Apple and Samsung are parting ways

Apple is reportedly cutting ties with Samsung. Source: Supplied

APPLE is planning to sever ties with Samsung, who produces the A7 processors for its mobile devices.

An unnamed executive working for a Samsung partner revealed that Apple is looking to move its business to Taiwan, as the company has allegedly shared information regarding the A7 processors with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the Korea Times reports.

The processors are expected be to available in the first half of 2014 for use in mobile devices and it’s looking like Apple is preparing to decrease its dependence on Samsung for its component parts. Despite the fact that a recent $1 billion settlement between Apple and Samsung was slashed nearly in half, Apple still pays billions of dollars a year to its primary competitor for components like processors and displays.

Moving their business to TSMC might prove to be a strategically sound move for Apple as the Taiwanese-based company has recently boasted of success with producing 20-nanometer chips while expecting a sharp uptick in shipments of their 28-nanometer design in 2013. The same source said that Samsung is looking to deepen its relationship with NVIDIA as Apple gradually cuts the ties that bind them.

Melissa Grey is a lover of all things cats, Batman, and outer space. She can be found on MyIGN at MelissaGrey or lurking on Twitter @meligrey.

Follow IGN Australia on Twitter

View the original article here

Apple and Samsung are parting ways

Apple is reportedly cutting ties with Samsung. Source: Supplied

APPLE is planning to sever ties with Samsung, who produces the A7 processors for its mobile devices.

An unnamed executive working for a Samsung partner revealed that Apple is looking to move its business to Taiwan, as the company has allegedly shared information regarding the A7 processors with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the Korea Times reports.

The processors are expected be to available in the first half of 2014 for use in mobile devices and it’s looking like Apple is preparing to decrease its dependence on Samsung for its component parts. Despite the fact that a recent $1 billion settlement between Apple and Samsung was slashed nearly in half, Apple still pays billions of dollars a year to its primary competitor for components like processors and displays.

Moving their business to TSMC might prove to be a strategically sound move for Apple as the Taiwanese-based company has recently boasted of success with producing 20-nanometer chips while expecting a sharp uptick in shipments of their 28-nanometer design in 2013. The same source said that Samsung is looking to deepen its relationship with NVIDIA as Apple gradually cuts the ties that bind them.

Melissa Grey is a lover of all things cats, Batman, and outer space. She can be found on MyIGN at MelissaGrey or lurking on Twitter @meligrey.

Follow IGN Australia on Twitter

View the original article here

Will Samsung make you switch phones?

Samsung's new Galaxy S4 is seen during its unveiling on March 14, 2013 at Radio City Music Hall in New York. The slim, feature-rich Galaxy S4 was introduced as Samsung's new champion in the fiercely competitive smartphone arena, scheduled to roll out in 155 countries in late April. AFP PHOTO / Don EMMERT Source: AFP

View the original article here

Will Samsung make you switch phones?

Samsung's new Galaxy S4 is seen during its unveiling on March 14, 2013 at Radio City Music Hall in New York. The slim, feature-rich Galaxy S4 was introduced as Samsung's new champion in the fiercely competitive smartphone arena, scheduled to roll out in 155 countries in late April. AFP PHOTO / Don EMMERT Source: AFP

View the original article here

Samsung unveils Galaxy S4

Plenty of song and dance at the launch of Samsung's newest smartphone, the S4. Here's a snapshot of the live streamed event.

SAMSUNG'S first iPhone-beating smartphone will be replaced with a model that tracks your eyes and fingertips, lets you control it with the wave of a hand, reports on your exercise, and uses eight computing brains for a speed boost.

The South Korean company revealed its highly anticipated Galaxy S IV in one of the world's biggest phone launches this morning in New York, broadcasting its unveiling to Times Square and hundreds gathered at Radio City Music Hall.

More than 300,000 people tuned in to watch the live stream on YouTube.

JK Shin, President and Head of IT and Mobile Communications for Samsung Electronics, presents the new Samsung Galaxy S 4 during the Samsung Unpacked event at Radio City Music Hall, Thursday, March 14, 2013 in New York. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow) Source: AP

The handset, which looks similar to the Galaxy S III it replaces, also features a larger and significantly crisper 5-inch screen, a slimmer body and a larger battery, and sources say it will be available in Australia by late April.

Samsung Australia marketing director Arno Lenior said while the new phone featured a significantly better 5-inch screen, many of its innovations were only evident inside.

People interact with the Samsung Galaxy S IV, March 14, 2013 in New York City Allison Joyce/Getty Images/AFP Source: Getty Images

"As much as the phone features new hardware enhancements, there's been a lot of software additions to this smartphone,'' Mr Lenior said.

New hardware in the Galaxy S IV includes a full high-definition Super AMOLED screen for the first time with a greater resolution than the iPhone 5, an eight-core 1.6GHz processor for increased speed, a larger battery and an infra-red "blaster" so the phone could be used as a TV remote control.

People interact with the Samsung Galaxy S IV, March 14, 2013 in New York City Allison Joyce/Getty Images/AFP Source: Getty Images

New software features in the phone include eye-tracking technology that determines whether you're looking at the screen and automatically pauses video when you're not paying attention, or lets you tilt the phone to scroll up and down websites when your eyes are looking them.

JK Shin, President and Head of IT and mobile communication division of Samsung introduces the Samsung Galaxy S IV, March 14, 2013 in New York City. Allison Joyce/Getty Images/AFP Source: Getty Images

A raft of new Air Gestures will let users control the phone without touching its screen, including waving to right to left to accept a phone call, and waving up and down to move the screen in the same direction.

New sensors combine with a health-tracking app to count how many steps users take, how hot or humid it is near them, and lets users track their caloric intake.

A movement-tracking bracelet, weight scales and heart-rate monitor will also be available for use with the phone.

Rumours of wireless charging and an internet-connected watch proved false, however.

The new smartphone has big expectations to fill after Samsung sold more than 43 million of its predecessor, making it the biggest-selling smartphone in the third quarter of 2012, beating Apple's iPhone 4S. The title has since been taken out by the iPhone 5.

Samsung introduces the Samsung Galaxy S IV, March 14, 2013 in New York City. Allison Joyce/Getty Images/AFP Source: Getty Images

Together, Samsung and Apple controlled 52 per cent of smartphone sales in the final three months of 2012, Gartner said, setting up a fierce battle between the technology giants.

Apple marketing chief Phil Schiller this week launched a rare attack on Samsung and Google Android phones, saying the handsets often host old software and are difficult to use.

People interact with the Samsung Galaxy S IV, March 14, 2013 in New York City Allison Joyce/Getty Images/AFP Source: Getty Images

"At Apple we know that it's not just enough to have products pumped out in large numbers," he said. "You have to love and use them. There is a lot of data showing a big disparity there."

Despite the comments, Samsung laid claim to being the world's biggest smartphone maker at the end of 2012, according to Gartner, though the Apple iPhone 5 claimed the title of the world's best selling smartphone, Strategy Analytics reported.

Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson Tweets from the Galaxy S4 launch

Plus: See how smartphone fans are soaking up the launch via social media below.

View the original article here

Samsung unveils Galaxy S4 in bid to top Apple

A picture purporting to show the new Samsung Galaxy S4 smartphone which was leaked by South Korean technology website it168.com. Source: Supplied

ONE of the world's biggest phone launches is unfolding in New York City this morning, as Samsung has taken over Times Square to broadcast the unveiling of its Galaxy S IV handset and let consumers hold the phone for the first time.

The highly anticipated smartphone is expected to boast features including a larger screen, world-first eight-core processor and a significantly improved camera.

Rumours have also circled about the possibility of eye-tracking Smart Scroll technology and even wireless charging.

Samsung's new smartphone will replace the Galaxy S III, which sold more than 43 million handsets worldwide since its launch last May and outsold Apple's iPhone 4S to become the world's top-selling smartphone in the third quarter of last year.

Apple has since won back the title with its iPhone 5, according to Strategy Analytics.

Samsung will reveal its new phone inside New York's historic Radio City Music Hall this morning, with the conference streamed live to Times Square.

Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson Tweets from the Galaxy S4 launch

View the original article here

Samsung unveils Galaxy S4 in bid to top Apple

A picture purporting to show the new Samsung Galaxy S4 smartphone which was leaked by South Korean technology website it168.com. Source: Supplied

ONE of the world's biggest phone launches is unfolding in New York City this morning, as Samsung has taken over Times Square to broadcast the unveiling of its Galaxy S IV handset and let consumers hold the phone for the first time.

The highly anticipated smartphone is expected to boast features including a larger screen, world-first eight-core processor and a significantly improved camera.

Rumours have also circled about the possibility of eye-tracking Smart Scroll technology and even wireless charging.

Samsung's new smartphone will replace the Galaxy S III, which sold more than 43 million handsets worldwide since its launch last May and outsold Apple's iPhone 4S to become the world's top-selling smartphone in the third quarter of last year.

Apple has since won back the title with its iPhone 5, according to Strategy Analytics.

Samsung will reveal its new phone inside New York's historic Radio City Music Hall this morning, with the conference streamed live to Times Square.

Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson Tweets from the Galaxy S4 launch

View the original article here

Samsung unveils Galaxy S4 in bid to top Apple

Plenty of song and dance at the launch of Samsung's newest smartphone, the S4. Here's a snapshot of the live streamed event.

SAMSUNG'S first iPhone-beating smartphone will be replaced with a model that tracks your eyes and fingertips, lets you control it with the wave of a hand, reports on your exercise, and uses eight computing brains for a speed boost.

The South Korean company revealed its highly anticipated Galaxy S IV in one of the world's biggest phone launches this morning in New York, broadcasting its unveiling to Times Square and hundreds gathered at Radio City Music Hall.

More than 300,000 people tuned in to watch the live stream on YouTube.

JK Shin, President and Head of IT and Mobile Communications for Samsung Electronics, presents the new Samsung Galaxy S 4 during the Samsung Unpacked event at Radio City Music Hall, Thursday, March 14, 2013 in New York. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow) Source: AP

The handset, which looks similar to the Galaxy S III it replaces, also features a larger and significantly crisper 5-inch screen, a slimmer body and a larger battery, and sources say it will be available in Australia by late April.

Samsung Australia marketing director Arno Lenior said while the new phone featured a significantly better 5-inch screen, many of its innovations were only evident inside.

People interact with the Samsung Galaxy S IV, March 14, 2013 in New York City Allison Joyce/Getty Images/AFP Source: Getty Images

"As much as the phone features new hardware enhancements, there's been a lot of software additions to this smartphone,'' Mr Lenior said.

New hardware in the Galaxy S IV includes a full high-definition Super AMOLED screen for the first time with a greater resolution than the iPhone 5, an eight-core 1.6GHz processor for increased speed, a larger battery and an infra-red "blaster" so the phone could be used as a TV remote control.

People interact with the Samsung Galaxy S IV, March 14, 2013 in New York City Allison Joyce/Getty Images/AFP Source: Getty Images

New software features in the phone include eye-tracking technology that determines whether you're looking at the screen and automatically pauses video when you're not paying attention, or lets you tilt the phone to scroll up and down websites when your eyes are looking them.

JK Shin, President and Head of IT and mobile communication division of Samsung introduces the Samsung Galaxy S IV, March 14, 2013 in New York City. Allison Joyce/Getty Images/AFP Source: Getty Images

A raft of new Air Gestures will let users control the phone without touching its screen, including waving to right to left to accept a phone call, and waving up and down to move the screen in the same direction.

New sensors combine with a health-tracking app to count how many steps users take, how hot or humid it is near them, and lets users track their caloric intake.

A movement-tracking bracelet, weight scales and heart-rate monitor will also be available for use with the phone.

Rumours of wireless charging and an internet-connected watch proved false, however.

The new smartphone has big expectations to fill after Samsung sold more than 43 million of its predecessor, making it the biggest-selling smartphone in the third quarter of 2012, beating Apple's iPhone 4S. The title has since been taken out by the iPhone 5.

Samsung introduces the Samsung Galaxy S IV, March 14, 2013 in New York City. Allison Joyce/Getty Images/AFP Source: Getty Images

Together, Samsung and Apple controlled 52 per cent of smartphone sales in the final three months of 2012, Gartner said, setting up a fierce battle between the technology giants.

Apple marketing chief Phil Schiller this week launched a rare attack on Samsung and Google Android phones, saying the handsets often host old software and are difficult to use.

People interact with the Samsung Galaxy S IV, March 14, 2013 in New York City Allison Joyce/Getty Images/AFP Source: Getty Images

"At Apple we know that it's not just enough to have products pumped out in large numbers," he said. "You have to love and use them. There is a lot of data showing a big disparity there."

Despite the comments, Samsung laid claim to being the world's biggest smartphone maker at the end of 2012, according to Gartner, though the Apple iPhone 5 claimed the title of the world's best selling smartphone, Strategy Analytics reported.

Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson Tweets from the Galaxy S4 launch

Plus: See how smartphone fans are soaking up the launch via social media below.

View the original article here

Samsung Galaxy S 4 reveal in NY

The giant billboards in New York's Times Square promoting Samsung's launch of the Galaxy S 4 tomorrow. Source: news.com.au

• Samsung's Galaxy S 4 launch in Times Square
• Galaxy S III first phone to outsell Apple iPhone
• Latest news on social media, gadgets, internet

SAMSUNG will take over New York's Times Square tomorrow in what could be the world's biggest phone launch to date.

Samsung is expected to reveal a successor to its Galaxy S III phone - the first smartphone to outsell Apple's iPhone - though industry analysts are divided about what the South Korean company's new phone might feature.

While some are tipping a faster processor, better screen and sharper camera on the Galaxy S 4, others forecast Samsung will launch an entirely new product, like an internet-powered wristwatch.

Samsung Galaxy S 4 is iPhone's biggest challenge yet

The technology giant will unveil its Galaxy 4 phone in New York's iconic Radio City Music Hall but will broadcast the event in Times Square where it has already erected billboards telling passersby to "be ready 4 the next Galaxy''.

Log on tomorrow morning to read the latest Samsung Galaxy S 4 news from New York

Another giant billboard in New York's Times Square to promote Samsung's latest attack on Apple's iPhone.

Telsyte research director Foad Fadaghi said Samsung's large-scale launch was designed to show it could take on Apple at its own game, drawing worldwide attention to its devices.

"Samsung has become the largest (Google phone) maker in the world,'' Mr Fadaghi said. "Their offerings have resonated with consumers and they're starting to make the same sort of noise at each launch as Apple.''

Samsung's Galaxy S III phone outsold Apple's iPhone 4S in the third quarter last year to become the world's best-selling smartphone, according to Strategy Analytics. It lost the title to the iPhone 5 late in 2012, however.

The Samsung phone's successor has been tipped to track users's eyes using ``Eye Scroll'' technology after the company applied to trademark the term in the US last month.

The new phone is also predicted to increase in speed, thanks to a beefier processor, feature a high-definition screen, a camera with a resolution of at least 10 megapixels, and perhaps a stylus.

Seth Rogen and Paul Rudd pitch 'the next big thing' to a Samsung exec in this amusing Super Bowl ad.

But rumours emerging this week point to Samsung launching an internet-connected smartwatch at the New York event, potentially beating Apple to the punch.

The reports emerged from a South Korean website that revealed a watch named Galaxy Altius with an LCD screen, access to apps including music and email, and its own operating system.

Mr Fadaghi said it would be make sense for Samsung to release a smartwatch, given the company's investment in research and predictions for the future of wearable technology.

"Samsung is a company that doesn't fear putting out a product quickly even before it goes supernova,'' he said. "It's logical for them to put something out there in the wearable technology space.''

View the original article here

Samsung Galaxy S 4 reveal in NY

The giant billboards in New York's Times Square promoting Samsung's launch of the Galaxy S 4 tomorrow. Source: news.com.au

• Samsung's Galaxy S 4 launch in Times Square
• Galaxy S III first phone to outsell Apple iPhone
• Latest news on social media, gadgets, internet

SAMSUNG will take over New York's Times Square tomorrow in what could be the world's biggest phone launch to date.

Samsung is expected to reveal a successor to its Galaxy S III phone - the first smartphone to outsell Apple's iPhone - though industry analysts are divided about what the South Korean company's new phone might feature.

While some are tipping a faster processor, better screen and sharper camera on the Galaxy S 4, others forecast Samsung will launch an entirely new product, like an internet-powered wristwatch.

Samsung Galaxy S 4 is iPhone's biggest challenge yet

The technology giant will unveil its Galaxy 4 phone in New York's iconic Radio City Music Hall but will broadcast the event in Times Square where it has already erected billboards telling passersby to "be ready 4 the next Galaxy''.

Log on tomorrow morning to read the latest Samsung Galaxy S 4 news from New York

Another giant billboard in New York's Times Square to promote Samsung's latest attack on Apple's iPhone.

Telsyte research director Foad Fadaghi said Samsung's large-scale launch was designed to show it could take on Apple at its own game, drawing worldwide attention to its devices.

"Samsung has become the largest (Google phone) maker in the world,'' Mr Fadaghi said. "Their offerings have resonated with consumers and they're starting to make the same sort of noise at each launch as Apple.''

Samsung's Galaxy S III phone outsold Apple's iPhone 4S in the third quarter last year to become the world's best-selling smartphone, according to Strategy Analytics. It lost the title to the iPhone 5 late in 2012, however.

The Samsung phone's successor has been tipped to track users's eyes using ``Eye Scroll'' technology after the company applied to trademark the term in the US last month.

The new phone is also predicted to increase in speed, thanks to a beefier processor, feature a high-definition screen, a camera with a resolution of at least 10 megapixels, and perhaps a stylus.

Seth Rogen and Paul Rudd pitch 'the next big thing' to a Samsung exec in this amusing Super Bowl ad.

But rumours emerging this week point to Samsung launching an internet-connected smartwatch at the New York event, potentially beating Apple to the punch.

The reports emerged from a South Korean website that revealed a watch named Galaxy Altius with an LCD screen, access to apps including music and email, and its own operating system.

Mr Fadaghi said it would be make sense for Samsung to release a smartwatch, given the company's investment in research and predictions for the future of wearable technology.

"Samsung is a company that doesn't fear putting out a product quickly even before it goes supernova,'' he said. "It's logical for them to put something out there in the wearable technology space.''

View the original article here

Samsung Galaxy S 4 reveal in NY

The giant billboards in New York's Times Square promoting Samsung's launch of the Galaxy S 4 tomorrow. Source: news.com.au

• Samsung's Galaxy S 4 launch in Times Square
• Galaxy S III first phone to outsell Apple iPhone
• Latest news on social media, gadgets, internet

SAMSUNG will take over New York's Times Square tomorrow in what could be the world's biggest phone launch to date.

Samsung is expected to reveal a successor to its Galaxy S III phone - the first smartphone to outsell Apple's iPhone - though industry analysts are divided about what the South Korean company's new phone might feature.

While some are tipping a faster processor, better screen and sharper camera on the Galaxy S 4, others forecast Samsung will launch an entirely new product, like an internet-powered wristwatch.

Samsung Galaxy S 4 is iPhone's biggest challenge yet

The technology giant will unveil its Galaxy 4 phone in New York's iconic Radio City Music Hall but will broadcast the event in Times Square where it has already erected billboards telling passersby to "be ready 4 the next Galaxy''.

Log on tomorrow morning to read the latest Samsung Galaxy S 4 news from New York

Another giant billboard in New York's Times Square to promote Samsung's latest attack on Apple's iPhone.

Telsyte research director Foad Fadaghi said Samsung's large-scale launch was designed to show it could take on Apple at its own game, drawing worldwide attention to its devices.

"Samsung has become the largest (Google phone) maker in the world,'' Mr Fadaghi said. "Their offerings have resonated with consumers and they're starting to make the same sort of noise at each launch as Apple.''

Samsung's Galaxy S III phone outsold Apple's iPhone 4S in the third quarter last year to become the world's best-selling smartphone, according to Strategy Analytics. It lost the title to the iPhone 5 late in 2012, however.

The Samsung phone's successor has been tipped to track users's eyes using ``Eye Scroll'' technology after the company applied to trademark the term in the US last month.

The new phone is also predicted to increase in speed, thanks to a beefier processor, feature a high-definition screen, a camera with a resolution of at least 10 megapixels, and perhaps a stylus.

Seth Rogen and Paul Rudd pitch 'the next big thing' to a Samsung exec in this amusing Super Bowl ad.

But rumours emerging this week point to Samsung launching an internet-connected smartwatch at the New York event, potentially beating Apple to the punch.

The reports emerged from a South Korean website that revealed a watch named Galaxy Altius with an LCD screen, access to apps including music and email, and its own operating system.

Mr Fadaghi said it would be make sense for Samsung to release a smartwatch, given the company's investment in research and predictions for the future of wearable technology.

"Samsung is a company that doesn't fear putting out a product quickly even before it goes supernova,'' he said. "It's logical for them to put something out there in the wearable technology space.''

View the original article here

Samsung Galaxy S 4 reveal in NY

The giant billboards in New York's Times Square promoting Samsung's launch of the Galaxy S 4 tomorrow. Source: news.com.au

• Samsung's Galaxy S 4 launch in Times Square
• Galaxy S III first phone to outsell Apple iPhone
• Latest news on social media, gadgets, internet

SAMSUNG will take over New York's Times Square tomorrow in what could be the world's biggest phone launch to date.

Samsung is expected to reveal a successor to its Galaxy S III phone - the first smartphone to outsell Apple's iPhone - though industry analysts are divided about what the South Korean company's new phone might feature.

While some are tipping a faster processor, better screen and sharper camera on the Galaxy S 4, others forecast Samsung will launch an entirely new product, like an internet-powered wristwatch.

Samsung Galaxy S 4 is iPhone's biggest challenge yet

The technology giant will unveil its Galaxy 4 phone in New York's iconic Radio City Music Hall but will broadcast the event in Times Square where it has already erected billboards telling passersby to "be ready 4 the next Galaxy''.

Log on tomorrow morning to read the latest Samsung Galaxy S 4 news from New York

Another giant billboard in New York's Times Square to promote Samsung's latest attack on Apple's iPhone.

Telsyte research director Foad Fadaghi said Samsung's large-scale launch was designed to show it could take on Apple at its own game, drawing worldwide attention to its devices.

"Samsung has become the largest (Google phone) maker in the world,'' Mr Fadaghi said. "Their offerings have resonated with consumers and they're starting to make the same sort of noise at each launch as Apple.''

Samsung's Galaxy S III phone outsold Apple's iPhone 4S in the third quarter last year to become the world's best-selling smartphone, according to Strategy Analytics. It lost the title to the iPhone 5 late in 2012, however.

The Samsung phone's successor has been tipped to track users's eyes using ``Eye Scroll'' technology after the company applied to trademark the term in the US last month.

The new phone is also predicted to increase in speed, thanks to a beefier processor, feature a high-definition screen, a camera with a resolution of at least 10 megapixels, and perhaps a stylus.

Seth Rogen and Paul Rudd pitch 'the next big thing' to a Samsung exec in this amusing Super Bowl ad.

But rumours emerging this week point to Samsung launching an internet-connected smartwatch at the New York event, potentially beating Apple to the punch.

The reports emerged from a South Korean website that revealed a watch named Galaxy Altius with an LCD screen, access to apps including music and email, and its own operating system.

Mr Fadaghi said it would be make sense for Samsung to release a smartwatch, given the company's investment in research and predictions for the future of wearable technology.

"Samsung is a company that doesn't fear putting out a product quickly even before it goes supernova,'' he said. "It's logical for them to put something out there in the wearable technology space.''

View the original article here

Samsung investigated for fatal gas leak

South Korean inspectors investigate the scene of an accident of the leakage of diluted hydrofluoric acid at Samsung Electronics chipmaking plant in the city of Hwaseong. Source: AFP

THREE Samsung managers are under investigation for negligent homicide after a deadly toxic chemical leak at a chip-making plant last month.

One repair worker died after trying to stop the leak of diluted hydrofluoric acid at the Samsung Electronics' plant in the city of Hwaseong, 43 kilometres southwest of central Seoul, on January 27.

Four other workers were treated in hospital but later released.

A post-mortem showed the worker had died of exposure to gas given off by the leak, which can damage lungs and bones and affect the nervous system.

Police said the leak was due to deterioration of rubber seals on the gas container valves and corroded bolts, and the three managers could face charges of negligent homicide.

"Investigations are still underway on how much gas was released ... and its impact on the the environment," the provincial police agency said in a statement.

Samsung is the world's top maker of smartphones, memory chips and flat-panel TVs.

View the original article here

Samsung investigated for fatal gas leak

South Korean inspectors investigate the scene of an accident of the leakage of diluted hydrofluoric acid at Samsung Electronics chipmaking plant in the city of Hwaseong. Source: AFP

THREE Samsung managers are under investigation for negligent homicide after a deadly toxic chemical leak at a chip-making plant last month.

One repair worker died after trying to stop the leak of diluted hydrofluoric acid at the Samsung Electronics' plant in the city of Hwaseong, 43 kilometres southwest of central Seoul, on January 27.

Four other workers were treated in hospital but later released.

A post-mortem showed the worker had died of exposure to gas given off by the leak, which can damage lungs and bones and affect the nervous system.

Police said the leak was due to deterioration of rubber seals on the gas container valves and corroded bolts, and the three managers could face charges of negligent homicide.

"Investigations are still underway on how much gas was released ... and its impact on the the environment," the provincial police agency said in a statement.

Samsung is the world's top maker of smartphones, memory chips and flat-panel TVs.

View the original article here

Samsung unveils 8-inch tablet with phone

Samsung Electronics Galaxy Note 8.0, the latest version of its oversized smartphone lineup. The new device is expected to take on its rival Apple's iPad mini. Source: AFP

SAMSUNG has unveiled an eight-inch (20.3cm) tablet with phone capability to rival Apple's recently launched iPad mini and to cement its market dominance by offering devices in a variety of sizes.

The Galaxy Note 8.0 features an eight-inch screen and, where it may steal a march on its rival which measures 7.9-inches, the ability to make phone calls.

The new device, now being marketed by Samsung as a ''tablet'', is powered by Google's Android software and will be showcased at the four-day Mobile World Congress in Barcelona beginning on February 25, the company said in a statement.

Like previous incarnations of the Galaxy Note, the device comes with a stylus pen allowing the user to write or draw on the screen, which can be split in two to run various programs at the same time.

Global sales will begin in the second quarter, the firm said.

Samsung is the world's top maker of smartphones and mobile phones in general.

The latest device - the first from the company to feature an eight-inch screen - is set to fill a gap in the firm's wide product lineup, which ranges from the flagship smartphone Galaxy S to the 5.5-inch (14cm) Galaxy Note 2 and the 10.1-inch (25.7cm) Galaxy Tab tablet PC.

The firm has recently shifted its focus to its Galaxy Note, which turned out to be far more popular than the larger Galaxy Tab, offering the Note in various sizes in a move that blurred the lines between smartphones and tablet PCs.

Samsung said the launch of the Galaxy Note 8.0 will "reignite the mid-size tablet category" - a segment increasingly crowded by rival products including the iPad mini that launched last November and Google's seven-inch (17.8cm) Nexus 7.

Samsung and Apple accounted for more than half of all smartphone sales in the final quarter of 2012 - 29 per cent for Samsung and 22.1 per cent for Apple - according to research firm Strategy Analytics.

View the original article here