Samsung

The Foldable Smartphone: Latest News & Rumours about the Samsung Galaxy X

Last week in Barcelona, Samsung wowed us with the official launch of the much-anticipated Samsung Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus at MWC 2018. While we’re still overwhelmed by the two new smartphones, the Korean tech giant is already planning something even more exciting – the foldable Galaxy X! Samsung claims in its latest earnings report that it “will continue its efforts to differentiate its smartphones by adopting cutting-edge technologies, such as foldable OLED displays.” It seems that the company is nearing production of its long-rumoured pioneering handset. Read on to find out more about this ground-breaking gadget:

Reports suggest that the experimental Samsung Galaxy X was presented with a launch schedule during a private event at this year’s CES. Two models were reportedly shown in the behind-closed-doors showcase, an inward folding version and an outward folding one. However, no images have been leaked.

Features & Design

We know that the Samsung Galaxy X is going to be a foldable 2-in-1 phone and tablet, but we still can’t be sure how it exactly works. Samsung has previously demonstrated curved and bendable screens, but a foldable one is still yet to be displayed openly.

According to rumours, we’ll be expecting a 4K (3840 x 2160px) resolution. The 5-inch display could be folded out into a 7-inch mini tablet. The foldable phone could also come with a dual-camera at the rear. It is very likely that the phone is going to be powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 or Exynos 9810 processor, with minimum 6GB of RAM. There will probably be a microSD card slot and a non-removable battery.

In late 2016, Samsung applied for a patent that gives us some hints on how the Galaxy X may eventually look like.

It is a hinged device with a design very similar to that of the Microsoft Surface Book, which suggests that there may be a similar small cavity when the phone is folded over. Nevertheless, it doesn’t change the fact that the Galaxy X is an unprecedented piece of smartphone technology!

When it comes to flexible OLED displays, Samsung is not the only player in the field. LG and Lenovo have demonstrated bendable displays and devices at a number of industry events. The two competitors have also registered multiple patents for the technology. LG even has curved OLED screens in production, which are used on its monitors, TVs and curved smartphones like the LG Flex. While LG may be taking the lead on the display side with its announcement of the 65-inch rollable OLED TV at CES 2018, it’s a brilliant strategy of Samsung to become the pioneer of foldable smartphones.

Release Date

Samsung has confirmed that the foldable Galaxy X will be released in 2018, probably towards the end of the year. However, it is reported that this avant-garde gadget will only be available in a limited number of around 100,000 and exclusively in Korea, Samsung’s home nation. This quirky folding phone may be one of the hardest to bag in 2018!

We can’t wait for the Samsung Galaxy X to be finally released! Are you as excited as us? Keep up with more updates on the Samsung Galaxy X, helpful reviews and other tech related news at www.laptopoutletblog.co.uk.

March 8, 2018 0 comment

Samsung

Samsung Launches Modular TV Called “The Wall”

At this year’s CES, Korean tech giant Samsung has unveiled a massive 146-inch modular TV – so huge that it’s appropriately called ‘’The Wall’’!

Featuring a micro-LED display that excels in delivering the deepest black and bright highlights, the TV will rival OLED screens from their competitor LG’s flagship products.

If 146 inches isn’t enough for you, the mega-telly’s modular technology will even allow you to customise the size of your TV! The Wall can link up to other units to build a display as big as your lounge and bank balance will allow (!) And we’re not expecting it to be cheap as Samsung’s current 75-inch TVs are around £5000.

Much smaller than current LEDs in TVs, MicroLEDs generate their own light, enabling individual pixels to be turned on and off. This results in higher contrast, richer colours and a more dynamic range. The self-emitting LEDs will be able to produce a bright picture without a backlight, which hinders the creation of deep blacks on screens since its illumination spills beyond the pixels it is targeted at.

These features may sound familiar to you as Samsung had already demoed this technology at last year’s CES. The technology was only referred as a prototype that wouldn’t be seen on any actual product anytime soon however, 12 months later, The Wall is almost ready for commercial sale.

You may think there’s no difference between watching on a projector and on The Wall. Why bother going to the fuss of having an enormous TV? Well, the modular TV’s picture quality is guaranteed to beat what a projector can manage. Just imagine having an IMAX-like experience in your living room! Your home cinema experience will also be more fuss-free – You’ll just have to sit back and switch the mega-telly on without worrying about unfurling the screen, fiddling about with the projector or making sure your room is dark enough for the projector to deliver a good picture.

We’re expecting a huge price tag since MicroLED displays are difficult to manufacture. Each of the LEDs have to be placed onto a layer by machines and there are millions of LEDs in a single screen. Even though Samsung was pitching its monster TV as a ‘’consumer’’ product, it’s unlikely to attract bargain hunters.

Samsung has not yet revealed details on the pricing of The Wall. Its release date is also yet to be announced. Are you as excited as we are?!

Stay tuned for more exciting news and launches from CES 2018!

Keep up with all the latest product launches and tech news at www.laptopoutletblog.co.uk.

January 11, 2018 0 comment

Samsung

3 Best Samsung Smartphones To Buy In The UK

Fan of the brand Samsung? On the hunt for a new phone? Well, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve browsed through the selection of smartphones that Samsung has to offer and done our research and narrowed it down to the top 3. Hopefully it’ll help you make a choice on what phone you’d like to purchase next.

Samsung Galaxy S7

Processor: Exynos 8890/ Octa Core

RAM: 4GB

Storage: 32GB

Screen: 5.1”, touchscreen

OS: Android 6.0 (Marshmallow)

Camera: 12mp rear & 5mp front

With a sturdy exterior body and countless high tech features, this phone is one of Samsung’s best smartphones. Using the same chip as newer phones (Exynos 8890 processor chip), it’s just as powerful as the S7+ or S8, but costs significantly less. With a 5.1” display screen and weighing only 152g, this phone fits snugly in your pocket and is capable of providing you with viewing pleasure on the go with an impeccable screen size and good graphics. Alongside this, the phone’s immense battery power can last up to 24 hours with consistent use and provides up to 9 hours of continuous playback. With a 5mp front camera and 12mp rear camera, you can capture moments in stunning true to life quality, and everyone would be included in your group selfies!

Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge

Processor: Exynos 8890/ Octa Core

RAM: 4GB

Storage: 32GB

Screen: 5.1”, touchscreen

OS: Android 6.0 (Marshmallow)

Camera: 12mp rear & 5mp front

The metal and glass body and curved screen display makes this phone an absolute stunner! Although released over a year ago, this phone is in the league of newer models and more recently released phones in terms of aesthetics. Maintaining much of the tech spec as its predecessor the S7, there are a few little changes that raise this device in the ranks. One of the most commendable features is the structural design and water resistant feature. With a screen upgrade to 5.5”, slightly bigger but you can still comfortably hold it in one hand, unlike its rival- the iPhone 6 Plus.

Samsung Galaxy Core Prime

Processor: Quad Core

RAM: 1GB

Storage: 8GB

Screen: 5.1”, touchscreen

OS: Android 4.4

Camera: 5mp rear & 2mp front

If you’re on the hunt for a smartphone but have a tight budget, look no further. This is probably the cheapest smartphone available across numerous well-known mobile brands. The phone alone costs around £100 (less than one seventh of the price of the Samsung Galaxy S8+). It has a less luxurious feel with a plastic exterior but looks more expensive than it is due to the slick design. If you want something on the smaller side too, this is an ideal pick, with a screen size of 4.5” this little guy can fit in anywhere with ease.

So there you have it, the three best Samsung phones available right now! We hope we’ve assisted you in making a choice but if you’re still undecided check out our great range of mobile phones; you’ll definitely find something right for you.

For more helpful top picks, reviews and tech news check out our blog.

July 4, 2017 0 comment

Samsung

Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Expected Release Date, News & Rumours

It’s looking to be an exciting summer with the release of various new devices and the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is one of them. After the spontaneous combustion debacle with the Samsung Galaxy Note 7, the pressure is on to bring out a top of the range smartphone (that doesn’t set alight!). We’ve gathered as much information as we could on the upcoming release, so if you’re curious or considering purchasing the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 when released, read on!

Screen & Display

As seen with its soon-to-be predecessor, the new model will share a similar screen by keeping the slick curved- edge screen. However, say goodbye to the home button as similarly to the speculation surrounding the iPhone 8, the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is completely removing it and adopting a new infinity screen display. Talented graphic designer Muhsin M. Belaal Auckburaully has created an image of what the new release is expected to look like. The removal of the home button received both praise and criticism, but after seeing various leaked patents and designs, this feature was well received for the slick and luxurious infinity screen.

(Source: Trustedreviews.com)

The Galaxy Note 7 had a viewing display of 5.7 inches, so inevitably we expect an increase in viewing size; especially with the new infinity display feature. We presume the screen will be no less than 6.2 inches. The increased screen size will be aesthetically pleasing and provide a lot more room and ease for navigation; we expect this to improve multitasking ability too.

The screen is also rumoured to be pressure sensitive. Holding your finger against the screen with varying degrees of pressure will show you different menus, the S8 and S8 Plus have this feature but it is restricted to the home button.

Alongside this, we expect to see an increase in screen quality via graphics. The S7 range had Quad HD which had a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels and the new release is expected to have Quad HD+ with 2960 x 1440 pixels. There is also a possibility of 4K ultra HD. All of these new features and upgrades are more so tailored to the VR aspect of the phone, so if virtual reality isn’t a concern for you, perhaps this phone isn’t the best choice; as such features will undeniably bump up the price.

Camera & Memory

We expect to see an increase in camera quality as most upgraded models do. There’s been heavy speculation of an 8mp front camera, 3x optical zoom, 12mp wide angle lens, 13mp telephoto one and a selfie auto-function feature. Again we see parallels to the iPhone 8, as both are expected to have vertically aligned dual cameras.

There’s expected to be a storage increase to 128GB as the storage capability for the standard model and an increase to 6GB RAM.

Stylus and Software

The last range, the 7, saw the phone accompanied with a stylus. Not a must, but handy for those who need to scribble on the go, whether it be for notes and reminders, sketching or graphic design.

(Source: Techradar.com)

In amidst of heavy rumours and speculation, one specific feature caught our attention; a stylus with a built-in speaker! So considering the size of most styluses, we expect this one may be a little bigger if the built-in speaker is a legitimate feature. As innovative, yet strange of an idea, we think it’s great! We’re not expecting sound loud enough to feel the bass vibrate through you, but it’s definitely a handy feature. It’ll save people the hassle of carrying a speaker around (which will most likely be a lot larger than a stylus) and will save customers some cash as they won’t have to buy a speaker. However, don’t get your hopes up, it is one of the least speculated features on the Samsung Galaxy Note 8. Samsung has also promised tweaks and little software changes, so we expect a fairly familiar Android OS, however little are known about the upcoming alterations.

(Source: Trustedreview.com)

Security

In terms of security, the phone will still have the finger print ID scanner one way or another. The old model saw this feature placed on the home screen, but the new model will have it placed elsewhere. It will either be built into the screen or next to the rear camera. It will most likely be built into the screen due accessibility rather than on the back of the phone.

Charging and Battery

We expect normal charging with this phone with the possibility of wireless charging. Little has been stated on the chance of this so we are in the dark as to how this will work, if there will be a charging dock or case. However, it’s suggested that despite having a normal charging cable, it will most likely be quicker than current smart phones on the market; so there’ll be little to no waiting around when trying to run out of the house when your phone is low on battery!

Now, probably the most important part; battery. Samsung quite possibly had the biggest technological disaster in history with the battery combustion fiasco seen with the Samsung Galaxy Note 7. As seen with many rechargeable electronic devices, most have a lithium-ion cell battery. It’s energy dense and highly powerful so is inescapably susceptible to overheating and combustion. However, most phones when reaching full charge are programmed to stop the charging process, makes sense right? Well, Samsung forgot that part, so the Galaxy 7 ‘over-charged’. The battery can set alight without any given warning such as emitting external heat energy, and so they exploded and set fire.

Given this, Samsung really buckled down on their charging and battery innovation and technology in order to ensure the new release is safe. This huge mistake saw roughly 3 million handsets recalled and was a financial disaster, so we’re sure that the new battery should be safe in order to avoid a reoccurrence of such sort. The company has newly designed a safety test, so don’t worry, there’ll be no mini explosions!

Chip

We don’t expect many changes from the usual here. The phone requires a fair bit of processing power, so we’re expecting small and mighty, and arguably a chip used before or a slightly altered version. This narrows us down to two potential contenders, the custom- built Exynos 8995 chip set or the Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 835 chip. Both of these are no stranger to Samsung, the Snapdragon was used in the Galaxy Note 7 and is likely to be used again because it was so efficient.

Release Date & Price

According to trusted source ‘The Korea Herald’, release is expected to be in August. We were initially unsure, but rivalling with the release of the iPhone 8, Samsung plan to release before Apple does in hopes of gaining sales before everyone flocks to the unveiling of Apple’s latest device. Unlike Apple, so far there have been no whispers of delay, so the release date seems to be securely placed within August, however the exact date is yet to be confirmed.

As for the price, brace yourself! The Galaxy Note 7 was £749 and due to current upgrades and new features (especially graphics and screen) numerous sources state the release price to be no less than £870. We know, it’s definitely one of the most expensive smart phones on the market. But as stated before, Samsung seem to have focus improvements around virtual reality, so if you’re not fussed by this or graphics, there are plenty of cheaper alternatives which are just as good and probably better suited for you.

So there you have it, everything we know about the upcoming release of the Samsung Galaxy Note 8, you now know too! If you were interested in buying it, we hope we’ve helped you reach a decision. For more tech news, reviews and top picks check out our blog.

June 28, 2017 0 comment

Samsung

Highlights from the Samsung Galaxy S8 Launch

The Samsung Galaxy S8 launch yesterday was a considerably large event, with the eyes of the world on the much awaited S8, and Samsung most definitely didn’t disappoint as this phone is in a league of its own! If you missed the launch or didn’t get a chance to see it all, don’t worry because we have you covered with all of the highlights from the Samsung Galaxy S8 launch.

Display

Image source: Trusted Reviews

The Launch events were held in New York and London with the slogan ‘unbox your phone’ and that’s exactly what happened. Firstly, the display of the S8 and S8 plus is a curved screen that wraps around with no, or very little bezel. This curved glass design, which is being called an ‘infinity display’ by Samsung, is truly stunning and definitely aesthetically pleasing making it stand out.

The aspect ratio of the screen is 16:8:9 making it wider than normal phones, with Samsung following in the footsteps of LG’s G6, which also has a similar aspect ratio. This is most likely because of the more immersive experience provided with the wider aspect ratio; as well as the fact that it makes it better suited to multi-tasking, by allowing sufficient space to comfortably use two apps beside each other. The Samsung S8 and the S8 plus will be 5.8 inches long and 6.2 inches long respectively, making the screens larger than those of the S7 and the S7 Plus.

Image source: Trusted Reviews

The AMOLED Quad HD+ display and the 2960 x 1440 is what makes the display a showstopper, with the S8 being the first HDR premium phone rated by the UHD alliance! The brighter and enhanced screen display will make everything a joy to view on the S8 and S8 plus.

Bixby

One of the main highlights from the Samsung Galaxy S8 launch was the introduction to Bixby, Samsung’s answer to Apple’s Siri, this is something that has been a long time coming and so, even if its new to Samsung it’s not necessarily a new type of technology, nevertheless, many Samsung fans will be pleased with the inclusion of a voice activated assistant as it is better late than never.

Image source: CNET

Bixby also has a dedicated button on the S8 and S8 plus, meaning you can access it at any time, something which is completely new for smartphone voice assistants. What is supposed to set Bixby apart from the others is the fact that it has a ‘contextual understanding’ system, meaning Bixby is able to learn with you and understand your questions and commands and act accordingly, something which was highlighted by Samsung heavily during the launch.

It will also provide tailored reminders, for example reminding you of certain things as soon as you get home and walk through the door, making it easily integrated into your life and a convenient assistant to have on your phone. Samsung Connect was another focus of the launch with Samsung unveiling how your Galaxy S8 and Samsung Connect can work together to link all of your home appliances together, like your fridge and washing machine to improve the simplicity of carrying out everyday tasks in our lives. Samsung truly gave us a glimpse of what the future of technology will look like during the launch.

Features and Hardware

A major move away from tradition, Samsung has removed the physical home button from the S8; it has instead been replaced by a touch sensitive button on the screen. The front facing camera will be 8MP which is an improvement from its predecessor, the S7; however there is disappointingly no change on the rear camera which is still 12MP.

Image source: Express Newspapers

That being said, the S7’s camera was widely popular and considered the best of all smartphone cameras, so the saying ‘if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it’ comes to mind. An added feature on the camera however, is that it takes three pictures and chooses the best one which will make taking pictures an easier task for those of us who like to take a tonne of selfies but struggle to choose the best one!

New ways to unlock the phone also make it easier to use, with a fingerprint scanner (now on the back of the phone) as well as an iris scanner making the phone more secure. It will also include Samsung Pass, similar to Apple Pay as well as a health tracking app also similar to Apple’s Health app.

So far, two colours have been announced for the UK, Midnight Black and Orchid Grey, however more colours are expected to come along further down the line. It is expected to arrive on the 19^th April and you can get it earlier (from 20^th April) if you pre order from Samsung and selected retailers. Although not announced at the launch, the S8 will cost £689, and the S8 Plus will be available for £779, as stated on the Samsung website.

The lack of significant improvements in the battery as well as the camera may make this price seem slightly high, especially as it is pointedly more expensive in comparison to the Samsung S7. AKG headphones will be included in the box as expected and there was even a VR launch alongside the phone reveal, also as expected. They even unveiled a Gear 360 camera as well as Samsung DeX, a desktop dock for the Samsung S8.

Samsung DeX was an exciting announcement as it lets you use your phone with your desktop PC to connect the two and edit documents for example, making it perfect for business users (read our top business laptops blog post here).

The Samsung S8’s appeal seems undeniable and puts it way ahead of any other smartphones on the market, the absence of the home button and the launch of Bixby as well as Samsung Connect bode well for the future of the smartphone manufacturer.

We hope you enjoyed reading our highlights from the Samsung Galaxy S8 launch. Have you set your sights on the S8 or S8 plus for when it goes on sale next month? We know we have! Comment below and let us know.

March 30, 2017 0 comment

Samsung

Samsung makes comeback with the Galaxy S8 & S8 Plus

The Samsung Galaxy S8 is coming, and after the company faced the catastrophe of the Galaxy Note 7 and were forced to scrap it, they are depending on the S8’s upcoming release to revive their smartphone momentum.

Last month, Samsung announced that they will permanently discontinue the Galaxy Note 7 smartphone as multiple devices caught fire, forcing the company to half production. Samsung’s trademark smartphone features and unique picture quality has allowed the company to keep hold of their sincere customer base, despite the catastrophe. Investors have not lost faith in the company, as the share price remains steady. The Galaxy Note 7 was a crucial rival to the iPhone 7; however the replacement of millions of the device and its subsequent scrapping cost the company hugely.

Samsung is planning on introducing a newer and larger model of the Galaxy S8 called the Galaxy S8 Plus. Both smartphones will feature EDGE displays and a new design with a new bezel-less design so the size is not much bigger than the previous Galaxy Note 7 –which the S8 is actually replacing, since it was scrapped.

Samsung failed to compete with the iPhone 7 due to the Galaxy Note 7 disaster; however they have a head start with their new bezel-less design on the S8 Plus, as it’s something Apple is also expected to use in the iPhone 8, when it’s launched next year. The iPhone 8 and its premium version are both expected to feature an all-touch front panel along with the Home Key inside the new OLED display which will allow more room for the display as well as an enhanced viewer experience.

Samsung devices are known for their incredible visual quality; however the company needs to take it even further with the S8 Plus, taking into consideration the Note 7 they have to make up for. 4k display panels, a bigger battery and UHD panels are all areas that Samsung can experiment with, to win back their users and bring the company back into direct competition with Apple.

What’s in the S8?

The S8 will have a 5.7” OLED display, whilst the premium version – S8 Plus, will have a larger 6.2” panel. The new design means that the size of the S8 plus won’t be much bigger than the S8, even with the much bigger screen size.

So far, we know the Galaxy S8 has a number of interesting additional features such as Samsung’s new digital assistant Viv, new processing technology, a dual-lens camera, improved RAM, Android 7.0 Nougat and enhanced optimisation for the ultimate user experience.

As well as these exciting launches, Samsung has confirmed that their Galaxy Note range will be back in 2017. This means we have more to look forward to aside from the S8 & S8 Plus, and new releases from LG & HTC.

Stay up to date with the latest launches and tech news at www.laptopoutletblog.co.uk

November 14, 2016 0 comment

ASUS Lenovo Samsung Smartphones Smartwatch Sony Toshiba

The best of IFA 2016

IFA is the consumer electronics trade show that takes place in Berlin every year. The show takes place in September, and it has been the platform for a range of major launches including the first generations of Samsung Galaxy Note devices. ASUS has been a stand-out manufacturer at IFA 2016 with the launch of products within their ZenSeries line, along with a number of other companies. As the feature-packed event has now come to an end, we bring you a round-up of the best at IFA this year:

1. Samsung Gear smartwatch –the Gear S3

(Source: Wareable.com)

IFA 2016 was the platform for the release of the highly anticipated Samsung Gear S3 smartwatch. The 4^th generation Gear S3 smartwatch by Samsung is considerably larger than the previous release, as well as having a 4G enabled mode and a GPS signal. It is available in either classic or frontier design. The Gear S3 Frontier is slightly weightier than the Classic, weighing 62g; however they both have 46 x 49 x 12.9mm dimensions. The smartwatch is also waterproof –which is a signature enhancement on many Samsung devices; it can stay in water up to 5 feet deep for 30 minutes.

There are not many significant changes that have taken place in the new smartwatch in comparison to the Samsung Gear S2 –which is a highly acclaimed release; however the longer battery life and larger size are impressive changes. The Always-On Display (AOD) is able to display up to 16 million colours without draining the battery which is a striking plus.

It will be interesting to see how Apple responds with the next release of the Apple Watch, as the Gear S3 looks hard to beat, aside from the fact that the Frontier is considerably heavier than the standard Apple watch. A minority may find the substantial size of the smartwatch troublesome, however the style and skill of the gadget overcomes that.

Release date: October 2016

Price: not confirmed, however is expected to be £249 for the Classic and around £300 for the Frontier.

2. Lenovo Yoga Book tablet

(Source: Notebookcheck.com)

Lenovo announced a new Yoga Book at IFA 2016; it uses the manufacturer’s signature watchband-hinge –one part with the standard touchscreen and the other half with a fascinating touch-sensitive surface. The surface has light-up keys which emulate a keyboard, however it also accepts input as a stylus so can be used as both; it is powered by Wacom.

Lenovo’s new Yoga Book tablet, which the company calls the ‘Create Pad’, has a “halo” touch sensitive keyboard which is great for graphic designers, as it can be used for typing, writing notes or drawing with a stylus pen. The device has another remarkable feature – you can add an ink cartridge into the stylus and take notes on real paper, while the Yoga Book copies them onto the screen. The hinge on the device allows you to swing the screen all the way around so you can even take and record notes while it’s folded.

The device has a 15 hour battery life, so it’s also great for on-the-go use, and it gives users the option of an Android or Windows operating system. In Lenovo’s signature manner, there will be two variants of the device: Android Marshmallow and Windows 10. Both versions will have the stylus included as well as LTE radios.

Lenovo says:

Up until now, we’ve been using tablets in ways we weren’t meant to: for productivity, for example, which becomes painful when typing or applying a stylus onto a touch screen that you’re using on-the-go.

The Yoga Book removes that difficulty by taking the fundamental building blocks from the DNA of what makes a great tablet – namely portability, long battery life and a rich app ecosystem – and entwines it into a strand of creativity and productivity through a suite of powerful new hardware and software features, including:

The instant halo keyboard
The dual-use stylus that writes on paper and screen
The productivity-driven Book UI

Release date: the device will be available to buy in the US from October.

Price: Android Marshmallow version: $499; Windows 10 version: $549

3. Sony Xperia XZ

(Source: Gadgets.ndtv.com)

IFA 2016 saw Sony launch their official flagship X –series device, the Xperia XZ. The XZ differs with the previous Xperia X, with an emphasis on photography and a more refined design. There are evidently a range of great camera improvements from the previous offering, such as the 23 MP sensor which has new white balance technology to improve the colouring of photographs and enhance detail. Sony sensors often indicate issues by displaying fine details, so this is a welcome improvement from the manufacturer.

Sony has also combatted any issues of blurriness with the 5-axis stabilisation technology which ensures clear-cut video quality. The smartphone is available in deep blue, black and silver, and features the highest range of specs ever seen in a Sony device. The Xperia XZ is a great premium handset which marks a return to the waterproof feature for Sony, and it will also be upgraded to Android Nougat soon, so it is essentially the unison of the best features of Sony’s X and Z series of devices.

Executive Vice President, Global Sales and Marketing, Sony Mobile Communications, Hideyuki Furumi says: “With Xperia we want to assist you when and where it matters most, making your everyday lives more convenient, more effortless, more spontaneous.

With Xperia XZ and Xperia X Compact you can capture every moment as you see it, with blur-free images day or night, and with true to life colours thanks to our new triple image sensing technology.”

Release date: early October

Price: expected to be £500 to £600.

4. Acer Predator 21 X

(Source: Business Insider UK)

Acer has revolutionised the gaming scene by breaking the barriers between PC’s and laptops. The Acer Predator 21 X is the first laptop which has a curved screen and is specifically designed to engage gamers. PC gamers may have finally found the device that converts them to laptop gaming, as the Predator 21 X has all the power of a desktop (with the dual NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 graphics card) along with the benefit of portability –so you can take premium gaming with you everywhere!

The fact that laptop manufacturers can now install full-size desktop versions of the NVIDIA GTX 10-series graphics card has also been helpful in the growth of laptop gaming. The device is similarly priced to a standard gaming desktop, so the choice between the both is purely personal preference –although desktop gamers still have the niftiest gadgets available to enhance gaming, such as curved and ultra-wide monitors, which are great for immersive gaming.

The laptop has a 21-inch curved display along with a wide-angle screen so it will be pretty impressive for gaming, and it also has an eye-tracking technology feature which is useful for interacting in games. Weighing only 8kg, it is great for on-the-go use; however it does require two power supplies

Release date: 2017

Price: not confirmed, expected to be upwards of £3800

5. ASUS ZenWatch 3

(Source: Techradar.com)

The launch of this smartwatch by the Taiwanese firm, ASUS, at IFA 2016 was a welcome surprise. ASUS Vice President Eric Chen stated:

“IFA is where we launched our very first smartwatch and we have continued the tradition today with ZenWatch 3.

We deeply appreciate the loyal support from consumers in Europe, and we are excited to bring our new Zenvolution product line-up to the European markets.”

The ASUS ZenWatch 3 is certainly a winner in the visual department, and it’s available in three stunning colours: silver, gunmetal and rose gold. Users are spoilt for choice with this gadget as it has over 50 customisable watch faces. The ASUS ZenWatch 3 is one of the first wearables to use the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 2100 chipset, so it features impressive HyperCharge technology which allows the battery to charge super quick and last 2 days.

The round design is different from the lozenge-style face of the previous ASUS release, and it has a fully circular 1.39-inch OLED display with stunning 400 x 400 screen resolution. Users will enjoy bright and detailed visuals with this impressive device. The premium and much-preferred round style of this smartwatch puts ASUS on the level of popular releases such as the Huawei watch and the Moto 360.

Release date: it will be available in October, first in the US and Germany.

Price: Rubber strap – £190; Leather strap – £210

6. Sony Xperia Ear

(Source: Pocket-lint)

Sony discussed the release date of the Xperia Ear as well as many other members of its Smart Product range, which includes the Xperia Agent and Project. The Xperia Ear was first announced at Mobile World Congress 2016, and it is one of Sony’s trio of future tech.

It is a wireless in-ear audio companion device for Sony’s range of Xperia smartphones; it responds to voice commands and delivers notifications directly without the need to check your phone. The device will essentially act as a mobile ‘Siri’ or ‘Google Now’, and gives real-time weather and news updates, as well as personal schedule reminders; it can also read out directions so you don’t have to look at your phone screen. It has a high level of interaction, such as responding to questions as if you’re conversing with the device.

Sony has acknowledged that users may not always be able to ‘talk’ to the device or may prefer gestures, so the Xperia Ear has impressively been instilled with gesture recognition. For example, shaking your head can indicate ‘no’ to the device. The demos shown suggested that gestures did not need to be exaggerated, so it is an interesting future tech device; however it is questionable if it will be popular with consumers.

Release date: November 2016 in some countries

Price: €200 – UK and US price not announced yet.

7. ASUS ZenScreen

(Source: The Verge)

IFA 2016, this year, saw ASUS launch a series of impressive gadgets –most notably creating the “world’s lightest and slimmest full HD portable monitor”, the ASUS ZenScreen.

The ZenScreen is an innovative device which allows users to transport and enjoy a 15.6” Full HD screen anywhere, revolutionising the idea of standard portable devices which tend to compromise screen size for portability. It is also 60-percent slimmer than the usual portable displays, and has a USB-C connection. The Type-C (USB-C) port supports both power and video transmission for compatibility with any laptop with a USB-C or USB Type-A port.

ASUS Design Centre Director, Jen Chuang says “When computers get smaller, sometimes we feel restricted by the screen size. ZenScreen is designed to enlarge your workspace, so you can multitask with an extended view anywhere you want.”

Release date: not announced yet

Price: approximately $300

8. TomTom Touch

(Source: The Verge)

The TomTom Touch may not appear to be much more than a basic fitness tracker, however it has one stand-out feature –it can calculate body fat.

The touch-sensitive button sends a harmless current through your body to determine the balance between your muscle mass and fat. We’re not certain on whether it will deliver the most precise readings, however this is a unique and impressive feature to have on a fitness tracker.

TomTom has a renowned reputation as a dashboard GPS system manufacturer, however the company’s recent skill for stand-out wearables has given it a well-deserved spot on our round-up of the best gadgets of IFA 2016. The slim waterproof design and Touch feature has put the TomTom Touch in direct competition against the popular Fitbit.

Release date: pre-order from September 7^th

Price: £129.99

9. Philips 55910F OLED TV

(Source: Techradar)

A large number of televisions were showcased at IFA 2016; however one that stood out was the Philips 55910F OLED TV. This 55 inch TV displays the brilliance of Philips’ famous backlighting technology –Ambilight, and it’s been combined with a stunning OLED 4K screen. This is Philip’s first ever OLED TV and it does not disappoint.

This impressive TV will unquestionably deliver an extraordinary viewer experience every time, as the 4K UHD screen displays magnificent vibrant colour quality. The unique Ambilight technology splashes light behind the television so the mood matches the screen –as evident from the image. It’s also an Android TV, so it is expected to be a pricey gadget.

The picture quality immediately engages, and the OLED screen differentiates the darkness of black and vibrancy of colours, resulting in a stunning display.

Philips says: “OLED, Ambilight and Philips PQ technology combine to set a new reference: the world’s only OLED 4K TV with Ambilight!”

Release date: not yet announced

Price: approximately £3,500 or $4,600

We hope you enjoyed our round-up of this exciting event. Keep a look out for full-on reviews for these remarkable product launches on our blog.

September 8, 2016 0 comment

Samsung

Samsung Galaxy S7 Active now official

Many new smartphones have been released recently, however Samsung remains the strongest contender in the market of Android smartphones. On 6^th June, Samsung launched a new model –the Samsung Galaxy S7 Active, which will be released on June 10^th. Samsung has partnered with AT&T for the release of the Galaxy S7 Active, and it has been marketed as the ‘toughest Galaxy device ever’.

The Samsung Galaxy S7 Active has waterproof and shatter-resistant features, as well as a 5.1-inch super AMOLED screen. It is IP68 certified for dust proofing and water resistant over 1.5 metres and 30 minutes. The S7 Active differs from the Galaxy S7, which is similar to the Galaxy S6, aside from the slim metal build. It also includes the following features:

1-inch 2560 x 1440 Quad HD display
4000 mAh battery with wireless and quick charging
Built-in fingerprint sensor
12 Dual-pixel rear and 5MP front camera
200GB expandable memory
MIL-STD-810G certified against salt, dust, humidity, rain, vibration, solar radiation and transport.

The large capacity of the 4000 mAh battery is a great advantage for users, however the average expected performance of the battery life is based on typical usage. The battery life is specifically dependent on the user’s network, the features selected, call frequency, data and voice. The built-in fingerprint sensor has been included for the first time on a Samsung Galaxy active device (–the fingerprint unlocking may not be permitted for access to corporate Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync servers).

The Galaxy S7 Active most features identical specifications to this year’s most anticipated Galaxy S7, however it comes with the added features of a bigger battery (4000mAh), and a shatter-resistant screen. The 4000 mAh battery will allow the phone to last longer than any Samsung Galaxy smartphone so far, and the Quick charge 2.0 feature allows the phone to fully recharge again within 2 hours. This is a great addition to Samsung’s winning line of smartphones and is particularly beneficial for those who want a powerful and sturdy device. The smartphone is available in three colours: Camo Green, Sandy Gold and Titanium Grey.

Although the Samsung Galaxy S7 Active does not win aesthetically in comparison to the Galaxy S7 –which has a sleek metallic finish, all-metal frame and smooth glass back, it is a strong-featured smartphone which can be used in various conditions without concern. The S7 Active is slightly bigger in length in comparison to the S7 and in width too due to the larger battery. The gold version of the Galaxy S7 Active does look similar to the Galaxy S7 with a weighty case on top of it, however the unique camouflage case seems as if it will be the most popular.

Keep a lookout for more news on the Samsung Galaxy S7 Active and other cheap Samsung devices at www.laptopoutlet.co.uk

June 9, 2016 0 comment

Samsung

Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge Review

The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge is an enhancement of the previous S6 which already featured a winning design, along with further improvements. Both Apple and Samsung have proved that it is not necessary to totally reinvent smartphones every time in order to succeed; the enhancements made in the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge are all that is needed to make it the most acclaimed smartphone this year.

The Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge were both launched at MWC 2016 and have a number of the same specs and hardware. However, there are a number of significant differences between the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge, as the Edge features a curved display, larger size and a well-justified higher price tag than its junior. Laptop Outlet has the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge available for £749.99 (save £50!) Here is an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge:

Design

The curved display of the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge gives it a more premium feel in general, as well as in comparison to the Samsung Galaxy S7. It also makes the smartphone more comfortable to hold, and user-friendly. The Edge is also very thin and lightweight, weighing only 152 grams.

Samsung has incorporated the highly-anticipated waterproof feature in the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, with an IP68 rating. This means that the smartphones can be immersed into water fully for a short amount of time.

Screen & Display

The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge has a 5.5 inch display which is larger than the 5.1 inch display of the Samsung Galaxy S7. It also features a striking 2560 x 1440 screen resolution with Quad HD Super AMOLED display.

Samsung has been a winner in the display department for a while now; and the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge is no different. It features a stunning curved screen OLED display with 534ppi, and an always-on display, which continuously shows the time, date, battery life and recent messages.

Specs/Performance

5-inch display with a 2560×1440-pixel resolution at 534 ppi
9mm x 72.6 mm x 7.7 mm
157 grams
32 or 64, plus support for microSD cards up to 200GB
4 GB RAM
Exynos 8890
Front camera: 5 MP
Rear camera: 12 MP, f/1.7 aperture, 4K video
3600 mAh battery
Colors: Dark Grey, Silver, or Gold

The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge is available with two processor variations: the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 quad-core CPU (only available in the US) and the Exynos 8890 Octa-core CPU.

Camera

The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge features an excellent camera, which does not compromise performance in low-light settings. This impressive smartphone captures visually detailed and precise images, even in extremely low-lit settings. The camera is considerably better than the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus, whether in low-lit settings or in normal lighting.

The autofocus speed has been increased in the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, as seen in the above image.

The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge camera also features Samsung’s new Dual Pixel technology, which Samsung spoke about at the launch of the S7 and S7 Edge:

“Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge introduce the first Dual Pixel camera on a smartphone, delivering brighter and sharper images, even in low light. Thanks to the revolutionary Dual Pixel technology, brighter lens with wider aperture, and bigger pixel, the camera has a faster shutter speed and a more accurate autofocus even in low-light conditions. Motion Panorama, a new camera mode, brings movement to traditional panoramic photos, giving the user a completely immersive visual experience”.

Battery

The previous Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge had a disappointing battery, which rarely lasted a whole days use. On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge features an excellent 3600 mAh battery which exceeds in both design and functionality.

The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge has a larger battery than the Samsung Galaxy S7 due to the larger screen size and the space available for a larger battery.

Pros

Cons

Waterproof design
Winning camera
Brilliant screen/display
Great Performance

Limited storage (32GB)
Expensive

The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge is the best smartphone in the world right now. Buy it here, you will not be disappointed.

April 4, 2016 0 comment

Samsung

Product release: Samsung Galaxy S7 and Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge

There were a number of rumours and leaks about the Samsung Galaxy S7 and Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, prior to the official release of the smartphones at the MWC 2016 in Barcelona, however they have now been officially revealed. Conflicting with many of the rumours, there will be no Samsung S7 Edge+ phone yet; a future launch for the smartphone is advertised for later this year. The Samsung Galaxy S7 and the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge do incorporate features substantially from the previous year’s Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge, such as the design and other features. However, they have restored aspects of older launches in the Galaxy range, and also introduced new improvements, creating two of the best smartphones ever seen.

Design:

The Samsung Galaxy S7 and Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge do have a number of similar design features, however they have different sized display screens. The Samsung Galaxy S7 is similar to the previous Samsung Galaxy S6, with a 5.1 inch screen, while the key selling point of the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge seems to be the substantial screen size of 5.5 inches.

(Picture taken from The Verge)

Samsung has also introduced a curved screen and curved rear design, different from the sharp edges and flat rear design of the Samsung Galaxy S6. This variation results in a sleeker, smoother design which is more comfortable and user-friendly. Both new smartphone launches feature high-quality designs, however the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge has a more premium feel due to the increased screen size.

The camera button does not protrude as much as previous versions, in the new Samsung Galaxy S7 and Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, it measures only 0.46mm. Both new releases are also waterproof and dustproof, observing the IP68 standard of being submerged in water for 30 minutes, with a depth of up to 1.5 metres. The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge weighs 157g and is 7.7mm, whilst the Galaxy S7 is lighter at a weight of only 152g and is 7.9mm.

Screen/Display:

The screen size of the Samsung Galaxy S7 and the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge is one of the main differences between them. Samsung has become known to feature super AMOLED displays within their devices along with a Quad HD (2560 x 1440) screen resolution which is present in previous versions of the Galaxy range. The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge has a similar wrap-around display to the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge.

Camera:

Samsung is already known for having bright visuals and exceptional picture quality in their cameras, and the Samsung Galaxy S7 and the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge camera has been further improved from previous models in the range. The pixel quality has lessened from 16 megapixels to 12 megapixels, however the quality has increased as each pixel measures 1.4um in the new releases. The increase camera quality along with the use of dual pixel technology –which is used in DSLRs, allows users to take better saturated images, even in less brightness.

Specs/Hardware:

The Samsung Galaxy S7 and the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge both have the same processor; the company has reverted back to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 Octa-core SoC in the UK and the US. Samsung states that the Qualcomm processor used this year is 30% faster than the Exynos CPU used in last year’s smartphone launches, and the GPU is a substantial 64% faster.

Software

The Samsung Galaxy S7 and the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge are both running with Android Marshmallow along with Samsung’s TouchWiz interface, along with a number of new improvements. The key feature of the software of both smartphones is Samsung’s always-on display which has a proximity sensor, and automatically turns off when placed in a bag.

Storage:

As in older versions of the Samsung Galaxy range, users are able to increase storage size in the Samsung Galaxy S7 and Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, using a microSD card up to 200GB in size. The smartphones come in two storage options as usual: 32GB and 64GB.

Battery:

The Samsung Galaxy S7 has a 3,000 mAh battery, whilst the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge has a larger 3,600 mAh battery due to the bigger 5.5 inch screen size. Samsung has stated that the larger battery in the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge enables the smartphone to play HD videos for a maximum of 13 hours without charging.

Security

Samsung have included ‘Samsung KNOX’ in the Galaxy S7 and the Galaxy S7 Edge; it is a high-quality around-the-clock security feature for protection against hackers and malware. Samsung KNOX will have regular updates, and the KNOX Enabled App will allow users to isolate and encode any sensitive data that may be in the phone.

Accessories

An innovative line of accessories has been introduced along with the Samsung Galaxy S7 and the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge; these include cases (an LED View Cover, Clear View Cover, S View Cover, Clear Cover, Flip Wallet etc.), power accessories (wireless charger, battery pack and backpack). Each accessory features a premium design, such as the LED View Cover which includes Led lights which animate to deliver notifications.

The Samsung Galaxy S7 has an RRP of £569 in the 32GB option, and the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge has an RRP of £639 in the 32GB size. The well-chosen features of the Samsung Galaxy S7 and Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge make it well worth the wait; the bigger screen and battery of the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge understandably make this version the more premium option. The return of the waterproof and dustproof aspects, and the range of accessories are a huge part of what makes these two of the best smartphones, incorporating the best of every smartphone in the Galaxy range, along with observant new elements.

February 25, 2016 0 comment

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