Galaxy Z Fold 4 diary: What I miss from a Pixel every time I use a Samsung phone - 9to5Google

The Galaxy Z Fold 4 is one step closer to perfecting the foldable formula, and it’s a device I enjoyed enough to make it my personal smartphone. But every year, I end up switching to a Samsung phone and missing elements from my usual Google Pixel.

One UI is excellent, but it still ignores what makes Google’s software great

Samsung’s skin on top of Android used to be the scum of the platform, but that’s changed dramatically over the past few years. One UI is pretty great, and One UI 4.1.1 based on Android 12L really brings a wonderful experience to the Galaxy Z Fold 4.

I’m not sure I’d want to use a foldable with any other experience at this moment in time, frankly. What Samsung has developed here is easy to use, fast, and really knows how to take advantage of the larger screen real estate.

As well done as Samsung’s One UI is, it’s still the polar opposite of Google’s approach. Samsung takes virtually every feature and crams it in, for better or worse. Google, on the other hand, has a more focused experience, and one that’s just more of a pleasure to use. On top of that, Google’s experience doesn’t feel like it’s fighting with third-party apps, where Samsung’s look and feel is often in stark contrast to other apps on your phone.

Of course, that’s not to say that Google does it all right, or that Samsung does it all wrong. One of the biggest problems is that Google’s updates always seem to bring the most bizarre bugs, where Samsung’s usually don’t.

Still, there are just so many little things I miss from a Pixel when I’m on my Fold, or any other Samsung phone, but the list has been cut down dramatically over the years.

The cameras, of course

It wouldn’t be a Pixel post without talking cameras, and this is the thing I always miss the most when moving into a Samsung phone.

Google’s camera experience is consistent. Samsung’s is not.

The camera hardware on the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Pixel 6 Pro is pretty darn similar overall – 50MP primary, 12MP ultrawide, and a telephoto lens – but the Pixel comes out with consistently better photos across the board. Why? Software, mainly.

Samsung’s processing for photos tends to be overly saturated and doesn’t really reflect real life in some instances. You’ll probably get a pleasing shot, until you look at the details. But for every good shot, there are also likely a couple of rough outtakes. Taking a picture of a dog? Hopefully it’s a statue, otherwise you’ll have motion from when the shutter snapped. Trying to capture some dramatic lighting in the evening? Samsung’s processing will probably blow it out and neutralize the effect entirely.

But the real kicker, I’ve noticed, is that Samsung’s camera app still can’t show you anything close to the final product from the viewfinder. I’ve had several occasions where I’ve been pretty happy with a shot in the viewfinder, but Samsung’s software then processed it to death, and effectively ruined the picture. It’s not every time, but it’s enough to be extremely frustrating.

Pixels, on the other hand, show a pretty accurate representation of HDR when you’re actually taking the shot. It might be tweaked to bring out some details or tweak the exposure, but what you see in the viewfinder is more or less what you’re going to get in the final shot.

I don’t mind shooting on the Galaxy Z Fold 4, because I know I’m still going to get a usable shot at the end of the day, but I don’t trust it to take a great one… well, really ever. That’s perhaps what I miss most about my Pixel 6 Pro since moving over to Samsung’s latest.

Google’s version of Digital Wellbeing is actually useful

This is a relatively minor point, but one that really irks me every time I move off of a Pixel. Google’s take on Digital Wellbeing is, actually, genuinely useful.

Digital Wellbeing is an idea that’s usually manifested in a way to know what your online habits are so you can work toward perhaps cutting down on screen time, muting distractions, and really just to have better balance between what’s happening on your phone and what’s happening in the world around you. It’s an idea that I usually have mixed feelings about.

Personally, I couldn’t care less about seeing how many times I’ve unlocked my phone in a day, the ungodly number of notifications I’ve received, or anything like that. I just want to be able to quickly unplug from work, or disconnect from Twitter so I can enjoy an afternoon at home, or even a vacation.

On Pixel, Google makes this incredibly easy. If it’s been a long day and I just don’t want to hear from my email, Slack, or Twitter, I can simply “pause” those apps from my homescreen. A couple of quick clicks, and they’re all turned off for the day. No diving into settings, nothing I needed to set up previously. And if I do need to dive back in for whatever reason, it just takes one extra click.

I mean, I can literally just flip my phone over to put it fully on mute. It doesn’t get much easier than that.

But on a Samsung phone, this process is nowhere near as convenient.

Digital Wellbeing on a Samsung device comes down to diving into a few layers of settings and using “Focus Mode” to block out a pre-selected list of apps. Except those apps are on an allow-list, not a blocklist. If I want to just turn off a couple of apps, I have to manually allow every other app on my phone. The only other tool I have access to is “App Timers,” which is definitely a great option, but one that just doesn’t help what I want to do as mentioned before.

Like I said, this is a minor point for most people. I’d be willing to bet that most folks don’t use Digital Wellbeing tools in any capacity, but the point is that on a Google Pixel device, these tools are there to help you on the fly, where Samsung really only allows them in a way that’s structured beforehand.

But at the end of the day, the Fold 4 is one-of-a-kind

Despite the little bits and pieces I miss from Google’s phones, there’s a reason Samsung’s foldables have been my major yearly smartphone purchase. The Galaxy Z Fold 4, like what came before it, is still one-of-a-kind, at least in the US. Until Google gets around to finally releasing its own foldable, which has been an emotional rollercoaster to date, Samsung is the best in the business.

The benefits that a foldable bring me, including just the simple joy of carrying around such a big screen in such a compact package, just far outweigh these software frustrations. That said, I’m sure things will change in a few months when I end up using the Pixel 7 Pro for a while – I’m just curious if Samsung’s improved package will be able to pull me back off of that phone when the time comes.

What about you? Have you ever switched from a Pixel to a Samsung phone, or vice versa? Let’s talk about it in the comments below!

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What Apple Needs to Make the iPhone 14 Pro Max Worth It - CNET

What's happening

Apple is expected to add another 6.7-inch iPhone to its lineup this year. This phone will reportedly be a larger version of the standard iPhone 14.

Why it matters

Adding another 6.7-inch iPhone to the mix could detract from the iPhone 14 Pro Max's appeal. Especially as consumers are cutting back on spending.

What's next

Apple is holding an event on Sept. 7, where it's expected to unveil new iPhone models.

Apple is expected to fit its rumored iPhone 14 Pro Max with a higher resolution camera, a new processor and a giant 6.7-inch screen like the current iPhone 13 Pro Max. While those all sound like welcome improvements, the new top-of-the-line iPhone needs to do more to stand out this year. 

That's because the iPhone 14 Pro Max won't be the only super-size iPhone in Apple's lineup anymore, if the latest scuttlebutt is to be believed. Apple is expected to release a 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Max as well this year, meaning those who love large screens won't have to splurge on the Pro Max just to get a bigger display. 

Aside from the difference in screen size, there's typically little that separates Apple's "Pro" iPhones from its "Pro Max" devices. I'm hoping that changes with the Phone 14 Pro Max, which we're expecting to learn about during Apple's upcoming Sept. 7 event. With inflation putting a dent in smartphone shipments, companies like Apple may have to work harder to convince consumers to spend more on high-end devices. 

iPhone 14 Pro Max: What to expect

If Apple does release an iPhone 14 Pro Max in September, it's likely to be a sequel to Apple's current iPhone 13 Pro Max. As such, it will probably have a 6.7-inch screen and a triple-lens camera that includes wide, ultrawide and telephoto lenses. In an effort to further distinguish its Pro iPhones from its standard iPhones, Apple will reportedly give the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max an upgraded 48-megapixel camera sensor, a faster A16 Bionic chip and a redesigned camera module on the front that removes the notch. 

These features are said to be exclusive to the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max, meaning they won't appear on the standard iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Max. That's all according to reports from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman and TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, both of which have strong track records when it comes to reporting on unreleased Apple products.

Provided Apple maintains its current pricing structure, the iPhone 14 Pro Max will likely start at $1,100 for the 128GB model. The iPhone 14 Pro will likely begin at $1,000.

Why the iPhone 14 Pro Max needs to stand out

If the reports turn out to be true, the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max could include one of the biggest camera improvements we've seen on the iPhone in years. That alone could make them appealing to those in the market for a new device. 

The problem, however, is that the iPhone 14 Pro Max could end up getting lost in the shuffle. Shoppers who just care about having the best camera could get by with the cheaper iPhone 14 Pro, while those who primarily want a large screen may opt for the rumored iPhone 14 Max. Both devices will likely be cheaper than the iPhone 14 Pro Max. 

The launch would also come at a time when people are seemingly spending less on mobile devices and being more careful about their purchases. Smartphone shipments are expected to decline by 3.5% in 2022, according to estimates from the International Data Corporation published in June. The NPD Group reported in May that more than eight in 10 consumers are planning to reassess their product spending in the next three to six months. A recent NPD survey also indicated consumers plan to seek less-expensive items, look for promotions and cut back on overall purchases in the next few months. 

These factors could make it more difficult to convince consumers to spend more than $1,000 on a new phone, especially when they may be able to get some of the same benefits (a larger screen or a triple-lens camera) on cheaper models. With the iPhone 14 Pro Max, Apple would likely be counting on the fact that consumers are willing to pay a premium to get both a larger screen and a better camera.

How Apple could make the iPhone 14 Pro Max feel special

There are a few things Apple could do to make the iPhone 14 Pro Max stand out alongside the regular iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Max. As I've written in the past, I'd love to see Apple implement iPad-like software features that make better use of the Pro Max's giant screen. For example, it could add a multitasking mode that makes it easier to view more than one app simultaneously. I'd also like to see an always-on display option, similar to the one available on newer Apple Watch models and many competing Android phones. 

Samsung has done a better job of distinguishing its premium Galaxy S22 Ultra from the regular Galaxy S22 and S22 Plus. Even though the $1,200 Galaxy S22 Ultra is likely too expensive for most people, it offers distinct features you can't get on Samsung's less-expensive models. The Ultra has a built-in stylus for notetaking and drawing, a 6.8-inch screen that's larger than any other phone in Samsung's S22 lineup, a higher resolution 40-megapixel selfie camera and main camera system with two telephoto lenses and a 10-times optical zoom.

None of those characteristics are available on Samsung's other S22 devices, including the $1,000 Galaxy S22 Plus. The iPhone 13 Pro Max, by comparison, has a lot in common with the iPhone 13 Pro, aside from its larger screen and longer battery life. In other words, Apple is relying on the iPhone 13 Pro Max's 6.7-inch screen to distinguish it from the regular Pro. 

But if Apple does release a 6.7-inch version of the standard iPhone, just as reports from Nikkei Asian Review, Bloomberg and Ming-Chi Kuo indicate, the iPhone 14 Pro Max might feel less unique in this year's lineup. The rumored iPhone 14 Max likely won't have the same extras as Apple's Pro iPhones, such as a triple-lens camera and a screen with a higher refresh rate for smoother scrolling. But it might be compelling enough to entice shoppers that simply want a larger screen and don't care as much about having a telephoto lens. 

Regardless, the iPhone 14 Pro Max will be a top seller if its predecessors are any indication. The iPhone 13 Pro Max landed in the top five smartphone models in regions such as the US, UK, France, Germany and China, according to Counterpoint Research. The iPhone 12 Pro Max was also the second best-selling phone globally in 2021, Counterpoint Research also reported. 

Still, until a foldable iPhone comes along, the iPhone Pro Max will be Apple's most expensive and most premium iPhone. That also means it should be the best showcase of Apple's technology, which is why I'd like to see more exclusive features that you can't get elsewhere.

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Google Contacts introduces Gmail-style chips for filtering - Android Police

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The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones just got their first discount at Woot - The Verge

Our Tuesday deals begin with the first substantial discount we’ve seen on the Sony WH-1000XM5 noise-canceling headphones. The original price for the XM5 headphones was $399.99, but Woot has discounted them to just $339.99. If you’re okay with settling for Woot’s 90-day limited warranty instead of the one-year warranty offered by Sony, this is definitely a deal worth looking into. While the XM5 headphones don’t offer any sweeping changes over the previous iteration, the XM4, they still include some of the best noise cancelation capabilities you’ll find in a pair of headphones, in addition to improved sound quality and better performance on voice calls. Read our review.

Hot on the heels of some of our Xbox Series S deals from last week, you can currently get the Xbox Series S for less than retail at eBay, courtesy of Antonline. It may not come bundled with any games, but right now, you can get the Series S for roughly $238 when you use the code LABORDAYSAVE at checkout. This is the best price we’ve seen for the standalone, digital-exclusive console that typically sells for $299.99. It may lack the disc drive of the Series X and play games at a lower resolution, but the Series S is still an excellent way for GamePass subscribers to access their titles in their living room. Read our review.

Moving on to phones, Amazon is currently having a promotion it labels “Android Days” with discounts on a number of excellent Android devices, some of which are on sale for their lowest price ever. Google’s excellent midrange option, the Pixel 6A, launched just a couple of months ago for $449.99 but is currently on sale for $369.99 in its black and green colorways. The 6A may lack the same high-refresh-rate screen found on its more expensive counterparts, but it keeps the same Google Tensor CPU and sports excellent battery life. Read our review.

Another excellent Android deal includes the unlocked model of the last-generation OnePlus 9, which is currently discounted to $379.99 at Amazon in its black and white colorways. Originally available for $729, the performance of the OnePlus 9 may pale in comparison to modern flagship phones, but its SnapDragon 888 CPU is still enough to outdo some contemporary midrange options. Some of the other specs you get at this accessible price point include a 6.55-inch 1080p OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a 50-megapixel ultrawide camera. If you’re not married to the Apple ecosystem and want to try an Android device outside of the realms of Samsung or Google, this deal on the OnePlus 9 is worth checking out. Read our review.

If you don’t mind the green colorway, you can currently pick up the 44mm LTE-enabled Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 for $169.99 at Woot instead of its usual $329.99 price. While the Watch 4 is unfortunately restricted to the Samsung ecosystem of applications, it still manages to provide a well-rounded wearable experience for $170. The Watch 4 offers excellent performance and a robust suite of workout metrics that support tracking for 95 different types of exercise. Read our review.

All eyes may be on the recently announced Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro 2, but not everyone is willing to spend $155 on a pair of earbuds. Thankfully, Woot is currently featuring the standard Galaxy Buds 2, discounted to $74.99 from their original price of $149.99. The Buds 2 have remained one of our favorite pairs of noise-canceling earbuds, thanks to their excellent sound quality and noise-cancelation capabilities. If you’re willing to accept the 90-day limited warranty offered by Woot, this is an excellent offer for Samsung’s last-generation earbuds. Read our review.

Just a couple more deals for you...

• The Elgato Game Capture HD60S Plus is available at Best Buy for $139.99, its lowest price ever. It’s not a gadget for your typical gamer, but it’s an essential for any streamer or content creator who wants high-fidelity video from a console or external PC. Capable of capturing output from any 4K HDMI source at 60Hz, the capture card plugs into your console and operates as a throughput to a nearby PC with streaming software.
• An inexpensive wireless headset that nails the basics, the HyperX Cloud Core Wireless is currently discounted to $49.99 at Best Buy from its usual price of $99.99. The Cloud Core Wireless has a mostly aluminum frame with leatherette cushions on the headband and earcups. The headphones can operate for up to 20 hours on a single charge and feature DTS:X digital surround sound. While it does come packaged with a 2.4Ghz wireless dongle, the headset is, unfortunately, only compatible with PCs.

Correction August 30th, 2:17PM ET: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that the WF-1000XM5 headphones were on sale. The correct name of the model being discounted is the Sony WH-1000XM5. We regret the error.

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Twitter Circle is now available to everyone - The Verge

Twitter Circle, a feature that lets you limit your tweets to a smaller audience, is now available to everyone. The platform first started testing the feature among “select people” in May ahead of a wider rollout.

Twitter Circle is a lot like Instagram’s “close friends” feature, which lets you share your posts with a smaller group of people. On Twitter, you can add up to 150 people to your Circle, whether they follow you or not. When you want to send out a tweet that you might not want the entire Twitterverse to see, you can choose to share it with your Circle instead.

You’ll see the option to share to your Circle when you open the tweet composer. Choose the dropdown menu at the top of the composer, and then hit Circle. You can choose who you want in your Circle by hitting the Edit button that appears next to the option. Users won’t receive a notification when you add or remove them from your Circle. But those included in your Circle will see a highlighted badge that reads, “Only people in @[username]’s Twitter Circle can see this tweet” beneath posts sent to your Circle.

The feature could help users gain a little more control over their privacy without making their accounts completely private. However, content shared with your Circle is still subject to the platform’s community guidelines, and it also doesn’t stop other users from screenshotting your posts.

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That 'clean' Google Translate app is actually Windows crypto-mining malware - The Register

Watch out: someone is spreading cryptocurrency-mining malware disguised as legitimate-looking applications, such as Google Translate, on free software download sites and through Google searches.

The cryptomining Trojan, known as Nitrokod, is typically disguised as a clean Windows app and works as the user expects for days or weeks before its hidden Monero-crafting code is executed.

It's said that the Turkish-speaking group behind Nitrokod – which has been active since 2019 and was detected by Check Point Research threat hunters at the end of July – may already have infected thousands of systems in 11 countries. What's interesting is that the apps provide a desktop version to services generally only found online.

"The malware is dropped from applications that are popular, but don't have an actual desktop version, such as Google Translate, keeping the malware versions in demand and exclusive," Check Point malware analyst Moshe Marelus wrote in a report Monday.

"The malware drops almost a month after the infection, and following other stages to drop files, making it very hard to analyze back to the initial stage."

Along with Google Translate, other software leveraged by Nitrokod include other translation applications – including Microsoft Translator Desktop – and MP3 downloader programs. On some sites, the malicious applications will boast about being "100% clean," though they are actually loaded with mining malware.

Nitrokod has been successful using download sites such as Softpedia to spread its naughty code. According to Softpedia, the Nitrokod Google Translator app has been downloaded more than 112,000 times since December 2019.

According to Check Point, the Nitrokod programmers are patient, taking a long time and multiple steps to cover up the malware's presence inside an infected PC before installing aggressive cryptomining code. Such lengthy, multi-stage infection efforts allowed the campaign to run undetected by cybersecurity experts for years before finally being discovered.

"Most of their developed programs are easily built from the official web pages using a Chromium-based framework," he wrote. "For example, the Google translate desktop application is converted from the Google Translate web page using the CEF [Chromium Embedded Framework] project. This gives the attackers the ability to spread functional programs without having to develop them."

After the booby-trapped program is downloaded and the user launches the software, an actual Google Translate app, built as described above using Chromium, is installed and runs as expected. At the same time, quietly in the background the software fetches and saves a series of executables that eventually schedule one particular .exe to run every day once unpacked. This extracts another executable that connects to a remote command-and-control server, fetches configuration settings for the Monero miner code, and starts the mining process, with generated coins sent to miscreants' wallets. Some of the early-stage code will self destruct to cover its tracks.

"At this point, all related files and evidence are deleted and the next stage of the infection chain will continue after 15 days by the Windows utility schtasks.exe," Marelus wrote. "This way, the first stages of the campaign are separated from the ones that follow, making it very hard to trace the source of the infection chain and block the initial infected applications."

One stage also checks for known virtual-machine processes and security products, which might indicate the software is being analyzed by researchers. If one is found, the program will exit. If the program continues, it will add a firewall rule to allow incoming network connections.

Throughout the multiple stages, the attackers use password-protected RAR encrypted files to deliver the next stage to make them more difficult to detect.

Check Point researchers were able to study the cryptomining campaign through the vendor's Infinity extended detection and response (XDR) platform, Marelus claimed. ®

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Facebook is shutting down its game streaming app after struggling to challenge Amazon's Twitch - CNBC

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Facebook plans to close down its Facebook Gaming app, which lets users watch and play video games on-demand.

Starting Oct. 28, Facebook Gaming will no longer be available on iOS and Android, while gaming features will continue to be accessible via the main Facebook app.

"We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of you for everything that you've done to build a thriving community for gamers and fans since this app first launched," the company said in an update on the Facebook Gaming app.

"This was truly a community-led effort to bring new gaming features to Facebook," it added.

"Despite this news, our mission to connect players, fans and creators with the games they love hasn't changed, and you'll still be able to find your games, streamers and groups when you visit Gaming in the Facebook app."

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Launched more than two years ago as the Covid-19 outbreak stoked a boom in both playing and watching video games, Facebook Gaming was once viewed as a potential threat to Twitch, the dominant player in that market.

Facebook, owned by the newly rebranded parent company Meta, has struggled to gain a foothold in the live game streaming market. According to a report from market research firm Streamlabs, in the second quarter of 2022 Facebook Gaming accounted for only 7.9% of the market share for amount of hours watched, behind Twitch (76.7%) and YouTube (15.4%).

Facebook isn't the first internet giant to have tried and failed at recreating the Twitch formula. In 2020, Microsoft shuttered its own streaming service, Mixer, after signing a multimillion dollar to have the famous Fortnite player Tyler "Ninja" Blevins stream on its service exclusively.

YouTube, Twitch's closest competitor, has found more success chipping away at Twitch's dominance. The company's YouTube Gaming division has managed to tempt away top talent from Twitch lately, including Ludwig Ahgren, Rachell Hofstetter and Timothy Betar — better known online under their respective aliases "Ludwig," "Valkyrae" and "TimTheTatman."

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Trademark filings point to 'Reality' branding for Apple's mixed reality headset - The Verge

Trademark filings spotted by Bloomberg suggest Apple might incorporate “Reality” in the name and branding of its long-rumored mixed reality headset. Three separate filings show trademarks for “Reality One,” “Reality Pro,” and “Reality Processor,” matching the realityOS name that cropped up in Apple’s code and a trademark application that potentially refers to the headset’s operating system.

The applications weren’t filed by Apple itself, but by a company called Immersive Health Solutions, LLC. Companies like Apple often use the names of shell companies when filing for a patent or trademark to help keep their plans private. But, as Bloomberg points out, the Delaware-based Immersive Health Solutions was registered by Corporation Trust Co. — another shell company that also appeared on the realityOS trademark.

In addition to the US, applications were also filed in the EU, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Costa Rica, and Uruguay. All three filings mention “virtual and augmented reality headsets, goggles, glasses, and smartglasses.” It’s possible that the “Reality One” trademark refers to the name of the headset itself, while “Reality Pro” indicates a spec-boosted version that Apple has planned down the road, in line with the same “Pro” moniker Apple applies to its higher-end devices. Meanwhile, the name “Reality Processor” may allude to the headset’s processing unit, which is rumored to be an M2 chip.

The applications surfaced just a little over a week before Apple’s “Far Out” event, but it’s unlikely that the mixed reality headset will make an appearance. The headset is rumored to allow for both augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) experiences and games, including VR versions of Apple Maps and FaceTime, and potentially even experiences based on Hollywood movies. Apple’s board of directors reportedly got to try out the headset back in May, but Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts it won’t hit the market until January 2023.

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What Will Apple Call Its AR/VR Headsets? Reality One, Reality Pro Names Emerge - Bloomberg

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1. What Will Apple Call Its AR/VR Headsets? Reality One, Reality Pro Names Emerge  Bloomberg
2. Apple applies for ‘Reality One’, ‘Reality Pro’ trademarks ahead of AR headset launch  9to5Mac
3. Trademark filings point to 'Reality' branding for Apple's mixed reality headset  The Verge
4. Apple Is Reserving Names for AR Headset, Trademarks Filings Suggest  CNET
5. Apple applies for more 'Reality' trademarks for AR, VR headset  AppleInsider
6. View Full Coverage on Google News

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The Morning After: Our verdict on Samsung's Galaxy Watch 5 Pro and Watch 5 - Engadget

We’re in the middle of a major wearable refresh. With Apple’s latest Watch expected to surface at its iPhone event in a few weeks, we’ve already seen updates from Fitbit and been testing out the latest pair of smartwatches from Samsung. To be honest, its outdoor-minded Galaxy Watch 5 Pro isn’t that different from the Galaxy Watch 5. 

Microsoft

Aside from a larger screen, bigger battery and more durable glass, its applications have few upgrades on the Watch 5. Still, with its rugged build and the company’s capable wellness-tracking software, the Watch 5 Pro can still claim the title of best Android smartwatch. Check out our full review of both watches.

– Mat Smith

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Google Tensor’s third generation rumored to be in the works at Samsung - 9to5Google

Google Tensor put out a relatively strong debut in the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, but it was clear there was plenty of room for improvement. While Tensor 2 is set for the Pixel 7 series in just a couple of months, work is already rumored to be underway on the third generation of Tensor at Samsung.

Rumor has it, according to the folks over at GalaxyClub, that Samsung is currently in early testing and development with Google on the third-generation Tensor chipset. It’s information that should certainly by taken with a grain of salt, but here’s what’s being claimed right now.

According to this rumor, Google is testing the third generation of Tensor under the dev board named “Ripcurrent.” As we reported previously, Tensor 2 is being developed under “Cloudripper.” The third-gen Tensor chip apparently carries the model number S5P9865, which is in line with the pattern of Tensor chips. The original Tensor chip had the model number S5P9845, and Tensor 2 is thought to be S5P9855.

While there’s nothing entirely surprising here, it’s notable that Google is sticking with Samsung through at least this third generation of its own chip. The original Tensor chip relied quite heavily on Samsung’s work with Exynos chips, which could be seen quite easily when looking deeper into the chip. Samsung is one of the few options Google currently has to work on Tensor, but it would certainly be interesting to see Google partner with the likes of MediaTek or, virtually impossibly, Qualcomm to bolster what Tensor is capable of.

Unfortunately, we don’t yet know what improvements Tensor’s third generation will bring to the table. But it’s clear there’s a lot Google should be working on.

The connectivity performance of the first Tensor chip lagged far behind Qualcomm’s latest and greatest, and equally troublesome were the various issues with heat. On top of that, efficiency could surely use a boost. The new Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 in devices like the OnePlus 10T and Galaxy Z Flip 4 is a wonderful example of what an efficient chip can do for smartphones, but Tensor is far behind that effort. Hopefully, by the third generation, Google can close the gap and give a similar experience on Tensor as Samsung and others offer with Qualcomm Snapdragon.

The third generation of Google Tensor would likely make its debut in the Pixel 8 series around late 2023.

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iPhone 14 Pro leak just tipped brand-new colors - Tom's Guide

The iPhone 14's launch means new colors as well as new features. And new iPhone 14 Pro images may have shown what those could be for this year's premium iPhone models. 

Apparently leaked images of what are likely iPhone 14 Pro dummy units show off all five rumored colors for the Pro models, which were posted by Sleepy Afternoon on Weibo (opens in new tab). These build on the images we saw in a previous round of leaks, which showed off only one of the color options in detail.

As we can see, the range consists of Silver, Graphite and Gold like in previous years, but also new Blue and Purple options. The antenna lines around the phones' edge are white, rather than the usual color-matched ones, but this could be a dummy-specific element since they don't need real antennas.

Purple's a brand-new color for an iPhone launch, with the only previous iPhones in this color being the purple iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini that arrived halfway through their launch year. But the purple Apple's chosen here is so dark that it no longer matches up with the muted matte finishes on other Pro iPhones, let alone the pastel hue that the iPhone 12 offered.

On the other hand, blue has been an option for both the iPhone 12 series and iPhone 13 series at launch, albeit in two different shades than what we see here. If there is indeed going to be a new blue option, it also looks a lot deeper in color than previous iPhone colors, such as the iPhone 12 Pro's Pacific Blue and the iPhone 13 Pro's Sierra Blue.

The initial image looks like Apple's gone for much darker, richer colors than on previous Pro iPhones. However, the second image, shown below, seems to show the lighting conditions have a big impact on the appearance of the phone. More natural lighting in the shot makes the purple iPhone look a lot better, so hopefully this is how the real thing will look.

(Image credit: Sleepy Afternoon)

There's more to look forward to than just new iPhone colors though. The iPhone 14 Pro in particular is getting some big changes like a new notch design, a higher-rez 48MP main camera and always-on display functionality. The regular iPhone 14 is thought to be getting fewer updates, but could at least get a hardware bump in the form of a better selfie camera.

We know Apple's announced its next event for September 7, and that this Apple September event may also bring news of the Apple Watch 8 and Apple Watch SE 2 as well as iPhones. But if it's just the phones you're focused on, make sure to keep up to date with our iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro hubs for the most recent leaks and news.

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Galaxy Buds 2 Pro review: Big sound in a tiny package - Engadget

At this point, Samsung has a lot of experience making true wireless earbuds. While the company flexed its design muscle early with the Galaxy Buds line, it hasn’t always nailed the details. It rebounded quickly with its second installment, the Galaxy Buds+, and since then Samsung has continued to refine its aesthetic, improve sound quality and add handy features. It even found time for a polarizing open-wear model with the Galaxy Buds Live.

While the leguminous Live were the first of Samsung’s earbuds to include active noise cancellation (ANC), the open design rendered the feature ineffective. With the Galaxy Buds Pro that debuted early last year, the company finally delivered true ANC, but there was room for improvement in terms of both noise blocking and overall audio quality. Now Samsung is back with version 2.0 of its flagship earbuds, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro ($230). This set is not only smaller and more comfortable, but they showcase the massive gains the company has made over the last year and a half. However, the most attractive features are reserved for the Samsung faithful.

Critics - Not yet scored

Users - Not yet scored

Pros

• Great sound
• Better fit
• Improved ANC

Cons

• Samsung-exclusive features
• Battery life
• Call quality
• Touch controls make fit adjustments tricky

Design

Billy Steele

Overall, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro have a similar design to last year’s Buds Pro, but there are a few notable changes. First, this new model is 15-percent smaller than the 2021 version, which means they fit better in your ear and are more comfortable for longer periods of time. What’s more, Samsung added a vent on the inside of each earbud to help relieve pressure. Of course, the tiny stature means they tuck nicely into your ear, leaving very little sticking out from the side of your head. It’s a design Samsung adopted early on for its earbuds and subsequent models have continued to be satisfyingly svelte.

The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro have a soft-touch matte coating where the Galaxy Buds Pro was a glossy affair. I prefer the former as it’s more pleasant to the touch and isn’t a fingerprint magnet. However, it doesn’t necessarily offer more grip and neither surface impacted the touch controls. The included charging case for the Buds 2 Pro is covered in the same matte finish, so it too is pleasantly tactile. Like the Buds Pro, this model is IPX7 rated, which will allow you to submerge the earbuds in up to three feet of “fresh water” for up to 30 minutes, according to Samsung.

Touch controls are mirrored on both earbuds for the most part. There’s single tap for play/pause, double tap to skip ahead, triple tap to go back and a customizable touch and hold gesture. That long press can be used to change noise controls – ANC/ambient sound, ANC/off or ambient sound/off – or to summon Bixby, activate Spotify or control volume (down on left, up on right). If you don’t want to sacrifice some of those other features for volume, there’s an additional Labs option that will allow you to double tap the front edge of the earbuds to adjust audio levels.

It’s a little tricky to master, but I didn’t have any serious problems with edge tapping once I got the hang of it. The real annoyance with the touch controls comes when you try to adjust the fit of the earbuds. The Buds 2 Pro fit well, but as is the case with all true wireless models, you have to regularly reposition them in your ears. Due to the sensitivity of those touch panels, and the small size of the buds, it’s easy to make an errant tap when you’re just trying to readjust. It happened often enough to become very frustrating over the last two weeks.

Software and features

Billy Steele/Engadget

Like previous Samsung earbuds, all of the features and settings for the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are accessible through the Galaxy Wearable app on Android devices. Unfortunately, the company is staying consistent with recent models by not offering an iOS version. Samsung used to have onr, which made its buds a great option for both operating systems, but that hasn’t been the case for a while now. You can still use the earbuds with Apple gear, but you’ll lose some of the more attractive features by doing so.

Inside the app, you’ll get battery percentages for both the earbuds and the case right up top. The main screen also gives you access to noise controls, so you can see which mode is active (ANC, off or ambient sound) and make a change with the software if needed. Just below, there are options for enabling/disabling Voice Detect, 360 audio, touch controls and finding lost earbuds. Voice Detect is Samsung’s new feature that can tell when you’re speaking and automatically activate ambient sound while lowering the audio volume for quick conversations.

By default, the tool will go back to regular levels 10 seconds after you stop talking, but you can set that time to five or 15 seconds too. During my tests, Voice Detect worked well, and it doesn’t seem to be as easily tricked by coughs as Sony’s version of the feature. It also continues to work when I’m connected to my MacBook Pro, not only with a Samsung or Android device. However, I prefer Sony’s method of fully pausing the audio rather than just lowering the volume with its Speak-to-Chat tool. So while it’s handy, Samsung’s co-opting of Sony’s feature isn’t as pleasant to use despite its more accurate speech detection.

Gallery: Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro review | 12 Photos

The Galaxy Wearables app also offers more detailed settings like EQ presets, an earbud fit test, read notifications, hands-free Bixby, ambient sound during calls, in-ear detection for calls, seamless connection with some Samsung devices, neck stretch reminders and Labs features. There is a lot packed into this software. Everything is pretty self-explanatory, but I will note that a second Labs tool is a Gaming Mode designed to minimize latency.

There’s also an Accessibility section that lets you adjust the left/right balance. Here, you can also choose to keep ANC active when you remove one earbud (the Buds 2 Pro turns it off by default) and you can adjust ambient sound volume and tone for your hearing. Some assistance with amplifying environmental audio isn’t new for earbuds, but it’s nice that Samsung offers a degree of customization here.

One item that’s still in the works is LE Audio. Samsung mentioned this during its recent event, explaining that the feature will allow you to capture 360 environmental sounds while you’re streaming or recording. For example, if you’re livestreaming. There weren’t a ton of details shared, other than the feature will arrive later this year. The Buds 2 Pro will also support Bluetooth LE, the next-gen wireless audio standard that’s on the way after being first introduced in 2020.

Sound quality

Billy Steele/Engadget

Samsung’s earbuds have never really impressed me with sound quality. They’ve ranged from just fine to good, but never truly great. Well, for the first time, the company has wowed this jaded headphone reviewer. The Buds 2 Pro pack plenty of bassy punch with a pleasantly open sound that is both full and filled with details and clarity. The low-end is also deep and nuanced, not just a heavy dose of thundering boom.

Plenty of earbuds offer balanced sound with good bass. What separates the great from the good is usually in the subtle details that can be difficult for something so small to replicate. Samsung does this with a combination of a 10mm woofer for the low-end and a 5.3mm tweeter so the treble cuts through. Across a range of genres, that setup enables stellar clarity and depth, keeping songs layered and immersive rather than compressed and messy. Amanda Shires’ vocals, for example, seem to float on top over every song throughout her latest album Take It Like A Man.

A big piece of the upgraded audio quality is 24-bit/48kHz Hi-Fi sound processing. Samsung’s new Seamless Codec (SSC) allows 256 times more sound data to be transmitted from your device to the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro. On the previous model, 24-bit audio was converted to 16 bit by the time it reached the earbuds. Swiping over to the Android developer settings confirmed that 24-bit/48kHz was indeed coming from the Galaxy S21 FE 5G I used to test the Buds 2 Pro, but there’s no mention of bitrate. That number would be an indication of overall quality.

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