Samsung attacks iPhone 5 in new Galaxy S3 print ad

Samsung drops all pretence of class and shamelessly targets Apple's iPhone 5 in new Galaxy S3 print ad.

Set to hit newspapers across the USA tomorrow, Samsung’s latest print advertisement aims to make the iPhone 5 look low-end in contrast to the Galaxy S3.

The new advertisement claims “The next big thing is already here.” From the looks of the ad, Samsung has yet to move on after being ordered to pay Apple $1 billion in damages back in August. Publishing an advertisement directly comparing Apple’s products with its own is a bold move from Samsung, especially since it lost the court case to Apple for infringing on its patents.

The print ad carries the tagline, “It doesn’t take a genius.” This is a play on Apple’s Genius branding, referring to in-store Apple experts and the online recommendation system for iTunes and the App Store. It also implies that choosing the Galaxy S3 is a no-brainer for consumers, considering it’s large number of features over the iPhone 5. There’s a clear hitch with this type of comparison, however, as Samsung has (for obvious reasons) made the list of features quite one-sided in the Galaxy S3′s favor.

Without placing any bias in favor of one phone over the other, Samsung does omit some popular, well-known features of the iPhone 5. For instance, where’s FaceTime, iCloud, or iTunes integration? And Android 4.0 is a year old now while iOS 6.0 is brand new, is that really something to brag about?

Attempting to smear the competition’s hardware isn’t the most mature way to market a product. No one’s saying the Galaxy S3 is an inferior device, but Samsung could have easily focused on the stellar features of its own device rather than taking another stab at Apple that comes across as petty. Rumor has it Samsung has a video ad in the works as well, in the same vein as its Galaxy S2 commercials showing a line up of people waiting for the new iPhone while ogling Samsung’s newest Galaxy handset.

A few parodies of the ad — presumably made by fans of Apple — have already begun to circulate the net, giving the Samsung a taste of its own medicine. Here’s one courtesy of Business Insider and created by Tim Sears that hits Samsung right where it hurts.

What do you think? Is Samsung employing smart marketing or does the whole thing come off as a bratty child acting out?

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/samsung-attacks-iphone-5-in-new-galaxy-s3-print-ad/

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Silence your phone by ‘whacking it off’, describes Microsoft’s new patent

Microsoft may be developing a way for you to "whack" your Windows Phone to shut off unwanted noise.

In a rather hilarious move, Microsoft filed a patent to make “whacking” your Windows Phone a part of popular vocabulary. There are numerous ways in which the term “whacking off” can cause immature laughter, but we’re going to leave those specific interpretations up to you. Moving right along to specifics, PatentBolt posted Microsoft’s filing overview:

“There are a variety of circumstances under which it may be desirable to quickly control a device without having to interact with a traditional user interface. For example, often mobile device users forget to set their mobile devices in a silent or vibrate mode and the device rings or makes sounds at an inopportune moment.”

It’s definitely annoying when your phone sounds off in the middle of a meeting, university class, or during the Phantom of the Opera. We’ve all been there and when it happens, suddenly your device is unfamiliar. You begin to fumble with the simplest commands as all eyes lock on you, judging your every clumsy action, and by the time it’s switched to silent, your phone’s quit ringing anyway (at least in our experience). Microsoft plans to change this problem by silencing it’s Windows Phones with a quick slap of the device. Of course, for this method to work at it’s best you’re going to want the device in your pocket, not your bag, but it still has a lot of potential for saving embarrassment.

If implemented, the feature would work by utilizing a smartphone’s accelerometer. When a user whacks a device currently producing sound, the accelerometer would interpret the input and silence the audio. As most people carry their smartphone in a pocket, the slap is meant to come from one side of the device. However, a whack on both sides will also work. Microsoft covered its bases with the exact type of whack it could be, listing slap, hit, swat, smack, flick, push, and tap as possible input methods. Similarly, “audio” includes a phone ring, a custom ringtone, user-initiated audio, a message alert, a recording, or an alarm.

There are obvious problems with Microsoft’s proposed silencing method, like accidentally activating silent mode or physical damage to the device over time, but it’s very possible that Microsoft will find a way to counteract these problems. It’s also possible this patent will never get a chance to exist in the real world and forever be a speculatory Windows Phone feature. And now that  you know about it, do you think you’d want this feature in a future smartphone?

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/silence-phone-by-whacking-it-off-microsoft-patent/

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Intel’s ‘Moore’s Law Radio’ could transform the wireless world

Intel's Wi-Fi-on-a-chip technology moves us several steps closer to "the Internet of Things," where everything from your toaster to your garage door opener is on a network.

A better radio might not sound like an exciting new technology. The very word “radio” conjures images of Fibber McGee & Molly gabbing about Herbert Hoover while Pop relaxes from a hard day of selling apples for ten cents. But old-fashioned radio technology has been the base of all our smartphones, Wi-Fi connections, and wireless controllers, and it’s improved less than you’d think. That could change soon. At this week’s Intel Development Conference, Intel revealed what the company is calling the “Moore’s Law Radio,” and it could be the next step in transforming how our electronics work for us. 

The radios that run today’s connected devices have always had plenty of digital components, but many crucial components remained analog. Computer processors have been getting better at a mind-boggling clip thanks to Moore’s Law, which states that the number of transistors on a chip (and the computing power of that chip) doubles every two years.

But analog components aren’t subject to Moore’s Law. Analog components can’t be shrunk too far before they start sending stray electric pulses all over the place, they can’t use better processors to reduce power consumption, and they can’t be integrated into a modern production cycle.

For the last 10 years, Intel has been trying to make all of those analog radio functions happen digitally. And this week, the company showed off the culmination of its work: a completely digital Wi-Fi unit that fits onto a single chip. Besides being smaller than any previous Wi-Fi system, it’s also vastly more energy efficient, and ultimately will be much cheaper to build.

Intel is also unveiling a new wireless standard to go with the chip: WiGig, which consolidates a number of proprietary wireless technologies under one umbrella to deliver bandwidth over 5 gigabytes per second. And for good measure, Intel is also developing a vast Cloud Radio Access Network, which will allow Intel-based servers to act as wireless providers, giving faster service than today’s hubs with fewer dropped connections.

What all this means for consumers is a range of wireless applications that have been frustratingly out of reach for too long. Wireless connections that are cheap in terms of manufacturing cost and power consumption will enable a generation of phones and laptops that can be constantly downloading email,, news, and other data without devouring battery power. Many cities have talked about making their entire metro area wireless-enabled; this technology could make that kind of vast wireless network orders of magnitude cheaper and more reliable.

Better phones and laptops are just the start of how this technology can be applied. Ultimately, Intel’s vision is to create “the Internet of Things,” where every physical object has a wireless sensor and sends information to any other object that wants it. Intel CTO Justin Ratner is proposing a world where “If it computes, it connects.”  Cheap,  fast, low-power wireless technology means that everything from your monitor to your refrigerator to your dishwasher is always online, and always sending information, all without wires and all using less power than today’s netbooks. 

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/intels-moores-law-radio-could-transform-the-wireless-world/

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Oppo's Find 5 flagship will pack 1080 screen with 441ppi

It looks like the Chinese smartphone manufacturer Oppo Mobile has something amazing in the making. The company’s CEO Chen Mingyong teased the Oppo Find 5 quad-core flagship with 1080p display, sporting the mind-blowing pixel density of 441ppi.

Such pixel density puts the upcoming 5" device in an entirely different league from the current crop of top shelf smartphones. A 441ppi pixel density is roughly100ppi better than the next best smartphone and a cool 115ppi better than the Apple iPhone 5.

The rest of the Oppo Find 5 rumored specs include a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro chipset, 2GB of RAM, 12MP camera, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, and a 2500mAh battery.

The Oppo Find 5 appears a lot like that rumored 5 incher from HTC. As always, we'll keep track on both.

Source 1 | Source 2 | Via

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/oppos_find_5_flagship_will_pack_1080_screen_with_441ppi_-news-4808.php

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Mobile wrap up: The week of Apple news, New app & game picks

Apple dominated the news cycle this week, but there are a few other little tidbits worth noting. Plus, there's plenty of great apps and games from the week of September 9-14, 2012.

We’re not sure if you heard, but Apple made some sort of announcement this week. The tech world swarmed Apple headquarters in Cupertino, California to listen to Tim Cook and crew say everything that was expected. While all eyes were on the curtain that had already been pulled, the rest of the mobile world kept spinning — though it spent the week revolving around Apple. We’ve got a collection of the biggest headlines and best apps and games from the week of September 9-14, 2012. 

All New iPhone, Same Old Apple

There is almost no way to feign ignorance to the announcement of the iPhone 5, but in case you missed it, well, it’s real. The iPhone 5 announcement went off without a hitch, though there’s clearly a hitch in the way Apple handles information. The completely accurate leaks may be the biggest news that came from the conference, though the iPhone got bigger as well. With an increase to a full 4-inch screen, the phone also got skinnier, dropping to 112 grams in weight and 7.6mm in width. Basically, the iPhone got a growth spurt and is the awkward, lanky kid from high school. The handset also got a new processor, a new camera, and a new OS. You can get your hands on it September 21, assuming you can find one at all.

iOS 6 For Everyone

Apple fully embraced the “out with the old, in with the new” mantra with the Wednesday announcement. Coming alongside the iPhone 5 will be iOS 6. It’s amazing that the fact those numbers don’t match hasn’t driven someone within Apple headquarters nuts aside, the mobile operating system will roll out on September 19 and will be available on platforms dating back to the iPhone 3GS, iPad 2, and fourth generation iPod Touch. Anchoring the upgrade will be updates to iTunes, an Apple-made Maps app, and Passbook — an app that will take over handling cards and travel itineraries.

What’s Everyone Else Up To?

Sure, Apple dominated the entire week with just two hours of a press conference (see our full coverage of the event), but that doesn’t mean the other powerhouses in mobile weren’t making moves, too. Windows changed the name of their marketplace for mobile, now calling it Windows Phone Store. Samsung prepared an OS update of their own and will have Android 4.1 Jelly Bean available on the Samsung Galaxy S3 by October. Phone make and model aside, we also learned 50 percent of teens own a smartphone. Back in our day, we had to play Snake on a Nokia handset with physical buttons.

Apps and Games of the Week

SAT by Dictionary.com ($4, iPhone) – If you’re gearing up to take the SATs or you just want to test your knowledge, grab Dictionary.com’s app to prepare for the standardized test.

YouTube (Free, iPhone) – While it used to be integrated into all iOS devices, the upcoming iOS 6 will do away with Google’s grasp on Apple user’s video experience. Not to be totally forgotten, Google has rolled out their own app for their video service.

Call of Duty Black Ops: Zombies ($7, Android) – A game previously only available on specific tablets, Call of Duty Black Ops: Zombies gets a full range release on the Android OS. You’ve got one goal: survive.

OmniNote ($2, iPad/Android) – Keep all of your thoughts for different topics in one place. OmniNote allows users to keep multiple notepads for different topics stored on virtual shelves. Keep hold of all your typed, hand-written, or doodled reminders and ideas.

Crimson Dragon: Side Story ($1, Windows Phone) – A dragon-based shooter that conjures up memories of Panzer Dragoon, Crimson Dragon: Side Story lets you take to the air with your own set of wings to fight on the planet Draco.

Fabrik (Free, Android) – This cloud-based eReader takes full advantage of Dropbox integration that allows you to transfer your favorite pieces of literature to your Android device no matter where you’re at.

Caller Info Plus (Free, Android) – Sometimes just knowing who is calling isn’t enough. Give yourself a heads up by leaving notes about callers or see when the last time a person tried to contact you with Caller Info Plus.

Fieldrunners 2 HD ($11, iPad) – The hit iPhone game finally gets the big screen treatment. Fieldrunners 2 takes full advantage of the iPad’s Retina display in this high-definition makeover of the instant classic.

Source : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/mobile-weekly-wrap-the-week-according-to-apple/

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Android booting HP Bender surfaces in benchmark tests

It appears that HP might be looking for a way back into the smartphone game, people . Immediately after the computer giant's CEO Meg Whitman spoke about the company releasing a smartphone eventually, an HP branded, Android ICS booting handset, dubbed Bender has appeared in GLBenchmark test result database.

The mysterious handset sports some seriously beefy specs, which include Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 silicon and a display resolution of 1366 x 720 pixels. The Android version, which the leaked device boots is Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich.

Since having another tech heavyweight enter the smartphone game is a pretty big deal, we suggest you take this piece of news with a larger than usual pinch of salt. We will be keeping a close eye on HP though.

Source

Source : http://www.gsmarena.com/android_booting_hp_bender_surfaces_in_benchmark_tests_-news-4807.php

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The Sony Xperia T: the heart of your connected home

Bring the best of your Sony smartphone to your home entertainment system

Control your TV with a smartphone; stream content directly from your tablet to your PS3. The connected home is coming, and the Xperia T is at its heart.

The days when our homes were filled with disparate devices are gone – the future of technology is connection, and Sony offers you the chance to simply share content no matter what device you're using.

Got a Smart BRAVIA TV? Use your Sony Xperia T to access a wealth of content online or switch channels. Use your Xperia Tablet S to stream the latest movie to your PS3 or quickly display your favourite photos from your VAIO laptop on the big screen.

Using the pre-installed apps on your Sony Xperia T or Xperia Tablet S you'll get access to millions of tracks, the latest movies or your entire photo collection on any device.

Streaming the latest album on your smartphone? Use the inbuilt NFC and Sony's Xperia SmartTags to quickly begin playing it through your home cinema system. Bought a video on your PS3? Your universal Sony Entertainment Network login lets you pick up where you left off on your Sony tablet on the go.

We all want to share our favourite photos, so with Sony PlayMemories you'll get 5GB of online storage to see your snaps on your BRAVIA TV, VAIO laptop or PS3 with no hassle.

So get on board with Sony's vision of the connected home: be it TV, tablet, smartphone or laptop you'll have instant access to all the content you care about.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/the-sony-xperia-t-the-heart-of-your-connected-home-1097477

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Apple 'completely blown away' by iPhone 5 demand

Opening day sell-out 20 times faster than iPhone 4S

After completely selling out of its available pre-order stock on day-one, Apple says it has been blown away by the demand for the new iPhone 5.

As we reported yesterday, those wishing to pre-order the device now face shipping times of 2-3 weeks before they'll receive the new 4-inch, iOS 6 device.

In a statement to AllThings D, Apple spokeswoman Nat Karris said: "Preorders for iPhone 5 have been incredible.

"We've been completely blown away by the customer response."

Gold rush

The gold rush to have the new iPhone on opening day, somewhat unsurprisingly, seems to have made this the most popular device yet.

TechCrunch believes the pre-order sell-out was 20 times faster than the iPhone 4 and the iPhone 4S although Apple is yet to reveal any hard numbers.

AllThingsD believes that may happen next week.

One thing's for sure, if you want the iPhone 5 on launch day, September 21, you'll need to join the queue at one of Apple's retail stores in the US or the UK.

Source : http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/apple-completely-blown-away-by-iphone-5-demand-1097609

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