Samsung Galaxy Camera Review
April 4th, 2013 by Christen
Samsung Galaxy Camera Review
Samsung Galaxy Camera Review
If you’ve found yourself in the market for a new point-and-shoot camera with (almost) all the capabilities of your favorite Android device, then the Samsung Galaxy Camera is for you. As a premiere Android powered point-and-shoot camera with the capabilities of instant social media sharing, this “smart camera” is amazing.
It boasts a 16-megapixel sensor, a 21x optical zoom, 3G/4G connectivity, WiFi, GPS, a 4.8-inch touchscreen display, all powered by a Quad Core CPU running Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.
Specs
- 16.3 megapixels
- 1/2.3 inch type CMOS sensor (6.2 x 4.6 mm)
- F2.5-5.9 4.1-86.1mm lens (23-483mm equivalent in 35mm format)
- ISO 100-3200
- Continuous shooting at 4 fps
- Android 4.1 Jellybean
- WiFi + 3G/4G connectivity
- 4.8-inch HD touchscreen
Camera
Although this camera is powered by Android, it’s far from a smartphone camera. With options to shoot in Auto, Smart or Expert Mode, the Samsung Galaxy camera gives every photographer the ability to capture great photos regardless of skill set. Auto is the easiest of settings, as it does all the work for you, while Smart shooting gives you the option to use one of 15 presets. These presets range to give you optimum exposure for shooting various subjects like waterfalls to night scenes.
Other interesting Smart Modes include Best Face, which takes a quick burst of five images and then lets you select the best facial expressions of the people pictured, before merging them all into one photo. This can be great for group shots where you can guarantee not everyone will be smiling at the same time. Panorama mode stitches together a series of images, and Continuous shoots 20 photos in five seconds for fast-moving subjects.
In Expert mode, users have Program, Aperture priority, Shutter priority, and Manual options, which are controlled using the virtual lens barrel on the screen. (I’m still tinkering around with Expert mode, I’ll have to give you an update on my experience mastering these settings later.)
Video & Voice Control
With Full HD 1080p and 720p video recording at 30 fps, the Samsung Galaxy Camera has all the video options you would expect on a high-end Android device. The photo stabilization feature ensures that you have a clear, crisp view at all times. Sound quality is pretty good as well, however I would’ve loved to see an audio input option for external microphone use.
The Galaxy Camera does more than take great pictures. It also listens very, very well. By tuning in closely to what you are saying, the Galaxy Camera is able to execute your command. From zoom in or out, set the timer – it’ll even snap the photo when you’re ready. You can even instruct the camera to rotate, delete and even share the photos online.
Photo Quality
This photo was shot, edited and uploaded to Instagram using the Samsung Galaxy Camera.
Captured Image during SXSW in Austin, TX
Captured image during the New York Auto Show – 2014 Jaguar XJR
Apps and Sharing
What makes the Samsung Galaxy Camera stand out amongst all those other compact cameras on the market is the fact that because it’s a connected device you can share your photographic endeavors instantly, and because it’s powered by Android it’s therefore capable of running many of the apps in the Google Play store.
It’s great for using pre-loaded apps like Facebook, Twitter and Photo Wizard for on-the-go image editing and Video Editor, which lets you delete and rearrange video scenes, add music and insert text. Of course, if you were to download any app for the complete camera experience – it would have to be the every photographer’s favorite app – Instagram. Not only does the camera allow you to instantly share via social media, but you can also share among friends on the spot with Share Shot. Share Shot and the magic of Wi-Fi Direct allows you to share your pictures with up to 5 other Wi-Fi direct devices within range.
Overall, the camera is a great addition for any journalist, blogger or anyone that loves to take great photos and share them quickly and easily.
Available in white or black, the Samsung Galaxy Camera starts at $486 (online) for the 3G version.
LG is Ready “4″ You Now – Their Spoof on Samsung’s Ads
March 14th, 2013 by AnalieIt seems that LG is learning a thing or two about Samsung’s marketing skills. As everyone knows or must have heard by now, everyone is heading over to Radio City Music Hall tonight for the launch of the next Samsung Galaxy device (the Samsung Galaxy S4). Samsung sent invitations last month and they even had a flash mob dance in Times Square yesterday. Of course, they are building a huge presence by putting two huge billboards in Times Square.
Samsung Ads before LG mock ads Times Square
LG seems to think, “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em“. And that’s exactly what they did. They thought about their presence in Times Square. They had to think of a strategy to gain attention even with all the hype Samsung has going on. So what did they do? They advertised what they have “Ready 4 You Now“, their Optimus G smartphone.
What many don’t realize LG had billboards there before. You can see their previous ads below. They just redid the design to mirror Samsung’s. A LOT
LG’s billboard says: “LG Optimus G is here 4 you now.” and
Samsung’s billboard says: ”Be ready 4 the next Galaxy.”
It’s pretty hard to miss.
What do you think about LG’s advertising prank? Was it too shady? Just right? Will this just help Samsung?
Prince To Close Out SXSW With Samsung And You Could Be There Too
March 12th, 2013 by ChristenYou’ve heard the rumors and we can finally confirm that it’s TRUE. SXSW will get a dose of purple rain, in the form of Prince Rogers Nelson. Today Samsung confirmed that Prince will perform at its Saturday night closing party.
Prince SXSW
“Having Prince in Austin at his first SXSW show will truly be a one night only experience that our Samsung Galaxy owners and friends will remember for years to come,” Todd Pendleton, Samsung’s chief marketing officer.
Among Samsung’s digital activations is a popular battery swap where people could tweet #PowerOn and their location to @SamsungMobileUS to receive a new fully charged battery from a bike messenger. At the company’s main daytime lounge — Samsung Galaxy Experience (open 12 to 6 p.m.) — people could make personalized T-shirts and buttons using the S Note. A Music Hub station allows guests to try Music Hub, listen to SXSW artists on it and S Beam songs to their devices.
While the private Saturday night show will wrap up Samsung’s heavy #TheNextBigThing tech and entertainment presence at SXSW, it will be tied to its TecTile Wall initiative in which owners of NFC-enabled Galaxy devices could tap tiles to unlock rewards. Want to see Prince LIVE? Samsung will choose 250 TecTile Wall participants to attend the intimate show. If you’re in Austin, you may want to get out there and start using those TecTile walls today.
Prince caps off Samsung’s busy week of musical acts that spans Interactive, Film and Music, including The Roots, Band of Horses, Talib Kweli, and Mayer Hawthorne. With the Samsung Unpacked 2013 event taking place this Thursday, it’s safe to say that this week has already been Samsung’s Best Week Ever!
SXSW Kicks Off With The Samsung Galaxy Experience And Surprise Concert By The Roots
March 11th, 2013 by Christen
The SXSW Samsung Galaxy Experience kicked off its opening day Saturday at SXSW in Austin, TX with a variety interactive consumer activations. Saturday night at the Samsung Galaxy Experience space, a VIP concert was held exclusively for Samsung Galaxy fans featuring The Roots and Band of Horses to kick off the Samsung Galaxy Sound Stage Series .
The SXSW Samsung Galaxy Experience showcasing the best of the Samsung Galaxy line of products, provides fun and interactive experiences, including:
· TecTile Wall – Galaxy owners can tap TecTiles to receive free rewards including music from today’s top artists and local deals
· Battery Swap stations – Guests are treated to swap out their dying SIII or Note II batteries for a fully charged one
· Custom T-Shirts & Buttons – Using S Note, guests will be able to design custom t-shirt and buttons that will be printed on-site
Inside The SXSW Samsung Galaxy Experience
The SXSW Samsung Galaxy Experience is open to the public daily from 12-6pm at 504 Trinity Street in Austin now through March 17th. At the space, guests can experience the best of the Samsung Galaxy line of products, and enjoy fun and interactive experiences, including TecTiles for Galaxy owners to tap for free rewards including music from top artists and local deals, a Music Hub demo to listen to tracks of various artists featured at the festival as well the ability to S Beam songs to their own device as a special take away. Galaxy owners can also get free stuff from Austin’s finest businesses by tapping TecTiles around the city of Austin.
The SXSW Samsung Galaxy Experience rewards customers during SXSW.
Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 with 4G LTE Available At Verizon Tomorrow
March 5th, 2013 by Christen
The next best thing is here… The Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1
Looking for the next best thing is no longer a wish for many smart mobile users looking for the device that’ll do-it-all. Following a trend started with the Galaxy Note II, the Galaxy Note 10.1® features the advanced S Pen™stylus. Business professionals can take notes during meetings with handwriting-to-text capabilities, and drawing tools to jot down plans. Notes can be saved and shared over 4G LTE with coworkers and clients.
Students can use the multiscreen feature to view two apps at once by splitting the screen. For example, users can read a news article while taking notes or watch a video while replying with feedback. (Looking for a few of unique multitasking features using the Note? Check them out HERE.)
For photo editing, the Galaxy Note 10.1® runs Adobe® Photoshop® Touch. Combined with the S Pen™, building visual effects, such as layering, blending and filters, can be used by designers to show drafts or mock-ups to potential clients. Users can combine and manipulate images creatively with the S Pen™, then upload work to the cloud using 4G LTE to access their portfolio just about anywhere.
Watching television with a second screen has become second nature for many. For TV fans, the Galaxy Note 10.1® features the Smart Remote, powered by Peel, to turn the tablet into a universal remote control. The tablet can control an entire home entertainment system and even recommend programs.
Multitasking On The Samsung Galaxy Note 2
February 28th, 2013 by ChristenAs a woman constantly on the go, time is always a luxury that I wish I had more of – so it’s a priority to make the most of my time everyday. Multitasking on the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 is a amazing when you take advantage of features like Pop Up Play, Pop Up Note and the Multitask Window. Using the Samsung Galaxy Note II has opened my eyes to what multitasking on a smartphone device should be.
A few weeks ago, I announced my new Verizon Wireless mobile makeover and after a week of use – I must say that I’m pleasantly surprised on how the new Samsung Galaxy Note II has improved my life for the better. Check out a few of my favorite ways to multitask with the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 below…
Pop Up Play
How often have you been forced to waste seconds or even minutes waiting for a video on your device to load? Multitasking on the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 is a breeze with the Pop Up Play feature. Using the Pop Up Play function on my Samsung Galaxy Note II has allowed me to watch some of my favorite videos without sacrificing time to do other things. To activate pop up play, simply select pop up play in button within the player and you can easily multitask and do other things on your device while your video loads and plays. If your video gets in the way of your tasks, you can drag it anywhere out of your way on your screen. You can even resize the video by pinching the video using your index finger and thumb. (See step by step directions here.)
Just yesterday, my sister (yes, that’s my sister) sent me a link to preview her upcoming one-woman show entitled “I’mma Do Me” and I was able to watch her video on my Galaxy Note 2 without missing a beat online.
Pop Up Note
If you’ve been on a phone call and needed to take down an important note, Pop Up Note is a God-Sent app for you! Multitasking on the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 is easy with the Pop Up Note feature. While on the phone with my best friend, we decided to make a girl’s night out for dinner. Simply removing the S-pen from my Galaxy Note 2 device, the pop up note function appears on the screen allowing me to take important detailed notes. After I finished my note, I just returned the S-Pen to it’s rightful place and the note is saved automatically (allowing me to resume my conversation without skipping a beat). (See step by step directions here.)
Multi Window
One of the flagship features of Samsung’s Galaxy Note line is Multi-Window, which offers true on-screen multitasking by allowing you to simultaneously open two apps on the screen. Multitasking on the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 is a super productive with the Multi Window function. Accessing Multi-Window is efficient and easy to do. Simply hold the back button and the multitask bar appears on the right side of the screen. From there you can select multitasking options for email, photo gallery, internet use, messaging and more. (see step by step directions here.)
These are just a few of my favorite features of multitasking on the Samsung Galaxy Note 2, and I can’t wait to discover more. But first, a girl’s gotta locate some stylish accessories for this device asap.
What do you think? Could you use the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 for your day to day tasks? How would you use the Pop Up Play, Pop Up Note and the Multitask Window during your everyday activities?
Disclaimer: I am a VZW Ambassador and have received products for use, however opinions expressed are my own.
Super Bowl Technology Commercials That Didn’t Quite Digest Well…
February 3rd, 2013 by Tech Staff 
The Super Bowl Sunday tv commercials have come, gone and quite frankly has left us a little bit confused. Sure we enjoy funny commercials like everybody else, however this batch of Super Bowl technology commercials left us scratching our heads with the confused *I don’t get it* look.
One of the longest commercials during the Super Bowl telecast was the Samsung (Next Big Thing) spot. It’s 2-minutes long and the entire time I was unable to evoke the gregarious laughter that I thought Paul Rudd and Seth Rogen would bring (and then enters LeBron James.) Check it out below…
Samsung Superbowl Commercial 2013
A very lucky computer geek got some serious face(-sucking) time in this sexily awkward GoDaddy Super Bowl ad. Hosted by race car hottie Danica Patrick, “Perfect Match” features the drop-dead gorgeous Bar Rafaeli making out with a ruddy-faced nerd named Walter. (You definitely have to have a strong stomach to keep your food down on this one…)
GoDaddy Superbowl Commercial 2013
E-Trade Superbowl Commercial 2013
Of course we love babies, but really? This kid has been the the spokesman for E*Trade for years now (in reality, this kid should be 4 or 5 years old by now…)
GoDaddy Superbowl Commercial 2013
Looking for more of your favorite Super Bowl commercials? Check out our list of the best Super Bowl car commercials on DivasDriveInHeels.com.
Samsung Galaxy S IV Is on The Way And It’s Looking Like This…
January 22nd, 2013 by Tech Staff
Another year, another new line of flagship devices from Samsung. Coming off of a very successful run with the super-popular Galaxy S III that contested well against the iPhone 4S & 5. Samsung is ramping up for its follow flagship Android device, the GS IV.
According to sources close to SamMobile, the newest Galaxy is slated to be equipped with:
- a 5-inch Super AMOLED 1080p HD display w/ 440 ppi
- powered by a 1.8GHz Exynos 5 (octa) 8-core processor + 8-core GPU
- 2GB of RAM
- running Android 4.2.1 Jelly Bean
- 2MP front-facing camera recording 720p HD video
- 13MP rear-facing camera recording 1080p HD video at 30fps
- wireless charging support via Qi
- no more Home button
With BlackBerry 10 coming around the corner, Apple wrapping up the finishing touches on the next iPhone, and HTC cooking up its successor to the One X. Samsung will likely unveil the new flagship sometime in April /May or during the upcoming Mobile World Congress. 2013 will be an exciting year for smartphones.
[Credit: Sammobile.com]
Samsung is having plans to hold an Mobile Unpacked event in the U.S. According to a Korean newspaper this is about the Galaxy S IV. The Mobile unpacked date would be March 22. But, we’ll have all the latest news you’ll need about the new Samsung device sooner than you think!
This is undoubtedly the year of the smartphone consumer! Are you looking to upgrade your smartphone device in the next few months? Which devices are you keeping your eyes on?
#2013CES Technology Hangover (Episode One & Giveaway)
January 14th, 2013 by Christen 
The 2013 Consumer Electronics show is gone, but not forgotten. In our first Technology Hangover episode, we tracked across the CES showroom floors for the best in technology and entertainment for your enjoyment. Check out the full episode here.
And if the shiny displays of Cellariris cases paired with designer shoes tickled your fancy, make sure you check out the video and comment/describe your favorite shoe/cellphone pairing seen in the video below for a chance to win your very own custom Cellairis SHOUT case (valued at $34.99). Enter today! Contest ends 1/21/13.
Four Reasons Why This Year’s #2013CES Will Impact Your Life For The Better
January 8th, 2013 by Christen
Let’s face it, not all nerds are created equal. We know this, and thankfully we’re not at the top of any nerd’s megabrained list. However, we definitely know a thing or two about mobile, computing and consumer electronics – and more importantly, we know that this year’s #2013CES will be the most impactful Consumer Electronics Show yet. If you’re wondering how in the world a electronics convention could have any impact on what you have going on in your life today, you’re sadly missing the boat. The announcements, premieres and unveilings happening over the next two days might just be the products meant to make your life unbelievably easier and impact your 2013 more than you know.
1. samsung, Samsung, SAMSUNG!
Among the companies present at CES, Samsung will be one of the most influential. The company has evolved from challenger to champion in recent years, displacing Sony as the world’s largest manufacturer of high-end TVs. Not only has Samsung produced amazing televisions, home electronics and smartphones throughout the years now with their sights set on tablets and cameras – this company is sure to set the standard for innovation during CES 2013.
Why It Will Impact Your Year: This is the year where consumer electronics meets customized streaming content and word on the block is that Samsung has already begun making waves into the next level of content creation with the mSpot streaming services.
2. Connected Convenience
This year, if it’s not ready to go out of the box, it’s not truly effortlessly connected and therefore could no way become a leader in the world of connected convenience. That’s what it’s all about this year at CES and you’ll undoubtedly see and hear more and more about Bluetooth this and WiFi that. With over 61% of households having WiFi, manufacturers are banking on making products that are easily parable and that makes the most of this new wireless lifestyle.
Why It Will Impact Your Year: Have you sat in a newer model Chevy, Cadillac or Acura lately? Not only are households becoming well connected but cars are too. We’re headed into a wireless world, whether you like it or not and if you want to transition with the latest in consumer electronics, you better learn how to pair that smartphone with your refridgerator, your mp3 player to your car and that tablet to your tv.
3. iEverything
Even during its’ absence from CES – Apple still manages to dominate with this year’s iLounge Pavilion. The iLounge Pavilion features the latest and greatest third-party accessories and software for Apple’s iPod®, iPhone® and iPad®. From electronic plug-ins to fashionable cases, speakers, headphones and exciting new games and applications, you’ll be amazed by the opportunities created by their great designs and features. More than 500 companies that make peripheral technologies for Apple devices have signed up to show their wares at CES.
Why It Will Impact Your Year: Apple is constantly evolving it’s products, from mp3 players, to smartphones and now with rumors of a new revolutionary television device – you’ll definitely need to be aware of all the gadgets, accessories that could make for easy living with your new tv in the future.
4. Windows 8
First off, Microsoft isn’t officially at the show this year – but you can expect more Windows 8 tablets, laptops, and tablet / laptop hybrids boasting the new operating system in it’s physical absence. While many of the major companies — Dell, HP, Lenovo, Toshiba, Samsung, etc. — released Windows 8 tablets and computers before the holidays, you might be surprised at what some were holding back. We’re also holding out for some interesting tablet concepts from Intel, Nvidia and others.
Why It Will Impact Your Year: As supercharged laptop computers evolve, each company is not only attempting to convince you that their product is similar, but they’re also becoming competitively priced to aggressively battle it out for that consumer dollar. (It’s a great time to be in the market for a laptop or desktop computers.)
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