When Google first came up with the Nexus One, they specifically stated that they had no notions of an iPhone killer or anything of the sort. The self-branded handset was meant to set a bar for the smart phone industry in terms of what the Android platform can truly be.
Now, almost a full year later, we see the fruition of the second Nexus handset to come about. And regardless of how one looks at it, the Nexus S is truly an iPhone killer. To fully appreciate this, one simply has to look at the basis of the Nexus S –which is Samsung’s i9000 Galaxy S which has been meant as the Korean phone maker’s rival product against the Apple iPhone.
According to various sources, the new Google super phone will be shipping to the UK pretty soon and four major network operators have confirmed that they will be offering the handset as soon as it arrives. O2 Mobile, Vodafone UK, T-Mobile UK and Orange UK have all confirmed that the new Google handset will be available on both SIM free and tariff deals –providing users with a choice. The phone is reportedly going to be free at 35 Pound monthly tariff deals and up.
Specs wise, there is little doubt that the Nexus S is poised to take on the iPhone. IT eve packs the new NFC hardware technology that Apple jumped in early to invest in –not that the technology is already seeing practical use today, but Google certainly does not want to be left out when the technology finally does.
With the latest Android 2.3 Gingerbread OS, HD video, a 1.2 GHz CPU and a large library of applications from the Android Market, the Google Nexus S will be offering a tough fight against Apple’s iPhone series.
Posts Tagged ‘Samsung’
Nexus S is Coming to the UK
Monday, December 13th, 2010Mobile News: Today’s Highlights
Friday, December 10th, 2010
The Bada operating system has just celebrated its first year in the smart phone industry. With now well over a million devices sold and plenty more expected, the Samsung made mobile platform is certainly carving out its own niche. Admittedly, the system still has to go a long way (and it is a pretty small niche), but considering how new the system is and that this is Samsung’s first proprietary system, the performance of the Bada is quite impressive.
Sony Ericsson XPERIA X10 owners will finally get to try out the Android 2.3 Gingerbread mobile platform. However, this will not be through an officially released update. The features will be running straight from a ROM emulator. While this provides little practical use, it does prove that the X10 does have the hardware needed to run the new OS.
HTC has announced that the Wildfire smart phone will also be getting an update to Google’s Android 2.2 Froyo. The announcement just came in right after they officially stated that the HTC Legend will be updated just a day ago. The big announcement is certainly great news for the owners of the communication based Wildfire handset.
Huawei’s Ideos smart phone is now officially available in local stores. According to sources, the new budget Android will be priced at a nice 150 Pound price tag. Those who have been hoping to start switching to the Android might find this device as a great fit since it is also available for free when under a contract. Mobile retailer eXpansys currently has the device in stock.
Samsung is making people enticed to by the Galaxy Tab touch screen tablet. According to reports, buying a Tab now will net users with 200 GBP worth of media content. The limited offer deal will be running from this December until the first week of February and provides users with over 50 tracks from eMusic, 15 films from the Samsung online store, 7 Gameloft titles and 5 eBooks -pretty sweet deal for a holiday tablet.
The Next in Mobile Tech: Tablets and Gaming
Tuesday, December 7th, 2010
Tablets are now the next big gadget to own at home. Sure, they certainly serve a lesser practical purpose than a smart phone or a net book, but they are so convenient that not having one seems to be pretty close to a sin.
The Apple iPad has shown the world how easy it is to just pick up a tablet, browse the latest news updates, send a quick email, check your social networking account and even read a digital book in just one sitting, using just one device –all without both the hassle of fiddling around with a net book.
Samsung takes it a little further with the Android Galaxy Tab. This touch screen tablet may be smaller, but the size is so ergonomically sound that reading eBooks for long periods is preferable on the Tab than on the iPad –mostly due to the iPad’s significantly larger size.
Flash support is another major issue. There are plenty of great websites on the internet that use Flash content –not only for media, but also for navigation purposes as well. In this sense, Apple’s web experience is lacking one very important aspect.
The Galaxy Tab has just hit the 1 million sales mark recently and is a testament to how strong the importance of ergonomic design and Flash support is to the tech industry.
Sony Ericsson’s new Zeus smart phone (also called as the Z1) has been shown in a new video. This new vid highlights the use of the Android 2.3 Éclair OS on the new handset. The gaming controls have also been shown off, showcasing a directional pad and control buttons.
The only thing lacking now is the Playstation brand –which seems to be out of the question and makes one wonder what sort of game this new device will be able to attract. Without SCE backing the device, the gaming phone would hardly be impressive at all.
Latest Mobile Tech: 3D, SLCD, and QLED
Thursday, December 2nd, 2010
If there are two categories of electronics that are receiving constant upgrades and innovations in terms of technological advancements, it is hard to think of better examples than the computer and mobile phone industries. While computer parts have been getting better at a constant rate, it is hard to deny the fact that the growth of mobile phone technology is far more accelerated.
HTC is pushing their luck with the first Android 3D handset to be launched. While certainly interesting, it is hard to fathom how 3D could be a truly significant contribution to the smart phone industry. Unlike the use of 4G networks, HD video recording and flexible touch screens, 3D is one aspect of entertainment that simply does not fit with portable technology.
This mostly centers on providing users with parallax screen technology, but in the long run, who would actually bother appreciating 3D images on a such as small display and on a device meant to be used when you are outside the house?
Korean phone maker Samsung is working on a more practical display technology: LCDs. The appearance of AMOLED touch screens has certainly put a wide gap between LCDs and LEDs, but in the end, it is the LCDs that are proving that it is easier to manufacture. In fact, even HTC is slowly replacing the AMOLED phones with Super LCD screens. According to reports, Samsung’s new tech is being named as the Super PLS LCD –which is far superior to the already impressive IPS LCD screens we see today.
LG is not too keen on turning away from LED technology just yet however. In a recent report, it has been announced that LG’s latest developed technology is the Quantum Dot LED screen, or simply put, the QLED. They say that this new display will provide the same quality of images as AMOLED screens do, but this time, with even less power consumption.
Tablet Prices to Go Down for the Holidays
Thursday, November 18th, 2010
Touch screen tablets are not necessary devices to have at home, but they certainly are a joy to have around. Imagine being able to access the web, your email, social networking account, and all the top news stories from the comfort of your couch, or bed, or even the front porch –much like reading a newspaper, but with media access.
Indeed, tablets are slowly becoming a common device to have around –not quite a staple yet, considering how many people cannot afford the hardware. In terms of cost, tablets are still not cost effective –one could opt to buy a couple of mid range smart phones instead. Or even a single high end one then simply save the plentiful change.
Samsung and RIM however, want you to have touch screen tablets, and as such, they have both announced price cuts for their respective tablets.
The Android Samsung P1000 Galaxy Tab comes with a 1GHz CPU, a camera and a 7 inch capacitive touch screen display. It can handle media, eBooks and of course, the whole line of Google’s Android apps. One of the best things about this device: it is Flash capable. Forget the whole issue about the Tab being 3 inches smaller in screen size as compared to the iPad –the smaller screen is actually more ergonomic; this is a big plus for those who love to read digital eBooks (since the iPad actually becomes a little heavy after a while). Originally priced at over 600 Pounds, the new price tag now comes at a much more reasonable 489.99 Pounds.
RIM is not bringing down the price on the BlackBerry Playbook, though the price difference is not as significant as Samsung’s new cost. This is mostly likely due to the fact that the Playbook has already come out at a much reasonable cost of being less than 400 Pounds. This is far from being a budget tablet –like the eTouch, but the QNX OS provides buyers with a very compelling argument.
Nexus S Rumors Continue to Spread
Monday, November 15th, 2010
At this point in time, anything can be true –that is, in regards to the leaked images of what is allegedly the Samsung-made, Google-branded Nexus S. Getting down to the bottom of things is pretty hard when neither Google nor Samsung seems to have any intention of making an official statement regarding the issue.
One initial concern is whether this is really going to be a Google branded Nexus smart phone or simply a new Galaxy model. Considering that Samsung is already an Android manufacturer, it would be easy for anyone internally to leak images or details of what is actually a Samsung branded phone and have it labeled as a Google device (or quite literally, have the Google logo edited into the digital image). It is also important to remember that Google has specifically stated that there would be no sequels to the Nexus One.
Mincing words however, that alone will not disprove the Nexus S. In fact, Google did specifically say that there would be no Nexus “2”. But a Nexus S on the other hand, is a completely different thing.
Also, Google specified that the main purpose of the original Nexus One is that that device was not made for profit. Instead, Google wanted a smart phone that would be used as a new standard and benchmark for many other devices using the Android OS. Naturally, one device alone cannot serve that purpose forever. With technology moving forward constantly, Google will have to come up with new Nexus devices every now and then to keep up with the pace.
As one would expect, the specs from the Nexus S are closely similar to that of the Galaxy S (the same applied to the Nexus One and the HTC Desire). The device will come with a 5 mega pixel snapper, a 1GHz processor and most importantly, a 4 inch super AMOLED capacitive touch screen display.
Tech Highlights: the Latest Android Developments
Friday, November 12th, 2010
It is hard to not find the Google Android in mobile news each day. After all, the OS is growing at such a fast pace that it has managed to be everywhere almost instantly. It will not be long before the Android outmatch the Symbians and saturation of the open source platform is a definite inevitability.
According to some studies, Google’s hold on their users is not as strong as it sounds. The fanciness and popular charm of the iPhone is quite strong. With the hype, marketing and app library of the Apple gadget, it is not surprising that many Android users also consider owning an iPhone as well. For those who love games, there is no question; the vast amount of games on the iPhone library is staggering. Unless the rumors of the PSP Phone using an Android OS is true, then Google will not have the sufficient app support from third party developers to compete in that level.
But fantasies simply are, the actual financial figures however hum a different tune. Phone users may have options in their mind, but their wallets all give a single answer: the Android. Recent sales comparisons show that big ticket companies Nokia and Apple are slowly losing their grip on the market, with shares slowly decreasing. Google on the other hand has gone from a near insignificant fraction to over a fourth of the market.
And Google is far from done with their push towards dominating the industry. The latest Google branded handset, the Nexus S is being rumored to be an actual device and that it will be made by Samsung. Despite an initial statement from Samsung about the matter that is indirectly denying any such device exists or is in production. Still, the leaked images are hard to dispute –especially with most of the photographic evidence originally sourced from reputable sources from within Google.
Apple Gets Headphones, Carphone Warehouse Launches Phones
Wednesday, November 10th, 2010
In a very interesting move, Apple has confirmed that they have acquired Bluetooth handset manufacturer, Wi-Gear.
The company acquisition is just one of the many moves that Apple has been pursuing in the past few months. Earlier, the Cupertino based industry leader took in a company that focuses on near field communications technology. And while the technology has not been implemented in any of Apple’s new devices, many believe that it will be applied in later models.
The acquisition of Wi-Gear however has shown different results. Bluetooth headsets after all, are a very crucial and integral part of modern smart phone accessory kits and the iPhone has needed a few good ones. Apple’s decision to get Wi-Gear has brought hope that impressive, official ones will be made available before the end of the holidays.
In other mobile news, Carphone Warehouse is offering two new devices in their smart phone lineup.
While Apple’s decision to seemingly cancel the white iPhone may have disappointed many people (so far, no official statement contradicts this, though it is only a perceived fact from the fact that the device is no longer visible on the official online site), Samsung has delivered on its promise of a white variant for the i9000 Galaxy S. Carphone Warehouse is exclusively selling the handset.
For those unfamiliar with the stats for the Galaxy S, this Android smart phone is packed with a 5 mega pixel camera and Android 2.1 Éclair. The screen is an impressive 4 inch super AMOLED capacitive touch display and the processor is clocked at a pretty high speed 1GHz.
CW’s other handset offering is the toughest Android (and smart phone) in the market, the Motorola Defy. Completely dust proof and offers a few layers of protection against water and shock, this mobile phone boasts of Gorilla Glass and shock absorbent material.
Samsung’s Big Plans for the Galaxy Tab and Galaxy S
Friday, November 5th, 2010To say that Korean phone maker Samsung is taking the charge as one of the largest phone makers in the mobile handset industry is an understatement. The company is out to dominate, and if current sales figures alone are not an indication, their plans certainly are.
First off, Samsung has confirmed that a total of 20 million Galaxy S handsets are being planned to be shipped out before the end of 2010. This will count in all other Galaxy S devices released previously. The spread of the super AMOLED touch screen equipped handset is set to change the way users view smart phone technology. With the Windows Phone 7’s popularity on the slow rise and the iOS still maintaining a strong hold on the industry, this aggressive marketing by Samsung is just what the Android needs.
Aside from having a 4 inch super AMOLED touch screen display, the Galaxy S also has a 1GHz CPU, a 5 mega pixel camera, and a newly announced WiFi direct feature (to be added in an upcoming update or patch).
The Galaxy Tab is currently Samsung’s main touch screen tablet device. It has been criticized for having a pretty hefty price tag, but considering the hardware in this device, as well as the Android operating system that it uses, the cost is pretty practical –though buyers might be blinded by the Apple branding and larger touch screen display on the Apple iPad.
According to Samsung, they plan to sell at least a million Tabs before the end of this year –with sales of the tablet continuing until next year. While the sales of the iPad has been successful, a lot of people are holding off the move to get a tablet until a better product option is available and Samsung’s Galaxy Tab is definitely it.
News Bits: Today’s Highlights
Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010
Samsung has announced that it will be launching the dual screen smart phone: Continuum this coming November 8. The official announcement from the Korean phone maker official disproves all the rumors about the Google Nexus Two –aside from that, official spokespersons from the manufacturer have directly stated that there is no Google branded device coming from the company.
This is not all that surprising; after all, it was originally Google who announced that there would be no Nexus Two –at least not anytime soon. After all, the point of the Nexus series is to serve as the benchmark and milestone for the next generation of Android handsets –pushing a new standard so soon would be counter-productive.
In any case, this is still pretty exciting news, even for those in the UK. While the Continuum is said to be an exclusive device made for US carrier Verizon, the same can be said for the Motorola Droid and the HTC Aria. Both of the two handsets are now locally available in the UK, though they have gone through a quick name change.
Moving on to more Samsung news, the P1000 Galaxy Tab is now officially on store shelves and we highly suggest for those interested in buying the device to go for a good data plan –especially if you are on the go. For those who plan to leave this tablet behind at home, the WiFi access is more than enough.
Despite being a 7 inch device –much smaller than the Apple iPad, Samsung’s tablet has a pretty hefty price tag –sometimes hitting even over the 500GBP mark. Best save up your budget if this is the tablet you are planning to get.
Lastly, the reports are in and it appears that Google’s Android OS market has grown to more than ten times the original value. In the US market alone, the Android holds almost half of the smart phone industry. Expect to see similar results in the UK.