6 Reasons Why the Galaxy Fold Z 6 Is a Worthy Upgrade

Posted on by

You’d think that a steady trickle of “meh” when it comes to new tech rumors would send potential buyers running for the hills, or at least to another brand. But there’s something oddly compelling about the underwhelming whispers surrounding Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 that just might make it the most coveted gadget of the year. Let’s unpack this paradox.

Before continuing, I should mention that my experience with the Galaxy Z Fold was with the third model. Even then, it was a well-built, high-performing, high-tech foldable device, despite the gap when closed, which didn’t bother me as much as it did other tech pundits. I found it to be a powerhouse for multitasking, with a far superior user interface than its competitors. So, let’s examine the six reasons why all the ordinary rumors excite me about Samsung’s Unpacked event in July.

Designer: Samsung (renders courtesy of Smartprix and Steve Hemmerstoffer/@OnLeaks)

Design and Display Enhancements:

The buzz around the Galaxy Z Fold 6 may not be earth-shattering, but the tweaks are thoughtfully targeted. A slimmer, broader frame and a slightly larger cover screen are rumored, addressing ergonomics and usability—a subtle but meaningful nod to user feedback.

Thinner Frame: Slimming down from the previous generation’s 13.4mm to 12.1mm when folded, the Z Fold 6 is expected to offer a more comfortable grip and pocket fit. This small reduction in thickness could make a significant difference in daily handling and overall user satisfaction.

Wider Screen: The anticipated increase from 6.2 inches to 6.4 inches for the cover screen suggests a shift towards more practical usability in its phone state. This adjustment means less squinting and more functional space, making quick tasks more manageable without unfolding the device.

Hardware and Performance Upgrades:

The heart of the Z Fold 6 lies in its performance capabilities, spearheaded by the integration of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. This promises top-tier processing power and efficiency that could extend battery life.

Latest Processor: The Z Fold 6, equipped with the newest Snapdragon, should match or surpass its competitors’ speed and multitasking capabilities. This is vital for a device that functions as both a phone and a tablet. Additionally, Samsung is expected to incorporate new AI-driven features into the device, which will require substantial on-device processing power.

Stagnant Storage Options: Samsung’s decision to stick with up to 1TB of storage and 12GB of RAM indicates its confidence in its existing configurations. These specs are more than sufficient for most users, emphasizing stability over surplus.

Camera Continuity:

While the camera setup may not dazzle with upgrades, Samsung’s consistency here indicates a focus on refining the software and user experience rather than hardware specs alone.

Consistent Camera Hardware: The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is set to maintain the same camera setup as its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Fold 5, featuring a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide, and a 10MP telephoto lens. While the hardware remains unchanged, Samsung likely aims to enhance photographic quality through advanced software improvements. This focus on software could include better image processing algorithms and new features that leverage AI to enhance photo quality and user experience. These improvements are expected to compensate for the stationary hardware specs by significantly improving the overall camera functionality and photo output.

Potential Ultra Model:

The possibility of a Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra adds spice to the rumors. This model would cater to the premium segment and have features that could justify a higher price point.

Titanium Frame and Advanced Cameras: The rumored Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra may feature a titanium frame, enhancing its durability and giving it a sleek, premium feel that elevates the device’s overall desirability. This aligns with Samsung’s strategy to incorporate superior materials and technology in its Ultra models, appealing to consumers looking for high-end, robust gadgets.

Adding a 200MP camera would take smartphone photography to a new level, offering unprecedented image detail and significant post-capture cropping flexibility. Thanks to the vast resolution, users could extract multiple high-quality photos from a single shot without losing clarity. This feature, combined with Samsung’s advanced image processing, could make the Z Fold 6 Ultra a powerhouse for both casual photographers and enthusiasts, boosting its standing in the technology sector.

Pricing and Market Positioning:

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is expected to hit the shelves with a price tag in line with its predecessor, ranging between $1,699 and $1,799. This pricing strategy positions the Z Fold 6 as a high-end device within the premium foldable market. However, no matter how you slice it, nearly $2,000 for a phone is a significant investment. If you’re considering diving into the world of foldables, it’s best to make that leap when the technology has matured, ensuring you’re getting the most value for your money.

Final Outlook:

Samsung is tweaking the Galaxy Z Fold 6 by enhancing what’s already good rather than loading it up with flashy new features. They’re taking a steady, thoughtful approach to upgrades, opting for subtlety over shock and awe. This might not make headlines, but it ensures a smoother, more reliable phone. The focus is on solid, practical improvements that make everyday use better. By concentrating on strengthening the essentials, this phone becomes a superbly irresistible choice for anyone looking for dependable, high-performing tech that doesn’t complicate things.

The post 6 Reasons Why the Galaxy Fold Z 6 Is a Worthy Upgrade first appeared on Yanko Design.

Death Star Popcorn Maker Gives You The Finest Popcorn In The Cosmos Without Butter Or Oil

Posted on by

I guess the exploding Death Star metaphor works well here considering it also explodes kernels of corn.

Meet the Death Star Popcorn Maker, an intergalactic-themed appliance that gets you ready for any movie night in minutes. Designed to look like Darth Vader’s cosmic headquarters, this contraption whips up a bowl of popcorn without relying on a drop of oil or butter. It uses a clever vortex of hot air that super-heats the corn kernels up, making them pop. The air then carries the popped kernels out of the heat chamber, giving you popcorn that’s perfectly cooked without getting burnt… and without any unpopped kernels.

Designer: Uncanny Brands

Click Here to Buy Now

Created by the folks at Uncanny Brands, this popcorn maker is perfect for your May 4th ritual of watching every Star Wars movie made (you may require the entire weekend for that program if you commit to it). The Death Star Popcorn Maker comes in two parts, the base of the planet is where the action happens – corn is popped without oil or butter, using pure heated air. Once it’s popped, the corn rises to the top where it collects in a transparent cloche, getting dispensed in the upper half of the Death Star, which conveniently becomes your popcorn bowl!

The air vortex technology is clever for a bunch of reasons. From just a health point of view, the idea of having popcorn without copious amounts of butter or oil just feels less sinful – sure, you can absolutely add butter to your corn after it’s popped. The lack of grease means the Popcorn Maker doesn’t need cleaning up after either – all you need to do is empty out any unpopped kernels. Popcorn pops evenly with a nearly 98% success rate, and the air vortex automatically pushes the popped corn upwards and out into the bowl, so you’re never left with any burnt flavor. You can then easily season your corn with powders and spices of your choice.

When all’s said and done, simply lift the transparent cover and place the popcorn bowl back on top and your popcorn maker magically transforms back into a Death Star replica, looking less like a kitchen appliance and more like fan memorabilia!

Click Here to Buy Now

The post Death Star Popcorn Maker Gives You The Finest Popcorn In The Cosmos Without Butter Or Oil first appeared on Yanko Design.

Microsoft’s latest Windows security updates might break your VPN

Posted on by

Microsoft says the April security updates for Windows may break your VPN. (Oops!) “Windows devices might face VPN connection failures after installing the April 2024 security update (KB5036893) or the April 2024 non-security preview update,” the company wrote in a status update. It’s working on a fix.

Bleeping Computer first reported the issue, which affects Windows 11, Windows 10 and Windows Server 2008 and later. User reports on Reddit are mixed, with some commenters saying their VPNs still work after installing the update and others claiming their encrypted connections were indeed borked.

“We are working on a resolution and will provide an update in an upcoming release,” Microsoft wrote.

There’s no proper fix until Microsoft pushes a patched update. However, you can work around the issue by uninstalling all the security updates. In an unfortunate bit of timing for CEO Satya Nadella, he said last week that he wants Microsoft to put “security above else.” I can’t imagine making customers (temporarily) choose between going without a VPN and losing the latest protection is what he had in mind.

At least one Redditor claims that uninstalling and reinstalling their VPN app fixed the problem for them, so it may be worth trying that before moving on to more drastic measures.

If you decide to uninstall the security updates, Microsoft tells you how. “To remove the LCU after installing the combined SSU and LCU package, use the DISM/Remove-Package command line option with the LCU package name as the argument,” the company wrote in its patch notes. “You can find the package name by using this command: DISM /online /get-packages.”

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/microsofts-latest-windows-security-updates-might-break-your-vpn-202050679.html?src=rss

This Wearable Climate Controller Keeps You Comfortable in Extreme Weather

Posted on by


In places like Phoenix, where temperatures can reach 115 degrees Fahrenheit, or Florida, with its oppressive humidity, staying comfortable outdoors often feels like an overwhelming challenge. Sony’s latest update to their wearable thermal device, the REON POCKET 5, is a cutting-edge wearable climate controller that integrates effortlessly into daily life. For me, this accessory is indispensable.

Designer: Sony

This advanced wearable activates to cool or warm as soon as it contacts your neck and deactivates upon removal without manual controls. This automatic function liberates you from the hassle of manual adjustments, allowing a smooth transition from vigorous yard work to business meetings without the discomfort of sweat-stained clothing. As a parent, I hardly ever miss a tennis lesson or match, regardless of the weather. It can get chilly in the winter when you’re not moving much, and standing under the scorching sun isn’t enjoyable in the summer. This is why I’m extremely excited about this product.

Its sophisticated sensor array and thermal design technology are at the heart of the REON POCKET 5’s effectiveness. The device is equipped with five sensors: three dedicated temperature sensors, one combined temperature and humidity sensor, and an acceleration sensor for detecting motion. This comprehensive sensing capability allows the REON POCKET 5 to provide situation-specific adjustments finely tuned to environmental conditions and user activity. Whether facing a sudden rise in temperature or an increase in physical activity, the device adjusts its output to maintain optimal comfort.

Sony’s expertise in mobile device design is evident in the thermal management of the REON POCKET 5. The heat dissipation mechanism, perfected through hundreds of simulations, is crucial for maximizing the efficiency of the device’s Peltier element. This element, a core component of the device, uses electrical current to produce a cooling effect on one side and a warming effect on the other, making it ideal for both cooling and warming applications, depending on your needs. 

Moreover, the REON POCKET 5 is robust, being splash- and dust-resistant, making it suitable for both rigorous outdoor activities and everyday urban use. This durability ensures that the device can perform under various environmental conditions without faltering.

For commuters and those frequently transitioning between different environments, the REON POCKET 5’s SMART COOL⇔WARM MODE proves invaluable. This feature automatically adjusts the cooling or warming temperatures by detecting both the temperature inside your clothing and the ambient temperature around the device. It seamlessly switches modes based on environmental changes, even during days with significant temperature fluctuations, enhancing comfort without any manual input required.

The REON POCKET 5 also focuses on comfort and adaptability. Its innovative triple-layer construction features a flexible mechanical tube, a shape-holding wireframe, and a soft silicone cover, ensuring the device fits securely and comfortably for prolonged periods. The adjustable neckband is designed to accommodate a wide range of neck sizes and maintain the chosen position, providing personalized comfort that adapts to the wearer’s unique body dimensions.

Scheduled for release in Singapore in May 2024, with subsequent availability in Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, the REON POCKET 5 is a game-changer for anyone facing extreme temperatures. Its up to 17-hour battery life ensures all-day comfort, and it is capable of handling anything from an intensely hot day to a cold conference hall.

The post This Wearable Climate Controller Keeps You Comfortable in Extreme Weather first appeared on Yanko Design.

Audible is testing a cheaper plan in Australia

Posted on by

Audible is testing a cheaper subscription tier in Australia that sounds like an answer to Spotify’s audiobook push. Like the more expensive plan, the new Standard membership gives you one free title per month. But, similar to gaming services like PlayStation Plus, you lose access to the books you claimed under the plan if you cancel.

As reported by Bloomberg, the Audible Standard plan costs AUD 8.99 (US$5.90) per month, significantly lower than the AUD 16.45 monthly cost of the Premium Plus plan in Australia ($14.97 in the US). Despite the lower cost, Audible Standard subscribers down under can still claim one audiobook per month to add to their library, which they can download and listen to online or off.

But the catch is, unlike Audible Premium Plus, Standard members’ free audiobook credits don’t roll over to the next month if they don’t use them. (So, if you forget to claim a book in May, you’ll still only have one credit to use in June.) In addition, the audiobooks you chose on the Standard plan will have a lock icon next to them after you cancel. To listen to them after canceling, you’ll have to buy them at full price or resubscribe.

Another difference between the plans is Audible Standard members won’t get full podcast access. “Audible Standard members can listen to many podcasts for free,” an Audible FAQ about the plan reads. “Some Audible Original podcasts aren’t available with Audible Standard membership though.”

Spotify launched an audiobook feature last year that challenged Audible’s established model. Spotify Premium subscribers in the US can stream 15 hours of books monthly through their ad-free music plan. The service also offers an audiobooks-only tier (with the same 15-hour cap) for $10 monthly. If the allotted time isn’t enough, Spotify users can buy a 10-hour top-up. A single audiobook often lasts around seven to 11 hours.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audible-is-testing-a-cheaper-plan-in-australia-191347871.html?src=rss

Two of our top Anker power banks are back on sale at all-time low prices

Posted on by

Some of the best and brightest Anker power banks are on sale via Amazon and directly from the company. These deals include the 20,000mAh Prime portable charge, which is down to $90 from its usual price of $130. That’s a discount of 31 percent and matches a previous record low.

Anker products are all over our list of the best power banks, and we named the Prime charger as the best ultra-premium product on the market. Unfortunately, ultra-premium also means ultra-expensive, though $90 is a whole lot better than $130.

We admired the slick aesthetics, as power banks don’t tend to turn heads. The case is a textured metallic plastic with a nice polish. There’s a built-in screen and rounded corners, all of which work to give this bank a luxe feel. The screen is useful, displaying the remaining charge within the battery and the watts flowing out to each device. The charge times and capacity were in line with other 20K batteries we tested.

It’s easy to use, which is made even easier if people pony up for the companion base. This base includes magnets to align the pins, so users can just plop the battery down and move on to something else. The base does offer additional ports, one USB-A and two USB-C, which turns the whole package into a fairly decent power hub. However, the base costs $70 and isn’t currently on sale.

We did notice that the Prime charger can be sluggish to wake, which isn’t a huge deal. The power bank’s sleek and shiny finish also tends to pick up fingerprints. There’s a faux-suede pouch to carry it in, which is a nice touch.

The Anker Nano Battery is also on sale for $16 with an on-page coupon, which is $14 off the device's list price. This cute little thing boasts a foldable USB-C connector, so as to better integrate with smartphones. It also made our list of the best power banks and we heartily recommend it for anyone looking for a quick partial charge of an Android device.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/two-of-our-top-anker-power-banks-are-back-on-sale-at-all-time-low-prices-185125271.html?src=rss

Huawei has been secretly funding research in America after being blacklisted

Posted on by

Chinese tech giant Huawei has been secretly funding research in America despite being blacklisted, as reported by Bloomberg. The cutting-edge research is happening at universities, including Harvard, and the money is being funneled through an independent Washington-based research foundation, along with a competition for scientists.

Bloomberg found that Huawei was the sole funder of a research competition that has awarded millions of dollars since 2022 and attracted hundreds of proposals from scientists. Some of these scientists are at top US universities that have banned researchers from working with the company.

What’s the big deal? The fear is that this research could lead to innovations that give China a leg up with regard to both defense contracting and commercial interests, according to Kevin Wolf, a partner at the business-focused law firm Akin who specializes in export controls. Optica, the foundation behind all of this, has posted online that it is interested in “high-sensitivity optical sensors and detectors," among other categories of research.

“It’s a bad look for a prestigious research foundation to be anonymously accepting money from a Chinese company that raises so many national security concerns for the US government,” said James Mulvenon, a defense contractor who has worked on research security issues and co-authored several books on industrial espionage.

It’s worth noting that this money funneling operation doesn’t look to be illegal, as research intended for publication doesn’t fall under the purview of the ban. Huawei operates similar competitions in other parts of the world, though openly. People who participated in the US-based research competition didn’t even know that Huawei was involved, believing the money to come from Optica. The competition awards $1 million per year and Optica didn’t give any indication that Huawei was supplying the cash.

A Huawei spokesperson told Bloomberg that the company and the Optica Foundation created the competition to support global research and promote academic communication, saying that it remained anonymous to keep from being seen as a promotion of some kind. Optica’s CEO, Liz Rogan, said in a statement that many foundation donors “prefer to remain anonymous” and that “there is nothing unusual about this practice.” She also said that the entire board knew about Huawei’s involvement and that everyone signed off on it. Bloomberg did note that the Huawei-backed competition was the only one on Optica’s website that didn’t list individual and corporate financial sponsors.

Huawei has been wrapped in a web of US restrictions these past several years. We can’t buy the vast majority of Huawei products in America, as the company’s been effectively banned. This all started in 2019 when President Trump signed an executive order that banned the sale and use of telecom equipment that posed “unacceptable" risks to national security. At the time, Trump said that “foreign adversaries” were exploiting security holes that would eventually lead to "potentially catastrophic effects.” Wait, Trump used the words “potentially catastrophic effects?” Wild.

To that end, the company has faced numerous claims that it installs backdoors in networks for the purpose of data theft, though there’s no proof of actual theft and the company denies the accusations. Huawei has also been accused of employing Chinese spies to influence an investigation and documents seem to indicate Huawei’s involvement in China’s surveillance efforts.

Some expected President Biden to reverse Trump’s executive order when it expired in 2021, but he headed in the opposite direction. Not only does the order stand, but Biden signed a law that blocked Huawei from obtaining an FCC license and he banned American investments in China’s high tech industries. We aren’t cozying up to China anytime soon, so Huawei will continue to be persona non grata on this side of the pond (the company still does booming business in Europe.)

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/huawei-has-been-secretly-funding-research-in-america-after-being-blacklisted-182020402.html?src=rss

3D-Printed House Is Built in 18 Hours, Offering An Economical Housing Solution For The Future

Posted on by

3D-printed architecture has been making waves ever since its inception. It is a fantastic solution to pricey housing, providing economical housing options to the population. Portagul-based Havelar is creating its very own inaugural 3D-printed home, which takes only 18 hours to print! The home is located in the Greater Porto area of Portugal’s second-largest city. It is designed to be an 80 sq ft two-bedroom residence which currently doesn’t have a name bestowed upon it. The home is printed using COBOD’s BOD2 printer.

Designer: Havelar

The home can be constructed for €1,500 per sq m, which is a great deal in comparison to the Porto average of €3,104 (almost US$3,330) per square meter. This economical price tag is because of the speed of construction provided by the 3D printer. The printer follows a blueprint and forms a cement-like mixture from a nozzle in layers. This forms the basic structure of the house. The printing process takes almost 18 hours, and then builders finish the construction by installing the door, paneling, windows, and roof. They also manually install any other amenities that are needed. Taking the human labour into consideration, the home was completed within two months.

The home by Havelar is a single-storey abode with telltale ribbed walls which implies that the home was built using a 3D printer. The interior includes a central kitchen and dining room, with two bedrooms, a living room, as well as a bathroom. The home is quite basic and minimal compared to high-end and luxurious 3D-printed homes you may have seen around, but taking the price tag into consideration it truly is a fair deal for what you’re getting.

“We want to team up with partners who see themselves in building sustainable and accessible communities,” said Rodrigo Vilas-Boas, Co-Founder of Havelar. “With €150,000 [$161,000], it’s possible for a young couple to have the home they’ve always dreamed of, in an area with good access and services.”

This home is the first 3D-printed home developed by Havelar, but the firm plans to amp up production and even reach carbon neutrality by 2030, by shifting to alternative construction materials like straw and earth.

The post 3D-Printed House Is Built in 18 Hours, Offering An Economical Housing Solution For The Future first appeared on Yanko Design.

Amazon CEO’s anti-union comments broke federal laws, labor judge rules

Posted on by

Continuing the long American tradition of wealthy corporate overlords making union-busting comments, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy went on a media blitz in 2022 to warn of the workplace-altering terrors of labor unions. (Surely, it’s an unfortunate happenstance that his urgent PSA coincided with an uptick in organizing efforts at Amazon.) Sadly for Mr. Jassy, the US still has a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), and CNBC reports that the board ruled Wednesday that his anti-union comments broke federal labor laws.

Jassy popped up on CNBC in April 2022 to say that if employees voted for and joined a union, they would become less empowered and could expect things to become “much slower” and “more bureaucratic.” In an interview with Bloomberg, he added, “If you see something on the line that you think could be better for your team or you or your customers, you can’t just go to your manager and say, ‘Let’s change it.’”

He capped off his union-busting trifecta at The New York Times DealBook conference, where the CEO said that a workplace without unions isn’t “bureaucratic, it’s not slow.”

It’s the latest in Amazon’s long history of union-busting behavior.

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy gestures toward the audience as part of an onstage talk. Black backdrop.
Amazon

NLRB Judge Brian Gee said Jassy violated labor laws by suggesting employees would be less empowered or “better off” without a union. However, Gee said the CEO’s other comments about worker-employer relationships changing were lawful. According to the judge, the difference is that the more aggressive quotes “went beyond merely commenting on the employee-employer relationship.”

Gee added that the comments “threatened employees that, if they selected a union, they would become less empowered and find it harder to get things done quickly.” The judge recommends that Amazon “cease and desist” from making similar comments in the future. The company is also required to post and share a note about the judge’s order with all of its US employees.

In December, Jassy’s Amazon shares were valued at $328 million, making him one of America’s wealthiest CEOs.

In a statement to CNBC, an Amazon spokesperson said the judge’s ruling “reflects poorly on the state of free speech rights today.” Because, hey, what kind of free country do we even have if a retail magnate can’t tell low-income workers scary bedtime stories about the perils of voting to empower themselves in the workplace?

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/amazon-ceos-anti-union-comments-broke-federal-laws-labor-judge-rules-171809699.html?src=rss

You can finally use passkeys to sign into your Microsoft account

Posted on by

Microsoft is celebrating World Password Day (IT folks deserve holidays, too!) by helping to kill them. The company has finally rolled out consumer passkey support for Microsoft accounts, nearly two years after Apple and Google.

Once you set it up, the passkey lets you sign into your Microsoft account using your face, fingerprint or device PIN. It works not only on Windows but also on Apple and Google’s mobile and desktop platforms.

Passkeys are an easier and more secure way to access your account. They use what’s called a cryptographic key pair to ensure only you can get in. One half of the pair is stored on your local device, only accessible via your secure local login. The other part stays on the app or website. Requiring both of them to sign in acts as a deterrent for things like password leaks and phishing attacks.

In addition to Apple, Google and now Microsoft, companies adopting passkeys include Amazon, 1Password, Dashlane, Docusign, eBay, PayPal and WhatsApp (among others). Google said on Thursday that its passkeys have already been used a billion times.

Microsoft’s passkey support works starting today on the company’s desktop apps and websites, including Microsoft 365 (Office) and its Copilot AI assistant. The Windows maker says passkey support for its mobile apps “will follow in the coming weeks.”

You can get started by signing into your Microsoft account here and following the instructions.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/you-can-finally-use-passkeys-to-sign-into-your-microsoft-account-155431241.html?src=rss