Tony Ibrahim

A video has surfaced of the supposed Galaxy S IV and it is convincing

Image Source: 52Samsung

Stylistically it resembles an evolutionary Galaxy SIII as the curved corners, a hardware menu button, the single LED light and even the colour seems related to its forefather. It does differ by featuring a larger screen and a finer bezel right around. Even the touchwiz interface being used lines up with leaked screen shots as it’s thematically white and not black.

The hardware appears to fall in line with suggested specs too. According to images released by the same source, 52samsung.com, the smartphone has a Full HD display, a quad-core CPU and a 12.8MP camera.

The model number GT-I9502 marks the supposed S4’s as it is an overseas model; complete with dual sim card slots. The single card sim version is expected to carry the moniker GT-I9500.

Although this leak is compelling, there’s no way to know for certain if what we are drooling over is the Galaxy S4. Well, not until the March 14 announcement.

Source 1, Source 2 | Via 1, Via 2 

Samsung’s Galaxy Note II is breaking the records set by the original compliments of its bigger screen, expansive software suite and more powerful hardware.

The Note II is powered by Samsung’s Exynos quad core processor, but at 1.6GHz it’s the most powerful processor in a Samsung smartphone to date. Its joined by 2GB of RAM, internal memory that goes up to 64GB and offers the option of expandable memory. Throw in a 3,100 mAh battery and the Note II begins to resemble more tablet and less smartphone, but I guess Samsung anticipated that when they upped the screen to 5.5 inches.

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For the screen, Samsung has used a Super AMOLED panel with a resolution of 1,280 by 720 (HD). Entertainment is a huge part of the Note II’s allure and the screen, coupled with its 4G technology, will make it a powerhouse device to watch movies or stream videos on.

The 5.5 inch screen comfortably runs two apps simultaneously

As expected, Samsung’s S-Pen has returned. Not only does the stylus ease the transition between old-fashioned hardcopy and modern-day digital, it imbues Samsung’s products with a sense of individuality. With 1,024 levels of pressure sensitivity, the S-Pen is fluent in discerning hair-thin lines from bold markings.

On the back of the Note 2 is an 8MP camera that is enhanced with the same photographic sensibilities found on the Galaxy S3. These include its rapid burst mode, the ability to capture a still pic mid-video and its Best Photo mode. The later captures a series of photos and automatically recommends the best one, with an almost alarming accuracy. On the front is a 1.9MP camera that can be used for video calling/video conferencing.

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There’s a host of connectivity features on board, including WiFi, WiFi Direct, NFC, A-GPS (which has access to Russian Glonass satellites) and Bluetooth 4.0. Samsung’s S-Beam is a worthy inclusion as it combines NFC technology with the benefits of WiFi Direct, allowing users to transfer large files (movies, music, photos) quickly by simply tapping the two compatible smartphones together.

The final noteworthy difference is the Note II will be running Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) out of the box, equipping it with optimised speech recognition software and Google’s intuitive Now interface.

Samsung’s Galaxy Note II is available now in Marble White or Titanium Grey.

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Now when lost inside a building, simply open Google Maps on your Android smartphone and it’ll tell you where to go. You could be running late for a plane as you look for terminal 55 at Sydney Airport or leisurely walking through the Museum of Contemporary Arts, either way, Google’s Maps will generate a floor plan and guide you on you way.

It works by combining local cell-tower data with nearby WiFi networks and it’ll triangulate your position down to the floor you’re on. Viewing a building’s floor plan is as simple as pinching it.

Google’s Partnerships Manager for ANZ, Jamie Woodbridge, said in a statement:
“Indoor Google Maps are like having an indoor directory in the palm of your hand – helping you determine where you are, what floor you’re on, and how to get to where you want to be. In some locations, you’ll even be able to use the familiar “blue dot” icon that indicates your approximate location – even when you’re inside. This means that when you move up or down a level in a building with multiple floors, the map will automatically update to display which floor you’re on.”

Google is continuing to map the schematics of more locations, but as CNet points out, we can’t imagine every building will consent to the process.

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Premium AV Company Bang & Olufsen has released a new connected Smart TV distinguished by museum-worthy looks.

The latest addition to their bespoke television range is the BeoVision 11. Immediately the BeoVision 11 deviates from the norm by looking more like a square and less like a rectangle, housing six additional speakers below the 16:9 screen.

This 40″, 46″ and 55″ LED backlit LCD is the first in B&O’s range to have access to the company’s web portal, which hosts popular apps (including YouTube, Facebook and Twitter), local unspecified content and an internet browser. For easy internet browsing B&O has released a free BeoRemote application for Apple’s iPad and Android tablets, allowing owners to take advantage of their native touchscreen technologies and QWERTY keyboards.

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The Company’s CEO, Tue Mantoni, revealed Bang & Olufsen imagined the BeoVision 11 to be a TV that would unify an array of up-to-date digital entertainment.

“We want to provide our customers the same premium experience no matter whether they are watching TV, downloading a film, using the internet or trying out the latest video game. BeoVision 11 has been designed to keep up with everyone in the family – and to keep them amazed, with nothing between them and their content – as technology continues to evolve in new directions.”

Connectivity on the whole is pretty good with the BeoVision 11 as it features DLNA for multi-room audio, WiFi, 6 HDMI ports, 2 USB ports and 5 power link sockets, with 2 channels each for an external home theatre system.

It’s also characterised by a suite of picture enhancing software. Movies typically run at 24 frames per second which isn’t ideal for TV viewing. B&O has tended to this by interpolating where objects should be and blending the original frames for noticeably smoother playback. Additionally, it features an ambient light sensor which measures room lighting and automatically adjusts the TV’s brightness for ideal picture.

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The same level of intuition is displayed when switching between TV channels, internet sites and Blu-ray movies as the BeoVision 11 automatically tweaks its audio and visual settings to deliver the best possible experience.

There’s so much more to Bang & Olufsen’s range than intelligent technologies. The BeoVision 11 is evidence B&O believe technology can be art. Unlike Apple, who engineers products to satisfy the largest possible audience, Bang & Olufsen don’t compromise their vision, tailoring each product to individual preference.

B&O offer the BeoVision 11 with six different front fabric colours, a front frame in silver or black and a rear cabinet in black and white. If that isn’t enough, they also offer the TV in four stand option, including motorised wall brackets and floor stands.