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Thursday, September 4, 2014

New phablets and a virtual reality headset from Samsung

Samsung has used the IFA electronics trade show in Berlin to announce two new mobile devices and a virtual reality headset.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 is the latest version of the company’s stylus-controlled phone/tablet hybrid. It’s equipped with a 5.7-inch Quad HD (2560 x 1440 pixel) display, a 16 megapixel rear-facing camera and a 3.7 megapixel wide-angle front-facing camera.

​​Features include multiple microphones for better noise cancellation and selective playback of individual voices when recording a group conversation.

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There was another addition to the ‘Galaxy Note’ range: the Samsung ​Galaxy Note Edge. It’s fractionally smaller, with a 5.6-inch screen, but is notable for having a screen that curves around the edge. This enables users to touch a shortcut icon for apps, alerts and other functions, even when the cover is closed.

Both handsets run Android v4.4. ​The Galaxy Note 4 will be available from next month, while the Galaxy Note Edge will go on sale later this year.

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A new accessory for the Note 4, the Samsung Gear VR Innovator Edition, was announced at the same time. This is a headset that uses the Galaxy Note 4 in conjunction with Oculus technology to create a virtual reality experience without needing a dedicated electronic device.

It’s described as a beta version of the product; availability is expected by the end of 2014. A collection of 360-degree videos and 3D movie trailers from will be pre-loaded on a memory card with the VR headset.

JK Shin, President and CEO of IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung Electronics, said ““The Samsung Gear VR goes far beyond expectations of how mobile technology can be used to consume content, and is a powerful representation of the progressive innovation of the Gear series. We are pleased to have partnered with Oculus VR to bring this incredibly immersive mobile content experience to consumers.”

[Oculus VR blog]

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Opinion Articles

Last week at The Fonecast: 15th October 2012

US government grumbles, O2 UK stumbles

Mark Bridge writes:

Can you trust a Chinese company to build a telecoms network?  Apparently not, according to the US House of Representatives. The “Investigative Report on the U.S. National Security Issues Posed by Chinese Telecommunications Companies Huawei and ZTE” wasn’t at all impressed with the two companies, although most of the complaints appeared to be about a lack of cooperation rather than hard evidence. I wonder if any mysterious agents are planning to visit the new Huawei UK HQ before next year’s official opening?

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Article rating: 5.0

Mobile phones used to track malaria transmission patterns

Jessica Berman of voanews.com writes:

Scientists are studying the use of mobile phones to track patterns of malaria transmission in endemic nations. The research is part of an effort by many countries to control or eliminate the mosquito-borne disease.

Author: The Fonecast
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Article rating: 4.0

Congressional warning on Chinese telecoms could prompt retaliation

William Gallo of voanews.com writes:

Analysts say this week's U.S. congressional report that called two Chinese telecoms a threat to national security is likely to prompt China to retaliate against U.S. businesses.

The House Intelligence Committee report warned U.S. companies against doing business with China's largest phone equipment companies, Huawei and ZTE.

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Kenya to pull plug on counterfeit mobile phones

Gabe Joselow of voanews.com writes:

Mobile phone subscribers in Kenya may wake up Monday morning to find their phones no longer work, as the nation's telecom companies enact a nation-wide switch-off of all counterfeit devices. Retailers and customers have mixed reactions to the plan, which could affect up to three million mobile phones.

Author: The Fonecast
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Last week at The Fonecast: 1st October 2012

A high for RIM, a low for Apple

Mark Bridge writes:

Apple started last week in the glow of a CoolBrands survey that had named it the UK's coolest brand – but it ended the week with its head bowed in embarrassment. Not only did Tim Cook apologise for the quality of the company’s iOS 6 Maps application, he recommended that customers use competing services until it gets better.

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