Samsung to launch Galaxy S 4 without Knox security layer
Container support now pushed back to summer
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After hyping it for months, Samsung has delayed the release of Knox, its new enterprise security framework for its Galaxy line of Android phones, sources claim.
The South Korean mobile maker first touted the new security features at February's Mobile World Conference in Barcelona, claiming they would ship with its forthcoming new flagship handset, the Galaxy S 4.
But sources have now told The New York Times that although the Galaxy S 4 is due to arrive in the US on Saturday, April 27, the full version of the Knox framework won't be on it.
Instead, Samsung has decided to withhold the software to allow more time for testing, and it now plans to ship the final version around July.
When contacted by the NYT for confirmation, Samsung responded with a statement admitting to the delay but offering a rather cryptic explanation, saying, "All the Knox framework components come standard on the device, with full-feature activation by solution providers and distribution channels to become available at a later date."
Knox is a combination of hardware and software components that can create a container on an Android phone to keep the user's business calendar, contacts, email, browser, and applications separate from personal data. The business container can be managed remotely by enterprise sysadmins.
The tech is widely seen as a shot across the bow of BlackBerry, which has long been a favorite platform for security-conscious mobile applications. BlackBerry is developing its own security sandboxing software for Android and iOS, called Secure Work Spaces, but when it plans to ship it is unknown.
Because of the technical hurdles involved in implementing Knox, however, Samsung won't make its technology available for existing handsets. It will only be supported on future Galaxy models, beginning with the S 4 – eventually, that is.
Incidentally, this isn't the first time Samsung's Galaxy S 4 rollout has encountered a stumbling block. The device was originally supposed to be available in AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile stores on Saturday, but Sprint and T-Mobile have both delayed retail availability into the following week, citing supply problems.
Not that any of this is likely to put punters off the Korean kit. Samsung now makes more than 40 per cent of all Android phones sold worldwide, and the company's previous flagship phone, the Galaxy S III, has handily outsold Apple's iPhone in recent quarters.
The Galaxy S 4 shows every sign of becoming a similar success – even if it won't be everything customers were hoping for at launch. ®
COMMENTS
Highly Rated
Re: Like wireless charging?
What? a big corporation lying? no....
It MUST have been a misunderstanding... you know they said it was wireless charging compatible with a replacement back cover.. which it was... they just never said when they'd release the back cover, just soon.....
Anyway I NEVER expect samsung to be on-time with their accessories, it is their biggest failing I think...
Lets see if they can do better this year...
Like I want a wireless charging flip replacement back on my S4, will it appear? no, because they will sell a wireless charging back AND a flip back, but not one in both....
They make the only viable contender for my pocket space, yet fail to support it!
HTC, no SD-Card,
Experia Z, poor screen (imho that is)
Nexus No SD
Really pissed at HTC, they release a great phone, and miss the ONE feature you need if your using a phone for media, expanded storage!!!!
Hmm.
The BlackBerry Balance sandbox on my Z10 must be a figment of my imagination then...
"The tech is widely seen as a shot across the bow of BlackBerry, which has long been a favorite platform for security-conscious mobile applications. BlackBerry is developing its own security sandboxing software for Android and iOS, called Secure Work Spaces, but when it plans to ship it is unknown."
BB X doesn't have it either; a real step backwards for them.
How will the BB sandbox software be supported on iOS. I'm sure that won't be in the "App store" ever. How many companies are going to require the iOS device to be rooted? Not many as that alone brings security issues up.
Re: How much....
Funny, when you ask how much Apple stuff El Reg for stories people shout you down.
It's not like every pathetic rumour is reported upon before the next iThing release or anything.........
Re: Like wireless charging?
Surely a company with such high moral standards as Samsung would never lie to their rabid customer base?
