Samsung roundup at IFA: Note 4, Note Edge, and Gear VR

Everybody knew this was coming. But Samsung managed to pull some surprises from it's bag of tricks which were, surprisingly enough, not leaked before the announcement.

Galaxy Note 4

As expected, Samsung has launched the Galaxy Note 4 at its pre-IFA 2014 event, Samsung Unpacked 2014 Episode 2. Samsung also launched a unique smartphone with a side display called the Galaxy Note Edge.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 comes with the new S Pen stylus with improved pressure sensitivity, as well as the new Smart Select feature, apart from the new calligraphy and signing pen writing options.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 runs on Android 4.4 KitKat, and features a 5.7-inch Quad-HD (1440x2560 pixel) Super AMOLED display with a pixel density of 515ppi. It weighs in at 176 grams, and is 8.5mm-thick. 

The Galaxy Note 4 will be made available in 4G LTE and 4G LTE Cat.6 (LTE Advanced) variants depending on the region. The processor will be either a 2.7GHz quad-core processor, or a 1.9GHz octa-core (1.9GHz quad-core + 1.3GHz quad-Core) processor. Both feature 3GB of RAM.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 features a 16-megapixel autofocus rear camera with Smart OIS, and a 3.7-megapixel front-facing camera with a f/1.9 lens. It comes with 32GB of built-in storage, and expandability via microSD card. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 a/ b/ g/ n/ ac, GPS/ Glonass, NFC, Bluetooth v 4., IR LED, USB 2.0, and MHL 3.0.

Sensors onboard the Galaxy Note 4 include an accelerometer, geo-magnetic, gyroscope, RGB, IR-LED, proximity, barometer, hall sensor, finger scanner, UV, heart rate monitor. It features a 3220mAh battery.

Samsung is also touting the Multi-Window feature available from the Recent button. 

The Galaxy Note 4 will be available in Charcoal Black, Frost White, Bronze Gold, and Blossom Pink in global markets starting October.

Full specs of the Samsung Galaxy Note 4

Galaxy Note Edge

The Note family added a second new phablet today, the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge. The name isn't random, the right edge of the screen folds to cover the side of the device and enable unique interactions. So, not the three-sided screen of the rumors but two sides are unique enough.

The Galaxy Note Edge is based on the Galaxy Note 4 internally, but it's the screen that makes all the difference. The folded side adds an extra 160 pixels so the resolution grows to 1,600 x 2,560 (the highest on a pocketable device yet if you keep note on those things) but it also makes the Galaxy Note Edge a bit wider than its straight-screened sibling.

Samsung has added enough smarts to the curved side that accidental touches to it are not a problem.

With the phone locked, the curved side can display the Quick Glance info (time and notifications). When you wake the screen, the side displays notifications for various features, including timer and flashlight shortcuts and even a ruler (which works surprisingly well on the curved side).

With the phone finally unlocked, the number of options grows threefold. You can keep shortcuts on the side for easy access or use the curved side for at-a-glance info (say a Twitter feed or a stock ticker). Or you can use it to enhance multitasking by switching between several screens (think virtual desktops). Event switching between the pages of the homescreen or the app drawer is also handled by the curved side.

Individual apps can put the curved side to use too, usually to keep the main screen free from clutter. Both the camera and the video player put their controls on the side so the screen is left to the viewfinder/video. Samsung will release an API to enable third-party devs to utilize the potential of the curved side as well.

As you can imagine, the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge experience revolves mostly around the curved side of the screen. Beyond that it's a Galaxy Note 4 with Snapdragon 805 or Exynos 5433 chipset, Android 4.4, 16MP OIS camera and S Pen stylus.

The Note Edge has a slightly smaller battery (3,000mAh vs. 3,220mAh) and the USB port moves back to version 2.0.

Full specs of the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge

Gear VR

Samsung announced its first-ever virtual reality headset, named Gear VR. It is a headset that Samsung has built in conjunction with Facebook owned VR company Oculus, and the company aims to invest more in this technology in coming time. 

So, what does it feel like to play a game or watch a movie using the headset? Here are our first impressions of Samsung's new Gear VR virtual reality headset... 

Samsung Gear VR is a pretty big gadget and consists of two parts -- the headset and the strap. The headset is big and characterized by a curvy and sloping design. You need to pop a Samsung Galaxy Note 4 in the headset in order to make Gear VR work. 

On the right side of the headset is a touch-sensitive scroll pad that can be used to juggle between different functions on the screen. The volume hardware key is also located on the right. You can change the focus of the image from a scroll wheel located on the top of the screen. This feature works well even if you wear prescription glasses. 

However, if the difference in the power of both your eyes is very big, then viewing the image would be a problem as you cannot change focus separately for both eyes. 

The strap is pretty much what you would expect from a gaming headset: it sets Gear VR on your head such that it doesn't slip off. The plastic piece on strap that goes above the head is shaped ergonomically, such that it is flush with the shape of the head. 

Despite trying to make the Gear VR as comfortable as possible for the wearer, Samsung has not been able to manage the weight of the device. The headset is pretty heavy so your head would keep drooping in front when you wear it. There is no way to add weights in order to balance the weight of the device as well.

Watching a video 

Samsung demoed a video using IMAX technology on Gear VR at the launch event. You can see videos loaded on the Galaxy Note 4 on the headset, and there are a number of content companies that Samsung has partnered with for the device. You can choose content offered by Vevo, Marvel, Imangi Studios, Warner Bros etc. 

When the video started playing on Gear VR, we could see the video as it would look in an IMAX theatre. Move your head to the left or right and you will see empty seats in the virtual movie hall. Look up and you will see the ceiling. It is a very different experience compared to watching a movie on a mobile device. 

However, there is a problem, and a major one at that. Gear VR shows very pixilated videos, even though the Note 4's screen has a QHD resolution. The likely reason is that Gear VR's lenses focus on only a small portion of the screen to play the video and then magnify it up this portion only, thus resulting in a pixelated display. 

Another problem we encountered was the sound quality. The sound is delivered by the speakers of Note 4, and the headset itself does not amplify it artificially. During our demo, this resulted in low sound while watching the movie. Of course, this was in a noisy hall where around 500 people were milling about, so your real-world experience would most likely be better. 

Operating the device is pretty simple: touch the scroll pad on the side to fast forward, rewind, pause or play. Turn the volume up or down using the hardware key on the same side. 

UI which is seen inside the Oculus

Playing a game 

Playing games on a VR device is also very different from playing them on a console, PC or mobile device. You are a playable character in the game and can interact with other characters. Instead of panning over the screen once to see what's near you, on Gear VR (as well as other VR headsets) you move your head to see your surroundings. 

You can perform actions using the touch-sensitive pad on the right side, so picking up objects, moving around etc is done using this controller. 

Low audio was a problem here too, but we don't foresee any issues when you are playing a multiplayer game with friends who are also on Gear VR.

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Circular LG G Watch R Teased for IFA Unveiling!

Last week, we heard that LG was working on another Android Wear device. The rumor stated that it would be the LG G Watch 2, implying that it was a direct sequel and might even replace the current G Watch; but, that wasn't right. In fact, LG is simply expanding its Android Wear lineup with the LG G Watch R. Even more, LG is directly calling out the Moto 360 for not being perfectly round. 

LG has released a teaser video for the device, which gives flashes of different parts of the G Watch R. LG did something similar even before the launch of the G3 and released a video titled, "Official Teaser" and I think every company should do this. The basic impression from the video is that this will be a round-faced watch, but if you mash together all of the pieces from the video, you get a full look at a render of LG's next smartwatch (as seen above). It appears to be designed to look like a classic wristwatch, and the render implies a metal body. If you have ever owned or seen a Tommy Hilfiger watch, you should notice that the design is very similar. The video also alludes to a step counter and compass in the watch. 

The most direct comparison is of course the Moto 360, since it is the only other round Android Wear device that we've seen. The Moto 360 isn't completely round, because the display drivers and ambient light sensor needed a place to live. The teaser goes slow-motion when it hits the part where the Moto 360 has its black bar, and says the G Watch R will be perfectly round. The G Watch R render has a wider bezel than the 360, which could be used to hide the display drivers; and, to be perfectly round, we have to assume the watch doesn't have an ambient light sensor. 

LG is expected to have the G Watch R at IFA, which starts September 5th in Berlin, but it is unclear if LG will show it off to the public or just corporate partners. Last week, an LG official called the G Watch R a "game changer". After seeing this teaser, do you agree?

A short warning before watching the video below: you won't be able to sleep tonight due to excitement :P

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Forget the Moto 360; HP's new Smartwatch has looks to kill for!

Moto 360 was the obvious standout for the crowd in the bunch of Android Wear smartwatches and it was mostly because the Moto 360 doesn't look weird to wear in everyday use. Recently, HP has teamed up with fashion designer Michael Bastian and they have created a smartwatch design that can truly fool anybody as a "dumbwatch".

Despite their utility, smartwatches remain a geeky niche item thanks to a certain lack of je ne sais quoi. However, HP is partnering with a retailer called Gilt to build an Android and iOS compatible smartwatch that may finally tick the style box, thanks to US designer Michael Bastian. He'll take care of the design, which will feature a circular, 44mm stainless steel case and three swappable bands: black rubber, brown leather, olive green nylon and a limited edition black.

Bastian says the design cues came from luxury automobiles, namely interior features like the dashboard and trim. Meanwhile, HP will will add the watch's smart features, which will include notifications like email, text and calls, along with user controls for music and other apps. HP will also supply the software, meaning the watch may be platform agnostic and not tied to Android Wear, for instance. It'll reportedly arrive this fall, but there are no other details like the type of display, memory or pricing -- but we imagine it will be in the "if you have to ask" category.

That's all we know about the HP Smartwatch as of now. If you liked this article, you can read others listed on the right hand side or find ones in which you might be interested in by using the labels which are also listed on the right hand side. Follow me on Google+ to be one of the first ones to know whenever I write more awesome content! :)

Google I/O 2014 Keynote Wrap-up: Must Read!!

I/O happened! I am pretty sure all the Android enthusiasts around the world would have watched the I/O either via live stream or in a viewing party. Let's get started!

Firstly, Sundar Pichai, VP of Android, gave an overview of advancement in the technological world. P.S.: I don't know if many people noticed, but he was wearing a Moto 360!

Google is so far the only company that talks about 30 day active users. If they talked about just installations, the numbers would double or triple. These were some common stats given but the fun began now!

Android Silver = Android One

The LONG rumored Android Silver was announced at I/O in the name of "Android One". The concept is that Google will partner with manufacturers to provide them stock Android and hopefully every device will get software updates STRAIGHT from Google. This is very similar to Google Play Edition devices. They gave the example of a Micromax phone and 3-4 other manufactures from India. (+1 if you are Indian!)

Android L Developer Preview

Old Gmail app and new Gmail app

One apk for all form factors

Heads Up was officially announced received an UI overhaul 

New Recent Apps in Android L

This I/O, Google announced the Developer Preview for Android L and the full version will be announced later this year, hopefully with a Nexus 6.

It looks like they still haven't named the OS and for now, they are teasing us by calling it "L".

There are 5000 new APIs in Android L and a major UI overhaul, one like going from Gingerbread to ICS.

Next, Wolverine gave us a look at Material Design (:P). Material design is a new design language at Google that aims at giving pixels not only width and height, but also depth. Material design is the rumored Quantum paper. They have also update the Roboto system font.

The lockscreen now shows notifications below the clock. The best current example of this is Dashclock. Dashclock is a lockscreen widget that gives you options to add extensions for certain apps.

Motorola implemented a feature called "Trusted Bluetooth Devices" last year with the Moto X. It basically means that if a trusted bluetooth device is connected with your phone, it will not ask you for a password. Google added this feature in Android L, but on steroids. If you have an Android Wear smartwatch and you are wearing it, the phone will not ask you for a password, but as soon as you give your watch to someone else, your phone gets protected.

All this is awesome but the standout for me this year is Project Volta. Project Volta aims at improving battery life by limiting the times that radio signal wakes up your phone.

Android Wear

Android Wear was officially announced a while ago but now, the first devices, namely the LG G Watch and Samsung Gear Live are up for pre-order on the Play Store with shipping starting from July 7th. Read more about Android Wear and a comparison of both the devices here and here.

Android Auto

Android Auto is kind of like the central entertainment/GPS system in your car. The SDK for development is released if anybody wants to develop for this platform. The concept is similar to CarPlay by Apple but it has Google Now instead of Siri and Google Maps instead of Apple Maps ;) It's very simple to use: you plug your phone in via a cable and then you can receive and initiate calls and text messages or listen to music. It is basically Google now on your car dashboard.

Android Auto will start shipping out in cars before the end of 2014 (YES) in over 40 manufacturer's cars.

Android TV

If I had to give the shortest description possible: Android TV is a chromecast built into your TV with gaming support. But I don't have to give a short desciption, do I? :P

Android TV has a beautiful UI and if you read my previous article about what to expect from I/O this year, you would know that I was super excited for this. Android TV connects via Wi-Fi to the internet to give you Play Movies and TV on your TV. You can control Android TV with a controller, your phone or your Android Wear smartwatch (Kudos, Google).

Android TV does everything the Chromecast can do, including casting local media or your device's screen onto your TV. It will come built into select TVs starting from 2015 with all major TV makers like LG, Samsung and Sony, Sharp, etc.

Chromecast improvements

Massive increase in Chromecast usage

Tutorial showing casting without being in the same Wi-fi network

Chromecast is a winner as it is but Google improved it even more this I/O. Your Chromecast can now connect to Android L devices without being in the same Wi-fi network. It uses supersonic waves to achieve this.

Backdrop lets you cast your Google+ photos in the background

The photo stream of Chromecast from Google is beautiful but now with the Chromecast app, you can choose to have a slideshow of your personal Google+ photos.

Screen mirroring via Chromecast app

Supported devices for screen mirroring

Chromecast now also supports mirroring your Android device. And I'm glad to tell you that with Android L, you just have to swipe down from your notifications and press on "Cast Screen". It's as simple as it gets!

Chromebook

Incoming calls

Text messages

Battery low warning

If you have connected your Chromebook with your Android L device, any incoming calls or messages will also be seen on the Chromebook and it's a super awesome feature!

Apart from this, Google Drive now offers unlimited storage to enterprise customers for 10$/user/month in the celebration of 190M 30 day active users.

That's all for this I/O wrap up guys, I hope you liked it! If you did, check out my other articles listed on the right or you can find the ones you might be interested in by using the labels. Follow me or our official page on Google+ to be one of the first to know whenever we write more awesome content! :)