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Samsung's Android Pie rollout in the US is off to a modest start
Weeks after the international rollout, Samsung is finally ready to deliver Android Pie and One UI to Americans... although you might not want to smash that check-for-updates button just yet. The company has confirmed to Engadget that it's pushing Android Pie to Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus owners in the US, but only on Comcast's Xfinity Mobile right now. Galaxy Note 9 owners and those on other carriers (including will receive their updates in the "coming days and weeks."
Samsung is the next tech giant expecting a sharp earnings drop
Apple isn't the only tech industry behemoth dealing with a rough fourth quarter. Samsung has warned that its earnings likely dropped significantly during the last three months of 2018 due to both tougher competition in the smartphone space and mediocre demand for memory chips. Analysts were predicting sales equivalent to about $56.2 billion, but Samsung now expects 'just' $52.7 billion -- not a huge drop, but disappointing for a company used to growth. Accordingly, the Korean firm now expects profits around $9.7 billion versus the $11.8 billion observers thought they'd see.
Samsung is serving Galaxy S9 owners Android Pie for Christmas
Samsung has started rolling out Android Pie for Galaxy S9 and S9+ devices earlier than it said it would. The tech giant was originally planning to release the major OS upgrade in January, but according to Sammobile and Android Authority, it's now available in Germany. And, yes, it's the stable version of the mobile platform that's making its way to people, even non-beta users whose devices are still running Android Oreo.
T-Mobile is giving you 36 months to pay off select phones
T-Mobile is giving people more time to pay off their phones. On Friday, the mobile carrier will launch a new 36-month installment plan that will stretch the cost of a smartphone out over the course of three years rather than the standard two-year period. Only a handful of phones will be available for the plan at first -- and it's not clear yet how good of a deal this might be, as well.
Pixel 3 vs. the competition: Under the surface
It's October, which means we finally get an official look at Google's big phone release for 2018. The Pixel 3 may look plain on the outside, but it's packed with improved front and back cameras with souped-up software that we hope will make the shooters better than their predecessors. Of course, to find out we'll have to wait for the full review in a few weeks. For now, we can take a look at the handset's specs and see how it stands up to this year's crop of flagship phones. Check out the table below:
The iPhone Xs vs. the competition: It's all about the cameras
It's time for a new flagship iPhone, and while the "s" in its name usually means no drastic changes on the outside, there are quite a few souped-up features in the Xs worth noting, like the camera's adjustable depth of field and smart HDR. But the competition continues to be heated, with phones like the Galaxy S9 and the notched G7 ThinQ boasting their own enhanced shooters and Snapdragon 845 chips. We've lined up all these devices in the table below so you can get an idea of how their specs contend, and we even threw in Huawei's P20 Pro with its stellar tri-lens rig. It's one of our favorite phones from this year, even if you can't officially buy it here in the US. What we can't do is compare the iPhone XS to the upcoming Pixel 3 -- for that you'll have to wait until Google's event next month. So stay tuned for that as well as our full reviews of Apple's new handsets.
Samsung looks to foldable OLEDs as phone sales slow down
As expected, Samsung's Q2 2018 earnings report shows that operating profit is still up from last year and net profit for the same periods came in 0.1 percent lower as growth is slowing. While its memory chip and processor businesses remain strong, the premium smartphone market is "sluggish" and has more competition, so it's introducing the new Galaxy Note slightly earlier this year to expand sales. The new Note 9 will be revealed on August 9th, and could show us what Samsung has planned for its "unbreakable" flexible OLED technology. Samsung said it expected sales of flexible OLED to rebound in the second half, and said "the Company will incorporate more value-added features into panels and reinforce its competencies in new applications such as foldable displays" like the YOUM prototypes it showed off a few years ago or the device already rumored for launch in 2019.
The best mobile devices for students
There's no negotiating on this: You need a smartphone at college. Powerful flagships like the iPhone X and the Samsung Galaxy S9 promise speedy performance, but even more affordable options like the Xperia XZ2 Compact and OnePlus 6 offer an impressive amount of bang for your buck. Though not necessary, you might also want a tablet for book-reading, or a smartwatch that double as a fitness tracker. While the Apple Watch is the most obvious choice for an iPhone user, other brands have offerings that are just as stylish -- stuff you won't be ashamed of wearing around campus. As for tablets, Apple's 9.7-inch iPad doesn't break the bank (at least before you add on accessories) and is now compatible with the Apple Pencil -- a tool once reserved for the higher-end iPad Pro line. Meanwhile, the Microsoft Surface Pro offers laptop-grade power, though we recommend paying extra for the accompanying keyboard. Lastly, you'll also find a Kindle on our list, mainly because its e-paper screen can be much easier on the eyes than a phone or a tablet. Find all our picks in our 2018 back-to-school guide and while you're there, check out the other 13 categories we covered.
Samsung's AR Emoji will soon be a little more realistic
Samsung's unsettling AR Emoji were the standout feature during the Galaxy S9's reveal last year, and now it's giving them an update. The company promises more granular adjustments for facial features like smiles, noses, ears, eyes and cheeks are en route. "This means that, for instance, when a child creates an AR Emoji, they'll be able to adjust the shape of their face so that it more closely mirrors their own," Samsung claims. Maybe Elastigirl will look more natural, too.
Bixby will start collecting sports scores and news next month
Bixby Home is getting smarter. Well, in the sense that now in the US, Samsung's virtual assistant will offer sports scores and up-to-the-minute news coverage through a partnership with theScore. Swiping right on "select" Galaxy device home-screens including the S9 and S9 Plus gives access to the stats and news. To make the feature a little more useful, you can even follow your favorite teams and leagues so only the news that matters to you will show up.
Up close with the Galaxy S9 in 'Sunrise Gold'
Samsung teased a gold color variant of the Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus two days ago, and now it's officially announced the availability. Starting June 24th, you'll be able to get the "Sunrise Gold" version of the flagship at Best Buy (in stores and online) as well as Samsung.com. For those keeping score, that means the S9s are now available in four colors in the US -- Midnight Black, Lilac Purple, Coral Blue and the new gold hue. Elsewhere in the world, folks can also get a silver version. We took an early look at the Sunrise Gold S9 and S9 Plus, which isn't different from the original handset in any other way.
Global smartphone sales recover from a months-long slump
Smartphone sales shrank year-over-year in the fall, leading some to wonder whether the category's halcyon days were finally over. Well, not quite. Gartner has determined that smartphone sales bounced back ever so slightly in the first quarter of 2018, growing 1.3 percent over the same period a year earlier. Don't credit that to hot flagship phones like the Galaxy S9 or iPhone X, though -- if anything, it came in spite of those high-priced devices.
Samsung’s Galaxy S9 now comes with up to 256GB of storage
While we thought the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ received only incremental changes over their predecessors, but now both are getting another modest upgrade. Soon you'll be able to buy the phone in 128GB and 256GB.
Samsung shows record profits despite weak demand for mobile OLED
With its latest earnings report, Samsung notched its fourth straight quarter showing record operating profits of $14.4 billion. As predicted, that's mostly due to the memory chips it makes that go inside its phones as well as many other devices, but the most notable element of the report might be its warning of slow OLED sales. Samsung makes the OLED screen fronting Apple's iPhone X, and like other iPhone suppliers, its results imply that shipments and demand have been lower than anticipated. Still, Samsung appears to be expecting a follow-up version in the second half of this year when "OLED panels in the smartphone industry are expected to see a rebound in demand." Apple will report its earnings May 1st, although it doesn't usually provide information on sales of specific iPhone models. As far as its own devices, sales of the Galaxy S9 family were strong along with unexpectedly high numbers for the outgoing Galaxy S8. That's all while Samsung prepares for its next flagship phone later this year, which should be a new Galaxy Note. In TVs, sales were slightly down, but we're keeping an eye on updates about the stunning 8K and MicroLED Wall displays shown off at CES. According to the report, those are both still in the works for a launch in the second half of this year.
Samsung Galaxy S9 DeX Pad comes to the US on May 13th
If you've been waiting for the day you can use your Galaxy S9 as a desktop computer, mark your calendar. Samsung's DeX Pad, which also works with the Galaxy S8, will arrive in the US on May 13th and will set you back $100. In fact, you can pre-order the device from the tech giant's website starting today -- you can even get it as a freebie with a Galaxy S9 or S9 Plus if you buy straight from Samsung.com.
Samsung is 'looking into' Galaxy S9 touchscreen issues
Tonight Samsung has responded to growing reports of Galaxy S9/S9+ phones with touchscreen problems. Android Police and PiunikaWeb point to a few threads on Reddit and Samsung's own support forums where owners have noted issues with their phones registering touches. Where on the device they see this issue has varied, and some said they were able to resolve it with a factory reset or turning up the sensitivity but most needed a new phone. A Samsung spokesperson said to Engadget that "We are looking into a limited number of reports of Galaxy S9/S9+ touchscreen responsiveness issues," and encouraged any owners with problems to contact the company directly. Of course, we've seen worse hardware issues, and iPhones have had their own bouts with things like "touch disease" but we'll be watching carefully to see if this issue is truly widespread or limited to just a few devices. At Samsung, customer satisfaction is core to our business and we aim to deliver the best possible experience. We are looking into a limited number of reports of Galaxy S9/S9+ touchscreen responsiveness issues. We are working with affected customers and investigating. We encourage any customer with questions to contact us directly at 1-800-SAMSUNG.
Engadget giveaway: Win a Samsung Galaxy S9 courtesy of Speck!
Samsung's recently released Galaxy S9 smartphones have received a good amount of praise, often listed among the best Android devices you can buy. The camera performs well in low light and you get speedy overall performance packed into a sleek design. These features do come at a premium price and anyone making the investment should know that a case is a wise move. That's why this week, Speck has offered a Samsung Galaxy S9 in midnight black along with its own Presidio Folio Leather case (also black) for one lucky reader. This is the company's first 10-foot drop protective folio case, so it should keep your handset safe in most daily scenarios. It also includes a hidden slot for three cards, helping your phone double as wallet and portable computer. (The case will also be available for the iPhone X, if Android's not your thing.) You have up to three chances at winning a Samsung Galaxy S9 and Speck Presidio Folio Leather case when you hit up the Rafflecopter widget below. Good luck! Winner: Congratulations (TBC) to Atif S. of Great Falls, VA!
One year later, Bixby is still half-baked
Oh, Bixby. What am I going to do with you? It's been a year since we first tried the virtual assistant on the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus, and since then we've seen relatively little in terms of substantive improvements. It certainly doesn't help that Injong Rhee, Samsung's CTO and Bixby's de facto steward, recently left the company for a gig at Google. Few things seem more disheartening for Bixby's future than that.
Mickey and Minnie AR Emoji arrive in time for Galaxy S9 launch
If you think the Galaxy S9's personalized AR emoji creations are creepy, well, you're right. But as teased by Samsung at its launch event in MWC a few weeks ago, some familiar Disney faces are joining the robo-avatar party. Both Mickey and Minnie will be available starting today -- coincidentally, the day that the S9 and S9 plus go on sale. It's just the start of Disney's AR emoji series. Samsung says more will come throughout the year and will include The Incredibles cast and (yes!) Frozen. Ugh, just as long as it's not Olaf.
Samsung offers in-person service for Galaxy phones in the US
Ask iPhone owners why they remain loyal and they'll likely cite convenient support as one reason: they can walk into an Apple Store and get a prompt fix that's rarely available for other devices. Samsung is taking steps to level the playing field, however. From March 15th onward, you can visit one of 300-plus uBreakiFix service locations in the US and get officially sanctioned in-person repairs on recent high-end Galaxy phones, ranging from the S6 and Note 5 through to the S9 and Note 8. The two companies are promising same-day repairs, often in less than 2 hours for "most" problems.
