Samsung Galaxy S6 Release Date: First Look of Next Gen Smartphone Leaked? Large Screen with Thin Bezel Spotted

Samsung Electronics is tight-lipped on the release date of its upcoming flagship smartphone dubbed as the Samsung Galaxy S6 but the first look of the purported device has reportedly being leaked on net.

The Galaxy S6 may be a few months away before seeing the light of the day but a picture believed to be a prototype of the device has made it to internet, according to Dutch websiteToptienmobiel (via SamMobile). It went on to say that stickers seen on top of the device are an indication that it's not the final version. 

The phone seen in the picture has a large screen with thin bezel, which is in sync with reports that have appeared so far, but it is still not sure if the Galaxy S6 will look the same when it is released, as concept images of flagship devices keep appearing ahead of its launch.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy S6 is expected to be unveiled at the upcoming Mobile World Congress (MWC 2015) in March before hitting the stores a few weeks later.

Several features of the new device have been leaked though the South Korean electronics giant has been keeping a mum all this while. A report by Mobifo (via SamMobile) has claimed that AnTuTu benchmark of the SM-G925F, which is believed to be European version of the Galaxy S6, has revealed that the device would have a qHD screen with 1440 x 2560 pixels, powered by an octa-core 64-bit processor, run on Android 5.0 Lollipop and come with a 15.9MP camera.

However, it contradicts earlier AnTuTu benchmark of the supposed Galaxy S6 exposed by Chinese website CNMO (via Phonearena), which claimed that it would sport a 5.5-inch display with 1440 x 2560 pixels, powered by an octa-core Exynos 7420 processor and run on Android 5.0 Lollipop. It went on to say that the device have a 20MP main camera and 5MP front snapper, and come packed with a 32GB of internal memory and 3GB RAM.

By: Abhishek On 06:50

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Samsung Galaxy Note 3: How to Install LG G3 Smart Keyboard

The LG G3 smart keyboard is one of the best keyboards currently available on any Android device. The keyboard is actually quite similar, in terms of functionality, to the Swype keyboard that is available on the Google Play Store, and is the smartest keyboard out there among all Android OEM keyboards as it learns from your typing over time, and dynamically makes corrections to your input based on what it has learned.

Like the Swype keyboard, it also lets you use gestures to complete a word, and allows quick corrections to be made with a simple gesture. The keyboard height and layout adjustment feature allows you to set the keyboard’s height and layout to suit your comfort, and the various available themes allow you to customize its appearance to your liking. As you spend more time typing on it, the keyboard offers next word suggestions to help you easily complete your sentences, and it does that in multiple languages, not just English. Another unique feature is the Emoji suggestion. There are many keyboards out there that suggest words to complete a sentence, but the LG Smart keyboard also suggests Emoji Emoticons to match your words.

So the LG G3 smart keyboard is definitely as clever as the company claims, but isn’t available on the Google Play Store for everyone to install on their smartphones. Other LG devices don’t get it either. However, if you would like to enjoy the keyboard on your Galaxy Note 3, you can still install it using the method we’re going to discuss below.

Pre-Requisites

Before we continue with the installation process, you need to make sure your device is rooted and you’re using a custom recovery. As with many other mods out there, root is an absolute must, so if you aren’t rooted you will need to first root your Galaxy Note 3 and then flash a custom recovery like TWRP, CWM or Cyanogen Recovery.

Download the LG G3 Smart Keyboard File

Once you’ve rooted, you can move on to the next step which involves downloading the Smart Keyboard zip file that has been ported by XDA-recognized developer gerardroid. The latest verson available is 4.20.42 and it also includes various themes for LG G3 users. It works with most Android KitKat ROMs as well, so you won’t have to worry about compatibility issues, even if you’re running an Android 4.4.4 KitKat based ROM or stock Samsung Android 4.4.4 firmware. After downloading the file to your PC, transfer it to your Galaxy Note 3’s internal memory.

Flash it Via Recovery

Now you will have to flash the LG smart keyboard zip file that you transferred to your Galaxy Note 3’s internal memory in the previous step. Boot into recovery, choose the zip file, and flash it. Once the flashing is complete, reboot your device.

Setting It Up

Now that you’ve finished installing the LG smart keyboard on your Galaxy Note 3, the next step is to set the smart keyboard as your default keyboard for all text input. To do this go into Settings – Controls – Language & Input – and select LG keyboard as your default input method.

Now the LG Smart keyboard will be your default keyboard whenever you open any app that requires text input. Almost all the features and functionalities of the keyboard will be available on your Galaxy Note 3, exactly as they are on the LG G3. As we mentioned in the beginning of the post, the LG smart keyboard comes with a number of features and settings that you can use to customize it to your liking. To access all the settings that are available, you need to tap on the gear icon that appears on the bottom left of the keyboard. The LG keyboard settings page will now open, from which you can change all the settings you wish to tinker with, including themes, keyboard layout, height of the keyboard, customize the bottom row keys, use the keyboard in split mode, turn the word suggestion and auto correction on or off, and change the input language.

By: Abhishek On 02:55

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Android 4.4.2 KitKat Update: How To Root Samsung Galaxy Note 3 LTE SM-N9005 On The New XXUENB7 Firmware [Tutorial]

Samsung (KRX:005935) recently released the Android 4.4.2 KitKat firmware update -- build XXUENB7 -- for the international LTE variant for the Galaxy Note 3 with the model number SM-N9005. Users who have updated their handsets to the new firmware can now root their devices, which will allow them to flash custom ROMs in future.

Rooting a device allows users to completely utilize the device’s hardware resources and get rid of the limitations associated with stock firmware. After rooting the device, users can do many things with the device, such as accessing system files and using various apps that require root access among others.

Users should note that rooting the Galaxy Note 3 LTE on Android 4.4.2 KitKat XXUENB7 will void the device’s warranty. However, users can regain the warranty by re-installing the official firmware.

Here are some more aspects that users should be aware of before rooting their devices:

- This rooting process is only for the Galaxy Note 3 LTE SM-N9005.

- Proper back-up of all data in the phone is highly recommended before rooting the device.

- The device should have at least an 80 percent charge left on the battery.

- USB drivers must be installed in the computer with USB Debugging enabled on the device.

- The Galaxy Note 3 must be running on the official XXUENB7 Android 4.4.2 KitKat firmware.

Note: International Business Times cannot be held responsible for anything that goes wrong. Users should proceed at their own risk.

In Odin, the “Auto Reboot” and “F. Reset Time” options must be checked.  

Tutorial

Step 1: Download both CF-Auto-Root Android 4.4.2 Package and Odin v3.09.

Step 2: Extract the CF-Root zip file (you will get a .tar.md5 file) and the Odin zip file (you will get Odin3 v3.0.9.exe file) to the computer.

Step 3: Power off the phone and put it in Download mode by pressing and holding down the Volume Down, Home and Power buttons together. After a warning screen appears, press the Volume Up button to enter Download mode.

Step 4: Run Odin3 v3.09.exe as an Administrator, and connect the Galaxy Note 3 to the PC via USB cable. If connected properly, a message showing “Added!!” will appear in Odin’s message box. If the message does not appear, try a different USB port, or reinstall the driver.

Step 5: Click on the AP button, and select the CF-Auto-Root-hlte-hltexx-smn9005.tar.md5 file that was extracted in Step 1.

Step 6: In Odin, check the “Auto Reboot” and “F. Reset Time” options.

Step 6: Now, click on the Start button in Odin.

Step 7: Once the flashing process is complete, the Galaxy Note 3 will restart automatically and a PASS message with green background will appear in the left-most box at the top of Odin.

The handset can now be disconnected from the PC, and it will be rooted on N9005XXUENB7 Android 4.4.2 KitKat firmware.

[Source: True Android]

By: Abhishek On 05:08

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Root Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 (SM-P901) on Android 4.4.2 KitKat

Guide to root Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 on Android 4.4.2 Kitkat.Samsung

The 3G variant of Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 with model number SM-P901 running Android 4.4.2 KitKat can now be rooted using CF-Auto-Root file by XDA developer, Chainfire.

Those who wish to root their Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 3G version may follow our step-by-step guide.

IBTimes UK reminds its readers that it will not be held liable for any damage to the device. Users are advised to ensure their devices meet following set of requirements.

Pre-requisites

1) Install USB Driver for Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 to transfer files between the Android device and the computer.

2) Enable USB Debugging Mode on the tablet to connect it with computer and use Android SDK with it. [Navigate to Settings>> Developer Options to enable USB Debugging.]

3) As the tutorial might wipe out all data of the tablet, create a backup. If the device is having any custom recoveries such as ClockworkMod or, TWRP then backup data using the recovery.

4) If the Android tablet powers off due to lack of battery while the rooting process, it could damage the device. Therefore, the Galaxy Note should have charge above 80% battery charge.

5) The device will lose manufacturer's warranty once the root method is installed.

6) The CF-Auto-Root files work only with the 3G version of the Galaxy Note Pro 12.2. As applying this on any incorrect variant might brick the device, verify the model number of Galaxy Note Pro by navigating to Settings>> About tablet>> Model number.

Download files

CF-Auto-Root [File name: CF-Auto-Root-v1a3g-v1a3gxx-smp901.zip]

Odin3 v3.09

How to root Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 SM-P901 on Android 4.4.2 KitKat

Step-1: Extract CF-Auto-Root zip using any extracting tool such as WinRAR/7-Zip/WinZip to get a .tar.md5 file

Step-2: Extract Odin zip to get Odin3 v3.09.exe with other files

Step-3: Turn off the Galaxy Note Pro 12.2

Step-4: Place the tablet into Download Mode by pressing and holding Volume Down, Home andPower buttons together until a construction Android robot icon with a warning triangle appears on screen. Now press the Volume Up button to enter into Download Mode

Step-5: Launch Odin on the computer as an Administrator

Step-6: Connect the Galaxy tablet to the computer using USB cable while it is in Download Mode. Wait for some time until Odin detects the device. When the phone is connected successfully, an Added message will appear under Odin message box. You should also see the ID: COM box in Odin will turn blue with the COM port number indicating successful connection

Note: If the Added message does not appear then try another USB port, try the one located at the back side of the computer. If that does not work too then reinstall USB driver.

Step-7: In Odin, click the AP button and select the CF-Auto-Root-v1a3g-v1a3gxx-smp901.tar.md5 file

Step-8: Verify the Re-Partition checkbox in Odin is not selected

Step-9: Click the Start button in Odin. The installation process should begin now

Step-10: When the installation process is completed, the tablet will restart and soon a PASSmessage with green background will appear in the extreme left box at the very top of Odin. You may now unplug the USB cable from the tablet to disconnect it from computer

The Galaxy Note Pro 12.2 should now be rooted successfully on Android 4.4.2 KitKat. Open the app drawer of the tablet and check for SuperSU app. To verify the root status of the device, download Root Checker app from Google Play Store.

Reset flash counter

A number of Samsung devices store a flash counter that keeps track on how many times custom firmware is flashed on the device. Use Triangle Away app to reset the flash counter to zero.

[Source: Honai of Android]

By: Abhishek On 04:47

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How To Install Android 4.4.2 KitKat (XXUFNC5) On Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE

The I9505XXUFNC5 official Android 4.4.2 KitKat firmware is now available to Galaxy S4 LTE (GT-I9505) users. For those unable to get the KitKat update OTA, the following guide will walk you through installing it manually.

As always, DroidReport assumes no liability for the firmware installation. Proceed with caution.

Before Getting Started

Before you get started, ensure that your Galaxy S4 LTE is the GT-I9505 model.

As always, you want to backup your device and charge it to at least 80 percent. Finally, enable USB Debugging mode by navigating to Settings -> Developer Options.

Installing Android KitKat 4.4.2 Official Build (XXUFNC5) On Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE

1) Download the firmware package and Odin v3.09, available here and here.

2) Put your Galaxy S4 in download mode by holding the Volume Down, Home and Power buttons. When a warning prompt appears, press Volume Up.

3) Unzip Odin v3.09. Right click on Odin v3.09.exe and run the application as an administrator.

4) Using your USB cable, connect your Galaxy S4 to your computer. You should see one of the ID:COM fields turn blue in Odin. If this does not occur, reinstall your computer’s USB drivers.

5) Within Odin, press AP and select the .md5 file.

6) Make sure Re-Partition is deselected, then check Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time.

7) Press start, which will begin the installation process. Do nothing until this completes.

8) Your Galaxy S4 will reboot and you’ll officially be running Android 4.4.2 KitKat. Kudos. 

By: Abhishek On 04:44

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This is how you can free your Galaxy S5 from bloatware and TouchWiz

As with previous Samsung flagship devices, the recently launched Galaxy S5 handset comes with the company’s custom user interface on top of Android, as well as various bloatware apps, which buyers may not necessarily appreciate. Luckily, there is a way to better customize and manage the Android device, although it requires users to root their Galaxy S5 units in the process. SamMobile reports that many Galaxy S5 versions can be rooted, thanks to the work of recognized developer Chainfire, including several models launched in the U.S.

Chainfire’s CF-Auto-Root tool works on the international Galaxy S5 models (SM-G900F and SM-900H,) Central and South American model (SM-G900M,) and on some North American versions including T-Mobile (SM-G900T,) Sprint (SM-G900P,) U.S. Cellular (SM-G900R4,), Metro PCS (SM-G900T1). The Canadian SM-G900W8 model has also been rooted.

Naturally, root procedures aren’t always flaw free. For starters, rooting the Galaxy S5 will void the phone’s warranty, and SamMobile says it will also break Knox warranty and increase the flash counter. Moreover, after the root Private Mode seems to be disabled, and users are advised to make sure they flash the appropriate firmware on their devices in order not to brick the device.

Instructions for proceeding with CF-Auto-Root are available on Chainfire’s website andon xda-developers. In case rooting the Galaxy S5 is not an option for increasingstorage on the handset, there are other tricks users can try.

By: Abhishek On 04:36

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Samsung Galaxy S5 vs LG G Pro 2: Spec comparison

For those of you who haven't heard of the Samsung Galaxy S5, first of all, we hope that the Antarctic wasn't too cold and that your recent reconnection with civilisation went smoothly. Secondly, it's one of the most coveted smartphones out there right now.

Meanwhile, whilst the Galaxy S5 burst onto the world stage at a flashy Samsung Mobile World Congress conference (replete with a full orchestra, no less), the LG G Pro 2 had more humble beginnings. There was no grand unveiling for this giant phablet, instead it was announced well over a week before the show kicked off with not so much as a solitary tambourine. But we're not here to compare launch parties, we're here to compare smartphones. Which is the better handset?

Let's break down the specs and take a look.

Display

The Samsung Galaxy S5 has supersized its display, cranking it up to a hefty 5.1in sporting a full HD screen with a Super AMOLED panel. If that has you raising your eyebrows however, the LG G Pro 2 muscles in with a full bodied 5.9in screen at the same 1,920 x 1,080 pixels resolution as the Galaxy S5.

Clearly then, the rumours about the S5 packing a quad HD 2560 x 1440 screen may have been a tad hopeful. But whilst the LG G Pro 2 stretches 0.8in slightly bigger, apart from the S5 having a slightly higher pixel density of 432PPI (versus the LG G Pro 2's 373PPI) they are very similar.

CPU, GPU and RAM

The chipset is the beating heart of any handset, and Samsung have chosen to imbue their flagship product with a quad-core Snapdragon 801 processor running at a blistering 2.5GHz with 2GB of RAM. Whilst this is nothing to be sniffed at, many were expecting at least 3GB of RAM in line with the Galaxy Note 3, so this comes as a slight disappointment.

In comparison, the LG G Pro 2 sports a 2.26GHz Snapdragon 800 processor with 3GB of RAM, so whilst the processor lags behind slightly, the LG G Pro 2 smacks down the S5 in terms of RAM, meaning it will smoothly handle any app you throw at it. Still, for all this talk, when the Snapdragon 805 lands in a few months both smartphones will be left in the dust, especially since neither have yet boarded the 64-bit train.

Size and weight

Well we've weighed and measured both handsets, and trust us, neither of them have been found wanting. The LG G Pro 2 is the bigger of the two, coming in at 157.9 x 81.9 x 8.3mm. It means we'd never call the Galaxy S5 "petite", but at just 142 x 72.5 x 8.1mm it will definitely sit a lot more comfortably in your hand. 

The LG G Pro 2 is considerably heavier, tipping the scales at 172g compared to the Samsung Galaxy S5's 145g. So if you fancy doing bicep curls every time you text, the LG G Pro 2 may just be the handset for you.

Battery

Still, a bigger body is normally the sign of a bigger battery and this case is no exception. The LG G Pro 2 packs a powerful 3,200mAh battery whilst the Samsung Galaxy S5 trails behind with a paltry 2,800mAh battery. LG have unfortunately not released any insights into exactly how much talk time its whopping powerhouse will net you, but since the S5 promises 21 hours, it should at least beat that.

Cameras

Snap happy photographers will be interested to know that the Samsung Galaxy S5 sports a stunning 16-megapixel camera. With a nifty super-fast autofocus, Samsung claim it's the fastest on any smartphone currently on the market being able to automatically focus in on a subject in just 0.3 seconds.

The LG G Pro 2 camera, meanwhile, trails behind with just 13-megapixels. If a 3-megapixel difference is enough to sway you to fork out for an S5 rather than an LG G Pro 2 then so be it, but before you rush off to the store it may be worth considering this tasty morsel of information: whilst the S5 offers 1080p full-HD video, the G Pro 2 has boarded the 4K HD video train. This means whilst the LG flagship may have slightly more pixelated stills, if you're nursing a budding cinematic career it may be the smartphone for you.

Ports and sensors

On the sensor front, Samsung has gone all out to imbue the Galaxy S5 with the latest in biometric technology. It's fitted with a fingerprint scanner that can unlock the phone, make mobile payments via PayPal integration and protect any important documents on your handset.

The LG G Pro 2 unfortunately doesn't sport a fingerprint sensor, but it has a few nifty software features of its own, Knock Code allows you to program in a sequence of up to eight taps made in a specific pattern that provides a unique way to unlock your phone. 

Network connectivity

On the connectivity front, both models feature 4G LTE (supporting the speedy category 4) and 802.11ac, so for this section they're pretty neck and neck. Notably, the LG G Pro 2 also allows you to the split the screen into two windows when browsing the web, each taking up half the screen in much the same way that Multi-Window does on the Galaxy Note 3. Basically, that lets you view two websites at the same time and overall it works well. 

Memory and price

LG offers up its flagship handset in two 16GB and 32GB variants. Samsung's Galaxy S5 barges in and doubles this capacity, offering 32GB and 64GB models. If even that isn't enough for you (perhaps you prefer to carry round your extensive plans for solving the global economic crisis on your mobile), the S5 also offers the option of adding up to 64GB extra via a microSD card.

Pick your jaw up off the floor though, because a couple of days after launch it was uncovered that the S5 actually offers 6GB less storage than it previously claimed, largely thanks to the fact that it's crammed with bloatware.

As for the pricing, both companies are keeping schtum for the minute but we'll keep you updated as news comes out.

Conclusion

It would seem that on the surface of things the Samsung Galaxy S5 just pips the LG G Pro to the post - but only slightly. Their specs are remarkably similar, with the only real notable difference being in the camera quality (with the S5 sporting a much more powerful snapper). It seems if you like your phone to have boundless amounts of memory with the option of a 64GB model go for the Samsung Galaxy S5, if you prefer the handset itself to be supersized, however, pick yourself up the LG G Pro 2. 

	LG G Pro 2	Samsung Galaxy S5
Display
Screen size	5.9in	5.1in
Resolution	1,920 x 1,080 pixels	1,920 x 1,080 pixels
Pixel density	373PPI	432PPI
Type	True IPS+ LCD capacitive touchscreen	Super AMOLED
Processor and battery
Family	Qualcomm Snapdragon 800	Exynos 6 / Snapdragon 801
CPU
Cores	Quad-core	Quad-core
Clock speed	2.26 GHz	2.5GHz
GPU	Adreno 330	Adreno 330
Battery	3,200mAh	2,800mAh
Claimed 3G talk time	Unknown	Up to 21h
Storage and memory
RAM	3GB DDR3 RAM	2GB
Internal storage	16GB / 32 GB	32GB / 64GB
microSD	Yes, up to 64GB	Yes
Camera
Rear	13.0-megapixel OIS+	16-megapixel
Video	2160p@30fps / 1080@60fps	2160p@30fps / 1080@60fps
Front	2.1-megapixel	2-megapixel
Wireless
Standard	4G LTE	4G LTE
Wi-Fi	802.11 a/b/g/n/ac	802.11 a / b / g / n / ac
NFC	Yes	Yes
Bluetooth	v4.0	v4.0
Integrated wireless charging	Unknown	Yes
Dimensions
Size	157.9 x 81.9 x 8.3mm	142 x 72.5 x 8.1mm
Weight	172g	145g
Operating System	Android 4.4 KitKat	Android 4.4 KitKat
Price (SIM-free)	Unknown	Unknown

Availability

Unknown

11th April 2014

By: Unknown On 08:26

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