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Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 4G up for pre-order from Verizon, finally
For a device so focused on speed, the 4G version of Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1 has sure taken its sweet time. The LTE-enabled Honeycomb tablet, which was initially set for a June 8th pre-order, is finally available through Verizon's site -- well, finally available for pre-order, that is. The slick Android device should ship within four to six weeks, according to the carrier, and will run you either $530 or $630, depending on whether you go in for the 16- or 32GB variety -- oh yeah, and then there's the two-year data plan. Whoever said the waiting is the hardest part clearly never signed a mobile data contract.
Samsung reveals 'premium accessory suite' for Galaxy Tab 10.1, includes premium prices
Loving your Galaxy Tab 10.1 but just itching for some accessories? Samsung knows you are, and today helpfully unveiled a "premium accessory suite" to soothe your jones for both add-ons and premium prices. The collection (parts of which appeared earlier on Sammy's German site) includes a full-size keyboard dock ($70) and a multimedia dock ($35) enabling HDMI pass-through – you can have Tab video on your TV, as long as you buy the separate HDTV adapter ($30). You have your choice of cases, as well: a book cover model ($60) you can leave on while using the tablet, or a leather pouch edition ($30) that is, you guessed it, a leather pouch. A few miscellaneous items round out the collection, including various chargers, a conductive stylus and the already-released USB adapter. The company also promises a Bluetooth keyboard and SD card adapter to come "mid-summer," just in time to ease your next bout of premium-accessory fever. [Update: Replaced keyboard image. Thanks for the feedback, everyone.]
Silhouette-spoiling USB host adapter arrives for the Galaxy Tab 10.1
Hot on the heels of Honeycomb 3.1 and its USB hosting capabilities, Samsung's US site has just listed a $20 USB adapter for the Galaxy Tab 10.1. The stubby add-on won't do anything for your Tab's slender figure, but it will convert the Apple-esque 30-pin connector into full USB and thereby open up a world of connectivity to "keyboards, mice, thumb drives" and potentially any other USB device that gets Android support. Unfortunately, the adapter is out of stock and listed as "back order", but after waiting this long for USB hosting on Android tablets we can probably hold out a little longer.
Elusive Galaxy Tab 8.9 hitting Nordic countries in September
Samsung today issued a slew of press releases announcing the arrival of new tablets in Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Norway. The news, naturally, focuses on the company's flashy Galaxy Tab 10.1, which will arrive in those countries in August. What's really interesting here, however, is the mention of the more compact Galaxy Tab 8.9, which has been out of the spotlight as of late, reportedly due to screen problems. The issues (if there were indeed any) have apparently been resolved, and the 8.9 is set to be released in the aforementioned Nordic territories in September -- either that or it's going to take an extra month to shave an inch and change off of those remaining 10.1 models.
Samsung Galaxy Tab spreads wings, flies to premium seats on American Airlines
Move on over, Delta. The 200 iPads at your JFK terminal may entertain some folks waiting to board, but before the year's out American Airlines will start switching out 6,000 in-flight entertainment systems with Samsung 10.1-inch Galaxy Tabs. Sammy will be customizing the Honeycomb slates with flight related "features" including AA's streaming service mentioned last month, and possibly even adding "expanded memory" for the devices -- no word on how, though. Panasonic's console has some competition it seems. It's notable that these will only be available in "premium cabins" on a handful of long-distance routes, and unless you're flying in a 767-200, WiFi access -- a separate purchase, by the way -- may not be available. We've embedded some PR with the details for all you jet-setting tablet enthusiasts after the break.
Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Limited Edition gets Android 3.1 update, that much cooler
Nothing like a little software update to get the weekend started right... right? Just days after Samsung shipped the first consumer units of its Galaxy Tab 10.1 (you can find our review here), the Android 3.1 update that first struck Motorola's Xoom is now gracing the Limited Edition models that were handed out at Google I/O 2011. We've confirmed here at Engadget HQ that the update is indeed percolating, with Americans needing to simply register with Samsung (select "UK" in the options list, it's cool) and proceed to the Software Update within the Settings pane. If you've applied the update, let us know how things went in comments below; if you ran into any issues, give those More Coverage links a look. Either way: lucky! [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Vodafone UK bids adieu to Galaxy Tab 10.1v, likes its slates skinny
Back in February, it looked like Vodafone UK was more than happy to get its hands on the original Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1v, but with the impending UK release of a younger, slimmer model, the carrier is giving the 10.1v the boot. According to some helpful tipsters, customers who showed early interest in the thicker version of the tablet have received an "important update" from Vodafone saying, "We've decided to add the slimmer Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 to our range, which will now take the place of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1v." The landing page for the original 10.1 has also been removed from Vodafone's website. Looks like it's a sad day for our friends across the pond who like their tabs with a little extra cushion, not to mention an 8 megapixel camera. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Samsung Smart View shrinks Smart TV down for your Galaxy S II
We're not sure how many of you happen to own both a Galaxy S II and a Samsung Smart TV but, if you do, you'll probably want to download Smart View from the Android market. Like now -- don't worry, we'll wait. This handy app lets you stream content from your set to your smartphone over WiFi, and can even be used as a controller for games from the Samsung app store. Unfortunately, you're limited to either mirroring the content shown on the TV or watching an optional second stream from a Sammy-branded Blu-ray player but, hey, at least you won't have to miss a single second of Game of Thrones just because that box of Cheez-Its keeps whispering your name. Like any good TV-connected app, Smart View can also act as a remote with a program guide and the ability to change channels, and even more functionality is promised for the future. Eventually, it will make its way to Galaxy Player, Galaxy S, and Galaxy Tab owners but, while you wait, check out the gallery and PR below. %Gallery-125150%
Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 hits Best Buy's site, decorative Androids fall off in the process
Remember the Android tablet we said might be the first real competitor to the iPad 2 earlier this month? Well, it just made its debut on the Best Buy site, and while the big "Coming Soon" button has crushed our dreams of pre-ordering one today, the site is offering up a few more details on the thing -- or at least some confirmation of what we already knew. For one thing, it looks like the system will indeed pack Android 3.1, unlike the version we tested, which was rocking the 3.0.1. Also, on a more disappointing note, the adorable Android army on the model we picked up at Google I/O is gone, with a plain white back or metallic gray in its place, unlike the black one we were expecting -- perhaps Samsung will offer up both color options when the device actually ships. In the meantime, we'll see if we can find the number of a good laser engraver. Update: If you had any doubt that this would be shipping with 3.1, this should put that to rest. Enchante wrote in to let us know the Amazon Germany pages for the 10.1 and 8.9 Galaxy Tab, which previously indicated 3.0, have been updated to state Android 3.1. [Thanks, Jeff]
Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 priced at €606 by Amazon.de, joined by 10.1 model in a pre-order dance
The US already knows when Samsung will launch its updated Galaxy Tab models and for how much, but that picture hasn't been quite as lucid over in Europe. Amazon.de is doing its best to dissipate the mists of unknowing by listing the 16GB Galaxy Tab 8.9 at a price of €606.50 ($852), whether you're buying the version with a black or white back. That sounds a relatively steep price, but it's not clear whether we're talking about the WiFi-only or 3G-equipped model. Notably, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 option is also listed alongside its 8.9-inch brethren, but there's no price attached to it yet. All we can really say for now is that the wheels are in motion and these Honeycomb tablets look to be on their way to the Euro market at about the same time as they'll hit the American one. Égalité!
Samsung Germany puts cart before horse: Galaxy Tab 10.1 peripherals on sale now
Like what you've seen of Sammy's slim new slate, but aren't so psyched about typing sans tactile feedback? Well, worry no more, as Samsung Germany is showing off some peripherals for the ten-inch Galaxy Tab. There's a €150 ($213) case with an integrated Bluetooth keyboard to give it that Transformer-esqe form factor or an €80 ($114) keyboard dock ("available soon") that should also sate your phalanges' physical desires. Other accoutrement includes USB adapters, protective cases and sleeves, a docking station, and an HDMI adapter for viewing video on screens of all sizes. So now that Samsung's selling some of the sides, we've got one question. Where's our entree?
Galaxy Tab 8.9 keyboard dock spied in Russia, TouchWiz poked on video
Hey, look at that: it's a keyboard dock for the Galaxy Tab 8.9. The folks at mforum.ru caught this guy on camera at the Russian launch of Samsung's latest slates. We don't have a lot of details here, but it looks a heck of a lot like the dock for the original Tab. In fact, the only difference we could spot is that it seems to cradle the tablet in landscape mode instead of portrait, which is a small but very welcome change -- Sammy probably just pulled out the plastic insert used to prop up the older model and called it a day. As for price or ship date, only Samsung knows for sure but, so you don't walk away feeling cheated, there's a lengthy hands on video after the break. We don't speak Russian, so we've got no idea what the handler's impressions are, but you get a pretty thorough tour of the TouchWiz tweaks for Honeycomb.
Next Issue Media brings magazine subscriptions to Samsung Galaxy Tabs, but not all of them
It's been a busy month in the world of e-publishing. First, Time Inc. inked a deal to bring magazine subscriptions to the iPad, with both Hearst and Conde Nast following suit. And now, a consortium of publishing powerhouses known as Next Issue Media is looking to expand its tablet-based readership to Android users, as well. Beginning tomorrow, people who bought a wireless-enabled Samsung Galaxy Tab from Verizon will be able to purchase single copies of, or monthly subscriptions to seven magazines from the so-called "Hulu of Magazines," which includes Conde Nast, Hearst, Meredith, Time Inc., and News Corp. Users already subscribing to print editions will receive free digital subscriptions, though they won't be able to purchase both print and digital combo packages (that's on the way). Publishers, meanwhile, will be able to set their own prices and, according to Next Issue CEO Morgan Guenther, will receive "at least" 70-percent of all transactions -- the same percentage that Apple offers. Under this new Android deal, however, all of Next Issue's members will be able to freely access their subscribers' credit card information and other personal data -- something that Apple has steadfastly denied them. Obviously, it's far too early to tell whether or not this deal will give publishers more leverage in their negotiations with Cupertino, as the service will only be available to a small slice of Android tablet users. But Guenther says his organization is planning on releasing more titles for more devices this fall, with at least 40 magazines due out by year's end, along with an app for HP's WebOS.
Galaxy Tab 10.1 goes up for pre-order at J&R, joined by Galaxy S WiFi 5.0 and 4.0
Remember that little GT-P7510 project Samsung seems to have on the backburner? You know, the ultraslim Tegra 2 tablet that makes Honeycomb finally feel ready for public consumption? Yeah, well, that's gotten its pre-order papers now, courtesy of J&R. Pricing of the WiFi-only Galaxy Tab 10.1 matches the $500 for 16GB and $600 for 32GB that Samsung announced in March, and though delivery dates aren't listed, we'll go ahead and assume the promised June 8th launch remains on track. Also ready for pre-order at J&R today are Samsung's 8GB Galaxy S WiFi 5.0 and 4.0 media players, priced at $270 and $220, respectively, though the only info about availability that's provided is a boilerplate "coming soon" note. Check out the source links for more details.
Official: Samsung Galaxy S and Galaxy Tab getting Gingerbread update in mid-May
After encountering a little hitch with its mid-April Gingerbread delivery, Samsung is now ready to boot up Kies for another try. The company has this morning released word that it intends to update its entire Galaxy S family line, starting with models in the UK and Nordic countries from the middle of this month. The rest of the globe, including North America, will follow suit "according to the regional plan." Also benefiting from a Gingerbread upgrade will be the 7-inch Galaxy Tab, which already got a taste of Android 2.3 in Italy, and the company's bevy of budget Galaxy devices, the Ace, Gio, Fit and mini. Read the full PR after the break.
Working Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 spotted, handled in Germany (video)
We had a chance to peek at a glass-protected dummy version of Samsung's Galaxy Tab 8.9 at CTIA, but the real thing popped up at an event in Germany over the weekend, in all its svelte gadget glory. Our friend Johannes went hands-on with the tablet in Frankfurt, and liked what he saw. The version he saw was noticeably thinner than the prototype 8.9-incher that we got to smudge up in March (it's even slimmer than the iPad 2), and if this Europe appearance is any indication, Sammy may be on track to launch these sometime this summer, as promised.
Motorola Xoom, Nexus S 4G hitting Sprint in early May?
Sprint service the only thing standing between you and a Motorola Xoom? Good news -- a tipster passed along an internal calendar showing an April 25th employee training date for the Honeycomb tablet, and while we're still taking it with a grain of salt, it seems like the real deal. If past products are any indication, it should hit Sprint stores a fortnight later, in early May, lining up nicely with those Xoom cases that were spotted a week back. The Nexus S 4G also looks to be slotted for employee training the same day, foreshadowing busy times ahead for the Now Network cashiers. [Thanks, Anonymous]
Galaxy Tab 10.1v up for pre-order at Vodafone Australia, shipping to start May 1st
Oh, sure -- it's pretty much an ultrathin Galaxy Tab 10.1, but then again, it's an ultrathin Galaxy Tab 10.1. The newly-christened Galaxy Tab 10.1v has finally found itself a pre-order host over at Vodafone Australia, with select customers receiving the newsletter shown above in their email accounts. Purportedly, this "exclusive" offer enables Vodafone customers camped out in the Land Down Under to pre-order the Honeycomb-based slate, with a trio of payment options available. A two-year agreement will cost you zilch upfront (but AU$39 a month over 12 months), a one-year plan dings your credit card for AU$259, and an off-contract option will demand a far stiffer AU$729. A book cover seems to be included with each option, and if you get your order in today, shipping should commence on May 1st. One nation down, six five continents to go. (Sorry, penguins.) [Thanks, Jeremy]
Verizon pushes out update for Galaxy Tab, promises improved battery life, browser performance
Feeling less than enthused with your Galaxy Tab? Verizon is rolling out an update to the tablet, whose forthcoming LTE radio and higher-resolution rear camera took us by surprise at CES. In particular, the tweaks promise to speed up browser performance and extend battery life, particularly when searching for WiFi hotspots. The update also packs a slew of improvements to the non-Gmail email app (if you even use it), including better font sizing and linking, a line in the status bar indicating the time the email was received, larger attachment openings, Word doc downloads, and the ability to send multiple name cards. If your Tab hasn't received the update yet, well, keep your eyes peeled. Update: Verizon's LTE Galaxy Tab is still in the works; this fix will help conserve the current 3G Tab's battery life, particularly while it searches for WiFi hotspots.
Samsung's CTIA press conference posted online, skinny new Galaxy Tabs shown off (video)
We were there, talking you through the entire thing in our liveblog, but if you want a more personal taste of what Samsung's CTIA Wireless 2011 keynote was like, the company's thoughtfully put it up on YouTube for general consumption. It features the introduction of the audacious new Galaxy Tab 8.9 and 10.1 models, both ever so slightly thinner than Apple's iPad 2, with the latter also claiming the title of being "the thinnest and lightest large-screen tablet in the industry." You can see it above, right alongside the Galaxy S II, which is in itself one of the skinniest smartphones you can hope to buy. Make your way past the break for the full presentation.
