Tablets

Samsung officially announces the Galaxy Note 8.0, and Samsung HomeSync

86

The folks at Samsung have taken it upon themselves to officially announce the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0. The tablet is a continuation of the original tablet side of this line which started with a 10 inch variant. It’s quite the perfect intermediate device to go between the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 — a phone — and the aforementioned larger slate. So what, exactly, can we expect from this bad boy?

It obviously has an 8 inch 1280×800 Wacom-enabled display that can take input from Samsung’s S Pen, a 1.6GHz quad-core ARM Cortex-A9 processor, 2GB of RAM, between 16 and 32GB of internal storage with a microSD card slot for expansion up to 64GB, a 5 megapixel camera sensor on the rear accompanied by a 1.3 megapixel camera on the front, a 4,600mAh battery, Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean with TouchWiz, and more.

The usual Samsung bits will be injected, including multi-view for using two different apps at once, Samsung’s AllShare media software, Samsung’s various hubs for entertainment and education, and more. The S Pen will enable the use of AirView, a technology that allows you to hover the pen over the display to get a quick preview of what’s inside certain menu items, list items, notifications, or galleries. S Note, S Planner, Paper Artist, Page Buddy and more all round out the experience.

It’s not the most groundbreaking release by now, but Samsung’s Note strategy has been working quite nicely since 2012 and this new 8-inch variant will only help by giving users a more portable option over the 10-inch slate. The device is expected to launch starting Q2 in Europe, Korea, North America, China, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, Southwest Asia, and Latin America, and there will be a cellular model available.

Samsung also announced Samsung HomeSync, the Android-powered media box that has an insane 1TB of storage. HomeSync comes with Jelly Bean and can handle mostly all of your media playback needs with ease. The box is DLNA-compliant and compatible with Samsung’s AllShare media streaming feature on the company’s phones and tablets.

The hardware features a 1.7GHz quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM, Bluetooth 4.0, HDMI 1.4, 8GB of flash memory (for OS and apps), an ethernet jack and more. Users will be able to control HomeSync using wireless controls on their phones and tablets, too. It’s not Google TV, but it is rather significant as it’s the first sign of Android wanting to enable televisions — even those not under its banner — with smart TV functionality. Read on for full press details.

INTRODUCING THE GALAXY NOTE 8.0,
A NEW ERA OF PORTABILITY AND EVERYDAY PRODUCTIVITY

SEOUL, Korea [February 24, 2011] – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and
digital convergence technologies, today announced the launch of the 8 inch tablet, the GALAXY Note 8.0; a
new era of intelligent Note technology set to re-ignite the mid-size tablet category that Samsung established
in 2010. Providing unrivalled multimedia performance within a compact one-hand-grip screen, the GALAXY
Note 8.0 has the power and advanced technology to evolve the tablet experience and ensure you achieve
new levels of efficient multi-tasking while benefitting from superb voice call functionality*. Furthermore, the
intelligent S Pen brings together the latest innovation and the ease of using a traditional pen and paper;
creating a sophisticated mobile experience that will enhance life on the go.

“Back in 2010 the launch of the first Samsung GALAXY Tab with 7 inch screen opened a new chapter in
the mobile industry. Now almost three years later, Samsung continues to evolve the sector that meets the
demands of modern life.” said JK Shin, President of the IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung
Electronics.

“The GALAXY Note 8.0 breaths fresh life into the category as it delivers the perfect fusion of portability and
everyday productivity – the result is a pioneering, pocket-sized solution that enhances and enriches our
everyday lives, whether at work or play,” added Shin.

At the core of the GALAXY Note 8.0’s innovative solutions are beneficial functions, including multi-window
options to split the portable 8inch screen and allow optimal access to a number of live applications; a new
generation of Samsung’s intelligent S Pen with advanced usability; access to a suite of S Note templates and
tools that allow you to create, edit, manage and share everyday documents; the Samsung “reading mode”
technology to enjoy e books with optimized resolution, video and voice calls*. In addition, a suite of exciting
new content and services are pre-loaded for users at no additional cost including, for the very first time on
Samsung GALAXY tablet, the innovative Flipboard, and Awesome Note.

A smart diary for life on the go
Slim and compact enough to become the perfect on-the-go work and play companion, the GALAXY Note 8.0
brings powerful performance and functionality to support even the most demanding of lifestyles. Designed
to store and manage your personal and professional data efficiently, the new era device gives users the
perfect pocket-sized hands-on organizational tool. Practical S Note templates and S Planner feature help
to manage everyday tasks, including meeting notes, to-do lists and even personal diary entries. All content
can be entered and updated with the finest of detail thanks to the evolution of the intelligent Samsung S Pen.
Enhanced precision is offered with Handwriting-to-Text conversion and advanced Productivity Tools that
support formula and shape recognition are now available at the touch of your S Pen.

New content and services
GALAXY Note 8.0 is packed with pre-loaded content and apps specifically for the value maximizing,
mass multimedia consumer. Upgraded Chat-On provides easy instant messaging and group chatting in
multiple formats – images, video, voice, contacts – for simple, enjoyable communication. Awesome Note,
an integrated application that is introduced in android tablet for the first time with NOTE 8.0, is capable of
unlimited note-taking uses including Memo, Diary and Must-remember lists. With Flipboard, your news,
social network and other feeds come together in one stylish, flippable format so you can enjoy all your
news and life’s great moments in one place. Flipboard developed a customized version of its application
exclusively for Samsung that allows users to take the S Pen’s hover feature and preview article headers
beneath Flipboard’s main screen tiles. Finally, Smart Remote, gives you a universal remote control and
electronic programming guide allowing you to manage TV and video watching seamlessly.

A new age of S Pen intelligence
Optimized to aid personalized creativity, the Samsung S Pen has evolved to increase everyday usability

and enhance creation expression. Embedded within the tablet, the S Pen is an extension of the GALAXY
Note 8.0. Removing the S Pen from the device will automatically launch innovative features such as Pen
Detection that will suggest adapted menus that it thinks you’ll need and Page Buddy, a feature that will
intuitively activate your most recently adapted S Note home screen.

S Pen technology is now so advanced that it doesn’t even have to touch the screen. With Air View, the S
Pen needs only to hover over the screen to see previews of videos, emails, photos and appointments on
SPlanner without opening the file or application in full. S Pen Gesture allows images and content to be easily
edited and cropped, whilst Paper Artist and Photo Note allow photos to be artistically personalized.

In addition, for the very first time in GALAXY NOTE category, you can use S Pen to control the physical
menu/back buttons on the device with WACOM technology.

Maximizing mass multimedia consumption
Creative multi-tasking with the GALAXY Note 8.0 is effortless due to innovative Dual View feature, two
multi window options that seamlessly allow you to facilitate multi-screen usage. Dual View’s split screen
accommodates optimal operation of different apps, such as launching the S Note on the web browser screen
and allowing content to be resized, dragged and dropped as required.

Multi-tasking is extended to phone calls*. Pop Up Note allows you to access S Note at any time to keep track
of key actions and Pop Up Video ensures you can keep surfing the web whilst chatting – content windows
can be easily resized by pinching to enlarge or reduce.

Perfect info-tainment partner
Packed with features to engage, entertain and excite, the GALAXY Note 8.0 supports your practical
everyday needs. Reading Mode transforms the GALAXY Note 8.0 into an e-Book reader, provides the
optimal reading conditions to ensure you can curl up and enjoy a good book. You can even turn it into a
universal remote control with Smart Remote, to seamlessly manage TVs, set-up boxes, DVD & Blu-ray
players.

For further information, please visit www.samsungmobilepress.com.
For ChatOn Vr 2.0, please visit http://youtu.be/jjRmbglgUWA

Notes to Editors

The GALAXY Note 8.0 will be available from 2Q of 2013 worldwide (EUR, KOR, NA, SEA, SWA, MEA, CHN,
TW, LA).

GALAXY Note 8.0 Product Specifications

Network

Processor

Display

OS

Camera

HSPA+ 21Mbps 850/900/1900/2100

1.6GHz A9 quad-core processor

8” WXGA (1280×800, 189 ppi) TFT

Android 4.1.2 (Jellybean)

Main(Rear): 5 Megapixel Camera

Sub(Front): 1.3 Megapixel Camera

Video

Audio

S Pen Optimized
Features

Sharing Features

Content Features &
Services

GPS

Connectivity

Sensor

Memory

Dimension

Battery

Codec: MPEG4, H.263, H.264, WMV, DivX, (1080p Full HD video @
30fps)

Codec: MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, WMA, AC3, FLAC3.5mm Ear Jack,
Stereo Speaker

S Pen Experience
– S Note, S Planner, Email with hand-writing integration
– Quick Command, Easy Clip, Photo Note, Paper Artist

Air View

Popup Note, Popup Video

Shape Match, Formula Match, Idea Sketch

Samsung AllShare Play
Samsung AllShare Cast(WiFi Display) – Mirroring & Extension
Samsung AllShare Framework

Samsung Apps

Samsung Kies /Samsung Kies Air

Samsung TouchWiz / Samsung L!ve Panel

Samsung Hub
– Game Hub
-Learning Hub / Readers Hub / Music Hub / Video Hub/ Media Hub(US
only)

Samsung ChatOn mobile communication service (version 2.0)

Smart Stay, Direct Call

Page Buddy/ Tag Buddy/ Word Buddy

Google Search, Google Maps, Gmail, Google Latitude
Google Play Store, Google Play Books, Google Play Movies
Google Plus, YouTube, Google Talk,
Google Places, Google Navigation, Google Downloads

Awesome Note

Flipboard

A-GPS + GLONASS (3G Version)

Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n (2.4 & 5 GHz), Wi-Fi Direct, AllShareCast, BT4.0,
USB2.0

Accelerometer, Digital Compass, Proximity

2GB (RAM), 16/32GB
microSD (up to 64GB)

210.8 X 135.9mm, 338g (3G Version)

Standard battery, Li-ion 4,600mAh

*The availability of voice call function may differ by country

*The availability of each Samsung Hubs and Google service may differ by country.

*All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the
benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or
obligation.

*Android, Google, Android Beam, Google Search, Google Maps, Gmail, Google Latitude, Google Play Store, Google Play Books,
Google Play Movies, Google Plus, YouTube, Google Talk, Google Places, Google Navigation, and Google Downloads are trademarks
of Google Inc.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in technology, opening new possibilities for people
everywhere. Through relentless innovation and discovery, we are transforming the worlds of televisions,
smartphones, personal computers, printers, cameras, home appliances, LTE systems, medical devices,
semiconductors and LED solutions. We employ 236,000 people across 79 countries with annual sales
exceeding KRW 201 trillion. To discover more, please visit www.samsung.com.

Samsung HomeSync creates connected media experience for the whole family
Provides home cloud for storing, sharing and streaming content
across multiple devices

Barcelona, February 24, 2013 – Samsung Electronics Co, Ltd., a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, today announced Samsung HomeSync, a home hub solution that a shared storage fit for a family, the best entertainment experience on a big screen TV, and a new way of enjoying your HDTV through a familiar and smarter Android user experience.

Shared Storage for a Family
HomeSync’s 1TB drive can help you sync to multiple devices, providing shared or private storage for all your content. It supports eight separate accounts to cover a whole family, and allows each user to upload and download content from multiple devices and instantly share with other family members. File encryption and user-specific ID and password ensure content in a user’s private area remains separate from the shared area in HomeSync.

Entertainment on a Big Screen
The HomeSync brings the best of Android gaming, movies, TV shows and streaming content direct into your living room. It allows you to stream content from your Galaxy device wirelessly to the TV – letting you watch, see and use all your home videos, photos and apps, and all at a full HD 1080p.

Giving any HDTV new Smarts
Users can enjoy the full and familiar Android experience with HomeSync’s Jelly Bean media player and access to Play Store and all of your apps. HomeSync also enables new ways to interact with your content via the control modes enabled wirelessly on the phone.
HomeSync will be available from April 2013 in select countries and continue to expand globally.
HomeSync specifications
Component Description
CPU 1.7GHz Dual Core
Memory 1GB DDR3 + 8GB eMMC + 1TB HDD

Connectivity LAN Gigabit Ethernet
WiFi 802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz & a/n 5GHz HT40 2×2 MIMO Channel Bonding
Bluetooth V4.0

Interface USB 3.0 External USB I/F Connection (x2)
Micro USB PC Connection 11pin mUSB (x1)
HDMI out Support (HDMI1.4)
Optical Audio Audio Amp. Connection

Codec Video H.264, H.263, MPEG4, VC-1, Sorenson Spark, WMV7/8, MP43, VP8, DivX
Audio MP3, AAC LC/AAC+/eAAC+, WMA 9std/10pro/Lossless, FLAC, Vorbis, AMR-NB/WB, Wav, Mid, AC-3
DRM HDCP 1.3/2.1, Playready, Widevide, Trustzone
*All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation.
*Android, Google, Android Beam, Google Search, Google Maps, Gmail, Google Latitude, Google Play Store, Google Play Books, Google Play Movies, Google Plus, YouTube, Google Talk, Google Places, Google Navigation, and Google Downloads are trademarks of Google Inc.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in technology, opening new possibilities for people everywhere. Through relentless innovation and discovery, we are transforming the worlds of televisions, smartphones, personal computers, printers, cameras, home appliances, LTE systems, medical devices, semiconductors and LED solutions. We employ 236,000 people across 79 countries with annual sales exceeding KRW 201 trillion. To discover more, please visit www.samsung.com.

Quentyn Kennemer
The "Google Phone" sounded too awesome to pass up, so I bought a G1. The rest is history. And yes, I know my name isn't Wilson.

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86 Comments

  1. Just give me the price and take my money. This will make a nice companion device to my Nexus 7.

    1. If it’s the same height as the Nexus 7, I’d do the same. Mainly because I’m able to squeeze my Nexus 7 (in a TPU case) where my car radio is. Ghetto tablet radio dock. =.P

  2. 8 inch phone? Ah screw it, I’ll take one.

  3. That has to be the fugliest thing I’ve ever seen.

    1. They will reclaim the “largest phone” again once this launches.

      1. LOL, good one man.

    2. So you’ve never been forced to watch a movie starring Reese Witherspoon then I take it.

  4. > *The availability of voice call function may differ by country

    So it will proplably be like the 7.7 that can actually be used as a giant phone? I might actually buy one as a replacement for my original Galaxy Note

  5. I really liked the 7.7 tablet. I wish they would have had a more widespread release on that. This does look like a winner at the right price.

  6. I’ll pass.

  7. Will be selling my nexus 7 for this. The multi view on my note 2 is a tad to small, this will be perfect for at home use and on the go use.

    1. Multi window is a huge selling feature. Resolution is the only con on this device.

      1. Don’t forget the design as a con.. Looks like a giant Note 2… But beauty is in the eye of the beholder…

        1. I think my Note 2 looks fine. As a tablet it could look better, but it’s not that bad and more importantly it has more functionality than any other tablet (except maybe the Note 10.1)

          1. I think my note 2 looks great as well, Samsung is going their own road with the shape of this tablet, just look at all the rest of them at this size…..

  8. What’s the appeal of devices this size? Choice is great…but I’m wondering what people would use this for. It won’t fit in your pocket, and yet the screen size is quite small. Just curious as someone who has a 4.5″ phone and a 10″ tablet. I guess it’s easier to hold in one hand?

    1. 10″ is a little cumbersome to hold one handed for extended periods. 7″ with black navigation bar on the bottom can be a little size challenged at times.

      8″ without onscreen buttons is a good in-between. No desire to push it into a pocket, just use it around home.

      Personally, I have a 10″, a 7″ and a 4.8″. The 7″ gets used the most around home. That will likely be downgraded to the kids if this has an attractive price.

    2. I use my Nexus 7 for gaming and alternatives to my phone. I usually have my backpack with me when I go places. Almost like how women have a purse. I have tethering on my phone on, and I also have a battery charger to help keep my phone alive.

      Sometimes, it’s just easier to browse the web and other things on a tablet. At home, I don’t even use my phone. =.P

      To be honest, there’s no “real” need to these except the convenience. I can live without my Nexus 7. I had the Transformer before but had to sell it. I had the keyboard dock and all. I was actually able to leave my heavy laptop at home and just remote in when necessary at school. Believe me, I miss that a lot.

      Think of it as a sunroof. You don’t need it, but once you get it you always want it.

  9. Samsung needs a new design department!

    1. The sales department begs to differ…

      1. Sales are proportional to how the product is advertised. Meaning, if an ugly product is well advertised, it too can sell well. The S3 is ugly to some. But the good advertising and “iconic” nature made it sell well.

        1. It’s only “ugly” if you think Apple’s “design” is good looking, and it’s not

        2. That is an idiotic statement. Advertising helps get a product noticed, but if it doesn’t appeal to you, you will not purchase it.

  10. Don’t care how it looks.

    If the screen is a good quality and the price isn’t out of line, my crapper just found a new addition to the room.

  11. I’ll need to see a review. If the height is very close to the height of the Nexus 7 then I will definitely get this. I’m able to ghetto-rig my Nexus 7 into my car and use it as a radio. =.3

    1. If the Nexus 7 had an microSD card slot it would be a perfect media device for a vehicle. 32gb is just a little too small for all my music and a few other apps

      1. Oh my gosh!! I know. Although I only have like 650 songs in all. I think that falls about 4-6GB of music. But I save about 2GB of playlist music and stream the rest.

        But I do play games and those apps are quite large. Friggin Batman is about 2GB. =.S

        1. Yeah, streaming wouldn’t be an option in my vehicle. I wouldn’t use many apps on it, but I have over 30 gb of music plus all the rhapsody stuff I’d download to the device (at least another 10 gb). I’m sure it supports some kind of additional storage, maybe OTG usb that docks once I put the tablet into its case in the vehicle. OTG usb storage isn’t really feasible for around the house though.

      2. Its derpy to say you need your whole catalog in the car with you at all times.

        1. It’s derpy to think everyone wants exactly what you do. It would also be derpy to say I need a media device in my vehicle but it’s what I want, not need

      1. Thanks!! I’m actually watching another Hand’s On video on Youtube. LoL!!

    2. Hell yea +1

  12. Is Samsung really trying to compete with Apple on every front? I’m getting tired of Samsung playing the “Anything [Apple] can do, I can do better” game… I don’t think Samsung will see a major profit from a 8-inch tablet that makes you look like an idiot when making a call.

    1. i dont see anywhere, where anyone said this was a phone.

      1. It has the ability to make phone calls

        1. doesn’t any tablet with a mic?

          1. Sure, with 3rd party apps… This is Samsung’s default dialer which implies that Samsung wants their users to also use this as a phone. To me, that’s pointless

          2. Lots of Samsung devices make phone calls natively, including Samsung’s Note 10.1. However, that’s only in the International versions…US carriers like to strip that out. Go to this CNET Asia link and search “phone calls” on the page: http://asia.cnet.com/product/samsung-galaxy-note-10-1-quad-core-processor-1-4ghz-10-1-inch-display-45869682.htmhttp://asia.cnet.com/product/samsung-galaxy-note-10-1-quad-core-processor-1-4ghz-10-1-inch-display-45869682.htm

            Or, if you hate hitting hyperlinks (like I do), just Google galaxy note 10.1 phone calls, it’s one of the first results.

            So, bottom line, it’s still a tablet, just with phone functionality. It’s all about freedom of choice, and that’s the Android way.

          3. Choices are never stupid. Just because its not something you would use, does not make something stupid. No device can never appeal to everyone. Samsung is betting on people being able to recognize their devices.

            The S3 and the Note have both sold millions and millions of phones. So why not continue with brand recognition. Not too mention this device has more going for it than the overpriced iPad mini. The price will dictate how well this sells. If they come out with aggressive pricing around $299 this will be a home run hit. I think it will be more around the $349 to $399 range and will be a decent seller.

          4. Bluetooth? Even a wired headset……highly doubt the version the U.S. will get with have any phone function out of the box. its just another choice instead of having to go hunt down your phone if its not by you if the sudden urge to make a phone call takes place.

        2. Only on the international versions. Samsung said not available on the US version. Who knows if it can be unlocked with a future update or rooted. I keep seeing you say no one will use it as a phone, you would look stupid. Only if you try and put it up to your ear. It will be used with a Bluetooth device.

      2. It will have that function for the international version but not for the states

    2. Huh? Isn’t that a company’s job though? I mean you don’t bring out products and say your stuff isn’t better. That part of your argument is a bit flawed.

      And I will look normal making a call with this. Especially with my big ol’ head. LoL!! But on a serious note (no pun intended) I’m sure people will use a bluetooth headset.

      1. A company’s job to compete on every front? It is, but Samsung doesn’t really offer much compared to the iPad mini other than its multi-view feature. So when an average consumer sees both the Note 8 and the iPad mini, I’m sure they’ll choose the iPad mini, just because it has Apple’s name on it. That’s why I said that they won’t be making much of a profit from this.. So what would be Samsung’s point in creating an 8-inch tablet? To be a direct competitor to Apple? I think so.

        1. You see, we have different views on “every front”. To me every front is mobile, TV, cars, etc. But we’re looking only in the mobile department.

          It’s a new year. I don’t think any 7 inch devices came out for Samsung This year. I’ll be more on your side had 5′-10′ devices came out. You see, if consumers are buying 8 inch devices then they must want 8 inch devices, so why not make them?

          I try to think about this from your point of view, but I just don’t see any justification for your reasoning. Apple is the biggest out there, and Samsung want’s that position.

          I see it as more choices. If someone wanted an 8 inch device they don’t have to get the iPad Mini. They now have the option for an Android tablet.

          1. Well, I meant “every front” in terms of what Apple is selling, like the mobile and tablet market… Although, Samsung is and has always been dominating in computer and TV fronts (Apple barely makes a mark with their Apple TV products.. I don’t even know the point of that one..lol).
            I guess I can see your point… and it is nice to have options… But I wish Samsung made this tablet more attractive, in both design and specs. The display isn’t the greatest, neither is the camera, and the design looks like a giant Note 2 (well, I guess it is). If consumers want to have S-pen functionality and the multi-view feature, and if the is price is right, then Samsung might have a chance in this market.

          2. I agree with you on that. It’s specs seem a bit like the last years’ Samsung devices. It’s as if this device was meant to come out last year. I expect another 8inch note to come out this year. I’m seeing this as a test run. But it could be they don’t want to outshine this year’s devices. LoL!!
            I wonder if Samsung will make this a low-price-high-spec tablet? Oh wouldn’t that be a nice surprise.

          3. Im thinking sub $300 for the wifi that will completely undercut apple’s mini with killer specs and twice the internal memory

        2. Except completely destroying the mini in every single spec!! But yea other then that lmao

          1. Sure, but compared to other android tablets, no thank you. I’ll pass,

          2. Well at present this is king of the hill for this size, no question the exynos runs circles around the tegra 3and thats not even including the 2gb of ram over the one in the nexus 7

      2. I kind of understand him a little. To me, Samsung always releases stuff that resembles the iPhone or something apple. Like the S3 & Note 2 that had to keep the centered home button and white color. Where as other Android hardware companies are developing product that are trying to define themselves with a different look. I think this will catch up to Samsung and bite them in the butt in the long run. I can not bring myself to buy anymore of their products. I bought the Galaxy Tab 10.1 when it first came out and it has been my worst Android device to date.

  13. wait wait wait 4600mah battery 8in screen? isnt my note 2 3100mah 5″5in screen how will battery life be?

  14. Seems pretty cool to me. I am really interested in this mid size 8-9 inch tablets since I sometimes find the 7 inch tablets too small and sometimes the 10 inch tablets to big. The hardware specs sound good too. I like the physical buttons. Not feeling the white casing though, hopefully it will come in other colors as well.

  15. This also makes calls. Perfect size pad, killer specs, it has it all. The software innovations on this device are just over the top. Samsung is the leader in smartphone innovation, they are the only company that gives the customer what we ask for. They are the best. I am a big fan on this design, the home button is a great feature, this will also have wireless charging and a slew of other accessories. Thank You Samsung.

  16. I’d snag this at $350 or lower

  17. An 8 inch device that can make phone calls? Is that like a “why the hell not” kind of thing or what? I mean I guess you could use it as a speaker phone but why? Wouldn’t you rather just use your phone and keep doing whatever you were doing on the tablet? Plus, you’d now not only be paying a separate monthly data fee, but a whole other monthly phone bill just for shits and giggles.

    1. And see my reply above showing that the International Samsung tablets always make calls.

  18. One thing that doesn’t make sense is that if Android is open source, why isn’t every single new device not running 4.2.2?

    1. The core OS is open source, but some other things aren’t. In this instance, Samsung has their TouchWiz skin, as well as other enhancements that handle their device-specific functions (such as S-Beam). They got all of that working for 4.1.2 mid-last year, which is probably when they began working on this device. Now that 4.2.2 is out, they have to do the following:
      -Probe 4.2.2 for any holes that Google might have accidentally left, such as Security flaws.
      -See if there is any reason to change at all, as they do most of what is in 4.2.2 with their own stuff (gesture keyboard, Notification bar widgets, etc.) I even read they are getting ready to update their camera to take on PhotoSphere.
      -Compare 4.2.2 to 4.1.2 for all of the background changes, including dir’s, lib’s, and handshake protocols.
      -Work out all of the issues between the new OS and their TouchWiz stuff.
      -Test, test, test.

  19. I’ll be sticking with my Note 2, the size of this thing is insane (for a phone) and will probably be too expensive, guessing around 500-600?.

    Planning on buying a nexus 7 pretty soon, best bang for your buck.

    1. Best choice!

    2. This isnt going to be able to be used as a phone in the states, and that price is going to be sub $300 for the wifi

    3. I’d rather get this instead of a nexus 7. Note 2 is too small to be useful as a drawing pad.

  20. What is so ugly about the S3??? Here is my idea of an ugly smartphone, the Motorola Droid X, no round corners.

    1. Amen

    2. I personally have always liked the Moto look and hated the Samsung look. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The S3 to me, looks like what the iPhone should look like now. That is all.

  21. Surprised you guys haven’t mentioned the android powered Samsung Home sync that was announced along with this. Its basically a step top box with a 1tb hdd and allows up to 8 different profiles to be used. All while running Android Jelly Bean

  22. I guess the next iphone 7 will be this

    I will take this phone Samsung bring it to ATT

  23. the main question is: will it fit into my pocket? :-)

  24. “February 24, 2011]”

    Already Planned?

  25. “A NEW ERA OF PORTABILITY”

  26. The multi view feature is the biggest selling point of any of these Samsung devices

  27. 8 inches WXGA (1280×800, 189 ppi) TFT: pretty low res & low quality by 2013 standards, especially from Samsung. Strange as how someone at Samsung decided to give the future S4 5 inches a 1920 screen while this 8 inches has only 1280. What is the reasoning behind that counter intuitive design?

  28. if you already have a note 2 or galaxy s3 which are both huge devices, imo i don’t see the point of getting a tablet this size.. get a 10 inch one rather..

  29. Hey you forgot to mention the fact that it’s a phone,or that it has an IR blaster to control ur stuff

  30. When are you going to have your tablet by you but not your phone? If you carry it into the bathroom while you’re reading and leave your phone on the nightstand/desk/table? Bathroom call, how nice. Jk. In all seriousness, I agree more choice is always better. I just can’t understand who would choose to make a call from their tablet… Or rather, who would foresee wanting to do so with such regularity that they would pay a second monthly phone bill. I mean if it was there, and free, who wouldn’t do it at least once just to play with it. I think the novelty of that would wear off quickly though.

  31. Its not a phone

    1. Yes it is.

  32. I hate anything that isn’t the pure Android experience… sadly though, as it seems awesome in every other respect.

  33. They just add new device in their list. May be it will not become successful like S3 or Note2 but people still love to try 8 inch tab who are looking bigger tablet than 7 inch and don’t want go for 10 inch.

  34. It looks ugly in my opinion… like a toy for a baby from Toys R us…

  35. Hm. Nah, I’ll pass on this one. I dislike the design. Still waiting for a really nice tablet worth the money. I like the Note 10.1 a lot more than this one, it’s just awkward looking.

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