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Apple Vs Samsung Trial Is Over, Who Won?

May 5, 2014 By Daniel Giordano Leave a Comment

Last time we talked about the lawsuit of the year, the Apple vs Samsung trial, we were telling you that the two tech giants were in the middle of a new legal battle concerning patent infringement. Long story short, the trial started on March 31^st because Apple stated that Samsung copied some of its iPhone features (the slide to unlock was one of them) and in return Samsung was counter-suing them over two of their patents. Basically it was a billion-dollar game of “I was here first”.

The legal battle is over and the Apple vs Samsung trial has come to a conclusion that apparently was beneficial for both parties. The jury determined last week that Samsung infringed Apple’s smartphone patents and has to pay them $120 million in damages. In return, the court also ruled that Apple copied some of Samsung’s patents and said that Apple should pay $158,000. Judging from the numbers, it’s not difficult to deduct who was the winning party. Apple initially wanted $2,2 billion worth of damages because of the patent infringements. Samsung was asking for $6 million after accusing Apple of copying two of their smathphone inventions: one was related to video transmission and the other one was camera related. This was not the first time the Apple vs Samsung trial has made the tech news. About two years ago, Samsung had to pay Apple more than $900 million for copying some of their technology in older devices, Samsung is still appealing that order.

Apple and Samsung have been caught up in a bitter war for dominance for the smartphone market, a market that is worth around $330 billion worldwide. Apple is biting its nails in frustration because Samsung is the world leader with a 31% share. Apple has gone down with 15% lately. The deliberations of the latest Apple vs Samsung trial began on April 29 and the jury consisted of four women and four men. During the trial that lasted almost a month, Apple argued that the most important features and functions that are on the Samsung smartphones were invented by Apple. Samsung defended itself saying that their phones run on Google Android operating system and that Google should be held responsible for any patent infringements. Much of Samsung’s testimony focused on Google, which wasn’t present at the trial.

Apple Vs Samsung Trial – Apple won $120 million, Samsung wins $158 thousand

What are your thoughts on the Apple vs Samsung trial? Do you agree with the outcome?

Samsung Galaxy Note 2 & Galaxy S3 Could be getting Android 4.3 Update, not Android 4.2 Update

July 17, 2013 By Brandi McCants Leave a Comment

With Android 4.3 seemingly approaching fast, the one option that Samsung seems to be weighing actively is to skip updating its last year flagship devices with Android 4.2 and instead let the devices have a taste of the latest Android flavor. The Android 4.3 Jelly Bean version is expected to be launched by next month itself and the corresponding update for the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 could be ready towards the end of this year itself.

Such a possibility comes against the backdrop of the Android 4.2 update for the Galaxy S3 getting leaked earlier in the year. Samsung had already stated its Android 4.2 update won’t just introduce the newest Android features to the Galaxy S3 but will also include some more which will make the last year’s flagship device almost at par with the current flagship, the S4. The leak already did prove such a line of thought. No doubt this will allow the users to keep their device fresh and updated as one steps in to the second year of their ownership. Galaxy Note 2 with Android 4.3 is yet to roll out in the market though.

The news about Samsung considering letting go of Android 4.2 update for the said devices in favor of Android 4.3 has emerged from Tremefy citing inside sources from Samsung’s R&D center in India. As Samsung is still working on both these devices, the arrival of them might be a bit delayed. The new date of arrival of the updates is suggested to be November, a month which can also expect the arrival of Nexus and also Android 5. All this news is still a rumor as Samsung is yet to make any confirmation. But both users of Galaxy Note 2 and Galaxy S3 might prepare themselves to receive Android 4.3 instead of 4.2.

Samsung Galaxy S3 Gets Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean Update in the US via US Cellular, Verizon

June 21, 2013 By Daniel Giordano Leave a Comment

Here is some good news for owners of the Samsung Galaxy S3 device. For the same has now been provided with the update to the latest iteration of the Jelly Bean. Verizon Wireless and US Cellular version of the S3 has already received the Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean update while the same from other carriers are also in line to receive the update soon. However, it’s likely to be after the update is made available on all the international unlocked version of the S3.

The US Cellular version of the Samsung 2012 flagship device has already been introduced to several advanced features such as support for multi-window, Smart Switch window, Samsung’s improved gallery built-in application along with lots more. The update for the Verizon variant of the Galaxy S3 has also been provided with a similar set of features.

Meanwhile, Sam Mobile is also reporting that the Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean update for the Galaxy S3 is being given the final touches by Samsung which will include the latest iteration of the TouchWiz user interface. Samsung has already made known its intentions of making available the latest TouchWiz version currently available only in the Galaxy S4 will also be introduced in the Galaxy S3 as well. That is not all for the new TouchWiz will also make its way to the international and US versions of the Galaxy Note 2 devices. This no doubt will ensure the 2012 flagship devices such as the Galaxy S3 and the Galaxy Note 2 will have their appeal intact even in the face of their next gen versions making it to the market.

Samsung has not made known when the update will reach Galaxy S3 devices affiliated to the other US based carriers such as AT&T or T-Mobile. However, that it is already on the way is perhaps quite safe to assume.

Verizon Galaxy S3 Android Jelly Bean new update to add sought-after features to S3

May 30, 2013 By Lori David Leave a Comment

The much-wanted Multi-Window functionality is coming to the Samsung Galaxy S3 along with a set of other impressive features. The update, just announced by Verizon, is adding some of the features that Verizon missed when it rolled out the Android 4.1.2 update some time ago. So, Verizon Galaxy S3 owners can look forward to enjoy some of Samsung’s premium features that other S3 owners have been enjoying for a while.

The 129.1MB software download with build JZO54K.1535VRBMD3 is available over the air, so Galaxy S3 owners just have to check for the update in the device’s about section under settings. The download package is not too huge, but it is best to charge the battery to about 50 percent and connect on a Wi-Fi network prior to the download.

The Multi-Window feature is excellent for multi-tasking as it allows users to run two apps simultaneously. New features include Best Shot, enhanced lock-screen functionality, Page Buddy and Contextual App Links, among others. Best Shot improves the camera, while Page Buddy prompts app suggestions when connecting to wireless speakers or using headphones. Contextual App Link arranges apps based on how often they are used, so users can readily access their favorite apps.

After the update, subscribers will be able to use their Verizon Wireless Account to pay for purchases from Google Play Store. With S Beam Auto Share Shot and Smart Switch, transferring content will be easier than ever. The update also includes bug fixes and performance enhancements.

The Samsung Galaxy S3 seems to be earmarked for other subsequent updates, including the Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and 4.3 Jelly Bean. After all, it is one of the best performing devices despite being almost a year old.

Samsung Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note Android Jelly Bean Update Status

May 29, 2013 By Micheal Baptiste Leave a Comment

Though Samsung’s Galaxy series is continuously hitting new devices in the market, older devices are not left in the dark. The Galaxy Note 1 and Galaxy S3 are among the latest devices to get the latest Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean software upgrade.

The Android 4.1.2 update for the Galaxy Note 1 was released by Rogers and Bell for Canadian users on May 3^rd. It is a downloadable update via Kies desktop application. The Galaxy Note, the first phablet, has harnessed a huge customer-base, so Samsung has been prompt with updates to improve user experience.

Updates from T-Mobile and Sprint for Samsung Galaxy S3 started rolling out on May 13^th, involving a sizeable 186MB download over the air (OTA) or manually via KIES, Samsung’s server. Devices with baseband version T999UVDLJC were the first to receive the OTA upgrade, bringing the baseband version to T999UVDMD5. Users can check for the update on the “About Device” screen. The Galaxy S3 is likely to get some of the coveted features of the current flagship Galaxy S4 via the Android 4.2.2 update in June.

Though not a big overhaul, the Android 4.1.2 update unleashes a Multi-window feature, which allows simultaneous operation of two apps. The feature can also turned off from the notification pulldown’s settings toggles options. Apart from security enhances and bug fixes, the update will allow auto-pairing via NFC and provide better camera options. The update will also add new apps namely, Paper Artist, Blocking Mode, Easy Mode, Sound Balance and Samsung Gallery.

While T-Mobile and Sprint customers can access the Galaxy S3 update, Verizon and AT&T customers are still left to wait. Coming to the Galaxy Note 1, Canada users have been fortunate, but a roll out for other regions has yet to be announced.

Galaxy S3 T-Mobile LTE Network Release Date June 5 at a sharp price

May 26, 2013 By Micheal Baptiste Leave a Comment

T-Mobile is all set to launch the Galaxy S3 on its LTE network by June 5. As for the rumors, an LTE-powered S3 will replace T-Mobile’s previous Galaxy S3 that only supported HSPA. T-Mobile is opting to expand its LTE network, which it says will reach to 200 million Americans by the end of this year.

Currently, the S3 is available on a two year contract at $99 on various carriers. The off-contract price of this one-year old flagship is around $549 on different third party retailers. However, T-Mobile is charging a high price for its Galaxy S3 LTE. The complete retail price of the device is $550 with a down payment of $70.

The price of new HTC One and Galaxy S4 are only $50 and $80 less than this. The carrier itself has not confirmed anything on its S3 LTE. Reportedly, T-Mobile will be carrying the Samsung Galaxy Exhibit from May 29 onwards. The T-Mobile Galaxy Exhibit was first talked on in February. The device is set to feature 1GHz dual core CPU, 5 MP camera and WVGA screen. The device runs on Android 4.1.

T-Mobile S3 LTE will not feature any significant alterations compared to the HSPA version, except for the data speed. HSDPA supports a speed of 21Mbps whereas the 4G LTE may extend it to 100Mbps. Galaxy S3 is almost a year old now and with a new series of smartphones from Samsung and HTC, it not under the spotlight.

But, it may be a convenient choice for those who want to experience a high speed data and Wi-Fi network on their smartphone at a confined budget and are not too keen on latest smartphones. T-Mobile Galaxy S3 LTE may also follow up with some major software updates after its launch on June 5, but the carrier is yet to make an official announcement.

Samsung Galaxy S3 Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean Update to bring Galaxy S4 Features

May 24, 2013 By Micheal Baptiste 1 Comment

An Android upgrade for the Samsung Galaxy S3 may not come as a surprise, but how about an update that includes the features of Samsung’s latest flagship device! That’s what a leaked firmware from SamMobile reveals. The international Galaxy S3 GT-i9300 is in for the latest Android 4.2.2 upgrade plus many features of the Galaxy S4.

The pre-release firmware, as SamMobile puts it, provides an impressive list of upgrades, including additional lockscreen options, screen modes, improved voice commands, and a refreshed settings interface – all of which resemble that of Galaxy S4. It is indeed great news for Galaxy S3 owners ogling at the intriguing features of Galaxy S4, but stay warned that the firmware build is unofficial, meaning users will download it at their own risk.

The standard features that accompany the Android 4.2.2 Jelly bean can be expected, such as the ability to pull the notification tray to display settings toggles and actionable notifications. Expect a new tabbed user-interface in Settings screen and TouchWiz toggles to enhance user control. Full screen Samsung apps, smart-watch widget and new screen modes – Professional Photo and Adapt Display – will also make it to S3. Also, expect S Voice improvements to control the device through voice commands while driving.

However, some of Galaxy S4’s hardware-dependent features, such as the Air view hover-touch feature, are not included in the upgrade. The much-touted and noticeably-enhanced camera feature of S4 also seems to be left out.

Samsung has been keeping track of its older devices with decent upgrades, but this time it is a more comprehensive upgrade much to the amazement of Galaxy S3 owners. For those who are not prepared to go for the test firmware, an OTA upgrade is on the way. The upgrade is expected to come out in June, but U.S. carriers may require more time for approval.

Galaxy S4 Google Edition Release Date June 26, Priced $650 at AT&T, T-Mobile

May 21, 2013 By David Crozier Leave a Comment

The Google I/O 2013 event held last week had lots for Android fans to cheer about. True there weren’t any new hardware introduced as many had thought there would be. There wasn’t even a new Android version launched which was hotly anticipated.

However, not many were expecting the current Samsung flagship device, the Galaxy S4 to pop up at the scene. The Samsung Galaxy S4 is one of the most talked about smartphones right now and justifiably so. It can be considered to be the right mix of the best from Android and Samsung. For together with Jelly Bean that represents the best of Android, S4 also presents a heady mix of features courtesy of Samsung.

However, the Galaxy S4 that graced the Google I/O event is different from the standard Samsung offering in that it came with the purest form of Jelly Bean. That apart, other specifications are supposed to be the same, which includes a 5 inch 1080p display. The processor is expected to be a Snapdragon 600 chip along with a RAM of 2 GB. Internal storage that the device is expected to come with is 16 GB.

Combine the above with the vanilla Android version and what you have is a device that Android lovers have only been dreaming of. There will be no Touchwiz UI to act as a distraction while the bootloader too will be unlocked. Also considering the S4 will be about a Google experience, it would be available only through the Google Play Store.

Like the Nexus 4 model this SGS4 would also have T-Mobile and AT&T band compatibility. There is the LTE band which the S4 would also support.

Release date of the S4 has been officially confirmed as June 26, while the price to be aid for all the Android goodness is $650. A bit hard on the pocket it maybe for many enthusiasts. It is for them to decide now if this is the S4 that they are looking out for.

Samsung Galaxy S3 Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean Update Roll Out – Check Out The Amazing Features

May 16, 2013 By Nicholas Anderton Leave a Comment

It’s just the other day that the current Samsung flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S4 got its first update from T-Mobile. It’s now the turn of the Galaxy S3 to have the honors, which comprises of the Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean update which Magenta has already stared to roll out. The update is reported to include some nice cool features that should provide a fresh new lease of live in the face of its more worthy successor, the S4.

Among the features to look forward to in the new update include Blocking Mode, Sound Balance, Samsung Gallery, Auto-pairing via NFC, Paper Artist and so on. The update will also offer Multi Window View that enables the user to open and work on two pre-defined apps at the same time. Then there are a few smaller features also included, such as Easy Mode, more advanced camera options as well as the new 4G logo of the carrier. Unfortunately, Google Play is not part of the update package, which is quite shocking considering the enhanced functionality the features come along with. More so since it was already stated to be part of the update.

Coming to the update, the T999UVDMD5 weighs 187 MB and can be downloaded either via the latest version of Samsung Kies or over the air. T-Mobile has stated the update will be available till June 16^th. The official notification has already been sent out though for those who haven’t received the same so far can try and download the update manually. For this, they will have to tao on Settings, About Device and then Software Update. However, users are advised to ensure their devices are at least 50 percent charged before getting along with the update process.

T-Mobile Rolling Our Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean Update For Samsung Galaxy S3

May 14, 2013 By David Crozier Leave a Comment

The Samsung Galaxy S3 is all set to taste of fresh Jelly Beans thanks to the update being rolled out by T-Mobile. The official notification is on the way and many have already received the same. However, non US users of the erstwhile Samsung smartphone had been first off the block, having received the Jelly Bean update in January itself. That includes quite a few goodies that are quite similar to those that the latest Android 4.2 has on offer. These include a refreshed Gallery applications, smart screen rotation feature, new keyboard features and so on. The notification area too has been touched upon which is now user customizable.

Coming to the update that T-Mobile is bringing along, its advanced features such as ‘auto NFC pairing, enhanced camera options, Sound Balance and more’ that the carrier’s update support site speaks of. Then of course there is the Multi-Windows View to look forward to in the update which will allow users of the S3 to work on two different applications at the same time. However, T-Mobile could not confirm if the new update will also include Samsung’s Galaxy S3 Premium Suite, a feature that many international S3 users missed out on when the update was released this January. There is some hope though of the Premium Suite being part of the update since NFC Pairing is included in the update package.

Some of the cool features to look forward to include Contextual Menu which provides a new way to sort apps that is used most often. Then there is the Reader Mode that allows the user to manage text size settings inside the device’s web browser. Facebook Lock Ticker is another nice feature which enables users to remain updated with their Facebook News Feed even via the lock screen.

The update weighs a bit hefty at 186 MB, which means it will be a nice idea to download over Wi-Fi instead of opting for a mobile data connection.