Samsung gamepad for the Galaxy Note and Galaxy 3 S4: A second impression

Samsung has announced at the same time with the Galaxy S4 a gamepad, this was revised several times and shown at the IFA 2013 in an almost final version. For a few days the gamepad is now available in Germany as the first market - time for a second impression.

I had won on the Samsung Games Event The first impression and was surprised to say the least. The gamepad and an HDMI adapters convert the score 3 in a console. I'm not a big fan of consoles, but the gamepad is fun.

The noticeable limitation is still the Content: A couple of SEGA classics, a few well-known Android games, but here goes even more. Problem for me, too: Some of the games I had already purchased on Google Play, but the local versions do not always support the gamepad, so had to be moved into a customized version of the Samsung Apps. Teething, which is the first such device Samsung gamepad from a reputable manufacturer.

The games are somewhere between Playstation 2 and Playstation 3-level, cost significantly less, but do it anyway mood. The gamepad is 197 grams amazingly well in hand, the permanently installed 400 mAh battery lasts forever. The metal spring which presses the phone into two rubber lips at first getting used to (with three hands it would be easier ), but the smartphone will not budge in the holder.

In racing games, a position sensor, which would have probably also driven the price down to too high a level is missing. Use the buttons to do it, but the analog stick in the top left not really the first choice, a more accurate pressure point and if one gambles longer, the fingers slide quickly from the surface down. If possible, I constantly switched to the lower, digital, stick. Gaming for Android could do with the gamepad a giant leap. With new processors should be soon scratched the graphic quality of the PS3. Nintendo is absolutely necessary to tremble: Still rich titles to numerically be the market leader - if Samsung or Google but drive up the content amount, it is very fast tight, Sony and Microsoft have not (yet) a huge performance advantage. Yet.

[Commercial] Samsung shows how to win the woman with the Galaxy Gear, or may not

It is winter and so some may now have run a good time while skiing and snowboarding in the mountains. Samsung has released a specially tailored advertising, which aims to show how you can win the woman of his dreams with the Galaxy Gear.

Look at the spot itself to, but in my opinion, the scenario is completely pulled out of the nose.Who's going for an expensive SmartWatch snowboarding and then takes it (poor quality) photos and videos of the most admired woman on? Most women are expected: rather than scary, this probably.

Video Link

(Via TechNews )

Samsung introduces a designer of the Apple Stores

Samsung has a very high marketing budget, but you put relatively little money into the retail presence. Even Microsoft is expected now, thanks to collaborations with Media Market and Saturn have a longer range in retail, what Samsung sure is an eyesore.

In the presence of Apple currently no other electronics manufacturers should come

That's why Samsung has a report , according to a set designer of the Apple Stores, Tim Grudge, a few days ago. Earlier this year, Samsung has also set Michael Forrest, who has previously also worked at Apple. Both will report says now take care of a better presence in the retail sector, which is to be extended especially for the Galaxy range of products. So we could in the future in many places Samsung pop stores to see.

Galaxy Note 3 now available in South Korea in Red

Earlier this month, Samsung has some new color variants of the Galaxy Note 3 for China presented, which probably now see the light slowly the rest of the world. In South Korea, the Galaxy Note 3 is now in "Merlot Red" available , along with a color-coordinated S Pen

Off likely the smartphone but look better than on, at least if you look at the home screen with the default wallpaper. Blue and red bite and so you should consider whether you actually want to buy a unit in this color. If and when the Galaxy Note 3 comes in red to Germany, is anyway not yet clear.

Now official: GamePad costs Rs.6779/- MSRP, Galaxy Tab Game Edition on its way - sam4sammy

We had already written the day before yesterday that the Samsung GamePad with a MSRP of 79.90 Euro comes in the German trade and yesterday we reported that Samsung will launch a Galaxy Tab Games Edition - both information is now available from the official page :

An unboxing of the gamepad with a few (second) impressions and pictures there tomorrow, so much in advance: That thing makes powerful mood. In my opinion the price fits, commercially he is already well below the RRP. 

                                                                     

Schwalbach / Ts., 20 December 2013 - Drive the fastest race laps and get the most points - this is possible with the new Samsung gamepad just got easier. With its proven in the gaming keys arrangement, it offers convenient operation options and lies comfortably in the hands. The gamepad is connected to this wireless via Bluetooth with compatible Android smartphones and tablets. For the best possible game, users can transfer their games from the mobile device to the home TV. The continuously adjustable fixture of the gamepad provides smartphones with display sizes from ten to sixteen centimeters (4 to 6.3 inches) stable hold. In this way, gamepad and Smartphone combine to a superior team for a compelling game experience. 

With the new Samsung gamepad users to control their mobile gaming even more precisely. Due to its light weight (195 grams) and compact dimensions, it offers comfortable Games comfort. With two analog sticks, a directional pad, four action and two shoulder buttons, players have the action literally even better grip. With the "PLAY" button takes you directly to the Mobile Console App *, a selection menu for all their compatible games.

Simply connect and start playing immediately

A connection between gamepad and a compatible smartphone or tablet users can easily connect via Bluetooth. Moreover, can the gamepad with a light touch of the NFC interface automatically pair with an NFC-enabled smartphone ** to dive very quickly into the game world.

For a more immerse gaming experience can be the combination of gamepad and smartphone or tablet connect to a TV. On the big screen, fast-paced car racing, exciting sports matches and tricky skill games come to even better effect. The connection between TV and smart phone or tablet produces an optional HDMI adapter.

Long-lasting game play with many compatible games

The battery has a capacity of 400 mAh ensures persistent mobile game and is easily charged via the micro USB port. The Samsung gamepad is compatible with smartphones and tablets from the Android version 4.1. The gamepad support Android games that are compatible with HID controllers.

Action Loaded Bundle: Samsung GALAXY Tab 8.0 Wi-Fi 3 Game Edition

The gamepad will also be available in a limited edition game with the Samsung GALAXY Tab 8.0 Wi-Fi 3. With only 314 grams and its impressive 20.32 inches display (8-inch diagonal screen) allows the GALAXY Tab 8.0 Wi-Fi 3 a fascinating game and multimedia experience. In addition, an HDMI adapter is included, can connect the tablet for an even more imposing sight and listening to your TV with the player.

The Samsung gamepad is available immediately at a price of 79.90 euros (RRP). The Samsung GALAXY Tab 8.0 Wi-Fi 3 Game Edition will be available in January 2014.

* Application can be downloaded from Samsung Apps. Compatibility with Android version 4.3. 
** coupling via NFC from Android version 4.3 possible.

Android 4.4 will appear in late January for the Galaxy S4 and Note 3 - Sam4sammy

The French mobile operator SFR has once again announced details about the fixes that are not officially named by Samsung. SFR has in a press release announced the update to Android 4.4 for the Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 3 - and equal yet set a date.

Thus, the update will be released at the end of January for both devices, so Samsung has apparently put more emphasis this time to a speedy update than usual That would be very gratifying to be said yet to be seen whether Samsung can keep this schedule actually. In the past updates have been repeatedly delayed and postponed, and that even with flagships.

Samsung Galaxy Gear Review: What can Samsung's Smart Watch?

The mobile industry is currently waiting for the next big boom. After 2007 came with the iPhone, the first serious smartphone on the market for three years and also tablets are on the rise now, many are waiting for the boom of the "wearables".

In these "wearables", ie smart gadgets like the clothes worn on the body, is for many one of the main sites of the mobile industry in the future. The Samsung Galaxy Gear is Samsung's first Smart Watch and many seemed particularly so early in his eyes, in order to forestall the competition and especially Apple. Whether this was to start early, or whether the Galaxy Gear is expected to meet a SmartWatch ...

The specifications:

• 800 MHz Exynos 4212
• 512 MB of RAM
• 4 GB internal memory
• Bluetooth 4.0 LE / NFC
• 1.63 inch SAMOLED display with 320 × 320 pixels
• 1.9 MP BSI CMOS camera, 720p video
• Accelerometer / gyro sensor
• 36.8 x 56.6 x 11.1 mm with 73.8 grams
• 315 mAh battery / 150 hours standby 
• 2 microphones, 1 loudspeaker

The battery and charging:

Generally, the battery of smartwatch is seen as a sticking point. As the Samsung Galaxy Gear presented, was often only 10 hours of talk time sound. I had never problems to come over two full days. Certainly no great shakes, but ok. The only annoying: Loaded is only through a separate charger, a microUSB connector as the Sony SmartWatch 2 sadly lacking in the Galaxy Gear.

Processing and design:

The Samsung Galaxy Gear is a Smart Watch and naturally applied as such to the design of a conventional wristwatch. Is surprisingly low, the weight, the Samsung Galaxy Gear weighs 73.6 grams For a watch this size, this is surprisingly little that is realized especially through the use of plastic on the back of the clock and the bracelet. In this version we tested white plastic somehow reminds me of home-sickness tablets, watches from you is simple otherwise wertigeres usual - usually there are at least metal on the back.

The design is of course always a matter of taste, but the Galaxy Gear is in my opinion an absolutely perfect blend of retro design and high-tech under the hood. Only my inner Monk is whimpering in the corner: Samsung has sunk four screws around the 1.63-inch SAMOLED display. While this makes the device an overall valent appearance, however, the orientation in the delivery seems arbitrary. I had to use a screwdriver turn the screw first so that it suited me.

The buckle is slightly thicker advised by a built-in speaker, compared with a usual thickness of the closure is still just fine. The size of the adjustment is also easy to master.

The display and the clock.

1.63 inches tall, SAMOLED, 320 × 320 pixels - for a clock amazingly well. At night, you will love the display, with popping in the sun you have to either power-hungry outdoor mode switch, or live with a little good readability - unfortunately an automatic brightness control is missing.

It is - unlike the Sony SmartWatch 2 - not permanently active. Either by pressure or by head gesture which can be adjusted in the Gear Manager, you activate the display. With a little practice a good solution. The clock is basically yes, the most important feature of a clock ... and here the Galaxy Gear is always a good thing. Own background colors and with the app "Watch Styler" also own designs (yes, at the xda-developers there is even a template for the clock from Knight Rider!) Make the clock completely customizable. I also like to use the clock during exams, permanently activate the display but can not - by no later than 5 minutes on this off and even that is likely already enough to gnaw the 315 mAh battery.

Camera and phone: gadgets

Yes, you can make calls with the Galaxy Gear. With two microphones and a loudspeaker in the clock in the buckle possible. Therefore one must then keep the gear either extremely unusual to the ear, or you can play "Knight Rider" and talk with his arm. In theory, that might be cool, but in practice it acts similarly stupid as in soliloquies with Siri or Voice in the south metro, or calling with Bluetooth 20 EUR gloves in winter. I called twice with the gear in the car, it may be convenient for me, otherwise a pure gimmick. The speakers in the buckle might therefore like to give my opinion. That one with the Galaxy Gear can not autonomously phone was criticized in some test reports - it's me care less, even if that were possible, I would not do it. Practically, it is that incoming calls are displayed on the Gear in silent mode - so you miss a call by mistake.

Also a camera can be found in the Galaxy Gear. It dissolves with 1392 × 1392 pixels is not very bad at, but also has barely functions. The point of the camera in a clock if you already have it have the smartphone to use the clock did not open up to me. The Galaxy Note 3 has a 13 MP camera, 2 MP Gear just short - why should I do to square images of me on the Gear? In addition, one feels when shooting with the gear, as if it had not quite enough for James Bond.For me - so far without useful apps available - a mere gimmick. Perhaps there is something in the future, you would have been happy to give my opinion on the sensor. A side effect as with the Google Glasses is the way that the other person feels constantly monitored, then you put the gear on the camera, this is likely to scratch pretty quickly.

The software:

I had actually typed this review ready. The headline should be "Galaxy Gear: The Glass clock with the Google problem" loud. Simply because the Galaxy Gear for a long time could not deal. A few notifications from Samsung services, time and Runtastic Pro, that was all. For a few days there is an update and this is my picture of the Galaxy Gear quite changed. Meanwhile, it is also possible to select notifications for other apps. Thus, about WhatsApp messages are displayed (if they contain any images) or emails will be flown at about Gmail on the clock.Sure, would have to answer the phone brought back from his pocket - with the notifications you can often save it but because you can already see on the clock, whether a reply worthwhile.

In everyday life one learns the Galaxy Gear for notifications love. If you have the phone on silent mode, incoming calls to the clock WhatsApp, Twitter and Gmail are displayed, too - the Notification LED on the Galaxy Note 3 you no longer need actually. Whoever wants to can open WhatsApp and co on the gear and can then be displayed on the smartphone. Nice to have.

Otherwise, the operation is simple: A few simple gestures to help with navigation. This is so amazingly comfortable, although only one physical button on the Galaxy Gear is available. To 1.63 inches so you can even call a task manager (if the clock is on a need to be seen) and quickly adjust the display brightness and volume. Also, the first connecting is simple: In the back of the charger is integrated NFC, holding man's Galaxy Note Galaxy 3 or S4 now with the back to the back of the Galaxy Gear, the two will automatically connect via Bluetooth 4.0. The only drawback: The Galaxy S III and Galaxy Note II are not compatible - in time for Christmas but should be able to have the update to Android 4.3, the Galaxy also hereby Gear is then supported.

In the Samsung Apps is a separate category for "Galaxy Gear apps" available. In addition to "Watch Styler" I found here Runtastic particularly important. I had always Runtastic per show on the score 3, with the extension of the gear can then be the distance traveled and the speed on the clock. Extremely handy if the Galaxy Note is stored in a 3 arm pocket while running.

tl, dr: The bottom, top or flop?

Two weeks here was to find a pretty clear "flop". Not enough functions I simply gave no value for a 300 euro gadget. After the last update I had to throw overboard the Review: WhatsApp, Gmail, phone calls, twitter - and I've actually everything on the gear, see what's worth it. Clean.The battery lasts two days with heavy use - five would be better, but it can still hold out amazingly well. The number with the charger sucks. Nevertheless, it remains a v1, a first version of Samsung's interpretation of a SmartWatch. I have my phone with clock can not and I also prefer photos with the smartphone. I would possibly be even a remote shutter release on the App Gear for my NX300 (including manually adjustable aperture and shutter speed) give me would be enough as photo function - a separate sensor is simply too big or too bad. If Samsung camera and speaker removed and it then installs a bigger battery and maybe incorporating a wertigeres bracelet, the gear at a lower price than almost 300 euros would be more interesting for me. V1 as I find the gear ok, but now I burn the certainly sometime appearing successor, who will hopefully make some better. Let's see if I'm weak in the Galaxy Gear before Christmas, when the price falls a little - after the last update I'm going to miss my tester anyway.