Samsung Galaxy S II

The Samsung Galaxy S II is a touchscreen-enabled, slate-format Android smartphone designed, developed, and marketed by Samsung Electronics. It has additional software features, expanded hardware, and a redesigned physique compared to its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy S. The SII was launched with Android 2.3 "Gingerbread", with updates to Android 4.1.2 "Jelly Bean"

Samsung unveiled the S II on 13 February 2011 at the Mobile World Congress.^[6] It was one of the slimmest smartphones of the time, mostly 8.49 mm thick, except for two small bulges which take the maximum thickness of the phone to 9.91 mm.^[7] The Galaxy S II has a 1.2 GHz dual-core "Exynos" system on a chip (SoC) processor,^[8] 1 GB of RAM, a 10.8 cm (4.3 in) WVGA Super AMOLED Plus screen display and an 8-megapixel camera with flash and 1080pfull high definition video recording. It is one of the first devices to offer a Mobile High-definition Link (MHL),^[9] which allows up to 1080p uncompressed video output to an MHL enabled TV or to an MHL to HDMI adapter, while charging the device at the same time. USB On-The-Go is supported.^[10][11]

The user-replaceable battery gives up to ten hours of heavy usage, or two days of lighter usage.^[12] According to Samsung, the Galaxy S II is capable of providing 9 hours of talk time on 3G and 18.3 hours on 2G.^[12][13]

The Galaxy SII was succeeded by the Samsung Galaxy S III in May 2012

Hardware and design[edit]

Dismantled Samsung Galaxy S II, from left to right components include the handset, battery and back cover

The Galaxy S II has a 1.2 GHz dual core ARM Cortex-A9 processor that uses Samsung's own 'Exynos 4210' System on a chip (SoC) that was previously code-named "Orion". The Exynos branded SoC was the source of much speculation concerning another branded successor to the previous "Hummingbird" single-core SoC of the Samsung Galaxy S. The Exynos 4 Dual 45 nm (previously Exynos 4210) uses ARM's Mali-400 MP GPU.^[36][37] This graphics GPU, supplied by ARM, is a move away from the PowerVR GPU of the Samsung Galaxy S.^[38]

The Exynos 4210 supports ARM's SIMD engine (also known as Media Processing Engine, or 'NEON' instructions), and may give a significant performance advantage in critical performance situations such as accelerated decoding for many multimedia codecs and formats (e.g., On2's VP6/7/8 or Real formats).^[39][40][41]

The Mali 400 GPU in the Exynos 4210 SOC is one of the only, if not the only GPU powering Android devices, that does not support GL_RGB Framebuffer Objects (FBOs), only GL_RGBA. The newer Galaxy S II (9100G), based on the PowerVR SGX540, does not exhibit the issue.

At the 2011 Game Developers Conference ARM's representatives demonstrated 60 Hz framerate playback in stereoscopic 3D running on the same Mali-400 MP and Exynos SoC. They said that an increased framerate of 70 Hz would be possible through the use of an HDMI 1.4 port.^[37]

The Motorola Atrix advertised in June 2011 that it was "the world's most powerful smartphone"; in August 2011 the UKAdvertising Standards Authority ruled that the Atrix was not as powerful as Galaxy SII due to its faster processor.^[42]

A newer Samsung Galaxy S II (i9100G) uses a 1.2 GHz dual core TI OMAP 4430 processor with PowerVR SGX540 graphics.^[43]

The Galaxy S II has 1 GB of dedicated RAM and 16 GB of internal mass storage. Within the battery compartment there is an external microSD card slot capable of recognizing and utilizing a 64 GB microSDXC card.^{[44][verification needed]}

The Samsung Galaxy S II uses a 108.5-millimetre (4.27 in)^[11] WVGA (800 x 480) Super AMOLED Plus capacitive touchscreen that is covered by Gorilla Glass with an oleophobic fingerprint-resistant coating. The display is an upgrade of its predecessor, and the "Plus" signifies that the display panel has done away with Pentile matrix to regular RGBmatrix display which results in a 50% increase in sub-pixels. This translates to grain reduction and sharper images and text. In addition, Samsung has claimed that Super AMOLED Plus displays are 18% more power efficient than the older Super AMOLED displays.^[45] Some phones have display issues, with a few users reporting a "yellow tint" on the left bottom edge of the display when a neutral grey background is displayed.^[46]

The Galaxy S II uses Yamaha audio hardware.^[47] The Galaxy S II's predecessor, the original Galaxy S, used Wolfson's WM8994 DAC.^[48] User feedback on Internet forums as well as an in-depth review at Clove,^[47] have expressed the Yamaha chip's inferior sound quality compared to that of the Wolfson chip featured in the original Galaxy S.

On the back of the device is an 8-megapixel Back-illuminated sensor^[49] camera with single-LED flash that can record videos in full high-definition 1080p at 30 frames per second. There is also a fixed focus front-facing 2-megapixel camera for video calling, taking photos as well as general video recording, with a maximum resolution of 640x480 (VGA).

The Galaxy S II is one of the earliest Android devices to natively support NFC Near field communication.^[31] This follows on from the Google Nexus S which was the first de facto NFC smartphone device.^[50] Reportedly the UK version was supplied without an NFC chip at the beginning of its production run,^[51] with an NFC-equipped version released later in 2011.^[52]

Samsung has also included a new high-definition connection technology called Mobile High-definition Link (MHL). The main specialty of MHL is that it is optimized for mobile devices by allowing the device's battery to be charged while at the same time playing back multimedia content.^[53] For the Galaxy S II, the industry standard micro USB port found on the bottom of the device can be used with an MHL connector for a TV out connection to an external display, such as a high definition television.^[54]

The micro USB port on this device also supports USB OTG standard which means the Galaxy S II can act as a 'host' device in the same way as a desktop computer in allowing external USB devices to be plugged in and used.^[10] These external USB devices typically include USB flash drives and separately powered external hard drives. A video demonstration on YouTube^[55] has shown the OTG function to be readily available with an ordinary micro USB (B-type) OTG adaptor. The same YouTube video goes on to mention a successful test completed on a 2 TB USB external hard drive (requiring own power source) but however reports of failure when trying to connect USB keyboards, tested USB mice and tested USB game pads. Currently the only file-system supported for USB drives within OTG is FAT32.

A 3.5 mm TRRS headset jack is available and is located on the top side of the device. The micro USB connection port is located on the bottom side of the device.

Broadcom BCM4330 combo chip integrates 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0+HS and FM radio.^[56][57] Phones released to the US market lack the FM receiver. BCM4330 supports Wi-Fi Direct that enable devices to communicate directly with one another without having to interact with an access point. Even if the BCM4330 chip supports Bluetooth 4.0, the Galaxy S2 is limited to Bluetooth 3.0 using the last Android version released by Samsung (4.1.2). Bluetooth 4.0 support has been introduced in Android 4.3 versions, however the upgrade to an alternative firmware is required

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Sony Xperia Z1

The Sony Xperia Z1 is an Android smartphone produced by Sony. The Z1, at that point known by the project code name "Honami", was unveiled during a press conference in IFA 2013 on 4 September 2013. The phone was released in China on 15 September 2013, in the UK on 20 September 2013, and entered more markets in October 2013. On 13 January 2014, the Sony Xperia Z1s, a modified version of the Sony Xperia Z1 exclusive to T-Mobile US, was released in the United States.

Like its predecessor, the Sony Xperia Z, the Xperia Z1 is waterproof and dustproof, and has an IP rating of IP55 and IP58. The key highlight of the Z1 is the 20.7 megapixel camera, paired with Sony's in-house G lens and its image processing algorithm called BIONZ. The phone also comes with Sony's new camera user interface, dedicated shutter button and has an aluminium and glass unibody design

Hardware[edit]

The Sony Xperia Z1's design is "Omni-Balance", according to Sony, which is focused on creating balance and symmetry in all directions. Xperia Z1 has subtly rounded edges and smooth, reflective surfaces on all sides, which are held together by a skeleton frame made from aluminium. The phone features tempered glass, which is Sony's own and they claim is even tougher than Gorilla Glass, front and back, covered by shatterproof film on front and back. The aluminium power button is placed on the right side of the device. A dedicated hardware shutter key for easy access to camera is provided on the lower right side. The location is said to make operation easier. The metallic look and positioning of the power button is inspired by luxury watch crown design. Easy access to external memory card and sim card slots are provided. The sim card can be removed easily with bare hands. The phone is available in three colours: black, white, and purple. The Xperia Z1 is thicker (8.5mm) and heavier (169g)^[3] and has thicker screen bezels than theXperia Z, even though the two phones share the same screen size. Sony said that the frame had to be enlarged due to the larger than average camera sensor.^[4] The camera sensor size is 1/2.3" same as commonly are used in bridge camera.^[5] The phone is certified waterproof to 1.5 m for up to 30 minutes.^[6] The Z1 is dust resistant with an IP rating of 55 and 58. Unlike the Xperia Z, the Xperia Z1 doesn't have a flap covering its headphone jack, but maintains its waterproofing, a move welcomed by many due to the waterproofing warranty on the Sony Xperia Z being reliant on all ports being sealed. Additional less obvious connectivity includes support for USB OTG allowing for the connection of external USB devices^[7][8] as well as support for MHL output connection.^[9] The Xperia Z1 comes with 2GB of RAM andQualcomm's quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor clocked at 2.15 GHz. It also contains a 5.0 inch Sony Triluminosand its X-Reality Engine for better image and video viewing, the displays resolution is 1920x1080 with 441 pixels per inch. The Sony Xperia Z1 has a 3000mAh battery

Software[edit]

The Xperia Z1 was initially shipped with Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean) with Sony's custom launcher on top. Some notable additions to the software include Sony's Media applications – Walkman, Album and Videos. NFC is also a core feature of the device, allowing 'one touch' to mirror what is on the smartphone to compatible TVs or play music on a NFC wireless speaker. Additionally, the device includes a battery stamina mode which increases the phone's standby time up to 4 times. Several Google applications (such as Google Chrome, Google Play, Google search (with voice), Google Maps and Google Talk) already come preloaded. Sony also radically changed its camera user-interface; it added new features, such as TimeShift and AR effects.

As of firmware update .290 the bootloader can officially be unlocked without losing camera functionality.

On 28 January 2014 Sony began the roll out of firmware update .136, in addition to bug fixes Sony included the White Balance feature which allows the user to customize the white balance of their display.

On 7 November 2013, Sony Mobile announced via their blog that the Xperia Z1 would receive the Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean) update in December. It also announced that the Android 4.4 update will eventually be released for the Xperia Z1.^[10]

On 19 March 2014, the Xperia Z1 received the Android 4.4.2 (KitKat) update.^[11]

On 27 June 2014, the Xperia Z1 received the Android 4.4.4 (KitKat) update, which corrected various bugs introduced in the previous Android 4.4.2 update.^[12]

On 18 November 2014, the Xperia Z1 (And other Xperia devices) got an update that removed the "What's new" application when swiping up, because of user complaints.^[13]

On 15 April 2015, Sony Mobile officially released the Android 5.0.2 Lollipop update for the Xperia Z1 starting with build number 14.5.A.0.242. The PlayStation App on the Xperia Z1 came preinstalled on the Lollipop update, whereas it was previously not preinstalled on earlier Jelly Bean and KitKat updates.^[14]

In September 2015, Sony Mobile officially released the Android 5.1.1 Lollipop update for the Xperia Z1 starting with build number 14.6.A.0.368

On November 5, 2015, Sony Mobile officially released another update to newly released Android 5.1.1 Lollipop for the Xperia Z1 bearing the build number

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Sony Xperia Z2

The Sony Xperia Z2 is an Android smartphone manufactured by Sony and released in April 2014. Under the codename "Sirius", Xperia Z2 serves as the successor to the Sony Xperia Z1. Like its predecessor, the Xperia Z2 is water and dust proof with an IP rating of IP55 and IP58. The phone features a new IPS LED display, a Snapdragon 801 processor and the ability to record 4K videos.^[4] The Xperia Z2 also allows removable microSD storage.

It was unveiled alongside the Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet and the Sony Xperia M2 during the 2014 Mobile World Congressin Barcelona, Spain, on February 24, 2014,^[5][6] and was first released in Taiwan on March 24, 2014,^[7] in Singapore on April 5, 2014,^[8] and entered more markets between April and May 2014. In the United States, the Xperia Z2 was released unlocked through the Sony Store on July 21, 2014.^[9]

Many reviewers praised the phone's screen, camera and waterproof design, but criticized its size and some camera software issues

Hardware[edit]

The Sony Xperia Z2 features a 5.2 inch BRAVIA IPS LCD Triluminos display with a resolution of 1080 by 1920 pixels (Full HD) with a pixel density of 424 ppi.^[11] Additionally, display features such as Live Color LED technology reproduces richer colours and more uniform backlighting as compared to the Sony Xperia Z1.^[12] It has a large 1/2.3" 20.7megapixel camera with Sony's in-house G lens with Sony BIONZ for mobile image processor and Exmor RS for mobile image sensor. The camera is capable of HDR and 4K video recording. It also supports 4K video output via MHL 3.0.^[13]It also features a front-facing camera of 2.2 megapixels. The phone is available in three different colors, black, purple and white.^[14]

On the inside, the Xperia Z2 features a slightly tweaked Snapdragon 800 processor (known as Snapdragon 801) clocked at 2.3 GHz sealed with a high capacity 3200mAh battery, 3GB of RAM with 16GB (11.57GB user accessible, as shown on the device) internal storage and has microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC support up to 128GB (note that SD card can be used for app storage under android Lollipop v5.0.2 and later). The Xperia Z2 is lighter and also thinner than its predecessor weighing at 163g and measuring 146.8mm by 73.3mm by 8.2mm. For connectivity, the phone supports NFC, Bluetooth 4.0, DLNA and FM radio.^[15] The ability to connect an external USB device is a feature otherwise known as USB OTG which the Xperia Z2 also supports.^[16] Digital noise cancellation technology is also built into the phone which works by using the headsets included with the phone

Software[edit]

The Xperia Z2 runs the Android 4.4.2 "KitKat" operating system with Sony's custom launcher with some notable applications additions, such as Sony's media applications (Walkman(currently updated to music), Album and Videos). With NFC on the Xperia Z2, it allows 'screen mirroring' to mirror what is on the smartphone screen to compatible TVs or play music on a NFC wireless speaker. Additionally, the device also includes Sony's battery stamina mode, which extends the phone's standby up to 4 times. Several Google applications (such as Google Chrome, Google Play, Google Search and Voice, Google Maps and Google Talk) are also preloaded onto the phone. New features added to the software includes 'Smart Backlight' - which keeps the phone display on for as long as the user is looking at it and 'Glove Mode'.^[12]

Sony announced on their blog that the whole Xperia Z series will be getting the Android 5.0 "Lollipop" update. The update will be carried out at the start of 2015.^[17]

Android 5.0 Lollipop started rolling out on 7 April 2015. The update in the United Kingdom rolled out on 16 April 2015.

Sony announced on their blog that the Xperia Z2 will get Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow after the release of Xperia Z5

Marketing[edit]

In June 2014, the Xperia Z2 was announced as the "official smartphone" of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.^[18] In Sweden, customers who purchased the phone also received one of Sony's wearable devices, the Sony SmartBand SWR10

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iPhone 4s

Das iPhone 4s ist das fünfte Smartphone der iPhone-Reihe des US-amerikanischen Unternehmens Apple. Es wurde im Oktober 2011 unter dem Namen iPhone 4S in den Markt eingeführt,^[3] im Herbst 2013 erfolgte die Umbenennung in iPhone 4s, wobei zumindest das große „S“ für die Sprachsteuerung Siri stehen sollte.^[4]

Auf dem iPhone 4s kommt Apples Betriebssystem iOS ab Version 5.0 zum Einsatz, wobei die aktuelle Version 9.3.1 ist. Es wird hauptsächlich durch Fingerberührungen am Multi-Touch-Bildschirm bedien

Geschichte[Bearbeiten | Quelltext bearbeiten]

Das iPhone 4s wurde am 4. Oktober 2011 im Rahmen des Events "Let's Talk iPhone" einen Tag vor dem TodSteve Jobs' vom Apple-CEO Tim Cook der Öffentlichkeit präsentiert.

Technische Daten

Der 3,5-Zoll-„Retina“-Bildschirm des iPhone 4s besitzt eine Auflösung von 640 × 960 Pixeln. Das Gerät verfügt über einen Apple-A5-SoC, das laut Apple gegenüber dem Vorgänger bis zu doppelt so viel Rechenleistung und eine bis zu siebenmal höhere Grafikleistung aufweisen soll, sowie über HSPA+ mit 14,4 Mbit/s. Die Vorgänger iPhone 4 und 3GS unterstützen lediglich herkömmliches HSDPA mit 7,2 Mbit/s im Downstream. Um HSPA+ von HSPA abzugrenzen, zeigt das iPhone 4s beim Empfang von HSPA+ ein 4G in der Statusleiste an. Dabei handelt es sich jedoch nicht um das LTE-Netz.^[5]

Es besitzt eine 8-Megapixel-iSight-Kamera, mit der Videos in 1080p-Auflösung (Full HD) und mit einem Sichtbereich von horizontal 56,42 Grad bzw. vertikal 43,90 Grad^[6]aufgenommen werden können. Zu den weiteren Neuerungen zählen, dass es zwei Mobilfunkantennen anstelle einer einzelnen hat, die Einbindung der Software Siri für die Erkennung und Verarbeitung von gesprochener Sprache, sowie das iOS-5-Betriebssystem. Zusätzlich zu GPS unterstützt es erstmals das GLONASS-Navigationssystem.^[7]

Das iPhone 4s ist erstmals das erste iPhone, welches 5 Major Updates (iOS 5, 6, 7, 8 und iOS 9) unterstützt. Es ist zudem auch das letzte iPhone mit 30-Pin Ladebuchse.

Nach der Vorstellung des iPhone 5s und iPhone 5c im September 2013 wurde das iPhone 4s im Apple Online Store nur noch in einer 8 GB-Version angeboten. Mit der Vorstellung der indirekten Nachfolger iPhone 6 undiPhone 6 Plus nahm Apple das iPhone 4s nach rund 3 Jahren Vertrieb planmäßig aus dem AngebotDas iPhone 4s wurde sowohl in weißer als auch in schwarzer Ausführung mit 8 (ab September 2013), 16, 32 und als erstes iPhone mit 64 GB angeboten. Das Antennendesign der CDMA-Variante des iPhone 4 wurde übernommen. Erkennbar ist dies an den seitlichen Einkerbungen am Antennenrahmen. Aufgrund der Verwendung des CDMA- und GSM-Standards ist das iPhone 4s ein sogenanntes Welttelefon. Im iPhone 4s arbeitet ein A5-Chip mit 800 MHz-Prozessor (200 MHz langsamer getaktet als im iPad 2), der aufgrund höherer Leistungsaufnahme mehr Strom als der A4-Chip im iPhone 4 benötigt. Apple gibt den maximalenBereitschaftsbetrieb mit 200 Stunden an; das Vorgängermodell brachte es auf 300 Stunden.^[8]

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Samsung Galaxy S III

The Samsung Galaxy S III is a multi-touch, slate-format smartphone designed, developed, and marketed by Samsung Electronics that runs the Android operating system. It has additional software features, expanded hardware, and a redesigned physique from its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy S II. The S III employs an intelligent personal assistant(S Voice), eye-tracking ability, and increased storage. Although a wireless charging option was announced, it never came to fruition. Depending on country, the 4.8-inch (120 mm) smartphone comes with different processors and RAMcapacity, and 4G LTE support.^[12] The device was launched with Android 4.0.4 "Ice Cream Sandwich", was updated toAndroid 4.3 "Jelly Bean", and can be updated to Android 4.4 "KitKat" on variants with 2 GB of RAM. The phone's successor, the Samsung Galaxy S4, was announced on 14 March 2013 and was released the following month.

Following an 18-month development phase, Samsung unveiled the S III on 3 May 2012.^[13] The device was released in 28 European and Middle Eastern countries on 29 May 2012, before being progressively released in other major markets in June 2012. Prior to release, 9 million pre-orders were placed by more than 100 carriers globally.^[14] The S III was released by approximately 300 carriers in nearly 150 countries at the end of July 2012.^[4] More than 20 million units of the S III were sold within the first 100 days of release.^[15] Samsung has since sold more than 50 million units.^[5]

Due to overwhelming demand and a manufacturing problem with the blue version of the phone,^[16] there was an extensive shortage of the S III, especially in the United States. Nevertheless, the S III was well-received commercially and critically, with some technology commentators touting it as the "iPhone killer". In September 2012, TechRadarranked it as the No. 1 handset in its constantly updated list of the 20 best mobile phones,^[17] while Stuff magazine likewise ranked it at No. 1 in its list of 10 best smartphones in May 2012.^[18] The handset also won the "European Mobile Phone of 2012–13" award from the European Imaging and Sound Association,^[19] as well as T3 magazine's "Phone of the Year" award for 2012.^[20] It played a major role in boosting Samsung's record operating profit during the second quarter of 2012.^[21] As of November 2012, the S III is part of a high-profile lawsuit between Samsung and Apple.^[22] In November 2012, research firm Strategy Analytics announced that the S III had overtaken the Apple iPhone 4S to become the world's best-selling smartphone model in Q3 2012.^[23] In June 2014, Samsung also released the "Galaxy S3 Neo" which has a Quad core processor clocked either at 1.2 or 1.4 GHz. It has 1.5 GB of RAM and ships with Android 4.4.4 KitKa

Software and services

The S III is powered by Android, a Linux-based, open source mobile operating system developed by Google and introduced commercially in 2008.^[61][62] Among other features, the software allows users to maintain customized home screens which can contain shortcuts to applications and widgets for displaying information. Four shortcuts to frequently used applications can be stored on a dock at the bottom of the screen; the button in the center of the dock opens the application drawer, which displays a menu containing all of the apps installed on the device. A tray accessed by dragging from the top of the screen allows users to view notifications received from other apps, and contains toggle switches for commonly used functions. Pre-loaded apps also provide access to Google's various services. The S III uses Samsung's proprietary TouchWiz graphical user interface (GUI). The "Nature" version used by the S III has a more "organic" feel than previous versions, and contains more interactive elements such as a water ripple effect on the lock screen.^[24] To complement the TouchWiz interface, and as a response to Apple's Siri, the phone introduces S Voice, Samsung's intelligent personal assistant. S Voice can recognize eight languages including English, Korean, Italian andFrench.^[63] Based on Vlingo, S Voice enables the user to verbally control 20 functions such as playing a song, setting the alarm, or activating driving mode; it relies on Wolfram Alpha for online searches.^[50]

The S III initially shipped with Android version 4.0.4, named "Ice Cream Sandwich", which became commercially available in March 2012 with the Nexus S and Galaxy Nexus.^[64] Ice Cream Sandwich has a refined user interface, expanded camera capabilities, security features and connectivity.^[65]In mid-June 2012, Google unveiled Android 4.1 "Jelly Bean", which employs Google Now, a voice-assistant similar to S Voice, and incorporates other software changes. Samsung accommodated Jelly Bean in the S III by making last-minute hardware changes to the phone in some markets.^[66] Jelly Bean updates began rolling out to S IIIs in selected European countries, and to the T-Mobile in the United States in November 2012.^[67][68] Samsung started pushing Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean to the international version of the S III in December 2012.^[69] In December 2013, Samsung began rolling out Android 4.3 for the S III, adding user interface features back ported from the Galaxy S4, and support for the Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch.^[8] In March 2014, Samsung started the rollout of 4.4.2 KitKat for the 2 GB variant of the S III.

The S III comes with a multitude of pre-installed applications, including standard Android ones like YouTube, Google+, Voice Search, Google Play, Gmail, Map, and Calendar, in addition to Samsung-specific apps such as ChatON, Game Hub, Music Hub, Video Hub, Social Hub and Navigation.^[54][56] To address the fact that iPhone users are reluctant to switch to Android because the OS is not compatible with iTunes, from June 2012 Samsung offered customers of its Galaxy series the Easy Phone Sync app to enable the transfer of music, photos, videos, podcasts, and text messages from an iPhone to a Galaxy device.^[70] The user is able to access Google Play, a digital-distribution multimedia-content service exclusive to Android, to download applications, movies, music, TV programs, games, books, and magazines.

Apart from S Voice, Samsung has directed the bulk of the S III's marketing campaign towards the device's "smart" features, which facilitate improved human-device interactivity. These features include: "Direct Call", or the handset's ability to recognise when a user wants to talk to somebody instead of messaging them, if they bring the phone to their head; "Social Tag", a function that identifies and tags people in a photo and shares photos with them; and "Pop Up Play", which allows a video and other applications to occupy the screen at the same time.^[71] In addition, the S III can beam its screen to a TV or be used as a remote controller (AllShare Cast and Play) and share photos with people who are tagged in them (Buddy Photo Share).^[71][71]

The S III can access and play traditional media formats such as music, movies, TV programs, audiobooks, and podcasts, and can sort its media library alphabetically by song title, artist, album, playlist, folder, and genre. One notable feature of the S III's music player is Music Square, which analyses a song's intensity and ranks the song by mood so that the user can play songs according to their current emotional state.^[48] The device also introduced Music Hub, an online music store powered by 7digital with a catalogue of over 19 million songs.^[72]

The S III was the first smartphone to support Voice Over LTE with the introduction of HD Voice service in South Korea.^[73] The phone enables video calling with its 1.9 MP front-facing camera, and with support for the aptX codec, improves Bluetooth-headset connectivity.^[74] Texting on the S III does not embody any new significant features from the S II. Speech-to-text is aided by the Vlingo and Google's voice-recognition assistant. Not unlike other Android devices, there are a multitude of third-party typing applications available that could complement the S III's stock keyboard.^[75]

On 18 June 2012, Samsung announced that the S III would have a version with enterprise software under the company's Samsung Approved For Enterprise (SAFE) program, an initiative facilitating the use of its devices for "bring your own device" scenarios in workplace environments.^[76] The enterprise S III version would support AES-256 bit encryption, VPN and Mobile Device Management functionality, and Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync.^[77] It was scheduled to be released in the United States in July 2012. The enterprise version was expected to penetrate the business market dominated by Research in Motion's BlackBerry, following the release of similar enterprise versions of the Galaxy Note, Galaxy S II and the Galaxy Tab line of tablet computers.^[77][78]

A separate "Developer Edition" of the S III was made available from Samsung's Developer Portal. It came with an unlockable bootloader to allow the user to modify the phone's software

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