Samsung to unveil next generation Galaxy Note on September 3rd

Looks like Samsung is gearing up for its next phablet release. Showing off the well known Air Command popup, we believe its safe to assume that Samsung will be unveiling the next Galaxy Note.

Its expected that the Note 4 will push the envelope like previous iterations have done. We wouldn't be surprised to see Samsung's Octa Core Exynos or a Snapdragon 805 or both via different variants. We suspect 3GB of RAM, 1440p display and 5.7+inch display will be included in the specs.

Overall we look forward to see the next Galaxy Note.

The Samsung Galaxy Note III, Galaxy Gear, Galaxy S4 Mini and Galaxy S III Mini are now available in Canada

The day is now upon us, Samsung's latest "phablet" is now available to Canadians from Rogers, Bell, TELUS, WIND, Mobilicity, Videotron, Sasktel and MTS. In addition, Samsung has made available the Galaxy Gear, the smartwatch designed to pair with the Galaxy Note 3 as well as older Samsung flagship devices, once they receive their update to Android 4.3.

Also launching tomorrow will be the diminutive Galaxy S III Mini and Galaxy S4 Mini. We are still a bit confused as to why someone would chose the Galaxy S III Mini over the S4 Mini especially given the rumors of both being free on contract.

Check out the specs after the break.

Samsung's Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy Gear, Galaxy S III Mini and Galaxy S4 Mini to hit Canadian shelves on October 4th

Looks like we have a street date for the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy Gear, Galaxy S III Mini and Galaxy S4 Mini. October 4th will mark the availability of these four devices. The Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014) will be made available shortly after in November.

We already know that the Galaxy Note 3 was headed to Rogers, Bell, TELUS, WIND, Mobilicity, Videotron, Sasktel and MTS and that the Galaxy S4 Mini is probably headed to Bell.

But what is most surprising is that Samsung will make the Galaxy S III Mini available almost a full year after its been available abroad. We aren't sure why the S III mini is being released as it will be competing or canalizing for sales in the lower tier where Samsung already dominates with phones like the Galaxy Ace line as well as the fact that the Galaxy S4 Mini is a far better mid-range device.

Also worth noting, the Galaxy Gear will be discounted $100, from the $299 pricetag, if bought with a Galaxy Note 3 between October 4th and October 6th.

Check out a refresher of the specs and the official press release after the break.

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 coming to Rogers, Bell, TELUS, WIND, Mobilicity, Videotron, Sasktel and MTS - Galaxy Gear and Galaxy Note 10.1 WiFi to come to Canada later this year

Great news for people looking to pickup a Galaxy Note 3 in Canada from a carrier. We've got official word from our contacts at Samsung that the Galaxy Note 3 will be made available to just about every major carrier in Canada by making its way to Rogers, Bell, TELUS, WIND, Mobilicity, Videotron, Sasktel and MTS. The 5.7-inch "phablet" will also be made available at brick and mortar retailers including Best Buy, Futureshop, Target Mobile, Tbooth wireless, The Mobile Shop, The Source, WIRELESSWAVE and WIRELESS etc.

As for the Galaxy Gear and 2014 Galaxy Note 10.1 WiFi we have word that they will be headed to Canadian shelves later this year.

Samsung unveils the Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy Gear and Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014)

Today at IFA, during their "Unpacked" press conference they unveiled three new devices to the world. THe first if the Samsung Galaxy Note 3. It's hard to believe the famed "Phablet" is now in its 3rd iteration. The Note 3 is packed with the latest hardware and is sporting a new look. Gone is the ultra slippery hyperglaze and in is a faux-leather back reminiscent of the Blackberry Bolds of old.



Specs of the new Galaxy Note 3 include:

• 2.3GHz Snapdragon 800 CPU in LTE variant (expected in Canadian version)
• 3GB of RAM
• 5.7-inch Super Amoled display, 1920x1080 resolution
• 13MP rear camera with LED Flash
• 2MP front facing camera with BSI sensor and smart stabilization
• Full HD 1080p 60fps video recording (4K recording available in some models)
• NFC
• Bluetooth LE
• 32GB/64GB on-board storage, expandable via microSD card (upto 64GB card supported)
• 3200mAh removable battery
• microSIM card
• S Pen with optimized features - Air Command: Action Memo, Scrapbook, Screen Write, S Finder, Pen Window, S Note, Multi Window, new Easy Clip, Direct Pen Input
• Android 4.3 with latest version of Touchwiz

The other major new iteration of an existing Samsung device is the new 2014 Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1. Like previous versions the Note 10.1 is a 10 inch slate with S Pen Capabilities. This years version is packign a retina blasting 2560x1600px display. It also, like the Note 3, has a faux-leather finish on the back of the device.

Here is the full list of specs:

• 2.3GHz Snapdragon 800 CPU for LTE variant (expected in Canadian version)
• 3GB of RAM
• 10.1-inch WQXGA (2560x1600) Super Clear LCD display
• 8MP rear camera with LED flash
• 2MP front facing camera with BSI sensor
• Full HD 1080p video recording
• 16/32/64GB on-board storage expandable via microSD card
• 8220mAh battery
• S Pen with optimized features - Air Command: Action Memo, Scrapbook, Screen Write, S Finder, Pen Window, Direct Pen Input
• Android 4.3 with latest version of Touchwiz

Lastly and probably the most publicized in the days leading up to IFA is the Samsung Galaxy Gear. This watch is designed to be a second screen to your smartphone with functionality that includes but is not limited to Notifications like missed Phone calls, SMS, social network updates, etc. It even has capabilities to place calls and take pictures.

It is an interesting device but at $299 seems a bit steep. Here's the full list of specs:

• 800MHz Exynos CPU
• 1.63-inch Super AMOLED display at 320x320 resolution
• 1.9MP camera with BSI sensor
• 720p video recording and playback
• Featured apps from Atooma, Banjo, Evernote, Glympse, eBay, Line, MyFitnessPal, Path, Pocket, RunKeeper, TripIt and Vivino
• Samsung Apps and ChatON messaging service
• 2 microphones, 1 speaker
• Bluetooth 4.0 and LE
• Accelerometer, Gyroscope
• 4GB on-board storage
• 512MB RAM
• 315mAh battery
• Additional features - Smart Relay, S Voice, Auto Lock, Find My Device, Media Controller, Pedometer, Stopwatch, Timer
• Safety assistance

All in all a good showing from Samsung today and we'll be working hard to bring you a full review of each of these devices.

Original Samsung Galaxy Note from Rogers, Bell and TELUS finally getting Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update

After weeks of delays, owners of the original Samsung Galaxy Note can sigh relief as Samsung announced via their official Facebook page that the Galaxy Note is now getting a rollout of Android 4.1 Jelly Bean on Rogers, Bell and TELUS through Kies. The update, like the one on the Galaxy S II, should bring a lot of the functionality brought on the Galaxy S III and some from the Galaxy Note II.

TELUS Galaxy Note, Galaxy Rugby LTE and 4G Galaxy S II X Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update pushed back

We mentioned earlier this week that the TELUS HTC One S Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update was going to be delayed and that changes would be reflected later this week on the upgrade schedule on their website. The changes were finally put up and reveal more information about updates for other handsets.

According to the update schedule, the Samsung Galaxy Rugby LTE, should be updated to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean in March with the HTC One S, while the the 4G Galaxy S II X and Original Galaxy Note is scheduled for their update in April. We'll let you know if we get any more news.

TELUS Samsung Galaxy Note and Galaxy S II X Jelly Bean upgrade to rollout February

According to TELUS documents, the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update to the Samsung Galaxy S II X and Original Galaxy Note have been scheduled for February. This is great news for those looking to get a breath of fresh air to their 2011-2012 devices. It's great to see these older devices upgraded to a more recent version of Android.

Original Samsung Galaxy Note's Jelly Bean upgrade will include a multiwindow function

Samsung has confirmed that the original Galaxy Note will be receiving the multiwindow multitasking function its Premium suite Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update. When we took a look at the Galaxy Note II, we didn't have the opportunity to try out the multiwindow feature but we are pretty sure original Note users will appreciate the new feature coming to their now venerable phone.

Rogers HTC One X, Motorola RAZR HD, Sony Xperia T, Original Samsung Galaxy Note and Samsung Galaxy S II LTE to be upgraded to Jelly Bean in January

It looks like Rogers customers looking to upgrade their device to Jelly Bean will get a late Christmas present as Rogers has updated their OS upgrade schedule to reflect the projected rollout of various upgrades. The HTC One X and Original Samsung Galaxy Note are slated for an upgrade in early January, while the Samsung Galaxy S II, Motorola RAZR HD LTE and Sony Xperia T are slated for an upgrade in late January.

This aligns a bit with Telstra's more detailed Upgrade schedule, where their version of the One X has entered testing for a Jelly Bean build and is expect to be approved by the 24th. It is worth noting that they have already begun rollout of Jelly Bean to their RAZR HD.

Rogers Samsung Galaxy S III to get Android 4.1 Jelly Bean "Late November", Galaxy S II LTE and Original Galaxy Note to get Android 4.1 Jelly Bean in "Late December"

Rogers users who have a Galaxy S III, Galaxy S II LTE and Galaxy Note can get excited about a Jelly Bean  update coming soon. Rogers has updated their OS upgrade schedule and the Galaxy S III is slated for an upgrade in "late November" and the original Galaxy Note and Galaxy S II LTE should be getting the upgrade in "late December".

Samsung's Galaxy Note 10.1 is now available

After the Galaxy Note 10.1 was announced, our good friends at Samsung let us know that it would be "coming months". Looks like the wait was far shorter as, once again, our friends at Samsung have let us know that the Galaxy Note 10.1 is now available to Canadians. As a reminder of the specs the Note 10.1 features a 10.1 inch 1280x800 display, 1.4GHz Quad-Core Exynos processor, 2GB of RAM, 5MP rear facing camera, 1.9MP front facing camera and of course S Pen. Check out the press release after the break. We will try to have a review for you guys as soon as possible.

Samsung Galaxy Note 2 leaked ahead of unveiling?

We are still at least a week and change away from the announcement of the Galaxy Note 2, but that hasn't stopped the rumor mill from churning. This time, it's what is a supposed leak of the upcoming Galaxy Note 2. We are inclined to believe this leak as its design looks in line with the Galaxy Note 10.1 and Galaxy S III and it matches up with the leaked glass front faces.

That being said, we always approach these leaks with an air of doubt as we've seen in the past Samsung has gotten crafty at avoiding leaks by using decoy units. The photo above was however posted by the same person who correctly leaked renders of the Galaxy S III. All will be confirmed by the end of August. More pics after the break.

Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 coming to Canada in the "coming months"

The Galaxy Note 10.1 was unveiled several months back at Mobile World Congress but it looks like it will finally come to market after several changes. The Note 10.1 features a 10.1 inch 1280x800 display,  1.4GHz Quad-Core Exynos processor, 2GB of RAM, 5MP rear facing camera, 1.9MP front facing camera and of course S Pen. The Galaxy Note 10.1 will come in several versions including Wifi-Only, 3G and 4G LTE. We wouldn't be surprised to see Canadian carriers opt for the LTE version while big box stores will most likely sell the WiFi only version. It seems like the Note 10.1 will launch with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich but we can always hope that it be quickly updated to it. Check out the press release and video after the break.

Samsung will be announcing the Galaxy Note 2 later this month

Looks like a Galaxy Note heading to AWS providers (WIND, Mobilicity, Videotron) might make less sense now as Reuters is reporting that the Galaxy Note's successor will be announced August 29th. While this doesn't exactly mean that the Galaxy Note would NOT be headed to AWS carrier, we would like to see them get the Galaxy Note 2 instead. Rumors have the Galaxy Note 2 to have an even larger (if you can believe it) 5.5-inch screen Quad Core Samsung Exynos Processor (International Version) or Dual Core Qualcomm S4 Processor, 2GB of RAM and is likely to sport Android 4.0 (but we are hoping for Jelly Bean Android 4.1).

Samsung Galaxy Note for WIND, Mobilicity or Videotron?

With the Samsung Galaxy Note Galaxy confirmed for the AWS carrier T-Mobile in the US, we wonder what this means for our AWS 3G carriers in Canada. WIND, Mobilicity and Videotron haven't exactly had the luxury of picking and choosing the best devices for their networks as they must rely on T-Mobile getting high end devices. The Galaxy Note heading to T-Mobile means that it is yet another devices the new entrance can get to match the offerings of the Big 3. Time will tell if any of the three AWS carriers end up getting the Note.

Samsung Galaxy Note to get Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and "Premium App Suite" tomorrow

Our friends at Samsung have just let us know that the Canadian Galaxy Notes are going to be receiving a software upgrade pack that includes a suite multimedia apps and S Pen optimized apps in conjunction with ICS. The rollout of the software is supposed to start tomorrow. Check out the full press release after the break.

Bell upgrade dates for various Android devices detailed in leak

According to a leak from MobileSyrup a listing of devices to be upgraded to Android 4.0 is listed in a Bell internal document. As stated in the document the Sensation and Raider received their ICS upgrade right on schedule. This leads us to believe that the rest of the schedule should hold true. More after the break.

With the Samsung Galaxy Note headed to T-Mobile, will WIND/Mobilicity/Videotron be next?

Recently, TmoNews got leaks of a T-Mobile branded Galaxy Note. Now this of course means an AWS capable version of the surprisingly popular "phablet". If you're not familiar with what AWS means, it is the wireless frequency with which T-Mobile in the US and WIND, Mobilicity and Videotron in Canada get the 3G connectivity from. T-Mobile is the largest carrier in the world that uses AWS boasting the most customers. This means it's economically sound for manufacturers to make handsets compatible for AWS. Since WIND, Mobilicity and Videotron can't boast the same subscriber numbers they have to rely on T-Mobile getting the handsets made fro manufacturers and piggybacking on the orders.

The leak of a Galaxy Note for T-Mobile only bodes well for our new entrants in Canada as they now have a good chance of getting this 5.3-Inch behemoth phone.

Samsung Galaxy Note Update Delayed to pack in extra S-Pen software

Looks like Galaxy Note owners will have to wait a bit longer for their taste of ICS. Samsung has announced that the update will be pushed back to Q2 2012 to add in extra "Premium Suite" of apps to enhance the S-Pen functionality. Some of the features seem pretty interesting but worth the wait to get ICS? We aren't too sure. Especially given that there is nothing stopping Samsung from releasing the ICS update then at a later date releasing the "Premium Suite". Check the video after the break for a demo of the new enhancements to S-Pen functionality that will come with the ICS update.