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Android market share rising at the expense of iOS

Android has been chipping away at iOS in terms of smartphone activations as Apple fans patiently wait for the megaton iPhone refresh coming towards the end of the year.

A preview of the new Coral Blue finish available on the S8 and S8 Plus. (Source: Samsung)

A coral blue Samsung Galaxy S8 is coming later this week

A new Galaxy S8 color is making the trip from South Korea and the UK to American shores. Coral Blue handsets will be available exclusively from Best Buy and Samsung's website starting July 21.

After a one month early access program, Bixby Voice is now receiving a full launch in the US. (Source: Samsung)

Samsung launches full Bixby Voice capabilities in the US

After a one month early access program, Bixby Voice is now receiving a full launch for the US market. Samsung is hoping that the deep integration with their applications will allow users to seamlessly switch between voice and touch input when using their phone.

A screenshot showing Game Live's streaming platform options. (Source: Sam Mobile)

Samsung's new app makes it more convenient to stream live gameplay

Showing off your sweet gaming skills on a Samsung smartphone has become a lot easier with Game Live. The app can share live video and audio across a trio of social media sites, and has options to control the quality of your streaming experience.

Forbes has reported that the S8 is seeing deep discounts due to lackluster market penetration in the US. (Source: Samsung)

Deal: Galaxy S8 for US$575, S8+ for US$675

Samsung flagship S8 and S8+ smartphones are on sale for record-low amounts via Groupon until July 18. Last month, Forbes suggested that consumers in the States will be seeing deep discounts on the S8 due to lower than expected sales in the US.

Mirror mirror on the wall, who's the smallest Galaxy of them all? (Source: CNet)

New Samsung Galaxy variant spotted on Geekbench, could feature the Snapdragon 840

A new Samsung Galaxy variant, purportedly the Galaxy S8 'lite', has hit the Geekbench benchmarks list and interestingly, the device seems to feature an unannounced Snapdragon 840 chipset.

Bixby button remapping is once again available for the Galaxy S8

In what is amounting to a game of Android developer chess, an XDA contributor has updated the bxActions app, allowing users to circumvent the recent Bixby button remapping block pushed out by Samsung to Sprint and T-Mobile Galaxy S8 devices. When will Samsung strike back?

Bixby's English debut is currently being hindered for want of big data and effective team communication. (Source: The Verge)

US launch of Samsung's Bixby delayed due to data-deficient AI

Lack of big data and inefficient communication between Samsung's offices in the US and Korea is proving limiting for Bixby whose US launch is still a while away.

Bright, Fast, Slim, and Dual: ISOCELL's "technological sub-brands" promise prioritized focus depending on the application. (Source: Samsung)

Samsung targets more markets with its ISOCELL brand

Unveiled last week at the 2017 MWC in Shanghai, ISOCELL, Samsung's new image sensor brand, looks to continue the legacy of its namesake technology. The company emphasizes the brand's versatility, and expects to see its adoption in a host of products.

Samsung claimed to offer a generous rebate for those wanting to hop onto the S8 bandwagon (Source: Samsung)

Samsung's Galaxy S8 trade-in program leaves many customers in the lurch

Disparities in the manner in which Samsung is honoring its trade-in program for the Galaxy S is irking many customers who had sent genuine working devices in hopes of a US$200 rebate.

Samsung is re-launching the year-old Galaxy Note 7 as the Galaxy Note Fandom Edition for US$600. (Source: Samsung)

Two months before the launch of the Galaxy Note 8, Samsung re-launches the Note 7 in Korea

Samsung is launching the Galaxy Note 7 again as the Galaxy Note Fandom Edition (FE) in South Korea. While the launch of the Note FE is only two months ahead of the launch of the Note 8, it looks like the Note 8 will be twice the price of the FE, so there will not be much cannibalization of sales.

Samsung may be developing a 2,000 ppi VR headset

If rumors are to be believed, Samsung is developing an ultra-high resolution OLED display that has a staggering pixel density of 2,000 ppi. This display may be used in a stand alone VR headset from Samsung, which would make for the most immersive VR experience yet.

Samsung and Apple cleaned house in the ACSI's 2017 Customer Satisfaction Survey. (Image: ACSI)

Apple and Samsung dominate 2017 American Customer Satisfaction Index

The two brands claimed every spot in the ACSI's top 20 smartphones ranked according to customer satisfaction.

Chinese brands such as Huawei are positioning themselves as manufacturers of premium, innovative products fit to compete against the world's best. (Source: Digital Trends)

Chinese smartphone makers surge while Apple and Samsung see decline

A new report by Gartner Inc. reveals Chinese smartphone OEMs saw huge growth over the past year while industry giants Apple and Samsung slightly negative growth.

The budget-priced BLUBOO S1 will sport Corning Gorilla Glass 5 to help with ruggedness. (Source: BLUBOO)

BLUBOO S1 is a nearly bezel-less smartphone for US$150

The BLUBOO S1 is a budget-friendly option for those wanting a bezel-less smartphone without leaving them penniless. It is expected to sport Corning Gorilla Glass 5 to help it remain robust despite its tiny bezels.

The rumored flagship-tier flip phone from Samsung, the SM-W2017. (Image: The Investor)

Samsung may be working on a flagship-class flip phone

The clamshell design may live on in a rumored Samsung device boasting some smartphone features, including OLED displays, a fingerprint reader, and a Snapdragon 430.

McAfee says that 44 percent of consumers are concerned about their financial information being stolen, while 38 percent of consumers are concerned about identity theft. (Source: Digital Trends)

McAfee antivirus will be pre-installed on Galaxy S8 devices

McAfee VirusScan software is now coming pre-installed on Galaxy S8 devices as part of a partnership between the two companies. Will it have a noticeable impact on users, or is this just more bloatware?

Unlocked phones are only available in Midnight Black at this time. (Source: TechCrunch)

Unlocked Galaxy S8/S8+ now available in the US

Pre-orders for the unlocked versions of the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ are now available with an availability date set for May 31st.

German testers from test.de put the S8 in their special testing drum, and it broke faster than other devices. (Source: Stiftung Warentest)

Drop tests reveal weak points in the Galaxy S8's display

The impressive Infinity Display on the Galaxy S8 performed poorly in numerous drop tests, suggesting that the thin bezel makes the glass more prone to shattering.

The Samsung Galaxy S6, in gold. (Source: Samsung)

Android Nougat upgrade is rolling out to AT&T's Galaxy S6 devices

The 2-year-old Samsung Galaxy S6 line is finally receiving Android Nougat, at least on AT&T. The devices are being upgraded to version 7.0 and should enjoy all of Nougat's software improvements and new features.

Instead of using the latest Snapdragon 835, LG opted to use last year's Snapdragon 821. (Source: Tech Radar)

Is the LG G6 overpriced for its specs?

Gone is the modular design of the G5, but the LG G6 suffers from one major disadvantage compared to other 2017 smartphones: it's stuck with year-old tech, but still costs about the same as a more premium product.

a few applications from Samsung can't be uninstalled or disabled like the Samsung Connect and Reminders application. (Source: Forbes)

Samsung has made disabling bloatware on the Galaxy S8 far easier

The Samsung Galaxy S8 comes with dozens of of Samsung and carrier-specific pre-installed apps, not all of which are useful, but since the Galaxy S6 they've been making it easier to pick and choose which apps you want to keep.

We expect Samsung to continue focusing on extracting more performance as well as maximizing efficiency, leading to better battery life. (Source: 9to5Google)

Qualcomm and Samsung are gearing up to create chips for Galaxy S9

Recent reports say that Samsung and Qualcomm have begun developing next year’s Snapdragon 845 chipset, which will make its debut in the Galaxy S9.

Samsung Galaxy S8 series is slightly easier to repair according to iFixit

The teardown reveals some modular motherboard components that can be relatively easy to replace if needed. Otherwise, points were taken off for an over-reliance on glue and the difficult-to-remove curved front glass.

It's difficult to imagine the Samsung Galaxy S8 Active looking anything like its predecessor. (Source: AT&T)

Samsung Galaxy S8 Active is coming to AT&T

A rugged version of the Samsung Galaxy S8 is rumored to debut by the end of spring. This new "Active" model has no price or concrete launch date yet, but is expected to be exclusive to AT&T.

The Galaxy S8 is able to smoothly emulate the Nintendo Gamecube. (Source: GuruAidTechSupport, Youtube)

Gamecube on the go: Dolphin emulator runs smoothly on the Galaxy S8

A video from GuruAidTechSupport shows off the Gamecube emulator Dolphin running at an incredibly smooth framerate on a display model of the Samsung Galaxy S8. While the emulator has been around for a while, this is one of the first times we've seen gameplay this smooth.

The Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus, coming soon with twice the storage. (Source: Samsung)

New Samsung Galaxy S8+ model features bigger storage, higher price

Samsung is releasing a new Galaxy S8+ model with 128 GB of internal storage and 6 GB of RAM. The handset will be available as part of a bundle which includes a Samsung DeX dock.

The Samsung Galaxy S8 is the company's attempt to break the "generic smartphone" mold. (Source: Samsung)

Check out how the Galaxy S8 came to be with Samsung's latest Design Story

The Samsung Galaxy S8 Design Story takes a look at the reasoning behind the smartphone's aesthetic and software choices.

An early Samsung smartphone prototype highlighting foldable display technology. (Source: Mobipicker)

Samsung's foldable phone is still coming, but much later than expected

Samsung's commercialization of foldable displays has been pushed back until 2019, meaning its Galaxy X device will debut at least until then. Samsung mentions the current success of bezel-free screens and a need to improve foldable technology as reasons for the delay.

Holding a picture of the owner's face in front of the camera seems to be enough. (Source: iDeviceHelp)

Samsung Galaxy S8 can be unlocked with a photograph

A video has surfaced of Samsung's new Galaxy S8 being tricked into unlocking with a photograph, raising questions of security.

DJ Koh, Samsung Electronics’ mobile business chief, presents the Galaxy S8 at the company’s unpacking event in New York on Wednesday. (Source: Samsung Electronics)

Samsung says Galaxy S8 and S8+ will not have supply shortage

Samsung expects record-breaking sales of their new flagship duo, the Galaxy S8 and S8+, but according to them, they aren't having any supply issues at all. Hopefully, the rumored chipsets falling behind production schedule were incorrect.

You can pre-order Microsoft's customized Galaxy S8 only at its retail stores. (Source: Microsoft)

Samsung Galaxy S8 Microsoft Edition now available for pre-order

Microsoft is accepting pre-orders for a customized version of the Samsung Galaxy S8. This "Microsoft Edition" includes a variety of the company's mobile apps that run the gamut from productivity to virtual assistance.

Despite the phone only being six days old and under warranty, the NDA seemed to try to paint Samsung as a company doing an undeserved favor. (Source: Brian Lim)

Samsung requires man to sign NDA before replacing faulty phone

A Singaporean man whose S7 Edge overheated was surprised to be served an NDA before Samsung would agree to replace his phone.

Samsung announces AKG earphones for the Galaxy S8. (Source: Engadget).

Samsung is including a pair of AKG earphones with each Galaxy S8

Every purchase of a Samsung Galaxy S8 or S8 Plus includes a pair of free, high-quality earphones. The earphones are made by well-known manufacturer AKG, and should be several steps above standard earbuds.

A side view of the new Samsung DeX. (Source: 9-to-5 Google)

Samsung DeX turns the Galaxy S8 into a (sort of) desktop PC

Samsung's new Desktop Experience dock, or DeX, turns the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus into capable, if not exceptional, impromptu desktop PCs. The DeX allows Android apps to be used on a large display, although not without some minor issues.

The Galaxy S7 edge could have an overheating issue

The Galaxy S7 could have an overheating issue

Last month, Samsung attempted to cover up a Galaxy S7's battery failure. Can they be trusted after the Note 7's failures and now this?

A fire erupted at a Samsung Experience Store in Singapore; workers cordoned off the shop after it was put out. (Source: The Straits Time)

Samsung store catches fire the day before the Galaxy S8 launches

A Samsung Experience Store in Singapore caught fire early Tuesday. The blaze threatened nearby shops and caused unspecified damage. This incident is the latest in a string of fire-related thorns in Samsung's side.

The Galaxy Note 7, which was killed off last year, may be making a triumphant return (Source: Samsung)

Rising from the ashes: Samsung will sell refurbished Galaxy Note 7 devices

Samsung confirmed today that they will attempt to refurbish and sell recalled Galaxy Note 7 smartphones. Phones that are not qualified for refurbishment will be torn down and recycled.

Samsung officially announces Bixby virtual assistant

Samsung's new digital assistant, Bixby, is "fundamentally different" from the competition's digital assistants. With advanced artificial intelligence at its core, Bixby will debut on the Galaxy S8. Samsung hopes to eventually bring the assistant to all of its appliances.

Samsung Galaxy S7 Active on AT&T receives Android Nougat

Samsung Galaxy S7 Active gets Nougat on AT&T

In addition to the usual new features delivered by Android Nougat, this update also removes the AT&T address book and throws new Samsung services such as Samsung Pass and Samsung Cloud into the mix.

The LG G6 features a unique 2:1 (or 18:9) aspect ratio. (Source: LG)

MWC 2017 | LG officially unveils G6: Ultrawide on-the-go

The LG G6 is now official: 5.7" display with an aspect ratio of 2:1, Snapdragon 821, 4 GB of RAM, and an interesting dual-camera setup. Noticeably absent is support for LG's Friends.

The Exynos 8895 might appear in the international version of the Galaxy S8. (Source: Samsung)

Samsung launches Exynos Series 9 8895 SoC

The Exynos 8895 is built on Samsung's 10 nm FinFET process and offers some notable improvements over last generations Exynos processors.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 could be in for a refurbished return. (Source: Hankyung)

Note 7 resurrected: Samsung could begin to refurbish and sell Galaxy Note 7

According to a South Korean news outlet, Samsung may refurbished recalled Galaxy Note 7 units with smaller capacity batteries and new outer casings.

Mac Otakara has stated that Apple may update their current iPad Pro and iPhone lines in March. (Source: Otakara)

Apple rumored to update iPad Pro, iPhones in March

According to Japanese website Mac Otakara, the Cupertino Giant will add several new sizes of iPad Pro and new colors to the iPhone SE and iPhone 7 lines.

Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge Android phablet in Blue Color finish

Samsung Galaxy S7/Edge gets Nougat on T-Mobile

Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge owners on T-Mobile have recently begun to receive OTA notifications that the Nougat update is ready and it looks like the latest security patches have been included as well, although the new firmware is not based on Android 7.1.1.

The Samsung Galaxy S8 is expected to be completely redesigned. (Source: VentureBeat)

Samsung Galaxy S8 rumored to be announced on March 29th, will be redesigned

According to rumors, The Samsung Galaxy S8 will remove the physical home button and feature much larger displays. The phone is expected to be announced on March 29th.

Unlike the pictured Galaxy S7, the S8 will have a fingerprint scanner on the rear instead. (Source: The Guardian)

Samsung Galaxy S8 may be available for purchase around April 21st

Say goodbye to your bezels. Users are finally getting a potential date on which they may purchase a Galaxy S8, which will have a number of interesting features including the curved “infinity” display from the S7 Edge, a new assistant, and USB Type-C port.

Samsung posts major revenue and profit growth for Q4 and full-year 2016

One phone does not make a company. Despite setback with the Galaxy Note 7, Samsung recorded a massive jump in profits for FY 2016.

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