galaxy s iii

How to set up your Fitbit Flex

Fitbit recently launched the Flex, the company's first wrist-worn activity monitor that syncs with your smartphone. The Flex uses Bluetooth 4.0 to sync with compatible smartphones (more on this in a minute), keeping your current activity stats updated.

When you first get the Flex, you'll need to do some work to get it set up, but don't worry -- it won't take you any longer than it does to wait in line at Starbucks.

Upon opening the Flex, you'll notice the actual tracker is inserted into the large wristband. Remove the tracker and use … Read more

Samsung Galaxy S4 event: Join us at 3 p.m. PT today (live blog)

Samsung Electronics is set to unveil its next big thing, the Galaxy S4, and you can get all the details right here.

The company is holding its launch event at 4 p.m PT/7 p.m. ET today at Radio City Music Hall in midtown Manhattan. CNET's Jessica Dolcourt, Brian Bennett, Shara Tibken, Sarah Tew, and I will be bringing you all the live news, photos, and commentary starting about an hour before the actual event.

You can tune in to the live blog here:

Join CNET starting at 3 p.m. PT/6 p.m. ET for live coverage of the Samsung Galaxy S4 event … Read more

How Samsung broke away from the Android pack

As successful as Samsung's Galaxy S franchise is now, it's easy to forget the Korean consumer electronics giant's first attempt at the American smartphone market was met with an apathetic shrug.

The U.S. launch of the first Galaxy S smartphone took place at a gallery on the west side of Manhattan more than two years ago. When it came time for J.K. Shin, head of Samsung's mobile business, to formally announce the Galaxy S flagship smartphone, a black cloth cover was pulled back to unveil not one, but four different devices with the forgettable … Read more

Why the Galaxy S4 won't be shedding its plastic roots

There's one complaint that often crops up with the Galaxy S III: it feels "plastic-y."

At a time when competitors are using glass, aluminum, and even higher quality plastics such as polycarbonate, Samsung has stuck to its guns with a thin, bendable plastic body.

Which is why the Galaxy S4 won't stray too far from that design philosophy.

CNET sat down with Y.H. Lee, executive vice president of Samsung's mobile business, to discuss the company's thoughts on design. When Samsung looks at what materials to use, it isn't just taking into consideration … Read more

HTC One aims to make good first impression with all-metal body

Take that, Apple.

HTC believes it has one-upped its competition -- including the marquee iPhone 5 -- with its latest flagship smartphone. The HTC One features an all-aluminum construction that the company believes will set the phone apart at retail stores.

"This takes premium to the next level," Scott Croyle, HTC's design guru, said in an interview with CNET. "It feels more premium than anything I've felt out in the market."

Croyle talked about the importance of making a good first impression with consumers, something that has become critical with HTC's competitors all … Read more

HTC's flagship launch: Join us Tuesday (live blog)

HTC will try yet again to mount a comeback with a flagship smartphone, and you can get all the details right here.

HTC is planning a global launch of its latest big product at an event that kicks off at 7 a.m. PT today. The company is readying simultaneous events in New York and London, and CNET will be at both. Brian Bennett, photographer Sarah Tew, and I will be in New York, while Luke Westaway will be stationed in London.

CNET will offer real-time news updates, photos, and running commentary throughout the event.

You can tune into the … Read more

Samsung Galaxy S4 reportedly set to launch in April

The successor to Samsung Electronics' blockbuster Galaxy S3 could launch in April.

That's according to Samsung news Web site SamMobile, which pegs the phone's launch on April 15.

The Galaxy S franchise has emerged as a true competitor to the iPhone, and garners as much hype and anticipation as Apple's marquee smartphone. While early iterations of the Galaxy S phone faced a slow start, the Galaxy S3 catapulted out of the gate as a smash hit, and has held up remarkably well even as other competitive phones have faded. The phone has helped propel Samsung into the … Read more

Apple, Samsung add new devices to upcoming patent suit

A slew of new devices have been tacked onto the patent lawsuit in a legal order that was jointly filed by Apple and Samsung today. Included in the devices are Apple's iPhone 5 and Samsung's Galaxy S III.

U.S. Judge Paul Grewal agreed to let both companies add devices to the case, which is scheduled to go to trial on March 31, 2014. The order includes both Apple and Samsung's amended stipulations to their original filings, which are part of Apple's Galaxy Nexus case and not the patent trial between the two companies that ended last August. … Read more

Best Android Jelly Bean smartphones you can get now

After waiting for what seemed like an eternity for Android Jelly Bean phones to ship, I'm glad to see that a flood of handsets with the coveted software has burst onto the mobile scene. Some of these devices, such as the HTC Droid DNA and LG Nexus 4, rolled straight off the assembly line boasting Google's most modern OS. Older phones, like the Samsung Galaxy S3 and Motorola Droid Razr HD Maxx, just received this significant upgrade.

Take a look at this stellar list of smartphones that all offer a state-of-the-art Android experience. From the pure flavor only … Read more

Sprint sees most exclusive smartphone deals going away

The era of exclusive smartphone deals may soon be over.

That's according to Sprint product chief Fared Adib and device executive Ryan Sullivan, who believe the industry is slowly getting away from the practice of locking up smartphones for a single carrier.

Ideally, this means consumers will eventually be able to pick any phone they want on any carrier.

"We in the industry have focused too much on this concept," Adib said.

"It makes less sense for exclusive deals," Sullivan said.

That goes against the longtime tradition of a handset manufacturer striking a deal to … Read more