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FreedomPop's free data and voice are now available on tablets
Many people can't really justify buying a cellular-equipped tablet -- why pay for more data when your phone probably does the trick? FreedomPop is undoubtedly aware of that thriftiness, as it just started offering its namesake free service on tablets. Whether you buy one of the carrier's pre-supplied tablets or bring your own, you'll get the same gratis 500MB of LTE data, 500 messages and 200 voice minutes as a phone customer. That may not make sense at first, but FreedomPop reckons that it's important for apps that ask for a phone number. It's much easier to hail an Uber car when you can supply some digits, for example. It could also serve as a backup if your phone's battery dies, or if you're nearing your limits on a capped phone plan.
Samsung's Galaxy Tab 3 Lite doesn't bring much to the crowded budget tablet market
Samsung's regional Polish site inadvertently jumped the gun a few days ago, publishing a user manual for an unannounced Galaxy Tab 3 Lite to its support pages. Today, the Korean company's press blog has finally caught up and formally introduced its new low-end, 7-inch slate. The standard 7-inch Galaxy Tab 3 doesn't exactly boast market-leading specs, but this Lite variant is diminished in several areas nonetheless, making some cheap tablets look like flagships. We're looking at a 1,024 x 600 resolution panel, 1.2GHz dual-core CPU, 1GB of RAM, eight gigs of expandable storage, 3,600mAh battery and a lone 2-megapixel camera. It appears both WiFi-only and 3G editions of the black or white tablet, which runs Android 4.2, will be available come launch, whenever that may be. We're no clearer on pricing, either, but if Samsung hopes to sell these things en masse, anything but seriously cheap is going to put a stop to those plans.
This Galaxy Tab 3 is Samsung's 7-inch babysitter for your kids and it costs $230
It may look like Samsung's Halloween-themed tablet, what with the yellow frame and orange bumper, but those candy corn colors just mean this Galaxy Tab 3's made for kids. The 7-inch slate is a repackaged take on the Tab 3 we saw released earlier this year, with its 1,024 x 600 display and dual-core innards. But specs aren't the focus here -- it's all about the kid-friendly value adds. This could perhaps be one case where Samsung's glut of preloaded content could be considered a good thing, as this Tab 3 comes filled with edutainment and entertainment apps, a special UI, as well as a Kids' Mode for parental controls over content and internet access. Parents looking for another babysitter (beyond the TV and Wii and smartphone and whatever else kids stay glued to these days) can pre-order the slate for $230 on November 1st. Those of you that prefer to do your shopping in the real world will have to wait until the November 10th to pick it up in store at select retailers.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 and 10.1 might get multi-user support
There's really not much you can do if your family sees your new Galaxy Tab 3.0 as a household tablet. Thankfully, it looks like Android's multi-user support might make its way to both the the 8.0 and the 10.1 variants to give you a bit of privacy -- at least according to a test firmware's screenshot. The feature will likely be included in a future software update, but before you jump on the couch à la Tom Cruise, know that it's not clear when or if it will actually roll out. We'll let you know when we find out -- until then, just accept that everyone will know you've downloaded the MyLittlePony app.
Hands-on with Samsung's Galaxy Tab 3 Kids slate
Sure, Samsung's Galaxy Tab 3 Kids broke cover late last month, but it's joined the rest of the firm's brand-new displays and gadgets at IFA. Relocated capacitive buttons and repositioned camera aside, the child-friendly pad's internals are identical to the Galaxy Tab 3 7.0: a 7-inch 1,024 x 600 display, dual-core 1.2GHz processor, 8GB of storage accompanied by a microSD slot, 4,000mAh battery, 3MP front cam and a 1.3MP rear-facing shooter. While the tablet felt sturdy enough to withstand light abuse on its own, an optional case packing a blue handle makes it more kid-proof. The shell isn't there just for protection and portability either, as its handle houses a chubby stylus (no, not an S Pen) and folds to prop up the slate. If you'd rather give your tyke something a little less heavy-duty, a simple tangerine silicone case from the outfit helps the hardware endure additional rough treatment. When it comes to performance, the pad handled itself admirably, jumping between apps and across pages without stuttering. As for software, the Galaxy Tab 3 Kids runs Android 4.1 and comes pre-loaded with apps for young 'uns, which include games, a camera and a paint tool. While the package features an interface and app store just for the little ones, full-blown Android is just a few taps away. Pricing is still MIA, but it's launching in Korea this month and is expected to follow suit in other regions afterward. Check out the gallery below to get better acquainted. Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 with LTE now available at AT&T with faster CPU inside
AT&T may be focused on Galaxy Note 3 pre-orders at the moment, but it still has something for those who want a new Samsung gadget right away. The company has quietly launched its expected LTE version of the Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 at prices of $300 off-contract, $200 with a two-year agreement and $20 per month on AT&T Next. It's also available for as little as $100 if you buy one on contract at the same time as a Galaxy S 4, Galaxy S 4 Active or Galaxy Note II. While the tablet is mostly unchanged from the WiFi version, it does have a treat inside -- there's now a 1.6GHz Snapdragon 400 processor under the hood instead of the usual 1.2GHz chip. If that's enough to lure you in, you can order the 7-inch slate today at the source link.
Logitech's IFA 2013 lineup includes tablet cases, mice and more, we go eyes-on
We've seen most of Logitech's latest products by way of press shots, but the company was clearly waiting for IFA to trot out the real deals. We caught the peripheral maker as it was in the process of setting of its booth for the show and got a quick tour of what it's working on. First up, the company's giving a little folio love to Android tablet owners, releasing a keyboard case for the Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 and protective cases for the 10.1, 8.0 and 7.0. We also got a chance to check out that beefy G602 wireless gaming mouse, which'll give you around 250 hours of gaming on a charge. Speaking of mice, the Ultrathin Touch Mouse is a pretty nice looking peripheral -- one that pairs pretty nicely with its TK820 keyboard. Images below and press info for all of the above after the break. Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
Logitech unveils two folio cases for Galaxy Tab 3 owners
Logitech is giving its Android tablet accessory line a welcome boost today by launching versions of its Ultrathin Keyboard Folio and Folio Protective Case for Samsung's Galaxy Tab 3 range. Both protectors are largely on par with their iPad counterparts, although there's varying levels of compatibility. The Ultrathin Keyboard Folio (shown above) is built solely for the Galaxy Tab 3 10.1, and centers on a Bluetooth keyboard that turns the tablet into a makeshift laptop. The Folio Protective Case (pictured after the break) drops the keyboard, but it's available for all three Galaxy Tab models. You'll find both cases in stores this October. The Folio Protective Case will cost $50 regardless of tablet size, while the Ultrathin Keyboard Folio will sell for $100.
Blue Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 revealed in leaked press render
Looks like white and brown won't be the only colors on offer for Samsung's Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 for long. Evidently set to join those variants, @evleaks recently pushed out a purported press render of the slate clad in a deep blue. Notably free of any carrier-branding, it's unlikely that this unit is the AT&T-compatible LTE model that recently traveled through the FCC. No word on when and where this version might be available, but we'll keep you posted about any developments.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 review
For all intents and purposes, eight inches is the new sweet spot for tablets. We've so far seen a few hits with this form factor, the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 perhaps foremost among them. It makes sense, after all; 10.1 inches can be unwieldy for travelers, and 7 inches scrimps a bit on screen real estate. Samsung's leveraged this trend to add another 8-incher to its lineup: the $300 Galaxy Tab 3 8.0. With 16GB of built-in storage, a dual-core processor and WiFi -- but not LTE -- support, it's hardly revolutionary apart from those novel dimensions. Still, we've found plenty to like with Galaxy Tabs in the past, so is this yet another strong contender? Meet us past the break to find out. %Gallery-195198%
Engadget's tablet buyer's guide: summer 2013 edition
Tablets are virtually tailor-made for our summer vacations, whether we're checking email at the hotel or watching movies during an airport layover. The manufacturers must know this, as there's a surge of new slates set to arrive while the weather's still scorching. Our 2013 summer tablet buyer's guide will help you decide which of these models is worth space in your travel bag. There are also several veteran tablets we recommend, although some of them could be obsolete soon -- we'll let you know when newer devices loom ahead. Whether or not you want the latest hardware, though, our guide should have the tablet you need.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 review
Samsung confounded us last year when it released the Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 as a virtual reissue of the original, bumping up the Android version, removing the LED rear camera flash and rearranging the dual speaker placement. So what's new in the Galaxy Tab 3? Nothing much, it turns out. You've got the same 1,280 x 800 display, 1GB of RAM, 16GB of internal storage and IR blaster as on the last-gen model, although the processor has been swapped for a dual-core 1.6GHz Intel Z2560 running Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean. So where do we go from here? How do we judge a tablet refresh that's merely pretending at being an update? We live with it for a bit, use it as a stand-in for our TV remote, e-reader and primary source of streaming media consumption, that's how. Read on as we dissect the $399 Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 to find out if it's worth the fuss.%Gallery-194897%
FCC certification hints at 7-inch Galaxy Tab 3 for AT&T
Okay folks, here's what we know... the FCC recently certified a compact tablet from Samsung that offers full support for AT&T-flavored LTE, and from all appearances, it could very well be the 7-inch Galaxy Tab 3. Most tellingly, the SM-T217A measures 186 x 110mm, which is a near-perfect match for the WiFi-only slate that strutted through the FCC this past May. This time around, the tablet supports LTE Bands 2, 4, 5 and 17, UMTS (3G) connectivity over the 850 / 1900MHz bands, along with dual-band WiFi and Bluetooth LE. Regardless of the product's ultimate name, it seems the Galaxy Note 8.0 will soon find a smaller sibling at AT&T. Just don't confuse it for the upcoming Galaxy Mega 6.3.
New Nexus 7 vs. the competition: battle of the budget 7-inch tablets
The original Nexus 7 launched in a relative vacuum -- there were other low-cost, 7-inch Android tablets before, but few with the full support of a major manufacturer. The 2013-era Nexus 7 is entering a far more crowded marketplace with many recognizable names, and even more aggressive pricing. With that in mind, we've compared Google's latest tablet with three of its newest 7-inch peers -- ASUS' MeMo Pad HD 7, HP's Slate 7 and Samsung's Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 -- to see whether it's as strong a value as its predecessor. Ironically, the new Nexus 7 occupies the high end in this space. It's the most expensive tablet here, with the sharpest display, the fastest processor and the most built-in storage. However, that doesn't mean it's priced out of contention. The $30 you save with the Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 just isn't worth it; Samsung's tablet is a big step down in every aspect outside of expandability. And you're clearly getting what you pay for with the Slate 7, whose low price doesn't excuse a poor display and sluggish performance. The Nexus 7's real competition comes from its own manufacturer, ASUS. While the MeMo Pad HD 7 has a lower resolution screen and a slower CPU, its cameras, display quality, processing power and storage are superb for the price. If you don't crave the Nexus 7's technology or stock Android 4.3, it may be wiser to save $80 and buy the good-enough MeMo Pad instead. Full specifications for all the tablets are available after the break.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 hits the FCC with LTE you probably can't use
The FCC can be cruel sometimes, showing us devices we're unlikely to see in the US without significant changes; this is one of those moments, unfortunately. A Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 has once again surfaced at the FCC, this time as the SM-T315 with built-in cellular access. However, it's not optimized for American use -- while there's AT&T-friendly HSPA data, the LTE inside is only meant for a handful of other countries, like South Korea. As such, this model won't be coming stateside unless there's a frequency change. We're not totally surprised at the lack of US-ready LTE when AT&T already offers the Galaxy Note 8.0, but it would be nice to have a little more variety in our 8-inch LTE slates.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 series to hit US on July 7th, prices start at $199
Not to be forgotten amid other new Samsung products, the company has announced that its complete Galaxy Tab 3 lineup will arrive in the US next month. The tablet family launches in the states on July 7th, with all three screen sizes (7, 8 and 10.1 inches) going on sale at Samsung.com, Amazon, Best Buy, Wal-Mart, Office Depot and other brick-and-mortar retailers. As a refresher, the entry-level Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 is priced at $199 and sports a dual-core 1.2GHz processor, 8GB of storage (plus microSD expansion), and a 7-inch 1,024 x 600 TFT display. There's Android Jelly Bean (4.1) from the outset, as well as Samsung's various apps and built-in hubs. In addition to having a larger screen, the Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 ($299) bumps up other specifications, with a more potent Exynos 1.5GHz dual-core processor and higher-resolution (1,280 x 800) TFT display. It's got the very latest Android build (4.2), as well as a rear-facing 5-megapixel camera capable of 720p video capture. Storage is also doubled to 16GB, with extra space available through microSD, and 1.5GB of RAM to keep apps running smoothly. Finally, there's the Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 ($399), which packs an Intel Z2560 processor (1.6GHz dual-core) and the same resolution as the Tab 3 8.0, albeit stretched a little further. It also matches the smaller model on storage and camera specs, although RAM has inexplicably dropped to just a single gig. The larger model does include a built-in IR blaster, however, as well as Samsung's WatchON TV recommendation service. All three WiFi-only models will arrive in white and a previously leaked gold brown hue. Pre-orders start tomorrow.%Gallery-192164%
Leaked images reveal two-tone Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0
While we've seen the Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 officially draped in white and leaked in a golden brown variation, Samsung may have also given it the two-tone treatment. Techtastic recently got some photos from Mr. Blurrycam showing the tablet with a black face that's complimented by a white bezel and home button. Spec-wise it's reported to sport the same 1.5GHz dual-core processor and 1,200 x 800 pixel touchscreen we've handled before, but there's no denying its penguin tuxedo looks are in a class of their own. We have our doubts as to whether this color combination will actually hit retail (is it merely a developmental prototype?), but don't let that stop you from grabbing a better look at the source link.
Early hands-on with Samsung's latest Galaxy devices: GS4 Active, GS4 mini, plus 8- and 10-inch Tab 3
Samsung just held a small preview event in Helsinki, Finland, where we briefly had the chance to play with some of its latest devices. The Intel-powered Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 was there, along with the smaller Galaxy Tab 3 8.0. We also grabbed a few moments with the Galaxy S 4 mini as well as the Galaxy S 4 Active, both of which seemed kinda predictable but nevertheless managed to leave a good impression. There was no sign of the new Galaxy Ace 3 or the heavily rumored Galaxy S 4 Zoom, and we weren't able to grab video of any of the products, but we do have a gallery for you below and some very early impressions if you read on.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 and 8.0 spotted in golden brown hues
Do you wish Samsung would color its newer Android tablets in a shade other than washing machine white? You may be in luck: @evleaks claims to have images of both the Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 and 8.0 in what's billed as a "gold-brown" tint. There aren't any details of when these earthier variants could launch, or if other colors would tag along. Knowing Samsung's willingness to offer a rainbow-like selection of devices, though, brown might not arrive alone.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 returns to the FCC with 3G inside
When Samsung's Galaxy Tab 3 10.1 first passed through the FCC for approval, it was still shrouded in mystery. It just came back to the US agency with a familiar face... and a 3G twist. The GT-P5200 variant we have here supports built-in HSPA data that works with AT&T and bigger Canadian carriers. Unfortunately, it doesn't have LTE -- which all but rules out deals with American providers for this edition of the Android slate. We'll look out in the off chance that a more appropriate model comes along, but the FCC approval should at least please some globetrotting tablet fans.
