Galaxy S4: Cool features, awful launch
-Darling, the Galaxy S4 is simply fabulous.
I'm Bridget Carey and this is your CNET Update.
Samsung finally revealed the new Galaxy S smartphone and it looks a lot like the Galaxy S3, but with new software feature and better hardware, like a faster processor and higher screen resolution.
It will come out to all major U.S. carriers about April or May, expected to cost
the usual $200 with a 2-year contract but the press announcement of this phone will go down in history as one of the most bizarre and unfortunate spectacles for product launch.
Held at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, Samsung used amphitheater performances to explain the new technology.
It was painful to watch.
This cheesy script featured tap dancing.
And actresses portraying women who want to marry doctors and eat cheesecake
and are drunk with their wet nails.
-My nails are wet.
-Sticky fingers.
-Sunscreen.
-I really don't wanna put down this drink.
-For a company that advertises it's cooler than the iPhone, it was far from that one going over the top in the hour long show.
Even with the awkward announcement, the phone will still be very popular.
So, let's cut through the fluff.
The S4 has some unique features.
For example, you don't have to touch the screen to navigate.
You can wave your hand to scroll through photos, songs, or browser tabs.
There is a form of eye scrolling when looking at the screen, tilting the phone up or down will scroll up and down the page.
And while playing a video, looking away will pause a video.
Samsung's cameras always have interesting features such as dual-shot mode.
It takes photos and videos from both the front and back camera at the same time and combines them into one.
It's like photo bombing a photo that that you're taking.
There's also an in for a Blaster built-in so your phone can be used as your TV remote control.
I should
note the HTC One also can do that.
And to jump on the gadget health craze, the S4 has a pedometer built-in to track your activity.
Samsung also has accessories.
The S View Cover snaps unto the front of the phone but has this window cutout that shows time, battery, music and caller ID.
It reminds you a bit of the flip phone days, doesn't it?
The S4 also has wireless charging but that cost extra and Samsung has its own health monitoring bracelet, heart rate monitor and
body scale.
For more details on the specs and how it stands up to the competition, be sure to read our first impressions on CNET, we'll be giving it a full review closer to launch but with tons of features and impressive specs, it is the iPhone's biggest competitor right now.
That's your tech news update.
You could find more details at cnet.com/update.
From our studios in New York, I'm Bridget Carey.
Up Next
Download Netflix shows to watch offline
Up Next
Download Netflix shows to watch offline
Amazon's next Echo said to come with a screen
Amazon's next Echo said to come with a screen
Curved iPhone 8? Apple said to be exploring OLED screens
Curved iPhone 8? Apple said to be exploring OLED screens
Black Friday and other turkey traditions are evolving
Black Friday and other turkey traditions are evolving
Facebook drone accident under investigation
Facebook drone accident under investigation
Facebook needs you to fight fake news
Facebook needs you to fight fake news
Airbnb wants to be your travel agent
Airbnb wants to be your travel agent
Wait, how fast can Qualcomm charge a phone?
Wait, how fast can Qualcomm charge a phone?
Snapchat may be worth $30 billion with IPO filing
Snapchat may be worth $30 billion with IPO filing
Nintendo puts a price on Super Mario Run (and the Switch?)
Nintendo puts a price on Super Mario Run (and the Switch?)
Tech Shows
Latest News All latest news
Meta Expands Its Mixed Reality Beyond the Quest Headsets Explainer
Meta Expands Its Mixed Reality Beyond the Quest Headsets Explainer
What AirPods Rumors Tell Us About Apple's Health Ambitions
What AirPods Rumors Tell Us About Apple's Health Ambitions
Robosen's Megatron Transformer Is Too Much Fun for an Evil Robot
Robosen's Megatron Transformer Is Too Much Fun for an Evil Robot
Apple May Give FineWoven Accessories One More Season
Apple May Give FineWoven Accessories One More Season
US vs. TikTok: What Happens Next
US vs. TikTok: What Happens Next
Battle of the Humanoid Robots: MenteeBot Is Ready
Battle of the Humanoid Robots: MenteeBot Is Ready
Most Popular All most popular
First Look at TSA's Self-Screening Tech (in VR!)
First Look at TSA's Self-Screening Tech (in VR!)
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Review: More AI at a Higher Cost
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Review: More AI at a Higher Cost
'Circle to Search' Lets Users Google From Any Screen
'Circle to Search' Lets Users Google From Any Screen
Asus Put Two 14-inch OLEDs in a Laptop, Unleashes First OLED ROG Gaming Laptop
Asus Put Two 14-inch OLEDs in a Laptop, Unleashes First OLED ROG Gaming Laptop
Samsung Galaxy Ring: First Impressions
Samsung Galaxy Ring: First Impressions
Best of Show: The Coolest Gadgets of CES 2024
Best of Show: The Coolest Gadgets of CES 2024
Latest Products All latest products
Robosen's Megatron Transformer Is Too Much Fun for an Evil Robot
Robosen's Megatron Transformer Is Too Much Fun for an Evil Robot
Battle of the Humanoid Robots: MenteeBot Is Ready
Battle of the Humanoid Robots: MenteeBot Is Ready
2025 Audi Q6, SQ6 E-Tron: Audi's Newest EV Is Its Most Compelling
2025 Audi Q6, SQ6 E-Tron: Audi's Newest EV Is Its Most Compelling
Hands-On with Ford's Free Tesla Charging Adapter
Hands-On with Ford's Free Tesla Charging Adapter
Nuro R3 is an Adorable Self-Driving Snack Bar
Nuro R3 is an Adorable Self-Driving Snack Bar
First Look: The $349 Nothing Phone 2A Aims to Brighten Your Day
First Look: The $349 Nothing Phone 2A Aims to Brighten Your Day
Latest How To All how to videos
Tips and Tricks for the AirPods Pro 2
Tips and Tricks for the AirPods Pro 2
How to Watch the Solar Eclipse Safely From Your Phone
How to Watch the Solar Eclipse Safely From Your Phone
Windows 11 Tips and Hidden Features
Windows 11 Tips and Hidden Features
Vision Pro App Walkthrough -- VisionOS 1.0.3
Vision Pro App Walkthrough -- VisionOS 1.0.3
Tips and Tricks for the Galaxy S24 Ultra
Tips and Tricks for the Galaxy S24 Ultra
TikTok Is Now on the Apple Vision Pro