It was reported that due to component shortages, the camera on Samsung’s Galaxy Note 3 that will debut in early September won’t come with optical image stabilization. Now, we’re hearing that to compensate for the missing OIS feature, Samsung will bless the rear-facing camera on the Galaxy Note 3 phablet with 4K Ultra HD (UHD) video recording. The enhanced 4K video recording should be welcomed, but not without some drawbacks given the missing OIS feature.
The 4K videos will have a resolution of 3840 X 2160 compared to the 1920 X 1080 video recording of full HD 1080p on today’s cameras.
In addition to the Note 3, another camera that had been rumored with 4K UHD video recording capability is Sony’s rumored Honami (Xperia Z1) smartphone that will debut on the same day as Samsung’s Note 3 at an event in Berlin.
The problem with 4K video recording is that it takes up more storage and there aren’t that many devices that can play back videos captured in this resolution pixel-for-pixel without downscaling, 4K HDTVs are beginning to hit the market, but prices are still steep. On the device itself, the Note 3 is rumored to have a full HD 1080p display, and not a 4K display.
The 4K recording may be a reason why Samsung is rumored to be upping the entry storage capacityfrom 16 GB to 32 GB while at the same time retaining the ability to augment storage with a micro SDXC card.
The upside is that these videos will offer a lot of details and clarity. Essentially, each frame on the video delivers 8.3 megapixels of resolution. That means each video frame has the same resolution as a full image captured with Apple’s iPhone 5′s rear-facing camera.
Another issue though is that without optical image stabilization and that amount of clarity in the video, any movement or shake of the camera will be felt and seen. This could lead to viewers feeling motion sickness when the Galaxy Note 3 is used to record video, especially if the videographer is walking around when capturing video.
Optical image stabilization is becoming a growing trend on smartphone cameras. Nokia and HTC are using OIS on the Lumia and One respectively to help reduce camera shake when recording videos and to also allow users to capture more brightly lit photos by being able to keep the shutter open longer to let in more light and not suffer from blurry images as a result. The LG G2 is also released with a 13-megapixel camera sensor with OIS and Sony’s Honami camera may come with OIS on a 20.7-megapixel sensor.
Additionally, The Korea Economic Daily, the source for the 4K video capture capabilities, is also reporting that the Galaxy Note 3 will be coming with great sounding speakers. The Note 3 is now rumored to be able to deliver a 24-bit 192 kHz speaker, similar to the highly praised LG G2speakers. It’s unclear if the Galaxy Note 3 will come with new microphone recording technology, like on the Nokia Lumia series, to capture richer fidelity audio for playback on the speakers.
The iOS 7 release date will arrive on September 10th according to an email sent to developers using Nuance speech technology in their iPhone and iPad apps, but the odds are good this won’t be when iOS 7 arrives for users.
The email in question was sent to developers from Nuance, not from Apple to registered iOS developers. Owen Williams shared the email on his website.
In the email Nuance boasts that the latest Nuance software will work fine inside of apps on iOS 7, which will see a general release on September 10th. This is the date we expect Apple is planning to hold an event to announce the iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S.
The Nuance developer email stated;
“As you are probably aware, iOS 7 GA will be released on September 10th.”
These words don’t leave much to the imagination, as GA stands for general availability, but there are a few things wrong with this date.
First off, Nuance doesn’t likely know Apple’s plans for an iOS 7 release. Second, We expect the iOS 7 GM “Gold Master” to arrive on September 10th based on the latest rumors. Even though the same leak claimed we would see iOS 7 beta 7 release by now, September 10th still looks good for an iOS 7 GM release. Third, Nuance has pulled the email off its servers.
The iOS 7 release date is likely set for September 18th, not September 10th.
The iOS 7 GA or iOS 7 release date will likely come a week or so after the iOS 7 GM. The iOS 7 GM is the last iOS 7 beta which arrives with the assumption that developers and partners won’t find any major issues that need fixed.
At this point, the iOS 7 release date looks good for September 18th, two days before we expect theiPhone 5S release date. In theory Apple could release iOS 7 to the public within a few hours of the GM, as the company has pushed out a final release fast after a GM before, but with a major overhaul for iOS 7, look for the iOS 7 update to arrive on or around September 18th.
We could see a small delay for the iOS 7 iPad update, as 9to5Mac claims it may not arrive until new iPads are on the market. Apple released the iOS 7 iPad beta two weeks after the iPhone version, so it is a possibility.
The iOS 7 release will bring a collection of new iOS 7 features to users and a new look for the iPhone and iPad. The update brings animations, a new Control Center, revamped Notification Center, Siri enhancements and more. The eight-minute video above details what’s new in iOS 7.
A set of over a dozen Galaxy Note 3 photos show what appears to be the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 display with very small bezels with a screen that dominates the front of the device.
Samsung will announce the Galaxy Note 3 on September 4th at IFA 2013 in Berlin, which is where we expect to get the first official look at the Galaxy Note 2 replacement, but thanks to plenty of leaks we have a good idea what to expect from the Galaxy Note 3.
The Galaxy Note 3 display has been at the center of many Note 3 rumors with initial sizes reaching up to six inches before the rumors started to settle on a Galaxy Note 3 display of 5.7-inches, a jump from the 5.5-inch Galaxy Note 2 display.
One trick we expect to see Samsung pull off with a larger display is a Galaxy Note 3 that is no bigger than the Galaxy Note 2. Samsung successfully used this strategy with the Galaxy S4, and based on these leaked photos it looks like our predictions of a repeat are correct.
Read on to see leaked Galaxy Note 3 photos and comparisons to the Note 2.
This new gallery of Galaxy Note 3 photos show off what Sonny DIckson claims is the Galaxy Note 3 display. The parts come from a, “trusted source in China” who previously provided Dickson with parts. A second set of Galaxy Note 3 photos from ETrade Supply show more details and include measurements.
The display includes a Samsung Display marker on the back and tell-tale openings that point to claims this is a Galaxy Note 3 display being true.
The photo below leads us to believe this is a Galaxy Note 3 display, and not a Samsung display for a similar device. Like the Galaxy Note 2, there are openings for two sensors and a camera. The Galaxy S4 features a third sensor window just to the left of the earpiece, while the ETrade Supplyimages show one farther to the left.
New Galaxy Note 3 photos show a display and room for sensors.
Galaxy Note 3 vs. Galaxy Note 2 Design
The bezels are much thinner than the Galaxy Note 2 and the Galaxy Mega, ruling out those devices. The corners are slightly blockier than the Galaxy S4 as well. There are small markings on the back of the display that point to two capacitive buttons near the home button. The image below fromETrade Supply shows a screen that measures 5.68-inches and bezels that are slimmer at 2.2mm.
The Galaxy Note 3 display will be 5.68 inches according to a leaked replacement screen.
In short, this could very well be the Galaxy Note 3 display which would allow Samsung to deliver a larger display without a significantly larger body.
The image below shows a Galaxy Note 3 display and a Galaxy Note 2 display side-by side. Note the new corner design that could tip a Galaxy S4 inspired edge and back.
Galaxy Note 2 vs. Galaxy Note 3 size and design from replacement parts at ETrade Supply.
According to the measurements provided the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 display measures 1.8mm thick. We were unable to track down how thick the Galaxy Note 2 display assembly is for comparison, but thinner displays are one way manufacturers can trim down the size of devices. One leak claims the Galaxy Note 3 will shrink to 8mm from 9.3mm thick.
Leaked Galaxy Note 3 display photos arrive a week ahead of the announcement.
The Galaxy Note 3 display is $66 more expensive than the replacement Galaxy Note 2 display sold by ETrade Supply. The larger size and rumored 1080P resolution would explain this. We believe Samsung will not go higher than a $299 Galaxy Note 3 price, even though a high-resolution screen and new sensors could drive up Samsung’s cost. If the price is higher, look for rebates and deals to immediately drop the price.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 will likely come with an Exynos Octa 5 or Snapdragon 800 processor, 3GB of RAM and a 13MP camera. The display is on track to grow to 5.7-inches and jump to a 1920 x 1080P HD resolution. Rumors suggest we will see a swift Galaxy Note 3 release date, possibly before the end of September. We expect new S Pen features, though the details remain murky. One rumor claims we could see 32GB as the only Galaxy Note 3 storage option offered.
Microsoft has now publicly acknowledged that it’s finished core development on Windows 8.1, the free update for Windows 8 users.
The official announcement came by the way of a post on the Building Windows Blog earlier today, confirming reports that Microsoft had finished the operating system update that surfaced last Friday. While Microsoft is highlighting the smaller time its Windows Team had for developing Windows 8.1 – just ten months – today’s statement also includes more than a few things that make users question whether Microsoft is actually done creating the operating system.
For starters, although Microsoft says it’s done developing Windows 8.1, all users – including those who currently have the Windows 8.1 Preview installed – will have to wait to update their systems until October 18th. That’s a huge change for Microsoft, which has historically made newer updates available to its TechNet and MSDN membership services available for users to download and test on their hardware long before it arrives in stores.
The Start Screen in Windows 8.1
The other issue is of huge consequence to both Windows 8.1 early adopters and end users. Although Microsoft has done its best to shore up the platform with new features to make both using the new Metro-style Start Screen and the Desktop interface more friendly for everyone, by most accounts, Windows 8’s biggest problem is that so far, a large cache of useful applications have yet to materialize on the platform. By forcing all users to wait for a final release of Windows 8.1, Microsoft is keeping application developers at a standstill.
That’s because without the final version of the operating system, developers can’t create applications using features like the upgraded Snap multitasking for Metro applications. While these applications can still be developed using Microsoft’s Windows 8.1 Preview, there could be changes in the final release that break apps. With this in mind, it’s very possible that when users updating to Windows 8.1 on October 18th, there won’t be a large number of apps that will take advantage of any of the operating systems new features.
According to Microsoft, it’s taking the extra time to work more closely with hardware manufacturers on integrating Windows 8.1 into their products for the fall and winter.
Regardless of when end-users get their hands on the update, or how many application Live Tiles they’ll be able to resize on the Start Screen, Windows 8.1 is a solid, free update the address many of the concerns users had about the direction Windows was going. That includes the return of the Start button on the taskbar and the ability boot directly into the Desktop interface.
The wildly popular $35 Google Chromecast thatsurprised the tech world, works with Google products, but now interfaces with the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad, thanks to the new Chromecast app for iOS.
The free app does only a limited number of things. It launches and looks for a Chromecast on the same network as the iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch and lets users set up a new Chromecast. The app also shares content from the iOS YouTube and Netflix apps to the Chromecast, by sending a link to the videos which then play directly from the Internet instead of through the computer and now iOS device.
Here’s our Chromecast review video:
The Chromecast connects to a TV or other video displays via HDMI. If the TV or display includes a USB port, the user can power the Chromecast without plugging it into a wall outlet. Otherwise users must get power via the USB port and a USB to AC adapter.
Chromecast runs a dumbed down version of ChromeOS and Android. The device streams YouTube and Netflix and displays web pages from the Chrome browser via a plugin. During the early days of the device’s availability it came with three free months of Netflix making the device an even better value.
Google recently pushed an update that broke a hack that let users share anything from their Android phones to the Chromecast. Google claimed that the Chromecast SDK is in early development stages and not ready for such apps. They left the door open for a possible opening to this kind of development in the future, according to Techcrunch.
The Chromecast sold out the early supplies on the Google Play Store device section and on Amazon and Best Buy, the places Google made it available at launch. We ordered one on August 7 and just received notice that the device will ship today, more than two weeks later.
We hope that apps like the Chromecast iOS app signifies that Google may open up the Chromecast to other platforms and devices to really make it an Apple TV competitor and add the functionality to current Google TV boxes.
Google’s struggled in the past in the area of home entertainment, with Google TV never really taking off and the Nexus Q, which they announced and then killed before they even launched it widely.
The Xbox One release date still isn’t set in stone though Microsoft has confirmed the console’s arrival for November. Today though, we’re hearing about a possible Xbox One release date of November 8th which, if true, would mean that the Xbox One would beat Sony’s PlayStation 4 release date of November 15th.
Microsoft confirmed the Xbox One release date for arrival in November for a number of regions around the world, including the United States. The company, unlike Sony, has yet to confirm a specific release date for its next-generation console, leaving those who pre-ordered wondering when it might be out on shelves.
The Xbox One release date has been pegged for November 8th.
If a new leak from Kotaku is dead on, the Xbox One release date might land on November 8th, or, a few days ahead of the PlayStation 4 release date which is confirmed for November 15th. The leak comes from a company that works with Walmart to develop signage and product placement for products, so it’s entirely possible that the company has intimate knowledge about the Xbox One release.
The evidence comes in the form of a launch schedule which includes the Xbox One with a release date clearly pegged for November 8th. What’s interesting though is that while the other dates are “confirmed” the Xbox One does not have that moniker attached to it, meaning, Microsoft is likely still throwing around dates for the Xbox One’s release.
The date likely emerged recently and it’s a sign that Microsoft could be toying with the idea of beating the PS4 to release, now that the console has a release date set in stone.
It’s unclear when Microsoft might finally announce an Xbox One release but consumers can expect it to do so with ample time between announcement and release.
The Xbox One release date appears to be tentative.
Recently, the company was forced to push back the release dates for some regions around the world due in part to high demand for its next-generation console.
The company will still issue the Xbox One in November for Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Spain, United Kingdom, United States and New Zealand but the release in the other countries that were originally part of the initial launch announcement have been pushed back.
Microsoft’s Xbox One is poised to replace the Xbox 360, Microsoft’s long time console, with upgraded hardware, a steeper price tag, a new interface and a ton of big name games that will include Forza 5, Madden 25, and more.
The Apple TV got another update adding even more functionality from content providers including Vevo, Disney Channel HD, Disney XD, the Weather Channel and a new Smithsonian Channel app. This comes after they already added apps for things like HBO Go, ESPN Watch Now and others in a previous update.
The update showed up on Apple TV boxes today. Users who don’t see them should go into their Apple TV Settings App and check the Software Update section. Let it download and restart. Once it does, the screen will now show a total of 24 apps including the five new ones just added in this update.
This makes an interesting race between Apple and Google, with Google’s recent release of theChromecast, which streams content from the Chrome browser, Youtube and Netflix. Apple’s ahead, but Google’s stream from the browser while letting users surf to another page and still see the content from the original site creates an interest wrinkle.
The Apple TV has new video apps as of today.
Customers who don’t subscribe to Apple’s partner providers can’t use a few of the channels. The Disney Apple TV channels require the user to log into their TV provider account before they can watch content.
Here’s the list of what’s new and what a user can expect from the channel app:
Disney Channel HD – streams Disney channel live and on-demand to the device
Disney XD – caters to ages 6-15 with live and on-demand content from the channel
VEVO Music – like the old MTV with streaming music videos and concerts for subscribers
Weather Channel – check weather with this channel app
Smithsonian Channel – educational channel patterned after the national museum of the same name in Washington, D.C.
Previous updates added HBO Go and Watch ESPN as well as lesser known channels like Sky News and Crunchy Roll, to name a few. Users had to subscribe to HBO and ESPN via an included Apple partner. DirecTV subscribers, such as, were left out in both updates, but others like Time Warner, Charter and DISH can use them.
What’s the value of streaming Disney or ESPN, if a user must also subscribe to the channel through a cable or satellite service?
Many would say very little, except that now they can get on-demand content. The partner providers already offer on-demand access to much of the contents, so this still begs the question. What good does it do? Someone might connect an Apple TV to a TV that doesn’t already get cable or satellite, like in a second room. Some buy an Apple TV for an office board room or classrooms. Content like Smithsonian Channel videos could help teachers.
A second benefit comes in the long-term battle for cord cutting. If consumers can watch more content without a set-top box, then they will demand more putting pressure on networks to offer streaming versions without ties to providers. This could serve as one more advance in the expected outcome where consumers control when and where they can enjoy digital video content. We’re not there yet, but this gets us a step closer to an a la carte TV experience over the Internet, some would argue.
The HTC One Max is rumored to be HTC’sSamsung Galaxy Note 3 competitor. The device, which has leaked out several times in the past, has seemingly leaked out again today in a specification leak that lines up with all of the HTC One Max rumors we’ve seen emerge in the past few months.
With the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 launch now confirmed for September 4th, we know that Samsung is going to be delivering its large screen smartphone to consumers at some point in the near future. Unlike years past, the Galaxy Note 3 is expected to face some stiff competition from large screen smartphones from rival companies, including HTC.
The HTC One Max is thought to be a larger version of the HTC One.
Last year, we saw HTC attempt to compete with the Galaxy Note 3 using an HTC One X+, a variant of the company’s HTC One X. This time around, the company is rumored to be introducing an HTC One Max, also known as the HTC T6. The device has shown itself to the world numerous times, in several different forms, and today’s leak out of China seems to back the HTC One Max feature’s we’ve been hearing about for some time, save for one.
The leak, which comes from Mobile.3G.cn, claims that the HTC One Max, at least the variant headed to China Mobile, will possess some high-end features including a 5.9-inch 1080p display, Ultrapixel camera, quad-core CPU, 2GB of RAM, a micro-SD card slot that likely won’t be available in the U.S., NFC, LTE, Android 4.3 and oddly enough, Sense 5.5.
Alleged HTC One Max specs.
Sense 5.5 has not leaked out before so it’s unclear exactly what it might entail. Originally, the HTC One Max was rumored to have a stylus, so it’s possible that this software could tie into that. It’s also possible that this information is incorrect as noted HTC leakster LlabTooFeR claims to have no knowledge of Sense 5.5. He typically has inside information on HTC software updates.
There is no mention of a fingerprint reader, something that has been rumored to be on board the HTC One Max.
The device still doesn’t have a launch date though there are rumors that it could arrive in the next few weeks. There are also rumors that suggest that an HTC One Max launch won’t arrive until the fourth quarter which would mean sometime between October and December.
Apple is expected to deliver two iPhones later this year with the iPhone 5S and the iPhone 5Cboth said to be on the docket. Both devices have leaked out extensively in recent weeks but its two new leaks that offer the most extensive and detailed looks at Apple’s rumored iPhone 5C.
The iPhone 5C is rumored to be Apple’s long rumored cheap plastic iPhone model, a device that reportedly will be aimed at emerging markets and the cheap Android smartphones that have flooded them. The device is expected to join the iPhone 5S on stage in the coming weeks with September 10th pegged as the iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S launch date.
It is there that Apple is expected to detail the iPhone 5C in full. However, thanks to leaks, it appears that Apple’s secret may be out of the bag as the iPhone 5C has seen not one, but two extensive leaks emerge.
The first is an extensive iPhone 5C hands-on video from iCrackUriDevice which shows the iPhone 5C shells up close. We see a number of different color options, something that lines up with rumors that have suggested that Apple will offer an assortment of shades, and we once again see the device’s plastic design.
In addition to the iPhone 5C video, a new leak from SimOnlyRadarclaims to show off the iPhone 5C’s full specification list for the first time, detailing iPhone 5C dimensions, software features and more.
The specification sheet displays several iPhone 5C features that we’ve heard about in the past including a 4-inch Retina Display, iOS 7, and a dual-core processor. It also claims that the device will have an 8MP camera sensor, possibly on par with the iPhone 5, and a 2.1 MP front-facing camera as well.
The iPhone 5C is expected to join Apple’s iPhone 5S.
It will supposedly have 1GB of RAM and come in three storage options, 16GB, 32GB and 64GB. It also claims that Siri will indeed be on board, despite rumors that suggested that the personal assistant would not arrive with the plastic iPhone.
Dimensions for the iPhone 5C are said to be 124.2 x 58.4 x 7.6 mm, a bit thicker than the 7.1mm iPhone 5, and it’s expected to weigh 106 grams, lighter than the iPhone 5′s 112 gram frame.
These aren’t confirmed but if they’re real, they will likely be confirmed in early September as Apple is heavily rumored to be introducing its new iPhones on September 10th.
Both the iPhone 5S and the iPhone 5C are rumored for arrival in September with a release date pegged for September 20th. The iPhone 5S will replace the iPhone 5 as Apple’s flagship smartphone while the iPhone 5C is rumored to be replacing either the iPhone 5 or iPhone 4S and iPhone 4. Pricing rumors place it around $400 off-contract but that, like its features, remain unconfirmed.
In just a few weeks, we should see both the Apple iPhone 5S and the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 launch and tempt consumers with their charms. Both devices are sure to have some tempting features and here, we take a look at the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 features that could potentially push consumers away from the iPhone 5S.
Apple and Samsung appear destined for another clash as the companies are thought to be announcing new flagship smartphones in the coming weeks. For Samsung, it’s the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, a device that the company has confirmed for arrival on September 4th, and a device that will be matched up against the likes of the HTC One Max, Sony Xperia Z Ultra and yes, the iPhone 5S.
The Cupertino-based company still hasn’t confirmed an iPhone 5S launch date though September 10th is heavily rumored as its target date, meaning, we could see the iPhone 5S launch just about a week after the Galaxy Note 3. And with the devices likely launching and getting released in both proximity to each other, it’s natural that consumers will likely have them near the top of their smartphone shopping list.
Both of these devices are going to be powerful, attractive smartphones. No doubt about it. However, like all smartphones, there will be areas where they are superior to each other. Thanks to extensive feature leaks for both the Galaxy Note 3 and the iPhone 5S, we have a good idea where their superiority might lie. The iPhone 5S will likely outsell the Galaxy Note 3, but that doesn’t mean that it will the superior smartphone in all arenas.
Here, we take a close look at areas where we think the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 will be equipped to beat the iPhone 5S.
Bigger, Higher Resolution Display
One of the hallmarks of the Samsung Galaxy Note series is its large display. And it looks like Samsung will be going even larger with the Samsung Galaxy Note 3.
Rumors suggest that the Galaxy Note 3 display will be checking in at 5.7-inches with 1080p resolution. That’s bigger and better than the display on the Galaxy Note 2. What this also means is that the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 display will more than likely feature a larger display and higher resolution display than the iPhone 5S.
The iPhone 5S is expected to retain the iPhone 5′s 4-inch Retina Display. There have been rumors that we could see a boost in pixels-per-inch to make it even better, but that remains flimsy. So, we could see an iPhone 5S display that is on par, in terms of quality and size, with the display on the iPhone 5.
The Galaxy Note 3 will have a larger display than the Galaxy Note 2, seen here with the iPhone 5.
Not everyone wants or needs a massive display like the Galaxy Note 3′s but here is why we think it will be better overall. For one, the large screen means more real estate for things like watching movies. Watching a movie on the iPhone 5′s display can be a bit uncomfortable due to its small size. Same goes for playing games. The Galaxy Note 3 will be the optimal display for playing games as it will more closely mirror a gaming handset. In addition, reading on the Galaxy Note 3 should be easier for those that need it as font sizes will be larger.
We should also see the resolution change bring a big boost to the pixel-per-inch count on the Galaxy Note 3 and it could be on par with the 326ppi that is on the iPhone 5. So expect content to look great on both, but expect to be able to do more with the Galaxy Note 3′s display size.
Tons of Storage
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is rumored to be coming in 32GB form instead of the 16GB models that we’ve seen emerge in the past. If that’s true, users should be able to expand the memory of the device with a 64GB microSD card which will bring the device’s internal storage up to 96GB. The 32GB is looking like it will be the base amount for the Galaxy Note 3.
The iPhone 5S could come in four storage sizes, but it still won’t beat the Galaxy Note 3.
The iPhone 5S is expected to come in several different storage variants though nothing is confirmed. We’ve seen Apple offer 16GB, 32GB and 64GB models in the past though there are rumors that we could see a 128GB model emerge as well. If it does, we could see it replace the 16GB iPhone 5S.
So here is how it would likely breakdown:
iPhone 5S 16GB: $199.99
iPhone 5S 32GB: $299.99
iPhone 5S 64BG: $399.99
Or, if a 128GB iPhone 5S is introduced:
iPhone 5S 16GB: $199.99
iPhone 5S 32GB: $299.99
iPhone 5S 64GB: $399.99
iPhone 5S 128GB: $499.99
Or:
iPhone 5S 32GB: $199.99
iPhone 5S 64GB: $299.99
iPhone 5S 128GB: $399.99
What this means is that we could see a Samsung Galaxy Note 3 with more bang, storage-wise, for a buck. The iPhone 5S is not likely to have a microSD card slot which means that users could be stuck with 32GB at the very worst or 64GB at the very best for $299.99 in our scenario. Or, the same price as a 96GB Galaxy Note 3.
Both devices will utilize cloud storage as well but it could be that the Galaxy Note 3 will appeal to power users who need a ton of space for apps, games, photos, video, and more.
Removable Back
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is almost assuredly going to be made of plastic, we know this thanks to Samsung’s history and some recent part leaks, and that should mean that it will come with a removable back, just like the Galaxy S4. The iPhone 5S, on the other hand, is unlikely to feature a removable back as the iPhone 5 didn’t have one and Apple has never offered the feature in the past.
What this could mean is that the Galaxy Note 3 will have two major benefits over the iPhone 5S. The first, wireless charging. We saw Samsung introduce a Wireless Charging Kit for the Galaxy S4 and given the popularity of the Galaxy Note, it makes sense that it would offer one for the Galaxy Note 3 as well. Wireless charging allows users to charge their device without wires.
The iPhone 5S likely won’t have a removable back.
The other reason has to do with the battery. With a removable back, users can easily install an extended battery inside the Galaxy Note 3 in order to get more juice. The Galaxy Note 3 should already have a massive battery inside but for those that need it, there should be massive extended batteries available on shelves.
The iPhone 5S will benefit from things like Mophie cases but adding an extended battery will likely be next to impossible thanks to the non-removable back.
Powerful Multitasking
The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 featured and still does feature some of the most powerful multitasking on the market. Thanks to the Galaxy Note 2′s enormous display and high-end processor, features like Multi-Window View and Pop Up Play and Pop Up Browser, which allow users to watch a video while doing other tasks, work like a charm.
These features will likely be on board the Samsung Galaxy Note 3. And there are signs that we could see some improvements to those and possibly some additions to the Galaxy Note 3′s software as well.
Lee Young-hee, executive vice president of Samsung’s mobile business, toldThe Korea Times this about the Galaxy Note 3:
Samsung opened a new smart mobile device category back in 2011 with the introduction of the first Galaxy Note. Since then, smartphones with large screens have been a mainstream trend. As the creator of this category, we will introduce our customers to enhanced key features on our Galaxy Note devices.
A key feature on the Galaxy Note has always been multitasking so it’s possible that we could see some upgrades here. The device is also expected to feature a Qualcomm 800 quad-core processor and 3GB of RAM which should help with the horsepower needed for powerful multitasking features.
iOS 7 brings improved multitasking to iPhone owners but it’s likely not going to be on par with the Galaxy Note 3, even if the device doesn’t feature drastic multitasking upgrades.
iOS 7 multitasking allows users to see full size previews of apps and brings the ability to swipe to dismiss them. But there is nothing, at least that we’ve seen, that appears to trump the type of multitasking found on the Galaxy Note series.
So for those that love to do tons of stuff at once, particularly all at once on the same screen, the Galaxy Note 3 will likely be worth taking a close look at.
S Pen
When Steve Jobs announced the first iPhone, he was quick to point out that its competitors uses styli, a pen that allowed users to write and perform functions on the display. Before the launch of the original Galaxy Note, styluses were mainly used in conjunction with tablets, not smartphones. Samsung changed that.
The Galaxy Note comes with a bundled stylus called the S Pen that can be holstered inside the phone when not in use. The stylus isn’t a standard stylus though as it comes with some of the Galaxy Note’s most unique features.
For instance, when users pull the S Pen out of the holster, it brings up a powerful note taking app called S Note that is perfect for jotting down ideas while in class or in a meeting. For many, it’s going to be more accurate than trying to type on a keyboard on a screen that is 4-inches in size.
Users can also hover over things like email to get a preview or simply navigate through the device’s user interface simply by making movements with the pen. This is more than an average stylus.
We’ve seen signs that Samsung is going to improve the S Pen with the Galaxy Note 3. For one, its upcoming developer conference notes that it will be talking about new functionality for the S Pen. We’ve also seen a possible S Pen related website emerge ahead of the Galaxy Note 3 launch. And finally, we have to consider Lee Young-hee’s comments about focusing on the key features.
The S Pen is what separates the Galaxy Note from its competitors and with competition breathing down its neck, we should see the S Pen grow even more powerful with the Galaxy Note 3 whether its upgraded applications or new applications that usher in a new era.
This is something that iPhone 5S owners simply will not have access to unless Apple drastically alters its course and offers a unique stylus for its next iPhone, something that simply isn’t going to happen.
