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Friday, March 15, 2013

Samsung launches Galaxy S IV



 
Samsung Galaxy S IV launched
Samsung has finally lifted the veil on the much-awaited Galaxy S IV smartphone.
The Galaxy S IV bears a striking resemblance to the Galaxy Note smartphone, as you can see in the pictures below. The difference between the two, of course, is what lies within the phone.
Quick specs:
CPU: 1.9GHZ quad-core Snapdragon (Asian and Euroean versions might come with the new Samsung Exynos 5 Octa eight-core processor instead)
Camera: 13MP main camera, 2MP front-facing camera
Display: 4.99" Full HD Super AMOLED (1080p 441ppi)
Android version: 4.2.2 JellyBean
Connectivity: 4G LTE, WiFi a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0, Infrared, Temperature/Humidity sensors
Battery: 2600mAh
Memory: 16/32/64GB memory + microSD, 136.6mm x 69.8mm x 7.9mm
RAM: 2GB DDR3
 
.Samsung Galaxy S IV side view
Much like for the Galaxy S III, Samsung highlighted the new features in the Galaxy S IV instead of harping on the hardware specifications. This seems to be the trend in mobile computing now in order to set apart each phone from its competitors. Among the main features highlighted are as below:
Dual Camera
 
Dual Camera feature
The Galaxy S IV comes with two cameras, which by itself isn't much of a big deal. What's great about it however, is that it can utilise them both at the same time in various scenarios.
 
Dual Video Call

For instance, taking a video with the main camera AND having the videographer (i.e. you) included in the video. You can also hold a video chat streaming both sides of the phone to the call recipient.
 
Adapt Display, an auto-image optimiser
Adapt Display automatically optimises the camera for the best possible picture/video shot, which is a handy feature for those new to photography and do not want to mess around with the settings.
 
Eraser feature
A new noteworthy camera feature is the Drama Shot which takes 100 pictures in 4 seconds and combines them into a composite sequence. Another feature, the Eraser, allows for on-the-fly removal of unwanted elements in the photo (like photobombs or flying saucers).

S Voice Drive
 
S Voice Drive, an integrated in-car handsfree app
This feature (which is actually a built-in app) integrates GPS, hands-free calling and SMS management (read, write, send).

S Translate
 
S Translate feature demonstrated

This is actually a nifty feature especially for us here in Malaysia, although languages supported for now are English, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portugese and Spanish.
With an internet connection, the app can translate spoken words into your language, which brings us one step closer to having a Universal Translator as dreamed in many sci-fi series. If a data connection is unavailable, however, it can still translate written text from one language to another. 

Home Sync
This is an online storage system, not much different from Dropbox, iCloud and the rest. However, Home Sync comes with a whopping 1 terabyte of space for you to store your photos and videos for years to come.

Group Play
Connecting up to 8 Galaxy S IV phones "without an internet connection" (we're guessing direct WiFi networking), this feature can convert the phones into a 5.1 surround sound system. Great for get togethers.

Air Gesture
Pushing boundaries with the S IV, it seems that Samsung has integrated Kinect-like functionality into the phone. A wave of your hand over the phone can switch between web pages, play next song, view photos, scroll up/down and the like. A nifty feature especially while driving, or waiting for nail polish to dry.
Another noteworthy feature is the ability to use the touch screen with gloved fingers, a first in mobile phones. So now you can eat with both hands while scrolling through web pages with your elbow in long sleeves. We'll leave it to you to imagine more ways to use this feature.

Quick specs for the Galaxy S IV
 
The Samsung Galaxy S IV is slated for release by end-April in 155 countries with over 327 operators on board. No price announced as yet. Let's hope Malaysia is one of them.