The After Math: Samsung’s big Premiere and Instagram’s video debut

Posted on 23/06/2013 by Mat Smith

Welcome to The After Math, where we attempt to summarize this week's tech news through numbers, decimal places and percentages.

This week's been arguably less hectic than the last, but both Samsung and Facebook decided to up the tempo on Thursday. The Korean hardware maker announced a stack of new hardware, from tablets to cameras to desktop PCs, while Facebook's Instagram went toe to toe with Twitter's Vine, announcing a new video-sharing feature. On the very same day, Tesla had something to show, deftly switching batteries on its Model S faster than you'd be able to fill a gas tank. There were, however, six other days to the week, and we've pored over all of them for this week's numeros.

Filed under: Laptops, Tablets, Transportation, Samsung

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Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini hands-on (video)

Posted on 20/06/2013 by James Trew

It may have broken cover officially at the end of last month, even popping up for a quick hands-on along the way. However, at last, we're getting to know the Galaxy S4 Mini a little better at Samsung's bonanza product bash here in London tonight. We already have all the key specs: a 1.7GHz dual-core processor, 4.3-inch qHD AMOLED display, with 8- and 1.9-megapixel cameras, but how does all that come together in real life? Hop on past the break to find out.

Gallery: Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini hands-on

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Samsung

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Samsung ATIV Tab 3 hands-on (video)

Posted on 20/06/2013 by Terrence O'Brien

Well, we're no closer to finding out whether or not this is indeed the world's thinnest Windows 8 tablet, but we can confirm that the ATIV Tab 3 is stunningly thin. In fact, it's as svelte as its iOS and Android competitors, hitting an astounding 8.22mm. Samsung's following the design lines of its Galaxy range -- aside from the Windows button beneath the screen, obviously. At a distance you'd be hard-pressed to tell the difference between the ATIV Tab 3 and recent Galaxy Tabs. We like the unified approach here -- it should make it much easier to identify a Samsung device at first glance. Of course, that uniformity also means that the devices all feel similar too. That is to say, cheap and plasticky.

With an Intel Atom processor inside along with 2GB of RAM, It feels light and responsive. Apps launched pretty quickly, but we weren't able to really punish the CPU and unreliable WiFi made testing the browser impossible. The 1,366 x 768, 10.1-inch screen pairs with an S-Pen that's housed in the bottom right corner, which isn't quite as useful as it is on the Note range... at least not yet. The don't-call-it-a-stylus comes with dedicated software, including improved handwriting-to-text, Easy Clipping and Air View all now working within Windows 8, not to mention S Note. The ATIV Tab 3 will be shipping in early August for $699, with a keyboard cover included. For now, we've got more impressions after the break.

Gallery: Samsung ATIV Tab 3 hands-on

Filed under: Tablets, Samsung

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Samsung ATIV Q: hands-on with the company’s new Windows-Android slider (video)

Posted on 20/06/2013 by Mat Smith

The products keep coming. The latest announcement from Samsung is a new addition to its ATIV range and it's a hybrid in more ways than one. Similar to the ASUS Transformer Book Trio, announced earlier this month at Computex, Samsung just introduced its own dual-OS portable. It's called the ATIV Q, and it combines Android 4.2 and Windows 8. Under the hood, the device is powered by a Haswell-series Intel Core i5 processor and manages to fit a 13.3-inch, 3,200 x 1,800 touchscreen into a 1.29kg package that measures just 13.9mm thick. Other notable specs include an S Pen with 1,024 degrees of sensitivity. There's space for the stylus to be stored in the bottom corner of the device. Hardware considerations have also been folded into the design, with the processor housed inside the ATIV Q's hinge. Samsung says that this ensures that heat dissipates from the back of the device.

A software highlight from this particular Windows 8-Android team-up is the ability to share files (photos, documents... seemingly anything that can be opened with programs on the other OS) and share folders across the operating system divide. We can certainly see the usefulness in this approach -- sharing images to your favorite Android social app and generally unifying how you use the hybrid, regardless of OS. The ATIV Q will launch globally in Q3, and we've been told "in time for the back-to-school season", which sounds like sooner rather than later. We've managed to spend a bit of time with the new multi-talented slider: check out some first impressions after the break.

Update: We just added some video.

Gallery: Samsung ATIV Q hands-on

Filed under: Laptops, Tablets, Samsung, Google

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Samsung ATIV One 5 Style AIO hands-on (video)

Posted on 20/06/2013 by Mat Smith

Welcome Samsung's new (but kind of familiar-looking) all-in-one PC. The ATIV One 5 Style is a white, metallic 21.5-inch desktop that, naturally, looks huge next to Samsung's more portable range. With some familiar curved corners and the glossy finish of a Galaxy device, Samsung has knowingly transferred the styling of its very successful smartphones to this new PC -- like it's also done with the new ATIV Tab 3. The 1080p display is suitably bright, and the viewing angles suggest it could double up as a respectable media hub. Storage options will go up to 1TB, and it'll ship with 4GB of RAM. There are also plenty of ports for connecting removable media or games consoles. Dotted around both the left and right edges and the stand are two USB 3.0 connections, two USB 2.0 sockets and HDMI in and out, as well as a 3-in-1 card reader.

The adjustable hinge was satisfyingly rigid as we tapped through Windows' Modern UI, while the wireless keyboard (included in the box) didn't distract us much as we typed away. It's a simple chiclet affair, but one we're used to. It's also one of the rare new ATIV products to arrive without a stylus, but it will come with a mouse when it ships later this year.

Gallery: Samsung ATIV 5 Style AIO hands-on

Filed under: Desktops, Samsung

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Samsung Galaxy NX mirrorless camera: hands-on with an Android ILC (video)

Posted on 20/06/2013 by Mat Smith

After last year's Galaxy Camera, Samsung split in two directions. It went closer to the phone with the Galaxy S 4 Zoom, shrinking the form factor (and some of the specs) for something that closer approximates a pocket-friendly device, and it got serious about interchangeable-lens cameras. This is the Galaxy NX, an ILC with LTE connectivity that's capable of capturing at 8.6 fps and contains a hybrid autofocus system made by Samsung. In fact, the company says it's behind every part of this new device, from the quad-core 1.6GHz Pega-Q processor, to the 4.8-inch LCD screen, to even the shutter mechanism. With a "DSLR-class" 20.3-megapixel APS-C CMOS image sensor we've seen on other NX cameras, new DRIMe IV image processor and ISO settings from 100 to 25,600, Samsung appears to be making a serious pitch for photographers interested in more than just an Instagram hook-up. This mirrorless shooter will be compatible with the full gamut of NX lenses, currently totaling 13. We paired the Galaxy NX with its 18-55mm OIS kit lens and tested it out for a bit. Read up on our impressions after the break.

Update: Now with a dollop of video from the Premiere event in London.

Gallery: Samsung Galaxy NX camera hands-on

Filed under: Cameras, Samsung

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Samsung ATIV Book 9 Plus and ATIV Book 9 Lite hands-on (video)

Posted on 20/06/2013 by Mat Smith

Samsung's long since decided to rebrand its Series 9 series as ATIV Book 9, but it's only now that it's got some new Ultrabooks to show off. While the ATIV Book 7 unfortunately jumped the Haswell gun, the higher-end ATIV Book 9 Plus is happy to benefit from those impressive battery savings we've already seen from Intel's next-generation chips. In fact, Samsung is promising 12 hours of usage -- and that's despite the Plus model arriving with an eye-watering 13.3-inch, 3,200 x 1,800 qHD+ display. In addition, there's up to 256GB SSD storage and 8GB of RAM, two USB 3.0 ports and mini-VGA and micro-HDMI sockets. The screen is protected by a layer of Gorilla Glass and, alongside adding touch functionality since the previous Series 9 Ultrabook, Samsung has crafted a new hinge for its latest flagship, offering two stop-points. Moving the screen through to a standard 105- to 110-degree pitch, the screen strongly resists. Better still, there's really not that much give as we tapped our way through Windows 8. However, give it more of a sustained push, and the screen bends down to a flat 180-degree position, making it easier to show the screen around a table.

It's joined by the humbler Book 9 Lite, with a lower (though unspecified) price. Powered by an unnamed 1.4GHz quad-core processor and housing up to a 256GB SSD drive, it promises a cold-boot time of eight seconds, or two seconds from sleep. It's the same size screen (13.3 inches) as the Plus model, but resolution drops down to 1,366 x 768 -- a noticeable difference when you observe the two side by side. Turn them off, however, and the interiors of the two machines are so similar that even the most hardened Samsung exec might be fooled (excepting for that Intel sticker on the high-end model). On the outside, though, the systems remain noticeably different. The Book 9 Plus gets a moody, matte finish to its aluminum unibody, while the Book 9 Lite has a glossy plastic surface. The cheaper Lite model reminds us of the finish on Samsung's Galaxy smartphone series, but it'd be great to see Samsung bring this other, cooler finish to more products. Both Ultrabooks are expected to land in the US (and elsewhere) in time for back-to-school season. Check out the gallery below, and follow past the break for more impressions.

Gallery: Samsung ATIV Book 9 Plus and ATIV Book 9 Lite hands-on

Filed under: Laptops, Samsung

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Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom hands-on: 10x telephoto, 100x intrigue (video)

Posted on 20/06/2013 by Sharif Sakr

It's easy enough to describe the Galaxy S4 Zoom, since it's essentially a Galaxy S4 Mini with a 10x zoom lens stuck on the back. But that sort of summary doesn't do it justice. When you hold the phone-slash-camera and look at the optically stabilized image captured by its 16-megapixel, point-and-shoot grade sensor, you begin to realize that -- at least for those who do a lot of snapping and sending -- this combo of components holds some serious power.

Just like the first Galaxy Camera, it's all about fun and immediacy: the ability to edit, organize and share decent-quality images using Android apps and cellular data connectivity. The key advantages are that the GS4 Zoom can work as a regular phone for voice calls, and that it's just about portable enough to be used that way, whereas the Galaxy Camera was a lot bulkier. With these gains, the smaller zoom (10x instead of 21x) and lower-res screen (qHD instead of 720p) don't overly faze us, so long as the final selling price takes it all into account. Ultimately, our only hesitation is the impending arrival of the so-called Nokia EOS, likely due on July 11th, which takes a totally upside-down approach to smartphone photography and is likely to be much more pocketable as a result. Those are two devices we can't wait to put head-to-head, especially in terms of image quality, but our hands-on gallery (and impending video) might help to tide you over in the meantime.

Update: Hands-on video added.

Gallery: Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom hands-on

Filed under: Cellphones, Cameras, Mobile, Samsung

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Samsung Galaxy NX mirrorless camera official: Interchangeable lenses, Android Jelly Bean and 4G LTE

Posted on 20/06/2013 by Joseph Volpe

True to JK Shin's promise, Samsung is indeed introducing a new Android-powered mirrorless camera: the Galaxy NX. Although it runs Google's mobile OS (version 4.2.2 Jelly Bean) and bears LTE radios, the NX is not quite a direct sequel to the Galaxy Camera, the company's glorified point-and-shoot for all comers. Rather, the Galaxy NX is what Samsung calls an interchangeable-lens CSC (or Compact System Camera), featuring a 20.3-megapixel APS-C sensor, as well as 3G / 4G LTE, WiFi and Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity -- making it worthy of that Galaxy moniker.

As you can tell from the above image, the Galaxy NX also packs a large 4.8-inch HD LCD display on its rear and is powered by a 1.6GHz Pega-Q quad-core setup and separate DRIMe IV Signal processor for imaging. The UI should look pretty familiar to anyone who's used an Android device before, with the common apps and widgets submenus, as well as the device wheel for its 30 Smart Modes -- employed when selecting imaging settings. And if you happen to own any of the company's other NX cameras, you'll be able to swap out lenses (13 in all) as the Galaxy NX is fully compatible with that range. It also incorporates a hybrid AF, culled from the best of DSLRs and compacts, with a shutter speed of 1/6,000th of a second and 8.6fps shooting.

Samsung's been pretty forthcoming about all the tech and software it's put into the Galaxy NX, but there are two key bits it's still withholding: pricing and availability. For now, it appears UK residents will have first crack at the Galaxy NX, as PR pegs its release for that territory as sometime this summer. The same, however, can't be said for a US launch. Regardless, as the Galaxy NX is more a proper camera for experienced photogs and less Android phone like the Galaxy Camera and S4 Zoom, you can bet on its price tag being relatively high. In the meantime, check out our Galaxy NX hands-on for more detailed impressions.

Gallery: Samsung Premiere 2013

Gallery: Samsung Galaxy NX

Filed under: Cameras, Wireless, Mobile, Samsung, Google

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Samsung announces ATIV Tab 3: an 8.2mm thin Windows 8 slate with Galaxy DNA

Posted on 20/06/2013 by Terrence O'Brien

This is the ATIV Tab 3. A Windows 8 tablet that Mr. DJ Lee just briefly mentioned on stage. Thankfully, roughly 40 minutes later, the slate was trotted back out and detailed more fully. For one, the Tab 3 borrows heavily from its Android-powered cousins in the Galaxy family. But, unlike its sibling the Q, there isn't an option to quickly fire up Google's mobile OS. It does, however, share the same extremely thin body and design language while running Windows 8 proper (none of this crippled RT nonsense). While we can't actually confirm that its 8.2mm thick frame is, in fact, the thinnest in the world, it's got to be pretty close. That the manufacturer has crammed a Z2760 Atom inside along with 2GB of RAM is darn impressive. The entire thing weighs just 550g, or about 19 ounces. Despite its lithe body, Samsung claims it can last up to 8.5 hours on the battery inside, which is actually quite a bit better than we would have anticipated from an x86 tablet with a 10.1-inch, 1,366 x 768 display.

The Galaxy DNA goes beyond just appearances though, the ATIV Tab 3 also includes an S Pen and S Note software. Plus, you get a free copy of Office Home & Student. As for pricing and availability, expect to see it on shelves by August for $699, keyboard cover included.

Gallery: Samsung Premiere 2013

Gallery: Samsung ATIV Tab 3