Welcome to the Inferse Samsung Week-in-Review! Here’s where we cover the breaking news surrounding Samsung this week. We’ve got some interesting stories to cover, so prepare yourself – and take a seat before you get into the latest news.
It’s the usual time of year when device rumors and leaks surface, and we’ve got the Galaxy S6 edge Plus and the Galaxy Note 5 in this week-in-review. Alongside of that, Samsung’s been in the hot seat this week for a computer update that’s got some users offended and upset. We’ll cover all this in the details below, so keep reading.
Samsung blocks Windows Update, later says patch is coming
Samsung has had something of a heated week with the press for an executable action on its computers disabling automatic Windows updates. Patrick Barker, Microsoft MVP detailed the problem when helping Sysnative users with their computer problems. Samsung’s SW Update software has been running a file named “Disable_Windowsupdate.exe” which was designed to, as the file suggests, “disable Windows updates” in favor of its own. Samsung claimed that Windows updates were interfering with its computer drivers, but Microsoft’s Windows updates have not been known or proven to actually hurt Samsung’s SW Update software.
Samsung says that it’s not disabling Windows updates, but allowing users to choose whether to update using its own software or Microsoft’s. However, Microsoft’s Windows updates are responsible for addressing one crucial area on computers: security. That said, if Samsung’s software is disabling updates, then it appears as though security has taken a backseat to the company’s own agenda. While only a few computers have been confirmed as affected by the update deactivation, there’s no telling how many devices could be impacted by the action.
After denying that the company has been blocking Windows 8.1 updates, Samsung has decided to issue a patch to reactivate Windows updates: Samsung has a commitment to security, and we continue to value our partnership with Microsoft. We will be issuing a patch through the Samsung Software Update notification process to revert back to the recommended automatic Windows Update settings within a few days. Samsung remains committed to providing a trustworthy user experience, and we encourage customers with product questions or concerns to contact us directly at 1-800-SAMSUNG.
Samsung seemed content with disabling these updates, but why didn’t the company find a way to resolve this with Microsoft? Automatic security updates are a huge advantage for customers who don’t have time to think about or exert manual control over their own updates. It doesn’t sound like Samsung was giving customer choice here, but dictating it. If the choice is the major factor, why not disable Samsung Software Update software along with Windows Update software and allow users to decide which to activate and use out-of-the-box?
Galaxy S6 edge Plus
Ready for a larger Galaxy S6 edge? It’s not a secret anymore that Samsung will unleash a larger S6 edge on the consumer market some time soon. We’ve just gotten used to the Galaxy S6 Active that is now a part of AT&T’s lineup (exclusively), but the S6 edge Plus will capitalize on Samsung’s success with the Galaxy S6 edge branding.
The S6 edge has been rather popular in unbelievable fashion, with approximately half of all users buying the curved-screen S6 “sibling.” Samsung has been famous for its multi-window mode, and the S6 edge provides some useful functionality such as the “people edge” that lets you color-code your five most significant contacts and detect who’s calling, while using the “edge” to set your night alarm, keep up with Twitter and sports scores, and read notifications without ruining your Netflix movie.
At the same time, however, a number of individuals have said that the edge functionality begs for larger screen real estate to make the most of the new curved form factor. Samsung’s Galaxy Mega series has always been the company’s largest-screened device (with 5.8-inch and 6.3-inch displays), but adding an “edge” made a display size increase inevitable. With the rumored S6 Plus to have a 5.5-inch screen (to match the iPhone 6 Plus), the S6 edge Plus will have a 5.7-inch screen (taking the display size of the Note series), with the Note 5 seeing a display size increase later this year. The Galaxy S6 edge Plus is really a larger Galaxy S6 edge, so edge lovers will like some additional screen size for movies and edge functionality.
Galaxy Note 5
The Note 5 isn’t due out until September, but new photos could start more consumers talking than many of the usual, flaky rumors that are often tossed about between the S6/S6 edge arrival and the Fall.
The Note 5 photos from French tech site nowhereelse.fr show what looks to be a wider Galaxy S6 (or an “S6 Plus +”) with a stylus slot (where the S-Pen will sit) in the device. The camera, LED flash, and heart rate sensor are all where they are on the S6 and S6 edge. As for the microSD slot? There doesn’t seem to be one, although the photos cover up the back of the device. We know that there will be a bottom speaker on the Note 5 due to the mock-up, the same as the Galaxy S6 and S6 edge, and Samsung’s speaker design choice will likely mean there’ll be no microSD card slot on the Note 5. There will be a bigger battery than the S6 and S6 edge (2,550mAh, 2,600mAh, vs. the Note 5’s 4,100mAh battery), but much of the device, apart from the Note’s additional functionality, will borrow the design language of the S6 and S6 edge.
Samsung Galaxy S6 outperforms LG G4, Google Nexus 6, and iPhone 6 in real-world test
Samsung’s Galaxy S6 and S6 edge look and feel like quality, but how do they perform in real life? Benchmarks and numbers on paper have true significance, but device performance in daily tasks will impress consumers most. We’re pleased to tell you that the S6 has got the “walk” to match its “talk.”
In the real-world test conducted by tech site Tom’s Guide, the Galaxy S6 placed 1st in 6 out of the site’s 9 tests: gaming performance, video editing, Geekbench 3 scoring (real-world benchmarks), Basemark OS II System scoring, Basemark OS II Memory, and Wi-Fi speed. The S6 placed 2nd in camera opening time while only scoring a 3rd place in 3D Mark’s Ice Storm Unlimited contest. If you’re thinking about picking Samsung’s latest up, go for it.
Stay tuned for our Samsung-In-Review, headed your way next week. Enjoy the remainder of your weekend.
