Flexible OLED technology isn't new: the first foldable OLED display was released in 2018. Rollable displays are similar to foldable displays, but they have proven difficult to produce. Tecno Mobile and Motorola both recently presented rollable OLED concepts at the Mobile World Congress technology convention in Barcelona. Samsung also recently filed a patent for a future smartphone or tablet that rolls up like a newspaper.
Tuesday, April 2, 2024Samsung is considering an upgrade for its voice assistant Bixby, incorporating generative AI technology similar to what powers its Galaxy AI features on the Galaxy S24 series.
Samsung has introduced a company-wide six-day workweek policy for executives. The company had disappointing financial results last year and is now trying to tackle ongoing business uncertainty. The new workweek policy aims to inject a sense of crisis as part of an all-out effort to overcome its current challenges. Employees under the executive level are not expected to follow suit. Samsung is facing increased competition in the production of high-bandwidth memory chips alongside wider economic concerns like rising borrowing costs and oil prices and a rapid depreciation of Korean currency.
Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra, which resembles the Apple Watch Ultra with its new square-shaped case and additional button, has leaked through renders by OnLeaks and Smartprix. Rumored features include a third button similar to Apple's Action Button, a new health sensor array, larger speaker grilles, and potentially more microphones for improved speakerphone clarity.
Google is reportedly planning to use the same Samsung OLED display in the Pixel 9 series as Apple will use in the iPhone 16 Pro. It will be utilizing an updated M14 OLED panel from Samsung in the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The Pixel 9 series is set to launch on August 13, well ahead of the company's usual schedule and ahead of the launch of the new iPhones expected in September.
Samsung has launched its first foray into smart rings. The Galaxy Ring is a lightweight ring equipped with sensors designed for health monitoring 24 hours a day. It uses AI software to offer a comprehensive picture of wearers' health. The ring, which weighs between 2.5 grams and 3 grams depending on the size, has a battery that can last up to seven days. It comes in three colors and will be available on July 24 starting from $399.99.
Samsung will launch an upgraded version of its voice assistant Bixby based on its own AI models later this year as part of a broader push to enhance AI capabilities across its devices.
Both LG and Samsung demonstrated transparent television screens at CES 2024. The companies have very different approaches to the technology - Samsung is betting on microLED screens while LG is pursuing OLED displays. Neither technology is ready yet. This article takes a deep dive into each of these display technologies. It looks at how they work, the problems they face, and the applications of transparent screens.
Samsung's mobile chief, TM Roh, outlined the vision for Galaxy AI at a Paris event that showcased new AI features in Samsung products, including an evolution of Bixby driven by Samsung's LLMs. Roh discussed potential monetization strategies, including subscriptions for AI services, though plans are still under consideration.
Samsung's new Odyssey gaming monitor lineup uses eye-tracking technology to convert 2D visuals into glasses-free 3D. Users can seamlessly switch between 2D and 3D modes. The monitor, which features a 4K QLED panel with a 165Hz refresh rate, a 1-millisecond response time, and support for AMD Free Sync, will be available in 27- and 37-inch sizes. It is set for global release within this year.
The Samsung Odyssey 3D monitor introduces a breakthrough in stereoscopic 3D technology by enabling 3D viewing without the need for glasses or headsets. It utilizes built-in stereo cameras to track eye movements and a lenticular lens to display separate images to each eye, creating a floating 3D effect. Primarily aimed at gamers, the monitor features 4K resolution, 1 ms response time, and a 165Hz refresh rate, making it valuable for designers and content creators working in 3D spaces.
Samsung has introduced its latest tablet lineup, the Galaxy Tab S10 series, which emphasizes artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. The series includes two models: the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra and the Galaxy Tab S10+. Both tablets feature advanced displays and robust specifications, making them suitable for a variety of tasks. The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra boasts a large 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 2960 x 1848 and a 120Hz refresh rate. It is powered by Android 14 and features a MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ processor, with options for 12GB or 16GB of RAM. The tablet is equipped with AI tools such as Circle to Search, Handwriting Assist, Note Assist, and Sketch to Image, all of which can be utilized with the included S Pen. The S Pen also supports Air Command with AI, allowing users to access features quickly. Additionally, the Tab S10 Ultra can function as a home AI hub for SmartThings devices, providing a 3D Map View and Insight Messages for monitoring. In terms of camera capabilities, the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra includes a dual rear camera setup with 13MP and 8MP sensors, as well as dual 12MP ultra-wide front-facing cameras. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 7, 5G, and Bluetooth 5.3, and it is powered by an 11,200 mAh battery. The tablet supports various accessories, including keyboard covers and a smart book cover. The starting price for the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is $1,200 for the 256GB model, with additional storage options available. The Galaxy Tab S10+ shares many specifications with the Ultra model but features a smaller 12.4-inch display with a resolution of 2800 x 1752. It maintains the same 120Hz refresh rate but has a slightly less powerful camera setup, with only one 12MP ultra-wide front camera. The Tab S10+ comes with 12GB of RAM and a smaller 10,090 mAh battery. It is priced starting at $999 for the 256GB model, with similar storage options and MicroSD support. Both tablets are designed to cater to users looking for high-performance devices that leverage AI technology, making them suitable for productivity, entertainment, and smart home integration. Pre-orders for both models have begun, with availability expected next month.
Epic Games has initiated a new antitrust lawsuit against Google and Samsung, alleging that the two companies are colluding to suppress competition from third-party app stores. This lawsuit follows Epic's previous legal victory against Google, where a jury found that Google maintained an illegal monopoly over app distribution on its platform. The core of the current lawsuit centers around Samsung's "Auto Blocker" feature, which is enabled by default on new Samsung devices. This feature restricts users from installing apps unless they come from "authorized sources," which Epic claims effectively limits installations to Google and Samsung's own app stores. Epic argues that there is no clear process for other app stores to gain this "authorized" status, thereby stifling competition. Epic's CEO, Tim Sweeney, contends that the Auto Blocker is not genuinely designed to protect users from malware, as it does not assess the safety of apps before blocking installations. Instead, he argues that it is a tool to prevent competition. Sweeney has expressed concerns about the difficulty users face in disabling the Auto Blocker, claiming it requires an unnecessarily complicated process that discourages users from installing alternative app stores. In response, Samsung and Google have denied any collusion regarding the Auto Blocker feature. Google has stated that it did not request Samsung to create this feature, emphasizing that Android allows for sideloading apps and that device manufacturers are free to implement their own safety measures. Samsung has also defended the Auto Blocker, asserting that it is designed to enhance user security and that users can easily disable it during the initial setup of their devices. Epic's lawsuit seeks a jury trial, and the outcome may be influenced by ongoing legal proceedings from its previous case against Google. The company aims to prevent what it perceives as a "malicious compliance strategy" from Google and its partners, which could further hinder competition in the app distribution market. As the legal battle unfolds, Epic remains vigilant about potential barriers to third-party app stores, with Sweeney indicating that they are closely monitoring the situation.
Samsung is reportedly developing a competitor to the Ray-Ban Meta glasses, collaborating with Google on the project that will utilize Google’s Gemini AI technology. This initiative was approved earlier in the year following extensive discussions within Google about whether to pursue full augmented reality (AR) glasses or simpler smart glasses akin to the Ray-Ban Meta model. Ultimately, executives from both companies decided to focus on the latter option. This development comes nearly a year after Samsung filed a trademark for "Samsung Glasses" in the UK, hinting at a potential product name. In the competitive landscape of smart eyewear, Google is also aiming to secure the partnership with EssilorLuxottica, the company that owns Ray-Ban, which would be a significant advantage in the market. EssilorLuxottica holds a dominant position in the global eyewear sector, with its brands being some of the most recognized worldwide. Despite Google's efforts to take this partnership from Meta, they were unsuccessful, as Meta and EssilorLuxottica recently announced an extension of their collaboration for the next decade to create multi-generational smart eyewear products. In addition to the smart glasses project, Samsung and Google are working together on a high-end mixed reality headset designed to compete with Apple's Vision Pro. Google is responsible for the software aspect, while Samsung is handling the hardware, utilizing Qualcomm's XR2+ Gen 2 chipset. However, there are indications that the release of this mixed reality headset may face further delays, potentially pushing it into 2025. Overall, the collaboration between Samsung and Google signifies a strategic move in the evolving market of augmented and mixed reality technologies, as both companies seek to carve out their share in a space that is becoming increasingly competitive.