[News] The Samsung Galaxy S8 (and S8 Plus) are here

So the moment we've all been waiting for has come - the newest flagships from Samsung have been announced, and are available for pre-order on all carriers as of now.  Let's dive into the nuts and bolts, and then we'll have a few other resources for you to check out if you are considering making a Galaxy your next mobile device.

[Feature] Silicon Theories - March Edition

This was a busy week in the tech world...and I've got a few thoughts to share with you on all of it. There's something new from Google, something(s) new from Apple, and some old thoughts on what Android tablets mean to the world of mobile computing. Ready to dive in? Let's get to it!

[Podcast] Episode 21 - March Rumor Roundup

Hey everyone - just in time for the weekend, we here at Silicon Theory have an exciting new episode of the podcast to get you thru the doldrums Saturday and Sunday.  Sean P. and I go over the rumor roundup from March, and talk about a bunch of stuff, including offerings from Samsung, Apple, Xiaomi, and HTC.

Download or stream from iTunes, Google Play Music, or Soundcloud.  If you leave us a 5 star review on your favorite podcast platform, we will love you forever!  And we'll even read your review on our next podcast.  Thanks for listening!

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[Podcast] Episode 18 is live - February's Rumor Roundup!

The newest edition of the Silicon Theory podcast is here, and its February and the rumors are flying fast and furious!  We take some time to discuss the newest phone from Huawei, rumors about phones from LG and Samsung, and give our takes on what we expect to see from MWC in a few weeks.  Download or stream it today, and be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform to make sure you get all the newest episodes as they go live.  While you're doing that, be sure to leave us a 5 star review as well.

Thanks for listening!  Find the Silicon Theory podcast on - iTunes, Google Play Music, SoundCloud

[Podcast] Episode 17 - January Rumor Roundup

Yes - another episode of the Silicon Theory Podcast is uploaded and this time, its all about the rumors surrounding the new phones for 2017.  We talk offerings from Samsung, Apple, and others.  There is a lot going on, and the leaks are coming fast and furious but we take a look at everything that's relevant for those of you who are looking for new devices this year.  And man...there could be a great selection to choose from.

We explore all of that and more in the latest episode.  Be sure to subscribe on Google Play, iTunes, or SoundCloud to get all the newest episodes!

[Guide] So you can't get the Note 7 - now what?

So we've received a few questions about the Note 7 and for those who were looking to upgrade, its now off the table (sorry Samsung) - but the question becomes, okay - now what do you buy?  We're glad you asked!  Without further ado, here are some thoughts on what you might want to consider if you are wanting or needing to pick up a new smartphone this year.

[News] Samsung has discontinued offering the Note 7 - permanently

Sorry for the cheesy graphics above but...yeah, the Note 7 will no longer be sold by any carriers worldwide, and Samsung has ceased manufacturing them - permanently.  This is a significant financial blow to Samsung as a company for sure.  There will be no more Note 7s ever made...which is sad, because by all reports this is a great, great smartphone.  Except for the bursting into flames thing.

I'll make sure that Sean P. writes a eulogy proper, but for the time being; if you are in the market for a new smartphone, it won't be this one. 

[PSA] The Galaxy Note 7 might explode so....yeah

If you hadn't already heard, the new Galaxy Note 7 has had 35 reported cases in Korea where the battery caught fire, or outright exploded.  This is a bad thing.  Samsung's official statement regarding this issue is as follows:

"Samsung is committed to producing the highest quality products and we take every incident report from our valued customers very seriously. In response to recently reported cases of the new Galaxy Note7, we conducted a thorough investigation and found a battery cell issue.

To date (as of September 1) there have been 35 cases that have been reported globally and we are currently conducting a thorough inspection with our suppliers to identify possible affected batteries in the market. However, because our customers’ safety is an absolute priority at Samsung, we have stopped sales of the Galaxy Note7.

For customers who already have Galaxy Note7 devices, we will voluntarily replace their current device with a new one over the coming weeks.

We acknowledge the inconvenience this may cause in the market but this is to ensure that Samsung continues to deliver the highest quality products to our customers. We are working closely with our partners to ensure the replacement experience is as convenient and efficient as possible."

So, to recap, a very small number of the reported 2.5 million sold Note 7s had a faulty battery and so Samsung is issuing a recall for all of the devices - so if you have purchased one in the last few weeks since launch, you can replace your "might or might not" explode device with a "definitely won't explode" one.  If you read our guide to buying one of the new Note 7s, and went out and bought one....well, you are probably fine.  All of the reported cases have been outside the United States, so if you are here where we are, you should be good.  If you still want to get a replacement or a refund, check out the CNET article here.

This is your Public Service Announcement.

[Guide] Thinking about buying a Galaxy Note 7?

The Note 7 is one of the hottest phones on the market right now.  Say you are in need of a new mobile device, but aren't sure of what you should buy.  You might come to Silicon Theory in search of what you should get.  We love mobile tech, almost assuredly more than most folks you've ever met. If you are in the market, and you want or like a larger display size - you should give the Galaxy Note 7 from Samsung a long look.  

[Podcast] Episode 7 - Galaxy Note 7 Thoughts

Episode 7 is here, just in time for your weekend listening!  We discuss the launch of the Note 7, what we like and don't like about the device after a little hands on time, and where we feel the price point puts it at.

This is poised to be a very popular Android device - so if you are considering making this your next phone, you should definitely check out this episode.

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[Opinion] The Galaxy Note 7 has been announced...but should you buy it?

Samsung announced the next edition in their Galaxy Note series, the Note 7, and it has sparked a very interesting response.  Sean P. around these parts was in particular very excited to see (and likely purchase) the next Note device, but has cooled significantly since the announcement.  Not that a phone priced at between $850-$890 depending on carrier should be an easy "pull-the-trigger" buy.  So if you are considering making the plunge, are already a Note user or fan, or just want to know what the big deal about this phone is, let's take a deeper dive into what's going on.

[Podcast] Silicon Theory Podcast, episode 4

Welcome to the rumor round up episode of the Silicon Theory Podcast.  We dig into the specifics of the rumors surrounding the Moto Z, OnePlus 3, Note 6/7, and the iPhone 7.  Some of the rumors have been bourne out on the new Moto Z devices; the announcement of which came on Thursday.  We'll have a recap of those notes, but in the meantime, check out the pod and get our thoughts on some of the next wave of mobile devices.

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If you enjoyed the pod (or any of the podcasts), please subscribe and feel free to leave us a review on your preferred platform.  Or if you have a topic you'd like to see covered in a future podcast, feel free to email us at silicontheory@gmail.com - thanks for listening!

[Rumors] What's coming up next?

While we enter a bit of a doldrums phase, what with most of the early device launches over and Google I/O recently ending.   That doesn't mean there is a shortage of phones coming on the horizon though...some of them are even shaping up to be pretty cool.

While we work up our 2016 Buyers Guide for the first half of the year, check out some of the latest rumors of what's to come...

[Op-Ed] Is virtual reality more than just a fad?

I had a chance recently to experience the Samsung Gear VR (by Oculus) and there were some really cool things about it.  In 15 minutes, I had a chance to view several cities in Jordan and watch the first part of the movie "The Perfect Storm" while in a virtual home theater - while doing all of this, my brain was almost tricked into thinking it was real.  Of course, my first thought went to "is this the first step towards a real life Matrix?"  Probably not...but maybe its time we talk about whether virtual reality (VR) is just a fad of the moment, or if its something that's here to stay.

[Mini-Review] Samsung Galaxy S7

So this here review is gonna be a little different than other reviews...as "technically" I don't own this phone.  But, as I know quite a few people who do, and I was able to bribe/threaten/cajole one of them enough (thanks Steven!) to lay my hands on it for a good little while, I feel confident I can give the 4-1-1 to anyone who is actively considering making this their next daily driver device.  If you've got a Galaxy S5 or even purchased an S6 early on, this could be the one you're waiting for.  Maybe you've used an iPhone for a while and are considering making the switch to Android?  This could be the one you've been waiting for as well.  The Galaxy S7 - here's looking at you, kid!

[News] Samsung Galaxy Note 4 announcement likely to come on Sept 3

Word is out - invitations to the Samsung Unpacked 2014 event have started to arrive.  And at this event, the long awaited successor to the popular Galaxy Note 3 is expected to make its debut.  The Note 4 is rumored to have specs "much better than the Galaxy S5" - which should include the Snapdragon 805 processor and a Quad HD display.  In a time where 5.5" displays on mobile devices are growing more commonplace, I'm sure that Samsung will be happy to have theirs hit store shelves.

With the G3 just released, and the rumored iPhone 6 release no doubt coming later on this year, could Sammy have picked just the right time to launch their new phablet?  Time will tell.

Via: BGR

[News] Samsung debuts the Galaxy S4

Photo courtesy of Droid-Life

The waiting is over - Samsung's even on March 13th officially announced their newest flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S4.  While it isn't available on any carriers just yet, here are the official specs, direct from Sammy:

• Processor: 1.9GHz Quad-core processor or 1.6GHz Octa-core processor (depending on global region)
• Memory: 2GB of RAM and 16/ 32/ 64 GB User memory expandable through SDcard slot
• Display: 5″ full-HD Super AMOLED (1920 x 1080) display, with 441 ppi
• Connections: Hexaband LTE, HSPA+, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, IR controller
• Battery: 2,600mAh
• Ships with Android 4.2.2

The Galaxy S4 has a larger screen than its predecessor, while still managing to come in thinner and lighter.  From early reports, this true HD screen looks incredible with vivid rich colors and amazing sharpness and clarity.  This is sure to be a huge selling point with fans of Samsung.

[Rumor] Galaxy S4 to launch in black & white

Possilble Galaxy S4 render

The latest rumor as we approach the middle of the month and the launch date for the Galaxy S4 is that Samsung will be kicking off their new flagship with 2 colors - the staple white and black.  In addition, there should be 16GB/32GB/64GB variants, all available for purchase (at some point) - this is in addition to the expandable SD card slot already pretty much a done deal.  Will there be carrier exclusive colors?  Will we see Pebble Blue ever again?  Stay tuned for more details!

*Source:  Droid-Life

[News]Samsung set to announce the Galaxy S IV on March 14th, here's what to expect

On March 14th in New York City Samsung is announcing its new Galaxy S IV (GSIV) flagship smartphone.

Very little has been confirmed, so take this all with a grain of salt, but based on the latest leaks/rumors here's what to expect:

Samsung Galaxy S IV

Estimated Releaes Date: April 2013

Carrier(s): AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon

Price: $199.99 on contract

CPU/GPU: Quad-Core Snapdragon 600 @ 1.9ghz/Adreno 320

Screen: 4.99" SoLex LCD 1920 x 1080p

Camera: 2.1MP(Fr)/13MP(R)/1080p@60fps

Memory: 2GB RAM

Storage: 16GB/32GB/64GB
SD Card Slot: Yes
Battery: Removable/2600mah

[Rumor] Is this benchmark for the Verizon Galaxy S4?

A recent benchmark showed up for a smartphone with the device ID "SCH-I545" - this just may be the latest flagship from Samsung, the Galaxy S4.  The Galaxy S3 for Verizon bore a device ID of "SCH-I535" and several other Samsung smartphones have similar code names on Verizon as well.

As you can see from the bench mark, we'd expect this phone to sport a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, a full 1080p display, and the Adreno 320 GPU.  The Samsung event is scheduled for 03/14/13, and no doubt it will be one of the most hyped events of the year for tech enthusiasts.

*Source:  Droid-Life