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Samsung Galaxy S Plus now available on Vodafone for your purchasing pleasure
The Galaxy S Plus was the bee's knees of the mobile world for a day, promising a boost in its predecessor's internals and becoming a less expensive alternative to the flagship Galaxy S II. It definitely didn't take long for it to go public, as it's become available on Vodafone. The Plus appears to begin as an exclusive for the carrier before spreading its wings to other parts of the global sphere. So feel free to go and grab, if your heart desires; the faster CPU and larger battery certainly make for a more tempting buy. Of course, seeing the phone offered for free doesn't hurt, either.
Samsung plans August 29th mobile launch... Galaxy S II finally landing in US?
Well, we have few other details beyond what you see in that invite above, but you better believe we'll be in New York City on August 29th. We're definitely expecting Samsung to announce a Galaxy S II launch in the US, especially given Samsung Mobile President Shin Jong-kyun's promise of a release "sometime in August" -- along with that intriguing II graphic in the invite up top. We also have on good authority that the S II will be launching on several carriers at once, which likely explains why Samsung is putting on the show, rather than deferring to a single partner. Check back on the 29th for the full scoop, and head on over to our full review to whet your appetite in the meantime. Update: We noticed that the invite image itself is named "Galaxy_S_II_Invite_v2.jpg," so we're gonna go out on a limb here and say that the S II will definitely be released.
Samsung Galaxy S Plus gets placed in loving hands, photographed for all to see
Just because the Samsung Galaxy S II is selling in the millions and (slowly) making the rounds across the globe, doesn't mean we're actually done seeing its predecessor pop up in its myriad forms, right? We've already been introduced to the Galaxy S Plus -- known to Russia as the Galaxy S 2011 edition -- on more than one occasion, but some hands-on images and impressions have finally made their way to the 'net. The Plus, which appears to be launching as a Vodafone exclusive, has the same specs as originally reported: it has the faster 1.4GHz single-core CPU (which is supposedly just a tad slower than the GSII), the larger 1650mAh battery, and it's preloaded with Android 2.3.3. This might be tempting for anyone considering a Galaxy R, but it's likely not going to turn the heads of potential Galaxy S II buyers. For possible salivation, take a gander at TechRadar's full gallery below. %Gallery-130443%
NL ruling on Apple vs. Samsung dispute due on 9/15, courtroom antics catalogued
Apple has succeeded in getting the Galaxy Tab 10.1 blocked from import into most of Europe -- but not the Netherlands. Today the initial proceedings in the legal dispute between the two companies there came to a close, an apparently entertaining show that saw Apple attempting to make the case that its design is being stolen. Apple presented online market research indicating that 80% of respondents found the iPad and Galaxy Tab 10.1 to be "identical" or at least "similar in general impression," a study that apparently did not impress the judge. Apple also alleged infringement from the Galaxy S and the Galaxy Ace, while Samsung, for its part, said Apple's claims were far too vague, enough so that any digital photo frame would be in trouble.While Danny Crane sadly did not make an appearance the presiding judge still seemed rather amused, calling the various legal representatives "terriers" according to Andreas Udo de Haes, an editor at Webwereld who live-tweeted the proceedings. The judge finished by saying a ruling would come on September 15th and if indeed an injunction were coming it won't appear until October 13th. So, tablet fans in the Netherlands, know that you have at least two months worth of worry-free shopping ahead of you.[Thanks, Paul]
Mobile Miscellany: week of July 25, 2011
Here's some of the other stuff that happened in the wide world of wireless for the week of July 18, 2011: Remember the Samsung i927 with AT&T logos we saw spy shots of a few days back? These photos came with others' speculation -- and our skepticism -- that this would be the Galaxy S II Rethought Possible. Our hesitation to call this one a surety was spot-on, however, as we've now been told this phone model is not the mystical Samsung Attain after all. Could the i777, just seen wandering through the FCC testing facilities, be it instead? [via BGR] Google's updated its Maps for Android app to include My Places, photo uploading, and a few other goodies. [via Google] Foursquare posted an update to its BlackBerry application; within it, the app now offers support for BBM integration. [via PhoneArena] T-Mobile's rumored Value plans took effect this week, offering a lower price point for anyone who either owns a T-Mobile device already or brings an unlocked GSM handset to start the plan. [via T-Mobile] Sprint unveiled new "Business Freedom Plans" -- business pooled voice and data options that don't come attached with any commitments. [via Sprint]
Verizon swaps misbehaving Fascinates with phones that'll make you flip
If you're among the unfortunate handful of Verizon users whose Samsung Fascinate consistently fails to receive inbound calls after the latest update, we've got good news: Big Red is replacing these unruly handsets free of charge (and without contract extension). Now keep in mind, an in-store Verizon representative must confirm that your phone cannot properly receive calls, because telephone support agents obviously can't verify this one. Once you jump through a few hoops, however, the company will toss you a Certified Like-New Replacement of a Droid Charge, Droid Incredible 2, or Droid X2 as compensation for your plight. Sure it's used, but so is your Fascinate, so chin up -- this time, there's reason to be glad your smartphone doesn't work. [Thanks, Geremy]
Netflix app on Android updated to work on 24 models including Galaxy S, Droid 3 (update: tablets too!)
The number of Android devices officially compatible with the Netflix streaming app has more than doubled in v2.3, growing from 9 to 24. Last night the description was updated with a new list of devices but the actual updated APK only started pushing this afternoon, bringing Netflix not only to the Lenovo tablet announced last night but also to the Droid 3, HTC Thunderbolt, Motorola Atrix, several Galaxy S phones including the Epic 4G and Fascinate and more. Fragmentation is clearly still an issue for DRM'd apps like this and Hulu Plus, but at least now there's a growing number of recent superphones supported instead of sitting on the sidelines. We've got the updated list of devices after the break, hit the source link to download the app from the Android Market. Update: As multiple commenters have noted, sideloading the Netflix APK will still work for devices that haven't yet made the list. We were able to confirm the app works fine on the Galaxy Tab 10.1 and Motorola Xoom, however we're hearing it's not up and running on the Tegra 2-based Transformer just yet. Itching for some Watch Instantly on your Honeycomb tablet? Check XDA-Developers for a download link. Update 2: Alex wrote in to let us know that things are now operational on the Transformer, too. Check out xda-developers for the details. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Samsung Galaxy S II for Sprint spotted in the wild, mildly tweaked design in tow
We saw signs that Samsung's superphone, the Galaxy S II, would be coming to the Now Network, but we hadn't seen such a device sporting a Sprint logo... until now. The folks at This is my next got a blurry picture of a new handset that may be the Within, Sprint's variant of Sammy's flagship device. The shot shows a phone with more rounded corners than the GS II, and a vertical camera / flash alignment instead of the side-by-side configuration found on the original. We can't say for sure if this is Sprint's next star in the Android universe, but here's hoping it means that the finest Galaxy S phone is landing stateside soon.
Keepin' it real fake: Xiaomi M1 melds iPhone and Galaxy S II with custom MIUI ROM (update: no, not really)
Granted, what you're looking at is nothing more than a skillful render, but if Apple and Samsung ever made beautiful babies, this is what would be bestowed upon the world -- pesky lawsuits notwithstanding, that is. The KIRF in question is the Xiaomi M1, a smartphone designed specifically for the MIUI custom Gingerbread ROM. It's sporting a 1.2GHz dual-core Qualcomm CPU, along with a four-inch, 854 x 480 Super LCD capacitive touchscreen display, and the usual assortment of Bluetooth, GPS, and WiFi. Users will find quadband GSM among the mix, but 3G support remains a mystery -- likewise for the RAM, internal storage, and battery capacity. Pricing is an unknown quantity too, although earlier reports suggest we'll see something in the range of RMB 1,600 (approximately $250). This potential KIRF'ers paradise is expected to ship between mid-August and early September in a variety of colors, which will be eclipsed only by the sweet smell of its unboxing. Update: As it turns out, the M1 looks nothing like the render we'd seen. Hence, our dreams of this epic KIRF have been dashed, and the purported "real" image of this curious project is now 'splayed for all to see. Didn't get a chance to see the original render? Just follow the break, where you're able to dream of what could have been.
Judge denies Apple's request to speed up its suit against Samsung
Apple's lawyers in its lawsuit against Samsung are an impatient bunch. First, they asked the court for an accelerated discovery process so they could get their hands on Sammy's forthcoming products ASAP. Then they filed a motion to trim the time until trial and asked for an order shortening the time to file the briefs for that motion. Yesterday, the court told Apple to slow its roll by denying its request to compress the briefing schedule. In doing so, the judge cited Apple's knowledge of Samsung's alleged infringement for more than a year and the fact it engaged in license negotiations with the Korean company during that time -- which the court thinks undermines Jobs and Co.'s argument that they'll suffer substantial harm without a hurried hearing schedule. It's a minor ruling in the grand scheme of things, but it indicates that Apple's cries to condense the time until trial may fall upon deaf judicial ears. Looks like the folks in Cupertino may have to look to the ITC if they want the rocket docket treatment.
Microsoft unveils new Windows Phone 7 Mango handsets from Samsung, Acer, Fujitsu and ZTE
Generally Microsoft's Worldwide Partner Conference is a relatively low key affair, but today it caught a few in the tech world off guard by unveiling not one or two, but four new Windows Phone 7 handsets running Mango. Acer and ZTE both have models on tap, as does Fujitsu -- which slathered its mobile in pink and gave it a waterproof seal. The biggest news though was Samsung. Microsoft pulled out what is believed to be the SGH-i937, a version of the Galaxy S II that sports the Redmond mobile OS instead of Android. From the screen cap above it appears as if the phone is sporting a front-facing camera, something that has been missing from WP7 handset until now and is rumored to be supported in Mango. It's only a brief glimpse but you can catch it in the video after the break. [Thanks, Simon]
Samsung Galaxy S II gets torn down, found to be just as beautiful on the inside
Here's a tidbit of interest: it took the moving of three million Galaxy S IIs before we saw a bona fide teardown. But hey -- maybe this thing's just too darn delightful to crack open for the sake of cracking it open. iFixit and ABI Research have both sliced into Sammy's best smartphone yet, discovering an Exynos dual-core apps processor, newfangled CMOS-based antenna switch, a low-power XMM6260 cellular chipset from Infineon and a single-packaged multi-band, multi-mode PA from RFMD. 'Course, knowing the surrounding technobabble is only half the fun; for the other half, dig into those source links below.
Apple files ITC request to block import of select Samsung devices
And with that, yet another punch is thrown. The slugfest that is Apple vs. Samsung is getting uglier by the minute, as each one pushes the other's buttons in a presumed effort to get paid (or get the other to back down). Just as Apple was being told "no" in a request for a preliminary injunction, it's hoping for a more satisfactory outcome from its most recent filing. That one's headed to the US International Trade Commission in Washington, where Apple's trying to block the import of the Galaxy S and Galaxy Tab, amongst other Samsung products. The ITC only stated "Electronic Digital Media Devices," but FOSS Patents has found five utility patents and a pair of design patents -- those encompass a grand total of six Sammy smartphones and a duo of slates. Analysts are stating that an outright ban on Samsung imports is unlikely (no shock there), and the most likely outcome here is a "settlement and cross-licensing deal." Mo' money, mo' problems, right?
Samsung's Galaxy S II becomes company's quickest selling phone: three million in 55 days
Samsung sold three million of its original Galaxy S phone in 85 days. A few months later, a full ten million had been moved. Now, it looks as if the superphone's proper successor may put that latter statistic to shame. The outfit just announced that it took but 55 days to move three million Galaxy S II handsets, which works out to one phone every 1.5 seconds. It's Sammy's briskest-selling smartphone ever, and we're guessing that it'll keep up the pace once that AT&T variant lands on US soil. Which is coming soon, right Samsung?
Samsung drops Apple countersuit -- Apple's still got a bone to pick
Back in April, Samsung slapped back at Apple's claims of patent infringement with a healthy helping of ten claims of its own. Now Bloomberg is reporting that Samsung quietly dropped its countersuit against the Cupertino-based company on June 30th, in an attempt "to streamline the legal proceedings." Of course that doesn't mean the saga is over: Apple's smartphone infringement accusations stand, as do legal battles in South Korea, Japan, Germany, and the UK. Samsung says it will also continue to fight Apple's accusations in the US in the form of a counter-claim. One down, one to go?Update: To clarify, this does not mean that Samsung has abandoned its own infringement claims against Apple. Those claims have been rolled into counter-claims in the original suit.
Apple seeks preliminary injunction on Infuse 4G, Galaxy S 4G, Droid Charge, and Galaxy Tab 10.1
Drama. Rather than leaving well enough alone -- at least long enough for its lawyers to properly enjoy the Independence Day weekend -- Apple has seemingly kicked its ongoing legal battle with Samsung up a notch. According to a filing discovered by FOSS Patents, the perturbed in Cupertino have filed a motion for a preliminary injunction with the US District Court for the Northern District of California. Interestingly, the motion hones in on just four devices: the Infuse 4G, Galaxy S 4G, Droid Charge, and Galaxy Tab 10.1. It's a pretty bold move on Apple's part -- if this thing holds, and it's determined that the aforesaid products may well indeed be infringing on Apple's rights, Sammy could be forced to yank those products from US shelves within a couple of months. If it falls through, however, Apple's entire case will likely take a serious hit. We'd ponder why everyone can't just get along, but at this point, we're guessing the act of forgiveness has become a foreign concept for both parties.
Samsung Galaxy Z: Galaxy S II's 'affordable little brother' now ready for pre-order
Been lusting after the Galaxy S II, but aren't willing to break the bank? We hear you, and apparently Samsung does too. Up for pre-order today, on the Swedish arm of Three, is the Galaxy Z -- billed as a more affordable spawn from its Korean progenitor. The Gingerbread-toting handset will sport a 4.2-inch Super Clear LCD, 1GHz dual core processor (rumored to be Tegra 2), and 8GB of onboard storage, extensible with microSD. Fret not camera junkies, also present is a 5 megapixel sensor plus flash and "HD" video recording. All that stands between you and this little Galaxy, are 4,000 kronor (about $630) and your undying love of Swedish meatballs.
Samsung Galaxy S II gets official for Canada on Bell, Virgin Mobile and SaskTel
We've already had some indication of where and when the Galaxy S II would land in Canada, and three carriers have now finally made things fully official (even if they haven't yet got completely specific). That includes Bell and Virgin Mobile -- neither of which are confirming a price at the moment -- plus regional carrier SaskTel, which plans to offer the phone for $79.99 on a three-year contract. SaskTel and Virgin Mobile both also say that the phone will be available in the coming weeks, while Bell isn't offering much more than a chance to win the phone in a contest that ends July 19th -- we've previously heard that the phone will be hitting Bell on July 14th. Perhaps not surprisingly, it's looking like the phone will also alternatively be known as the "Galaxy S II" or "Galaxy S II 4G" depending on the carrier.
Apple's A6 processor may come courtesy of TSMC, Samsung left to wonder why
Apple's fondness for anorexic handhelds knows no bounds, and if this alleged deal with the Asian foundry holds water, expect to see its waistband tighten further. Rumoured back before the iPad 2 launch, the house-that-Steve-built's reportedly been eyeing Taiwanese Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp to produce an 'A6' for its upcoming iPhone refresh. While it's easy to dismiss this purported move as a direct diss to Samsung, what's more likely is that Cupertino's engaging in a competitive bit of size does matter -- specifically, the A5's 45nm process. A transition to newer, lower power 28nm ARM chips would give Jonathan Ives' employer a distinct market advantage, dwarfing even TSMC's current 40nm in the process. While it's all still just speculation for now, only time and an iPhone 5 tear-down will tell for sure.
Apple sues Samsung again for copying the iPhone's design, this time in South Korea
As if Apple and Samsung's patent infringement catfight weren't distracting enough, Apple is recreating the legal spectacle in Samsung's home country of South Korea. Apple just filed a suit against Samsung Electronics in Seoul Central District Court, with Cupertino alleging that the Samsung Galaxy S copies the third-generation iPhone, according to a report from the online news site, MoneyToday. That closely matches the claims Apple made when it it sued Samsung back in April for "slavishly" copying the iPhone and iPad. Since then, Apple's expanded its case to include additional Samsung devices, including the Droid Charge, Infuse 4G, Nexus S 4G, Galaxy Tab 10.1, Galaxy S II, and a handful of others. Meanwhile, Samsung has attempted (in vain) to subpoena prototypes of Apple's next-gen iPhone and iPad. We wouldn't be surprised if Samsung abandoned its efforts to peek Apple's forthcoming products, but if this is, indeed, destined to be a case of déjà vu, Samsung might well strike back with a suit of its own.
