Samsung have been known to offer practically every "S" app available with each new device they release. The new Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is no exception, but while it still has all the previous bloatware (granted, some are definitely useful) the new software or apps designed especially for the Note 3 seem to offer a new focus on usefulness. The main feature we're talking about here is the Air Command function which is basically a circular ring shortcut menu which pops up each time you click the button on the new S Pen stylus and touch the screen with it. This gives you access to some pretty useful options which include:

• Action Memo - Continuing on from S Memo, you can write down text or a number and rather than just save it as an image, call the number directly from the app.
• Scrapbook - Much like Google Keep or Pocket, this app lets you store content for later reading, arranging and organizing it for an easier read later.
• Screen Write - a more powerful screen capture which lets you scribble or add comments on to the screen capture, making it perfect for commenting.
• S Finder - search everything in your Note 3 according to specific categories which could include hand-written notes or even symbols and formulas.
• Pen Window - outline a window with the S Pen and launch a bunch of commonly used apps into that window, where the app will match those measurements exactly and float or hover over your existing screen.

Going for the usual internal tech spec refresh is the official announcement for the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 edition. Offering up the same artificial leather backplate look as the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, the tablet offers an impressive 10.1-inch screen with 2560 x 1600 pixel resolution and 299ppi pixel density. Like the Note 3, it will offer 2 processor and chipset options which include the 1.9GHz Octa core processor or the 2.3GHz Snapdragon 800 with LTE support version. Other features include 3GB of RAM, 16GB/32GB/64GB storage, microSD support, an 8MP rear camera, 2MP front camera and larger 8220 mAh battery. Samsung have also managed to cut down the tablet to a thinner 243.1 x 171.4 x 7.9mm and a lighter 535g, all powered by Android 4.3.

The 3rd generation phablet with the series that started the whole phablet trend is finally here with the official announcement of the Samsung Galaxy Note 3. While it may not be the largest phablet around anymore it does keep up appearances with a 5.7-inch Super AMOLED Full HD screen, a new S Pen and some really impressive tech specs. As rumoured earlier, the Note 3 comes in 2 flavours, one with a 1.9GHz Exynos 5 Octa processor and another one with 2.3GHz quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor. Both pack in 3GB RM, making the Note 3 the world's first smartphone to break the 2GB RAM limit. You also get 32GB / 64GB worth of storage and up to 64GB microSD. Other tech specs include a 13MP camera with LED flash and smart stabilization, which means the Snapdragon 800 version can record 4K video, probably at 1080p 60fps while 192KHz audio recording is also available.

As expected, the Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch was officially announced along with the Samsung Galaxy Note 3. Featuring a metallic chrome bezel it certainly looks better than the earlier leaked "prototypes" and comes in black, grey, red, yellow and white plastic watch straps. It confirms many tech spec rumours which include a camera, microphones and speaker built into the strap along with a 1.63-inch Super AMOLED screen that has a 320 x 320 pixel resolution. Tech specs for the Samsung Galaxy Gear include an 800 MHz processor, 512MB of RAM, 4GB storage and a 1.9MB camera capable of taking 720p video. According to Samsung, while it only packs in a 315 mAh battery it should last "about a day" although they are unclear if this is 24 hours or an 8 hour working day.

At a press conference by KT Corporation about broadband LTE, a presentation slide let slip that the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Note III would not only support a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 chipset but also that it would be able to handle LTE-A. While this isn't an official Samsung announcement, KT Corporation is one of the major telcos in Korea so it doesn't look like a leak or prank. The slip doesn't confirm other features or details though as there are no Malaysia release dates, no pricing and no confirmation of other tech specs. With just another 2 or so days to go, the Samsung Galaxy Note III official reveal is set for 4 September 2013 where everything gets confirmed or not, so let's wait and see. We expect even more rumours and leaks to come though, as such things usually happen the closer you get to the official announcement.

Rumours about a 12.2 tablet from Samsung have been swirling around before but this is probably the first time we've seen some relatively clear leaked images of the tablet. Rumoured by evleaks back in July, the Samsung Galaxy Note 12.2 tablet features a 12.2-inch screen with 2560 x 1600 pixel resolutions and may use an Exynos Octa 5 chipset. The Samsung Galaxy Note 12.2 will have the model name SM-P900 and will likely have S-Pen support as part of it's features list and tech specs. With the quality of the rendered image, we're expecting the tablet to make an appearance at the IFA 2013 but no Malaysia release dates just yet.

While the Samsung Galaxy Note III is just days from being unveiled, some new rumours have cropped up stating that a cheaper version may also be in development. This cheaper version may get it's price cut due to lower-end internal features and tech specs such as the aforementioned 8MP camera sensor. Other hardware that may be cut-down includes the Super AMOLED screen which may be replaced with an LCD screen. So far, no news on actual pricing or availability but according to the rumours 30% of the entire first batch of Samsung Galaxy Note III phablets are in fact the cheaper versions and will be sold alongside the more expensive version for more options. No exact release dates in Malaysia but the report further states that the cheaper version would be made available for emerging markets like Malaysia. For now, we can only wait and see the Samsung Galaxy Note III unveiling on 4 September 2013. 

With just a couple of days away from it's supposed unveiling before the IFA 2013, the Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch has had quite a lot of leaks come up. This includes screenshots of the smartphone app which will be used to interface with the smartwatch, which confirms that the Gear will be called the Gear and support NFC and Bluetooth connectivity. The app screenshots also reveal that the Gear will go by the model number of SM-V700. Other features include the rumour that the Gear can only last for 10 hours on a single charge, which as opposed to other smartwatches which say that they can last from 3 days to a week on a single charge may be the dealbreaker for some people. Confirming earlier statements that the Gear will not be using the flexible screen type as shown in the earlier patent drawings are leaked images of the Gear smartwatch live. Coming courtesy of VentureBeat, the images show off a 3-inch screen that would probably be an OLED type screen and colours which include dark gray and black with built-in speakers in the strap. A 4MP camera is also visible. Hopefully, everything turns out fine for the Gear as we hope it will spur other manufacturers onwards to better smartwatches but if this news is any indication, it may not be the perfect smartwatch we're all looking for.

While it isn't the first time rumours about a metal body Samsung device have come out, new rumours have popped up stating that the Samsung Galaxy S5 (and perhaps other Samsung models after it) may get a metal body or chassis. Despite the fact that the Samsung Galaxy S5 will likely be released in 2014 for Malaysia, reports are claiming that Samsung may start production on a metal body Samsung Galaxy S5 by the end of the year. According to these reports a sample has already been produced and is being tested in Vietnam. Other tech specs and features for the S5 include a 16MP camera with OIS. Personally, we think that this is just wishful thinking as Samsung have been rumoured to develop metal clad smartphones before and have always declined in fear that it may delay production. Samsung would more likely go for a kevlar casing or other material before metal and we haven't seen any of those just yet either, so take this rumour with a big pinch of salt.

Announced back in June 2013, the Samsung Galaxy NX is the first cameraphone with interchangeable lens (or interchangeable lens digital camera with smartphone capabilities) based on the Samsung NX mount system. When announced previously it offered a number of intriguing features and tech specs which included a 4.8-inch touchscreen display, 3G + 4G LTE + WiFi connectivity, NX-mounting, a 20.3MP APS-C sensor, hybrid AF and 8.6 fps burst mode and many more. The price for the Samsung Galaxy NX is currently $1599.99 (RM5254) for the camera body and $1699.99 (RM5582) for the camera and an additional 18-55mm NX mount lens. Malaysia release dates for the NX will probably be in October 2013 under normal retail channels. While it isn't the most expensive of digital cameras, the high price range puts it out of range for most users but if you're already a Samsung NX lens user, this should be added incentive to get the camera.