Samsung's Global Replacement Program for Galaxy Note7 Update: Many Choosing to Stick with their Device

Note 7

On September 2, 2016, Samsung Electronics announced a global replacement program for the Galaxy Note7 due to an isolated battery cell issue. Since then, the company has been working hard to expedite product shipments in order to execute the exchange program and reduce any inconvenience for Galaxy Note7 customers.

“Just over three weeks ago, Samsung committed to a global replacement program for the Galaxy Note7. Last week, that program began for the majority of markets and the progress is encouraging” said DJ Koh, President of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics. “Our focus now is to make sure that all affected devices are replaced as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

Since initiating the global replacement program, initial Galaxy Note7 customer response has been strong.

• Around 90 percent of Galaxy Note7 users have been choosing a new Galaxy Note7 since products became widely available.
• More than 60 percent of all recalled Galaxy Note7 phones sold in the U.S. and Korea have been exchanged through the program.
• In Singapore, more than 80 percent of customers have participated in the exchange program, which started on September 17.

“We are humbled by our customers’ loyalty to the Galaxy Note7 device,” said Koh. “This is why we want them to take advantage of their local replacement program so that they can continue to feel confident and excited every time they reach for their Galaxy Note7 device.”

Although there have been only a small number of reported incidents, Samsung is taking great care to provide customers with necessary support. Samsung has been collaborating with national regulatory bodies in this effort.

Customers who have affected Galaxy Note7 devices should power down and return their devices. They can replace their current device with a new device based on local availability. We encourage Galaxy Note7 customers to contact their place of purchase or call the designated local call center as soon as possible.

ROKINON ULTRA WIDE ANGLE 14mm F2.8 IF ED UMC LENS

Rokinon FE14M-E 14mm F2.8 Ultra Wide Lens

The 14mm Ultra Wide-Angle f/2.8IF ED UMC Lens from Rokinon gives you approximately a 115° view with dramatic results when used with a full frame digital camera or 35mm film camera. With hybrid aspherical lenses, you will produce sharply defined images with a minimum of distortion and chromatic aberrations. This manual focus 14mm lens focuses as close as 0.9' (28 cm) from the lens, and has a built-in petal-type lens hood. With some cameras, Shutter Lock must be disengaged on the camera's menu.

• Ultra wide-angle 14mm lens with an approximately 90° angle of view using an APS-C camera, for dramatic effects
• Lens is constructed with two ED lens elements, one hybrid aspherical lens element and one glass aspherical lens element, for outstanding, sharply defined images
• Minimal distortion and chromatic aberrations
• Super multi-layer coating to reduce flares and ghost images
• Lens has a minimum focusing distance of 0.9' (28 cm) for enhanced close-up shots
• Also conforms to APS-C (1:1.5x) size digital imaging format
• Lens includes a built-in petal-type lens hood

Sony Just Announced The New ɑ99 II Flagship A-mount Camera

Reaffirming its commitment to produce industry leading A-mount interchangeable lens cameras, Sony today launched a new flagship ɑ A-mount model, the ɑ99 II. A successor to the highly acclaimed ɑ99, the new ɑ99 II combines the best of Sony’s latest digital imaging innovations including a new Hybrid Phase Detection AF system with exclusive Sony A-mount features such as Translucent Mirror Technology TM (TMT). The result is a supremely specified, professional level camera that will be particularly appealing to sports and wildlife photographers.

Redefining Autofocus

The newly developed Phase Detection AF System is capable of ‘full-time AF’ and is the first implementation of 4D FOCUS in the full-frame ɑ series, bringing a supreme new level of AF performance to ɑ99 II users. The Hybrid Phase Detection AF System is enabled by combining a precision 79-point dedicated phase detection AF sensor with 399 focal plane phase detection AF points, to produce a 79 hybrid cross AF point array. These cross points deliver incredibly precise autofocus performance and advanced subject tracking of any moving objects right across the image, at high speed. In addition, as there is no moving mirror, TMT enables continuous AF operation and the finder image remains unaffected during any type of shooting, including live view and movie recording.

Low light conditions present no problem to the ɑ99 II. The precision AF system will function properly down to EV-4 brightness levels where most other cameras struggle.

Data flow through the ɑ99 II has been redesigned to allow for high resolution and continuous shooting at high frame rates. A new front-end LSI works with the image sensor and BIONZ X image processing engine, as well as a newly designed shutter unit, to enable continuous shooting at up to 12fpsii with AF/AE tracking[vii], all whilst harnessing the sensor’s 42.4MP capabilities. The result is an ultra-fast camera that will deliver incredibly detailed shots, even with fast moving objects in challenging light conditions. Thanks to a large buffer and sophisticated data processing, these shots can be viewed immediately after shooting even when in high speed continuous shooting mode and if shots are being taken indoors under artificial lighting, flicker is automatically detected and the shutter is timed to minimise its effect on the end image.

Improvements to the EVF display algorithm now deliver continuous live-view shooting at up to 8 fps[ix] with AF/AE tracking with minimal display lag so that the viewing experience is essentially no different from that of an optical viewfinder. Exposure, white balance and other camera settings are displayed in real time in the viewfinder and continuous live view shooting can be set in 3 stages to match a variety of subjects: 8 fps, 6 fps and 4 fps.

Pixel Power

The back-illuminated full-frame 42.4MP[x] Exmor R CMOS sensor benefits from a gapless-on-chip design and allows for fast readout of large volumes of data as well as being extremely efficient in its light gathering ability. The net result is very high sensitivity with low noise, wide dynamic range and 42.4MP resolution across an ISO range of 100-25600, expandable to ISO 50 – 102,400[xi]. The ɑ99 II has been designed without an optical low-pass filter to allow the finest natural details and textures to be captured with unprecedented depth and realism and the photographer can select compressed or uncompressed RAW files, as required.

5-axis SteadyShot™ INSIDE Image Stabilisation

Having proved to be incredibly popular in the ɑ7 II series of cameras, Sony has designed a new in-body 5 axis image stabilization system for A-mount cameras which debuts for the first time in the ɑ99 II. In addition to movement in the pitch and yaw axes that tend to occur at longer focal lengths, this system effectively detects and compensates for shift blur that can occur on the X and Y axes when shooting close-up, and roll blur that is often apparent in still images and movies that are shot at night. Newly implemented precision gyro sensors are capable of precisely detecting even tiny camera movements that can cause blurring, providing a 4.5 step[xii] shutter speed advantage that can help realize the full potential of the 42.4MP sensor, in both stills and movies. The effect of image stabilization can be monitored in the viewfinder or on the LCD screen during live view when the shutter button is half pressed or the Focus Magnifier functions are used. This allows framing and focus to be accurately checked via live view when shooting at telephoto focal lengths or macro distances.

Improved design and operability

The design of the new ɑ99 II has noticeably evolved compared to its predecessor, based upon feedback from professional users. The new model is 8% smaller than the original ɑ99 and has a newly designed grip, magnesium alloy body, dual SD card slot and other upgrades that improve both hold and operation. All major buttons and dials are provided with seals and the media jack cover and enclosure edges feature tongue and groove - the result is a body that is both dust and moisture resistant[xiv] and can be used in the toughest and most challenging shooting conditions.

In addition to being designed for faster response, the new shutter unit is also more durable and has passed endurance tests in excess of 300,000 shutter operations. The XGA OLED Tru-finder has a ZEISS® T* Coating and has a 4 element lens group that includes a double sided aspherical element whilst offering a powerful 0.78x magnification, delivering outstanding clarity from corner to corner. It also has a fluorine coating on the outer lens to prevent fingerprints, dust, water, oil and dirt from sticking, thus ensuring a clear view.

The silent Multi Controller introduced in the original ɑ99has been improved so that in addition to allowing control of aperture, shutter speed, ISO, exposure compensation, AF area, AF mode and other settings, it now features a click-stop ON/OFF switch. When ON, the preferred setting for still image shooting, the control clicks, providing a tactile indication of the length of rotation. When OFF, the control turns smoothly and quietly, ideal for movie shooting. Location data acquisition has also been made possible via Bluetooth connection to a compatible mobile device and it is now possible to select whether the storage location should just be on a tethered computer or also on camera for easy review without leaving the shooting position. Based upon feedback from a number of ɑ users, the menu structure of the ɑ99 II has also been updated to deliver a smoother navigational experience.

Movie Magic

The ɑ99 II enables internal 4K movie recording featuring full pixel readout, without pixel binning, for ultimate high resolution video in the pro friendly XAVC S format. It is capable of recording high quality footage at 100Mbps for 4K recording. A new ‘Slow and Quick’ mode (S&Q) supports both slow motion and quick motion. Frame rates from 1 fps to 120 fps (100 fps) can be selected in 8 steps for up to 60x (50x) quick motion and 5x (4x) slow motion recording. A number of features designed for a professional movie production workflow are included such as picture profiles, time code and HDMI clear output and the new ɑ99 II now also offers gamma assist for real time S-Log monitoring and a zebra mode for easier exposure adjustment. S-Log3 and S-Log2 gamma are now included, making wide dynamic range shooting possible with blown highlights or blocked shadows making the ɑ99 II easily integratable into a fully professional movie production workflow.

The new ɑ99 II will start shipping in November. 

Sony Just Announced A Full-Frame 50mm F2.8 Macro Lens

Sony today introduced a new full-frame lens for the ɑ E-mount camera system, the FE 50mm F2.8 Macro lens (model SEL50M28).

Ideal for everyday photography, this versatile 50mm macro lens features a F2.8 maximum aperture that offers outstanding image quality and bokeh, while its 1:1 macro capability allows the photographer to get sharp close-up shots of their subject. Additionally, its comprehensive range of controls including focus-mode switch, focus-range limiter and the focus-hold button ensures a quality macro shooting experience for a wide range of users.

Great for scenery and portraits as well as macro shots, it offers a 0.16m minimum focusing distance and a wider frame for capturing more background, compared to longer focal-length macro lenses. Weighing just 236g, the lens is extremely lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry around and is dust and moisture resistant[i] for use in different weather conditions.

The new FE 50mm F2.8 Macro lens features ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass to effectively compensate for axial chromatic aberration at close focus, allowing it to create consistently sharp and high quality images. The circular aperture design produces beautiful bokeh effects and the optical and mechanical construction of the lens has less flare and ghosting even without a lens hood.

The SEL50M28 will be available in October.

Samsung's Now Offer Great Sound While Exercising With New LEVEL Active Headsets.

The LEVEL headset series is expanding with the release of the LEVEL Active, a Bluetooth-enabled headset specially designed for exercise and outdoor activities.

For people on the move, having headphones that fit comfortably is essential. The LEVEL Active can help achieve this with its soft silicon earhooks as well as comfortable wingtips and in-ear eartips. The earhooks wrap over the entire ear, securing the headphones firmly in place, while the wingtips that come in two sizes perfectly match the shape of the user’s ears for a secure fit. Additionally, the in-ear eartips also come in three different sizes, not only providing a comfortable fit but also preventing distractions from outside noise.

The LEVEL Active is also splash resistant, allowing users to work out without worrying about damaging their earphones with sweat. These new earphones feature an ultra-thin P2i nano-coating, which covers the inside of headset and protects it, giving users peace of mind while they participate in their outdoor activities.

Getting started with a new LEVEL Active is quite easy. It can be connected to a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone with a long press of the Bluetooth icon on the controller. On the headphone controller, hold the Bluetooth button and a blue light will flash on the left headphone to let users know that the phone and LEVEL Active have connected. Once enabled, the user can utilize the controller to play/pause audio tracks, change tracks and control the volume.

To gain more functionality and customizability, the LEVEL Active can be paired with latest version of the Samsung Level app. Users just download the app from Galaxy Apps or the Google Play Store.

Once the LEVEL Active is connected to the phone, the user can set up the features and notifications quickly. From the home screen, the app shows Notifications, Active key, User manual and More, along with volume control and battery.

The Notifications menu lets users control what alerts and messages they receive from their phones while wearing the LEVEL Active. For people who just want to exercise with limited interruptions, they can select Settings on the upper right, then select Limit notifications. With Limit notifications engaged, users will only receive alerts for incoming calls and alarms.

The Active key function is where users control how their LEVEL Active headphones monitor their workout. If the user turns on this feature, they can select whether to connect the Clock, Timer or S Health to the LEVEL Active. If S Health is selected, the user can then choose whether to record workout information for walking, running, cycling or hiking.

By pressing the Active Key on the right headphone for a second, LEVEL Active will play back the selected results, including from exercise time and distance, via sound alerts.

Charging the LEVEL Active is also straightforward, with a microUSB connector located in the left headphone. The user just lifts off the back cover on the headphone, revealing the connector slot. When connected to a computer or other device and charging, the LED light on the left headphone shines red. Once fully charged, it changes to blue.

With the release of LEVEL Active, people who want to enjoy their favorite tracks while working out have an option that’s hassle-free and ready to move. Whether someone is a serious runner, a gym rat, or just looking to get a bit healthier, the LEVEL Active fits any level of activity and helps make working out a bit more fun.

Starting August 19 in the United States, the LEVEL Active will soon be coming to Europe, China, Russia, Turkey, Korea and other countries. The Level headset series including the LEVEL U, LEVEL U Pro and LEVEL U Pro ANC is already available around the globe.

Here is Everything You Need to Know About the Galaxy Note7’s Iris Scanner

The Galaxy Note7’s new iris scanning technology provides users with an additional form of authentication to reinforce security. But new technology can raise a lot of questions. Here is a list of FAQs to clarify anything you might have been wondering about the Galaxy Note7’s iris scanner.

Q. How do I save my iris data on the Galaxy Note7? Isn’t it difficult?

Registering your iris information is not only incredibly easy, but it’s fast, too. All you need to do is access the Irises tab from the Lock screen and security menu in Settings to register one or both of your irises.

Simply hold your device 25-35 centimeters from your face with the screen facing toward you, position your eyes in the circles shown on the screen and follow the prompts. In a matter of seconds, the iris sensor extracts your iris patterns, codes them into a digital form and saves them in the secure TrustZone of Knox. 

Q. Does the iris scanner work if I wear glasses or contact lenses? What about if I’ve had LASIK/LASEK surgery?

When you wear eyeglasses, reflected glare from surrounding lights may interfere with iris scanning and recognition. Also, if your lenses are very thick or have a special coating, scanning and recognition speed may be affected. This is also the case for tinted or decorative contact lenses. With sunglasses, the iris scanner does not work properly because sunglass lenses block IR light.

If you have undergone an eye operation like LASIK or LASEK, you will need to re-register your iris information on the device, as the operation may cause slight changes to your cornea and subsequently affect the refraction of light from the iris sensor to your eyes. Likewise, if your eyes are severely swollen or not completely open, the iris scanner may not be able to read your irises.

Q. Can I use the iris scanner anywhere? If the iris scanner can’t recognize my irises, how can I access my Galaxy Note7?

Using the iris scanner in direct sunlight or under bright light may affect the accuracy of the sensor. For maximum effectiveness, move to an area that is slightly shaded when using the iris scanner. A dirty iris camera can also affect the scanner’s reading, so in the case that it doesn’t work, try cleaning the area above the screen.

Additionally, you can unlock the device with an alternative method such as your fingerprint (if it is registered), a pattern, PIN or password. (You will also need to use your selected non-biometric alternative method when the device has been restarted or has been inactive for 24 hours.)

Q. What functions can I use with the iris scanner?

The Galaxy Note7’s iris recognition technology allows for all-around reinforced mobile security for functions such as unlocking your device, or verifying your identity in place of your Samsung account.
The device’s iris scanner can be used to activate Samsung Pass, a new feature that acts as a master key for mobile banking services and automatic website login on the Samsung Internet browser. You can also add another layer of security to value-added services like Samsung Pay, as well as safely complete mobile banking transactions or lock private data through Secure Folder.

For enterprise users, iris scanning technology can be utilized to authenticate access to the Knox Workspace container.

Q. Is iris scanning really safer than fingerprint scanning?

While fingerprint and iris authentication both provide a high level of security, iris scanning is one of the most secure and reliable biometric techniques available today. This is because each individual has a uniquely different and highly intricate iris pattern in each eye, which is almost impossible to replicate.

Furthermore, users can only register the iris pattern(s) of one person on each device, which means that even if the smartphone is stolen or lost and someone else is able to gain access to the smartphone, the user’s iris information won’t be compromised.

Lastly, iris scanning results in fewer false acceptances than fingerprint scanning, according to some studies.

Q. Where does the iris information get stored once it’s registered? Does it get processed safely? If I use it to login to a website, or for a mobile banking transaction, does it get saved on the server?

With the Galaxy Note7, registered iris data is stored safely in the hardware by Samsung’s trusted Knox platform, just as fingerprint data has been stored in the past.

This means that when iris data is used for user authentication for web log-in or Samsung Pay, for example, it is not in its raw form. Instead, it is digitized and encrypted as a code which is stored at the hardware level. Therefore, Knox provides an added level of security so users can be confident that their personal information is always safe.

Q. There’s a red light that flickers when I use the iris scanner. What is it, and isn’t it bad for my eyes?

This red light is an infrared LED, and it enables the best range for iris scanning to ensure maximum accuracy. It is completely safe to use and there are no health implications associated with the technology. It has even received the highest International Electrotechnical Commission IEC62471 certification level.

In addition, the light will automatically switch off if the device detects that your eyes are too close or exposed to the IR LED for more than nine seconds.



*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.

Sony Walks Away With Five of The EISA 2016 Top Awards.

Recognising Sony’s success in delivering products that inspire and fulfil customer curiosity, the European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) have honoured Sony with 5 awards in their 2016 round-up. As the largest editorial and multimedia organisation in Europe, the EISA committee carefully assess and evaluate a vast variety of technology categories and are consequently renowned for recognising true quality and innovation.

European Premium Compact Camera 2016-2017: RX1R II

As one of the world’s smallest full-frame cameras, the RX1R II delivers the highest picture quality of any Sony compact camera ever made. This is made possible by the combination of the camera’s high resolution 42.4 MP full-frame sensor with its large aperture, fixed focal length ZEISS Sonnar T* 35mm F2 lens, which was optimised to work in combination with the sensor. It also features the world’s first variable optical low-pass filter[i] providing stunning image quality with a wide dynamic range and very low noise. The Fast Hybrid AF system with advanced phase-detection and contrast-detection guarantees razor-sharp images and with the powerful BIONZ X processor you will never miss a precious moment. The retractable XGA OLED Tru-Finder[ii] and a tiltable LCD screen offers great freedom to capture creative compositions. This premium compact camera is a true winner in every aspect.

European Photo & Video Camera 2016-2017:α7S II

The α7S II provides professionals with the right tool to create top quality video and excellent still images in every shooting situation. Its 12.2-million-pixel[iii] full-frame Exmor CMOS sensor masters high sensitivity shooting, with a maximum sensitivity of ISO 409600[iv]. In addition, its high dynamic range, 5-axis image stabilisation, and internal recording of 4K movies[v] in full-frame format with full pixel readout, ensure that the professional videographer won’t have to make any compromise regarding image quality. The camera’s Fast Intelligent AF excels in speed and accuracy and guarantees stunning images with excellent sharpness even in the dark.

European Prosumer Compact System Camera 2016-2017: α6300

The α6300 retains the compact lightweight design of its popular sister model, the α6000, but adds lightning fast (0.05 seconds) hybrid autofocus with 425 AF points and subject tracking 4D focus, professional-class 4K video shooting and a weather-sealed body. The new 24.2-million pixel[vi] Exmor CMOS sensor provides excellent image quality even in poorly lit situations, along with superb video quality, while the tilting 3-inch 921,000-dot LCD screen and the bright 2.36-million-dot OLED viewfinder are able to keep track of fast moving subjects at up to 11 frames per second.

European Professional Compact System Lens 2016-2017: SEL85F14GM

The SEL85F14GM telephoto prime lens is a true asset to any ambitious portrait photographer. The optical design and the use of advanced lens elements ensure that the lens delivers the extremely high resolution demanded by modern cameras. The circular aperture with 11 blades provides a smooth and appealing background blur, while Sony’s original Nano AR Coating reduces flare and ghosting with backlit subjects. The ring drive SSM motor system with two position sensors supports fast and accurate autofocus. As is to be expected from a professional lens, the FE 85mm F1.4 GM is dust and moisture resistant.

European In-Car HD Player 2016-2017: RSX-GS9

With its 1DIN housing and a rotary control, Sony’s RSX-GS9 may look like a classic and authentic head unit, but behind its stripped-down face plate this high resolution audio system is a cutting-edge sonic superstar. It offers support for up to 192kHz/24-bit PCM for various devices through USB Type A, 5.6MHz native DSD via USB micro-B for the connected digital high-resolution music players, while the optical output allows digital connection to an external DSP. Sony’s unique smartphone app “SongPal” allows users to search music tracks with no hassle, and offers easy adjustments in the detail of the sound on the smartphone screen so it can be customised exactly to the how the user desires. The use of the best available DAC, high-end op-amps and advanced circuitry ensure that the RSX-GS9‘s audio performance is nothing less than sensational. All of which means that the benefits of high-resolution music can finally be enjoyed from your dashboard.