Samsung Electronics Galaxy Note 8 pre-orders highest among Note series

SEOUL — Pre-orders for Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.’s latest premium smartphone Galaxy Note 8 are the highest among the Note series, the tech giant’s mobile chief said on Tuesday.

Samsung is betting on the Note 8 to keep its market dominance as it competes with rival Apple Inc.’s latest iPhones due to be unveiled later on Tuesday.

The Galaxy Note 8 goes on sale on Friday in the United States, South Korea and other countries.

Samsung, the world’s largest smartphone maker by market share, has received positive feedback on the Note 8 following pre-orders from about 40 countries, said DJ Koh, President of Samsung Electronics’ Mobile Communications Business.

“Since the August 23 New York unpack, many buyers and partners said the initial response is very encouraging,” Koh said at a media event.

Priced at $930 to $960 by US network carriers, including a dialing and data plan, the Note 8 will kick off a new era of premium-priced handsets, which analysts expect to be joined by $1,000-plus iPhones next month.

Apple will hold a “10th anniversary” event later on Tuesday, when it is expected to unveil a special edition iPhone with an edge-to-edge screen and augmented reality that will battle with the Note 8 for pre-holiday sales. — Reuters

Galaxy Note 8 launched, has massive screen and redesigned S Pen

One of the most anticipated smartphones for 2017 was finally announced, and it’s as massive as the pressure for it to do well.

The Galaxy Note 8 is the successor to Samsung’s Note line and the unfortunate Note 7. Like its predecessors, the Note 8 is a larger-than-average device with an edge-to-edge 6.3-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED Infinity Display.

This feature provides ample space for owners to utilize the redesigned signature S Pen for writing and doodling.

According to Samsung’s official statement, the S Pen has a finer tip and greater sensitivity than previous pens. It can also be used to translate text on foreign websites. Users need only hover the pen over text to translate specific words or full sentences.

In terms of productivity, a feature called “screen off memo” allows users to quickly jot down notes by simply pulling out the S Pen from its dock.

As for the photography feature, the Note 8 comes with three cameras: one in the front and two in the back. The rear camera assembly is a combination of a wide angle and telephoto lens system. A feature called Live Focus takes advantage of the hardware by giving users control in adjusting depth of field to achieve a bokeh effect. Front and back cameras can also be used at the same time with Dual Capture mode.

But the detail that consumers would be keeping a close eye on is the battery. The Note 8 has a smaller battery capacity at 3,300 mAh, compared to the Note 7’s 3,500 mAh. Note 8 has fast charging capabilities and can also recharge wirelessly.

Samsung points out that the Note 8’s battery has gone through the 8-point battery safety check. It’s a safety process that was developed in response to the Note 7 debacle.

Other features include an Android 7.1.1 operating system, 6 gigabytes of RAM, 64 gigabytes of internal storage with expansion up to 256 gigabytes, and an octacore processor. It also has a headphone jack.

The device and S Pen has a water resistance rating of IP68. This means it can survive accidental drops into water at up to 1.5 meters deep for around 30 minutes.

Pre-orders will start on August 24 and the Note 8 will be available in stores beginning September 15.

Based on specifications alone, the Galaxy Note 8 appears to be a fantastic piece of mobile technology. If all goes well, Samsung may be able to put the past behind it at last. JB

source: technology.inquirer.net

Galaxy Note 8 showcase slated for August

One of the iPhone’s contenders in the smartphone market, the Samsung Galaxy Note 8, is expected to be launched soon in  New York.

Korean news site The Bell reports that Samsung’s latest device will be unveiled at around mid-August at a showcase in New York. Sales are expected to start some time in September.

Past Galaxy Note devices were launched at the Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin (IFA), a consumer electronics and home appliance trade show annually held in September. However, given rumors that the iPhone 8 is to be launched in September and likely sold a month later, Samsung’s August showcase of the Galaxy Note 8 could be part of the strategy to give the device a market advantage. It would be the sole premium device in the smartphone market for much of September until the iPhone 8 becomes available globally.

Coincidentally, Galaxy Note 8 is going to be released in the same month the Note 7 was introduced a year before.

Industry sources did not reveal any more information, but past rumors suggested that the Galaxy Note 8 will come with a 6.3-inch display and other high-end features, including Samsung’s voice assistant Bixby. A dual camera system is also expected to be packaged with the Note 8 which would allow for both regular and wide angle shots.

There are also speculations on whether the Galaxy Note 8 will come with a fingerprint sensor embedded on the display. If it does, the Note 8 is expected to become a stronger contender to the much anticipated iPhone 8 that is also rumored to come with the same biometric technology. Alfred Bayle/JB

source: technology.inquirer.net