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Samsung Galaxy S 4 Google Play edition: what's different?
Several days ago we received a Samsung Galaxy S 4 Google Play edition to play with and shared our first impressions. This week we take a closer look at what's different between this handset and its TouchWiz-equipped cousins by scrutinizing the benchmarks, battery life and camera performance. Samsung pleasantly surprised us at Google I/O when it announced a Galaxy S 4 running stock Android. HTC then joined the party with its own unskinned superphone, the One. This Galaxy S 4, which landed in the Play store on June 26th for $649 contract-free, is identical to T-Mobile's 16GB model and shares the same specs. So, what does stock Android bring to this flagship? How does it compare to the TouchWiz versions? Is anything left behind? Finally, is this Google Play edition worth the extra cash? Hit the break to find out. %Gallery-192351%
MetroPCS teases Galaxy S 4 launch next week
We've known for a while that a MetroPCS-friendly version of Samsung's Galaxy S 4 was in the cards, but the carrier hasn't been very forthcoming with its plans. At least, until now -- the company just posted a teaser on Twitter for a Samsung-based launch next week. While the text is slightly cryptic, the mention of a Galaxy S III "+1" makes it quite clear that the 2013 Galaxy flagship is what's on deck. This variant won't have HSPA for the T-Mobile network, at least if it's anything like what we saw at the FCC, but it should include LTE support. Let's just hope that the phone ships quickly -- MetroPCS customers have been waiting long enough.
Bluebox reveals Android security hole, may affect 99 percent of devices
Researchers at Bluebox Security have revealed a disturbing flaw in Android's security model, which the group claims may affect up to 99 percent of Android devices in existence. According to Bluebox, this vulnerability has existed since Android 1.6 (Donut), which gives malicious app developers the ability to modify the code of a legitimate APK, all without breaking its cryptographic signature -- thereby allowing the installation to go unnoticed. To pull off the exploit, a rotten app developer would first need to trick an unknowing user into installing the malicious update, but hackers could theoretically gain full control of a user's phone if the "update" posed as a system file from the manufacturer. Bluebox claims that it notified Google of the exploit in February. According to CIO, Bluebox CTO Jeff Forristal has named the Galaxy S 4 as the only device that's currently immune to the exploit -- which suggests that a security patch may already exist. Forristal further claims that Google is working on an update for its Nexus devices. In response to our inquiry, Google told us that it currently has no comment. We certainly hope that device manufacturers do the responsible thing and distribute timely security patches to resolve this issue. Absent that, you can protect yourself by installing updates through the Play Store and Android's built-in system update utility.
Samsung sells 20 million Galaxy S 4 handsets, according to Korean media
So, JK Shin hasn't emerged from Samsung's HQ declaring that his company has sold 20 million Galaxy S 4s, but the day (and week) is still young. Korea's news media is quoting the CEO as saying that Samsung's flagship Jay-Z player / handset has seen its sales double from the 10 million that was announced at the tail-end of May. Given that we're but a few days away from the company's next earnings estimates, we'll probably find out for certain soon enough.
Mobile Miscellany: week of June 24th, 2013
If you didn't get enough mobile news during the week, not to worry, because we've opened the firehose for the truly hardcore. This week, the Galaxy S 4 was spotted in purple garb, a new Windows Phone was outed for AT&T and US Cellular officially welcomed a budget handset from ZTE into its ranks. These stories and more await after the break. So buy the ticket and take the ride as we explore all that's happening in the mobile world for this week of June 24th, 2013.
Verizon starts selling 32GB Samsung Galaxy S 4 online for $299
Verizon customers -- now's your chance to grab Samsung's latest flagship device with more internal storage. The carrier has started selling the 32GB Galaxy S 4 online, giving buyers another choice besides the 16GB version sold on its website for $199. Shipments aren't promised until July 3rd, but you can buy the 32GB Galaxy S 4 right now for $299 -- assuming you're interested in paying $100 more for storage on a phone that already features expandable memory. If you'd rather shell out more money for an unlocked bootloader, though, Verizon also sells the Developer Edition at the lofty price of $650 each.
Android 4.3 spotted on Samsung Galaxy S 4, available to test now
A new version of Android (4.3, and still called Jelly Bean) is already doing the testing rounds on Samsung's Galaxy S 4 and thanks to some porting work from SAMMobile, it's apparently working on both the Google Play and original iterations. We've caught a glance of Android 4.3 on LG's Nexus 4 already, but we're now getting a second look at a refreshed camera interface, some minor design tweaks (like more regular appearances of a share button) and, well, we're still perusing the gallery for more nuggets. If you know what you're doing (and don't fear voiding your warranty) you can find the files at the source -- early reports suggest that the GS4 is "fully working" on this early build. We'll update this post if we find anything else new, but early impressions suggest it's a relatively gentle upgrade from the existing mobile OS.
Samsung Galaxy S 4 Google Play edition hands-on (video)
It's probably not a huge stretch to say that Samsung's Galaxy S 4 running stock Android was the biggest surprise to come out of Google I/O last month. The handset -- officially called Samsung Galaxy S 4 Google Play edition -- is now on sale in the Play store for $649 alongside a special version of the HTC One. Spec-wise, the phone is identical to AT&T's 16GB model and supports the same bands (including LTE). It's powered by Qualcomm's 1.9GHz quad-core Snapdragon 600 processor with 2GB or RAM and features a 5-inch 1080p Super AMOLED display, 13-megapixel camera with flash, removable 2600mAh Li-ion battery and microSD expansion. While we briefly handled the phone at I/O, it wasn't until yesterday that we got to spend some quality time with it. Hit the break for our first impressions and hands-on video. %Gallery-192351%
SK Telecom launches the world's first LTE-Advanced network, and the Galaxy S4 LTE-A
Just days after an LTE-Advanced variant of Samsung's Galaxy S 4 leaked, Korean carrier SK Telecom has officially announced it's launching the world's first publicly available LTE-Advanced wireless network. The Galaxy S4 LTE-A is also official (in red or blue) as the first device able to take advantage of the new technology for even faster data transmission speeds. According to the press release, SK Telecom plans to have as many as seven LTE-A devices available by the end of the year, all capable of up to 150Mbps. While SK Telecom is using Carrier Aggregation and Coordinated Multi Point technology to improve speeds right now, it will add Enhanced Inter-Cell Interference Coordination in 2014 to go even faster. After that, it suggest carrier aggregation will improve to support higher speeds and faster uploads in subsequent years. To take advantage of the higher speeds, SK Telecom's Btv IPTV service will begin offering 1080p video streaming in early July. That will be accompanied by enhanced multiview baseball broadcasts, more free videos, an HD video shopping service with six channels on one screen in August and the addition of FLAC audio files via its music package. Right now, the company has Seoul covered in LTE-A, and plans to eventually offer it in 84 cities, all at the same price as existing LTE service. Check after the break for the press release with all the details, plus video of a speed test. Update: We've just come across another juicy tidbit that makes the Galaxy S4 LTE-A all the more worthwhile -- it'll ship with a Snapdragon 800 SoC that contains a 2.3GHz quad-core CPU, plus 32GB of built-in storage and a 2,600mAh battery. It goes without saying that this phone will be speedy on all angles. As spotted by SlashGear, the new GS4 variant will also see the debut of a new Samsung software feature: ImageON. Explained as a Google Googles-esque app, it'll automatically analyse photos and offer up related videos and "extend access to relevant content on the internet."
Samsung Galaxy S 4 Developer Edition for Verizon now shipping for $650
Samsung's online listing for the Galaxy S 4 Developer Edition is back, and now you can actually follow through on a purchase. The device, currently available for Verizon customers, can be yours for the princely sum of $649.99. This isn't the Google Edition running stock Android that we first heard about at I/O; instead, the Developer Edition includes the TouchWiz UI and Android 4.2.2, but ships with an unlocked bootloader, letting you play around with custom ROMs and the like. Add it to your cart at the source link below.
Samsung Galaxy S4 with LTE-Advanced leaks out in red and blue
Variants -- Samsung's clearly a fan of them. Need solid evidence of that? Just look to the company's recent London event where a slew of Galaxy S4 products, like the Active, the Mini and the Zoom were officially introduced. But there's one more GS4 on the way and, as Samsung head JK Shin previously confirmed, it's going to be the 'world's first' to run on the ridiculously high-speed LTE-Advanced. Well, it appears that handset (purported to bear a Snapdragon 800) is close to final production, as Korean site Naver.com has allegedly obtained two glossy units offered in two gaudy hues: crimson red and cobalt blue. Though these could turn out to be masterful fakes, everything from the faux wood grain on the paper packaging, to the logo-ridden protective screen cover to the cross-hatched back emblazoned with the LTE-Advanced logo seem to be the real deal. When and where we'll actually see this GS4 LTE-A officially launched is another matter. But if you're in the mood for a very comprehensive photo tour of the two devices in question, hit up the source below. [Thanks, Felipe]
Samsung launches Magna Carta app, users will get Jay-Z album early and for free on July 4th
Samsung has launched the Magna Carta app, the vehicle through which one million Galaxy S 4, S III and Note II owners will be able to download Jay-Z's latest opus for free. Download it today, and Mr. Carter (Carter / Carta, geddit?) album will arrive on your handset on July 4th, three days ahead of the CD's global release. Users will also get behind-the-scenes footage, lyrics and track sharing options. It's available for free at the Play store, with the obvious caveat that it'll only work on the aforementioned trio of phones. After all, if you're having phone problems, he feels bad for you son, he's got 99 problems, but Samsung's patronage ain't one.
Samsung user manual confirms Galaxy S 4 variant with Snapdragon 800 chip
Welcome to Samsung Day, 2013. While we wait on some big (and little) product launches this afternoon, here's a quick bite to keep us going: an interesting processor spec mentioned in the user manual for the SHV-E330S, which we think will be the new LTE-Advanced variant of the Galaxy S 4 intended for South Korea. How the folks at RBmen spotted it we have no idea, but one of the pages (shown after the break) confirms the presence of a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 (MSM8974), which not only supports the new double-speed LTE standard but is also something of a beast when it comes to general performance. This isn't especially relevant to a Western audience, perhaps, except that it marginally increases the probability that we'll see this same powerhouse inside the rumored Galaxy Note III, since Samsung evidently feels comfortable with Qualcomm's flagship silicon -- and it can't have failed to notice that LG's engineers are fond of it too.
Samsung CEO plans to sell the 'world's first' LTE-Advanced phone, a new Galaxy S 4 variant
Samsung's already doing a pretty good job selling its new flagship GS4, not to mention preparing a Google-fied stock version for the summer. There's another variant now confirmed, however, with Samsung's co-chief exec, JK Shin, telling Reuters today that a modified Galaxy S 4 will be the first smartphone to commercially launch on LTE-Advanced, the next step up from existing LTE. (Not forgetting that the new tech is already live in parts of Russia.) On the new radio technology, data speeds could theoretically double what you currently experience on a 4G signal. For Samsung's new smartphone, this will involve using Qualcomm chips compatible with the next-gen networks, notably sidestepping its homemade Exynos silicon. "As operators seek to provide more data-centric mobile services, I think this will become mainstream 4G technology globally in the coming years," Shin said, though he refused to name any specific networks that the new GS4 would eventually launch on.
Samsung bakes, drowns and shocks Galaxy S 4 in stress tests (video)
Samsung torture-tests pre-release smartphones like many of its rivals, but it's rare in letting us have glimpses of the process. Case in point: its thorough punishment of Galaxy S 4 samples in a new video. Along with drop-testing the phone in multiple ways, the company's lab techs cover the GS4 in dust, dunk it in water, punch it, shock its controls and even bake it. The promo piece unsurprisingly shows the flagship device making the cut every time -- you didn't think Samsung would show any exceptions to the rule, did you? Still, the Korean-language clip (after the break) may be reassuring to those who were worried that a thinner, lighter Galaxy S couldn't hold up to some abuse.
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 unleashes Galaxy S 4 wireless charging kit in the US for $90
Wireless charging sounds mighty convenient if you regularly deal with a jungle of wires, doesn't it? Samsung's wireless charging kit for the S 4 is one option now that it's available in the US. It uses the Qi wireless charging standard, so if you already have a Qi charger, all you'll need to do is grab the backplate for $39.99. Otherwise, you can also snag the charging pad for $49.99. Hit the source for more info if you're convinced this is what you've been waiting for your whole S 4-using life. The components don't seem to be in stock right now -- we couldn't add them to our cart -- but even if you get lucky, you might want to hold off on clicking that Buy Now button until you've seen its alternatives.
Galaxy S 4 software update enables moving apps to SD card, HDR video recording and more
Perhaps this is what Samsung meant when it said it would addressing GS4 storage capacity concerns through "software optimization." An update for the flagship has begun hitting Snapdragon 600-loaded handsets in Germany, and it enables an option to move apps over to the SD card, freeing up some of that precious on-board storage. Other changes, as noted by mobiFlip and SamMobile, include a partially see-through notification bar when using a custom wallpaper, new camera firmware with an HDR video recording option and an "increased legibility" display mode. S Planner and settings icons apparently have a slightly new look, and a Smart Pause toggle has been added to the drop-down list. Samsung may have achieved a modicum of optimization, too: the update reportedly claws back an extra 0.8GB of internal storage. The update will hopefully see a wider release soon, but make sure you're connected to WiFi before you accept any OTA prompts -- it's a whopping 366MB.
Is the Samsung Galaxy S 4 coming with an Intel mobile chip? (updated)
Huh? While we knew the Galaxy Tab 3 is certainly coming with a Clover Trail+ chipset, there was another device that is apparently making the transition to Intel's mobile chip: the GS4. At least according to Intel's mobile keynote slide, seen above. Are the pair waiting on LTE capability to arrive? Quite possibly. During the Q&A session afterwards, We asked Intel's Hermann Eur, General Manager for Mobile, who reiterated that the GS4's 3G model contains Intel's modem, although that doesn't explain quite why the phone is nestled alongside an otherwise all-Atom lineup of tablets and smartphones. We're looking into it. Update: We grabbed an Intel spokesperson who tells us the Galaxy S4 made the lineup due to the aforementioned 3G radios. We're taking their word for it, but we'll be hearing more from big mobile brands and Intel over the next year.
The After Math: Internet trends, Apple TVs and Samsung's Finnish triumph
Welcome to The After Math, where we attempt to summarize this week's tech news through numbers, decimal places and percentages. The launch of the Xbox One may be behind us, but we still have plenty of numbers to crunch. Speaking of ones, this week we saw a record-setting auction for an old Apple 1, a multi-tabbed refresh of our inbox and the release of Mary Meeker's annual Internet Trends Report. Add to that some big names taking the stage at D11, an anti-graffiti drone and a rather bizarre-looking harp, and you have this week's After Math. Join us after the break for the digits.
