Samsung introduces new naming system with additions to its Galaxy smartphone range

The Galaxy W, Galaxy M Pro, Galaxy Y and Galaxy Y Pro have joined Samsung'

Samsung has ushered in a new naming system for its Galaxy range of smartphones with the release of four new Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) powered devices. Designed to simplify things for consumers, the new naming structure groups its Android-powered smartphones into one of five classes that are identified by a single letter, which can then be broken down further with an additional indicator to provide an indication of more specific functionality.

The five class indicators run the gamut from flagship devices down to entry-level units. As defined by Samsung they are:

• "S" (Super Smart) - Devices at the very pinnacle of Samsung's mobile portfolio. This class will only be used on flagship devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S, the award-winning smartphone that has already sold 10 million units throughout the world.
• "R" (Royal / Refined) - Premium category models, a combination of power, performance and productivity for the individual who wants to be defined by the technology they carry.
• "W" (Wonder) - High quality, strategic models, perfect for those seeking a balance between style and performance.
• "M" (Magical) - High-performance models at an economic price-point.
• "Y" (Young) - These are entry models or strategic models for emerging markets or a younger audience more sensitive to price.

Within the five classes the indicators of more specific functionality are:

• "Pro" - This indicates that the device includes a physical QWERTY keyboard for speedier email typing and increased productivity for professionals
• "Plus" - This indicates that the device is an upgrade from an existing model
• "LTE" - This indicates that the device is designed to utilize LTE (Long-Term Evolution) connectivity standards, a 4G standard to provide increased mobile network capacity and speed

The four new smartphones introduced to mark the new naming structure include the GALAXY W, GALAXY M Pro, GALAXY Y and GALAXY Y Pro.

Giving an idea of what to expect from the mid-level W class, the new GALAXY W features a 1.4 GHz processor, HSDPA 14.4 Mbps connectivity, 3.7-inch, 800 x 480 pixel touch display and includes Samsung's Game, Social and Music Hubs. Other features include a 5-megapixel camera, Bluetooth 3.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Kies Air, which allows users to track the phone if it is stolen or lost, as well as accessing the phone on a PC when connected via Wi-Fi.

Next step along on the SRWMY scale comes the GALAXY M Pro, which is powered by a 1 GHz processor and features a QWERTY keypad and enterprise support for Exchange Active Sync, Sybase Afaria, CISCO Mobile and CISCO WebEx. There's also an optical touchpad, 5-megapixel rear camera, VGA front-facing camera, 7.2 Mbps HSDPA, Bluetooth 3.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, and the inclusion of Samsung's Social Hub.

Aimed at younger consumers is the GALAXY Y, which is powered by an 832 MHz processor and features Samsung's TouchWiz user interface along with SWYPE for faster typing on the device's 3-inch 320 x 240 pixel TFT LCD touch screen. Reflecting its younger target market, the GALAXY Y will come in a variety of colors and also includes Social Hub, along with a 2-megaixel camera, 7.2 Mbps HSDPA, Bluetooth 3.0, and Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n.

The fourth and final new phone is the GALAXY Y Pro, which indicates it is basically the GALAXY Y with a physical QWERTY keypad. The inclusion of Social Hub Premium, which supports email, social network integration and instant messaging, ensures you're always in touch, while ThinkFree mobile office allows for the editing of Word, Powerpoint, Excel and PDF files on the go.

All four new Galaxy smartphones will come running Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) and Samsung will be showcasing them at IFA 2011. Pricing and release dates are yet to be announced.

Samsung Galaxy Xcover: waterproof touchscreen Android smartphone

The IP67-certified Samsung Galaxy Xcover will be one of the world's few rugged Android touchscreen smartphones

Samsung has announced its plans to update the Galaxy lineup with the Galaxy Xcover, one of the world's few rugged Android touchscreen smartphones. It's an IP67-certified dust- and waterproof 3.65-inch device running Android 2.3. It looks like the Motorola DEFY/DEFY+ and the upcoming Sony Ericsson Xperia Active rugged Android smartphones could be getting some "tough" competition.

The IP67 certificate means that the Galaxy Xcover is completely protected against dust and dirt, and can be immersed in water to a depth of one meter (3.28 feet) for 30 minutes, which should be more than enough to resist accidental splashes. Running Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), the new arrival in the Galaxy family comes with a 3.65-inch HVGA (480 × 320) LCD touchscreen which is made of scratch-resistant, tempered glass "four to five times tougher than regular glass," while its 3-megapixel autofocus rear camera is LED flash-equipped, and doubles as a torch.

The phone's specs include:

• HSDPA 7.2Mbps / HSUPA 5.76Mbps support
• 800MHz CPU
• 3.65" HVGA TFT LCD
• Android 2.3 OS (Gingerbread); (Samsung Social Hub app on board)
• 3-megapixel LED flash-equipped camera with 30fps VGA video recording
• 150MB of built-in storage, micro SD card reader (up to 32GB)
• 3.5 mm jack, FM Radio with RDS
• Bluetooth 3.0 +HS, USB 2.0, WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
• Battery: 1500 mAh
• Dimensions: 121.5 x 65.9 x 11.95 mm (4.78 x 2.59 x 0.47 in); weight: 135 grams (4.76 oz)

The rugged Samsung Galaxy Xcover will be available in Germany starting from October and in the UK "later on this year." It is also rumored to be available in Sweden and Finland in November, priced at SEK2,800 (US$437) and EUR299 (US$430) respectively.

Samsung NX11 being prepped for release

Samsung is certainly making some headway when it comes to the world of digital cameras, and the NX11 is no exception. After all, the Samsung NX11 holds one of a feature set that is not too different from Samsung’s first mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, the NX10, and to add to its advantage, it is compatible with the new i-Function lens which was rolled out to go along with the NX100, also from Samsung. As for the NX11, this puppy will come complete with an 18-55mm i-Function lens, alongside a couple of new i-Function lenses, a 20mm pancake and a 20-50mm zoom silver color lens. Now that’s a pretty strong lineup of lenses for a digital camera that is not from the DSLR stable, which is quite impressive to say the least.

Just what does the i-Function lens offer? It will deliver the perfect picture at the fingertips of all photographers by offering an exceptionally easy method of controlling the camera. For the typical camera user, they will wrap their hand around the lens when holding the camera, but the new i-Function system enables photographers to naturally use their left hand to change the camera’s advanced settings courtesy of a button built into the i-Function lens, all without having to take the camera off the target. For example, you can toggle between shutter speed, aperture, EV, WB, and ISO in a jiffy using the i-Function button or ring on the lens, translating to easier and quicker configurations while shooting.

Apart from that, the NX11 also delivers usability, with a change in the grip design that makes shooting a whole lot easier and more comfortable. With a lens priority mode dial, it will definitely simplify the search for the best mode for each lens. It doesn’t really matter if you’re going to shoot photos of large groups or panoramic pictures, it requires just one press-and-sweep motion. Other hardware specifications include a built-in flash and built-in electronic VGA (640×480) viewfinder and a 3.0” AMOLED LCD display. The price to pay? $649 which will come bundled with a zoom lens.