RUMOR: WINDOWS PHONES/TABLETS TO RUN ANDROID APPS

Windows Phone

Courtesy of GSMArena.com


The most common reason I hear as to why people aren’t buying Window’s phones/tablets is because their App ecosystem is limited compared to that of Apple and Android. While Window’s 400,000 to 500,000 apps is not a small number, it’s relatively pale in comparison to Apple and Android’s 1.2 and 1.3 million respective available apps. However, a rumored announcement could change this conundrum.



According to Microsoft enthusiast and tech blogger, Paul Thurrott, Microsoft will announce their plans to enable Windows phones and tablets to run Android apps at this week’s Build Developers Conference. Paul does not share a source and details are scarce, so take this rumor with a grain of salt. Despite being Thurrot’s prediction, he disagrees with Microsoft’s decision:

This is the opposite of what I wanted. Indeed, when Microsoft first started talking up the notion of universal apps that would run across its various platforms—Windows, Windows Phone, Xbox One, Internet of Things embedded devices, Surface Hub, and HoloLens—I opined that truly “universal” apps would in fact also run on competing devices as well. At the time, I figured this would mean Android primary, since that platform is open and Microsoft has already starting building support for Android into Visual Studio. (iOS is a harder nut to crack because Apple locks down the platform.)

He goes on to explain that enabling Windows phones to run Android apps would be a “slap in the face” to developers who have invested time and resources into learning to develop for the Windows platform. While developers may be disappointed in past time wasted learning to develop for Microsoft’s platform, their bound to be happy about future time saved from not having to develop for multiple platforms. With 8-9 million consumers using Windows phones, this change could expand an app’s reach beyond what would typically only extend to Android users. This is a win for both consumers and developers alike. 

Additionally, Thurrott argues that enabling Android apps to run on Windows does not solve the problem as most consumers will stick with what’s familiar: Android and their apps. While Paul’s concern is valid, I would argue that putting the Apps disadvantage aside, the most compelling case for the switch to a Windows phone or tablet is a unified operating systems. For example, many Apple followers buy solely Apple products because of how unified the experience is across all device. Now before you beat me to shreds, it’s obvious that Microsoft’s current OS is by no means anywhere near the level of unity of Apple’s Platform. However, if Microsoft’s focus is shifted from apps to the overall unified experience, that could change. Considering there are 1.25 billion PCs running Windows and a few hundred million running Windows 8, there are far more prospective users out there that could benefit from a more unified smartphone PC experience.

This leads to the next question which would be, “how will this work?” Will Microsoft simply create an environment that is able to read the Android framework? If so, will these apps be sold through Microsoft’s App Store? These are essential questions as Apple and Google’s appstores generate tens of millions of dollars in revenue each year. If a simple port of Android’s code will lead to an App that Microsoft can take a percentage of profit from, the move is a no-brainer in my opinion. All mobile developers are familiar with developing for Android. Making development for Windows friction-less and less time-intensive will only generate more apps for the phone. More apps will likely mean more sales, more money for Microsoft and developers, and an improved Windows Phone experience for the consumer. Win win right?

SAMSUNG BEGINS OFFERING BLACK FRIDAY DEALS EARLY

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Samsung decided to get ahead of the curve and has already begun offering Black Friday prices for technology on their website. The deals range from hundreds of dollars off on phones, tablets, and digital cameras;  to thousands of dollars off on big beautiful televisions. Deals extend to a wide variety of products. Check them out below:

In digging through the site, the deepest discount that I found was on the UHD 4K HU8550 Series Smart TV – 85” Class (84.5” Diag.). The original retail price on that beast of a TV was $11,999.99 marked down $3,000.00 to $8,999.99. However, the best deal from an overall percentage off original price was on the 50” Class (49.5” Diag.) UHD HU8550 Series TV at 62% off of the original price of $3,499.99 leaving the deal price at $1,299.99.

It seems that every year, retailers are trying to out-do each other and steal a slice of potential sales from competitors by offering their deals early. Thankfully this is for online retail, however, in years past employees from organizations such as Best Buy and Walmart have been boycotting retailers in an attempt to get their Thanksgiving holidays back due to many retailers offering their deals while you’re still digesting those turkey juices.

What are your thoughts on the outlined deals above? Is that going to take any of thew craziness out of your Friday shopping? Let us know in the comments below!

SAMSUNG TO CUT 25-30% OF ITS SMARTPHONE MODELS

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Samsung has been a powerhouse when it comes to producing a large line of smartphones. It seems every three months a new Samsung phone hits the market. Don’t expect to see that same trend in 2015. Today, Senior vice-president Robert Yi, said that Samsung plans to cut the number of smartphone models it produces in 2015 by 25%-30%,  as reported by the Wall Street Journal.

The decision to cut down on its line of smartphone’s comes due Samsung’s desire to cut costs, in order to make up for the 49% drop in its third-quarter net profit. An executive within Samsung’s mobile division said during an earnings call that they will, “increase the number of components shared across mid- to low-end models, so that we can further leverage economies of scale”.   

In 2014 Samsung released a staggering 56 new smartphones, compared to Apple’s two, LG’s 41, and HTC’s 27. Samsung has 167 phones currently for sale (includes 2013 models).  The Samsung Galaxy line alone has five different models which include:

Galaxy S5 Active

Galaxy S5 Sport

Galaxy S5 LTE-Advanced

Galaxy S5 Mini

Galaxy KZoom

After looking at those numbers, I understand why Samsung is looking to cut down on the amount of smartphone models they produce. Many users are drawn to Samsung because of the power they pack into their smartphones. This leads us to ask, “will Samsung’s desire to cut costs also affect the power they put into their phones?” When competing with Apple I do not believe Samsung has the room to hold back on on its technical specifications. What do you think? Can Samsung still provide a powerful smartphone when trying to “further leverage economies of scale”? Let us know in the comment sections below.

SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE 5 BEING RELEASED EARLIER THAN EXPECTED

samsung galaxy note 4

Samsung is changing things up by moving the launch date of their Samsung Galaxy Note smartphone. According to the Wall Street Journal, Samsung will be releasing the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 in mid-August.

According to Sam Mobile, the Galaxy Note 5 will have a 5.7-inch Super AMOLED display and a resolution of 1400 x 2560 pixels. It is rumored that the Note 5 will support an Exynos 7422 processor with a 64-bit octa-core UCP. We are also told that this will be Samsung’s first true ePoP device. For those unfamiliar with ePoP, this is a chip that combines the CPU, GPU, Ram, storage, and LTE modem on one chip.



When looking at the rumored specs of the Samsung Galaxy Note 5, I am left somewhat disappointed. The Galaxy Note 4 had a 5.7-inch display, 1440 x 2560 pixel resolution, as well as an 8-core processor. I do not see much of an improvement if at all when looking at the Note 5. With that said, we can see that Samsung has spent most of their time bringing ePoP technology to their phones.

Regarding ePoP technology Samsung stated:

By offering our new high-density ePoP memory for flagship smartphones, Samsung expects to provide its customers with significant design benefits, while enabling faster and longer operation of multi-tasking features, Jeeho Baek, Senior Vice President of Memory Marketing at Samsung Electronics. We plan to expand our line-up of ePoP memory with packages involving enhancements in performance and density over the next few years, to further add to the growth of premium mobile market.

Another benefit to ePoP technology is the smaller amount of real estate it occupies in the phone. Samsung’s ePoP decreased the total area used by about 40 percent. Since phones are getting larger and not smaller, I would imagine Samsung would keep the same phone size and provide a larger battery; that would make Samsung users extremely happy.

So why is Samsung planning on releasing the Note 5 earlier than they normally do? I hate to say it, but I imagine Samsung is more intimidated by Apple than they have been in the past. Until the release of the iPhone 6 Plus, Apple has been catering to those who are looking for a smaller smartphone. When it came to ‘phablets’, Samsung did not have much competition.

We know that Apple had record breaking sales after releasing the iPhone 6. With rumors swirling around regarding the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, Samsung is likely looking to pull the trigger before the 6s hits the market. By doing so, Samsung will be able to sell their Note 5 to a larger audience before the remainder is gobbled up by the iPhone 6S Plus.



Let’s hope that Samsung is not rushing to get the Note 5 to the market before it’s ready. It would be a pity to see the Note crash and make an even grander entrance for the 6s.

What are your thoughts? Do you think Samsung is making a good move by releasing the Note 5 earlier than expected? Let us now what you think in the comment section below.

SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE EDGE HITS U.S.

NoteEdge 2

Many people in the US have been browsing the internet viewing pictures of the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge wondering how they can get their hands on one. Well, now you only need to wait a little longer! Today, (November 3rd) Samsung announced that the Galaxy Note Edge will be available in the US on November 14th.

Samsung first unveiled the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge in September as the first smartphone with a functional curved touchscreen. This curved screen will allow you to view notifications, such as sports scores and stock prices, and be able to house shortcuts, which has the potential to be quite helpful when using the multi-window function. 

NoteEdge3

The Samsung Galaxy Note Edge will be available through the 5 major phone carriers: Verizon Wireless, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and U.S. Cellular. AT&T also said today that the Galaxy Note Edge will be available for $400 with a two year contract or $946 for a non-contract buyers and will be taking orders as early as November 7th. You can expect other wireless carriers to list the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge for a similar price.

I personally am excited to see how functional the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge is, and to see if the curved screen really adds additional functionality. Visit us after the phone is released to find an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge.

What do you think of the Galaxy Note Edge? Does the new edge functionality interest you? Let us know in the comments below.

SAMSUNG GALAXY S6 TO COME IN EDGE AND REGULAR MODELS

Samsung Galaxy S6

Samsung Galaxy Alpha


The rumors continue to swirl regarding the Samsung Galaxy S6, the latest being that Samsung will release two versions of the Galaxy S6.

Samsung Galaxy S6

Samsung Galaxy Note Edge

According to Business Insider, the first Galaxy S6 will have a metal body design, which many enthusiasts agree would be a step in the right direction for Samsung. Now the question is, will the Galaxy S6 have a full metal body, or have metal accents like the Samsung Galaxy Alpha? The answer to that question is currently unknown, but  there have been a few leaked images which you can find in our “Samsung Galaxy S6 Leak Reveals Metal Body” article which indicate that Galaxy S6 may have a full metal body.

The second S6 that Samsung will release (according to a source of Business Insider) will feature a curved edge, just like the Galaxy Note edge. For those who are unfamiliar with the Note Edge, this smartphone features a curved border that displays different icons and widgets. 

In 2015, Samsung was reportedly going to reduce the amount of smartphone models they manufacture by up to 30%. In order to cut models by that percentage, Samsung would need to reduce their production from 56 models to about 39. With Samsung supposedly releasing two Galaxy S6 models (while trying to cut down on the amount of smartphone models they release), it’s possible that Samsung may choose to eliminate the Samsung%20Galaxy S5 Mini G800H 16GB HSPA+ Unlocked GSM Quad-Core Smartphone – Charcoal BlackMini, Samsung%20Galaxy S5 Sport, Electric Blue 16GB (Sprint)Sport, Samsung%20Galaxy S5 Active, Titanium Gray 16GB (AT&T)Active, and Samsung%20Galaxy S5 SM-G900A 16GB 4G LTE AT&T GSM Unlocked Smartphone – WhiteLTE-Advanced models like they did for the Galaxy S5. Or they may focus on Galaxy S and Note models and do away with other phone models such as the Samsung%20Galaxy Alpha G850F 32GB Unlocked GSM 4G LTE Octa-Core Smartphone – Charcoal BlackAlpha, Samsung%20Galaxy Mega, Black 16GB (AT&T)Mega, and Samsung%20Galaxy Avant – No Contract – (T-Mobile)Avant models. 

Being a Samsung enthusiast myself, I would like to see Samsung take an “Apple” approach and focus on how to make one or two phones perfect rather than trying to make everyone happy by creating a smartphone for every week of the year. 

As competition has increased over the years, Samsung has seen their market share and operating profits drop. According to Gartner, a research firm, in 2013 Samsung sold 80.4 million smartphones which consumed 32.1% of the market share. However, in 2014, Samsung saw a decrease with only 24.4% of the market share by selling 73.2 million smartphones. Samsung knows they need to make some changes when it comes to the Samsung Galaxy S6 to make up for their somewhat disappointing Galaxy S5. While I think that implementing a metal body will put them in the right direction, I am not sold on a curved edge model.

Samsung will likely unveil the Samsung Galaxy S6 at the Mobile World Congress in March. We will be anxiously awaiting Samsung’s unveiling of the Samsung Galaxy S6.

Let us know your thoughts. Is Samsung going in the right direction by implementing a metal body with their Samsung Galaxy S6? Do you think reducing the number of models will help increase their revenue? Let us know in the comment section below.

SAMSUNG GEAR VR COMING TO BEST BUY STOREFRONT

Samsung Gear VR

Virtual reality headsets have been a hot topic this year, and have turned the heads of many that have had the chance to try one out. For those who are looking to get their hands on one, you might be in luck, but be prepared to stand in line!

This Friday, March 27th, Samsung is making their Samsung Gear VR headset available at Best Buy. I know many of you might be thinking this is not that big of a deal, as Samsung sold the Samsung Gear VR headset through Best Buy online earlier this year. Yes, that is true; however, this time the VR headset will be sold at Best Buy’s retail stores. The VR headset will be available at more than 100 locations, many of which will have a VR demo station, so you can experience the greatness before you buy it. If you have been wanting to play around with the Samsung Gear VR, you don’t have to wait until Friday to test the headset out. Some locations have had the VR demo station available for just over a month now.



The VR headset that Best Buy will be selling is the Gear VR Innovator Edition. This VR headset is powered by the Samsung Galaxy Note 4, and is the only supported device. According Samsung’s website:

Samsung Gear VR Innovator Edition is powered by the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and is not compatible with other smartphones or devices. All carrier Note 4 software updates required for VR compatibility are now available to download over W-Fi.

So if you are looking to get the headset, be sure you own a Note 4 or be willing to fork out the extra cash for one.

Selling the Samsung Gear VR headset at brick and mortar may not seem like a big deal, but in the virtual reality space, it is. Up to this point VR headset have been sold only online. Knowing that the headset is available in-store puts the product in front of those who may not feel comfortable purchasing a product online or those who have never been exposed to the technology. I would also imagine there are a number of people that have tested out the headset at a demo stations at events, however by the time they get home they lose the desire to justify the purchase. Selling the headset at the same place users are demoing the product provides a greater opportunity to clinch the sale. 

The headset has already blown a few minds, check out some of the reactions of people testing out the product for the first time:



If you don’t already have a Note 4, it’s going to be hard to justify the purchase of Samsung’s VR headset. While it does appear Samsung will be making the VR headset compatible with he Samsung Galaxy S6, this still limits the number of people able to purchasing the headset. Do you agree? Do you see people purchasing the headset and the Note 4 to experience virtual reality first hand? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.