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Apr

Apple Scrolling Patent Receives ‘Final’ Rejection from Patent Office

Posted by Jonathan Kizer at 5:00 pm

samsung-vs.-apple

It appears that the US PTO doesn’t quite understand what the word “final” means. While Apple’s signature bounce-back scrolling patent has been given a “final” rejection from the Patent Office, the battle will still continue.

Although it did not play a crucial role, this particular patent was used successfully against Samsung in last year’s trials. Since this patent is still involved in that trial, Apple has a few options left to it before the patent is truly thrown out. Since this patent is a relatively high-priority target for Samsung and other competitors, you can bet that Apple will want to hold on to it. Still, the overall outlook for the patent is looking rather grim.

[The Verge]

Apr

Rumor: Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini to Debut This Week

Posted by Joe Rossignol at 8:09 pm

A leaked photo of the purported Galaxy S4 mini (right).

Just a matter of weeks after Samsung unveiled its flagship Galaxy S4 smartphone, the South Korean handset maker appears set to introduce a miniature version of that device in the imminent future. According to a new rumor originating from SamMobile, the Seoul-based corporation could announce the Galaxy S4 mini at some point this week, in the aftermath of a series of high-profile leaks surrounding the purported device.

Samsung is said to offer both single- and dual-SIM models of the Galaxy S4 mini, with black or white color choices. We’ll assume that polycarbonate plastic will remain the material of choice, akin to larger Galaxy devices. The dual-SIM model will reportedly pack a 4.3-inch display — that’s hardly “mini,” at one-third of an inch larger than the iPhone 5 — 1.6 GHz dual-core processor and 8-megapixel rear-facing camera. (more…)

Report: Samsung Sold Upwards of 70 Million Smartphones in First Quarter

Posted by Joe Rossignol at 10:08 am

Galaxy S4 Front

Samsung could be on pace to post a record number of smartphone sales in the first quarter, with a new report from Counterpoint Research suggesting that the South Korean handset maker likely moved up to 70 million Galaxy smartphones during the three month period to start the year.

Samsung is expected to have sold 25 million Galaxy smartphones in each month to start 2013, and its sales will gain even more momentum with the new flagship Galaxy S4 smartphone about to hit shelves across the United States and other countries late next month.

Comparatively, Apple has not refreshed its iPhone since late September, although the handset still remains the number-one selling smartphone in the United States. Apple has been pushing iPhone sales recently, although, with a new “why you’ll love iPhone” campaign and free next-day shipping on all iPhones.

[BGR]

Samsung Galaxy S4: Powerful Hardware, But A Less-Than-Powerful Experience

Posted by Joe Rossignol at 6:43 pm

Galaxy S4 Front iPhone 5 two

It’s time to set something straight. When it comes to consumer electronics, a significant number of users will often base their purchase decision on which device delivers the most powerful hardware specifications. But, there is also a misconception that devices with impressive components will always be the best. And that’s simply not true.

There is no denying that the new Samsung Galaxy S4 smartphone is one of the most powerful handsets on the market. With a 1.9 GHz quad-core processor, 5-inch display, 13-megapixel rear-facing camera, 2 GB RAM and NFC, the Galaxy S4 blows the iPhone 5 out of the water. But when it comes to the overall experience, it’s a different story. (more…)

Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini Leaks: Smaller, Less Powerful Galaxy S4

Posted by Jonathan Kizer at 4:56 pm

galaxy s4 mini

Images have leaked of what is said to be the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini, and it’s not holding any surprises. While Samsung is obviously driving towards larger devices, the Mini offers decent specifications in a smaller package (4.3″, as opposed to the huge 5.0″ display on the Galaxy S4). Those specifications are, unfortunately, not anywhere near bleeding-edge. Instead of a 1080p display with a pixel density of 441, this smaller phone will have 256 pixels-per-inch. The processor is a similar downgrade, with “only” two cores.

The software is supposedly identical — or nearly identical — to its larger sibling, the Galaxy S4. Of course, this device will also be available for less money, as it is a midrange phone. The price alone should guarantee that it is popular, though its unlikely to get the marketing push of the Galaxy S4.

[SamMobile]

Square Off: Galaxy S4 vs. HTC One vs. BlackBerry Z10

Posted by Joe Rossignol at 10:30 am

While there was a lack of noteworthy smartphone launches in the months following the iPhone 5 release in late September, three competitors have recently unveiled brand new smartphones that give the Apple handset a run for its money. But, if you could only choose one, which would it be? Read on for a complete overview of each smartphone ahead. (more…)

Samsung Also Has a Lock Screen Security Flaw

Posted by Jonathan Kizer at 5:45 pm

Screen shot 2012-12-16 at 8.49.54 PM

While Apple is busy patching the various exploits discovered that can result in the passcode security implementation being completely bypassed in iOS 6, it appears that Samsung has some work of its own to do. Security researcher Terence Eden told Cnet that he has discovered a vulnerability in the Samsung Galaxy Note 2, but that the same vulnerability likely affects other Galaxy devices running similar software.

“I have discovered another security flaw in Samsung Android phones,” Eden said in his blog post today. “It is possible to completely disable the lock screen and get access to any app — even when the phone is ‘securely’ locked with a pattern, PIN, password, or face detection. Unlike another recently released flaw, this doesn’t rely quite so heavily on ultra-precise timing.” (more…)

Microsoft Attacks Galaxy S III in New TV Advertisement

Posted by Joe Rossignol at 8:30 am

In a rather peculiar marketing move, per usual, Microsoft has decided to attack the Galaxy S III in a new TV advertisement. The spot features a Microsoft representative that convinces two customers, who the company ensures are not paid actors, that they’ll like the Nokia Lumia 920 better than the Samsung Galaxy S III.

In fact, he offers the couple $100 if they still like their Galaxy S III better. But after having just one photo taken of them with the Lumia 920, and realizing that the camera is superior, the couple is sold. They make the switch to the Lumia 920. I’d have taken the $100 cash and used it to upgrade to the Galaxy S4. But that’s just me.

[BGR]

Samsung Confirms Smartwatch is In the Works

Posted by Jonathan Kizer at 4:06 pm

leeyounghee

Samsung officially confirmed that it is working on a smartwatch product, likely in order to compete with the rumored iWatch. Samsung’s offering will also likely tie in to its existing Galaxy line of products, which already include peripherals. Apple has yet to confirm any of the rumors surrounding the iWatch, though at this point it seems all but guaranteed that Apple is at least testing such a device.

Samsung’s betting that it can compete with Apple in a direct way, and it very well may be able to. While Android powers Samsung’s smartphones, Samsung includes its own proprietary source code in the form of UI skins and additional features. Support for a smartwatch could be just another feature included with the latest Galaxy smartphones.

[Bloomberg]