Quantcast
Jump to content


Samsung thinks its new app will make you want to ditch your iPhone


BGR

Recommended Posts

Samsung iTest

Switching from one smartphone platform to another is not a decision that anyone takes lightly, which explains why the top vendors go to such lengths to convince consumers to at least consider making a change. The latest attempt from Samsung is admittedly one of the more clever stabs we’ve ever seen, as the Galaxy maker released a web app this week that allows iPhone owners to emulate Android as it would appear on a Galaxy phone.

If you visit Samsung’s iTest website on your computer, you will see a QR code that you can scan with your iPhone’s camera app. You can also just visit iTest.nz on your iPhone, but either way, you’ll need to load the site in Safari in order to move forward. Once the site is open in Safari on your phone, you will be instructed to tap the center icon at the bottom of the screen, scroll down, and tap Add to Home Screen. You can name the web app whatever you want, and the icon will then pop up next to all of your other apps. Tap on it to “sample the other side.”

Today's Top Deal

Crazy Amazon deal gets you Sylvania color LED smart light bulbs for only $7 each!

Crazy Amazon deal gets you Sylvania color LED smart light bulbs for only $7 each!

Price: $27.99
You Save: $7.00 (20%)
Buy Now

Once you open the app, your iPhone will immediately turn into a semi-functional Galaxy smartphone running Samsung’s One UI overlay for Android. The home screen looks just like it would on a new Galaxy S21, complete with all of the pre-installed Samsung apps that ship with Galaxy devices, such as the Galaxy Store, Galaxy Themes, Samsung Health, and the Game Launcher. While you explore the simulated phone, you will receive occasional texts and calls to give you tips on using the app and to make the experience feel more authentic.

You can open most of the apps within the simulation, though some are more interactive than others. For example, if you open the Galaxy Themes app, you can actually pick from a number of themes and apply them to the home screen. In the Galaxy Store, you can’t actually download any new apps, but you can click on the icons for featured games like Pokemon Go and Garena Free Fire to watch a short preview video.

My favorite shot across the bow is in the Game Launcher, where you can see that Galaxy owners have access to both Fortnite and Xbox Game Pass — two apps that are currently inaccessible on iOS. In fact, Apple has made it clear that Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass will never be allowed in the App Store as it exists today.

Whether or not you have any interest in switching from iPhone to Android, iTest is a neat toy and a fun way to waste a few minutes on a cloudy Friday. And who knows — maybe you’ll be so intrigued by the Android experience that you will consider taking a look at whatever Samsung has to offer next.

Today's Top Deal

Amazon shoppers are obsessed with this nonstick frying pan – today it’s only $14!

Amazon shoppers are obsessed with this nonstick frying pan – today it’s only $14!

Price: $13.99
You Save: $3.00 (18%)
Buy Now

View the full article

Link to comment
Share on other sites



  • Replies 0
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Popular Days

Top Posters In This Topic

Popular Days

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
  • Similar Topics

    • By Samsung Newsroom
      Samsung Electronics debuted its Visual eXperience Transformation (VXT) platform at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2024 — the largest AV systems integration show in the world held in Barcelona, Spain from January 30 to February 3.
       
      A cloud-native Content Management Solution (CMS), Samsung’s VXT offers remote content management of digital menus, kiosks and other commercial signage through a single, secure platform. In particular, Samsung has significantly improved the user-friendliness of its existing server-based operation and management software MagicINFO.
       
      VXT is an all-in-one solution that facilitates content creation and management of B2B displays without the need for manual software updates. Business owners and managers can easily oversee operations of their store’s digital signage to display promotions, menus, video advertisements, welcome messages and more.
       
      Notably, VXT features Pre-Integrated Repeatable Solutions (PIRS) — developed by partners and tailored to various industries for enhanced usability. From displaying world-class artwork to linking real-time transaction information with Link My POS, VXT is expanding how businesses are able to manage and present content.
       
      Learn more about VXT and PIRS in the infographic below.
       

      View the full article
    • By Samsung Newsroom
      Samsung Electronics today announced the official launch of its Visual eXperience Transformation (VXT) Platform, a cloud-native Content Management Solution (CMS) combining content and remote signage management on one secure platform. Designed with ease-of-use in mind, the all-in-one solution allows businesses to easily create and manage their digital displays.
       
      “Cloud migration is an unstoppable trend,” said Alex Lee, Executive Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “VXT is an innovative step toward this migration in that it makes high-tech signage more readily accessible, no matter where our customers are. But not only is high-tech signage accessible, the content and remote management solutions VXT provides are user-friendly.”
       
       
      Efficient Cloud-Native Solution for All Business Needs
      Samsung VXT is the next evolution of CMS software from MagicINFO, delivering an enhanced cloud-native solution tailored for seamless content creation and management of all B2B displays — including LCD, LED signage and The Wall. VXT streamlines the deployment and updating of software directly via a cloud portal, which eliminates the cumbersome process of manual updates. Registration of devices is designed for efficiency, as well, with a simple 6-digit pairing code that allows for quick and secure setup.
       
      By streamlining digital signage operations and management, VXT offers a versatile solution that meets the needs of any sector, whether it be retail, hospitality, food and beverage or corporate. The solution has already received recognition from prominent partners such as Hy-Vee’s retail media network, RedMedia, which uses VXT CMS to manage a network of over 10,000 Samsung smart signage screens — including the QBR-Series, which has been installed across all of Hy-Vee’s grocery stores and retail locations.
       
       
      Intuitive Content and Screen Management
      Unlike other CMS solutions, VXT is a turnkey solution developed by Samsung that allows users to seamlessly create content and manage screens in one application. It consists of three CMS modules: VXT CMS, VXT Canvas1 and VXT Players, and each module makes content creation and screen management easier than ever:
       
      VXT CMS: Content management is simplified through an intuitive interface that simultaneously handles content, playlists and schedules. The remote management feature allows real-time management of multiple devices. Additionally, robust security features — such as private certificates and allowing customizable security solutions for every business need. VXT Canvas: What You See is What You Get (WYSIWYG)-based creative tools that enable anyone to create content effortlessly and more intuitively with support for various templates, widgets and partner content. Users can create original content with custom and company fonts, as well as templates and images pre-loaded on the system for added convenience. VXT Players: VXT supports Tizen and Android-based players,2 while also managing multiple web elements simultaneously on one screen. Additionally, a web-based virtual screen allows users to easily view and manage their signage deployments.  
      VXT also combines content, solutions and expertise of third-party system integrators, software developers and content partners to provide users with access to an even broader range of incredible content, specific to vertical use cases, without the need for additional customization or development.3 Some of the notable Pre-Integrated Repeatable Solutions (PIRS) include:
       
      VXT Art: Users can access a diverse library of artwork and photos with just a few clicks, and content from various art museums and galleries can be used across businesses ranging from office spaces to restaurants and beyond. Link My POS: This solution enabled by Wisar Digital allows businesses to use VXT Canvas to pull product data from Point Of Sale (POS) systems, eliminating the need to manually enter data or export data. Link My POS improves overall efficiency and reduces pricing errors, which in turn saves time and money. Ngine Real Estate: This solution developed through a partnership with Ngine Networks lets businesses display properties that are for sale or rent by using VXT to forego re-entering data when connecting directly to their platforms. Ngine Automotive: Cars, bikes and boats can be listed as for sale or rent by connecting directly to business displays, without needing to enter information. Messages can be resumed on social network platforms, as well. This solution has also been achieved by partnering with Ngine Networks.  
       
      Seamlessly Control and Manage from Anywhere
      By offering compatibility with both desktop and mobile devices4, Samsung VXT revolutionizes content management because it caters to both the advanced needs of desktop users and the convenience required by mobile users. This flexibility allows users to manage their content anytime, anywhere.
       
      Furthermore, VXT is designed to substantially reduce downtime in digital signage operations. Through advanced modular architecture, VXT isolates and minimizes the impact of any potential failures, allowing users to swiftly address disruptions. VXT also comes with an early warning feature, which detects potential issues — such as extreme temperature changes or network instability — and alerts customers before failure occurs. This offers greater peace of mind by allowing users to take preemptive actions or speed up the recovery time.
       
      VXT’s energy management tool offers an at-a-glance view of energy consumption levels, as well. Customers can optimize their energy use based on monthly insights and adjust settings like brightness levels and automatic on/off times accordingly.
       
       
      Availability
      Samsung will hold a global launch event of VXT on January 31 at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2024 in Barcelona. Designed as an omni-channel service, VXT will be accessible through various subscription plans, including both monthly and annual options. Customers can also make offline purchases through existing B2B sales channels worldwide, while online purchases will initially be made available in the U.S. before a subsequent global rollout in 2024. Prospective users can take advantage of a 60-day free trial before subscribing.
       
      For more information on Samsung’s VXT platform, please visit https://vxt.samsung.com.
       
       
      1 VXT CMS and VXT Canvas supported on Chrome browser only.
      2 VXT is compatible with Android devices running Android 10 or higher, and with Tizen devices on Tizen 6.5 or higher.
      3 For PIRS partner content, additional subscription payment is required.
      4 VXT CMS and VXT Canvas supported on Chrome browser only.
      View the full article
    • By BGR
      The global smartphone market suffered its fifth consecutive quarterly decline, falling by 12% YoY in Q1 2023, according to a Canalys survey. That said, iPhone sales have grown year over year from 18% to 21% due to the solid demand for the iPhone 14 Pro series after supply constraints made the company sell fewer models during the last holiday quarter.
      Another interesting piece of information regards Samsung, which was the only leading vendor to achieve a quarter-on-quarter recovery and struggled back to number one with a 22% market share. That said, the South Korean company still sold fewer phones than last year when it had 24% of the market share.
      “The smartphone market’s decline in the first quarter of 2023 was within expectations throughout the industry,” said Canalys Analyst Sanyam Chaurasia. “The local macroeconomic conditions continued to hinder vendors’ investments and operations in several markets. Despite price cuts and heavy promotions from vendors, consumer demand remained sluggish, particularly in the low-end segment due to high inflation affecting consumer confidence and spending.”
      While Canalys predicts the inventory of the smartphone industry can reach a relatively healthy level by the end of the second quarter of 2023, it’s still too early to predict the recovery of overall consumer demand.
      Image source: Canalys Of all the top vendors, only Apple and OPPO had a YoY increase with their flagship phones during the first trimester. Samsung and Xiaomi had a decrease in market share, and Vivo retained its 8% from last year.
      “The sell-in volume of the global smartphone market is expected to improve due to the reduction in inventories in the next few quarters. In addition, vendors have focused more on innovations and raising production and channel efficiencies after a round of fluctuations, shifting from growing for volumes and shares to growing for quality. 5G popularization and foldable phones are also becoming the new driving forces in the industry,” said Chaurasia.
      For Apple, the company could be preparing for new highs with the iPhone 15 series. Without the fear of supply constraints for another quarter, the company is still selling iPhone 14 models while preparing a solid lineup of four new iPhone versions.
      With a new design, better cameras, and processors, the Cupertino firm could see a new high during the holiday quarter later this year, which could also positively impact the first quarter of next year.
      Don't Miss: iPhone 15: Everything we know so farThe post iPhone sales grew in Q1 2023 despite global smartphone market decline appeared first on BGR.
      View the full article
    • By BGR
      It’s been four months since Apple released the iPhone 14 Pro with the A16 Bionic chip. While the company already touted that this was the fastest smartphone available, a Geekbench score shows even the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 on Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Ultra is still behind Apple’s premium smartphone.
      According to Compare Dial, the previous iPhone 13 generation also beats every Galaxy S22, or S23 released. For comparison, Galaxy S23 Ultra is 21.02% slower than the iPhone 14. It scores 1480 for single-core performance, while the iPhone 14 Pro clocks at a higher 1874.
      In multi-core performance, Samsung’s new flagship is 14.86% slower than Apple’s iPhone, averaging at 4584 against 5384.
      For Samsung users, on the other hand, the spec bump from Galaxy S22 Ultra to S23 Ultra is expressive, as the new model has boosted speeds by 59.83% in single-core performance and 57.47% for multi-core performance. That said, Apple will likely continue to differentiate from the competition when it introduces the iPhone 15 Pro later last year.
      Image source: Compare Dial According to rumors, the next iPhone will use a 3nm process technology, meaning we’ll see a more expressive spec bump as the company still uses a similar 5nm process available with the iPhone 13’s A15 Bionic chip released in 2021.
      The A17 Bionic processor is expected to be faster and 35% more power-efficient than its predecessor. With that, Apple will continue as the best chip maker in the smartphone industry.
      Apart from the fastest chip, the iPhone 14 Pro models have a new design with the Dynamic Island cutout, integrating software and hardware in a seamless experience. This phone also introduces a 48MP main camera and larger sensors for better photos and videos in low-light conditions.
      The iPhone 14 Pro also adds a new Cinematic Mode in 4K and Action Mode, which stabilizes a recording when you’re running or biking while filming.
      Don't Miss: Galaxy S23 Ultra camera beats iPhone 14 Pro Max in video comparisonThe post iPhone 14 Pro beats Galaxy S23 Ultra as fastest smartphone appeared first on BGR.
      View the full article
    • By BGR
      Mixed reality refers to computing experiences that involve augmented (AR) and virtual reality (VR). The most exciting mixed reality rumors in today’s tech landscape concern Apple. Its imminent AR/VR headset is expected to revolutionize this particular business. But Apple isn’t the only tech giant devising mixed reality devices. Samsung invited Google and Qualcomm to its Galaxy S23 Unpacked event on Wednesday to announce they’re working on a mixed reality platform of their own.
      Qualcomm’s CEO Cristiano Amon and Google’s SVP of Android Hiroshi Lockheimer took the stage together with Samsung’s mobile division president TM Roh at the event. They discussed the hardware and software features that would power mixed reality experiences.
      Amon mentioned the Snapdragon XR technology that will power Samsung products and Google experiences on mixed reality devices. “We’re working to create a new era of highly immersive digital experiences that blur the lins between our physical and digital worlds,” the CEO said.
      “Google’s been investing for a long time across both experiences and technology in AR and VR,” Lockheimer said. “These technologies are integral to the new phase of computing as it can change the way we interact with people and information to get things done in the real world.”
      “But delivering this next generation of experiences requires cutting-edge advanced hardware and software,” he continued. “That’s why our collaboration with Samsung and Qualcomm is so exciting.”
      Apple mixed reality glasses render – side view. Image source: Ian Zelbo Lockheimer highlighted Google’s efforts to add AR experiences to Android. He said Google scaled ARCore to 1 billion Android devices. Moreover, Google supports AR search on YouTube, Google Maps, and Google Lens.
      While all of that sounds exciting, the trio did not reveal any new device or a roadmap to launch one. Apple should to unveil its mixed reality headset this spring and launch it in stores by the end of the year.
      Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm practically delivered a joint declaration that they want to work closely together to create gadgets that support mixed reality features. But there’s no telling how long it’ll take to see such a Samsung-branded mixed reality headset rocking Qualcomm tech and Google AR software in stores.
      Also, let’s remember that Samsung manufactured smartphone-powered VR headsets before. But those gadgets weren’t exactly must-have products. The company stopped producing the Gear VR headset some six years ago.
      That said, the more competition in the space, the more exciting the rollout of next-gen AR/VR headsets will be. Apple and Samsung aren’t the only tech companies developing such devices. Meta, Microsoft, Sony, and HTC are working on similar headsets or selling VR products already. The focus is more on VR content consumption than anything else when it comes to the commercially available headsets.
      That’s why Apple’s upcoming $3,000 AR/VR headset is expected to change the paradigm. And many of Apple’s rivals might very well end up copying Apple’s AR/VR experience.
      Apple’s one significant advantage over Samsung in this AR/VR headset race is that it controls everything. Apple makes its M-series chips that will power the AR/VR headset and creates the software for it. Samsung will need assistance from Qualcomm and Google for the critical hardware and software that will power its mixed reality headset.
      Don't Miss: Samsung announces Galaxy S23 series with $799.99 starting price and 200MP cameraThe post Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm team up on mixed reality platform appeared first on BGR.
      View the full article





×
×
  • Create New...