Samsung Galaxy Note 9 to Adopt an In-screen Fingerprint Reader

In the latest Samsung Note series leak, the much awaited in-screen fingerprint feature was mentioned, and so far, no other smartphone has this feature… yet

Since the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ have been fully unveiled at the MWC 2018, we are all beginning the countdown for the next flagship of Samsung – the Samsung Galaxy Note 9.

According to MMDDJ, a well-known Samsung leakster, the Samsung Note 9 is currently undergoing the testing phase, and one of the rumors is that, the Note 9 will get the in-screen fingerprint sensor to do various mobile activities like unlocking the phone, logging into several app-supported sites, and even doing payment purchases! This leak comes in after the rumors that Samsung will come out with a foldable smartphone unofficially called the Galaxy X which will be released by the end of 2018 or by early 2019.

What else are we expecting for the Samsung Galaxy Note 9? Well, since we all loved the Samsung Galaxy Note 8, there’s no doubt that Samsung will make an upgrade for the Note 9, and we are expecting that this new phone will have a dual-aperture camera, and AR emoji, and an even more upgraded Bixby.

Reference: T3

Asphalt 9: Legends Now Downloadable in the PH App Store

The latest mobile game for the Asphalt series is now ready for download on the App Store, and yes, it’s for free!

This time, expect more detailed cars, HDR techniques, particle effects, and more stunning visuals that would make the game close to reality.

In the Career mode, gamers could select over a remarkable 800 races, or compete against other racers in real time in the World Series Multiplayer mode; maximum of 8 racers can be selected.

The new feature called “Club” would allow the gamer to create or join other communities and play together as a team to achieve group rewards.

Right now, Asphalt 9: Legends is only available for download in the Philippine App Store.

Source: DroidGamers

Samsung Released the List of Devices to Receive Monthly and Quarterly Security Patches

Samsung just released the official list of devices to receive regular android security patches either monthly or quarterly.

Devices with Monthly Security Patches:

• Galaxy S (S8, S8+, S8 Active, S7, S7 edge, S7 Active, S6, S6 edge, S6 edge+, S6 Active)
• Galaxy Note (Note 8, and Note 5)
• Galaxy A (A5 from 2016 and 2017, A8 from 2018)

Devices with Quarterly Security Patches:

• Galaxy A3, and A7 (both 2017)
• Galaxy J1 Mini, Galaxy J1 Mini Prime
• Galaxy J2, J5, and J7 (all 2016)
• Galaxy J3 Pro, Galaxy J3 Pop, Galaxy J7 Pop
• Galaxy J3, J5, and J7 (all 2017), Galaxy J7 Max, Galaxy J7 Neo
• Galaxy A8+, Galaxy J2 (all 2018)
• Galaxy Tab S2 L Refresh
• Galaxy Tab S3 9.7, Galaxy Tab Active2
• Note FE

Sadly, the 2016 versions of the Galaxy A3, J1, and J3 have been deleted from the list, and we are expecting that the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ will soon be added on the list.

Source: Samsung

Plan Comparison for Samsung Galaxy S9, S9+

Now that both Globe and Smart released their postpaid offerings for the new Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+, we felt that you are in deep emotion of choosing which one you should get for a sweeter option. Worry no more as we break down the plan details from both telcos!

Here are both Globe and Smart’s Offerings for Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ starting at Plan 1499:

With these figures on hand, I think, Globe’s offering got a little advantage for this plan, but Smart's 10 GB mobile streaming is a steal.

Unlocked units are also available for PhP 45,990 for the Samsung Galaxy S9, and PhP 52,990 for the Samsung Galaxy S9+, pre-orders are also underway.

So, which offer will you be getting?

Globe and PLDT Passed the Quality Test Conducted by the NTC

The quality test performed by The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) for Globe and PLDT telcos just came out, and the result: both telcos got an acceptable quality service.

The quality test, which was started in January 2018, lasted for 5 days and it covers some area within Metro Manila. The test includes 500 calls each for Globe and Smart telcos, all done in a moving vehicle.

Blocked Calls

Both telcos got an acceptable (standard) 4% for blocked calls (4 blocked calls for every 100 attempts). Globe got 0.4%, and Smart got 1%.

Dropped Calls

Both telcos passed the test for dropped calls, they stay below the maximum 2% threshold. Globe got 0.41%, and Smart got 1.21%.

2G, 3G, and 4G Connectivity

For 2G: Globe got -72.46 dBm, as Smart scored -74.1 dBm. For 3G: Globe got -70.32 dBm, as Smart got -67.29 dBm. For 4G: Globe got -86.9 dBM, as Smart scored -85.54 dBm. As per NTC, the average signal should not go beyond -85 dBm.

Internet Browsing

Globe got a speedy 98.33%, while Smart got a flashy 99.83%. It took around 4.9 seconds for Globe to load Facebook using a Globe handset, while Smart needed 4.38 seconds for loading the same website using a Smart handset.

Source: Inquirer

Pay via GCash in all National Book Store Branches

By May this year, GCash Scan-to-Pay will become available in all National Book Store (NBS) branches nationwide.

In an interview, the Managing Director of NBS Xandra Ramos-Padilla said, “We, at National Book Store, are very excited to embrace the use of GCash Scan-to-Pay in all of our stores across the country. I think allowing the customers to have the option of paying using GCash benefits everyone involved most especially the shoppers.”

As of now, only NBS branches at Ayala Malls are already using GCash Scan-to-Pay, but all other NBS branches will follow in the coming weeks.

NBS and GCash will also give its customers 10% cash back every time they use their GCash Scan-to-Pay option, maximum of PhP 5,000 every month. This is also available in Powerbooks, Art Bar, and Noteworthy – NBS’s affiliate stores.

Samsung Galaxy S8 Oreo Update – Official Changelog

Finally, Samsung released more information on its Oreo update for the Galaxy S8 with the official changelog; this reveals all the new features that are built for the Samsung Experience 9.0 upgrade.

There are improvements like limitations on some background services so it would improve S8 performance and battery life. This update also add new features to the Samsung Experience, the TouchWiz, which is formerly known as the UX.

Also, there is a Dual Messenger, which reminds me of the Note 8 on Android Nougat, which would let the user run two different messenger accounts for one single Messenger app. The biometric authentication features like fingerprint and iris scanning were also improved, that it can only be used if you use a pattern, PIN, or a passcode lock.

Here's the official changelog for the S8 Oreo:

Galaxy S8 (SM-G950F)

Build Number: G950FXXU1CRB7
Android Version: Oreo (Android 8.0)
Release Date: 2018-02-28

Samsung Experience 9.0 upgrade with Android Oreo

Samsung Experience 9.0 brings you Android Oreo, with exciting new features from Samsung and Google based on feedback from users like you.

We recommend that you back up your important data to keep it safe during the upgrade. Some apps, including Samsung Pay, Samsung Internet, Samsung Notes, and Email, should be updated individually before you can update your OS.

Here's what's new:

Biometrics

• To improve your security, features that use biometrics (face, fingerprints, and irises) are only available when you use a secure screen lock type (pattern, PIN, or password). When you switch to a non-secure screen lock type (Swipe or None), biometric authentication is suspended for unlocking and for verification in apps like Samsung Pay and Samsung Pass. If you're using biometrics now without a secure screen lock type, you'll be able to continue after the upgrade, but changing to a secure screen lock type is recommended.

Quick Panel

• Manage notifications for each app with notification categories (supported apps only).
• Icons will be shown at the bottom of the notification panel for notifications that aren't currently visible.

Home Screen

• Touch and hold an app to display shortcuts to common or recommended tasks within the app (supported apps only).
• Notification badges on app icons are linked with the notification panel. Clear a notification in one location, and it will also be cleared in the other location.

Samsung Keyboard

• The toolbar gives quick access to useful functions.
• The GIF keyboard lets you send GIFs.
• More high-contrast keyboards are available.

System Performance

• Background services are limited to improve performance and battery life.
• Currently running apps will always be shown in the notification panel.

Edge Screen

• Improved font size, color, and other settings for better Edge panel visibility.
• Touch and hold the Edge panel handle to change its position.
• Added 3 more Edge lighting effects and color customization for apps.

Lock Screen and Always On Display

• New clock styles for the Lock screen and Always On Display.
• Adjust the transparency of notifications to get the look you want.

Smart View

• Let your phone's screen go dark when mirroring to another screen.

Samsung Account

• Control your account settings and profile information for multiple apps.
• Tap your profile picture on the main Settings page to access your profile information and account settings.

Samsung Cloud

• View and manage photos and notes stored only in Samsung Cloud.
• Store any type of file in Samsung Cloud Drive.
• Select specific items to delete or restore from your backups.
• See how big each backup is and how many items it contains.

Samsung Dual Messenger

• Install a second copy of a messaging app so you can use two accounts at the same time. For apps that verify accounts using phone numbers, you'll need a different phone number for each account.
• Touch and hold a messaging app on the Home or Apps screen to install the second account or go to Settings - Advanced features - Dual Messenger.

Find My Mobile

• Back up Secure Folder to Samsung Cloud remotely when your phone is lost.
• Lock Samsung Pass using Find My Mobile.

Samsung DeX

• See more apps at once by changing the app list view to full-screen.
• Use Game launcher in Samsung DeX for a full-screen gaming experience.
• Added support for 2 additional Samsung covers (LED View Cover, Clear View Standing Cover).

Other Improvements

• Bluetooth now supports high-quality audio codecs, including AAC and Sony LDAC.
• Video player includes auto repeat and 2x speed option.
• Voice Recorder provides smart tips to conveniently block calls while recording.
• Email lets you flag Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync emails.
• Samsung Health's new sticky notification lets you see your step count at a glance.
• Clock now includes a Landscape mode and timer sound options.
• The digital clock widget goes directly to the Clock app when you tap it.
• Samsung Pass added the ability to manage usernames and passwords in third-party apps

If you have a Samsung Galaxy S8 or S8+, expect the notification to update your device in a couple of days or on the coming weeks.

Source: Samsung