Phones
A Google Pixel Fold has died after just four days: Questions on durability
Google Pixel Fold is a real competitor to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold smartphone in the United States. Unveiled back during I/O 2023, the Pixel Fold is started to reach some lucky consumers who have pre-ordered and as a review unit to tech journalists.
With each generation, Samsung is pushing the durability of foldables, but it looks like, Google may face severe challenges with the Pixel Fold. Ron Amadeo of Ars Technica says that their Google Pixel Fold has died after just four days as the inner OLED screen stopped.
As explained by Ron, the entire incident took a little over an hour to happen. Firstly, the bottom 10 pixels died and then the left portion of the screen became unresponsive to touch inputs. An hour later, a white gradient emerged and started expanding upwards across the screen.
This could be because of Google’s decision to make the Pixel Fold durable. Simply put, the plastic layer doesn’t extend all the way to the bezels, leaving a little exposed area between it and the raised bezels. Probably, the dust got trapped in that little area and when the phone was folded it attacked the OLED.
Earlier, the US tech giant cautioned users that flexible displays are softer than conventional panels, which requires contact avoided with sand, crumbs, and sharp objects. With the Pixel Fold case, we need to wait to know if it’s a widespread issue or limited to a few units.
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Gemini Live seemingly hitting Samsung phones internationally. Google has been sequentially expanding Gemini Live functionality to free Gemini users. It was previously available for Gemini Advanced subscribers only.
Not only Samsung, but all Android phones could now use the Gemini Live feature. Just trigger Gemini Assistant and you will get a new toggle added at the bottom right. It will also be featured in an in-app notice for better understanding.
Integrated within Gemini, Gemini Live is a free-flowing, conversational way to interact with Google’s AI by talking, rather than typing. It allows users to interrupt, switch topics mid-conversation, and receive spoken responses seamlessly.
Just got Gemini Live on my Xiaomi 14T Pro as a free user!
Google announced earlier this month that Gemini Live will be rolling out to free (non-Gemini Advanced) users. Some users got it last week, but it seems to have more widely rolled out in the past day from what I've seen.… pic.twitter.com/3jFXGxKBpa
— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) September 27, 2024
Gemini Live is Google’s answer to OpenAI’s ChatGPT 4o. However, it is a much easier way to interact with AI useful for brainstorming, discussing topics, conducting research, and eventually, setting appointments and finding directions.
At present, Gemini Live supports the American English language only. There are different voices (with different tones) available to select during setup. If you are unable to change the voice, try changing Gemini’s language to English (United States).
Samsung has its own virtual assistant called Bixby, which is powerful enough. However, most Galaxy smartphone users keep Google’s Gemini (previously Assistant) default and Google’s making it a must thanks to integration of AI.
Circle to Search is another epic feature widely available in Galaxy phones. This unique way of searching saves a lot of time and makes searches easier and effortless. We are expecting even more epic experiences in the future.
Samsung could soon launch its new Fan Edition smartphone. Ahead of the launch, the official unboxing video of the Galaxy S24 FE leaked, revealing the phone’s design, colors, specifications, and key features.
Leaker EvanBlass posted an official Galaxy S24 FE unboxing video. Samsung is expected to launch the smartphone on September 26. The leaked video will be published by Samsung following the phone’s official announcement.
In-box stuff includes an S24 FE handset, a USB Type-C to Type-C cable, a SIM tray ejector pin, and a user manual. The video showcases the smartphone in all of its upcoming color variants alongside some Samsung.com exclusive shades.
The Galaxy S24 FE will have a 4700mAh battery, up from the 4500mAh of the S23 FE. The display is also 6.7-inch, a 3-inch increase over the previous FEs. The upgraded panel will support ProVisual Engine and extra brightness up to 1900nits.
The device features a 50MP primary, a 12MP ultrawide, an 8MP telephoto, and a 10MP selfie camera. Galaxy AI could introduce new camera features such as AI Zoom so the handset could deliver enriched zoom shots.
Samsung has reportedly increased the pricing by $50 in key markets. This is due to upgrades made across aspects including display, processor, and battery. The phone could start at $649 in the US and the 256GB model could have a price tag of $709.
Additional features include an in-display fingerprint reader, stereo speakers, up to 7 years of Android updates, Galaxy AI suite, an IP68 rating, support for 25W wired, 15W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging.
Samsung could launch the Galaxy S25 series in early 2025. Meanwhile, work on future products is already underway as a routine process. Apple could debut its 2nm processor in the 2026 iPhone to rival Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series.
Ming-Chi Kuo revealed Apple’s tentative chipset strategy for future chips. The analyst claimed that the iPhone 17’s SoC will be produced on a 3nm TSMC N3P process. The company would debut an advanced 2nm chip with Pro models.
It is expected that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 will be made using 2nm process technology. Previously, Qualcomm approached Samsung Foundry on a 2nm production deal. However, TSMC will remain the primary producer of 2025 Snapdragon.
Samsung’s 2026 flagships will certainly use Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset. This means the advanced semiconductor process product will first come to Android before Apple. The iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max could arrive in late 2026 with 2nm silicon.
The processors for 2025 iPhone 17 models will be made by TSMC's N3P process/3-nanometer technology. The processor for 2026 iPhone 18 models is anticipated to use TSMC's 2-nanometer technology. However, due to cost concerns, not all new iPhone 18 models may be equipped with a…
— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) September 19, 2024
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is manufactured using a second-gen 4nm process. Qualcomm stuck with 4nm despite Apple’s decision to opt for 3nm last year. This year’s Snapdragon will be the first Android chip to be made using a 3nm processor.
Rumors floated so far suggest that the 2026 Snapdragon could be based on a 2nm process node. The chip will be smaller than the upcoming Snapdragon, offering enhanced power efficiency and performance wonders.
Galaxy S25 x Snapdragon 8 Gen 4
Samsung’s upcoming flagships will be powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. This processor will introduce Qualcomm’s Oryon CPU and newer GPU. It’s the biggest opportunity for Android vendors to beat Apple’s lead in chip performance.