samsunggalaxys5
Latest
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.
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!
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.
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."
Where to buy Samsung's Galaxy S5
As some of you will probably know, today marks the global launch of Samsung's Galaxy S5 and wearable Gear range. And, as is the case with nearly all flagship phones, everyone wants a piece of the action. The GS5 is no different, so with high demand expected, it's up to mobile networks and retailers to make sure your new handset goes through their checkout. There's a ton of different talk, text and data allowance combinations available, but what better metric to start at than price? Head past the break for a table outlining where you can hunt down a GS5, and at what cost -- one spreadsheet you hopefully won't mind looking at on a Friday.
The new HTC One vs. the competition: the battle of Android flagships rages on
We all knew it was coming, and after a lengthy list of leaks, the new HTC One is finally official. This time of year is known for its gaggle of new handsets, so we've lined up the latest offerings so you can see for yourself how they stack up. Flagships from Samsung, Sony and LG are all here to see which mobile device will nab an edge on paper. Want to compare these to your current daily driver? Mosey on over to our comparison tool to do just that. Otherwise, head past the break for our neatly compiled list of specs and form your own analysis of the lot.
T-Mobile to offer the Samsung Galaxy S5 for no money down, pre-orders begin March 24th
Looks like the embargo is officially up on Samsung Galaxy S5 pricing. After AT&T revealed earlier today that it'll sell the new flagship phone for $200 on-contract, T-Mobile chimed in to say it will offer the device for no money down, with pre-orders beginning next week, on March 24th. Of course, anyone who knows anything about T-Mobile's UnCarrier pricing plans knows that doesn't mean "free" -- it means you're committing to 24 subsequent monthly payments. So, if you're already sweet on the GS5's Band-Aid-like stylings, and know you prefer T-Mo, you'll want to sign up first thing on Monday.
Samsung's Galaxy S5 won't be considered a medical device in South Korea
Samsung's shiny new Galaxy S5 packs quite a stats punch with built-in sensors and the help of S Health, but the monitoring of vital signs could lead to regulatory issues. Officials with South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety had been reviewing the handset, and today it ruled that Samsung would not be forced to get formal approval as a medical device. The GS5's heart-rate sensor subjects it to stricter regulations under current laws due to the fact that it monitors organ function. In order to clarify the requirements, Korean regulators will rework the parameters in regards to how it classifies everyday gadgets for fitness use. This could lead to a similar process to that of the US, where consumer pulse sensors are not subject to approval from the Food and Drug Administration. S Health was approved as a "cardiology signal transmitter" by the FDA in the States back in January and originally debuted alongside the Galaxy S III in 2012. Back then, it monitored glucose levels and blood pressure with body composition tallied via a Bluetooth-equipped scale. However, those functions weren't a part of S Health when it finally debuted stateside on the GS4 -- despite another lot of health-minded accessories that were available abroad.
Samsung Galaxy S5 vs. the competition: the battle of Android flagships has new contenders
Samsung has just outed its shiny new Galaxy S5 at Mobile World Congress, but you may be curious how it stacks up against flagships from other outfits. Well folks, we've lined it up side-by-side with the Sony Xperia Z2, LG G Pro 2 and HTC One on the other side of the break. While the GS5 and Xperia Z2 appear to be neck and neck, it may come down to those standout features to see which handset gets the edge. Of course, a new HTC flagship is on the way next month, so we'll have to take stock all over again once the details are revealed. If you're anxious to see how the GS5 matches up with your current daily driver, you can add in that model and tally the numbers with our Compare tool.
