Hasta La Gadget!

It would be safe to say that Samsung has ushered in the era of large phones a.k.a phablets, devices which are a cross between smartphones and tablets. With its Galaxy Note, Samsung proved that it could sell people a device that […]

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For those still wielding the original Samsung Galaxy Note on AT&T, you’ll be pleased to know that the phablet-style smartphone has finally been updated to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, allowing users of the 5.3-inch handset to take advantage of Google Now, improved notifications, and performance enhancements with Project Butter.

The update should be available now, although AT&T didn’t mention how fast the roll out would be happening. Although, all users can download the update on their PC and install on their Galaxy Note device through Samsung Kies. AT&T didn’t mention anything about being able to receive the update over-the-air, so you’re best bet seems to be to go the manual route.

On a different but still slightly-related note, the Verizon Galaxy Note II also received an update today, receiving a bump up to Android 4.1.2, as well as a handful of updates to apps that now support Samsung’s Multi Window mode, which allows you to split-screen certain apps. The update also includes support for Isis Mobile Wallet, as well as fixes alarm clock issues.

The AT&T Galaxy Note sports a 5.3-inch with a 1280 x 800 resolution, while its successor rocks a larger 5.5-inch display with a 720p resolution display. The Galaxy Note rocks a dual-core processor clocked at 1.4GHz, while the Galaxy Note II packs in a faster quad-core chip clocked at a quick 1.6GHz.

AT&T Samsung Galaxy Note Jelly Bean update finally gets the green light is written by Craig Lloyd & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Yesterday we saw what was believed to be Samsung’s Galaxy Note 3 in a leaked image showing a larger display than its Note 2 predecessor, as well as a host of specs. While the image was alluring, it was later discovered that the featured phone was not, in fact, the Galaxy Note 3, but instead a ZOPO ZP950 Android handset with a 5.7-inch display and no Samsung branding to be seen. That’s not all, however, with a source saying that Samsung does have three Galaxy Note 3 prototypes floating around.

Of the three alleged prototypes, the source says there is one with a design inspired by the GALAXY S 4 flagship handset, another with a completely new design (breath of fresh air and all that), and a third that features a flexible display, which is the one that sounds most intriguing. The prototype that draws its design from the S 4 is featured in the concept above.

Different rumors have been popping up lately regarding the Galaxy Note 3, such as one that hit the Web a few weeks ago claiming the device will sport a new design, which is what one of the three prototypes at Samsung are rumored to have. Specifically, word has it the design will utilize metal in the place of plastic. Such a claim automatically brings one around to thoughts of the HTC One.

The rumored new design and GALAXY S 4-inspired design aside, the third concerning a flexible display design is the most interesting of the three. This seems to match up with a rumor we heard earlier this month that the Note 3 will feature a super-durable plastic display that is harder to crack than current offerings. For now, all remain the stuff of rumors, but if one of them proves to be true, we’ll know in September when it is believed Samsung will launch the device.

[via Gotta Be Mobile]

Samsung Galaxy Note III tipped in triple prototype phase is written by Brittany Hillen & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

The Financial Times is reporting that Nokia is, unfathomably, working on a large-screened smartphone whose size will rival that of Samsung’s Galaxy Note series. More »

The Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 is about to hit stores in the United States, and with it, Samsung’s next push for a new display size attached to next-generation smart pen abilities. This device is essentially the larger wi-fi-only version of what we’ll be seeing with the Samsung GALAXY S 4, hovering abilities and all. It might not have the same processor, and it might not be connected to mobile data, but it’s certainly keeping with the friendly theme.

Here with the Galaxy Note 8.0 you’ve got an 8-inch display that’s both bright and relatively sharp, 1280 x 800 pixel resolution working with TFT LCD technology and a connection to the newest in new S-Pen technology. The entire tablet measures in at 210.8 x 135.9 x 7.95 mm regardless of which version you’ve got while the weight will be ringing in at 340g for the wifi version (that being the one we’ve got here) and just 5g more for the 3G or LTE iteration (coming soon!)

This machine continues the tradition begun with the original Samsung Galaxy Note, employing a built-in “S-Pen” device that connects wirelessly to your tablet. You’ll be able to hover over bits and pieces of your everyday Android experience to see previews or zoom-in, you can draw pictures galore in a lovely assortment of ways, and you can write all the notes you like. This device has all the features of the previous Galaxy Note devices and more – the closest you’ll get to this experience outside this experience is in the Samsung Galaxy Note II.

Below you’ll see a set of three basic benchmark tests, each of them run without this device’s “power save” mode activated. You’ll find that with this display size and processor, the Galaxy Note 8.0 should be more than powerful enough to handle your everyday activities, be they gaming, productivity, or simple web browsing.

This device works with a 5 megapixel camera on its back, a 1.3 megapixel camera on its front, and is just large enough to feel a tiny bit awkward using while capturing photographs. We’ll have photo examples for you later this week when we’ve posted the full review – the same goes for more detail on the software included here, and battery tests as well. Here we’ve got an additional gallery of up-close-and-personal photographs of the device for you to enjoy.

Let us know if you’d like any more information than you expect us to provide in the review and we’ll do our best to make a fabulous review appear for you! Meanwhile hang tight and get ready for another look!

Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 Hands-on and Unboxing is written by Chris Burns & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.