Tag: Samsungs

Samsung’s biggest memory rivals are plotting a tie-up with Kafkaesque implications — SK Hynix and Kioxia could build lucrative HBM chips for Nvidia, AMD and others

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South Korean chipmaker SK Hynix, a key Nvidia supplier, says it has already sold out of its entire 2024 production of stacked high-bandwidth memory DRAMs, crucial for AI processors in data centers. That’s a problem, given just how in demand HBM chips are right now.

However, a solution might have presented itself, as reports say SK Hynix is in talks with Japanese firm Kioxia Holdings to jointly produce HBM chips.

SK Hynix, the world’s second-largest memory chipmaker, is a major shareholder of Kioxia, the world’s No. 2 NAND flash manufacturer, and if the deal goes ahead, it could see the high-performance chips being produced at facilities co-operated by Kioxia and US-based Western Digital Corp. in Japan.

A merger hangs in the balance

What makes this situation even more interesting is Kioxia and Western Digital have been engaged in merger talks, something that SK Hynix is opposed to over fears this would reduce its opportunities with Kioxia. As SK Hynix is a major shareholder in Kioxia, the Japanese firm and Western Digital’s merger can’t go ahead without its blessing, and this new move could be seen as an important sweetener to help things progress.

After the news of the potential deal broke, SK Hynix issued a statement saying simply, “There is no change in our stance that if there is a collaboration opportunity, we will enter into discussion on that matter.”

If the merger between Kioxia and Western Digital does proceed, it will make the company potentially the biggest manufacturer of NAND memory on the planet, leapfrogging current leader Samsung, so there’s a lot to play for.

The Korea Economic Daily says of the move, “The partnership is expected to cement SK Hynix’s leadership in the HBM segment, which it almost evenly splits with Samsung Electronics. Kioxia will likely transform NAND flash lines into those for HBMs, used for generative AI applications, high-performance data centers and machine learning platforms, contributing to a revival in Japan’s semiconductor market.”

Samsung’s new mid-rangers deliver security tech never seen on the A-series smartphone

Post author By lisa nichols
Post date March 12, 2024
No Comments on Samsung’s new mid-rangers deliver security tech never seen on the A-series smartphone

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Samsung is expanding its mid-range smartphones by adding two new, more secure models to its A-series: the Galaxy A35 5G and the A55 5G.

The pair’s robust security comes in multiple forms. Chief among them is the introduction of the tech giant’s Knox Vault software. What this does, according to the announcement, is it physically isolates sensitive data like passwords or encryption keys away from the smartphone’s “main processor and memory.” That way, if the device is somehow compromised, your information is safe. Knox Vault’s inclusion is notable because it marks the first time it’s being seen on a mid-ranger. Until recently, the software has been exclusive to high-end models like the Galaxy S24.

Next, we have Auto Blocker which primarily does two things. One: stop “app installation from unauthorized sources”, and two: scan apps for any potential malware lurking around. The software can even block “malicious commands” sent via USB cable.

Private Sharing is here, too, offering encrypted protection whenever private files are shared. It can limit the number of allowed downloads too. Finally, the Security and Privacy Dashboard gives owners an easy way to control their phone’s onboard data. You can, for example, remove file permissions at any time.

Camera upgrade

Besides the security, Samsung also upgraded the cameras on these A-series models. Both house OIS (optical image stabilization) and VDIS (video digital image stabilization) to ensure that shot content is crystal clear. The Galaxy A55, however, has better photography skills. Not only does it house a 12MP ultra-wide lens, the model also has Nightography which gives it the ability to take high-quality images in low-light environments. This feature is backed up by AI Image Signal Processing to further enhance those low-light pictures.

Apart from the few differences, they have a similar rear camera array. You have a 50MP main lens alongside a 5MP macro option for close-ups. On the front is a 32MP selfie camera.

Galaxy A55 in blue

(Image credit: Samsung)

Specs

As for specs, the pair are nearly identical to one another. They have a 6.6-inch AMOLED screen capable of outputting Full HD Plus resolution (2,220 x 1,080 pixels) images with a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz. Memory and storage space peak at 12GB and 256GB, respectively. The two are even powered by a 5,000mAh battery.

If you look closely at the specs sheet, you’ll notice the Galaxy A55 is a bit heavier at 213 grams. Android Police, in their coverage, claims the smartphone sports a metal frame instead of the plastic frame seen on Samsung’s other mid-range devices. That could explain why the A55 is heavier than the A35 although nothing is confirmed.

No word on when the pair will launch in the US. TheVerge states the new A-series phones will arrive in Europe on March 20th. Prices for the A35 reportedly start at €379 while the A55 will start at €479. We reached out to Samsung to double-check if this is true or not. They didn’t tell us much, however, a company representative did give us some interesting tidbits

They told us the Galaxy A35 will launch in the United States but not the Galaxy A55. There are no plans for now to launch the latter in the US. We prodded the rep for more details. This story will be updated at a later time.

Until then, check out TechRadar’s roundup of the best cheap phones for 2024.

Samsung’s midrange Galaxy A55 has a bigger screen and new security features

Post author By lisa nichols
Post date March 11, 2024
No Comments on Samsung’s midrange Galaxy A55 has a bigger screen and new security features

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Samsung has launched its 2024 midrange phone lineup, which combines weaker specs and feature sets with more alluring prices than its flagship handsets. The Galaxy A55 and A35 have 6.6-inch Super AMOLED displays. For the first time in its budget handsets, the company included Knox Vault, a walled-off security section that debuted in the Galaxy S21.

Both Android 14-running phones have FHD+ (2220×1080) displays (374 pixels per inch) and variable refresh rates up to 120Hz. Like last year’s Galaxy A54, both include Samsung’s Vision Booster feature, which adjusts the screen’s tone mapping based on ambient lighting conditions. Their 6.6-inch diagonal measurements (not accounting for rounded corners) are a slight bump up from the A54’s 6.4 inches.

Samsung’s official materials didn’t list the phones’ processors, but Android Police reports the A55 uses an Exynos 1480, while the A35 settles for a slower Exynos 1380. RAM comes in different configurations: 8GB or 12GB in the A55 and 6GB or 8GB in the cheaper A35. Your storage options are 128GB or 256GB in each handset, but only the A55 has a microSD card slot.

The Samsung Galaxy A35 against a plain white background. The phone has a pink wallpaper and back. — Galaxy A35 (Samsung)

In addition to performance, cameras will be one of the primary differences between the two phones. The pair has three rear cameras, each with a 50MP main camera and a 5MP macro lens. But the more expensive A55 uses a 12MP ultra-wide sensor, while the A35 has a more pedestrian 8MP ultra-wide lens. In addition, the A55 has a 32MP front-facing camera, compared to the A35’s 13MP front shooter. Both use optical image stabilization (OIS) and video digital image stabilization (VDIS) to offset camera shake.

Unsurprisingly, neither phone appears to include the generative AI features Samsung uses to differentiate the Galaxy S24 series (and older flagships, via software updates). The closest you may get in this price range is the company’s “advanced AI Image Signal Processing (ISP)” for better photography in low-light conditions, included only on the A55.

Samsung didn’t list the phones’ build material in its press release and official specs, but Android Police says the A55 is the company’s first midrange phone with a metal frame. (Last year’s Galaxy A54 used plastic.) Engadget reached out to Samsung to clarify, and we’ll update this article if we hear back.

The handsets each have a 5,000mAh battery. Samsung estimates two days of battery life, but this could vary greatly depending on usage.

US pricing and launch dates aren’t yet available. However, Samsung says the A55 will start at £439 (US$562) in the UK, while the A35 will begin at £339 ($434). Samsung lists a March 20 release date for both handsets in the UK.

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Tags A55, bigger, features, Galaxy, midrange, Samsungs, Screen, Security

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Samsung’s Spring Sale Expands With Big Discounts on Galaxy Smartphones, Watches, Tablets, and Laptops

Post author By miranda cosgrove
Post date March 10, 2024
No Comments on Samsung’s Spring Sale Expands With Big Discounts on Galaxy Smartphones, Watches, Tablets, and Laptops

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This weekend, we’re tracking a new sale at Samsung with savings on the company’s best smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and laptops. These discounts are part of Samsung’s larger Discover Samsung Spring Sale, which we started covering last week with deals on monitors, storage, audio, and more.

samsung hero blue Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

The best monitor deal from our original post is still live today: you can get the ViewFinity S9 5K Smart Monitor for $899.99, down from $1,599.99. At $700 off this a very solid second-best price on the 2023 display, which has a matte display, modular 4K SlimFit camera, and support for Thunderbolt 4.

Additionally, when you sign up to learn more about Samsung’s upcoming TV and audio product lineup, you can get $100 off your purchase. The new slate of Samsung TVs and audio equipment is set to be unveiled on March 21, and this $100 discount offer will be available through that date.

Smartphones

Samsung’s newest smartphones launched back in January and you can get some pretty big discounts on the devices right now. Most of these offers do require you to trade in an existing smartphone and will be applied as credits on your bill, and Samsung covers discounts from carriers including AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and US Cellular.

Smartwatches

In terms of smartwatches, Samsung has the Galaxy Watch6 and the Watch5 on sale, with up to $400 in savings. You can get these smartwatches with a straight cash discount, or opt for a cellular plan and gain access to more savings with an eligible trade-in.

Tablets

Similar to the Galaxy smartphones, Samsung is offering discounts on both cellular and Wi-Fi models of the Galaxy Tab line. If you go with the Wi-Fi models, you can get about $100 off the base price of Galaxy Tab S9 Series, depending on the model.

If you opt for the cellular devices from participating carriers, you can get more in savings in the form of bill credits after eligible trade-ins.

Laptops

Samsung has a few laptop deals with solid discounts shared below, but it’s worth again noting that if you have a device to trade in you can get even bigger markdowns on these computers. For the Galaxy Book 4, Samsung is also offering a free 2TB portable SSD ($219.99 value) with purchase of select models.

Head to our full Deals Roundup to get caught up with all of the latest deals and discounts that we’ve been tracking over the past week.

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Tags Big, discounts, expands, Galaxy, laptops, Sale, Samsungs, smartphones, spring, tablets, Watches

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More details on Samsung’s One UI 6.1 software update (Video)

Post author By miranda cosgrove
Post date February 24, 2024
No Comments on More details on Samsung’s One UI 6.1 software update (Video)

samsung one UI 6.1

Samsung enthusiasts, you’ll be thrilled to hear about the latest development from your favorite tech giant. The company has recently announced the release of the One UI 6.1 update, a significant enhancement that broadens the reach of exclusive AI features initially introduced with the S24 Ultra. This update is a game-changer, marking a pivotal moment in making advanced AI capabilities accessible across a wider spectrum of Samsung Galaxy smartphones. The video below from Sakitech gives us more details on the update.

Who Gets It First?

If you’re holding onto one of the latest Samsung models, you’re in luck. The first wave of the update will embrace devices including the Galaxy S23 Ultra, S23 Plus, S23, S23 FE, Z Flip 5, Z Fold 5, and the comprehensive Tab S9 series (Ultra, Plus, and regular models). This prioritization ensures that Samsung’s flagship devices are equipped with the latest advancements, keeping them ahead in the technology curve.

When Will It Arrive?

Mark your calendars for the end of March, as this is when the rollout is set to kick off. Samsung has opted for a phased approach to this rollout, aiming for a seamless transition for all users. This methodical deployment means that if your device isn’t updated right away, patience will soon reward you with cutting-edge features.

What’s New?

The One UI 6.1 update is not just any update. It’s packed with AI-driven enhancements that were previously the exclusive domain of the S24 Ultra. Here’s what you can look forward to:

Advanced Intelligence Settings: Tailor your device to understand and adapt to your usage patterns better than ever before.
Live Translate: Real-time translation during calls breaks down language barriers, making communication seamless and more effective.
Chat Assist Features: Enhance your messaging with smart suggestions and prompts.
Samsung Notes Enhancements: Productivity tools within Samsung Notes get a significant boost, making your note-taking smarter and more intuitive.
Circle to Search: Discover information on the web by simply circling an item on your screen. This feature adds a layer of convenience and speed to your searches.

Photo Editing Like Never Before

One of the standout features of the One UI 6.1 update is the integration of generative AI capabilities into the photo editing tools. This advancement allows for sophisticated manipulations, such as resizing and repositioning objects within photos, while maintaining a lifelike appearance. It’s a creative powerhouse at your fingertips.

Looking Ahead

Samsung’s vision extends far beyond the initial rollout. By the end of 2024, the company aims to extend these AI features to over 100 million Galaxy users. This ambitious plan indicates a future where even devices not currently on the list, like the Galaxy S22, S21, Fold 4, and Flip 4, will eventually bask in the glow of these enhancements.

The One UI 6.1 update is a testament to Samsung’s dedication to innovation and its commitment to keeping its devices at the forefront of technology. By democratizing AI capabilities across its product lineup, Samsung enhances the user experience, making it more intelligent, efficient, and personalized than ever before.

If you’re wondering how this update will transform your Samsung Galaxy device, stay tuned. As these features become integrated into your daily tech, the way you interact with your smartphone will evolve, marking a new era of convenience and efficiency.

You will be pleased to know that this update signifies more than just technological advancement; it’s a commitment from Samsung to ensure its users are always equipped with the latest and greatest in software innovation.

Source & Image Credit: Sakitech

Filed Under: Android News, Mobile Phone News, Top News

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Tags details, Samsungs, Software, update, video

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Samsung’s Sleep Apnea on Galaxy Watch gets FDA approval

Post author By miranda cosgrove
Post date February 12, 2024
No Comments on Samsung’s Sleep Apnea on Galaxy Watch gets FDA approval

Samsung Sleep Apnea

Samsung has announced that its Sleep Apnea feature on the Samsung Galaxy Watch has received FDA approval in the USA, Samsung has said that this is the first of its kinds to receive the approval of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The sleep apnea feature enables users over the age of 22 who have not been diagnosed with sleep apnea to detect signs of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) over a two-night monitoring period, a common and chronic sleep condition that often goes undiagnosed and untreated. To utilize the feature, users can simply track their sleep twice for more than four hours within a ten-day period.

OSA causes a person to stop breathing while sleeping and can often result in disruptions in oxygen supply, decreased sleep quality and increased daytime fatigue. Untreated sleep apnea can compound the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure, cardiac arrhythmia and stroke. According to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), roughly 25% of men and 10% of women in the U.S. experience OSA. The new feature on the Samsung Health Monitor app is expected to help more people proactively detect moderate or severe forms of OSA, and as a result of the detection seek medical care to reduce the possibility of health-related complications.

You can find out more information about the Sleep Apnea feature on the Samsung Galaxy Watch over at the Samsung website at the link below.

Source Samsung

Filed Under: Android News, Technology News

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Tags Apnea, approval, FDA, Galaxy, Samsungs, Sleep, Watch

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Samsung Gauss is Samsung’s new generative AI model

Post author By miranda cosgrove
Post date November 8, 2023
No Comments on Samsung Gauss is Samsung’s new generative AI model

Samsung Gaus AI

Samsung has been holding its Samsung AI Forum 2023 this week and now the company has unveiled its new generative AI model which is called Samsung Gauss. The new Samsung Gauss generative AI gets its name from the mathematician Carl Freidrich Gauss.

According to the press release the new Samsung Gauss is a new language model and also a generative image model that is capable of generating and editing images, and more, you can see more details below.

In the final session, the participants delved into Samsung Gauss and the On-Device AI technologies using this model. The model consists of Samsung Gauss Language, Samsung Gauss Code and Samsung Gauss Image, and is named after Carl Friedrich Gauss, the legendary mathematician who established normal distribution theory, the backbone of machine learning and AI. Furthermore, the name reflects Samsung’s ultimate vision for the models, which is to draw from all the phenomena and knowledge in the world in order to harness the power of AI to improve the lives of consumers everywhere.

Samsung Gauss Language, a generative language model, enhances work efficiency by facilitating tasks such as composing emails, summarizing documents and translating content. It can also enhance the consumer experience by enabling smarter device control when integrated into products.

Samsung Gauss Code and a coding assistant (code.i) — which operates based on it — are optimized for in-house software development, allowing developers to code easily and quickly. It also supports functions such as code description and test case generation through an interactive interface.

You can find out more details about the new Samsung Gauss generative AI model over at Samsung’s website at the link below, we are looking forward to finding out more details about exactly what Samsung has planned.

Source Samsung

Image Credit: Jonathan Kemper

Filed Under: Technology News, Top News

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Tags Gauss, generative, model, Samsung, Samsungs