Samsung Galaxy Mega (CDMA)
Sprint Eyes KitKat for Number of Samsung Phones
Sprint today said it will update a handful of its Samsung smartphones to Android 4.4 KitKat. The company is already pushing KitKat to the Galaxy S4 and Note 3, but will also deliver updates to the Galaxy Note II, GS4 mini, GS III, Galaxy Mega, and Galaxy Tab 3 7.0. According to Sprint, the update includes the standard check list of KitKat goodies, and also adds a new lockscreen shortcut to the camera. The timing of the updates will vary by device.
Sprint Intros Free Wi-Fi Calling for Some Smartphones
Sprint today announced the availability of Wi-Fi calling from select smartphones. The Samsung Galaxy Mega and the Galaxy S4 Mini will be the first two handsets able to use the service. Sprint says Wi-Fi calls can be made over any Wi-Fi network, such as those in the home, office, or in public. The Wi-Fi calling service includes unlimited, free voice calls and messaging in the U.S. Sprint says the ability to use Wi-Fi networks rather than its cellular network resolves issues such as in-building coverage. The application and service can be set up by device owners in a few simple steps. Galaxy Mega and S4 Mini owners will be notified through an over-the-air update when the service is available to them. Sprint said the update will be pushed out over the coming weeks. Sprint expects to add more phones to the service throughout the rest of the year.
Samsung Expands Gear Compatibility to Older Phones
Samsung today announced that its older smartphones can now interact with the Galaxy Gear smartwatch. Specifically, the Android 4.3 system update, which is being pushed out to some devices in other countries, enables compatibility between the Gear and the Galaxy S4, S III, and Note II. A separate, non-system level update will be delivered to the Galaxy S4 mini, S4 Active, Mega 5.8, Mega 6.3, and S4 zoom that enables the Gear. This separate update will be pushed out beginning later this month. Timing for each device will vary by country and carrier.
AT&T, Sprint, U.S. Cellular to Sell Samsung Galaxy Mega
Samsung today announced that a handful of U.S. network operators will sell the Galaxy Mega 6.3. The Mega, which was announced earlier this year, features a 6.3-inch HD display, 1.7GHz dual-core processor, support for LTE and HSPA+, and 3200mAh battery. It also features an 8-megapixel main camera and a 1.9-megapixel user-facing camera; Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, GLONASS, NFC, and MHL; support for microSD cards up to 64GB; and 1.5GB of RAM. It runs Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean with Samsung's TouchWiz software and applications. It will be sold in the U.S. by AT&T, Sprint, and U.S. Cellular. AT&T said the Mega 6.3 will be available beginning August 23 for $149.99 with a new contract or for $24 per month with AT&T Next. Sprint said the Mega 6.3 will be available "later this year," but did not provide pricing. U.S. Cellular has yet to announce pricing and availability.
Samsung Goes Mega with Two Huge Handsets
Samsung today introduced the Galaxy Mega line, two new smartphones that stretch the upper limits of the "phablet" category, but aren't as high-end as the Galaxy Note II. The two Mega devices share many features, with the main difference between them being screen size. One has a 6.3-inch display, and the other has a 5.8-inch display. Both the Galaxy Mega 6.3 and Mega 5.8 run Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and are chock full of Samsung's TouchWiz software and applications. Some of the apps on board include Story Album, S Travel, ChatON, IR Blaster, S Translator, Drama Shot, AirView, and Group Play. Other shared features include 8-megapixel main cameras with 1.9-megapixel user-facing cameras; Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, GLONASS, NFC, and MHL; support for microSD cards up to 64GB and 1.5GB of RAM; and sensors such as accelerometer, proximity, and geomagnetic (compass).
- Mega 6.3: Hardware features that set the Mega 6.3 apart include its larger, HD screen, 1.7GHz dual-core processor, support for LTE and HSPA+, 3200mAh battery, and 8/16GB internal storage options.
- Mega 5.8: This slightly smaller handset has a qHD display, 1.4GHz dual-core processor, support for HSPA+, 2600mAh battery, and 8GB of internal storage.
