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Galaxy S4 vs Xperia Z
The Samsung Galaxy S4 comes packed with many new features such as facial movement tracker ‘Smart Scroll’ and ‘Smart Pause’ and ‘Air View’ gesture control. Xperia Z is no less of a competitor either. Sony has launched its Xperia Z and has market it as its premier flagship phone for 2013. Unveiled in January at CES 2013, the Xperia Z has what it takes to take on other names in the market. Sony has significantly revamped its hardware and software, when compared to earlier Xperia. It too has a few tricks in its bag to give a stiff fight to Galaxy S4, as it boasts of an exclusive technology of its own to show-off such as Mobile BRAVIA Engine 2 display technology and Exmor RS image sensor.
Galaxy S4 Vs. Xperia Z, brief comparison in terms of main specifications
Comparison Table |
||
SONY Xperia Z |
Samsung Galaxy S4 |
|
| Display Size | 5.0 inches | 4.99 Inches |
| Display Type | TFT capacitive touchscreen | Super AMOLED |
| Dimensions | 139 x 71 x 7.9 mm | 136.6 x 69.8 x 7.9 mm (5.38 x 2.75 x 0.31 in) |
| Sim Type | Micro Sim | Micro Sim |
| Resolution | 1080 x 1920 pixels | 1080 x 1920 pixels |
| Weight | 146 grams | 130 g (4.59 oz) |
| PPI (Pixels Per Inch) | 441 | 441 |
| LTE Band | LTE 800 / 850 / 900 / 1800 / 2100 / 2600 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900, HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100, LTE (market dependent) |
| Shatter Proof, Scratch Resistant & Water Resistant | Yes, Water resistant up to 1 meter and 30 minutes | No |
| Internal Memory | 16GB | 16/32/64 GB storage |
| External SD Card Slot | Up to 32GB | Yes, up to 64GB |
| RAM | 2GB | 2GB |
| Rear Camera | 13.1MP with 4128×3096 pixels, autofocus, LED flash | 13 MP, 4128 x 3096 pixels, autofocus, LED flash. Dual Shot, Simultaneous HD video and image recording, |
| Front Camera | 2.2 MP with 1080p@30fps | 2MP with 1080p@30fps Recording |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MDM9215M / APQ8064 | International version
US version
|
| GPU | Adreno 320 | International version
US Version
|
| Processor | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Krait | International version
US version
|
| FM Radio | Yes | Yes |
| InfraRed | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | 4.0 with A2DP | 4.0 with A2DP |
| NFC / USB 2.0 with MHL Support | Yes /Yes | Yes |
| Wi Fi Standards | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, Wi-Fi hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, DLNA, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi hotspot |
| Firmware | Android Jellybean 4.1.2 Upgradeable to Jellybean 4.2.2 | Jellybean 4.2.2 |
| Battery | Non-removable Li-Ion 2330 mAh battery | 2600 Mah Removable Battery |
| Colors | Black, White, Purple | White Frost, Black Mist |
Galaxy S4 vs iPhone 5
Samsung and Apple are by far the two most successful companies in the highly competitive mobile market. These two companies are not only direct competitors in a number of markets, but they are also based on two different philosophies. As a direct consequence, each time a new iPhone or Galaxy S model is officially unveiled, one of the first things we all do, is compare the most recent versions in both lines.
The Samsung Galaxy S4 comes packed with many new features such as facial movement tracker ‘Smart Scroll’ and ‘Smart Pause’ and ‘Air View’ gesture control to name a few. iPhone 5 is no less of a competitor either.
Specifications
| Specifications | Samsung Galaxy S4 | Apple iPhone 5 |
| Dimensions | 136.6 x 69.8 x 7.9mm, 130g5.38 x 2.75 x 0.31 inches, 4.59 oz | 123.8 x 58.6 x 7.6mm, 112g4.9 x 2.3 x 0.3 inches, 4 oz |
| Display | 5-inch, Super AMOLED1920 x 1080 Full HD, 441ppi | 4-inch IPS LCD640 x 1136 pixels, 326 ppi |
| CPU and GPU | International version
US version
|
Apple A6dual-core,1300 MHzPowerVR SGX543MP3 |
| RAM | 2GB | 1GB |
| Storage | 16GB/32GB/64GBinternal microSD, up to 64GB | 16/32/64 GBNon-expandable |
| Cameras | 13 MP Rear; 2 MP Front-Facing1080p Rear; 1080p Front-FacingLED flash, autofocus, burst mode, Shot with Sound, Dual record, Smart Erase | 8 MP Rear; 1.2 MP Front-Facing1080p Rear; 720p Front-FacingLED flash, autofocus, HDR, F2.4 |
| Battery | 2600mAh, removable | 1440 mAh, non-removable8h talk time (3G) |
| Networks | GSM, UMTS, HSPA+/LTE | GSM, UMTS, CDMA HSPA+, LTE |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n acWi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi hotspot, DLNA, NFC Bluetooth 4.0 A2DP microUSB, MHL 2, infrared A-GPS | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/nWi-Fi hotspot Bluetooth 4.0 A2DP Lightning connector A-GPS |
| Operating system | Android 4.2 TouchWiz UIAir View, Smart Scroll, Smart Pause,S Translate, Knox, S Drive | iOS 6.1 |
Related articles
- Galaxy S4 vs iPhone 5 vs. HTC One: Best Smartphone Screen Battle (gottabemobile.com)
- Post Galaxy S4 era: Apple iPhone 5S specs and features need total revamp (thenewstribe.com)
- Apple iPhone 5 vs. Samsung Galaxy S3 vs. HTC One X: The cameras (reviews.cnet.com)
- 10 Ways Samsung’s Galaxy S4 Is Better Than The iPhone 5 (AAPL) – San Francisco Chronicle (sfgate.com)
Samsung Galaxy S4 GT-I9502 Photos Leaked
The Galaxy S4, the most anticipated smartphone of the year, is scheduled to be released at a big event on March 14th in New York City. Today Samsung Galaxy S4 GT-I9502 pictures have made an appearance online from Chinese forums. This photos look like the dual-SIM version for a Chinese carrier. According to these photos, Galaxy S4 will be having a 1080p display, 13 megapixels camera, 2GB RAM, 1.8GHz quad core processor and runs on Android 4.2.1 Jelly Bean. So far the specifications look good enough. And as for the features in the software side, we have already seen confirmations of Samsung’s ‘Smart’ features that include: Smart Rotation, Smart Stay, Smart Pause and Smart Scroll.
Either way we only have a few days to go before the unveiling and all rumours will be put to rest when Samsung officially announces the Galaxy S4 at their THE NEXT GALAXY event in New York, USA on 14th March. The event can be watched live on YouTube at 7pm US EDT (10am Friday March 15 AEDT).
Samsung Galaxy S4 GT-I9502 Photos Leaked
Samsung Galaxy SIV Rumours
Since there aren’t officially available specifications for Galaxy S4 we report some possible ones. The Samsung Galaxy S4 specs will include a Exynos 5 Octa processor with eight cores, 2GB of RAM and a PowerVR SGX-544MP3 at 533MHz GPU. This chip set will be faster than the one found in the Nexus 10 and will be made on a 28nm process. The Samsung Exynos 5 Octa is a chip that was announced at CES 2013 on January 10 2013. The Exynos 5 Octa is built on Samsung’s 28nm process (5000X thinner than a human hair) features four ARM Cortex A15 cores (1.7GHz) and four Cortex A7 cores (1.2GHz). Technically, the Samsung Exynos 5 Octa features 8 cores as its name indicates. However, only four cores can be active at any given time.
Highlights
- 4X ARM Cortex A15 cores at 1.8GHz
- 4X ARM Cortez A7 cores at 1.2GHz
- 28nm Samsung manufacturing process
- Graphics: PowerVR SGX-544MP3 at 533MHz
The Galaxy S4 might also include a 1080p 4.99-inch Super AMOLED display.
Samsung is expected to unveil these new screens at the Consumer Electronics Show set to take place in the beginning of next year.
The company has already begun producing these new displays that have a resolution of 1920 x 1080 with a pixel density of more than 441ppi. This is twice as many pixels as Apple’s Retina display found on the iPhone.
Another Samsung Galaxy S4 specifications leak revealed that the new device will feature a 13-megapixel camera.
| General | 2G Network | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G Network | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | |
| 4G Network | LTE | |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | |
| Announced | Exp. announcement 2013, Q1 | |
| Status | Rumored Release Date May 2013. | |
| Body | Dimensions | – |
| Weight | – | |
| Display | Type | Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors |
| Size | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 5.0 inches (~441 ppi pixel density) | |
| Multitouch | Yes | |
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | |
| – TouchWiz UI | ||
| Sound | Alert types | Vibration; MP3, WAV ringtones |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | |
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | |
| Memory | Card slot | microSD, up to 64 GB |
| Internal | 16 GB storage, 2 GB RAM | |
| Data | GPRS | Yes |
| EDGE | Yes | |
| Speed | HSDPA, 42.2 Mbps; HSUPA, 5.76 Mbps; LTE, Cat3, 50 Mbps UL, 100 Mbps DL | |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, DLNA, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi hotspot | |
| Bluetooth | Yes, v4.0 with A2DP, EDR | |
| NFC | Yes | |
| USB | Yes, microUSB v2.0 (MHL), USB On-the-go | |
| Camera | Primary | 13 MP, autofocus, LED flash |
| Features | Simultaneous HD video and image recording, geo-tagging, touch focus, face and smile detection, image stabilization, HDR | |
| Video | Yes, 1080p@30fps | |
| Secondary | Yes | |
| Features | OS | Android OS, v4.2 (Jelly Bean) |
| Chipset | Exynos 5 Octa processor with eight cores | |
| CPU |
|
|
| GPU | PowerVR SGX-544MP3 at 533MHz | |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | |
| Browser | HTML5, Adobe Flash | |
| GPS | Yes, with A-GPS support and GLONASS | |
| Java | Yes, via Java MIDP emulator | |
| Colors | Titanium Gray, Sapphire Black | |
| – S-Voice natural language commands and dictation | ||
| – Smart Stay eye tracking | ||
| – Dropbox (50 GB storage) | ||
| – Active noise cancellation with dedicated mic | ||
| – TV-out (via MHL A/V link) | ||
| – SNS integration | ||
| – MP4/DivX/XviD/WMV/H.264/H.263 player | ||
| – MP3/WAV/eAAC+/AC3/FLAC player | ||
| – Organizer | ||
| – Image/video editor | ||
| – Document viewer (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF) | ||
| – Google Search, Maps, Gmail, | ||
| YouTube, Calendar, Google Talk, Picasa | ||
| – Voice memo/dial/commands | ||
| – Predictive text input (Swype) | ||
| Battery | Standard battery, Li-Ion | |
| Stand-by | ||
| Talk time |
We will continue to update this article with the latest specifications leaks and rumours as they break.
Battle of the voice assistants: Siri vs. S-Voice (infographic)
When Samsung introduced S-Voice on its Galaxy S III smartphone, it was clear that it was ripping off Siri, the Apple iPhone 4S’ voice assistant. The world clearly has room for more than one, but how do the two voice assistants stack up when it comes to accuracy and response times?
Siri is the incumbent here, and Apple has heavily advertised it heavily with a stream of celebrities. I’ve never found Siri to be incredibly helpful, but with updates in iOS 6 around the corner, Siri looks more promising. S-Voice is a brand-new creation that is mostly playing catch-up with Siri but has some handy integrations with Facebook and Twitter, while Siri can interact with many functions inside the device itself.
Online phone retailer Dailaphone has created an infographic showing a face-off between Siri and S-Voice with some slightly surprising results, including that Siri takes an average 5.6 seconds to respond while S-Voice takes 7.9 seconds. That said, based on average accuracy, start-up times, and response times, I’d almost rather not use either voice assistant and just find the information with a smart Google search.
Let us know in the comments if you use Siri or S-Voice and how they work for you in your daily life. Check out the full infographic below:
Related articles
- Voice assistant battle royale: Siri vs. S-Voice (infographic) (venturebeat.com)
- Siri = Eliza? (zdnet.com)
- Siri is rubbish, claims analyst (news.techeye.net)
- IBM bans Siri: Privacy risk, or corporate paranoia at its best? – ZDNet (blog) (zdnet.com)
- Study gives Apple’s Siri a ‘D’ for accuracy (techradar.com)
- One-third of Siri users don’t make it beyond calls, web use and texts (mobile-ent.biz)
- Siri Still Behind Google Search On Comprehension & Accuracy (devicemag.com)
- Here’s Why Google Now Is Better Than Apple’s Siri (GOOG) (businessinsider.com)
- Wait, So Apple’s Siri Won’t Kill Google Search After All? (forbes.com)
- Google Voice Search In Android 4.1 Trumps Siri In Everyday Q&A (redmondpie.com)
Flipboard for Android
Flipboard is finally coming to Android. Exclusively on the Galaxy S III, we’re told, at least for some amount of time. Now, thanks to one enterprising member over at the XDA forums, an unofficial build of Flipboard for Android is available to all, and it looks great.
Waiting for end of the month (or later, depending on the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S III) didn’t sit well with XDA forum member Valcho, and considering he had an SGS III “lying around,” he decided to extract the APK and share it with the world. You can grab it at the link below.
Download Flipboard for Android here.
The app is definitely nice! Eye candy is there, smooth animations are present and functionality is maintained from the iOS counterpart. There’s also a Flipboard widget that was not covered in the video, which allows you to view your most recent cover photos in a 2×4 widescreen view.
Related articles
- Flipboard for Android now unofficially available to all (9to5google.com)
- [Download] Flipboard APK For Android Available Now; Pulled From The Galaxy S III (gadgetian.com)
- Flipboard Unofficially Available For Any Android Device And Here’s How To Install It (techcrunch.com)
- Flipboard for Android leaks (thetechblock.com)
Samsung Galaxy S3 hands-on preview: Yes, it’s amazing
It’s here. The Galaxy S3, Samsung’s flagship phone for the 2012/2013 smartphone battle, has just been unveiled at the official launch in London. We’re here, and we’ve had a chance to get hands-on and close-up with what could well be your next phone. What’s the big deal? Read on to find out.
So, this is the Samsung Galaxy S3. After more rumour, speculation and hype than a Samsung launch has ever been involved in before, we’ve had the privilege of being personally introduced to it. The verdict? It’s an absolute stonker.
The phone has a huge 4.8-inch HD Super-AMOLED display, which really, really shines. Samsung says the resolution is HD – 1280 x 720. In real life terms, that means it’s amazing, but to your eyes there’s nothing between it and the iPhone 4S’ Retina Display, albeit the monstrous size.
Inside there’s the Exynos 4412 1.4GHz quad-core processor, which we’ve known about for a while. On paper it’s insanely powerful, but it’s hard in such a small amount of time to get a feel for what that can really do. We’ll tell you this: you can’t break its brain.
We’ve flicked around from screen to screen, app to app, with no problems whatsoever. Want something that puts it through its paces? How about Pop-up Play? If you’re watching a video, you can press an icon in the bottom right and a small version of it appears on the home screen, or whatever app you open. You can reposition it to allow you to watch Sky Go while checking Facebook, for instance. That’s really powerful stuff.
The version of the TouchWiz UI Samsung’s using here is brand new and totally tricked out with loads of other new features, like S Voice, a smart voice assistant that you can wake up simply by saying “Hi Galaxy!” We had mixed results with this, but we’ll put it down to the noise at tonight’s event. Smart Stay is another very clever feature, which keeps the screen on as long as you’re looking at it. Meanwhile, Direct Call will ring the person you’re texting if you bring it up to your ear.
Galaxy S3: Does it beat the best of Android?
In terms of build, the Galaxy S3 is a looker, not dissimilar at all to the Galaxy Nexus. It’s designed around nature, with a ‘Hyperglaze’ mold. It’s very hard to avoid using stupid phrases when describing how a phone feels, but this has a destinctive airiness about it. Of course, screen size is still a dividing issue, and this is far bigger than the competition from Apple. Still, despite the 4.8-inch size, Samsung’s made a good job of fitting it in your hand, thanks to a thinner bezel than the Galaxy S2 had.
Available initially in Pebble Blue and Marble White, Samsung said that it will introduce a variety of additional colour options at a later date.
Samsung Galaxy S3 Full Product Specifications
Network: 2.5G (GSM/ GPRS/ EDGE): 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz
3G (HSPA+ 21Mbps): 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 MHz
4G (Dependent on market)
Display: 4.8 inch HD Super AMOLED (1280×720) display
OS: Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)
Camera Main(Rear): 8 Mega pixel Auto Focus camera with Flash & Zero Shutter Lag, BIS
Camera Sub (Front): 1.9 Mega pixel camera, HD recording @30fps with Zero Shutter Lag, BSI
Video Codec: MPEG4, H.264, H.263, DivX, DivX3.11, VC-1, VP8, WMV7/8, Sorenson Spark
Recording & Playback: Full HD (1080p)
Audio Codec: MP3, AMR-NB/WB, AAC/AAC+/eAAC+, WMA, OGG, FLAC, AC-3, apt-X
Connectivity: WiFi a/b/g/n, WiFi HT40, GPS/GLONASS, NFC, Bluetooth® 4.0(LE)
Sensor: Accelerometer, RGB light, Digital compass, Proximity, Gyro, Barometer
Memory: 16/ 32GB User memory (64GB available soon) + microSD slot (up to 64GB)
Dimension: 136.6 x 70.6 x 8.6 mm, 133g
Battery: 2,100 mAh
Related articles
- Samsung Galaxy S3 features at a glance (telegraph.co.uk)
- Galaxy S III set for May 29th release (slashgear.com)
- Samsung Galaxy S3 Coming in Blue and White? Screen Protector Leaks (gadgetian.com)
- The Samsung Galaxy SIII Arrives (insydetech.info)
- Meet The New Android Emperor: The Samsung Galaxy S III (GOOG) (businessinsider.com)
- Samsung Galaxy S III: Meet the New Android Emperor [Galaxy S Iii] (gizmodo.com)
- Samsung Galaxy S III official (slashgear.com)
- Samsung Galaxy S III official – 4.8 inch HD display, quad-core Exynos CPU in tow (intomobile.com)
Samsung Unpacked 2012 teaser, Galaxy owner or iSheep
Samsung’s first teaser containing the countdown has ended and bring in a new teaser video. There are two videos that are presented to welcome the unpacked event to be held May 3 the next. In the event, Samsung is expected to showcase the next Galaxy.Teaser time is also still contains mysteries. Only mention of a new universe, ‘A Whole New Universe’. No additional information can be obtained even though the video is displayed will invite curiosity. In this teaser were also asked about the technology that is considered really smart, which according to Samsung must correspond to one’s life naturally. These features are thought to be indicative of eye tracking, wireless charger, or other functions on the Galaxy S III.
Asked in a second teaser of the Galaxy is mentioned that fits perfectly in hand, the larger the display, and can be explored freely and quickly. In the final part noted that this technology will make a person stand on top of another, symbolized by a flock of sheep.
Related articles
- isheep (nvarsos.wordpress.com)
- Samsung begins countdown to Galaxy S3, anagram a start to an online treasure hunt? (nvarsos.wordpress.com)
isheep
isheep = A follower of the Apple cult regardless of the usefulness or real worth of the product. Believes with without question the cult propaganda which installs the almost mythological belief that what they have just bought is the fastest or most user friendly product ever, only to be re-sold the same product, with a few minor tweaks, a few months later with the same rhetoric and complete disregard for reality. Easily mislead by their own egos and think they are being unique and innovative.
source: urbandictionary
Related articles
- More Than Half Of All Households In America Now Own An Apple Device | Cult of Mac (cultofmac.vanillaforums.com)
- The Cult of Apple (churchofpossibility.com)
- Apple cult mocked by Samsung in Galaxy S II ad (news.cnet.com)
- It’s Time to Stop Talking About the Apple Cult (techland.time.com)
- Apple is Becoming a Patents Cult (techrights.org)
Samsung begins countdown to Galaxy S3, anagram a start to an online treasure hunt?
A couple of hours ago, Samsung mobile tweeted the following message: “Destination tgeltaayehxnx”. After some thinking it quickly became clear that tgeltaayehxnx is an anagram for “The Next Galaxy”.
When visiting the url tgeltaayehxnx.com you will see a count down timer on it. What could this mean?
Samsung marketing at its best
The last few weeks things have been crazy with daily leaks, rumors, fakes, pictures and information on Samsung’s upcoming phone. However, we still know almost nothing, the only thing we do know is that Samsung will announce “The Next Galaxy” on May 3rth. However, what this “next galaxy” is remains unknown, could it be the Samsung Galaxy S3?
The tweet that stared this all
One thing is sure, with this new website Samsung will create a huge buzz about the next galaxy.
Further investigation
Of course, we didn’t want to wait until tomorrow so we had a look at the source code to see if we could find some hints about what will happen tomorrow. Luckily for us, we found the following directory:
The Hint button telling you what you will need to do
A button we have found that will be shown once you have finished the puzzel. We have no idea where the button will take us
Solving the puzzle
We know the goal, and we know the letters, so time to solve the puzzle. Of course this is a piece of cake and the answer of the puzzle is: TheNextGalaxy.
So the logical thing to do was visit thenextgalaxy.com, but our path ended their since the site is locked with a password, for now. It seems logical that when the count down timer ends, the puzzle and the site thenextgalaxy.com will be available to the public.
What we will see there is unknown, but it will probably be more teasing from Samsung. We can’t imagine Samsung to announce an device on this site tomorrow, not with a Samsung unpacked event just around the corner.
What could it be? Perhaps Samsung will show a teaser video on the website, similar to what they did with the release of the Samsung Galaxy S2. Let’s hope it won’t be another puzzle and this time some real and valuable information!
What do you think will be visible on that website? Let us know in the comments!
Related articles
- Samsung to held Galaxy S3 Launch event on 22nd May in London (nvarsos.wordpress.com)
- Samsung teases Galaxy S III with new countdown site (venturebeat.com)
- Samsung begins teasing Galaxy S III launch with countdown on cryptic teaser site (thenextweb.com)
- Report: Samsung Launching Cloud Service on May 3 (pcmag.com)
- Will Samsung follow Apple with its “Galaxy S3″ proto plans? (slashgear.com)
- Samsung’s May 3 Round-up: Galaxy S III and more (slashgear.com)
Samsung to held Galaxy S3 Launch event on 22nd May in London
The Samsung Galaxy S3 has undoubtedly become one of the most anticipated smartphones of 2012, and is sure to be a heavy competitor to Apple’s next iPhone 5. While the Korea-based company has not yet officially announced the launch, a leaked press invite for their London event may have revealed the date. The invite, which has appeared on a number of Korean websites, claims the smartphone will be unveiled at a special event in London on May 22
A slender, brushed metal phone is pictured beneath the slogan ‘Fast. Vivid. Slim’, strongly implying a sleek new design for the latest Galaxy.
When finally released, the Galaxy S3 will run Android 4.0 – also known as Ice Cream Sandwich – and it will come with a new 12 mega-pixel back-facing camera, according to the chief editor of Mobile-review Eldar Murtazin. According to other reports, the Galaxy S3 will feature a 4.65-inch Super AMOLED Plus HD (720×1280) screen and a quad-core processor and LTE capabilities. Separate reports at the end of last year claimed the new phone may also be ‘outfitted with 3D technology’.
Its predecessor, the S2, was deemed by many to be the best smartphone of 2011 so the S3 certainly has a lot to live up to.
Related articles
- Samsung to held Galaxy S3 Launch event on 22nd May in London (thegeeksclub.com)
- Samsung Galaxy S3 release date revealed in a leaked press invite (idigid.wordpress.com)
- Samsung Galaxy S3 launch date appears online (techradar.com)
- Samsung Galaxy S3 To Be Called GT-i9300? (itproportal.com)
- Samsung Galaxy S3 launch date set for May? (techradar.com)
- More evidence suggests the Samsung Galaxy S III will launch May 22 (thenextweb.com)
- New Samsung Galaxy S3 render pops up. Is May 22 the official release date? (androidauthority.com)
- Samsung Galaxy S3 release (product-reviews.net)
[ALERT] Samsung Galaxy S2 Users Targeted By Suspicious Update Today
If you happen to have a Samsung Galaxy S2 then be extra cautious today with the notifications in your Status bar as you may end up installing a malware by accident.
Samsung Galaxy S2 users prompted by Google Play Store to install suspicious app
We are receiving reports that the Google Play Store a.k.a Android Market, is prompting Samsung Galaxy S2 users that an update is available for them. It appears to be disguised as a Russian language firmware update.
From what we’ve heard, it is apparently screwing up Samsung Galaxy S2 phones already but we haven’t received any details yet as to what exactly it is trying to do. Given that its name is in Russian, we can’t tell you what it is called but it is developed by OJSC Mobile Telesystems and its icon is a red box with a white “@” logo inside. Check out the screenshot at the bottom to see what we mean.
Have you received a similar prompt to update your Samsung Galaxy S2? Did you accidentally install it? Sound off in the comments below.
Article source: http://www.motoringcrunch.com/news/mobile-tech/10256-samsung-galaxy-s2-malware-google-play-store-android-market
found this just-published story on The Verge:
Samsung has several pieces of software that it installs on it devices but that aren’t in the Google Play store (for obvious reasons). However, every single Android app has an app name that identifies it on the Android system, in this case the “unique” name is com.seven.Z7, which identifies Samsung’s email app. What appears to have happened is that Russian developer OJSC Mobile Telesystems gave that unique identifier to its “МТС Мобильная Почта” app, and so these Samsung devices were tricked into thinking it was an update to Samsung’s email client. Since Google Play allows for automatic updating of all apps, it was installed on many devices.
Nicos Varsos 