Hardware

If you’ve seen a Galaxy S, you’ve seen a small Galaxy Player. The 5-inch LCD screen dominates the front of the device, with three capacitive soft buttons below it – as usual with Samsung’s carrier-free devices, the Search button is absent. The placement of some of the buttons and ports seems odd – an empty MicroSD port hides behind a tiny plastic door, while the headphone jack and Micro USB port are on the bottom. The right side gets Samsung’s standard power button and volume rocker combo, the left is bare, and the plastic white back features two stereo speakers, a the camera, and a flash.

The 9.9mm-thick device is undeniably large; it dwarfed my DROID X and makes a standard paperback book fear for its dead tree delivery system. That said, it’s not uncomfortable in the hand as it might seem, and it slid into the pocket of my jeans without complaint. (Your mileage may vary here, of course.) When showing the device off to some of my friends they said they preferred the large screen to their own phones and didn’t mind the bulk – until I told them it couldn’t make regular phone calls.

On the inside you get a last-generation 1GHz Hummingbird processor and 8GB of storage. That should be enough to play a few videos and some music, but large collections will have to be loaded off of an SD card. The LCD (notably not AMOLED) screen has a resolution of 800 x 480, despite its massive size. While it’s crisp and clear, and a good bit brighter than most, those with an affinity for counting pixels will be unnerved, as you can definitely see jagged edges on text and photos when viewed up close. The Galaxy Player ruins Gingerbread and has full access to the Android Market. A 3.2 MP rear camera is complimented by a VGA front cam, but neither are worth writing home about. The 2500 mAh battery should last days for light browsing and music, but video and games are of course more taxing.

Software

TouchWiz is present in full force, and like most Gingerbread devices, it’s smooth and mostly stable. I did notice some freezes when returning to the homescreen, and if you ask me, the whole experience apes the iPho… er, iPod Touch a little too much. Thanks to the device’s Wifi-only status, it’s blessedly free of bloatware.

There’s plenty of custom Samsung apps here, though, and for the most part they’re welcome. Customized video, music and photo apps are there, along with Samsung’s Smart Viewer TV sharing app. Other than that, it’s just your basic Android apps, with the odd addition of a file manager and a link to Samsung’s approved app downloads. This is in addition to the Android so I don’t know why you’d use it. A Swype keyboard is included, but the huge screen makes it almost impossible to use with a single hand, especially in landscape mode.

The device itself is only mostly stable. Nine times out of ten worked without complaint, but every once in a while I encountered a nagging hang on one app or another. This is a troubling precedent for a device that’s designed to be loaded with apps, especially games. The Galaxy Player has an odd way of mounting the SD card, too: all the free space on the device is in the standard /sdcard folder, but anything on the actual card has to be found in /sdcard/external_sd/. Luckily, the automatic scanner is nice and fast, so media loads into the appropriate app very quickly.

Media

The Music and Video players were simple and competent, though the later is picky about codecs. AVI and XVID videos worked fine, but a downloaded trailer in the relatively universal MOV format choked. It’ll handle anything formatted for its 800 x 480 resolution without complaint, but once I threw a 720p video on there, there was too much tearing and stuttering for it to be useful. Music was an enjoyable experience on the standard player, especially since controls are built into the notification bar and lock screen. It’s a wonderful music playback device made even better by a pair of loud, if not particularly clear speakers.

Unfortunately some of the advanced playback was wanting. Flash is iffy on the 1GHz single-core processor, and I imagine Flash video is something that prospective buyers will be very interested in. When I connected my Bluetooth A2DP headphones playback was too choppy to be enjoyable. Netflix and HBO GO stuttered for a passable experience only. Basic games were fine, but more advanced games slowed down quickly.

Price and Value

At $270, the Galaxy Player 5 is considerably more than the entry-level iPod touch. For that you get a much larger device with a larger screen, but the resolution and storage are both lower. Since Android doesn’t have an integrated music store (yet) you’ll have to make due with your own collection or third-party apps, and streaming video is a frustrating affair. It’s hard to recommend the Galaxy Player over an iPod for anyone but the most die-hard Android fan.

Wrap Up

The device is a lot less unwieldy than you’d think, and for some, it might be time for a 5-inch upgrade – but again, without a phone, the Galaxy Player 5 is a novelty at best and redundant at worst. Bring on the Galaxy Note, Samsung – I want to see how this form factor works on current hardware with a truly mobile experience.

Check out our hands-on unboxing video below:

Device Specifications and Information

Device Info

Device Name : Galaxy Player 5

Manufactuer : Samsung

Carrier : NA

Announced Date : March 16, 2011

Release Date : October 16, 2011

Also Known As :

Display

• Screen Size : 5.00 Inch
• Resolution : 480x800
• Screen Type : LCD

Dimension & Weight

• Height : 5.56 Inch
• Width : 3.08 Inch
• Depth : 0.47 Inch
• Weight : 198 Grams

Battery & Power

Battery Type:
• Lithium Ion

• Battery Capacity : 2500 mAh
• Talk Time : NA
• Stand By Time : NA

Software

Android OS:
• 2.2.x

Audio Playback:
• AAC
• AAC+
• AMR
• MID
• MP3
• WAV
• WMA

Video Playback:
• h.263
• h.264 / AVC
• MPEG-4 (MP4)
• WMV

Hardware

CPU : Hummingbird

CPU Clock Speed : 1000 Mhz

Core : 1

Ram : NA

Internal Storage : 8.192 GB

Front Facing Camera :

Camera Resolution : 3.2 MP

External Storage:
• MicroSD
• MicroSDHC

Camera Features:
• Auto focus
• Flash

Sensors:
• Accelerometer
• Ambient light

QWERTY :

Cellular Network

Device Connectivity

Wi-Fi:
• 802.11b
• 802.11g
• 802.11n

Bluetooth:
• Bluetooth 3.0

Location Features:
• Compass
• GPS
• Wi-Fi location

FM Radio :

NFC :

PsiXpda founder Paul Pinnock told Reghardware that while the original Atom-based UMPC was “not fast enough and not good enough” and failed to live up to the Psion comparisons made in promotions at the time, the new model will be altogether more interesting. The design will be based on the Psion Series 5mx, which used a clever folding-sliding hinge so as to fit a large QWERTY ‘board (with surprisingly decent key-travel) and a 5.6-inch touchscreen into a pocket-sized palmtop.

We can’t argue with Pinnock’s decision to use Android, and a lot of us still have warm memories of Psion hardware and its under-appreciated OS. No word on when, exactly, the new PsiXpda model will hit the market, nor for how much, but we won’t argue with easier typing on something larger than the average smartphone slide-out thumbboard.

[via SlashGear]

The original Streak 7 turned up with a very similar certificate that said dual-mode on it to show the WiFi and 3G radio inside. This new certificate has single-mode on it meaning WiFi only. For shoppers that like the Streak 7, but are on a tight budget this is good news indeed.

WiFi only versions are more and more common since many folks are buying tablets and MIDs and using them around the house or near hotspots only. These are also great for the folks that don’t care to pony up the monthly fee for 3G when they aren’t sure they will use it often. There is no word on a price or a release date for the new Streak.

[via Streaksmart]

Advanced MP3 Players are listing all three versions: 8GB for £219, 16GB for £239 or 32GB for £279; US shoppers can pick up the 32GB version through Amazon for $369.99

[via SlashGear]

It’s also tipped to have a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, perhaps from Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon range. Strangely, “Opus One” was the internal codename Motorola gave the Android smartphone that eventually became the Motorola i1.

Unfortunately the 3G functionality doesn’t work, since it uses a Japanese 3G radio.  Still, it’s a cheap MID and a good way to get a hardware QWERTY keyboard on an Android device.

[via Pocketables]

According to Steve Felice, President of Dell’s Small and Medium business unit, the Dell Streak doesn’t have any official plans for a release in Asia right now, but it will soon. In fact, he expects to see the device in Asia by the beginning of 2011. The price and release date, and specific carrier options weren’t mentioned, but considering it was just a phone call with reporters, it’s lucky we got anything at all.

[via PC World]

While there’s plenty of details in there for someone who’s really interested in hearing about what’s inside the Streak, the single most noteworthy thing would be the LCD panel. That is actually bonded to the front glass, so you can’t actually just replace the LCD assembly. But, like we said, if you’re itching to find out what circuits make what do what, then go ahead and follow the source link below.

[via iFixIt]

The update to Android 2.1 may not be as extravagant as many would hope, though. As we’ve seen in the past, while it does add some improvements, it also takes a few things away from the previous version that many would probably have preferred to keep. There’s a video of the Streak running the new version of Android in all its glory, so go ahead and check it out below. And if you find yourself in the UK and have managed to update your Streak, let us know in the comments what you think of it so far.

[via EuroDroid]

You will spend $300 for the MID with a new contract for data. The Streak has a 5-inch screen, WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS capability, and a 1GHz CPU under the sleek hood. Dell didn’t give us any idea on exactly what version of Android is being used.

We would assume Android 1.6 to be on the safe side and hope an upgrade will be offered sooner rather than later. If you don’t want that AT&T data plan the full price for the MID is $550.

The MID uses a TI 600MHz OMAP3 3530 CPU and packs a 7-inch touchscreen and offers access to the Android Market. The little MID has a pre-order price that is under $200 making it one of the cheaper tablets we have seen.

The 7-inch screen has a resolution of 800 x 480 and is a resistive single touch screen. Other features include 802.11b/g, a 3000mAh battery, and it lacks Bluetooth. Storage is 2GB onboard and the machine has a microSD card slot.

While there is obviously support for Live Wallpapers and that new unlock screen, there is also some much needed changes to the overall device. For example, and probably one of the biggest changes for the better in the update, is the new keyboard. You won’t find the number pad and caps lock key anymore, which provides just enough space to the keyboard to make it, apparently, a lot easier to type on. Other changes outside of the keyboard include the Android 2.1 Gallery application (like the one that the Nexus One showed off), and you’ll now be able to link to Picasa. And, perhaps the best news for some, the camera can now capture 720p HD video.

Let’s cover the bad things real quick, before we wrap this up. We know everything can’t be rosy, after all. Dell apparently decided to change the way that icons lay on the homescreens, as you were previously able to have 32 at a time, but now thanks to them arranging them in a more horizontal fashion, you can only put 24. Also, they increased the size of their proprietary News and Music widgets, making it so you can’t have two of those on the same homescreen. And worst of all, the homescreen switcher to a “Recent Applications” list, which means you don’t have a quick way to move from one homescreen to another anymore. Not a deal breaker, perhaps, but still annoying enough. Check out the video below for a bit more in depth look, and let us know if the Dell Streak is still on your radar.

[via Engadget]

The little device will run Android, but exactly which version is unknown at this time. The other specs of the gadget that surfaced include an ARM Cortex A8 CPU and support for gobs of audio and video formats.

The Gen 8 device will support formats like MPEG-4, H.264, WMV and many more. Archos crams WiFi, Bluetooth, and composite video outputs into the small device. It will support 720p HD video at up to 24fps. The price for the smallish tablet is pegged at $150.

If you’ve managed to pre-order the device, then you’ll be able to get your hands on this pricing before anyone else. Why before anyone else? For one, because you preordered and you deserve it. And the more important part, is the fact that Dell’s still not coming forward and telling the world when the gadget will actually get released onto the world. So, you know, we’re still waiting for at least one more bit of crucial information.

Anyone out there able to get their preorder on? Let us know in the comments if you got anything in your confirmation email about a suspected release date, or anything that may be a clue. We’re waiting.

[via Engadget]

Dell is saying that the Streak is set to launch by the end of July, which is, well, next week, so obviously they are doing what they can to get the populace ready. To prepare for that time, they’re going to open a 24-hour pre-sale “window,” which will allow some folks to get their orders in before everyone else. What makes it better, though, is the fact you’ll get free second-day shipment, a Bluetooth headset for only 99 cents, and the right to brag about your purchase before anyone else. You need to sign up at the Dell Streak’s site to get notified as to when this 24-hour window opens up, so if you’re interested (and we know someone out there is), then go ahead and follow through the link and get ready to pre-order.

[via Dell]

Toshiba AC100 hands-on:

In addition to the regular Android apps, Toshiba has loaded their own custom launcher, Opera Mini, Fring and Documents To Go, among others.  Battery life is rated at up to 8hrs runtime – that’s with normal use, not leaving the AC100 whirring away to itself on a shelf somewhere – or a full week of standby.

Connectivity includes WiFi b/g/n and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR as standard, as well as USB 2.0 and an SD card reader, while 3G/WWAN is optional.  No word on pricing at this stage, but the Toshiba will debut in August 2010.  For more on the AC100, check out our first impressions over at SlashGear.

Toshiba AC100 promo:

The TI OMAP3440 is now clocked at 720MHz, it can handle over 1GHZ as we’ve seen in the past. And the RAM will also get a boost from 256 to 512. These are well needed upgrades, I mean the phone is capable of 720p video recording. This will make a few of our European friends happy when it releases later this month. There’s also a strong possibility that we will see this device at our own T-Mobile in the near future.

[via engadget]

There is currently now image of this device, there’s only a screenshot of the device in AT&T’s inventory. The latest rumor says this will be another Android 2.1 handset and the screenshot is taken from a Radio Shack.

The off contract price of this device is $699 while you can have it for $129 on contract. That’s a huge swing in pricing and it gives a few hints on what type of device it may be. If it’s worth $699 off contract than it could pack in some really impressive specs and be a high-end device. But the on contract price points to a low-end or midrange device. This is quite odd, HTC does make a few WinMo devices so this could be a new Windows Phone 7 device.

[via tjcrew]

This device has a 2.8 inch QVGA TFT LCD touch screen, 600 MHz ARM processor manufactured by Samsung and a 2 MP camera. It also has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS and 3G. This handset will be really affordable, it will retail for 199 Euros. It should be cheaper when you get it with a plan.

The Corby 15500 will replace the current TouchWiz Android devices. It features the new TouchWiz 3.0 interface. This UI shares a lot in common with the UI that is on the Galaxy S. most of Samsung’s new Android devices, including MID and Slates, will feature some variant of this new UI.

[via frandroid]

As far as the Streak itself goes, there’s a kickstand case add on. This came out of the blue, there was no mention of this case in the past. This is a welcome feature for every MID, it’s also on a few phone like the recently released EVO 4G, it allows you to prop up the device while viewing photos and videos. Now back to the dock, it has an HDMI output, USB port and a line out jack. Currently, there is no official word on the ability for this dock to output every faceted of content on the tablet. Stay tuned for more details on the docks playback capabilities.

[via laptopmag]