Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Here's a 2010 Google IO talk on Writing Speedy Android apps:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4znvD-7VDA

I've not watched it, but it seems that it will be exciting!

Google should take it's own advice and update the stock browser :p

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Ain't Android grand? Here's an online keyboard that implements Grafiti (think Palm OS of old):
http://images.androidcentral.com/sit...0_graffiti.jpg
http://www.androidcentral.com/graffi...cement-fun-use

With the stylus and the Tab, this could prove to be a VERY useful tool for input. As the input is at the bottom of the screen, there would be no need for 'palm protection' for unwanted input.

Very interesting.

Here's a direct link to a video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tflKs...layer_embedded

My only complaint is that it looks slow. It should be much more responsive.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

This looks mega-cool. Take a look at this home screen replacement:
http://www.xda-developers.com/wp-con...116_044141.png
http://www.xda-developers.com/androi...r-for-android/
Here's a video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wX96RbxNMeg

This is a REALLY nice launcher, though I wouldn't use it as I'm not big on social networking.

I *love* the box app launcher widget, and would love that functionality as a widget to be used on other launchers.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Woah! This is cool. Here's a Galaxy Tab embedded in the car dash.

Quite the mod! Very, very, nice!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyBi-rJgNHs

Needs a better car, though... :p

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Watching this review, I saw something I hadn't noticed before. Speaker placement. It appears that the stereo speakers are both on the same short side.

Won't this somewhat affect watching media? For most uses, the speaker location wouldn't matter. But for videos, wouldn't you primarily be watching in landscape? You won't get real stereo sound with both speakers on one side. Even listening to music would likely sound better with a larger separation of speakers. Seems like that is a big use case oversight? I would guess if you want to watch a movie, earphones are in order. Otherwise, it'll be just like having mono output, and potentially distracting.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

I've thought about this to, but it doesn't appear to be a problem. As the speakers in either case will be rather close to each other, you're bound to lose a great deal of separation regardless of where they are. On my N810, with speakers on either end of the device, the only occasions where I truly notice separation, is if the device is literally resting on my forehead -- not practical. Otherwise it may as well be a mono speaker.

Thankfully people seem to enjoy the external speakers on the Tab. Tim Bray was shocked by the outstanding balance in his review.

For true separation, though, you'll want to get a good set of cans (headphones) -- and not all headphones are created equal. You should check out headphone.com for great recommendations. Set your spending limit for headphones to around $100 and make a purchase that you will not regret for YEARS to come.
Here's a very good set: http://www.headphone.com/headphones/etymotic-mc5.php ($80)

As I understand it, the Galaxy Tab has Bluetooth v3.0 which is SIGNIFICANT when it comes to audio. As I understand it, it uses the WiFi frequencies to deliver superior bandwidth than previous versions of bluetooth. The reason this is significant in this case, is that wireless audio via the A2DP protocol, while adequate, must be compressed before sending which results in audio quality loss.

Sadly, it doesn't seem that there are protocols/devices that take advantage of BT3.0 -- it's a young technology (apr 2009). But I'm eagerly awaiting a good pair of BT3.0 headphones that can carry lossless audio. Good headphones are a life altering experience, especially when they block out external noises. Wireless makes it *that* much better.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Ah, my apologies. I just read this on Wikipedia:
Essentially the Galaxy Tab is listed as having "BT3", but not "BT3 +HS", so it seems that it won't be able to take advantage of 802.11 network for high bandwidth transport.

The bottom line? For the best audio, get a good pair of corded headphones. If you must go wireless, get a good pair of cans that have their own transmitter.

If you're not *that* picky about audio quality, try to find a good BT set. But based on what I've heard, you'll spend a lot of money for a fundamentally flawed product. I'd stick with the corded headsets to be safe.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Capt'n

Thanks for the info. I'm not really that much of an audio nut to spend $100 on headphones. I'd agree, on the N8x0 you won't get much separation. But on the Tab, you'd get around 7.5" between speakers, plus being side facing (N800 are front facing, N810?), would give the illusion of more separation. Hard to tell on my N900, but that's only around 4.25" (about 75% smaller).

I suspect tablet use will be mainly landscape as people get more used to them. In that case, it'd make sense to have a speaker on either end (longways), pretty easy to do as well. I'm guessing that most of the reviewers (based on what I've seen and read) were more concerned with how the visual portion of videos looked. Smooth, played high bit rate, etc. Sure, it sounded good, but did they really sit and watch a whole show (not just a minute of this and a minute of that).

I don't know, but I've got a suspicion that with the larger screen, and probable viewing distance, somethings may sound a little off center.

Anyone here that has a Tab care to elaborate?

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Well, I have only watched some youtube videos in landscape mode, and must say I was not that bothered by the speakers being both on one side. Some kind of stereo separation is still present, maybe due to the different reverberation of the two speakers (one near the base, the other higher). Agree that it's not perfect, but... you can always attach some external amplified speakers if you like.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

FWIW I've tried all the browsers on the Tab and Opera Mobile is by far the best, for me personally. As the only one to use hardware acceleration it has the instant response and smooth scrolling which is important to me. It takes the Tab browsing experience up to, even past, the iPad one imo.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Wow that box app launcher is really cool. Looking at all these cool customisations there is absolutely no doubt I will be getting an android device. Whether it be a 7 inch tablet or a 4 inch smartphone.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Wow I love that. If I was loaded (and lived in a safer neighbourhood lol) I would definitely get that mod.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Hey Lemmy,

I hate to push this, but seriously consider trying some high quality headphones. It's the difference between 4:3 standard definition TV and large screen 1080p -- for your ears. Worth consideration!

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Very, very nice, and thanks for the feedback! The importance of smooth scrolling can't be overstated. I'm glad that the Tab doesn't have to compromise in browsing user experience, especially since this is such a MAJOR application.

I'm not a big fan of single-tap zooming, though. Do you mind seeing if you can disable this behaviour by setting the zoom-level to 100% and browsing in landscape? I'm thinking that at 100% most sites would fit native on the screen and zooming wouldn't happen.

Flash support is coming, so that will be very nice.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Haha.. It is quite nice! In fact, the screen size makes it perfect for the dash. Things like the radio, navigation, or even phone calls could be easily handled via Android and done very well.

Here's another video of the same dash:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51LfvZrB4ZU&translated=1

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

You can disable it yes. Oddly enough even when enabled it takes a double tap not single, which is better imo.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Nice though the Tab is, the UI isn't perfect. See http://twitpic.com/39t8jt
Which button do I push?

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

I will certainly keep it in mind, but the majority of my time listening to music is in the car / mowing the lawn, neither of which is a good environment for listening. And as much as I'd love to drown out the kids....... probably not a good idea either. :)

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Here's a neat accessory, the (unofficial) Galaxy Bag!

http://fabric-and-handle.com/featured/galaxybag/

While not that pretty, this is one versatile product!

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

I'd give you 5 thanks if I could! This is GREAT news. I use opera mobile on my N810 because of its speed, but I really can't stand the single tap to zoom. It's so great that it takes a double tap to zoom in, and at the very least it can be disabled with the 100% zoom setting.

Opera mobile will be my browser of choice when I get the Tab. Responsive UIs make all the difference in the world.

Thanks again for the info. This has me excited...

For those of you that don't know, opera mobile has GPU acceleration for ultra-smooth scrolling and browser interaction. You can view the responsive and smooth scrolling here.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Here's a pretty nice case for the Tab!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AW98h-ir-_c&translated=1

Check it out!

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

This is interesting:

http://gigaom2.files.wordpress.com/2...ng?w=300&h=200
http://gigaom.com/2010/11/24/issuu-g...ee-rejections/

After 3 tries, this company called Issuu, has given up trying to get into the Apple AppStore. The company is a document sharing service with 33 Million readers -- yeah, it's big. They've decided to release for Android, and google has sent a complimentary Nexus One to help with their porting efforts.

Welcome, guys.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Some Gingerbread shots have surfaced!
http://www.xda-developers.com/androi...us-s-pictures/

Not much to show, but it does look a great deal 'cleaner' and sleeker than the previous froyo.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Here's something interesting:

This image was posted in anther thread:
http://images.bit-tech.net/news_imag...y-lif/teg1.jpg

What's interesting is that if this *is* true, then the strength of the SGX540 GPU may actually be comparable to that of the GPU in the Tegra2 T20. The Galaxy S can run Quake3 at around 40-60 fps at 800x480. I'm not sure what the Tab would do with the higher resolution, but it would likely still be quite high.

Of course, this is dependent on a number of factors (ie. the code base that was running). However, this is encouraging.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

The Verizon Galaxy Tab is now available via BestBuy.com (US) for $549!
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Samsung+...0tab&cp=1&lp=2

Wow, that's a fantastic price for a 3G device. Get it while it's hot!

PS. I wish Canadian Tabs were priced similarly. Even with the exchange, the prices are much lower in the US.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

This is a really cool article that discusses some potential upcoming features in Gingerbread:
http://androidandme.com/wp-content/u...read-nexus.jpg
http://androidandme.com/2010/11/news...-december-6th/

Here's the list from the article:
1. Tweaked UI
2. Near Field Communications (NFC)
3. New Motion Control APIs
4. Native Video Chat
5. New Android Market
6. Google Music
7. Support For More Large Screen Devices
8. Virtual Keyboard Enhancements
9. Support for WebM and VP8
10. New YouTube With Broadcasting
11. Google Me or Social Gaming Network
12. Flagship Phone – Nexus S

This list is comprehensive given the information released so far, and if true, would make a wonderful release.

I like the fact that Android is incremental. Each update makes the OS better, without going back to the drawing board. It seems that features are very well thought out prior to implementation.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Once again, Dear Capt'n, I feel your pain!:D

I've even stopped looking for deals for a while because I'm sure the price will come down early next year.

But oh, this wait is killing me!

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

I just read this via Anandtech:
Wow. It seems that Tegra 2 *will* be a powerhouse after all. Quake 3 at 720p running at 40+ fps on first gen hardware? Wow. The second generation will surely blow the pants off of any current mobile tech, including the Hummingbird!

For those that are waiting, April 2011 should have many incredible devices. As I understand it, there are some questionable quality devices available now, that offer the T20.

EDIT: Based on what I've read, the T20 should be able to effectively double the fps of something like quake 3 compared to the SGX540 on the tab. :eek:

What's interesting is the Tegra SoCs seem to have forgone the cellular modem in their designs. The benefit to this is that they can forgo the long FCC approval process and thus have shorter time to market in the US. I wonder if its similar in other countries. These devices are generally paired with tried and true cellular modems. Most impressive.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Tell me about it! $549 US is only $560 CAD with the current exchange. With a high rate, it would only be $570. Seriously. The trouble is, that the cheapest Canadian price right now is Bell's Tab for $649!!! That's almost $100 difference, and when you add in the tax, it's far more than $100 -- around $730 total.

I'm like you, in painful suspense. With any luck, we'll see the Tab available in the new year for $499 US.

I've heard that you can get a Tab in the UK subsidized for only a few quid a month. Is that true?

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

CPW current rates include: phone cost/monthly cost/months/GB

£0 £40 24months 5GB
£99 £35 24months 5GB
£339 £17.50 24months 1GB
£454 £10 1months 1GB*
£454 £15 3months 1GB
£469 without contract (PAYG sims available from about £4/month for 1GB)

*is the contract I'm on though it cost me £499 but I'm not complaining. Anyway, the first month was free and I'll probably cancel soon and go for the £4/month PAYG SIM.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

The prices for the Tab are somewhat high, but the monthly data rate is INSANELY good especially for PAYG. It costs $15 (~ £9.50) for 250MB! The next plan up costs $35 for 5G which is better, but more than I'd want to pay. 1G seems like plenty if you're using WiFi most of the time.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Exactly!

I'd order one tonight but there is no way I need 5GB allowance, not with WIFI, which I would use with the Tab mostly.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Reading over my email, I should have stated that those prices are what I would pay in Canada. :o

But you're right. On my N810, I don't get through 1GB on WiFi, but I bet I would use it far less than the Tab. Still, surfing the net, VoIP, etc doesn't take much bandwidth. 1G would be plenty and for 4 pounds is a steal! I would just have to forgo watching youtube when I'm out of the house. Something that's very easy to do.

I honestly think that I can get by with 250MB/mo Canadian. The cheapest plan here is $15/mo which works. If I go over, it leaps to 5GB and costs $35. Not bad, considering, but I wish I had those UK prices!

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Here's a Galaxy Tab performance (with synth).. F**cking impressive. Wow.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ddocGaIr7w

Ok, so the Tab is relatively minor, but what a voice!

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Those looking for a little shooter action on their Tabs, look no further. Minigore has been ported to Android!

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/4233/28494011.png
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SL85HGhYlWk

Enjoy!

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Looking for a little MMO action? You may want to try Pocket Legends for Android:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaIrogZ1PYg

Guaranteed to *rock* on the Tab.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

It looks like the Sprint Tab is only $549 via Best Buy!

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....egories&ks=960

This matches the price for the Verizon Tab, and is a GREAT price.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

This is encouraging. Here's a Tegra 2 tablet benchmarked. It's the Wow Digital One tablet (think: bargain bin tablet).
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget....v112580013.jpg
http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/25/w...h-gingerbread/

Here's the Galaxy S running Cyanogen Mod 6.1 (based on v2.2) with an EXT4 partition and the same benchmark:
http://www.androidpolice.com/2010/11...-in-beta-form/
http://www.androidpolice.com/wp-cont...uad2_thumb.png

What's interesting is that you'll notice that the scale for each chart is different, though relatively, you can make out the values.

What's most interesting is that on this benchmark, the Hummingbird with SGX540 is holding its own quite nicely compared to the Tegra 2. Not only is the GPU performance comparable (its tough to tell if its higher or lower based on chart scale), but the CPU with the newer Dalvik interpreter is doing quite well also, slightly edging out the T20.

This is only one test, and different devices and real world are likely to be different. Also, this test may be biased to a single core, and the dual-core T20 will have the benefit of superior multi-threading/tasking.

But it's encouraging that although T20 tablets are right around the corner, the Hummingbird is still capable enough to compete. I don't doubt that the T20 is the faster processor, but it's encouraging that maybe the gap is smaller that marketing would suggest.

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

And on that note, Dungeon Defenders is coming to Android!
http://www.droidgamers.com/cache/mul...oid-update.png
Watch the video: http://dungeondefenders.com/

http://www.droidgamers.com/images/st...unreal%203.jpg
http://www.droidgamers.com/images/st...nreal%2011.jpg

Please note that this game is also released for consoles, so the quality may not be as good as in the screen shots above. However, here is a video of the mobile version!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeyQ-PC_cwc

Very nice!

This game will definitely be supported on the Galaxy Tab as the developer mentioned that it was coming to 'most android devices that run OpenGL 2.0 ES'. This game will ROCK on the Tab, and looks to include some really cool multiplayer!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBvGIkDjStc

Re: Samsung Galaxy Tab Info Thread
 

Now, If only they could do Zoo Keeper for the Tab, I would never leave the house again!