5 now comes in a tweaker-friendly Verizon model
Fancy a Galaxy S5 on Verizon, but still want the freedom of tweaking your smartphone to your heart's content? Today's your lucky day. Samsung has just released a Developer Edition of the Android smartphone that's built for Big Red's network. The device is largely identical to what you'd find in the local carrier store, including branding. You're just getting an unlocked bootloader that will make it easier to install unofficial firmware. This special GS5 is also expensive at $599 contract-free, but that's what you'd shell out for the regular Verizon model on similar terms -- if you're already willing to pay full price, you might as well get more control over the device you buy.
Your fingerprint unlocks LastPass on the Galaxy S5
On any other phone, you'd have to type in the master password to access all your other passwords stored on LastPass -- including the iPhone, where Touch ID gets you into your phone and iTunes account, but stops there. But on Samsung's Galaxy S5, all you need to do is swipe your finger across the home button, now that the password manager's Android app has been updated to work with the device's biometric scanner. To set that up, you'll first need to type in your credentials like everyone else, and then activate fingerprint authentication for future use. It'll be a lot faster to add or change entries with the feature in place, and in some ways, fingerprint authentication is more secure than using a complex master password. We just hope you have no bitter enemies that'll go as far as to make a fake finger to sabotage your digital life.
Verizon Samsung Galaxy S5 cameras are failing spectacularly
Well, this is embarrassing: the Samsung Galaxy S5 has only been on the market for two weeks, and it's already developed a major fault -- at least for Verizon customers. "Warning," the devices reads. "Camera failure." The camera module appears to be failing outright, with no hope of being revived. Users have tried restarting their camera apps, rebooting devices and even performing factory resets, but nothing works. For now, the only working fix seems to be replacing a device, but some users are still holding out for a software fix. Fortunately, Verizon and Samsung are both being fairly candid about the issue -- both companies have acknowledged the faulty camera and are asking customers to contact support for troubleshooting and warranty replacements. Most of the failed devices seem to be coming from Verizon specifically, but BGR says it's seen similar reports from Sprint customers, too. Have a faulty device? Skip past the break for Samsung's official response and customer service instructions.
Defiantly plastic: designing the Galaxy S5
"Our major aims were usability, friendliness and a more humanistic design. We wanted something with a pleasing feel ... and better grip. If we used metal, [we felt] the designs felt heavy and cold," explains Senior Product Designer Dong Hun Kim, pointing to why Samsung still plays in polycarbonate. "But with plastic, the texture is warmer. We believe users will find [the device] both warmer and friendlier. This material was also the best at visually expressing volume, better at symbolizing our design concepts." The design concept for Samsung's Galaxy S5? Modern and flash -- and boy, that blue GS5 is certainly flashy. In the middle of a design library deep inside Samsung's "Digital City" in Suwon, Jeeyeun Wang, Samsung's principal user experience designer continues, putting it to me this way: the smartphone is no longer a cold slab of technology; "it's a fashion product now."
The Galaxy S5's fingerprint reader can be fooled by fake digits
It looks like the iPhone 5s isn't the only smartphone whose fingerprint reader can be fooled by fake digits. SR Labs has just posted a video (shown below) showing that Samsung's just-launched Galaxy S5 is susceptible to the same trick: as long as you have a good photo of a latent print (such as one from the touchscreen), you can create a mold that passes for a real finger. The lab also claims that Samsung's approach may ultimately be less secure than Apple's, since you're not forced to enter a passcode under certain conditions (such as a reboot) and can use the fingerprint to make PayPal transactions.
