Of course, last year’s U8N was similarly potent, within the visual margin of error for most folks. It’s no small feat to push the brightness even further, but I would’ve preferred Hisense focus instead on some of the U8’s hang-ups, like poor off-axis viewing, a common issue with LED TVs, or its penchant for oversaturating reds.
That extra red tint was particularly noticeable in HD shows like Breaking Bad (yes, I’m rewatching for a third time) with the Warm1 color temperature, while Warm2 looked too cool. In one scene from Season 2, Jesse’s nuckles look positively painted red as he plays with a beetle. In another, a certain someone is looking for a funeral dress, pulling out a “blue” one that looks unequivocally violet on the U8QG—but proper blue (with some purple tint) on my LG C1 OLED.
The TV’s tendency to flatten shadow details is less of an issue, thanks to its mostly solid reflection handling and the ability to pep up dark areas with Peak Brightness or settings like Dark Detail. Scenes like the dark depths of Mandalor from The Mandalorian or the torturous hilltop shot from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows proved easy to zip up even in challenging environments.
Photograph: Ryan Waniata
The U8 also seems to have stepped up its picture processing this year. Image clarity can be hard to quantify, but the TV does a good job rendering sharp 4K images and upscaling HD video, while mostly minimizing moiré, the sort of glittering effect on fine patterns that can be a problem with budget-forward TVs. You’ll find solid motion response, especially with a touch of motion smoothing, and decent screen uniformity, too. My review model revealed only minor blotches in challenging test patterns and moving skylines.
Perhaps the U8QG’s biggest brag is that there just aren’t a lot of TVs that perform this well in its price tier, in multiple sizes (though performance between sizes will vary). TCL’s rival QM8, currently in our testing rooms, usually costs more, and prices go up from there for anything close to this level of brightness from premium brands, like Sony’s incredible Bravia 9 (9/10, WIRED Recommends). That could make the U8QG the default TV for brightness lovers on a budget, especially once the U8N is gone.
As usual, it all depends when you buy. Until recently, a 65-inch U8QG cost $1,500, on par with the QM8K and bougier OLED models from last year like the LG C4 (9/10, WIRED Recommends). The C4 is no nuclear titan, but it provides much better accuracy, clarity, off-axis performance, etc. At $1,000 or less, the U8QG is a lot friendlier, and well worth considering for those after eye-blasting brightness.
We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
Zoner Studio is a WIndows-only take on both Photoshop and Lightroom – not as powerful as either (although a slew of regular updates is changing that), but a good entry-level/intermediate photo editor and organizer that comes in at a fair price.
After a recent name change from Zoner Photo Studio X to Zoner Studio, to better reflect the broader usage, the company says, I took the latest version out for a spin to see how it measures up against some of the best Adobe Photoshop alternatives.
Zoner Studio: Pricing & plans
Zoner Studio is available for a monthly subscription of $5.99, or $59 for the year. A family plan, letting two or more users in the same household use the app, is available for $9.98 a month or $98 a year.
For me, the pricing here is a big plus. There may not be a free version available (although there is a welcome free trial), but the cost is low, especially when compared to Adobe’s Creative Cloud suite of apps. The Photoshop and Lightroom Photography plan is currently priced at $22.99 a month. Your other option would be a tool like Affinity Photo, which has a one-off cost of $70.
The main differences between Zoner Studio and its rivals is that Zoner is only available on Windows machines, and it leans slightly more towards entry-level and intermediate users compared to Affinity Photo and Photoshop’s professional-grade photo editor.
You can check out Zoner Studio by clicking here.
Zoner Studio: First impressions
(Image credit: Zoner // Future)
Minimum requirements
Operating system: Windows 10 or Windows 11 64-bit
Processor: Intel or AMD CPU 64-bit with SSE 4.2 support
RAM: 8GB
Storage space: 2GB
Screen resolution: 1280 × 800
If you’re familiar with photo editing software, you’ll have no problems navigating Zoner Studio. And, if you’re not, it’s not especially tricky to figure out – for me, that’s part of the appeal of the app, making it pretty welcoming to new users who want to do more with their photographs.
The main part of the screen is devoted to your selected image, with files and folders beneath, which can be scrolled through with your mouse. It’s a nice touch, making navigation that much easier.
Where new users may come unstuck are the five options to the right of the screen. Manager, Develop, Editor, Print, and Video (ok, those last two are self-explanatory). So, a little exploration wouldn’t go amiss – Zoner does at least feature non-destructive editing, letting you experiment with new tools without irretrievably modifying the original file.
Basically, Manager is for organizing and tagging photos. Develop is Zoner’s take on Lightroom, where you can edit RAW images, and Editor is for all other tweaks you want to make to your media, like adjusting the color temperature, or sharpening images. It’s all nicely laid out and generally easy to find what you’re looking for – and most options are also replicated in menus along the ribbon, which contextually change depending on which mode you’re in.
Zoner Studio: In use
(Image credit: Zoner // Future)
Using Zoner Studio isn’t especially tricky, but it may still feel a little overwhelming if you’re new to image editing given the sheer amount of options available here. I’d also advise beginners to hover over the side-panel icons – there are a lot here, and not all of them are especially intuitive, so hovering your mouse will serve up a name and brief description of each.
Your photos automatically appear in Zoner, since there’s a file explorer tab to the left of the screen (there is an import function along the ribbon, too, but I never found the need to use this). These will appear on a timeline at the foot of the main panel. When you’ve selected your image, it can then be edited and adjusted via the Editor tab.
All the familiar tools are here, from cropping and rotating to adding watermarks or directional blurring. As expected, then, there are heaps of tools for toying with the exposure (shadows, contrast, and so on), white balance (temperature and tint), and color (like saturation). I also like the addition of the tone curve, as you’d find in Lightroom, for lightening or darkening an image, or bringing specific color channels to the fore.
(Image credit: Zoner // Future)
There’s also a Quick Edit option, which populates the panel with the core tools most photographers and designers use without needing to fumble through the menus. The editing process can further be streamlined with the likes of Quick Fix and, ideal for social media, Quick Filters. All of these work instantly, just a press of the button.
The software includes some AI-powered tools, all of which deliver good results impressively quickly. This includes AI Masking, found in the Develop tab. Choosing this gives you the option to let Zoner automatically select the photo’s subject, background, objects, or sky for fine-tuning. For anyone looking to streamline the workflow, these are must-use tools, and I was pretty pleased with the speed and accuracy here.
One of the stand-outs for me is the AI Background Remover, which I found generally works very well. Once completed, I could then add a color background or create a transparent one for compositing into other images. Occasionally, the process removed elements of the image subject – typically when on darker or a similarly colored backgrounds – but on the whole, I had no serious complaints with this one-click background removal tool.
Perhaps the biggest issue, at least for those looking to make the switch away from Photoshop, is the lack of support for .PSD files. Instead, the software uses its own .ZPS files, which functionally work the same with layers and effects. But there’s no way to import or export Photoshop files into the app.
Overall, Zoner Studio packs in a wealth of tools for photo editing. It will take some getting used to if you’re new (and absolutely no time at all if you’re familiar with any of the best photo editors). But if you don’t need .PSD file support, there’s plenty to like here, especially for the price.
Should I buy Zoner Studio?
(Image credit: Zoner // Future)
Buy it if…
You’re new to photo editing: This is a great place to start if you’re new to editing images but want a good amount of powerful tools for bringing out the best in your photos.
You don’t want to spend too much: Zoner Studio is a lot cheaper than Adobe Photoshop or similar pro-grade packages.
Don’t buy it if…
You want a basic app: If you’re just looking to crop or brighten images, you’ll find plenty of other options that won’t overwhelm.
You want a professional-level app: Similarly, if you want a pro-level software that delivers the very best results, you’ll get better results from the likes of Photoshop and Lightroom.
HMD 101 4G is a basic phone with modern features like 4G connectivity and USB Type-C charging.
Its standout features include long battery life, MP3 player, and a sturdy, compact design.
The phone lacks a camera but supports dual SIM functionality and has a classic Snake game pre-loaded.
It’s easy to dismiss basic “dumb” phones in a world obsessed with smartphones, but sometimes, limitations are actually a benefit. What if you just want to make calls, listen to tunes, and not worry about battery life? Enter the HMD 101 4G Dual SIM.
The HMD 101 4G is a phone that embraces an old school form factor while tossing in a few modern conveniences. It may remind you of an old Nokia phone, which is clearly intentional (HMD owns the Nokia brand). There’s 4G connectivity, which means clearer calls and solid internet access through its “Cloud Apps” for things like news and weather. This isn’t a phone for endless scrolling, it’s about getting information quickly and moving on with your day.
One of the best things about downgrading to a “dumb” phone is battery life. The HMD 101 4G has what sounds like a small battery, coming in at 1,000mAh, but again—this is not a smartphone. You’ll find that the battery easily lasts multiple days. And when it does eventually need a boost, it uses the common USB Type-C charger, so you likely already have a cable handy.
Related
Nokia is Dead… Again
Back when HMD started making Nokia phones, the concept was exciting—Nokia was becoming an Android OEM like everyone else after making Windows-based phones for years under Microsoft. HMD has seen a scaled pullback in recent times, and now, it’s officially leaving the US. And the reason for it might be a very familiar one.
For those who may miss the standalone music players of the past, the HMD 101 4G comes with a built-in MP3 player and a radio, allowing you to carry your favorite tunes or do some retro “streaming.” There’s even a MicroSD card slot so that you can expand your music library with up to 32GB of songs.
Speaking of compact, the HMD 101 4G is petite but sturdy. It’s tough build, rounded edges, and big buttons make it incredibly user-friendly. You won’t be fumbling with tiny on-screen keyboard buttons. Plus, it has a built-in flashlight, and yes, the classic Snake game is pre-loaded for when you have some time to kill.
As the name mentions, the HMD 101 4G supports dual SIM. It does not, however, feature a camera. If you’re interested in a very similar device with a camera, HMD also announced the 102 4G. These devices were announced for the Middle East market, and pricing was not provided. They may eventually come to other countries, but the US is likely not one of them.
Source: HMD Global
Related
Nokia-Branded Android Phones Might Be Gone for Good
After Microsoft bought Nokia’s smartphone division, then shut it down after Windows Phone collapsed, some former Nokia executives formed HMD to sell Android-based Nokia phones. Now, HMD might be done with Nokia-branded smartphones.
Razer Thunderbolt 5 Docking Station merges port expansion and SSD storage in one compact unit
With Thunderbolt Share, the dock enables fast file transfers between PCs without using a network
Handles three 4K monitors at 120Hz through a single connection
Razer has launched a new accessory based on the latest Thunderbolt standard, designed to boost data transfer speed, graphics performance, and connectivity for users who want more from their current setup.
The Razer Thunderbolt 5 Docking Station supports data speeds up to 120Gb/s and drives up to three 4K displays at 120Hz, offering considerable bandwidth for external monitors and peripherals.
One notable feature of this device is its integrated SSD storage, up to 8TB, which allows the dock to function not only as a hub but also as a high-speed external drive. It also consolidates eleven ports into a single unit, reducing cable clutter while providing flexibility for demanding workflows
High-speed storage meets port expansion
The design includes Thunderbolt Share, which allows for fast file transfers and control between systems.
This could appeal to users who work across multiple PCs or want to offload projects quickly without involving a network.
The base version of the dock is priced at $299.99, but models with integrated storage scale up significantly, with the top-end 8TB configuration priced at $999.99.
Whether that cost is justified depends on how much users value the combination of a high-speed SSD and a next-gen connectivity hub in one unit.
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Razer says the new dock addresses pain points around high-refresh displays, rapid file movement, and system expandability, all without needing a full desktop.
“The Razer Thunderbolt 5 Dock is designed to meet the growing need for faster data transfer and robust multi-display support,” said Travis Furst, Head of Notebooks and Accessories at Razer.
“With the Razer Core X V2, we’re extending that experience – delivering a high-performance external graphics boost that brings desktop graphics to laptops. Thanks to the support of the latest NVIDIA and AMD graphic cards, it’s a seamless upgrade that can transform ultra-thin Thunderbolt enabled laptops into creative or gaming workstations.”
Although the product is marketed to professionals and content creators, the high price tag and niche features may limit its appeal.
The real test will be whether users find the SSD expansion and port density compelling enough to replace multiple discrete accessories.
In addition, Razer also introduced the Core X V2, a Thunderbolt 5 external GPU enclosure that supports full-length PCIe graphics cards.
Designed for use with laptops and handhelds, the Core X V2 is priced at $499.99 and includes fan control and 140W laptop charging.
It serves a different but complementary audience, those who need desktop-class graphics in a modular shell.
Brother USA has Refurbished: Brother Wireless MFC-L2760DW Monochrome All-in-One Laser Printer for $119.99 – $12 w/ promo code TAKE10NOW = $107.99. Shipping is free.
Thanks to Community Member BabbyBubba for finding this deal.
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Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent every weekday.
Today’s world runs on digital computers, but there was a time when people relied on their analog siblings. Instead of electrical signals, mechanical computers utilize complex systems of gears, weights, and other physical implements to perform tasks. As recently as the 1960s, accounting devices like the Soviet Union’s Ascota 170 could even perform square roots, but some of the earliest mechanical computers may even trace all the way back to the famous Antikythera mechanism. Discovered in an ancient shipwreck near Crete in 1901, experts now believe ancient Greeks built the device around 100 BCE to calculate astronomical positions.
Mechanical computers may not oversee today’s automated tasks, but it’s still possible to build your own using literal children’s toys. That said, one YouTuber’s ongoing DIY mechanical computer project looks so dizzyingly complex that—for the time being—most people will likely stick with their smartphone’s calculator app.
The inventor who goes by Shadowman39 on YouTube is a longtime Knex aficionado. His previous projects built from the connectible, plastic building pieces include everything from coin sorters, to gigantic motion machines, to even a functioning Skee Ball cabinet. More recently, he opted to design and construct a device capable of performing basic calculations like addition and subtraction. Although he’s planning on expanding its abilities, the YouTuber recently uploaded the first look at his Knex 8-bit mechanical computer—specifically its “very simple” arithmetic logic unit, or ALU.
“Very simple,” in this case, refers to a roughly 3.5-foot-tall contraption built using thousands of Knex pieces, wheels, and conveyor belts. All those parts are divided up into eight columns, each one responsible for a single bit of binary data represented as a 0 or 1. The 8-bit system is capable of handling operations using the numbers 0-255, although Shadowman39 notes (using some rather dense mathematical reasoning) that it can also work with the number range of -128 to 127.
While there is an electrical line to power initial movement, the actual calculations themselves take place through mechanical means. Depending on the user’s input, the Knex computer will use its rack and pinions to initiate cranks capable of rotating 360 degrees while anchored by a pair of weights and counterweights. These actions compound across the eight columns until a calculation is completed.
“It looks like a mess but I promise it’s just organized chaos,” the inventor says at one point.
You might just need to take his word for it on that front. In any case, the YouTuber promises additional videos are coming that will delve into how data and program storage will work in its RAM and ROM. It may not find its way onto desktops, but the Knex project highlights the uniquely tactile and ingenious designs required to construct even the most rudimentary of mechanical computers.
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Luxury automakers are all about more is more, stuffing flagship vehicles with big power, high-end tech features and plenty of gimmicky options. The
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
is no different, with the latest generation being the most extravagant and advanced yet. But I’ll let you in on a secret: The base S500 is where it’s at.
Like
Fantastic in-line six engine
Supreme comfort
Great tech features
Don’t like
Misses out on a couple of cool features
The S500 shares its turbocharged, mild-hybrid 3.0-liter in-line six with a number of other Mercedes products. In the S500 it puts out 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, with the 48-volt integrated starter/generator system adding an extra boost of 21 hp and 184 lb.-ft. That’s 67 hp and 132 lb.-ft. less than the V8-powered S580, but the S500 feels plenty quick, hitting 60 mph in 4.8 seconds (only 0.4-second slower than the S580). The in-line six is ultra smooth and sounds great, and the nine-speed automatic is smooth. The S500 is efficient, too; I have no trouble matching the EPA’s 30-mpg highway rating and I’m doing a few mpg better than the 21-mpg city figure. Like the S580, Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel drive is standard.
The 4,600-plus-pound S500 has precise, satisfying steering and surefooted handling characteristics, though there’s a good amount of body roll as well. (Luxurious body roll.) An air suspension with adaptive dampers is standard, and it provides a superb ride despite this S500’s 21-inch wheels (a $1,950 option) that wear Pirelli P Zero summer tires. You can get Mercedes’ road-scanning E-Active Body Control system for $6,500, and while it’s mega impressive, it’s honestly not necessary. My test car is fitted with 4.5-degree rear-wheel steering, a $1,300 option that’s hugely helpful for maneuvering this 17-foot-long sedan around the city. Sadly, the S500 isn’t available with the even crazier 10-degree setup that’s offered on the S580 and EQS, but the 4.5-degree steering is still a boon.
Enlarge Image
More luxury cars should be green.
Daniel Golson/CNET
The only styling differences between the S500 and S580 are the badges. This S500’s combination of the $4,300 AMG Line styling package, Emerald Green metallic paint and silver multispoke wheels is fantastic, and I appreciate that it’s got all of the standard chrome trim instead of the gloss black parts that the $400 Night package would bring. This S500 isn’t a huge design revolution compared to the old S-Class, or the electric EQS, but even with the AMG Line’s larger intakes, this sedan is beautiful and classy. The pop-out door handles and intricate LED taillights are my favorite design touches.
My S500 has lovely Sienna Brown Nappa leather with diamond-patterned stitching on the seats and door panels, a $2,290 option that looks excellent paired with the $1,300 Flowing Lines piano-black trim. The S-Class is bank-vault quiet as well, thanks to double-pane glass and lots of sound deadening. Its tech-forward interior is off-putting for some, but I’m a big fan. Sure, the touchscreen and shiny surfaces will get covered in fingerprints, but just keep a cleaning cloth in the glovebox. Most metal touchpoints in the S-Class have knurled finishes, like the seat controls and steering wheel stalks, and nothing feels cheap. Mercedes’ animated multicolor ambient lighting remains the most impressive in the biz, too, especially in the super colorful nightclub-like modes.
Enlarge Image
I love the S-Class’ tech-filled cabin.
Daniel Golson/CNET
The standard Burmester 3D surround-sound system in my test car is fantastic, but the S500 is available with Mercedes’ $6,730 30-speaker Burmester 4D setup that includes subwoofers integrated into the seats. Another must-have option in my eyes — literally — is the $3,000 3D Technology Package that gives you facial recognition tech, a cool 3D gauge cluster and an incredible augmented-reality head-up display, which is one of my favorite pieces of tech available in any car today. It makes Mercedes’ MBUX navigation system even better, and it has mind-blowing graphics for the driver-assist functions like projecting illuminated underlines for cars in your line of sight.
There is one aspect of the S500 that can seriously fall short of the S580, and that’s the backseat. Rear-seat passengers do have tons of head- and legroom and powered sunshades, and an optional $3,800 Warmth & Comfort package adds heating and ventilation to the rear seats. But exclusive to the S580 is the Executive Line trim level, which gives backseat riders an almost Maybach-like experience. That package adds four-zone climate control, reclining and massaging rear seats with a powered footrest for the right seat, a tablet in the fold-down center armrest, more ambient lighting, a wireless charging pad and additional airbags.
Including a $1,050 destination charge, the S500 starts at $111,100, and my well spec’d example comes in at $127,330. The S580 is just $7,650 more than an S500 to start, but a fully loaded version easily crests $150,000. Unless you desperately want a V8 engine or would be regularly chauffeuring fancy people around in your S-Class (or being chauffeured yourself), save your money and buy the lovely S500 instead.
For suspensions: reply to the notice or contact support with evidence that the issue is resolved. Permanent terminations cannot be reversed; you’ll need a new account.
Once you know why you’re locked out of your Netflix account, you can begin the process of getting it unlocked.
Attempt Self-Service Recovery (First Line of Defense)
The most obvious first solution is the “forgotten password” option. Depending on the device, you can find this through Netflix’s Help Page. To use this service, you can request assistance via email or by sending a text message to your mobile phone number. In both cases, Netflix will send you a message with instructions to reset your password.
If you don’t know your email and password, you can also have Netflix look up your account using your first and last name and the last four digits of the debit or credit card it has on file for your account.
The link supplied by Netflix to reset your account expires in 24 hours. After that time, you’ll need to request a new link.
If you requested an email to reset your account and don’t see it in your inbox, take a look in your spam, junk, or promotional folders. Be sure to also review any email filters you have set up that may have moved this type of message to another folder in your email account.
Netflix also suggests adding the email address info@account.netflix.com to your contact list and then requesting a password reset again. If this still doesn’t work, there could be an issue with your email provider, which might be delaying the message from being delivered. This would be rare, but it does happen. In this case, Netflix suggests waiting up to five hours before trying again.
What to Do If Netflix’s Reset Password Doesn’t Work
What happens if the link Netflix sent doesn’t work? There are several steps you can take to resolve this. First, it’s essential to delete any remaining Netflix password-reset emails from your email inbox. Once those emails are deleted, go to netflix.com/clearcookies, which will trigger the removal of Netflix cookies on your computer or mobile device.
In this scenario, again, visit the Netflix login help page and request a reset using the email address associated with your account. Enter your email address and click the Email Me option. From there, return to your email inbox and follow the steps outlined in the new Netflix password reset email.
When none of these steps work, Netflix suggests trying to reset your password on a different device, such as a computer, mobile phone, or tablet.
Although rare, when you attempt to change your password, you may get a message saying, “This password is not secure or is too common.” There are numerous reasons why Netflix doesn’t like your password choice. In this case, continue to add a password until it accepts one.
Was Your Netflix Account Hacked?
Unfortunately, we live in a time when hackers are constantly trying to cause havoc by accessing our personal information, regardless of its size or sensitivity. When a hacker attempts to break into your Netflix account, you will most likely get an email saying that the account has been compromised and that you must change the password on your account, following the steps mentioned above.
After taking these steps, consider additional preventive measures. First, sign out of all of your devices where you (or someone else) might have logged into your account. You can do this by accessing your Netflix account on a computer and selecting the Security section. From there, select Access and Devices, then scroll down and choose Sign out of all devices. This will remove access for anyone else who might be using your account. They will need to enter your new password to regain access.
Another important step is to remove unauthorized payment methods from your account. Head to ‘Manage payment methods’ and then remove any unfamiliar payment options. For added security, you can remove all your payment methods from your account and then add only one account for Netflix to charge moving forward.
As a final measure, if your Netflix account is compromised, regularly check your bank accounts. If you see unauthorized transactions, contact your bank or credit card company immediately.
When Netflix is unable to charge your account for another month of service, it’s usually pretty quick to email you. Furthermore, the next time you open Netflix, regardless of the device, you’ll see a message indicating that the payment method didn’t work. In this case, you’ll need to go into the banking section of your account and make the necessary changes. As soon as Netflix successfully charges your debit or credit card, full access to the service will be restored.
If attempting self-service password recovery or addressing specific lockout causes doesn’t work and you’re still locked out of your Netflix account, you should contact Netflix’s support department. Netflix has a Contact Us page where you can initiate this process. You can make contact through email, text, and phone, though the options vary by region.
Secure Your Netflix Account
Once your Netflix account is back online, take a few preventive steps to reduce the likelihood of the issue recurring. First, always use a strong, unique password. Doing so will make it less likely that someone will attempt to hack into your account. Create a password that’s a minimum of 12 characters or, better yet, use a password manager.
Additionally, if you haven’t done so already, please add a mobile phone number to your account for password recovery. It makes it easier in case you need to reset your password.
You should also be wary of phishing scams. Be cautious of suspicious emails that appear to be from Netflix, and never click on any links within those emails. Additionally, never hand over your account password or banking details to anyone claiming to be Netflix through text or email.
Finally, never share your Netflix credentials with anyone outside your home. If Netflix detects logins being performed from outside your normal location, it will send a message and lock you out of your account. Logins at vacation spots are fine, but long-term stays are not, so keep that in mind.
Next year, Apple will enter the foldable phone market, and after more than seven years of mainstream folding devices, its debut won’t be light on competition. As noted by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is no stranger to tough competitors, but its folding phone launch is shaping up to be a little different.
“When the company introduces its first foldable iPhone at the end of next year, it will be entering a product category that’s already seven years old—pioneered and dominated by its biggest hardware rival, Samsung Electronics Co. And this time, Apple won’t be debuting a radically new interface or transformative hardware,” writes Gurman.
In short? Apple may be behind—again—and this time it’s not in a less-important category of phone-centric AI features. If Gurman’s reporting is correct, when Apple’s folding iPhone launches, it won’t debut with groundbreaking hardware like Samsung’s Z Fold 7—an almost impossibly thin and light folding device that moves the whole category forward. Instead of thin and light, however, Apple will reportedly focus on trying to pare down the notable crease in folding devices caused by the necessity for a hinge. And don’t get me wrong, minimizing the crease is a worthy quest, but I’m also skeptical that eliminating it (or making it imperceptible) can even be achieved.
At the end of the day, a folding phone crease may just be physics. Not only does folding things (including a bending display) just create a natural crease over time, but there’s always the hinge problem. Stuffing a hinge under a screen creates a bump, and while that bump has flattened over generations of folding phones, I’m skeptical that it will ever be completely flat. So, if eliminating the hinge is a long shot, what perk does that leave Apple’s folding device with? iOS, of course.
Sure, Apple’s folding iPhone won’t be the first folding phone out there—far from it—but it will be the first folding phone with iOS. Maybe that will mean something, and maybe it won’t, but software has been the name of the game for Apple in terms of phones for a while now. A part of that is Apple purposely walling off its Messages app to competitors with the infamous green bubble, but the other part is that those who’ve used iOS for most of their smartphone-having lives still genuinely prefer the experience. With a new form factor in folding phones, Apple has a chance to prove that its reputation for building user-friendly smartphone UI still means something.
What its twist will be is anyone’s guess (maybe a better multitasking experience? a novel FaceTime feature?), but it’s clear that Apple is also looking to iOS for differentiating its folding iPhone. “And as part of the development of iOS 27 — which formally kicks off soon — Apple will prioritize software features tailored specifically to this new form factor,” writes Gurman in his latest newsletter. I’m skeptical that Apple can actually enter into the folding phone market and go from zero to kicking Samsung’s ass, but if it’s going to do that, it’s clear that software is its best bet. And with iOS and the Messages app on its side, Apple might just scrape by with titans like the Galaxy Z Fold 7 already wowing Android and iOS users alike.
Amazon has 10-PieceLego Duplo Town Wild Animal Families: Penguins & Lions Building Toy Playset on sale for $6.79. Shipping is free with Prime or on $35+ orders.
Thanks to Deal Hunter gaamn114 for sharing this deal.
Walmart also has 10-PieceLego Duplo Town Wild Animal Families: Penguins & Lions Building Toy Playset on sale for $6.79. Select free store pickup where stock permits. Otherwise, shipping is free w/ Walmart+ (free 30-day trial) or on orders of $35+.
Note: Availability for pickup may vary by location.
Additionally, Target has 10-PieceLego Duplo Town Wild Animal Families: Penguins & Lions Building Toy Playset on sale for $6.79. Shipping is free w/ $35+ orders.
Product Details:
Educational toy encourages kids and animal-lovers ages 2 and up to use their imagination for social, emotional and creative play.
Toddlers can build scenes based on animals’ natural habitats including grasslands where the lions can play peekaboo games, or a slide for the penguins to shimmy down.
Includes 2 brick-built habitats and 4 LEGO DUPLO animal figures: a parent penguin and chick, and a lioness and her cub.
Pack kids’ playtimes with learning as they play out caring for baby animals and learn to recognize differences between big and small, and hot and cold.
This building toy measures over 2.5 in. (13 cm) high and 8.5 in. (22 cm) wide.
