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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 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.
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.
Mobile Miscellany: week of May 27th, 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, a new addition to the LG L-Series surfaced in Russia, a Lumia 920 was sighted that'd make Oscar the Grouch flip, and TalkTalk added three new devices from Huawei to its roster. 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 May 27th, 2013.
Alleged Galaxy S 4 mini benchmarks reveal Snapdragon 400 processor
The more we know about the 4.3-inch Galaxy S 4 mini, the more we're convinced that it's coming in the near future. German website All About Samsung claims to have obtained AnTuTu benchmark results from the baby Galaxy S 4, courtesy of an unnamed source. According to the screenshots above, the phone will feature 1.5GB of RAM, an 8-megapixel rear camera and a 2.1-megapixel front shooter capable of 1080p video. The original screenshots confirm the GS4 mini's rumored qHD display resolution (960 x 540 pixels), while also indicating that the phone will likely be powered by Qualcomm's dual-core Snapdragon 400 (like the HTC First), running Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean). If these specs pique your interest, ensure you haven't missed some recently leaked shots of the phone itself.
Verizon Galaxy S 4 to support AWS-based LTE through software update
While we already knew that Verizon slipped support for AWS-based LTE into its edition of the Galaxy S 4, it didn't say how those extra frequencies would come alive. The carrier's Mike Haberman has just cleared the air(waves): he tells Bloomberg that Samsung's flagship will get a software update to support AWS bands. Haberman hasn't said when the patch will arrive, although it's contingent on the higher-capacity 4G network rolling out in the next few months. The GS4 isn't likely to be alone, whatever the timing. The Nokia Lumia 928 also supports AWS, and we've reached out to learn if and when the higher-tiered Windows Phone will get an upgrade to reach its full potential.
Refresh Roundup: week of May 20th, 2013
Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging for an update. From time to time, these mobile devices are blessed with maintenance refreshes, bug fixes, custom ROMs and anything in between, and so many of them are floating around that it's easy for a sizable chunk to get lost in the mix. To make sure they don't escape without notice, we've gathered every possible update, hack, and other miscellaneous tomfoolery we could find during the last week and crammed them into one convenient roundup. If you find something available for your device, please give us a shout at tips at engadget dawt com and let us know. Enjoy!
Verizon Cloud spreads to iOS devices, Droid DNA and Galaxy S 4
When Verizon Cloud launched last month, it would only back up a few Android devices -- not quite the cross-platform utopia that the carrier had in mind. Today's launch of the Verizon Cloud iOS app should get the company (and subscribers) closer to the original vision. Like its mobile counterpart, the iPhone-focused release syncs or streams documents and media from every platform that Verizon supports, including PCs. Just don't expect a wide safety net, though, as the iOS app won't back up call logs, contacts or messages. Still prefer Android? You're covered as well -- Verizon has expanded the compatibility list to include more Google-powered hardware, such as the Droid DNA and the Galaxy S 4. As long as you're inclined toward Verizon Cloud in the first place, the source links should get all your devices working in harmony.
Samsung Galaxy S 4 Developer Edition coming soon to AT&T and Verizon
Samsung will be releasing developer editions of the Galaxy S 4 for AT&T and Verizon, according to the company's site. At least for now, the phone will only be offered in Black Mist, and internal storage is listed as 16GB. It's not clear exactly when the devices will come to their respective carriers, but they likely won't be offered with a subsidy when they do. For those considering purchasing Sammy's latest flagship handset, this offers an alternative to the several variants across service providers, not to mention the stock Jelly Bean version announced at Google I/O. Hit up the source link for more info.
AT&T to carry Samsung Galaxy S 4 in Aurora Red on June 14th
Looks like there are more smartphone-loving vampires than we first thought. Following Samsung's plans to offer the Galaxy S 4 in multiple new colors, AT&T has scored a US exclusive for the smartphone in a very distinctive Aurora Red. The crimson-hued Life Companion will be available for pre-order on May 24th, with retail stores getting their supply on June 14th. The lone disappointment is the capacity: AT&T is only offering red for the 16GB, $200 model. Still, we're happy that we won't have to wait for the Galaxy S 4 Active just to get a Samsung flagship in a livelier color.
LoJack for Android to be embedded in Samsung Galaxy S 4's firmware
Since the Galaxy S4's launch, Samsung's been eager to make security one of the device's stronger selling points. Through its partnership with Absolute Software, makers of LoJack for Laptops, Samsung will soon embed a theft recovery system right into the the phone's firmware. LoJack for Android smartphones, launching exclusively on the Galaxy S4, joins SAFE for Knox in Samsung's quest to develop "the most comprehensive mobile security solution" on the market. While there are plenty of apps that can locate misplaced phones via GPS and wipe their contents, the hope of retrieving a stolen phone is slim to none. In addition to content-clearing software, LoJack will offer a service in which "recovery specialists" attempt to return lost phones to their owners. There's no guarantee that said recovery specialists will be able to successfully track down thieves and reclaim stolen devices, but it's nice to dream. Subscriptions for LoJack for Android will start at $29.99 a year, though there's no official word yet on a release date.
Cricket launching Galaxy S 4 on June 7th, starting at $55 down
The Galaxy S 4 is now readily available in the US, but it hasn't had much sway with the prepaid crowd so far. Cricket should be addressing that deficit soon, as it just narrowed down its launch of the Samsung flagship to June 7th. The contract-free carrier is making up for being late to the party with a low up front price: customers can plunk down $55 to start an installment plan rather than pay the GS4's full $600 cost in one shot. Would-be adopters will need to live in one of Cricket's LTE coverage areas to pick up a GS4, but those who do may get a rare discount on a (mostly) fresh device.