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AT&T now offering carrier billing services on Samsung's Media Hub video purchases
With other national (and international) carriers slowly enabling carrier billing on content purchases, it was only a matter of time before the second largest network in the States would start adapting said payment method. And while AT&T's been offering the service for application buys through Google Play, up until now it'd been leaving out all media-related goods. Luckily for some, the Rethink Possible outfit has announced its plans to begin offering carrier billing options inside Sammy's Media Hub, with the Captivate, Galaxy Exhilarate and that modish Galaxy S III to be among the first to help kick things off. Meanwhile, everyone's favorite phablet (aka Galaxy Note) and the somewhat aged Galaxy S II will be able to join the others as soon as they swallow up an upcoming software update. More importantly, are you planning to add those movie purchases to your monthly AT&T tab? Say the word in the comments below.
Samsung snaps up mSpot, teases a boost to media cloud efforts
Talk of a Samsung cloud service might not have panned out at the Galaxy S III event, but that doesn't mean the Korean electronics giant isn't interested in the space. Samsung has just acquired mSpot, best known for its cloud music storage and its earlier movie streaming tie-ins with carriers. The exact intentions aren't exactly clear -- Samsung is only promising that mSpot's technology will represent a "key integrated offering" on new mobile hardware. Still, the deal suggests that the Music Hub and Media Hub may get that much more cloud-savvy in the future. When asked for comment, Dropbox coyly stated: "It's cool. Being single is the new black."
Samsung pairs Qualcomm and ARM DRM to get HD content on Galaxy Note Media Hub
Samsung's going to bring "premium HD video content" to Media Hub after pairing up Qualcomm's StudioAccess and ARM's TrustZone DRM systems. The first device that will benefit from the rollout is the Galaxy Note thanks to its enormous 1280 x 800 HD display. Owners of the large phone / small tablet hybrid will find HD content appearing alongside SD editions of your favorite movies and shows -- previously unavailable because of copyright concerns. There's PR after the break, but we'd suggest reading it only if you enjoy paragraph upon paragraph of executives praising DRM to the hilt.
Samsung's Media Hub Beta program for Galaxy S II owners adds some points to your Smart TV's IQ
Media Hub is nothing new to those toting Galaxy Tabs or Galaxy S phones. However, bigger screens are always better whether you're watching 30 Rock or MacGruber, right? Good thing Sammy's launched a beta program for its video service that lets those who are selected see all their favorite shows and movies on their Smart TVs. Just register at the source link below, and Samsung will send those it selects an email invitation to download the Media Hub Beta application. The catch (there's always a catch) -- it's only available to Galaxy S II owners, and your Smart TV must be a 2011 model. But, if you do hit the Media Hub Beta lotto, the company's handing out $25 voucher to use with the service. As if you needed another reason to go get Samsung's superphone.
Galaxy Tab 10.1 update coming soon, ushers TouchWiz into the Honeycomb era
That "future software upgrade" Samsung promised us for the Galaxy Tab 10.1 is "coming soon" according to the company's site, though, when exactly "soon" might be is anyone's guess. When it does start trickling its way on to Sammy's slate, it'll be bringing with it a host of new features, including that Honeycomb edition of TouchWiz that's sure to be just as divisive as its smartphone ancestor. It does, however, pack in some nice functionality, like a multimedia clipboard for copying and pasting pictures and videos as well as text, and a Live Panel widget for pulling in news, weather, and updates from your social networks. Other features that you're used to on Samsung devices are also coming along for the ride, including the Media Hub for purchasing videos and the latest, intense version of Swype. There's also a remote tracking and wipe function for those who have a tendency to leave their gadgets behind at Starbucks, and it unlocks USB, SD card, and HDMI functionality -- with the appropriate accessories of course. Check out the source link for a few more details.
Samsung Galaxy Tab for US (and Media Hub) hands-on (update: video!)
By and large, there aren't really any surprises with the Galaxy Tab we just tried out -- it was only two weeks ago that we tried it at IFA. We did hear from Samsung that the company might change the back, but what we said about hardware and experience before remains true here. The Media Hub, which is new, is sleek and convenient, and the Iron Man preview we watched looked great on the screen. If you're in need of more Tab pictures, we got you covered just below. Update: We've got video, just after the break!%Gallery-102505%
Samsung Media Hub: movies and next-day TV shows from NBC, Paramount, Universal, and more
We've been itching to see how Samsung would leverage Media Hub, and now we're getting the goods at its Galaxy Tab event. Compatible with Tab and Galaxy S devices, both movies and next-day TV shows will be available for purchase and rental. As for the content partners, they're not quite shabby: MTV Networks, NBC, Paramount, Universal Studios, and Warner, with more to be announced. Purchased content can be shared with up to five devices. What's not specified is pricing. We should be getting hands-on with it soon, so stay tuned -- or whatever the internet equivalent of that idiom is.
Epic 4G coming August 31st for $249.99 on contract (updated)
Like your Samsung Galaxy S with a slide-out QWERTY keyboard and a dash of WiMAX? Sprint's website has finally spilled the beans: the Epic 4G will arrive Tuesday, August 31st for $249.99 on contract (after $150 instant rebate and $100 mail-in rebate). Oddly enough, we've gotten a number of screencaps from readers who see an August 20th date, one that coincides with an upcoming Epic 4G promo we caught wind of, but the press release definitively lists the 31st. No way to pre-order at this point -- reservations begin Friday, according to the press release -- but feel free to sign up for reminders. Whew, glad that mystery's finally solved. PR after the break. Update: With Sprint now offering two Android-powered 4G smartphones, you're probably wondering, Epic 4G or EVO 4G? Fortunately, Sprint's got a video laying out the differences highlighting the Epic's Super AMOLED display, keyboard, Samsung Media Hub movie store (available post-launch), and DLNA to wirelessly send pics and video to other DLNA devices in the home. Check it out after the break. Update 2: Although reservations for in-store pickup aren't set to begin until tomorrow, we've been tipped on a reservation link intended for premier customers. [Thanks, Miguel] Update 3: You can also preorder at Radio Shack on August 13th -- with the purchase of a $50 gift card. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
