It appears that we were spot-on about yesterday's teaser, as AT&T has officially unveiled the Samsung Galaxy S4 Active this morning. Available in stores or online starting June 21st, you'll be able to grab one of your very own for $199.99 on a two-year commitment. As we mentioned yesterday, the "life-proof" IP67-certified handset will come in Dive Blue (pictured above) and Urban Gray; there's no mention of Flame Orange, sadly. As a recap, the Active features Android 4.2, a 1.9GHz quad-core processor, a 5-inch 1080p TFT LCD panel, microSD slot with support for up to 64GB, 2GB RAM, 16GB internal storage (no word on how much is user-accessible), a 2,600mAh battery and an 8MP rear camera with 2MP front-facing cam. Dimension-wise, the Active measures at 139.65 x 71.25 x 9.1mm and weighs 5.29 ounces (150g) -- not too shabby for a tough device.While AT&T acknowledged that the device shouldn't be considered "rugged," it's still technically a durable smartphone that takes advantage of a sealed water-resistant cover which will protect the phone in up to one meter of H2O for thirty minutes, and even features a special camera setting called Aqua Mode which is designed to let you take some nifty underwater shots. If you're eager to get the sales process started as soon as possible, AT&T will be offering pre-orders of the device beginning tomorrow.New Water and Dust Resistant Galaxy Smartphone is Built to WithstandWhatever Life Throws Your WayDALLAS, June 13, 2013 – With summer in full swing, you need a phone that can go just about anywhere and endure the demands of an active lifestyle. To help you keep up with whatever comes your way, AT&T* and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile) announce the Samsung Galaxy S® 4 Active™, an evolution of the popular Galaxy S® 4 designed to withstand the hazards of everyday life.Beginning June 21, you can pick up the Galaxy S 4 Active from any AT&T store or online for $199.99 with a two-year agreement. For consumers who prefer to place their orders now, AT&T will begin taking pre-orders on June 14 at www.att.com/galaxys4active. The Galaxy S 4 Active will be available in two colors: Urban Gray and Dive Blue.The Galaxy S 4 Active runs on AT&T 4G LTE, which currently covers more than 200 million people; with plans to expand to cover 300 million people by the end of 2014. AT&T's 4G LTE network was called "blazing fast" in a report** by independent testing organization RootMetrics. The report found AT&T's 4G LTE network delivered the fastest pure LTE speeds in markets where AT&T provided 4G LTE."Continuing AT&T's legacy as the first carrier to launch the Samsung Galaxy series, we're excited to offer the next evolution of the popular Galaxy S 4. The Galaxy S 4 Active is a high-performance smartphone with a stylish, protective design to keep up with the demands of everyday life. It's truly summer-proof," said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president – Devices and Developer Services, AT&T. "With its quad-core processor and access to the nation's largest 4G network and fastest 4G LTE network you can stay connected nearly anywhere life takes you."Built For LifeThe Galaxy S 4 Active was designed around life. It is IP67 certified to be water-resistant and dustproof***, making it perfect to take on any summer vacation whether it's camping or the beach. It also has an Aqua Mode feature that lets you capture photos and videos underwater. Its 5-inch FHD TFT display is made from Gorilla® Glass, which is specially built to be tougher and more scratch-resistant. It runs Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean) and comes packed with a quad-core processor for faster, smoother gaming and apps.But there's more to the Galaxy S 4 Active than its sturdy, more resilient exterior. It also includes high-performance features that let you get more done on-the-go. The 8-megapixel camera includes multiple custom shooting modes, including Aqua Mode and Eraser Shot. It also features enhanced low light performance to help you get the shot you want even when lighting isn't ideal.EntertainmentThe Galaxy S 4 Active has an Integrated Infrared (IR) controller which acts as a TV remote control, so you can use your smartphone to control your home theater system. When you're on-the-go, Samsung Hub gives you access to more music, movies, books and games from multiple content sources all in one place– perfect for passing the time on summer road trips, or even while waiting in line while running errands.Galaxy S 4 Active includes all the features that made the Samsung Galaxy S® 4 popular including:· Air View™: Hover your finger over photos, files, links and text for an instant preview.· Air Gesture™: Skip to the next song or photo, check your notifications or, if you're driving, automatically answer a call on speakerphone just by waving your hand over your phone.· Eraser Shot: Remove unwanted background distractions in your photos and videos with just one touch.· Drama Shot: Capture a time-lapse event all in one frame.· Samsung Smart Pause: While watching a video, if you look away from the screen, the video will automatically pause and wait for you to return.· Story Album™: Create a printed book of your photos and have it delivered right to your door.ProductivityThe Galaxy S 4 Active is a master multi-tasker. Features like Multi Window let you use two apps side-by-side like a PC so you can reference your notes while writing an email or follow the game live while checking out your friends' reactions on social media simultaneously.This smartphone is SAFE™ (Samsung For Enterprise) to help keep your work data secure and separate from your personal content. Whether you are in the office or on vacation, the Galaxy S 4 Active balances stylish, professional design with enhanced durability.Additionally, the Galaxy S 4 Active features an optional Easy Mode that simplifies the home screen with larger icons and your favorite apps.
Broadcom is no stranger to the budget-friendly lineup for carriers and OEMs around the globe -- especially in emerging markets -- but quad-core chipsets are just gaining traction in this arena. Granted, companies like MediaTekhave already begun cranking out low-cost four-core Cortex-A7 SoCs for markets like China and India, but a little friendly competition doesn't hurt anyone, right? This is the case with the BCM23550, a 1.2GHz A7 quad-core processor capable of HSPA+ speeds up to 21Mbps down and 5Mbps up and is optimized to run on Android 4.2 devices. The new piece of silicon also supports HD Voice and 12MP cameras with H.264 1080p video capture and playback, and offers the usual litany of connectivity options such as NFC, Bluetooth, 5G WiFi, RFID and GPS. It even features dual HD (720p) display support which is compatible with Miracast. Lastly, it's also pin-to-pin compatible with Broadcom's dual-core BCM21664T, which means manufacturers already using that particular chipset can reduce the amount of time spent on R&D and handset design. If you're curious, expect the chips to begin production in early Q3, right around the corner.Broadcom Introduces New Quad-Core HSPA+ ProcessorFirst Quad-Core Platform with 5G WiFi, NFC, GPS and Indoor PositioningIRVINE, Calif. – June 13, 2013News Highlights:· Quad ARM Cortex A7 processor provides superior computing power for an immersive user experience at an affordable price point· VideoCore® multimedia supports "dual HD" with simultaneous high-definition output to smartphones and Miracast-enabled large screens such as TVs· Turnkey solution integrates cellular baseband, touchscreen controller, PMU, RFIC and Broadcom's connectivity technologies including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, GPS and advanced indoor positioning capabilitiesBroadcom Corporation (NASDAQ: BRCM), a global innovation leader in semiconductor solutions for wired and wireless communications, today announced a quad-core HSPA+ processor designed for high-performance, entry-level smartphones. The BCM23550 is the company's newest smartphone platform optimized for the Android 4.2 Jelly Bean operating system (OS). For more news, visit Broadcom's Newsroom.According to research firm International Data Corporation (IDC), the first quarter of 2013 marked the first time that smartphones comprised more than half of all phones shipped globally.1 This growth is driven by mass market consumers who demand affordable devices that deliver increased functionality and a level of performance that was previously available only in higher-end superphones. The BCM23550, and its turnkey design, are powered by a quad-core processor running at 1.2GHz, VideoCore multimedia and an integrated HSPA+ cellular baseband that provides enhanced, power-efficient features for entry-level smartphones."Broadcom's new quad-core solution allows OEMs to deliver the multi-tasking, graphics-rich capabilities required in today's smartphones, while still appealing to consumers seeking superior performance at affordable prices," said Rafael Sotomayor, Broadcom Vice President, Product Marketing, Mobile Platform Solutions. "By combining the performance benefits of a quad-core solution with high-end features like 5G WiFi, globally certified NFC technology, and advanced indoor positioning technology, the platform offers device manufacturers a flexible and cost-effective path to address the affordable smartphone segment."The BCM23550 supports "dual HD," allowing users to simultaneously share high-definition content from a small handheld screen to a larger, Miracast-enabled display. It includes leading VideoCore technology for fluid, responsive graphics and incorporates power management techniques to optimize battery life and reduce power consumption without compromising the user experience. The platform provides an integrated Image Signal Processor (ISP) that supports up to 12-megapixel sensors with advanced imaging capabilities such as blink and smile detection, face tracking, red eye reduction, fast shot to shot (burst capture), zero shutter lag, and best picture selection. With contactless terminals proliferating worldwide, the BCM23550 platform also integrates NFC with native support for simplified connectivity and mobile payments systems like QuickTap from China UnionPay.The new quad-core solution is coupled with Broadcom's connectivity suite, which includes Broadcom's leading 5G WiFi technology, multi-constellation GNSS support, and advanced indoor location capabilities to enable ubiquitous positioning both indoors and outdoors. Together, the BCM23550 offers a complete, integrated turnkey solution that enables OEMs to expedite production of full-featured, high-performance 3G smartphones while lowering development costs. Additionally, it is pin-to-pin compatible with BCM21664T, a dual-core HSPA+ platform, allowing handset manufacturers to leverage existing designs and accelerate time to market."Since the primary use of mobile phones has evolved from making calls to serving as pocket-sized computers, users have grown to expect fast computing power. Premium features, such as Broadcom's quad-core platform, offer a compelling user experience and will further spur the adoption of entry-level smartphones," said Les Santiago, IDC Research Director, Wireless Semiconductors.Key Features:· Quad 1.2GHz A7 CPU with ARM® NEON™ technology· 21 Mbps (Megabits per second) of HSPA+ downstream connectivity, 5.8 Mbps of upstream connectivity· Dual HD display support with 720p LCD and external HD panel via Wi-Fi Miracast-capable displays· High-performance graphics based on VideoCore IV multimedia technology, for enhanced 3D gaming and other graphics-rich applications· Integrated image signal processor (ISP) with support up to 12 megapixels· High quality H.264 full HD (1080p30) camcorder and video playback· Power management techniques that increase efficiency of cellular RF chip and optimize performance based on workload demands· HD voice support for high-quality voice calls with advanced dual-mic noise cancellation technology· GPS/GLONASS, WLAN , MEMS, and Cell ID for the best indoor/outdoor location· NFC solution supports all major NFC specifications including NFC Forum, EMVCo, and the China UnionPay QuickTap mobile wallet· Industry-leading, lowest power 3G/2G dual SIM-dual standby to enable global markets· Compliant with ARM TrustZone® and GlobalPlatform for system-level securityAvailability:The BCM23550 is currently sampling with production expected in the third quarter of 2013.
It can't be easy, developing a Windows Phone sat nav app in the heavily publicized shadow of Nokia Here, but when we met the folks at CoPilotrecently they were brimming with confidence. They've already counted 4.5 million downloads on Android and iOS, and today they've finally gone live for owners of WP8 devices too. The free app comes with CoPilot's own, slightly different approach to laying out navigation info and options on a small screen, plus an offline map for the country of your choice, but you'll have to scroll through directions manually. For the full works, which are only free for 14 days, you'll need to spend £17.99 (the equivalent of $28) on an in-app upgrade that brings voice guided turn-by-turn instructions, a year's worth of live traffic flow info, 3D maps and a few other features. You'll find more screenshots and a growing number of reviews over at the source link.CoPilot® GPS Navigation Arrives on Windows Phone 8Popular free mapping, trip planning and car navigation app is now available for Windows Phone 8CoPilot GPS brings quality easy-to-navigate offline maps, powerful route planning tools and local exploring to Windows Phone 8 devices such as Lumia 920, HTC's Windows Phone 8X and Samsung's Ativ S – at no cost to the user.Detailed street maps and points of interest of an entire country are stored on the phone, allowing users to calculate routes and get driving or walking directions even when there's no mobile network coverage."People depend on their phones for maps and guidance. Yet online mapping apps can be costly ifused abroad and unreliable in places where there's limited mobile internet coverage", said David Quin, head of consumer applications at ALK Technologies."CoPilot is designed for use offline, providing guidance even when there's no mobile connection. It's been incredibly popular on Android and iOS, and now we are delighted to extend this experience to Windows Phone 8 users too."The free CoPilot GPS app includes 14 days use of full voice-guided 3D car navigation features and CoPilot's real-time traffic service, ActiveTraffic™. After 14 days users can continue to enjoy free and unlimited access to offline maps and route planning, or upgrade to unlimited turn-by-turn navigation via in-app purchase.Free features in CoPilot GPS for Windows Phone 8 include:- Premium quality street maps stored on your smartphone for offline use- Millions of Points of Interest (POIs) built-in- Powerful trip planning with a choice of 3 routes and drag-and-drop route editing- Unique CoPilot itinerary optimiser to calculate the best way around multiple stops .- Driving directions: manually scroll through the turns to your destination- Walking mode to explore unfamiliar cities on foot.- Comprehensive local search with integrated Yelp, Google, and Wikipedia.- Global map regions available to purchase and store on your device for data-free roaming abroadCoPilot GPS launched across iOS and Android platforms in April 2012 with over 4.5million app downloads in its first year.
After blowing $1.1 billion on Tumblr, we'd assumed that Yahoo would need a lie down in a darkened room while its accountants hunted around for more cash. Turns out that it was just the first in a raft of new deals, including several that the company has made in the last week. First up, the search firm has splashed out on free conference-calling service Rondee, which has been folded into Yahoo's small business team. Then there's GhostBird software, makers of iOS photography apps KitCam and PhotoForge, which will now be folded into Flickr's mobile offerings. Finally, Yahoo has signed up with the UK's Sky News to broadcast morning show Sunrise online, as well as the main Sky News feed during breaking news events. There's no word on how much this spending spree has cost, so we'll keep an ear out for any anguished screams emanating out of 701 1st Ave., Sunnyvale.
