Samsung Galaxy S7: Full Specifications

Samsung Galaxy S7 will have the most advanced specification and features. Let’s take a brief look on what are the specifications of Galaxy S7. Now both Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge Smartphone are launched. Let’s check out complete specs of Samsung’s latest flagship.

Model Name	Galaxy S7
Display	5.5 inch Display (1440 X 2560 Resolution) (Super AMOLED, Force Touch with  TouchWIZ UI)
Processor	Octa Core Snapdragon 820, Exynos 8890, 64 bit Chipset
Dimensions	142.4 X 69.6 X 7.9 mm, 152 grams
SIM	Nano SIM, Samsung Pay
Protection	Corning Gorilla Glass 5, IP68 Water & Dust Resistance
GPU	Adreno 530, Mali-T880 MP12 ~577 ppi pixel density
OS	Android v6.0 (Marshmallow OS)
RAM	4 GB
Memory	32 / 64 GB, Micro SD up to 200 GB
Camera	12 MP f/1.7 primary camera, 26 mm 5 MP Front facing camera with Dual Video call
Networking	2G, 3G, 4G LTE, HSPA, GSM support v4.2 Bluetooth, NFC, Wi-Fi, A-GPS, GLONASS
Sensors	Fingerprint, Retina Scanner, Auto HDR, Gyro, OIS, Accelerometer, Barometer, Proximity, Heart Rate etc.
Battery	3000 mAh Non-Removable Battery
Colors	Black, Silver, Gold, White

The Edge variant of Galaxy S7 series has elegant design with edges. They comes with really advanced hardware and software integration for better performance. Both phones are powered by Quick charging which enables users to get high charging (83%) in just 30 minutes. Although most of the specs for Edge variant is same but it has slightly upper hand over normal S7. Let’s check out the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge specifications below:

5.5 inch SUPER AMOLED

1440 X 2560 pixels, ~534 ppi

150.9 X 72.6 X 7.7 mm, 157 grams

Android v6.0 Marshmallow

Curved Edge display

Snapdragon 820, Exynos 8890 Octa

4GB RAM, 32 / 64 GB, micro SD up to 200 GB

12 MP primary camera

5 MP front camera

3600 mAh non-removable battery

Processor:

Both phones are going to run on Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 as well as Exynos 8890 Octa processor.  The MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 processor runs 2.15 GHz Dual core chipset while Exynos 8890 Octa will have 2.3 GHz clocks per cycle. So, Exynos variant is more powerful as compare to Snapdragon. As per official announcement S7 flagship has 30% efficient CPU and 64% better GPU as compare to last year launched Galaxy S6.

RAM and Storage capability:

Samsung is manufacturing Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge Smartphone’s with 4GB RAM. It will have UFC 2.0 feature which will fasten your video recording experience with fast data storage. These phones will be available with 32 GB / 64 GB internal storage. You will be happy to know that GalaxyS7 flagship has micro SD card support up to 200 GB which is really great move by Samsung.

Display and design:

Talking about display sizes of these smartphone, Galaxy S7 boast a 5.1 inch SUPER AMOLED display and Galaxy S7 edge with 5.5 inch display. Both phones has QHD display with 1440 X 2560 pixels of resolution which is quite same as we have seen with its predecessors. The Galaxy S7 smartphone is going to have beautiful slick design (7.9 mm) and made of premium quality metal. It will have improved Force Touch TouchWIZ for better customisation.

Camera Specs & features

Now the phone is launched and we know the confirmed specs, yes it will not have 20 MP camera but you won’t find better than this. Samsung Galaxy S7 comes with a 12 MP, f/1.7 camera sensors and 5 MP front camera. This looks like quite disappointing as 12 mega pixels is very less as many low end devices these days features comparatively 12-16 MP. But it’s not like increasing pixels will help you to capture high quality images. The phone is going to have 12 Mega pixels f/1.7 aperture lens which offers large pixels and ability to capture high quality images even in low lights . The Galaxy S7 is capable of capturing 2160p@30fps, 1080p@60fps with dual Video and HDR which is exceptionally great.

Apple iPhone 6 VS Samsung Galaxy S6

 It's the clash of the titans, as Samsung’s best takes on Apple’s finest. But which is right for you?

Apple iPhone 6

Pros

• iOS operating system
• Popular apps launch first on iOS
• Award-winning design

Cons

• Shorter battery life than the S6
• No microSD slot

Samsung Galaxy S6

Pros

• Huge quad HD screen
• Metal build
• Wireless charging

Cons

• Third-party apps can be less polished
• No microSD slot

What do you want to read about?

• First Impressions
• Design
• Screen
• Camera
• Performance and battery life
• Value for money
• Verdict

First Impressions

The Samsung Galaxy S6 and iPhone 6 are two of the best smartphones around right now.

They’re both very highly specced, extremely desirable in terms of design and have bags of features. But there are plenty of differences between them.

Read on as uSwitch, the UK’s largest and most respected mobile phone comparison site, pits the handsets against each other to help you find the best smartphone for your needs.

The iPhone 6 is the first Apple phone with a 4.7-inch screen. Its predecessors, the iPhone 5, 5S and 5C, all had 4-inch displays, so this is a step up for Apple. That said, it’s still relatively small compared to others on the market.

Samsung’s Galaxy S6 boasts a metal body, which is a departure from its plastic predecessor. It too is an absolute stunner design-wise, and it runs Android, Google’s mobile operating system.

iPhone 6 at glance

• Apps are generally better quality than Android
• Works seamlessly with Mac computers and iPads
• iPhones are the easiest smartphones to use

Samsung Galaxy S6 at a glance

• Wireless charging (charging plate sold separately)
• Metal and aluminium construction
• 5.1-inch Super AMOLED screen is larger than iPhone 6

Design

The iPhone 6 has a new premium aluminium body and rounded corners that give it a friendly, though no less stylish, appearance. It’s amazingly slim – so much so that the camera lens protrudes from the back a little – and feels natural in the hand.

Compared to its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy S6 is unrecognisable. Its sleek metal and glass design is up there with the best of them.

iPhone 6 at a glance

Extremely lightweight. If it wasn’t for its size, you could easily forget it was in your pocket.
The buttons have been redesigned to fit the new look. They’re long and oval-shaped rather than round as on previous models.
Power button is on the right side instead of the top, making it easier to reach.
A word of warning: it does get quite cold to the touch in chilly weather.

Samsung Galaxy S6 at a glance

Like all phones with a glass finish, the back is an absolute magnet for fingerprints.
It can also be a bit slippery, so it’s worth shelling out a little extra for a case.
It’s a tiny bit heavier than the iPhone 6, but not noticeably so.
Because of the new super slim design, the S6 doesn’t have a removable back. That means that, as with the iPhone 6, you can’t swap the battery.
There's no microSD card slot for expandable storage (once again, this is a feature missing from the iPhone 6). That slimness had to mean compromises.

Screen

The iPhone 6’s Retina HD screen is a little smaller than the Galaxy S6’s, but it still packs plenty of punch. And it performs especially impressively when viewed from wide angles, so it's easier to enjoy clips with your friends.

The Galaxy S6 boasts A 5.1-inch, 2K display, giving it a pixel per inch count of 576ppi. That extra sharpness, combined with the bigger size, is really noticeable side by side. But on their own, both phones are very impressive.

iPhone 6 at a glance

Resolution of 1,334x750 pixels equates to a pixels per inch count of 326ppi. The more pixels make up an image, the sharper it looks on-screen.
In real-world use that means the iPhone 6 offers natural-looking colours and exactingly defined images.
2K (also known as QHD or quad-high definition) is quickly becoming the standard. It’s a shame Apple hasn’t kept step with the rest of the smartphone world.

Samsung Galaxy S6 at a glance

Better contrast (the difference between light and dark colours, as it turns off pixels for 'truer' blacks) makes the S6 better for watching films.
Higher pixel count means sharper images than the iPhone 6.
5.1-inch screen is 0.4 inches larger than the iPhone 6.

Camera

The iPhone has long had one of the best cameras to be found in a mobile. And the iPhone 6 is no different. It’s quick to start up, simple to use and has a ton of features, such as auto HDR which enhances the difference between light and dark colours to give a more balanced image.

The Galaxy S6’s snapper has twice the resolution of the iPhone 6’s. But, as we’ll explain, that doesn’t tell the whole story. What it does have over the iPhone 6 is the inclusion of optical image stabilisation, though.

iPhone 6 at a glance

There's a lightning-quick burst mode and slo-mo and time-lapse video options for when you want to get creative.
Optical image stabilisation, which keeps the camera steady while you’re moving, is missing. For that, you’ll have to pay extra for the iPhone 6 Plus.

Samsung Galaxy S6 at a glance

The main camera performs slightly better in low light conditions. The results were less grainy than those from the iPhone.
The front-facer is also higher resolution, making for clearer selfies and video calls.
It's not quite as intuitive as the iPhone 6's camera.

Performance and battery life

On paper the Galaxy S6 has the edge over the iPhone 6 in this category.

Its battery is larger than the iPhone 6 and it’s home to a brawnier processor. But does that necessarily mean it performs better when it comes to real-world usage?

iPhone 6 at a glance

It zips through menus and we had no trouble whatsoever playing processor-intensive games, watching HD videos, emailing or browsing the web.
Games look fantastic too thanks to iOS Metal, a graphics application program interface that lets developers create stunning games.
Despite the bigger screen, battery life was very impressive. Even with really heavy use, it kept going until lunchtime on the second day before giving up.

Samsung Galaxy S6 at a glance

Less impressive than the iPhone 6 in the battery stakes, due to S6's power-sapping bigger, brighter screen. It was barely dinner time before it ran out.
However, Samsung’s ultra power save mode is genius. It turns the screen grayscale and prohibits app use, giving another 15 hours of use from just 9% battery.
The S6’s octa-core chip and 3GB of RAM give it plenty of power, so it flies through menus and handles games and movies super smoothly.
Value for money

Not many people are going to buy these handsets outright due to their premium price tags. Monthly deals are a better bet, as they spread the cost over two years.

But the good news is that both hold their resale value, so you'll get some cash back when you upgrade. You can currently pick up a second-hand iPhone 6 for around £400, and a Galaxy S6 for £420.

Verdict

The S6 offers more freedom to customise your phone.
Samsung's TouchWiz user interface is inconsistent and nowhere near as clean as Apple's iOS.

The iPhone 6 is easier to get to grips with and more of a pleasure to use.
For the first time, Samsung's phone has a slightly better camera than the iPhone, helped by the inclusion of optical image stabilisation.

Though the iPhone 6's screen is perfectly capable, the S6's screen is bigger and better.
If you want the extras, and will be watching a lot of films on your phone, go for the S6.
If you like simplicity and ease of use, the iPhone 6 is the better handset.

For years, Samsung has been playing catch-up. With this latest effort it has finally matched, and in many aspects, trumped Apple.

It's a points decision rather than a knockout blow. But we're awarding this one to Samsung.

Apple iPad Air 3 may spring up in March

Apple may try to reignite your flagging interest in the iPad at a mid-March event.

The company reportedly plans to show off the iPad Air 3 during the week of March 14, 9to5Mac reported Wednesday. A 4-inch iPhone and new Apple Watch models also rumored to appear, the report said, citing unnamed sources.

The iPad Air is due for an upgrade. Last year, Apple debuted the 12.9-inch iPad Pro and refreshed the 7.9-inch iPad Mini. The new iPad Air, with the same 9.7-inch screen size as the original iPad introduced in 2010, will supposedly have a rear-facing LED flash for better low-light photos and new speakers to better match the iPad Pro's audio performance, 9to5Mac reported. Apple may also be testing a version of the iPad Air that works with the Apple Pencil, a stylus designed for the Pro.

Apple's earnings earlier this week showed that iPad sales in the last three months of 2015 slipped significantly compared with a year earlier. Overall, iPad sales dropped 25 percent year over year to 16.1 million. The iPad Air has a more mainstream audience than the business-focused iPad Pro and will be key to any effort to reverse the decline.

By March, the Apple Watch will reach its first birthday. It's possible that Cupertino, California-based company could use an event to try to boost buzz around the product. There will be a new lineup of timepieces, according to 9to5Mac, as well aesthetic updates to existing models.

iPhone launches have taken place solely at a dedicated event held in September for many years, but there are rumors that Apple will introduce in March a 4-inch smartphone, dubbed the iPhone 5se, which though smaller will use the new A9 processor found inside the iPhone 6 and 6s.

Apple is mulling March 14 for the event, according to 9to5Mac, but the Apple generally doesn't send out invitations until a week before the date

More: http://www.cnet.com/news/apple-ipad-air-3-reportedly-slated-for-march-unveiling/

27 Highly Desirable Gifts for Apple-Loving Fanatics

Chances are, you know an Apple fanatic -- someone whose iPhone, Mac or iPad is a prized possession. If you don't know a true fanatic, you probably know a fan -- or barring that, someone who might appreciate an Apple-made gift this holiday season.

To help you cut through the chaff, from one Apple fanatic to... someone else entirely, I've put together a list of the best Apple gifts this holiday season, covering multiple price points.

Of course, we should get this out of the way right now: Most of Apple's price points are pretty high. While an Apple Watch, for example, might fit into a stocking, it's not exactly a gift that comes in at a stocking stuffer price.

In addition, you should know that Apple basically has turned its whole website into a storefront, so going to Apple to browse a traditional online store is just gone. You now browse product pages, and when you think you want to buy, you've got to find the "Buy" button. For a person considering a particular purchase, it's fine, but for a gift giver? Annoying. So here you go.

  

Under $25

1. Gift Cards -- Seriously, Apple doesn't make hardly anything under US$25. The big gotcha with Apple's gift cards, though, is you have to pick the right one: An Apple Store Gift Card can be redeemed at a brick-and-mortar Apple Store or on the official Apple website, but not at the iTunes Store. You need to give an iTunes Gift Card if you want the recipient to be able to purchase items at the iTunes Store.

Astoundingly stupid, I know, and embarrassing when an Apple fan has to explain why their favorite $233 billion company can't figure this out. I mean really, who expects Grandma to know this?

2. Extra Cables -- Apple does offer a handful of products under $25, but they are basically minor accessories. You can snag the always-needed extra Lightning to USB Cable for $19 (but the long 2 meter one that's great for long reaches is $29).

3. Remote Loop -- OK, Apple sort of has a real accessory under $25 -- the Remote Loop safety lanyard. You use it so you don't accidentally throw your Apple TV Siri Remote while working out or playing a game in front of your Apple TV.

Because this is one of the most infuriating kinds of purchases an Apple-loving fan has to make, it's not a terrible gift. It's actually sort of humorous and ironic because the extra price for this Remote Loop is just mind boggling: $12.99.

Under $50 - and Up

4. Apple Watch Bands -- For $49, you can pick up a differently colored band for Apple Watch Sport users -- or ramp up to the Leather Loop ($149) or Link Bracelet ($449). Lots of sweet options here, actually.

Apple watch bands
5. Apple World Travel Adapter Kit -- Got a world traveler, or someone heading out for an international vacation? Get this kit for $29.

6. Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Dock -- This $79 Apple Watch dock is a simple but nifty dock that lets you charge your Apple Watch flat or sideways, which lets you use it as a nightstand alarm clock.

7. Apple EarPods with Remote and Mic -- Apple's included EarPods are pretty good, never fantastic, but solid enough. Despite getting a new pair with every iPhone purchase, these EarPods get abused and eventually manage to get lost. I never mind having an extra pair to leave in the pickup or by the bed ($29).

Under $100

8. Magic Mouse 2 -- I'm a fan of the Magic Mouse 2, but I'm also old-school that way. The touch surface is handy for navigating my Mac and the precision on a variety of surfaces is fantastic ($79).

9. iPad Smart Covers -- Apple makes some great magnetic iPad covers that are simple yet functional. There are a lot of great third-party covers, but you can't go wrong with Apple's. They are not exactly flashy or inspiring, but they do the job well. Price varies.

Under $300

10. Apple TV -- If your Apple fanatic doesn't already have an Apple TV, this makes an excellent gift -- but make sure you're getting the new Apple TV, the fat little 4th generation model.

It comes in two versions: a 32-GB version good for everyone who watches mostly movies and TV and wants to use some cool apps; and a 64-GB version that's better for gamers who want to play graphic-heavy games on their Apple TV ($149-$199).

11. Magic Trackpad 2 -- The Magic Trackpad 2 is a little spendy at $129, but its pressure-sensitive surface lets you bring the power of Apple's Force Touch to older Macs that don't have it built-in.

12. iPad mini 2 -- Coming in at $269, the lowest-cost iPad is the iPad mini 2. It's a great little tablet, but it's also aging -- get it only if the iPad mini 4, or better yet, iPad Air 2, is just out of your budget range.

13. Beats Powerbeats2 Wireless In-Ear Headphones -- These are a bit spendy at $199, but hey, half the point of buying them is for the style and construction. They're great for active, sports and fitness enthusiasts with their over-the-ear hook to help keep them in place. Inspired by Lebron James, these bad boys are also sweat and water resistant.

14. Beats Solo2 Wireless On-Ear Headphones -- Maybe not the very best sound quality, but the build and overall style is pretty great. Get Beats for Apple fans who just crave all things Apple ($299).

15. Apple AirPort Extreme -- It took me a while to figure this out, but Apple's devices just seem to work a little better when they are connecting to an Apple-made WiFi base station. The price seems high, but when all of your devices get better signals and faster connection speeds, you'll appreciate it.

Of course, it helps to know that the AirPort Extreme base station uses a powerful beamforming antenna array to deliver better performance, which is your excuse for buying it, along with the chance to use the phrase, beamforming antenna array ($299).

Under $500

16. Apple Watch Sport -- It's pretty hard to go wrong with an Apple Watch. This little wrist throwback device probably won't effect a massive change on your Apple fan's life, but there's so many little features packed into it that it's likely they will find a few ways to appreciate it.

The Sport starts at $349 and is the best buy. Should you step up to the stainless steel Apple Watch model for $200 more? I remain unconvinced it's worth it -- snag some extra bands instead.

17. Beats Studio Wireless Over-Ear Headphones -- A little bigger, a little more expensive, these Beats headphones offer a step up -- with noise cancellation, no less ($379).

18. Mac mini -- The least expensive Mac is also hard to recommend. While you can get into one for $499, it's a bit neglected in terms of overall performance; however, if you have an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse already -- and are willing to cobble together your system with disparate parts -- it's a good way to get into Mac OS X.

Under $1,000

19. iPhone 6s or iPhone 6s Plus -- Starting at $649 and $749, the iPhone is arguably the most important device and experience for Apple fans. Hard to go wrong here.

20. iPad Pro -- Let's get this straight: Not a very large percentage of people truly need the huge new 12-inch iPad Pro, but this iPad is a lust-worthy object. It boasts a sharp and glorious screen, and it weighs just 1.57 pounds. Inside, it uses Apple's crazy-powerful and efficient A9X 64-bit processor, which is 2.5 times as powerful as the A7 version from the iPad Air.

Plus, the iPad Pro works with the new Apple Pencil, which is great for artists, as well as the Apple Smart Keyboard, which is great for letting Apple fans get some real work done. The 32-GB entry-level model costs $799, while the 128-GB version goes for $949.

21. MacBook Air -- There are two decent MacBook Air models available for under $1,000: the 11-incher and the 13-incher. The 11-incher goes for $899, and it's a super mobile unit. Pretty solid, really. The 13-incher is nearly as portable, offers more working space, and includes an SDXC card slot that's handy for photographers.

The downside? No super-sharp Retina display. The upside? Generally better performance than the new 12-inch Retina MacBook, at a lower cost and with a better keyboard. Oh, and one more thing: No new Force Touch trackpad, either. Still the Air is a popular, higher-value Mac option, even today.

Under $1,500

22. MacBook -- At $1,299, the new MacBook with Retina display is a seriously ultralight wonder. What it lacks in overall performance, it makes up with lightness and screen-size balance. Pros and cons: The screen is gorgeous and the size is astoundingly packable, but the new keyboard is slightly annoying. It is best for frequent travelers or Apple fans who are often on the go.

23. 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display -- The 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display offers the best overall bang for your Apple computing dollar. It sports a dual-core Intel Core i5 processor that will give you plenty of oomph for a few years. The 13-inch Retina screen looks fantastic and offers a good blend of portability with workspace. Bottom line? This Mac is a great option for the majority of Apple fans.


24. 21.5-inch iMac with Retina 4K display -- This new Retina iMac is pretty sweet. Coming in at just $1,499, it's priced right and includes a quad-core Intel Core i5 processor.

This would be a knock-out hit if it weren't for one disappointing component -- at $1,499 it comes with an old-school super-slow 5400-rpm hard drive. If it were easily user-upgradable, we could forgive this travesty, but since it's not, this iMac is best for school work or light business use.

Under $2,000

25. iMac 27-inch with Retina 5K display -- Starting at $1,799, this huge and glorious iMac is just amazing.


The only downside is the 7200-rpm hard drive, which means that if you can possibly afford it, you might consider stepping up to the next option at $1,999, which includes a faster Fusion Drive.

Over $2,000

26. 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display -- If price is no object, just go straight to Apple and customize a 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display.

Load that puppy up with the 2.8 GHz quad-core Intel i7 processor, along with 1 TB of fast Flash Storage... and happily plunk down $3,199. Your enthusiast or professional Apple lover will drool, hug it, and maybe even sleep with it tucked safely under one arm.

27. 27-inch iMac with Retina 5K display -- Remember what you just read above this? Do the same thing here: Load up the big iMac with a screaming 4.0 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor, then bump your memory up to 32 GB, get 1 TB of Flash Storage, and snag the AMD Radeon R9 M395X with 4 GB of video memory. Your final price? A cool $4,099. Pure awesomeness, though. Awesomeness.

28. Apple Watch Edition -- For $12,000, if not more, you can buy a gold Apple Watch.

Don't be stupid. Seriously. If you buy this watch, you're probably bad for the world. Get a stainless steel option instead and spend your money on something better, ideally something that will leave the world a better place than how you found it.

Of course, all this is relative. Apple fans know this. You could argue that you ought to shell out for a cheaper Dell PC instead of a MacBook and spend the extra savings on doing good for the world... .

Yet there is a slight difference here. At under $2,000, most Apple products simply produce a higher overall level of lifespan and value -- maybe not for everybody, but this definitely is a fundamental premise acceptable to most Apple fans. Plus, it often plays out in resale value.

But the Apple Watch Edition? Just look away, shake your head softly, and try not to think about it (or the people who buy it).

More: http://www.technewsworld.com/story/82852.html

Samsung S7 May Fall Just Shy of Innovation

The S7 also will have a USB Type-C port, which will make for faster charging; a camera optimized for low-light photography; and possibly a retina scanner and an external memory card slot in some versions, the report said. The camera lens will be flush with the back of the phone instead of bulging out as the Galaxy S6's lens does.

As it did with the Galaxy S6, Samsung reportedly will offer two versions of the S7, one a premium curved-screen device to be named the "Galaxy S7 Edge."

"The smartphone market is all about keeping up with the Joneses, and Apple has had its fair share of rule-making features," remarked Ramon Llamas, a research manager at IDC.

"Then again, Samsung did start the phablet craze," he told TechNewsWorld.

The Galaxy S7 series reportedly will be available in the United States in mid-March after being announced at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, in late February.

Galloping to Stay Current

Most of the new features to be included in the S7 are widely available in competitors' devices, and one, the microSD card slot, is returning to the Galaxy family after having been dropped in the Galaxy S6 series.

There have been rumors of a USB Type-C port for the S7 since this fall. It's available already on smartphones from some makers, including LG Electronics and Huawei Technologies. It's one of the technologies Apple reportedly is testing for the iPhone 7.

Fujitsu released a smartphone with a retina scanner earlier this year, as did ZTE. Its Grand S3, available in China, also offers retinal scanning.

"No vendor wants to be left out in the cold as one of the few who didn't adopt a new technology," IDC's Llamas said.

Taking on the Competition

Apple is the only maker that's a threat to Samsung at the high end.

"The S7 is really competing head-on with the iPhone," said David McQueen, a research director at ABI Research. "Most other Android vendors -- such as Motorola/Lenovo, Huawei, ZTE, LG and Sony -- have tried and failed to compete at the high end."

The recently launched US$700 BlackBerry Priv is "an obvious exception," he told TechNewsWorld, but "I'm not so sure that's going to fare well against Apple and Samsung at that price point, despite the obvious security benefits and hard keyboard."

Shoring up Samsung Sales

Sales of the Galaxy S6 reportedly have not hit the 70 million units Samsung predicted at launch. Deutsche Bank pegged sales at about 45 million, according to media reports.

Samsung has offered consumers a $100 Google Play credit to trade in their iPhones for an S6.

It offered a $300 gift bundle of accessories to new purchasers of the Galaxy S6 family or the Galaxy Note 5 to boost holiday sales last month.

The new features for the Galaxy S7 aren't likely to increase sales, Llamas predicted, because they "are incremental at best, and by themselves don't represent reasons for a jump-start. What end users want to see is not what these features can do, per se, but what these features can do for them."

While the new features make the Galaxy S7 even more Apple-like, "the problem Samsung and Apple, to some extent, face is how to make the new iteration of their flagship device different enough from last year's version to entice users to upgrade," ABI's McQueen pointed out.

"This is becoming ever harder to achieve," he said. "All [the flagships] look and feel the same, and are packed with very similar features, so it can ... boil down to brand strength, ecosystem and price.

More: http://www.technewsworld.com/story/82877.html

Best smartwatches 2015

What's the best smartwatch? 

The 10 best smartwatches you can buy today - best smartwatch reviews, best wearable tech reviews

Best smartwatch 2015: Why do I need a smartwatch?

There's an interesting theory that smartwatches are to the smartphone what wristwatches were to the pocket watch. Picture the way the average gentlemen used to have to rummage through his pocket for his watch prior to the 20th century - now skip forward 100+ years and the average smartphone user still has to dive into his/her pocket to check their phone. Read: The best smartphones: The best phone you can buy in 2016.

The kicker now is that your smartphone holds far more information than a pocket watch ever did, yet all of which is still locked into your pocket. The theory behind smartwatches is not for you to make calls with and speak into, like Inspector Gadget, but instead they provide a quick and easy way to check what notifications are on your smartphone, so you can decide whether it's worth delving into your pocket or searching around your bag to fetch your smartphone or not.

Best smartwatch 2015: What makes a good smartwatch?

So when testing for what is the best smartwatch, the important factors to consider are how much of your smartphone's functionalities can it perform, and how well does it handle each task, the final attribute is obviously style - it's still bling after all.

You'll also want to make sure it's compatible with your smartphone - some are only for iPhone or Android while others support most phones. Note that Android Wear now has iOS support but the experience is cut down in comparison. Some smartwatches use different software such as the Gear S2 which runs Tizen, Samsung's own OS - it's a legitimate alternative to Android Wear
.
As is stands, you'll need to pick a watch with more limited functionality if you want long battery life while ones which can do all sorts will typically last a couple of days. Fitness fans will want to look for a device with a heart rate monitor and built-in GPS, although the heart rate monitors are often poor.

We consider the important factors of a smartwatch to be level of notification detail, battery life, style, water resistance, compatibility with a range of devices/smartphones, plus additional features such as microphones Wi-Fi support so you don't have to connect to a phone for full functionality.

With very similar, if not identical, hardware on offer with many of the Android Wear smartwatches, a large part of the decision will come down to design and price.

Best smartwatches 2015

10. Samsung Gear 2

The Samsung Gear 2 is a stylish smartwatch packed with features but has limited appeal due to small list of compatible devices. It's still too bulky and many of those features don't work well or are unnecessary. Then there's the high price tag which means unless what the Gear 2 has to offer is genuinely what you want a smartwatch for, you'll be better off elsewhere.

Read our Samsung Gear 2 review.

9. Sony SmartWatch 2

Sony SmartWatch 2 is a good value for money smart watch. It improves on the original version in key areas such as design, battery life and showing the time. With plenty of apps to download and use, there's lots of functionality too.

Read our Sony SmartWatch 2 review.

8. LG G Watch

The LG G Watch is the best smartwatch we've reviewed so far, partly due to the affordable price tag and the excellent, albeit not flawless, Android Wear system. You will need a device with Android 4.3 or later, though. The design of the G Watch doesn't wow so check out the Gear Live and the upcoming Moto 360.

Read our LG G Watch review.

7. Apple Watch

We can't help but think that Apple has tried to do too much with this first generation Apple Watch. There are so many ways of interacting with it and so many different features and elements to get used to that the learning curve is surprisingly steep. It takes a lot of getting used to, and at times it feels counter-intuitive, something we're not use to with Apple devices.

That's why we'd struggle to recommend spending the £299 or more it'll cost you to buy this smartwatch. As is often the case, waiting for the second generation of the Apple Watch is likely to be a wise move, because Apple is going to learn a lot from this first generation smartwatch and from the customers and fans that are using it.

Read our Apple Watch review.

6. Microsoft Band 2

It is very difficult to score the Band 2, because it is such a specific product with a unique feature set. But let's unpack it: it is definitely good value, as the combination of sensors and features is much greater than any comparable product at this price. And it is well made if not the last word in elegance, nor with perfect battery life. If you are looking for a GPS runner's or cyclist's watch it is a good one at a good price, and it also offers the productivity and sleep tracking. And if you want a smartwatch you will like what the Band 2 does, but you may hanker after the ability to compose and send messages. Simply, I don't. I like to wear my dumb watch, and I like for my phone to stay in my pocket rather than on my wrist. So for me the Band 2 is a winner. 

Read our Microsoft Band 2 review.

5. Sony SmartWatch 3

The SmartWatch 3's biggest strength is its built-in GPS, but you'll still need a smartphone for driving directions. It's also great to see a standard USB charging port. The transflective screen is a good idea, but in practice battery life is no better than other smartwatches with better-looking screens. Ultimately, unless you're on a fixed budget, the G Watch R is the better choice. If you can't afford that, wait a few months: the price is bound to drop.

Read our Sony SmartWatch 3 review.

4. Samsung Gear S2

Based on our time with the Samsung Gear S2, we think it's a sleek smartwatch with an attractive design. It offers fairly standard smartwatch features like fitness tracking, but also includes some rather interesting features including a rotating bezel used for navigating the UI and enhanced app capabilities. At £249, it sits itself alongside the likes of the Moto 360 2, and we think the Gear S2 is a great, if not better option for Android users – especially with a custom, intuitive UI.

Read our Samsung Gear S2 review.

3. Motorola Moto 360 2

The new 2nd-generation Moto 360 is a decent smartwatch offering excellent build quality and hardware. The value is good if you avoid the extras on the Moto Maker but they are hard to resist. Battery life is fairly good and performance too apart from the odd moment. All of this is leading to a whole hearted recommendation, if only Motorola had made the one change we wanted – removing that flat tyre from the display. As much as we like the Moto 360, it's hard to look past this, as small as it may seem.

Read our Motorola Moto 360 2 review.

2. Huawei Watch

At a lower price, the Huawei Watch would be the best Android Wear smartwatch on the market but it's a little too much for our liking. Although it's absolutely stunning and the build quality is exquisite, the watch lacks GPS, the heart rate monitor doesn't work very well and the charger is fiddly.

Read our Huawei Watch review.

1. LG Watch R

Quite rightly, LG has decided to launch a round screen version of its first Android Wear device in the form of the G Watch R. It adds much needed style and class to the smartwatch and has an excellent round screen which doesn't have a section missing. It's a shame that it's more expensive than the Moto 360 but if you're going to spend £200, £25 isn't much extra. As long as you like the design of it over the Moto 360 which is down to personal taste.

Read our LG Watch R review.

LG G Watch R reviews

Since all the Android Wear smartwatches run the same software, design is an extremely important area when making a buying decision. The advantage of the G Watch R, if you can afford it, is that it's the most normal looking smartwatch around. Whether you personally like the look or not is a personal matter and a watch is a fashion item so this could immediately put you off buying it.

We like the look of the G Watch R and despite appearances, it's actually thinner than the Moto 360 at 11.4 mm compared to 11.9 mm. It doesn't sound like much but a fair bit of that measurement is simply the bezel around the edge which is pointy.

The watch is also pretty light at 61 g which is less that it looks and like rivals it is IP67 rated so is completely protected from dust and water resistant for up to 30 minutes at a maximum depth of one metre.


Build quality is good with a stainless steel body – we can only find the black model although there was a silver one on show at IFA 2014 which is where we first saw the device. Included is a leather strap and you can switch it for any standard 22mm alternative if you want which is good. It's plain black and although LG had various on display in Berlin we can't find them for sale anywhere.

The main disadvantage to the design is that it's quite large, like others, meaning that females are likely to find it huge. LG only has one image of a woman wearing the G Watch R on its site and we know why. The firm along with others, are probably kicking themselves after Apple announced two different sizes of the Apple Watch.

LG G WATCH HANDS-ON REVIEW: HARDWARE AND SPECS

We're seeing almost identical specs across all the Android Wear smartwatches with a few little differences here and there. The core hardware is a familiar Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 1.2 GHz processor, 512MB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage. We've had no problems with performance on any Android Wear smartwatches.

A battery size of 410 mAh is pretty typical and there's the usual array of sensors including a gyro, compass, accelerometer. An additional feature which you don't always find is the heart rate monitor which sits on the back and a barometer for altitude. Unfortunately the heart rate monitor tends to take a good while to record a measurement and often fails.
See also: Samsung Gear S hands-on review.

Unlike the Moto 360, it will only take a reading when you ask it to which helps with battery life. While the Motorola only lasted us a day, the LG has made its way through 3-4 days on average although this will drop to a couple if you have the screen set to always on and you use it a lot.

Matching the original G Watch, this smartwatch charges via a magnetic dock. It works fine but we'd rather have the wireless charging of the Moto 360 which also shows the time and progress while docked.

The 1.3in screen might sound small but looks great in circular form and easy to use with Android Wear. The display itself is P-OLED and has a resolution of 320 x 320. In regular watch mode, you'd be forgiven for thinking the moving hands were real.

Important in the fight with the Moto 360, the G Watch R doesn't have the bottom part of the screen cut off or the slightly annoying moiré effect around the edge since there's no bevelled edge to the glass. LG points out, and quite rightly so, that it's 'full circle'.

LG G WATCH HANDS-ON REVIEW: SOFTWARE

If you've got this far in the review, you'll know that the G Watch R comes with Android Wear. You can use Google's wearable OS with any Android device running version 4.3 or later by connecting it over Bluetooth. You'll get essentially the same experience as other smartwatches with Android Wear – the main difference is the circular screen rather than square.

More: http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/review/smart-watches/lg-g-watch-r-review-3543856/