Samsung have just revealed the Galaxy Tab 2, an Ice Cream Sandwich packing follow up to their original 7-inch Android tablet.

Despite housing the newest build of Google's mobile OS, it doesn't mark a grand departure from what went into the original tablet, still sporting a 7 inch screen (at 1024 x 600 resolution), now backed by a 1GHz dual-core processor and 1GB of RAM.

A 3MP rear-facing camera, a VGA front facing shooter, Bluetooth capabilities, and HSPA+ connectivity round off the core specs.

"Two years ago, Samsung GALAXY Tab began to offer customers more possibilities on the go. Since then, Samsung has actively enhanced our tablet line-up with several tablets in different sizes," said JK Shin, President of IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung Electronics.

"The new GALAXY Tab 2 (7.0) will provide people with delighted multimedia experience and allow efficient communication."

Set to hit the UK first by March, we'll pass on pricing info as we get it.

With Samsung's Galaxy S III handset almost a certain no-show at this year's MWC 2012 trade event, the Korean tech firm are now rumoured to be plugging the gap with a duo of new tablet devices instead.

Samsung are said to have applied for Wi-Fi interoperability certificates for two devices with product codes of GT-P5100 and GT-P3100, just in time for the Barcelona show.

Samsung's product naming conventions see that any device with the letter "P" in its ID will be a tablet, fuelling rumours already bandying about that Samsung are preparing to launch a whopping 11.6 inch tablet, perhaps one of the devices listed above.

It's thought the tablet will sport a Retina Display-trouncing 2560 x 1600 screen, backed by a 2GHz dual-core processor. The Ice Cream Sandwich version of Android is also thought to feature.

The rumours follow news today that the Samsung Galaxy S III smartphone will not appear at MWC 2012, instead being revealed at it's own dedicated event.

Via: Android Authority

Those looking forward to the debut of the Samsung Galaxy S III look away now; you're going to have to wait a little longer to see Samsung's next superphone be revealed.

The Korean tech giants have just released a statement confirming that the Android handset will not be unveiled at the world's largest mobile technology show, but will instead launch at its own dedicated event.

"The successor to the Galaxy S II smartphone will be unveiled at a separate Samsung-hosted event in the first half of the year, closer to commercial availability of the product," reads the statement from Samsung.

That's not to say Sasmung wont have plenty of other goodies on display at the show: "Samsung is looking forward to introducing and demonstrating exciting new mobile products at Mobile World Congress 2012," and is "committed to providing the best possible mobile experiences for customers around the world".

It's coming, and it might be with us sooner than some had thought; the Galaxy S III Android smartphone has seemingly popped up in a listing on an official Samsung website, fuelling speculation that the handset's launch is just over the horizon.

Appearing on the Samsung UAE Global Download Center page (which hosts device manuals, software and drivers for Samsung products), the listing refers to a device with the model number GT-I9300.

If you take a look at the model number trend for the rest of Samsung's Galaxy range, it appears to be a reference to the Galaxy S III.

With the original Galaxy S listed as the GT-I90xx and, Galaxy S II using GT-I91xx and the Galaxy Nexus given GT-I9250, it makes sense for the S III to jump to GT-I9300.

Despite this seemingly official notification, Samsung are still yet to confirm a launch date for the Galaxy S III. However, this latest snippet of information seems to suggest the handset is indeed on course for a MWC 2012 unveiling.

Via: PocketNow

X-Factor fans and wannabe pop-stars alike could be in with a chance of winning a day to make their idols envious thanks to Samsung. They've teamed up with Phones4u to offer a the chance to shoot a music video with N-Dubz and X-Factor judging star Tulisa Contostavlos.

One hundred competition winners will win a spot in the "alternative" video toTulisa's new solo single, shot, naturally, on Samsung Galaxy handsets.

"I'm really excited to be working with Samsung and Phones 4u as I launch the next phase of my career. My fans are massively important to me, so I'm really looking forward to being able to give them the chance to be part of my new work and can't wait to see my fan-made music video," said Tulisa.

Simon Stanford, Managing Director, UK & IRE Telecommunications & Networks Division said: "Samsung is delighted to be working with one of the UK's most well-known music artists. Tulisa has a huge fanbase amongst Phones 4u customers who I am sure will be extremely excited by this exclusive promotion. Our range of premium Galaxy devices all feature our leading mobile technology - including high spec cameras, HD recording and playback and superior screen technology for viewing that content - so we're excited to see the alternative music video that Tulisa's fans will be creating for her."

To be in with a chance of winning the prize, you need to pick up a handset from Samsung's Galaxy range (either the Samsung Galaxy S II, Samsung Galaxy Note or Galaxy Nexus) from Phones 4u between the 27th January and15th March 2012. You'll then be given a raffle ticket, entering you into the competition.

Phones 4U are also offering their customers exclusive Tulisa content including video footage, photographs and wallpapers, while Tulisa is set to make a guest appearance in the best-performing Phone 4U store in the country.

Gasp! Do Tech Digest's eyes deceive? Is this the fabled Samsung Galaxy S III?

Well, to be perfectly honest, we're not sure yet! But we'll run through why we think it just might be so.

Popping up in a video that promoted Samsung's successes during their CES 2012 press conference (posted at the bottom of this post), it's an as-yet unidentified handset from Sammy.

Now, it could just be a mock-up of course, but what with MWC 2012 just around the corner (the world's biggest mobile phone trade show) you'd guess that Samsung would have a sequel ready following the success last year of the Galaxy S II.

However, that screen looks a real whopper, more in line with the Galaxy Note's 5.3 inch screen than the 4.3 inches of Super AMOLED goodness found on the Galaxy S II. But look at the front camera placement - far closer to what you'd find on an S II than on a Note.

But then again, look at that battery indicator! Very un-Android, which would make it unlike the Gingerbread packing S II. So many mysteries! All, thankfully likely to be revealed at next month's Mobile World Congress conference.

To see why we're so excited for the Samsung Galaxy S III, check out our glowing review of the S II model.

Via: Sammobile

Samsung look set to unleash all-white versions of the Samsung Galaxy Tab line, following leaked shots of a pair of new-look devices hit the web over the weekend.

Shot in Vietnam, the pictures show a Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 and a Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus, each with an all-white chassis. While Samsung have previously released Galaxy Tab's with a white back plate, this is the first time they've gone the whole hog and made the front bezel white too.

However, it's only a minor cosmetic change to the tablets, as under the hood all specifications remain unchanged.

So, for the 10.1, you're still getting a 1GHz dual-core Nvidia Tegra 2 processor with 1GB of RAM and a 1280x800 WXGA LCD screen, while the 7.0 packs a 1.2GHz dual-core processor and 1GB of RAM nestled under a 1024x600 display.

Enough to get you to swap your penny saving tin for a Galaxy Tab rather than an iPad? Let us know in the comments section below.

Via: GSM Arena

Following yesterday's unveiling of their high-end audio products headed to CES 2012, Samsung have now given a glimpse of their PC peripheral range, showing off both a new 27-inch Series 9 monitor and Series 7 Smart Station.

Featuring the same "paper-curve" design as previous models in the range, the Series 9 monitor will run at 2560 x 1440 (quad-HD) on a Plane Line Switching panel (PLS). An edge-to-edge display using anti-glare glass, it sits on an adjustable aluminium stand that also houses USB, DisplayPort, dual-link DVI, and HDMI connectors.

A 7 watt speaker is also built in, alongside Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) connectivity for compatible smartphone devices.

"Interest in user-generated content and a premium computing experience is growing as consumers are demanding products that allow them to better view, edit and share their photos, videos and entertainment content," said Samsung UK's Neil Sawyer.

"The new Series 9 monitor, with Samsung's exclusive Natural Colour Expert technology, answers the need for higher resolution and meticulous detail editing, regardless of the job," added Sawyer.

"Its unique minimalist design draws users in for truly immersive computing and delivers Samsung's signature best-in-class viewing experience."

No UK pricing yet, but expect to pay $1,199.99 for the privilege of owning the display when it launches in the US in March.

Moving on to the Series 7 Smart Station, it's of a similar ilk to Samsung's Central Station product line. An all-in-one Wireless USB monitor with hub, it runs at full-HD 1080p resolution with a LED backlighting and a HDMI port.

Integrated speakers are joined in the new HDTV monitor by dual HDMI inputs for video sources like Blu-ray players, as well as a built-in TV tuner, WiDi and VGA port.

The Smart Station and HDTV monitor have prices starting at $549 and $599 respectively, with 27 and 24-inch models to be available. They too will be out in March.

Coming slightly out of left-field here compared to the company's usual offerings, Samsung are to be showcasing a new range of high-end speaker docks at next week's CES show in Las Vegas.

A pair of high-end systems are on the way, with Samsung claiming that they've "raised the bar in sound quality for mainstream audio products."

First up is the DA-E670 Audio Dock. It's capable of outputting 40 watts of power, as well as packing in its own subwoofer. More unusually though is its ability to support both iOS devices (iPod, iPhone and iPad), as well as Samsung's own Galaxy S line of mobiles and PMP devices. We're not sure yet whether this means the device will also be compatible with other Android mobiles, but it'll be music to the ears of the legions that bought the Samsung Galaxy S II, looking to beef up its audio output potential.

Even more exciting is the audiophile-grade DA-E750. It uses Samsung's vacuum tube amplifier technology, and looks to combine the best of digital amps with the warmth you'd find with traditional vacuum tube audio systems. As with the DA-E670, it'll support Samsung's AllShare technology and Apple's Airplay.

Looking very intriguing indeed. No word on pricing or availability on this pair yet, but we'll hopefully get some ears-on time with the kit come next week's big tech show in Vegas.

Samsung have just revealed the new Galaxy M Android smartphone, ahead of next week's massive consumer tech show, CES 2012 in Las Vegas.

The Samsung Galaxy M (where, according to Sammy's naming conventions, the "M" stands for "Magic") is described by the Korean tech giants as part of their range of "High-performance models at an economic price-point".

Specs wise, it's running Android version Gingerbread (Ice Cream Sandwich not "magical" enough it seems), a 1GHz processor, 3MP camera, 4GB of internal storage, Bluetooth 3.0 and a decent 1650mAh battery crammed into its 9.9mm thick "refined metal body".

No word on a UK release yet, but we'd expect a sub-£200 price tag where it ever to reach our shores.

Just yesterday, Samsung revealed the Galaxy Ace Plus, a revamped version of last year's Galaxy Ace handset.

Samsung have updated last years Galaxy Ace handset for a new model called the Samsung Galaxy Ace Plus.

Upping the specs of the first handset, the Galaxy Ace Plus features a 1GHz processor (up 200MHz over the original) and Android Gingerbread pre-installed. The screen size jumps up slightly from 3.5 inches to 3.65 inches, but with the resolution sticking at 320x480, you'll lose a little definition as a result.

Those thinking it'd be packing a slide-out QWERTY are getting their Samsung update names a bit skewed - "Plus" updates always deal with internal tweaks. You're after Samsung's "Pro" upgrades for the QWERTY features.

Elsewhere, it's business as usual for the handset, with a 5MP camera, Samsung's Social and Music Hubs, TouchWiz UI and the ChatON service.

Expect to see the Samsung Galaxy Ace Plus hit Russian stores first later this month, with European, Asian and American roll outs to follow. No pricing has been revealed yet.

Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1 is back on sale in Australia, after the South Korean electronics giant had Apple's sales ban on the tablet overruled.

Though the sales ban is still in place until Friday, Federal Court Justice Lindsay Foster has reversed the court order, meaning Samsung's superb Android slate will be back on shelves by the start of the weekend.

That is unless Apple take it another step further by getting the High Court involved, which they most likely will. If Apple push there, it's feasible that the ban could once again be imposed.

However, Samsung see it as a breakthrough moment in their long-running court fiasco with Apple, with the timing perfect in the close run-up to Christmas.

"We believe the ruling clearly affirms that Apple's legal claims lack merit," said a Samsung spokesperson.

Apple and Samsung ahve been battling it out in the courts all year long, with each claiming the other is infringing on patents for copyrighted technology. It's a row that's taken in locations all over the globe, including the UK, US and Japan, as well as Germany, where the Samsung tablet had also been banned following Apple's complaints leading Samsung to develop a modfied version of the slate.

Via: Financial Times

One of Ice Cream Sandwich's major features has been found to have a slight flaw. The face unlock application that requires the user to stand in front of the camera and the phone recognises your face and unlock has been tricked into unlocking with a printed picture.

This is causing a problem but also showing off the feature, all in one go. The video shows the Nexus Galaxy able to recognise the face from a picture on a glossy display, proving the real sensitivity of the camera application which does deserve a round of applause. But, holding your hands for just two seconds, this means that your photo can now unlock your phone, meaning other potential users could quite easily get into your new device.

Obviously there are going to have to be a couple of standards when it comes to using a picture to unlock the phone, in the video the Galaxy Note is used to take the picture. The Note has an 8MP camera, from the looks of things a very good 8MP camera. I doubt that the software would be fooled if it was shown a picture of you in a club with loads of your friends, or a blurry image from a lower spec phone. It would be interesting to see if Google came out with a response to this showing that you need a really good quality picture in order to unlock the device.

However,this update should be a concern for Google on the run up to the big release of the new software and will need to be an area that they will need to look into as a potential security flaw. Perhaps take a leaf out of many films including a secret agency and use both photo and voice recognition? Or go one step further and use finger print and Iris recognition for the ultimate protection for all your text messages and contacts.

Water damage on a phone is a very common problem, where a small amount of moisture will enter the phone, usually through the charging port and causes issues. Alternatively water damaged can be caused by dropping it in the toilet.

A new study by a mobile phone comparison website found some worrying results that a third of phone owners in Britain have broken their phone through water damage. The most popular way was dropping it in the toilet, followed by dropping it in a drink, dropped in the shower or bath, dropped in washing up bowl and finally being put in the washing machine, I'm assuming with clothes.

It seems that people can't grip their phones properly as most of the damage tends to happen through dropping; perhaps a universal design flaw? One that i found particularly interesting was dropping it in the shower or bath. Who takes their phone into the shower? I don't think I have ever had that much of an important text or call come through that I would reply in the shower under a stream of running water.

Some other interesting results show that males are three times more likely to drop their phones in water than females. 86% of the the phones damaged with water were not insured.

Mark Owen founder of the company that ran the survey, GoodMobilePhones.co.uk commented, "I know mobile phone insurance can seem like an expensive addition to a monthly phone bill, but often it can be something really worth thinking about, especially if you are prone to being a bit clumsy! The majority of smart phones can be expensive to replace so it's often worth the additional cost of insurance, but if you have recently broken your phone then there are some great deals to be had."

Have you had a disastrous combination involving your phone or any other gadget and the technology killer that is water? Leave your best (or worst) experiences below in the comments.

By Elisabeth Edvardsen

As you may remember we gave you a sneak peek of Samsung's new Galaxy Note at IFA earlier this year - don't worry if you don't, we've included the video we shot back then below. Last night we were invited to the official global launch of the new handset at the impressive Battersea Power Station, before the company departs on a World Tour to present their new flagship handset.

Samsung Galaxy Note

JK Shin, head of mobile communications at Samsung, kicked off last night's launch by telling us that the handset "creates its own new product category" in the way it's much more like a smart phone / tablet hybrid than anything we've ever seen before. According to the Samsung team, the handset has been designed to let people do much more while they're on the go, be it note taking, watching media, communicating with people or drawing. So whether you are a business professional who needs to make changes to documents on the go, you love to watch videos and take snapshots of your life and share then with your social networks, or simply want a secure place to jot down your thoughts and sketches, Samsung believe the Galaxy Note is the solution.

Apart from the massive screen, the main thing that really differentiates the device from anything else on the market is its fancy new stylus, the S Pen. We know, we know, we thought the stylus was dead too, but with the Galaxy Note's new S Pen (a whole new take on the classic stylus), you'll be using it for pretty much everything, from navigating menus, drawing, taking notes, editing videos and much more. Interestingly, Samsung plans to release the S Pen SDK allowing app developers to create fundamentally new applications and services incorporating the pen functionality.

The Galaxy Note also has everything you'd expect from a new smartphone, with a large 5.3in, 1280 x 800 Super AMOLED display running from a dual-core 1.4GHz processor. You'll also be able to snap 8MP photos and record 1080p video footage too. And at only 9.65mm and 178grams it is both slim-line and super light. You'll have a choice of a 16GB or a 32GB, and it comes in white or dark blue.

With its large screen we think this could become a popular handset for both business professionals and creatives alike who don't want to carry around both a phone and a tablet device to work on, as you can edit PowerPoint presentations and scribble down ideas with great ease using the S Pen. Another feature worth noting is the Chat ON instant messaging with is Samsung's response to Blackberry's BBM and Apple's iMessage.

The Galaxy Note will be available in the UK from 2 November 2011 and so far Carphone Warehouse, O2 and Phones 4 U are on board.

Here's a hands-on video from IFA earlier this year:

Galaxy Nexus

Last night wasn't just about the Galaxy Note, but it was also a chance for the guys at Samsung to showcase the Galaxy Nexus, the first phone to run the latest Android offering, Ice Cream Sandwich.

The first thing you notice about the Galaxy Nexus is how it looks, it's got a curved and contoured design, rounded edges and it's completely buttonless too.

Like the Note, the Nexus is a very capable smart phone which will be faster than ever with a 1.2 GHz dual-core processor, a 1280 X 720 resolution display and fairly large 4.65 super HD AMOLED display.

However, there are plenty of features that really make the Nexus stand out, including face unlock, which allows you to unlock your phone with a smile, Android beam, which allows you to transfer data using NFC technology and voice typing, which allows you to input any kind of text with your voice.

For those who love to take photos, the Nexus comes with a 5MP camera with zero shutter lag, a panoramic single motion feature and a new gallery.

The Galaxy Nexus will be rolled out across Europe from 17 November 2011 and will be available through Vodafone, O2 and 3.

Now, if you've just brought a brand-spanking new iPhone 4S (or a Samsung Galaxy S II for that matter), you're probably a) lamenting the loss of a sizeable wad of cash and b) wondering if it's worth insuring your expensive new toy. There's nothing worse than a fumbled phone smashed into a million pieces.

Independent warranty company SquareTrade have a bit of cash to flash about, and took it upon themselves to see which phone out of the iPhone 4S or the Samsung Galaxy S II would fare better when dropped from a range of heights, and at differing angles.

The results will scare you enough into ringing them up for a quote immediately after seeing this.

We wont spoil the surprise by telling you which phone came out of the drop test least damaged, but we're sure you'll be surprised by the outcome.

Click the video above to check out the test.

Vodafone have confirmed that they will be offering the Samsung Galaxy Nexus at their stores when the brand-spanking new Android handset hits the UK sometime in November.

The first phone to land with Google's Ice Cream Sandwich OS, the Samsung Galaxy Nexus offers a a 4.65-inch HD Super AMOLED display, 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 1080p recording modes, NFC tech and silky-slim form factor, among other next-gen Android features.

No word on pricing, but the signs aren't looking good for anyone hoping to bag the phone on the cheap: Phones4U have already listed their pricing for the phone, putting it at £46 a month for the Galaxy Nexus, or £41 a month with an upfront fee of £30.

At that price you're in iPhone 4S territory, which may make the Galaxy Nexus's rise to the top of the smartphone pile quite a struggle.

UPDATE

Three have now confirmed they too will stock the Samsung Galaxy Nexus.

Sylvia Chind, Three's head of handsets, said that: "I've had great fun reading the rumours about what you all thought Google and Samsung were bringing to your fingertips. It's been an exciting run up to today, and I can now confirm that the Galaxy Nexus will be coming to Three."

O2 have also revealed that they will stock the Galaxy Nexus too.

Google and Samsung have lifted the lid on the world's first Ice Cream Sandwich Android handset, the Samsung Galaxy Nexus.

The long-rumoured phone ushered in the arrival of Google's Android 4.0 operating system at a launch event in Hong Kong last night.

Among its impressive feature list is a 4.65-inch HD Super AMOLED display, running at 1280 x 720 (720p) resolution. Processing speeds match the best on the market today, with a 1.2GHz dual-core and 1GB of RAM onboard.

1080p video recording is onboard too, though a slightly dissapointing 5MP camera is incharge of stills photography, with an LED flash. A front-facing camera for video calling comes in at 1.3MP. Panorama shooting modes and a lack of shutter lag boost the snapping specs a little.

NFC, Bluetooth 3.0, 802.11n Wi-Fi and HSPA+ connectivity all feature, as well as a proximity sensor and barometer. Storage specifications will offer either 16GB or 32GB of built in space for data.

In terms of size, it's a similar form factor to the Nexus S, but slimmer at 8.94mm thick and a tad heavier at 135g.

Due out in the UK in November, Phones4U are the first to reveal a price for the Nexus S, and it may be a little hard to stomach for most.

In order to get the phone for free on a contract, you're going to have to fork out £46 a month for the Galaxy Nexus, or £41 a month with an upfront fee of £30.

It's a good phone, but that puts it dangerously close to the premium Apple iPhone price bracket, and with many other top-spec Android phones hovering around the £35 a month mark, that may be a hard sell for some.

It takes some doing to upstage Apple as they're preparing to launch a new iPhone, but Samsung have managed just that. Samsung have launched a pop-up Samsung Galaxy S II shop just feet away from the major Apple store in Sydney Australia.

And instead of queues around the block for the iPhone 4S, gadget fans are clamouring to grab a Samsung Galaxy S II for just $2!

It's a limited deal, capped at just 10 Galaxy S II handsets for the most eager customers each day. According to the Muswellbrook Chronicle, Samsung have no plans to go head-to-head with Apple come launch day though, with the shop closed by 8am Friday morning - when the iPhone 4S is unleashed.

Via: The Next Web / SlashGear

It's barely a glint in the eye of Old Mother Apple, but Samsung are already making moves to have the newly-revealed iPhone 4S banned.

The ongoing patent dispute between the two parties will now see Samsung attempt to have a sales ban put on the iPhone 4S in territories including France and Italy.

With the move described as "all-out war", Samsung will file two new preliminary injunctions against Apple, claiming the iPhone 4 hardware update infringes on two Samsung-owned patents. Samsung have not yet gone into specifics as to what the patents in question are.

"Apple has continued to flagrantly violate our intellectual property rights and free-ride on our technology, and we will steadfastly protect our intellectual property," said a Samsung spokesperson.

The long-running battle between the two has already led to headaches for tech fans looking to grab the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, which was banned in Australia, Germany and even the UK for a short spell.

Via: PhysOrg

Click here for more info on the iPhone 4S.