Editorial: Android cameras — could Samsung’s Galaxy gamble save the point-and-shoot industry?

WiFi in a camera. No matter the practicality or the cost of adding wireless functionality, it's become a must for high-end point-and-shoots, and if they don't pack it now, they soon will. But access hasn't become as prolific as protocol prophets once preached -- we're at the mercy of pay gates, passwords and bandwidth limitations, even today. Our smartphones, on the other hand, are always connected. There's no need to fuss with hexadecimals or other cryptic keys -- assuming we haven't crossed an international border, getting online is as convenient as taking a breath. As the world's most prolific smartphone maker, Samsung is very much invested in cellular. Sure, there were gasps from the crowd at last week's Unpacked, but built-in 4G makes perfect sense, and while WiFi and a Micro SIM may make the Galaxy Camera an instant winner, it's Android that completes the package, as the glue that cements this latest category's promise. Samsung may be the pioneer, but should other manufacturers be scrambling to shift roadmaps, ready to embrace this new digital direction? Tap past the break for our take.

Continue reading Editorial: Android cameras -- could Samsung's Galaxy gamble save the point-and-shoot industry?

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Editorial: Android cameras -- could Samsung's Galaxy gamble save the point-and-shoot industry? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Sep 2012 08:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung Galaxy Camera accessories include flashes, wireless charging pad, barn doors (eyes-on)

Samsung Galaxy Camera accessories include external  ring flashes, wireless charging pad, barn door ring eyeson

Samsung's going all out with its Galaxy Camera accessory lineup. In addition to the cases and Flip Covers we saw at Unpacked earlier this week, the company had some external flashes and professional-looking holsters on hand at its IFA booth, including a grip-mounted adjustable strobe, a ring light set and a sophisticated carrying rig, complete with hinged barn doors to block out unwanted glare. There were also hard covers in multiple dark colors, a handful of soft rubber-looking covers in light colors like aqua and lime green, along with an oversized wireless charging pad mock-up. In typical IFA fashion, booth attendants were unable to provide any information whatsoever, so it's anyone's guess what any of these gadgets cost, or if they'll even make it to market. It's also unclear whether or not any of the accessories are functional at this point, or simply mock-ups of add-ons under consideration. In the meantime, you can take a closer look in the gallery below.

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Samsung Galaxy Camera accessories include flashes, wireless charging pad, barn doors (eyes-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 31 Aug 2012 08:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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50GB free Dropbox service confirmed for Samsung Galaxy Note II and Galaxy Camera

Free Dropbox services confirmed for Samsung Galaxy Note II and Galaxy Camera

Good news, storage junkies: Dropbox and Samsung have renewed their vows with a deal that'll provide 50GB of free storage for two years to owners of the new Galaxy Note II and Galaxy Camera. As you'd expect, this means the Dropbox app will be pre-installed, and it also ensures that users will have easier access to their media files. Before you get too excited, however, there's no guarantee that this well-intentioned promotion will pass muster with US carriers -- we've certainly seen a few hopes dashed in the past.

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50GB free Dropbox service confirmed for Samsung Galaxy Note II and Galaxy Camera originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Aug 2012 23:20:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung Unpacked at IFA 2012: watch it online now

Samsung Unpacked at IFA 2012 watch it online now

Couldn't make it out to Berlin for Samsung's Unpacked event? No worries -- Sammy has re-packed its deluge of tablets, phones and Android-powered cameras for your viewing pleasure. Go ahead and relive Sammy's self-proclaimed magic at the outfit's Facebook page or with the embedded video after the break.

Continue reading Samsung Unpacked at IFA 2012: watch it online now

Samsung Unpacked at IFA 2012: watch it online now originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Aug 2012 20:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Need a case for that Galaxy Camera? Samsung’s got you covered (eyes-on)

Need a case for that Galaxy Camera Samsung's got you covered eyeson

We've seen the ins and outs of Samsung's first Android-based digital camera, but how about an outer shell? You likely won't be transporting this junbo point-and-shoot in your pocket, making a variety of protective options a necessity. First up is the Flip Cover -- a camera-friendly variant of the Galaxy original, with a slide-in design and a large protective flap to cover up the LCD. There's also a full-on carrying case, which slips open to reveal the lens while offering a bit more protection. And, if you're going au naturel, you'll want to suit up with a wrist strap at the very least, offering a bit of insurance against potential slips and spills. We don't have pricing and availability info to share, but like the camera itself, it looks like there's a bunch of color configurations to choose from, all pictured in the gallery below.

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Need a case for that Galaxy Camera? Samsung's got you covered (eyes-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Aug 2012 15:17:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung announces EK-GC100 Galaxy Camera with Android Jelly Bean, massive 4.8-inch display, 21x zoom, WiFi and 4G connectivity (hands-on)

Samsung announces EKGC100 Galaxy Camera with Android Jelly Bean, massive 48inch display, 21x zoom, WiFi and 4G connectivity handson video

During a visit to Samsung's headquarters in Korea earlier this year, we had a chance to talk shop with company execs. The electronics maker's existing mirrorless and point-and-shoot lineups were the primary topic of discussion, but we did catch wind of a Galaxy product possibly to come, from the camera division. A Galaxy camera? That could only mean Android, and a heavy heaping of touch and connectivity. At the time, reps admitted only that they were "considering" such a device, and declined to provide any hint as to design or functionality. And we haven't heard a further peep, until today. As you may have gathered from recent rumors, Samsung's Galaxy Note II is not the only product to be Unpacked this afternoon. Sure enough, the anticipated Galaxy Camera is also on order, and we have all the juicy details just past the break.

Continue reading Samsung announces EK-GC100 Galaxy Camera with Android Jelly Bean, massive 4.8-inch display, 21x zoom, WiFi and 4G connectivity (hands-on)

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Samsung announces EK-GC100 Galaxy Camera with Android Jelly Bean, massive 4.8-inch display, 21x zoom, WiFi and 4G connectivity (hands-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Aug 2012 13:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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