Samsung to launch the Galaxy S8 on March 29

We’ve known for a while now that Samsung wasn’t planning on releasing its latest flagship at Mobile World Congress this year. But they did use MWC 2017 to announce when they are planning to unveil the Galaxy S8. The launch will be held in New York on March 29^th. After the disaster that was the Galaxy Note7 recall, Samsung wants to get things right this time. The S8 is rumoured to be sharing a lot of the LG G6’s features, such as slim bezels, higher screen-to-body ratio, dual-camera setup, wireless charging, and waterproof design. And to make sure the Note7 debacle doesn’t happen again, Samsung has a new, lengthier battery testing process.

Source: CNET

Samsung rumoured to be looking into getting the Galaxy S8’s battery from Japanese manufacturer

Aside from implementing a new eight-step battery check for its devices, Samsung is rumoured to be looking into getting a new battery supplier for its upcoming flagship, the Galaxy S8. According to Korean news site Han Kyung, Samsung is looking to work with Murata Manufacturing Company, which was acquired by Sony last year. This move might a reputation boost for the company as Japanese-made products are perceived to be of better quality than its Chinese counterparts.  

The batteries of the Galaxy Note7 were primarily sourced from Samsung’s own SDI battery division and Hong Kong-based and China-owned Amperex Technology. These faulty batteries were said to be the cause of the Note7 catching fire. Samsung hasn’t confirmed the news yet.

Source: CNET

Samsung Galaxy S8 might get teased at MWC 2017, sports new home button location

Rumours have been swirling for a while now that Samsung planned to nix the home button for its upcoming flagship, the Galaxy S8. That seems to be partially true—at least according to leaks of the smartphone. It’s being reported that while Samsung won’t launch the phone at MWC 2017 this month, they will preview the device ahead of its official launch.

And a new render of the device shows that the phone will sport a home button but it won’t be where you once saw it. Taking cues from LG, the Samsung Galaxy S8 will supposedly have the home button at the rear of the device but instead of under the camera sensor, it’ll be located to the right of the device. The reason is this is supposedly a natural position for the right index finger to reach. However, it seems they didn’t take into account left-handed users. Well, we don’t have to wait too long to get a first look at the actual phone. What do you think about this rumoured design decision?

Source: SlashGear

Samsung rumoured to be developing an AirPods competitor for Galaxy S8

It seems Samsung wants to take Apple on yet again with its upcoming flagship. SamMobile reports that the South Korean company might be looking into removing the 3.5mm audio jack on the Galaxy S8 and it also wants to release a wireless headset alongside it. There isn’t any information yet if this will be bundled with the new smartphone or sold separately, like what Apple did, and if it’ll feature Harman audio.  

This won’t be Samsung’s first foray into developing wireless headphones for mobile devices, though. A few months back it released the Gear IconX, a wireless headphone that was also an activity tracker.  At the moment these are all just rumours and must be taken with a grain of salt, especially with prototypes showing the Galaxy S8 still sporting a headphone jack but it is still worth watching out for. Will you be interested in getting wireless headphones for a new Galaxy device?