Samsung Galaxy S2, Galaxy Tab 10.1 Announced At MWC [VIDEOS]

At a pre-MWC event in Barcelona, Samsung made their Galaxy S2 and Galaxy Tab 10.1 Official, bringing the next evolution of their Android devices that rose to stardom in 2010. Samsung claimed they’ve sold 10 million Galaxy devices last year and the latest additions, while nothing groundbreaking, definitely bring some welcome updates that consumers will dig.

To make a long story short, we’ll give you the main skinny on each device and then dive into some explanation about the event itself, with nitty gritty details:

• Galaxy S2 – 4.3-inch Super Amoled Plus screen, 1GHz Dual Core processor, 8MP rear camera, 2MP front camera, 1080p recording and playback, 1650 mAh battery, NFC equipped, Samsung Touchwiz 4.0 with 4 “hubs” (Readers Hub, Game Hub, Music Hub, Social Hub), 8.49mm thin, 116g, Flash 10.1.
• Galaxy Tab 10.1- Android 3.0 Honeycomb running on a 10-inch screen, 8MP camera, 2MP front camera, 1080p recording and playback, 10.9mm thick, 522grams, dual core processor, Surround sound with speakers on left/right of device in landscape mode.

And now a little background. First we got to the event and waited in a line outside:

Once inside, there was a brilliant scene set with lots of colors, food, drinks, and people all waiting to get into the event. We grabbed a quick pic with the guys from Angry Birds while we waited:

By the time they let us in the crowd was immense. Shortly after I took this photo, all the seats were filled and a few hundred people resorted to standing room only in the back.

Kim Titus, VP of Public Relations at Samsung, introduced the event, down dropped the curtains, and we found out the background music was actually being performed by a live “mobile” orchestra composed of violinists and artists equipped with musically inclined Galaxy devices:

Samsung CEO, JK Shin, then announced the Galaxy S2 once and for all, discussing the company’s continued commitment to Screen, Speed, and Content:

Then things got a little… slow. Samsung proceeded to invite a plethora of partners on stage to discuss how they are working with Samsung, and it caused the event to be filled with about 40 minutes of boring nothingness. New rule: partners only get a shoutout, a handwave, and a couple sentences. The “partners” made what was an otherwise an awesome event unbareable at times. Samsung also packed in a bit too much cheesiness through well-intended real life “examples” of different types of people using their Galaxy S for the better.

Then they pretended to end the event, dropped the curtain, but in role call style they presented the Galaxy Tab 10.1 in grand fashion:

Then, again, a partner got on stage and ruined the flow of the announcement. Belkin talked for about 10 minutes about pretty much nothing, saying they were going to launch Galaxy specific accessories, only they took 200 times longer to explain this fact and filled it with partnership fluff.

First Impressions?

Again, nothing groundbreaking. The Galaxy S2 is definitely an upgrade, seeing dual cores, Gingerbread, bigger/better screen, better cameras and improvements across the board. There are no “wow” factor additions, but the Galaxy S was already solid and this phone should yet again be a favorite when it’s released globally. The Galaxy Tab 10.1 isn’t much different than the XOOM – it’s an Android 3.0 tablet. That being said, it’s awesome.

We’ve got some hands-on videos of the devices coming up soon, but until then, below you’ll find a bunch of official pictures of the Galaxy S2 and Galaxy Tab 10.1 followed by the press releases for each:

Galaxy S2 & Galaxy Tab 10.1 Pictures:

Galaxy S2 Press Release:

Samsung announces the GALAXY S II, World’s thinnest Smartphone that Will Let You Experience More with Less

Global launch of Samsung’s most powerful smartphone delivers unmatched performance with a Dual-Core application processor and best-in-class viewing experience by Super AMOLED Plus display in sleek and lightweight design

BARCELONA, February 13, 2011 – Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., a leading mobile phone provider, today announced the Samsung GALAXY S II (Model: GT-I9100), a beautifully thin (8.49mm) and lightweight, dual-core smartphone that combines an unmatched viewing experience with incredible performance.

The Samsung GALAXY S II uses Android™ 2.3 Gingerbread, the latest version of the world’s fastest-growing mobile operating system. The next generation smartphone includes access to Samsung’s four new content and entertainment hubs, seamlessly integrated to provide instant access to music, games, e-reading and social networking services.

“In 2011, we will take Samsung’s leadership in Speed, Screen and Content to a whole new level,” said JK Shin, President and Head of Samsung’s Mobile Communications Business. “With the GALAXY S II, Samsung wants to set the new standard of quality viewing on mobile, powerful performance, and slim and modern design.”

“GALAXY S II is a natural and powerful evolution of GALAXY S. Building on the phenomenal success of the original Samsung GALAXY S, we are proud to unveil the ultimate smartphone. Consumers no longer have to contain themselves – the Samsung GALAXY S II allows them to design their own smart lives.”

“We’re pleased to see Samsung bring another Android-powered device to market to help grow the Android ecosystem,” said Andy Rubin, Vice President of Engineering at Google.

Powerful PerformanceIncorporating a dual-core application processor and advanced wireless network (HSPA+ 21) connectivity, the Samsung GALAXY S II has the speed and power to provide an unrivalled mobile performance. Dual-core application processor delivers compelling features such as fast web browsing, multi-tasking comparable to a PC-like environment, supreme graphics quality and instantly responsive 3D user interface on the large screen. The GALAXY S II also delivers seamless multitasking, switching between applications instantly. Superior 3D hardware performance makes games and video incredibly fast and smooth.

With super-fast HSPA+ connectivity, the GALAXY S II offers rapid mobile download speeds while BlueTooth® 3.0+HS considerably reduces data transfer times.The Samsung GALAXY S II has been equipped with an 8MP, high-profile camera and camcorder with 1080p full HD recording and playback. With Samsung’s patented AllShare technology, customers can capture, create and then share their experiences hassle-free

A Next Level of Viewing ExperienceThe Samsung GALAXY S II has been equipped with Samsung’s new crystal-clear Super AMOLED Plus screen, the most advanced mobile visual display ever created. Setting the standard of quality viewing on mobile, Super AMOLED Plus introduces the best in quality in color gamut, contrast ratio and edge sharpness. Using RealStripe screen technology and a greatly increased sub-pixel count, Super AMOLED Plus complements the mechanics of the human eye to recognize images look clearer and more detailed than ever before. With a wider viewing angle and increased visibility in outdoor, the Samsung GALAXY S II provides a more vibrant viewing experience than any other mobile devices.

Even with its unrivaled performance, the innovative Super AMOLED Plus display does not compromise battery performance. A significant reduction in power consumption from Super AMOLED display means it is also more energy-efficient than other comparably-sized devices, allowing Samsung to minimize device weight.

Samsung GALAXY S II Goes to WorkSamsung has introduced a new range of enterprise mobility solutions, expanding the business capabilities of the Samsung GALAXY S II and helping enterprise customers empower a flexible and connected mobile workforce. Samsung has partnered with IT industry leaders to offer the most relevant enterprise solutions to the Samsung GALAXY S II, working seamlessly on the Android Gingerbread platform and paying special attention to securing data and network. These solutions include enhanced conferencing and connectivity services from Cisco, the most comprehensive mobile implementation of Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync and secure remote device management from Sybase.

A New World of Entertainment and Smarter InteractionSamsung has selected the Samsung GALAXY S II as its premium mobile product with which to launch Samsung Hubs – integrated mobile applications designed to fit every element of your life. With Samsung Hubs, the Samsung GALAXY S II delivers rich catalogues of books and magazines, music, advanced mobile games and control of your online social life, all from a single device.

• Social Hub Premium: The future of communication – talk to whoever you want, however you want, all from one place – your contact’s list. Communication history, IM status, and updates from social networking sites are all readily available. From here, users can access all types of messages (push e-mail, text, VM and SNS) and respond directly without resorting to individual applications. It truly acts as a hub for entire social life. Server.
• Readers Hub: Carry an enormous library of books, magazines and newspapers on-the-go. Through strategic partnerships, Samsung Readers Hub provides over 2.2 million books and novels, 2,000 global and local newspapers in 49 languages and 2,300 popular magazines in 22 languages.
• Game Hub: The easiest way to download and play best-in-class mobile games. Featuring a 3-axis gyroscopic sensor, the Samsung GALAXY S II unleashes a world of gaming possibilities. Try for free and download premium titles from partners like Gameloft, or ‘enjoy Social Network Games (SNG) powered by mobage including ngmoco’s We Rule and We City’.
• Music Hub: Make Samsung GALAXY S II a personal music manager and access over 12 million tracks from 7digital. Discover what’s hot from top charts, search for favorite music, get recommendations on albums, enjoy previews and download them directly to Samsung GALAXY S II.

The Samsung GALAXY S II gives customers more choice in personalizing their smartphone experience. New for the Samsung GALAXY S II, Samsung has introduced Live Panel, a service that aggregates live web and application contents to a single customizable home-screen. Customers can design the lay-out of their own Live Panel, online services and mobile apps to appear on-screen. SNS feeds, information and many more applications can all be embedded and accessed instantly through the magazine-like layout.

With the enhanced voice technology on the Samsung GALAXY S II, customers will be able to do more with less. From opening the app to controlling the messaging, social media, email and calling, Samsung Voice Solution will recognizes voice and convert it to text and vice versa. Customized Voice Translation application makes the Samsung GALAXY S II the perfect travel companion, translating voice or text into – and from – a range of languages: simply speak a word or phrase into the handset and it will instantly translate it, with audio and text output.

For swift and simple device management, Samsung has introduced Kies Air. With Kies air, consumers can manage their smartphone contents from their PC, via local WiFi connections. download photos taken on the built-in camera, listen to music, check missed calls and send messages in the web browser on their PC. For added connectivity, WiFi Direct allows consumers to connect to wireless-enabled PCs and printers without the need for wireless access points. According to market requirement, the GALAXY S II is able to incorporate Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to support emerging mobile payment service and other services with mobile operators.

The GALAXY S II is exhibited at Hall #8, Mobile World Congress 2011. For multimedia content and more detailed information, please visit www.samsungunpacked.com/press.

Note to Editors:Samsung GALAXY S II Product Specifications

Network	GSM 850/900/1800/1900 HSPA+ 21 850/900/1900/2100
OS	Android 2.3 Gingerbread
Display	4.27” WVGA (480×800) Super AMOLED Plus
Processor ( BB& AP )	1 GHz Dual Core Application Processor
Camera	Main(Rear): 8.0-Mega Pixel Camera AF with LED Flash Front: 2.0-Mega Pixel Camera Single Shot, Beauty Shot, , Panorama Shot, Smile Shot, Action Shot, Cartoon Shot
Video	Codec : MPEG4/ H.264/ H.263/ DivX VC-1 Playback : FULL HD(1080p)@30fps Recording : FULL HD(1080p)@30fps
Audio	MP3, AAC, AAC+, eACC+ 3.5mm Ear Jack & Speaker, Stereo FM Radio with RDS, Voice Recorder
Hub	Social Hub – Integrated Contacts, Integrated Calendar, Unified Inbox – Premium: SNS push notification, Push Email & Push IM – Basic: POP3/IMAP Email & IM (* Availability of Social Hub differs by country and mobile operator)
	Music Hub
	Readers Hub
	Game Hub
Enterprise Solutions	Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync – The comprehensive mobile implementation of Exchange ActiveSync, which provides the most policies and restrictions support among Android ActiveSync clients, along with e-mail, calendar, contacts and tasks synchronization with a Microsoft Exchange Server
	On Device Encryption – A security solution that enables the protection of mobile data without the need to sacrifice speed and functionality. Superior performance can also be achieved when incorporated with Sybase Afaria Mobile Device Management and Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync, both of which complement the encryption support with their own mechanisms.
	Cisco AnyConnect Virtual Private Network – provide reliable and easy-to-deploy encrypted network connectivity for mobile workers everywhere for business email, virtual desktop, and other Android apps, AnyConnect enables business-critical application connectivity
	Sybase Afaria Mobile Device Management – provides the comprehensive capabilities that IT requires to allow mobile workers access to enterprise assets using the device of their choice. IT can now confidently extend corporate security policies to the Android platform, allowing for the adoption of both personally-owned or corporate owned Galaxy S II.
	Cisco WebEx – the workforce will be able to stay connected to important meetings wherever they are while using Samsung Galaxy devices; users can view shared desktops, browsers, applications and documents with live annotations.
	Cisco Mobile – a VoIP solutions allowing the workforce to make and receive calls over Wi-Fi using an Android interface, providing significant cost-efficiencies for an international workforce
Value-added Features	Android Market™
	Adobe Flash 10.1 support
	Samsung TouchWiz
	QuickType by SWYPE
	Document Viewer / Editor
	Android Brower, RSS Reader
	Exchange ActiveSync
	Google MapsTM with Latitude, Places, Navigation (beta)
	A-GPS
	Google Voice SearchTM
	Lost Phone Management
Connectivity	Bluetooth® technology v 3.0 + HS USB 2.0 Wi-Fi 802.11 (a/b/g/n), WiFi Direct NFC Connectivity (Optional) MHL DLNA (AllShare)
Sensor	Accelerometer, Light, Digital Compass, Proximity, Gyroscope sensor,
Memory	16/32GB + microSD (up to 32GB)
Size	125.3 x 66.1 x 8.49mm, 116g
Battery	1650mAh

Galaxy Tab 10.1 Press Release:

Samsung expands the Samsung GALAXY Tab range with a 10.1” Entertainment Powerhouse

Global launch of Samsung’s first Honeycomb-based, Dual Core smart media device

BARCELONA, February 13, 2011 – Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., a provider of smart media devices and the global leader in Android™ tablets, in partnership with Vodafone Group, today announced the Samsung GALAXY Tab 10.1 (Model: P7100), a powerful Dual-Core Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) Smart Media Device, designed to deliver the ultimate mobile entertainment experience.

“As a leader in the Android-powered tablet market, Samsung is committed to providing a variety of feature-rich, always-on devices” said DJ Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of Sales & Marketing. He continued, “The Samsung GALAXY Tab 10.1 is a valuable addition to our expanding portfolio of smart media devices. Sporting a large 10.1 screen and dual surround-sound speakers, it enables users to enjoy multimedia to the maximum extent without having to compromise mobility.

Patrick Chomet, Vodafone’s Group Director of Terminals, said: “Vodafone customers in over 20 markets around the world will be the first to get the GALAXY Tab 10.1 when it goes on sale this spring. Samsung have produced a stylish, market-leading implementation of the new Android 3.0 platform which will be the first Honeycomb device to arrive in many of those markets. Vodafone’s competitive data tariffs and reliable, high-speed networks make using the GALAXY Tab 10.1 a great experience.”

“Samsung continues to develop innovative products that contribute to the continued growth of the Android ecosystem,” said Andy Rubin, Vice President of Engineering at Google.

As the tablet market experiences unprecedented interest, Samsung and Vodafone have partnered to cater to customer demand and offer them the perfect way to enjoy the huge variety of opportunities the Android platform provides. Whether playing games, reading eBooks or updating your Facebook status, the lightweight, ultra-slim Samsung GALAXY Tab 10.1 is the ultimate entertainer and builds on the industry-wide success of the two million-selling Samsung GALAXY Tab.

“As more employees are empowered with mobile access to enterprise systems, applications and data through their device of choice, the requirement for IT to support the widening array of device types can be extremely complex and unwieldy,” said Willie Jow, vice president enterprise mobility, Sybase. “The combination of Samsung’s leading devices and Sybase’s best-in-class management and security solution now bring Android to the level enterprises require for full-scale deployments.”

The Ultimate Entertainment ExperienceA 10.1” (WXGA TFT LCD) display with crystal clear resolution (1280 x 800) makes the Samsung GALAXY Tab 10.1 an unrivalled device for experiencing the hundreds of thousands of games and applications available from Android Market™. To compliment the amazing visual quality of the device, the GALAXY Tab 10.1 includes dual surround-sound speakers to immerse you even more fully.

The device also includes an 8 megapixel rear-facing camera with Auto Focus and a 2 megapixel front-facing camera which lets users capture experiences with the best-in-market full HD record and play as well as easily share them. With the Android browser and Flash 10.1, the Samsung GALAXY Tab 10.1 is the perfect tool for consuming the world of the internet content wherever you are.

Performance and SpeedCombined with the latest version of Android’s tablet-optimized operating system, Honeycomb, Samsung has created a device that is powerful and lightning fast.

The Samsung GALAXY Tab 10.1 includes a 1GHz Dual Core application processor, giving you the kind of fast and powerful multimedia and web browsing experience. Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1’s Dual Core processor, low power DDR2 memory and 6860mAh battery, make it perfect for task management in an energy efficient way.

Maximized PortabilityAt just 599g in weight and mere 10.9mm- slimness, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 is lighter, slimmer and more portable, meaning users are free to enjoy its many features while on the move. With the need to remain constantly connected, Samsung has also included super-fast HSPA+ 21Mbps, Bluetooth® 2.1+EDR and Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n connectivity to support rapid mobile download speeds and reduce data transfer times.

The Samsung GALAXY Tab 10.1 will be exhibited at Mobile World Congress 2011 at Hall #8.
For multimedia content and more detailed information, please visit www.samsungunpacked.com/press.

Note to Editors:Samsung GALAXY Tab 10.1” Product Specifications

Network	HSPA+ 21Mbps 850/900/1900/2100 EDGE/GPRS 850/900/1800/1900
OS	Android 3.0 (Honeycomb)
Display	10.1” 1280 x 800 (WXGA) TFT
Processor	1GHz Dual Core application processor
Camera	Main(Rear): 8.0-Mega Pixel Camera AF with LED Flash Front: 2.0-Mega Pixel Camera
Video	Format :MPEG4/H263/H264 Playback : 1080p FullHD Video @ 30fps Recording : 1080p FullHD Video @ 24fps
Audio	MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, OGG, MIDI, AMR-NB/WB 3.5mm Ear Jack, Stereo Speaker
Value-added Features	Android Market™ for more applications and contents
	Android UI / Android Browser
	Google Mobile Service : Google™ Talk Video Chat, Google™ Maps, etc
Connectivity	Bluetooth® technology v 2.1 + EDR USB 2.0 WiFi 802.11 (a/b/g/n)
Sensor	Gyroscope, Accelerometer, Digital Compass, Proximity
Memory	16GB/32GB
Size	246.2 x 170.4 x 10.9mm (599g)
Battery	6860mAh