U.S.-based cell carrier Sprint announced last week that a new over-the-air (OTA) update is coming soon to the Galaxy S5. While there’s no official date confirmed for its release, Sprint notes that it will happen “soon.” So, what’s included in this update? This isn’t some minor update that aims to solve a few bugs. Instead, it’s a major update that will introduce the Android 4.4.4 KitKat operating system to Galaxy S5 users on the Sprint network. The update will be sent via Sprint’s 3G/4G network, with compatible Galaxy S5 devices automatically downloading them. Once the download is complete, users will have the option to install them. Of course, it’s recommended that users confirm the installation process, as older versions of Android may be susceptible to malicious attacks, bugs, and various other problems. Surprisingly, Samsung has stood by its decision to use earlier versions of Android, even in the midst of Google releasing Android 4.4.4. This has caused some criticism and backlash among users who are eager to try the latest version of Google’s Android operating system. While HTC, Motorola, and several other big names in the smartphone industry have released Android 4.4.4 KitKat updates, Samsung has lagged behind.  Some analysts…

New details of Motorola’s upcoming DROID Turbo suggest  it will boast similar, if not faster, speeds as the Samsung Galaxy S5. With the Galaxy S5 currently holding the title as the market’s fastest and most powerful smartphone, this is big news. So, just how much of a threat does the Motorola DROID Turbo pose to Samsung’s flagship smartphone? AndroidAuthority.com first broke the story about the DROID Turbo, revealing some if the device’s specs in a leaked screenshot. The screenshot reveals a Motorola device, presumably the DROID Turbo, running on the Verizon Wireless network. Listed specs include a Snapdragon 805 processor (clocked at 2.65GHz processor), 3GB RAM, 32GB storage, 1440 x 2560 resolution with a 360 x 640 DPI, 4.49″ display, Android 4.4.4 KitKat, 20-megapixel primary camera. Assuming the specs accurate, there are a few notable features included in the Motorola DROID Turbo that rival the Galaxy S5. For starters, 3GB of RAM is a nice upgrade from the traditional 2GB found in most smartphones. Extra RAM means more multitasking with less lag, which is something we can all use. Another notable feature included in the DROID Turbo is its 20-megapixel camera — a substantial boost from the Galaxy S5’s current 16-megapixel camera….

Originally unveiled last month, the Nokia Lumia 930 is being touted as the “The most complete Windows Phone to date. It’s the first to properly challenge the flagship might of Android and iOS with its impressive design, new Windows Phone 8.1 software and all round decent specs.” That’s a pretty bold statement considering its use of the Windows mobile operating system. But how exactly does Nokia’s latest flagship smartphone compare to Samsung’s Galaxy S5? Display The Galaxy S5 features a 5.1″ Super AMOLED display with 1080 x 1920 pixels, whereas the Nokia Lumia 930 is just a hair smaller at 5″ with the same 1080 x 1920 pixel resolution. The Nokia Lumia 930 does not have Super AMOLED technology, but rather basic AMOLED. Processor There’s no denying the fact that Samsung’s Galaxy S5 is powered by one of the best mobile processors currently available. It features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 quad-core processor for superior speed and performance. The Nokia Lumia 930, on the other hand, is powered by the slower Snapdragon 800 quad-core processor. If you’re looking for a blazing-fast smartphone that’s capable of multitasking with half a dozen or more different applications, stick with the Galaxy S5. Camera One of…

Users of the Samsung Galaxy S5 can now gain root access to the device using a new method released by hacker George Hotz. What Is Rooting? Rooting is basically a method of gaining access to the core files of a device. Most smartphone manufacturers lock these files to prevent users from removing, adding, or otherwise editing certain functions. By locking the device’s core files, however, users are restricted to what they can modify and what they can’t. Rooting a device “unlocks” these restricts, granting the user full freedom to modify the device however they choose. Towelroot The Galaxy S5 rooting method released by hacker George Hotz uses a program known as Towelroot, which allows Android users to bypass Samsung’s software limitations on the Galaxy S5. Digital Trends reports that Hotz was able to create Towelroot using a software bug in Linux, and since Android is a variant of Linux, the tool is compatible with Android-powered smartphones. Towelroot.com states the following in regards to Hotz’s new rooting tool: “no warranty expressed or implied my second android root vuln thanks to disclosure by Pinkie Pie with love for my rap career if this doesn’t work on your phone e-mail my gmail geohot+towelroot with…

Samsung typically doesn’t release new Android updates for its smartphones and tablet computers, but that could soon change with the release of Android KitKat 4.4.3. Several sources have reported that the South Korean electronics company has tested the upcoming Android build on a variety of Exynos and Snapdragon-powered devices, including their flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S5. Document Reveals Testing Is Underway According to a recent article published at SamMobile.com, Samsung is currently testing Android KitKat 4.4.3 (KTU70 build) on the Galaxy S5. The unnamed source didn’t reveal any details regarding the specifications and features of Android KitKat 4.4.3 — only that it’s currently being tested with Galaxy S5’s software and features. The report suggests that Android KitKat 4.4.3 is being tested on the Galaxy S5, as well as an LTW variant of the Galaxy S4 (model # GT-I9506A). Being that testing for Android KitKat 4.4.3 is limited strictly to Samsung’s own software, I wouldn’t get your hopes up about seeing a new update in the next few days. There’s been no official release date announced by Google, Samsung or any other major party in the mobile space, but analysts believe the most probable time for a release is later this…

The upcoming Android KitKat 4.4.2 update will bring some of the Galaxy S5’s features to the S4. These new features range from camera improvements and security features to the addition of a Battery Saving Mode and Kid Mode. If you own the Galaxy S4, keep reading to learn more about the upcoming features being added. Now for the bad news: the new Android KitKat 4.4.2 is currently only available on the Galaxy S4 in select regions overseas, and there’s been no word yet on when the update will rollout to U.S./U.K. Nonetheless, you can catch a sneak peak at the upcoming changes listed below. Kids Mode According to a changelog published at All About Samsung, Android KitKat 4.4.2 will bring a Kids Mode to the Samsung Galaxy S4. The Kids Mode, as the name suggests, is a parental control app that allows parents to place restrictions in various content, including online purchases. If you’re a parent who allows your child to play on your Galaxy S4, you’ll want to take advantage of this nifty feature. Knox 2.0 Knox 2.0 is another feature that’s coming to the Galaxy S4 with the Android KitKat 4.4.2 update. Knox 2.0 offers a wide range…

The Samsung Galaxy S5 may soon be available for purchase through Google Play. Last month, Google temporarily published a tiled image on Google Play depicting several smartphones, including the Samsung Galaxy S4. The Mountain View company has since taken the image down, but it leaves us wondering: will the Galaxy S5 come to Google Play?   As you can see from the image screenshot image published above, it was the Galaxy S4 depicted on Google Play, not the S5. Was this a humor error by a Google employee, or is Google really planning to release the Galaxy S4 on Google Play? It’s doubtful (although not impossible) that Google would add the Galaxy S4 to its Google Play Edition (GPE). If they are going to add more smartphones, you can bet they are going to be recent-model flagships like the Galaxy S5. Upon closer inspection of the image, you’ll notice the so-called “Galaxy S 4” is actually the S5. It features the textured back, sunbeam wallpaper and other identifiable characteristics — yet the name depicted for the device is the “Samsung Galaxy S 4.” If your mind isn’t boggled yet, it will be: the Galaxy device depicted in the Google Play…

Some new rumors have cropped up this week about the Galaxy S5 by Samsung including one about a new release date, another regarding potential display type and a third rumor about its overall feature set. Yet another rumor states that anticipated buyers are going to be very, very disappointed with what Samsung actually releases. So let’s get down to business with the newest rumors in the mill today.   Fans Will Be Disappointed? Really? How could any think that rumor possible? Well, the International Business Times thinks it is possible – and we think it could be true based on what we wrote last time. The rumor that Samsung is dropping the 64-bit processor, Android Kit-Kat and the fingerprint sensor isn’t a new one, and it’s one we talked about already. So far, while we can see why fans would be disappointed, we don’t think it’ll affect sales much. Simply stated, the hype has increased anticipation for the new device on so much so that we’ve seen people say that they don’t much care what features Galaxy S5 will offer, they just want it released – and now. Galaxy S5 Display Type According to a few mainstream media outlets, the…

Three new rumors surfaced over the weekend about the highly anticipated Samsung Galaxy S5 smartphone, but before we get into what those rumors are, let’s recap what we know so far. The Galaxy S5 is rumored to be released in February at the Mobile World Congress. The yearly event has always attracted the biggest names in the mobile industry, so it would be no surprise if Samsung did announce its Galaxy at the event. No 64-bit Processor? Yes, you read that right. Samsung is said to be getting rid of the 64-bit CPU, according to the latest rumors. This is a truly unfortunate situation if it is true because most Galaxy fans really, really wanted the S5 to use a 64-bit because it should have offered more power, faster processing and just better performance overall. Though Shin Jong-kyun, CEO of Samsung, said in an interview with the Korea Times that Samsung will indeed use 64-bit processors, they unfortunately won’t get to the manufacturing line in time for the Galaxy S5 release date, we have our own theories as to why it won’t be included. More on that in a bit, but first… No Android Kit-Kat The biggest problem with not…

Will Galaxy S5 feature the newest Android Kit-Kat or Samsung’s own Tizen mobile operating system? With the speculation surrounding the potential future release of the Galaxy S5 from fans getting crazier each day that passes, what operating system the company’s newest heir to the Galaxy throne will use is a big question, and one that fans want Samsung to answer – and quick. Known Galaxy 5S Specifications While Samsung has yet to confirm anything about the newest Galaxy to date, there are, however, numerous rumors and in the case of Galaxy phones, the rumors are typically not too far off from reality. Some information considered reality and to which most experts agree includes: A carbon fiber body instead of aluminum A 64-bit CPU A 20.7 MP camera 4K resolution on video Sharp’s IGZO screen display The one thing the experts cannot agree on is which mobile OS the phone will sport – Androud’s latest iteration, Kit-Kat, or Samsung’s own Tizen. Samsung certainly wouldn’t try to fix something that’s obviously not broken – would they? Samsung just might. The issue here is that Android is expensive. Yes, really, it is – but not for consumers. Well, not directly, anyway. Any company…