Samsung is rebounding strongly after the issues surrounding the Galaxy Note 7. Following reports of record pre-orders for the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ in both Korea and the United States, the company has announced that pre-bookings for these models have reached 80,000 units within a week of their launch event in India.
In addition, Samsung has revealed that updates aimed at resolving issues with red-tinted screens and inconsistent Wi-Fi connections are set to be released this week. As the devices are distributed to more customers in the upcoming weeks, several teardowns have provided insights into their inner workings. A recent teardown from the YouTube channel JerryRigEverything highlighted that the front camera can retract within its module, similar to the rear camera. This suggests that Samsung may have developed optical image stabilization (OIS) for the front camera, which ultimately was not included in the final product. Samsung has chosen not to comment on these assertions.
Nasa’s Cassini Spacecraft Dives Into Saturn’s Rings
Shifting focus to space, NASA’s Cassini spacecraft is set to provide new insights into Saturn. This unmanned mission, a collaboration between NASA, the European Space Agency, and the Italian Space Agency, is entering its final phase. At 2:30 PM IST on Wednesday, Cassini began its first of 22 deep dives between Saturn and its innermost rings. Communication with the spacecraft has been temporarily lost but is expected to be reestablished by 3:05 AM (12:35 PM IST) on April 27.
“Images and data should start coming in shortly after we reestablish contact,” NASA stated.
Since its launch in 1997, Cassini has been in orbit around Saturn since 2004. With its fuel supply nearly depleted, the spacecraft is scheduled to plunge into Saturn on September 15. Its final mission could potentially uncover evidence of life on the planet or, at the very least, provide stunning images of Saturn that would be perfect for wallpapers.
Cassini Spacecraft Set for Final Plunge Into Saturn Atmosphere in Grand Finale
iPhone 8 Rumors Suggest Innovative Features; Apple Watch 3 May Feature Micro-LED
In the world of smartphones, rumors about the iPhone 8 continue to circulate ahead of its anticipated launch. A newly released concept video showcases an edge-to-edge OLED display, a front camera that is nearly concealed beneath the display, a function bar at the bottom, and a fingerprint scanner integrated under the screen. This concept also features a new white ceramic back, departing from the glass designs that have previously been speculated. Alongside the iPhone 8, there are indications that the upcoming Apple Watch 3 could adopt micro-LED screens, a move that could lessen Apple’s reliance on Samsung for OLED panels.
“Apple has been collaborating with LuxVue, which it acquired in 2014, to develop micro-LED screen technology over the last two years,” reported Apple Insider, referencing a Business Korea article.
WhatsApp Expands Business Features in India
In India, WhatsApp is seeking to enhance its role in everyday communication. Drawing inspiration from WeChat’s success in China, the platform is exploring direct interactions between users and businesses. The company has emphasized that India will play a vital role in its business initiatives.
“We are currently in the product development phase. Throughout the year, different trials for both small and large businesses will be conducted to ascertain the best user experience,” said WhatsApp spokesperson Matt Steinfeld. He added, “India is going to play a crucial role in that.”
Facebook Introduces India-Specific Features
During an event held in Delhi, Facebook announced several features tailored for Indian users. The widely used Reactions feature, reportedly utilized over 300 billion times on posts, is now launching on Facebook Lite, a lightweight app designed for users in areas with limited internet connectivity.
Additionally, the Facebook Camera will receive localized effects for Indian users, including options like “Namaste” and geo-specific enhancements for major cities such as Delhi and Goa. A company statement noted, “India is an important market for Facebook, and we are proud to have over 184 million active users connecting with friends and family and fostering supportive communities online and offline.”
Microsoft Begins Windows 10 Mobile Creators Update Rollout
For users of Windows Phones, Microsoft has begun the rollout of the Windows 10 Mobile Creators Update, also referred to as Windows 10 Mobile Redstone 2. This update will be deployed gradually, so users should not expect immediate availability.
New features include additional call-to-action buttons, improved system sounds, and enhancements to Continuum functionality. Cortana will receive a redesigned user interface along with expanded system access. Microsoft Edge will now include a ‘set aside tab’ feature, similar to the desktop version, a separate bookshelf section, and a ‘read aloud’ function to assist those with visual impairments.
Thirteen devices will receive this update, including models such as the HP Elite x3, Microsoft Lumia series (550, 640, 640XL, 650, 950, 950 XL), and select models from Alcatel and Lenovo.
Star Wars: Episode IX Release Date Revealed
Star Wars fans will not have to wait long for the conclusion of the current trilogy. Disney and Lucasfilm have announced that Star Wars: Episode IX will be released on May 24, 2019, allowing audiences to conclude this story arc earlier than expected amid an already competitive summer movie schedule.
Google Maps Introduces Parking Location Feature
Google Maps has launched a new feature enabling users to remember the location of their parked cars. Initially available in beta, this tool is now being rolled out to all Android and iOS users. Not only does it save parking locations, but it also allows users to include details such as the parking level and spot number. If users are parked at a metered space, they can even set a reminder for when the meter is about to expire. Additionally, users can save images of their parking spots.
Refurbished Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Set to Hit Market
Reports indicate that refurbished Samsung Galaxy Note 7 units could be available in select markets by June, with South Korea being among the first to see these devices. Approximately 300,000 of the recalled models are expected to feature a modified 3200mAh battery, down from the original 3500mAh.
The refurbished unit is being designated as Galaxy Note 7 R (SM-935) and is expected to retail for around KRW 700,000 (approximately Rs. 39,700), which is nearly KRW 300,000 lower than the initial non-refurbished model.
Potential Closure of Lenovo’s Zuk Brand
In another development, there are suggestions that Lenovo’s Zuk brand may be on Technology News of closure within a few weeks. Analyst Pan Jiutang indicated on Weibo that the Zuk Z3 would not be launched and speculated that the brand could be winding down soon after just 23 months in operation. If this occurs, Zuk might merge with Lenovo and Moto under a new branding strategy, allowing Lenovo to continue marketing Moto smartphones independently. Lenovo has also confirmed that upcoming Moto devices will feature Zuk’s ZUI interface despite potential brand consolidations.
