Samsung announces the Galaxy Tablet S

Last night over in the US Samsung had one of their big events where they like to announce the latest iterative update of their devices. This time round it was the Galaxy Tablet range that received some attention. Samsung announced the Galaxy Tablet S which is Samsung’s thinnest and lightest tablet with WQXGA (2560×1600, 16:10) Super AMOLED display and it comes in two sizes a 8.4-inch and a 10.5-inch. Samsung have made a few infographics that sum up specs and features.

The main feature about the new Galaxy Tablet S has to be that screen, such a high resolution Super Amoled display is going to look great and as such I am intrigued to see if for myself. Which is rather a coincidence as I’ve been itching to get a 10″ tablet. Samsung needless to say are enthusiastic about the Tablet S.

The Galaxy Tab S embodies the next evolution in mobile display technology, delivering a wider range of rich and crisp colors. Its industry-leading WQXGA (2560×1600, 16:10) Super AMOLED display delivers more than 90% of Adobe RGB color coverage – expressing more colors than ever before – and has a remarkable 100,000:1 contrast ratio which provides deeper and more realistic images by making blacks darker and whites brighter.

The Galaxy Tab S also features additional Samsung screen technologies that go beyond the hardware specifications. The tablet’s Adaptive Display ensures the best visual experience anywhere, anytime by intelligently adjusting gamma, saturation, and sharpness based on the application being viewed, the color temperature of the viewing environment and ambient lighting. Pre-set professional modes – AMOLED Cinema and AMOLED Photo – also let users manually adjust the display settings for bright, dynamic results for both video and photo content.

In addition, Galaxy Tab S users can fully enjoy content clearly and easily outdoors, even in bright sunlight. The tablet’s advanced outdoor visibility technology makes on-screen content look bright, natural, and easy to view.

Since Super AMOLED technology doesn’t require a backlight, the Galaxy Tab S consumes less energy than comparative LCD displays while maintaining a very portable design. Both models have a sleek 6.6mm profile and at only 465g (10.5-inch) and 294g (8.4-inch)*, that are light and easy to carry. With its longer-lasting battery, and Ultra-Power Saving Mode, the Galaxy Tab S lets consumer enjoy hours of entertainment without having to worry about recharging.

Samsung Galaxy Tablet S 10.5

Spec wise lets have a look at the new tablets we have another infographic first and then the RAW data:

Category	Specifications
Network	LTE : 800/ 900/ 1800/ 2600+850/ 21003G : 850/ 900/ 1900/ 21002G : 850/ 900/ 1800/ 1900
Processor	Exynos 5 Octa (1.9 GHz QuadCore ＋ 1.3 GHz Quadcore) or Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 2.3 GHz Quadcore *
Display	10.5” 2560×1600(WQXGA) Super AMOLED
OS	Android 4.4 (Kitkat)
Camera / Flash	8MP w/ Flash LED + 2.1M Full HD
Video	H.263, H.264(AVC), MPEG4, VC-1, WMV7, WMV8, VP8Recording : FHD(1920 x 1080) @ 30fpsPlayback: WQHD (2560×1440) @ 30fps
Audio	MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, WMA, Vorbis, FLAC
Content Services / Applications	Papergarden, Professional pack, Multi-user mode, Sidesync 3.0, Gear & Gear fit manager
Free Downloadable apps	Group Play, S-Note, S Translator, Samsung Link, Scrapbook, Story Album, Video Editor
Free Downloadable apps	Gear Manager, Gear Fit Manager, Samsung Smart Switch, Samsung Level, E-meeting, Kids Mode, Kids Piano(Ding Dong Tap), S-Console, Hanshow, Hancell, Hanwrite
Google Mobile Services	Chrome, Gmail, Google Search, Maps, Play Store, Voice Search, YouTube, Google+, Hangouts, Play books, Play Games, Play Newsstand, Play Movies & TV, Play Music, Drive, Google setting, Photos
Connectivity	WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac MIMO,WiFi Direct, Bluetooth ®4.0, IrLED
GPS	GPS, GLONASS, Beidou(not supported in USA, Canada)
Sensor	Accelerometer, Fingerprint Sensor, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Hall Sensor, RGB Sensor
Memory	3GB (RAM) + 16/32GB internal memorymicroSD up to 128GB
Dimension / Weight	247.3 x 177.3 x 6.6 mm , 465g(Wifi)/ 467g(LTE)
Battery	7,900mAh

As expected Samsung have released a shed load of press images, here you go enjoy.

Samsung Galaxy Tablet S 8.4

As for the smaller 8″ model here is the spec again an infographic and then a table:

Category	Specifications
Network	LTE : 800/ 900/ 1800/ 2600+850/ 21003G : 850/ 900/ 1900/ 21002G : 850/ 900/ 1800/ 1900
Processor	Exynos 5 Octa (1.9 GHz QuadCore ＋ 1.3 GHz Quadcore) or Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 2.3 GHz Quadcore*
Display	8.4” 2560×1600(WQXGA) Super AMOLED
OS	Android Kitkat (4.4)
Camera / Flash	8MP w/ LED Flash + 2.1MP Full HD
Video	H.263, H.264(AVC), MPEG4, VC-1, WMV7, WMV8, VP8Recording : FHD(1920 x 1080) @ 30fpsPlayback: WQHD (2560×1440) @ 30fps
Audio	MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, WMA, Vorbis, FLAC
Content Services / Applications	Papergarden, Professional pack, Multi-user mode, Sidesync 3.0, Gear & Gear fit manager
Free Downloadable apps	Group Play, S-Note, S Translator, Samsung Link, Scrapbook, Story Album, Video Editor,
Free Downloadable apps	Gear Manager, Gear Fit Manager, Samsung Smart Switch, Samsung Level, E-meeting, Kids Mode, Kids Piano(Ding Dong Tap), S-Console, Hanshow, Hancell, Hanwrite
Google Mobile Services	Chrome, Gmail, Google Search, Maps, Play Store, Voice Search, YouTube, Google+, Hangouts, Play books, Play Games, Play Newsstand, Play Movies & TV, Play Music, Drive, Google setting, Photos
Connectivity	WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac MIMO, WiFi Direct, Bluetooth®4.0, IrLED
GPS	GPS, GLONASS, Beidou(not supported in USA, Canada)
Sensor	Accelerometer, Fingerprint Sensor, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Hall Sensor, RGB Sensor*Proximity Sensor(only LTE ver)
Memory	3GB (RAM) + 16/32GB internal memorymicroSD up to 128GB
Dimension / Weight	125.6 x 212.8 x 6.6mm, 294g(Wifi) /298g(LTE)
Battery	4,900mAh

They have also released a load of images for the eight inch model too.

Software wise Samsung have done their usual thing of adding some special apps that in theory raise the value. They call them Galaxy Gifts. Samsung have also added some handy tablet optimisations as well.

The Galaxy Tab S delivers an unmatched selection of enhanced productivity and security features that provide users with the ability to effortlessly and safely multitask. Users can make and receive calls directly from their phone to their Galaxy Tab S, anywhere at home, no matter where their phone is with the Call Forwarding feature via SideSync 3.0. The Galaxy Tab S also allows consumers to truly multitask, enabling them to surf the web, watch videos, share content and make calls simultaneously without having to worry about closing out of one to access another. With Quick Connect, Galaxy Tab S quickly finds and connects to nearby devices, for easy content sharing. These features are all available on both WiFi and LTE versions.

Additional useful features include a ‘Multi User Mode’ that enables users to create their own personal optimized profile, safe and convenient access with a built-in ‘Fingerprint Scanner,’ and a specially designed ‘Kids’ Mode’ with its own dedicated interface and kid-friendly applications.

So overall Samsung actually have my attention with these tablets, nicely high spec and no doubt easy to purchase. The only concern being the price and whether or not the software is overbearing, which during my recent time with the Galaxy S5 I doubt it will be. Lastly, yes there is more in addition to the selection of accessories and apps for the tablets we’ve got a lovely press release for you, just hit the button below.

Show Press Release (1,024 More Words)

London, UK – 13 June, 2014 – Samsung Electronics has today announced the Galaxy Tab S, Samsung’s thinnest and lightest tablet to date. This Super AMOLED tablet combines the most advanced display technology with a full range of premium content for an unrivalled entertainment experience. The Galaxy Tab S is also powered with enhanced productivity features for effortless multitasking, all elegantly housed in a stylish, yet practical design.

“The tablet is becoming a popular personal viewing device for enjoying content, which makes the quality of the display a critical feature,” said JK Shin, CEO and President of IT & Mobile Division, Samsung Electronics. “With the launch of the Galaxy Tab S, Samsung is setting the industry bar higher for the entire mobile industry. It will provide consumers with a visual and entertainment experience that brings colours to life, beautifully packaged in a sleek and ultra-portable mobile device.”

Turn up the Colour with the Industry’s Best Mobile Display – Super AMOLED

The Galaxy Tab S is the next evolution in mobile display technology, delivering a wider range of rich and crisp colours. Its industry-leading WQXGA (2560×1600, 16:10) Super AMOLED display delivers more than 90% of Adobe RGB colour coverage – expressing more colours than ever before – and has a remarkable 100,000:1 contrast ratio which provides deeper and more realistic images by making blacks darker and whites brighter.

Featuring additional Samsung screen technologies that go beyond the hardware specifications, the tablet’s Adaptive Displayensures the best visual experience anywhere, anytime by adjusting gamma, saturation, and sharpness based on the application, the colour temperature of the viewing environment and the lighting. Pre-set professional modes – AMOLED Cinema andAMOLED Photo – also mean you can manually adjust the display settings for bright, dynamic results across both video and photo content.

In addition, with the Galaxy Tab S you can fully enjoy content clearly and easily outdoors, even in bright sunlight. The tablet’s advanced outdoor visibility technology makes on-screen content look bright, natural, and easy to view.

Since Super AMOLED technology doesn’t require a backlight, the Galaxy Tab S consumes less energy than comparative LCD displays while maintaining a very portable design. There are two models, both of which have a sleek 6.6mm profile and at only 465g (10.5-inch) and 294g (8.4-inch)*, that are light and easy to carry. With its longer-lasting battery, and Ultra-Power Saving Mode, the Galaxy Tab S lets you enjoy hours of entertainment without having to worry about recharging.

* Device weights are measured with WIFI only version of Galaxy Tab S 10.5-inch and 8.4-inch

Premium Content Eco-System

The Galaxy Tab S is made for entertainment and comes packed with a variety of content including:

– “Kick” a new football app that promises to revolutionise the way that European fans consume the ‘beautiful game’. It provides in-depth and visually compelling sports data in real-time as matches get played, delivering a unique football companion experience. Users are updated on all the news and action as it happens, empowering fans with more information about the game before, during, and after each match.

– Samsung’s magazine service,“Papergarden” debuts on the Galaxy Tab S. An optimised viewing environment for digital interactive magazines, you will be able to view a wide range of popular magazines in vivid and true-to-life colour.

– Galaxy Gifts: Samsung has teamed up with more than 30 of the world’s leading mobile content and service providers to offer the ultimate home, work and play entertainment experience through premium content and services across a wide range of industries. Some of these include:

o With Samsung’s strategic partnership with Marvel, you will be able to access over 15,000 Marvel Comics with three months of unlimited free membership to Marvel’s“Marvel Unlimited” app.

o Kindle for Samsung: Exclusively for Samsung customers, and customised for the Galaxy Tab S, you will receive a free book every month through Samsung Book Deals, plus the ultimate e-reading experience with access to a vast selection of e-books in the Kindle store.

– Samsung has also partnered withGoogle Play, Google’s online digital entertainment store, offering apps, games, music, movies, books and magazines. To get you started, Samsung and Google Play are offering several gifts including access to a range of movie and entertainment content, including the Warner Bros. Academy Award winning movie “Gravity” as well as a variety of books and magazines from top publishers through the “My Library” widget.

Stylish Form Factor and Practical Accessories

Beautifully crafted and designed, the Galaxy Tab S is modern and sleek. Extending this design identity, the Galaxy Tab S offers a choice of several fashionable and practically designed custom accessories. The Book Cover accessory configures to three different display angles to provide the most comfortable position to watch videos, read or type. For those looking for the same protective structure of the Book Cover but with a slimmer design, Samsung offers theSimple Cover that offers a perfectly fitted, lightweight protection. The Bluetooth Keyboard is a new, ergonomically designed ultra-slim keyboard designed specifically for the Galaxy Tab S which perfectly pairs the device with the keyboard with a clasp for better protection.

The Galaxy Experience – Productivity Features That Help You Multitask

The Galaxy Tab S delivers an unmatched selection of enhanced productivity and security features that provide you with the ability to effortlessly and safely multitask. You can make and receive calls directly from the phone to the Galaxy Tab S, anywhere at home, no matter where their phone is with theCall Forwarding feature via SideSync 3.0. The Galaxy Tab S also allows you to truly multitask, enabling you to surf the web, watch videos, share content and make calls simultaneously without having to worry about closing out of one to access another. WithQuick Connect, the Galaxy Tab S quickly finds and connects to nearby devices, for easy content sharing. These features are all available on both WiFi and LTE versions.

Additional useful features include a ‘Multi User Mode’ which enables you to create your own personal optimised profile, safe and convenient access with a built -in ‘Fingerprint Scanner,’ and a specially designed ‘Kids’ Mode’ with its own dedicated interface and kid-friendly applications.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S will come in a variety of connectivity options: Wi-Fi, or Wi-Fi and LTE, available in 16/32GB* + MicroSD (up to 128GB). You can also choose between the 10.5-inch and 8.4-inch versions, in Titanium Bronze or Dazzling White. The Galaxy Tab S will be available in selected markets from July 2014.