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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra/Slim isn’t canceled, firmware development begins
Samsung’s work on Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra/Slim is progressing as the company has reportedly started the firmware development for the new foldable smartphone. It indicates that the rumored Ultra or Slim variant is not yet canceled.
According to GalaxyClub, Samsung is developing Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra/Slim firmware. Time will tell whether Samsung markets it as Ultra or Slim. However, it bears model number SM-F958N, indicating its exclusivity to the Korean market.
Yes, the Ultra or Slim could not be available internationally. Similar to Chinese vendors, Samsung may launch the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra or Slim in its own territory. The Korean market is particularly considered a solid base for the utilization of foldable phones.
In addition to South Korea, Samsung’s Z Fold 6 Ultra/Slim might launch in China as well. It will be available as an alternative to products from local vendors. The specific model may feature a larger screen and slimmer form factor than the regular Fold 6.
Notably, GalaxyClub only found test firmware for KOO, KTC, SKC, and LUC CSC codes. These codes are CSC of Korean carriers. Firmware development suggests the company hasn’t given up on its plans to launch a different foldable with a larger display and thinner design.
The outlet notes that Samsung may introduce the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra/Slim later this year or earlier next year. The company may not produce the device on a high scale, with production being planned for 400,000 to 500,000 units.
Previous reports suggest that the Z Fold 6 Ultra or Slim will have an 8-inch inner and 6.5-inch cover screen. It could be thinner than the regular Fold model launched on July 10 and lacks support for S Pen stylus input.
Google Pixel 10 series will likely use 3nm Tensor G5 made by TSMC. The company is swiftly working to switch the Tensor producer for the next-gen SoC. Starting with the Tensor G1, Samsung has been fabricating Pixel-exclusive chips.
BusinessKorea reports that Google is likely to switch Tensor G5 production from Samsung to TSMC next year. The report suggests that the Tensor G5 will be used in the Pixel 10 series and is expected to be produced using TSMC’s 3nm process.
Samsung retained Google for the production of the Tensor G4 processor last year. Recent developments suggest that the Tensor G5 would not be produced at Samsung Foundry as a switch to Taiwan’s TSMC is highly likely.
Google and TSMC have entered the full-scale mass production phase of the Tensor G5. Despite utilizing its own developed Tensor, Google’s Pixel phones have always been criticized for performance and efficiency issues.
“TSMC has gained an advantage over Samsung in the 3nm process.”
In a situation where Samsung urgently needs to secure Foundry clients, losing Google to TSMC could disrupt its order strategy. Samsung Elec is also considering solely using Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 which would also benefit TSMC.
Samsung Foundry’s low yield rate is the biggest reason for Google to opt for TSMC. Exynos 2500 is already facing release uncertainty, and the departure of Google would significantly harm Samsung Foundry’s Mobile AP business.
Beyond Tensor G5, Google is rumored to produce Tensor G6 using TSMC’s 2nm process. It will be a huge leap in the Pixel segment’s AP strategy. Pixel 11 may be the early entry to ship with a 2nm process-based chipset variant.
Samsung received recognition for its design excellence at the IDEA (International Design Excellence Awards) 2024. The accolades include two Gold (one for Galaxy AI UX), one Silver, and two Bronze awards, as well as 40 Finalists.
Interpreter defies language barriers, Live Translate automatically translates voice calls, Note Assist enables users to create intelligent summaries of their notes, Browsing Assist allows them to summarize and translate webpages and Chat Assist lets them text in the language in which they’re most comfortable.
IDEA 2024 awards serve as an important validation of Samsung’s design commitment. The company was recognized for its excellence in design centered on consumer lifestyles and experiences.
“As we move forward, we’ll maintain a keen focus on developing innovative designs that both enrich the lives of our users and also stay true to each product’s essence.” – TM Roh.
Galaxy AI UX brings meaningful intelligence to enhance every part of life, especially by enabling seamless communication anywhere, anytime. IDEA 2024’s Gold award reiterates Galaxy AI is a quite special suite of AI functionalities.
The company’s design reflects its changing values and innovative technology. IDEA is one of the world’s most prestigious design awards programs. Winning the Gold award for Galaxy AI UX is a great milestone, solidifying consumer satisfaction.
Pixel 9’s AI Magic Editor features could be coming to older models through Google Photos. The company seemingly working to optimize two new Magic Editor features called Auto Frame and Reimagine for older Pixel phones.
AndroidAuthority reports that Pixel 9’s AI-powered Auto Frame and Reimagine features could come to Pixel 6, Pixel 7, and Pixel 8 series with Google Photos update. This surprising info was discovered right under the codes and strings of Google Photos APK.
Code and strings related to the Pixel 9’s Reimagine and Auto Frame appearing in the Google Photos app for Pixel 6 to Pixel 8. It’s a clear indication that the US tech giant plans to roll out Pixel 9 features across Tensor-powered models.
Google’s new Pixel 9 introduces cool camera features such as Add Me, Video Boost with Night Sight, and more. The company has a habit of expanding newly added features with select older models that fulfill hardware requirements.
The new Magic Editor’s Auto Frame automatically frames your chosen subject, even if that requires expanding the image using AI. Whereas Reimagine lets you change backgrounds with the power of generative artificial intelligence.
Google Photos could add these new features in a future Feature Drop. The company may also expand the new additions to all Android phones through a Google One subscription, the same way Pixel 8’s Magic Editor rolled out earlier.