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Official: Samsung Fascinate launching September 9 for $199 (update: September 8 online)
Put away your leaked Verizon documents, good folks, the Fascinate finally has an official release date: September 9. Verizon's Galaxy S variant snuck up on all of us with a commercial appearance last night, which was accompanied by that appropriately blown out text at the bottom, indicating it'll be in stores within a couple of days. That doesn't leave much time for you to build up fresh anticipation, so hopefully you were able to sustain yours while everyone else was unpacking their Captivate, Epic and Vibrant handsets. Hey, you might be late to the party, but at least you'll be there. See the ad (minus the launch date note) after the break. [Thanks, Kyle] Update: And what do you know, the official press release has just dropped, confirming the above in-store date and giving us an even earlier one: September 8 for online orders. Pricing is set at your usual $199 on a two-year contract, provided you have the patience to deal with a $100 mail-in rebate.
Samsung Fascinate arriving in Verizon stores, early September launch seems a given
Lest all the paper-based leaks weren't sufficient evidence for you, we've now got ourselves an insider at one of Verizon's brick-and-mortar outlets informing us that Fascinate launch kits are being distributed. VZW is said to be training up its staff (presumably that involves more than just pointing out where the above puzzle piece should go) and the whole thing's looking "right on track" for the mooted early September launch. So that basically gives us about a week's time to kill with 21:9 HDTVs, 3D prototypes, slinky tablets, and whatever else we can find at IFA. We might just be able to manage it.
The Engadget Show - 012: Omar Khan talks Android and teases Galaxy Tab, Harmonix shows off Rock Band 3 and Dance Central, and more!
Get ready humans, because we have an all new, amazing Engadget Show fresh out of the box (for the second time this month!). For your viewing pleasure, we sit down with Samsung CSO Omar Khan to get the inside scoop on everything from Galaxy S, Android strategies, whatever is happening with Bada, the upcoming Galaxy Tab, and much more. Next, we check in with Engadget investigative correspondent Rick Karr who scales a skyscraper to chat up the man tasked with improving New York City's data infrastructure for AT&T. Then, Josh and Paul welcome fellow editors Joanna Stern and Chris Ziegler for an unforgettable roundtable before inviting Harmonix to the stage to show off Rock Band 3 (featuring a cameo guitar performance by the inimitable Ross Miller) and their first Kinect title, Dance Central. Thrill as Josh and Ross bust a move to Lady Gaga and watch with envy as a bunch of audience members walk away with big time giveaways. If that's not enough, we also have a mind-bending set of live chiptunes music from Zen Albatross with visuals by invaderbacca that you do not want to miss. What are you waiting for? Watch it now! Hit up the stream after the break! Hosts: Joshua Topolsky, Paul Miller, Joanna Stern, Chris Ziegler, Ross Miller Special guests: Omar Khan Produced and Directed by: Chad Mumm Executive Producer: Joshua Fruhlinger Edited by: Michael Slavens Music by: Zen Albatross Visuals by: Invaderbacca Opening titles by: Julien Nantiec Taped live at The Times Center Download the Show: The Engadget Show - 012 (HD) / The Engadget Show - 012 (iPod / iPhone / Zune formatted) Subscribe to the Show: [iTunes] Subscribe to the Show directly in iTunes (M4V). [Zune] Subscribe to the Show directly in the Zune Marketplace (M4V). [RSS M4V] Add the Engadget Show feed (M4V) to your RSS aggregator and have it delivered automatically.
Samsung Fascinate ready for Best Buy in-store pre-order ahead of rumored September 9 launch
Verizon can't be feeling too hot about being the straggler to the Galaxy S party, but the wait seems to be almost at an end. Best Buy's just started taking in-store pre-orders for the Fascinate, while the latest internal document leak from VZW indicates a specific September 9 launch for the 4-inch Android handset. That's when you should be able to snap the Fascinate up along with a prepaid data plan from Big Red, which fits in nicely with earlier unsanctioned disclosures on the matter. Either way, Samsung's quest to conquer all networks with its Super Gorilla phone will be coming to a victorious end pretty soon. [Thanks, Brian G.]
The Engadget Show Live! with Omar Khan, Rock Band 3, and more!
Keep your eyes tuned to this post -- because at 8:00 PM ET, we'll be starting The Engadget Show live, with Samsung CSO Omar Khan, Rick Karr, Rock Band 3! Nilay's on vacation, but Josh and Paul are on hand with Joanna Stern and Ross Miller, plus we'll have music from Zen Albatross and visuals from invaderbacca and much, much, more! You seriously don't want to miss it! Check out the live stream after the break!
Samsung Fascinate shows up in Verizon warehouse manifest, destined for September launch?
While Sprint, AT&T and T-Mobile customers have been enjoying their epic, vibrant and captivating Galaxy S variants for weeks, the only thing fascinating about Verizon's take on the Samsung smartphone is how long it's taken to arrive. Come September, however, that's all liable to change, as a very familiar-looking SCH-I500 has just allegedly appeared in Verizon warehouse databases. Coupled with the fact that the MTV Music Video Awards (airing on September 12th) are now officially sponsored by "Samsung Fascinate a Galaxy S phone" and Verizon Wireless itself, we're thinking it's a safe bet that early September will find the 4-inch Super AMOLED handset on store shelves.
The Engadget Show returns tomorrow, with Samsung CSO Omar Khan, Rock Band 3, crazy giveaways, and much more!
It's that time again, the Engadget Show is back in a big way tomorrow, August 27th at 8pm! First up, Josh is sitting down with Samsung Chief Strategy Officer Omar Khan to chat up the company's recent Android sprint, then Engadget's investigative correspondent Rick Karr is back to scale a skyscraper and check up on an AT&T team tasked with improving New York's data infrastructure. Next up, Josh and Paul welcome fellow editor Joanna Stern back to the roundtable and we've got an exclusive live demo of Rock Band 3, plus a special Harmonix surprise... oh, and be ready to rock out to mind numbing chiptunes music, since Zen Albatross and invaderbacca are back for an encore performance! You were wondering about giveaways? You're in luck, because this time we'll be giving away, not one, but four Samsung Galaxy S phones! Yep, we're talking about four phones, on four different carriers. And if that isn't enough, we're also giving away an insane laptop rig from AMD, featuring the HP Envy 17 Eyefinity laptop and three (count em!) HP ZR24w 24" S-IPS Pro LCD monitors! Whatever you do, don't miss this one! As usual, we'll be doing the giveaways at the live show only, so make the trek and join us at The Times Center in person. If you're geographically incapable of joining us in New York City, just tune into the stream at right here on Engadget. The Engadget Show is sponsored by Sprint, and will take place at the Times Center, part of The New York Times Building in the heart of New York City at 41st St. between 7th and 8th Avenues (see map after the break). Tickets are -- as always -- free to anyone who would like to attend, but seating is limited, and tickets will be first come, first served... so get there early! Here's all the info you need: There is no admission fee -- tickets are completely free The event is all ages Ticketing will begin at the Times Center at 5:30PM on Friday, doors will open for seating at 7:30PM, and the show begins at 8PM You cannot collect tickets for friends or family -- anyone who would like to come must be present to get a ticket Seating capacity in the Times Center is about 340, and once we're full, we're full The venue is located at 41st St. between 7th and 8th Avenues in New York City (map after the break) The show length is around an hour If you're a member of the media who wishes to attend, please contact us at: engadgetshowmedia [at] engadget [dot] com, and we'll try to accommodate you. All other non-media questions can be sent to: engadgetshow [at] engadget [dot] com. Subscribe to the Show: [iTunes] Subscribe to the Show directly in iTunes (M4V). [Zune] Subscribe to the Show directly in the Zune Marketplace (M4V). [RSS M4V] Add the Engadget Show feed (M4V) to your RSS aggregator and have it delivered automatically.
Samsung Galaxy S sporting Gorilla Glass to protect that precious AMOLED
Remember this horribly painful video? The Gorilla Glass protection on the Dell Streak is undoubtedly a selling point, and now Corning, the maker of said glass, has announced that the Samsung Galaxy S (which includes the Vibrant, Captivate, Fascinate, and Epic 4G in its brood) employs the same alkali-aluminosilicate glass shield. The glass is similar to the "helicopter windshield" stuff Apple uses on the iPhone 4, which was rumored to be Gorilla Glass at one point, and while neither tech is impervious to shattering, they certainly can take a beating -- but just try and do that pen stab torture test while we're not looking, alright? We don't have the stomach to witness another beautiful Android handset so roughly handled. PR is after the break.
The Engadget Show returns this Friday, August 27th with Samsung CSO Omar Khan, Rock Band 3, crazy giveaways, and much more! (Updated)
It's that time again, the Engadget Show is back in a big way this Friday, August 27th at 8pm! First up, Josh is sitting down with Samsung Chief Strategy Officer Omar Khan to chat up the company's recent Android sprint, then Engadget's investigative correspondent Rick Karr is back to scale a skyscraper and check up on an AT&T team tasked with improving New York's data infrastructure. Next up, Josh and Paul welcome fellow editor Joanna Stern back to the roundtable and we've got an exclusive live demo of Rock Band 3, plus a special Harmonix surprise... oh, and be ready to rock out to mind numbing chiptunes music, since Zen Albatross and invaderbacca are back for an encore performance! You were wondering about giveaways? You're in luck, because this time we'll be giving away, not one, but four Samsung Galaxy S phones! Yep, we're talking about four phones, on four different carriers, so you know what that means. And if that isn't enough, we're also giving away an insane laptop rig from ASUS, featuring the B53J Eyefinity laptop and three (count em!) ASUS VE276Q Monitors! Whatever you do, don't miss this one! As usual, we'll be doing the giveaways at the live show only, so make the trek and join us at The Times Center in person. If you're geographically incapable of joining us in New York City, just tune into the stream at right here on Engadget. The Engadget Show is sponsored by Sprint, and will take place at the Times Center, part of The New York Times Building in the heart of New York City at 41st St. between 7th and 8th Avenues (see map after the break). Tickets are -- as always -- free to anyone who would like to attend, but seating is limited, and tickets will be first come, first served... so get there early! Here's all the info you need: There is no admission fee -- tickets are completely free The event is all ages Ticketing will begin at the Times Center at 5:30PM on Friday, doors will open for seating at 7:30PM, and the show begins at 8PM You cannot collect tickets for friends or family -- anyone who would like to come must be present to get a ticket Seating capacity in the Times Center is about 340, and once we're full, we're full The venue is located at 41st St. between 7th and 8th Avenues in New York City (map after the break) The show length is around an hour If you're a member of the media who wishes to attend, please contact us at: engadgetshowmedia [at] engadget [dot] com, and we'll try to accommodate you. All other non-media questions can be sent to: engadgetshow [at] engadget [dot] com. Sprint is offering 50 guaranteed tickets to the Engadget Show taping to the first 50 entrants who text "ENGADGET" to 467467 or enter online! Standard text messaging rates apply. Click for the Official Rules and see how to enter online. Note: "Official Rules" needs to be linked to http://www.engadget.com/show-tickets/ Subscribe to the Show: [iTunes] Subscribe to the Show directly in iTunes (M4V). [Zune] Subscribe to the Show directly in the Zune Marketplace (M4V). [RSS M4V] Add the Engadget Show feed (M4V) to your RSS aggregator and have it delivered automatically.
Confirmed: Galaxy S unlock codes are stored in your phone, Vibrant capable of AT&T 3G
Sure, the Samsung Vibrant's a T-Mobile device and the Samsung Captivate belongs to AT&T, but there's no longer any reason you can't swap them around -- all you need is a simple script and a USB cable to completely unlock your phone. A cracker-jack team at XDA-Developers discovered that Galaxy S unlock codes aren't kept in a secure remote server, but merely stored in a .BAK file on the device itself, which you find with a hex editor and key right in when inserting a new SIM card of your choice. We tested it out on both Vibrant and Captivate and were up and running in less than five minutes each time, and wonder of wonders, the Vibrant gave us a 3G data connection (with 2Mbps down) using an AT&T SIM. Sadly, we can't say the inverse for the Captivate, which pulled down standard EDGE speeds on T-Mobile, but this is already far more than the hacking community could have hoped for. The best part? None of this requires you to actually root the phone, and if you're worried about warranty you can re-lock the handset with the very same code. [Thanks, Brad] Myriam Joire contributed to this report.
Samsung Captivate now shipping from AT&T, right on cue
Sure, the Samsung Vibrant came out three days earlier, but you don't care if T-Mobile customers beat you to the Galaxy S punch -- you're on AT&T, and it's about time you had (another) high-end Android smartphone to call your own. Our recent hands-on showed it was a bit sluggish, so you might want to wait for our full review, but if your heart's set on that 4-inch Super AMOLED screen and 1GHz Hummingbird core, you're only two clicks away from adding the Android 2.1 handset to your virtual shopping cart. Click one is our source link, immediately below. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
'Road SMS' encourages you to text while walking
We haven't actually seen it for ourselves, but we're hearing the Samsung Galaxy S can download an interesting little app. Called Road SMS, the basic idea is that the phone's camera constantly runs to let you see through the screen, while a virtual keyboard allows your fingers to safely text whomever you want. Needless to say, it's a very bad idea for number of reasons -- not least of which the fact that thumbs will always obscure the screen -- but we'll leave discussion of the pros and cons for the comments below. To be frank, we don't think folks will use this app seriously. We're just hoping someone will develop an augmented reality joke version that, ever so often, generates ghostly images of high speed oncoming traffic. And remember kids, don't text and drive.
Engadget Podcast 203 - 07.02.2010
Robots, death, Epic Fascination, and tropicalia: genre-surfing tokenism dominates the Engadget Podcast this week. Hosts: Joshua Topolsky, Nilay Patel, Paul Miller Guest: Chris Ziegler Producer: Trent Wolbe Music: Castor - Rude Boy Hear the podcast 00:02:58 - Motorola Droid X review 00:04:40 - Introducing review scorecards! 00:18:48 - Droid X ad pokes fun at iPhone 4 antenna troubles 00:26:15 - Samsung's American Galaxy S phones pose for family portrait 00:26:48 - Samsung Vibrant is official on T-Mobile, coming July 21 for $200 00:26:53 - Verizon ropes in Samsung Fascinate, US Cellular gets a Galaxy S too 00:26:55 - Samsung T-Mobile Vibrant and Verizon Fascinate preview 00:27:00 - Samsung's Epic 4G for Sprint seems to live up to its name 00:30:10 - Samsung Epic 4G preview 00:42:41 - Microsoft says Kin software update is scheduled for mid-summer 00:42:45 - Kin One drops to $29, Two drops to $49, data plans remain silly expensive 00:42:50 - Microsoft Kin is dead 00:42:55 - T-Mobile kills off current Sidekicks, Kin says 'welcome to the club' 00:47:00 - What killed the Kin? 01:11:05 - Hulu Plus announced with support for iPad, iPhone, PS3, Xbox Live, and more (update) 01:15:15 - Hands-on with Hulu Plus via Samsung HDTV, iPhone and iPad 01:15:45 - Hulu Plus preview arrives in iTunes App Store, Flash be damned 01:16:00 - Hulu CEO: we're 'complementary' to cable 01:16:23 - HP / Palm buyout officially complete -- get ready for webOS printers 01:19:35 - MeeGo for handsets makes its first appearance Subscribe to the podcast [iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (enhanced AAC). [RSS MP3] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically. [RSS AAC] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in enhanced AAC) to your RSS aggregator. [Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace Download the podcast LISTEN (MP3) LISTEN (AAC) LISTEN (OGG) Contact the podcast 1-888-ENGADGET or podcast (at) engadget (dot) com. Twitter: @joshuatopolsky @futurepaul @reckless @engadget
Samsung T-Mobile Vibrant and Verizon Fascinate preview
You'd think we'd be totally sick of Samsung's Galaxy S phones after seeing AT&T's Captivate and Sprint's Epic 4G, but we're just not done lovin' the 4-inch Super AMOLED, Android devices. Verizon's Fascinate and T-Mobile's Vibrant happen to be the last two Sammy phones to jump into our hands-on, but coincidentally, they're also the most alike. Design-wise, both remind us of the iPhone 3G / 3GS -- they're all screen on the front, strikingly thin, and have black shiny backs. And just like the Captivate and Epic 4G, they've got four touch sensitive buttons along the bottom edge. The Super AMOLED screens continue to impress, and watching a clip of Avatar on both versions was pretty breathtaking. (No, we didn't have an iPhone 4 on hand for comparisons, but make sure to check out the post where we put them head-to-head). We didn't get to put the 1GHz Hummingbird CPU to the test in our short hands-on time, though both Android 2.1-running phones seemed to perform briskly when opening videos and pulling up the browser. Beyond Samsung's TouchWiz skin, both are preloaded with Swype and other carrier apps -- Verizon's version had Skype Mobile as well as a number of VCAST applications. Oh, and unlike most of the other Galaxy S phones, the Fascinate had a flash on its backside. We don't have much more on these bad boys for now -- we're still waiting on pricing and availability -- but the pictures and videos after the break should hold you over. %Gallery-96589% %Gallery-96590% Note: Pay no attention to the background -- there isn't any intended symbolism to draw here, it was just the best lighting arrangement we could muster.
Samsung's American Galaxy S phones pose for family portrait
Samsung's US team held a swanky event in NYC this evening to launch all four of its new US-spec Galaxy S phones in style. If you haven't been brought up to speed on Samsung's stateside Android invasion, the Captivate is headed to AT&T, the Fascinate to Verizon, the Epic 4G to Sprint and the Vibrant to T-Mobile. Each of the phones have 4-inch Super AMOLED screens, 1GHz Hummingbird Cortex A8 CPUs, and cams that can capture 720p video. We've already got detailed hands on impressions of the Captivate and Epic 4G, but stay tuned for Fascinate and Vibrant previews tonight. In the meantime, check out the family all together in the pictures in the gallery below. %Gallery-96583%
Samsung Epic 4G preview
We've seen our fair share of Samsung Galaxy S phones in the past few weeks, but the Sprint Epic 4G version (or the Galaxy S Pro, as we'd previously suspected it would be known) looks like it could take the cake. The phone has all the same specs as the others family members -- including a 1GHz Samsung Hummingbird processor, 5 megapixel cam, a 4-inch Super AMOLED screen, and Android 2.1 -- but it also boasts a front facing camera and a physical keyboard. So, is the new slider as epically amazing as we've been imagining? We got to spend some time with a unit this afternoon, so hit the break for some early impressions and a quick video. %Gallery-96576%
T-Mobile offers up official Samsung Vibrant (a.k.a. Galaxy S) details
We already knew that T-Mobile's version of the Samsung Galaxy S would be called the Vibrant, and it looks like the carrier is now starting to share a bit more not-too-surprising information about the phone in what they call an "early FAQ." That includes the first official pictures of the device with T-Mobile branding, and details on some of the phone's specs, including the somewhat interesting tidbit that while the Vibrant "benefits from enhanced speeds with T-Mobile's HSPA+ network," it is "not an HSPA+ device." Otherwise, T-Mobile has simply confirmed that the phone will indeed come with Android 2.1, and that it of course packs a 1GHz Samsung Hummingbird processor and that standout 4.0-inch Super AMOLED display. Still no official word on a launch date just yet, but T-Mobile is promising to share at least a few more details when its countdown reaches zero late tonight. [Thanks, Brent]
iPhone 4 vs. Galaxy S, part deux: HD video playback (video)
We just couldn't leave this face-off of superscreens alone, and went back for another bite at the cherry. Admittedly, we found out the Galaxy S had a browser-specific brightness setting that we hadn't maxed out before setting off our camera hounds, so we've gone and remedied earlier comparison shots with the gallery below, and just as a bonus, we've now also run a HD video clip on both phones. This was to see how the Hummingbird and A4 SOCs, considered close siblings, handled some taxing video work and also to again compare performance deep down on the pixel level. What we can tell you now is that both handsets chewed through the 1080p HD clip with ease and that both gave results we have no hesitation in describing as sublime. Click past the break for the up close and personal video comparison action. N.B. -- We ran a 1080p clip on both phones' respective YouTube apps over WiFi. Although we're certain from the quality of the video that it was at least 720p, we can't say for sure that it was the full 1080 enchilada.%Gallery-96333%
iPhone 4 Retina Display vs. Galaxy S Super AMOLED... fight! (updated)
If the title of this post isn't enough to entice you, we don't know what else to say. We've gone and run some sunlit comparisons between Apple's brand spanking new phone's Retina Display and Samsung's equally fresh and exclusive Super AMOLED panel on the Galaxy S. We don't know if we'll be able to settle the argument, but we're certainly going to subject both superphones to an expansive visual inspection. Follow us after the break for video exploration of this most pressing topic. Update: Due to the Galaxy S having a separate setting for browser brightness, which we didn't max out in the original investigation, we've gone back and collected some truly 100 percent illuminated pictures. See the gallery after the break. Keep in mind that this shouldn't discredit most of the work done here, as we were more interested in pixel-level detail than brightness.%Gallery-96227%
Hacker finds root for Samsung's Galaxy S
We've seen the inside of the hardware for Samsung's Galaxy S, and now a Russian coder who goes by the name LeshaK is ready to take you down to the core of the software -- despite himself not actually having one of the phones. He's posted a kernel that you can apply for easy unpacking or, if that's not your thing, provided the commands you can use to do it yourself, which look to be as simple as changing the permissions on 'su' and then re-flashing the phone with the new, lighter restrictions. We're not able to test this ourselves, but a few users are reporting infinitely looping reboots when trying to apply this, so we'd advise reading the entire thread on the other end of that source link before you go ahead and ruin your whole Wednesday. [Thanks, Amit]
