🔑 Key Takeaways
- Apple might name the next iPhone release as iPhone 12S due to superstitions, but it's not widely accepted as the iPhone 12S would still lead to an iPhone 13 in the product line eventually. Samsung Unpacked event discussed, Sylvan Learning's Insight Assessment for $29.
- Apple may simplify iPhone naming scheme by either skipping 'S' models or numbering them sequentially, making it easier for consumers to understand. The iPhone 13 is a likely name for the upcoming model.
- HP introduces an affordable all-in-one desktop with a large rotating touchscreen, webcam, wireless keyboard and mouse, and a choice between low-end processors for web browsing, email, and productivity apps.
- A touchscreen device offers convenience, cost-effectiveness, and smart home integration for family use in common areas, making it a practical alternative to a traditional iMac.
- The iMac's new touch screen and rotating design make it more integrated into home spaces, feeling less like a computer and more like a home appliance, and offer convenient multitasking for users in communal areas.
- Samsung's new Galaxy Fold phones have improved durability with dust resistance, a smaller camera bump, and IPX8 water resistance. Inside upgrades include a harder screen protector, S Pen compatibility, and an optional S Pen Pro with battery and USB-C charging.
- Samsung introduces S Pen support for Galaxy Fold, but users must switch to a specific mode to avoid damaging the foldable screen. Only careful users who can afford the high cost and carry the larger S Pen Pro may benefit.
- The Galaxy Fold 3 offers advanced features like an under-screen selfie camera and improved S Pen experience, but faces challenges with under-screen selfie photo quality and durability concerns. The future of the Galaxy Note series may be a budget large-screen stylus option.
- Under display selfie cameras allow for uninterrupted giant screens, but may not be a significant selling point for all consumers.
- Samsung's new foldable phone with slide-out side dock lets power users pin frequently used apps, potentially creating a new muscle memory habit and making multitasking more efficient, despite the high price tag and fingerprint reader on power button.
- The Flip Three, priced at $999, has wider consumer appeal due to its larger 1.9 inch outside cover screen and refined design, making it a functional and desirable high-end option.
- The new foldable phone features a larger external screen for easier access to notifications, music control, and widgets, but lacks direct Google Assistant support and still has a noticeable horizontal crease.
- The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 is a well-built, affordable foldable phone with a compact size, improved speakers, and IPX8 water resistance. It offers a regular phone experience and is a great option for those interested in trying foldable technology.
- The speaker expresses excitement for upcoming tech releases and prefers muted, non-bright colors like green and pastels in their devices, including the iPhone 11 and 12. They also promote Visible, a wireless company offering unlimited 5G data for $25 a month.
📝 Podcast Summary
Possible iPhone 12S instead of iPhone 13
Apple may choose to name the next iPhone release as iPhone 12S instead of iPhone 13 due to superstitions and past practices of skipping certain numbers by some tech companies. However, this theory is not widely accepted as there are existing Apple products with the number 13 in their names, and the iPhone 12S would still lead to an iPhone 13 in the product line eventually. This discussion stemmed from a recent Samsung Unpacked event, where the hosts, Marquez and Andrew, also shared their thoughts on the new Samsung Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3. Additionally, they mentioned Sylvan Learning and its Insight Assessment, which can help determine a child's readiness for future learning and identify potential learning gaps for $29, the best price of the year.
Apple's iPhone Naming Scheme: Skip the 'S' Model or Sequential Numbering?
Apple's naming scheme for its iPhones has been a topic of discussion, with some predicting the company may skip the "S" model and release the iPhone 13 instead. Based on the conversation, it appears that the design of the iPhone 12S or 13 may not be significantly different from the iPhone 12, making the "S" model less distinguishable. Apple has historically introduced a visibly identifiable new feature with each new iPhone model, such as the notch, camera bump, or flat sides. However, the speaker argues that Apple may start numbering the iPhones sequentially, like the iPad Pro, and do away with the "S" models. This could make the naming scheme simpler and easier for consumers to understand. The speaker also believes that Apple is unlikely to skip the number 13, as it's not a superstitious company, and that the iPhone 13 is the more likely name for the upcoming model. The debate over the naming scheme is significant because it affects how consumers perceive and identify different iPhone models, particularly in the secondary market where phones are frequently resold.
HP's new Chrome OS desktop: Chrome AIO
HP is introducing a new Chrome OS desktop called the Chrome AIO, which combines the functionality of a desktop and a tablet. The device features a large rotating touchscreen, a webcam, and a wireless keyboard and mouse. With a 21.5-inch 1080p touchscreen, users can choose between a dual-core Pentium Gold or a Core i3 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. Although the specs are on the lower end for a desktop, the affordability of Chrome OS and Chromebooks makes this an attractive option for those who primarily use their computers for web browsing, email, and productivity apps. The price of $600 makes it a solid choice for those seeking a budget desktop alternative. The speaker-like base and all-in-one design make it a potential competitor to the latest iMacs, offering a unique and innovative approach to desktop computing.
A touchscreen device for family use in common areas
The all-in-one standalone touchscreen device under discussion offers a more convenient and cost-effective solution for family use in common areas like the kitchen or living room. Its features, such as rotating touchscreen, wireless keyboard and mouse, and the ability to run Android apps and control smart home devices, make it an attractive alternative to a traditional iMac for such purposes. Although the iMac has better specs, the touchscreen device's ease of use, portability, and smart home integration make it a more practical choice for certain scenarios. Additionally, its lower price point is a significant advantage. However, it's important to note that there may be compromises in terms of power and future software updates compared to more expensive devices like the iMac.
A more home-like iMac with touch screen and rotating design
The new touch screen and rotating design of the iMac make it more integrated into home spaces compared to traditional computers, such as the iMac or Chrome AIO, making it feel less like a computer and more like a home appliance. This is particularly beneficial in communal areas like the kitchen or living room, where users can easily control smart home devices or play media without the need for a separate keyboard and mouse. The iMac's touch screen feature also allows for more convenient multitasking, especially when hands are occupied with cooking or other household tasks. Overall, the new design of the iMac bridges the gap between technology and home life, making it a more seamless and functional addition to the home.
New Galaxy Fold phones now dust resistant and feature IPX8 water resistance
The new Galaxy Fold phones have been certified for dust resistance, which was a major issue in the past leading to screen damage. This is a significant improvement, but it doesn't necessarily mean these phones are more durable than previous folding phones overall. Other notable changes include a smaller camera bump, a slightly thinner and lighter design, IPX8 water resistance, and 120Hz refresh rate on the outside. The most interesting upgrades are on the inside, such as a 30% harder screen protector and S Pen compatibility with a special S Pen Fold Edition designed to prevent damage. Additionally, there's an optional S Pen Pro with a battery, USB-C charging, and onboard memory for power users. Overall, these improvements address some of the major concerns with folding phones and make for an intriguing upgrade for those in the market for a high-end, innovative device.
Samsung's Galaxy Fold now supports S Pen with caution
Samsung's new Galaxy Fold phone now supports the use of the S Pen stylus, but users must switch it to a specific mode to avoid damaging the foldable screen. This is a significant move, as the screens on foldable devices have been susceptible to damage from even small nicks or indentations. Samsung seems confident in the durability of the screen and the reliability of the S Pen's retractable mechanism, but the high cost of the phone and the optional S Pen may mean that only a select group of careful users will be purchasing both. The larger size of the S Pen Pro may make it less practical to carry around with the phone, but for those who do, the larger canvas it provides may be a nice feature. Despite some concerns, the introduction of S Pen support suggests that Samsung is not giving up on the Galaxy Note line, and may instead be exploring new ways to integrate the popular stylus into its foldable devices.
Samsung's Galaxy Fold 3: Advanced Features and Challenges
Samsung's Galaxy Fold 3 offers advanced features like an under-screen selfie camera and improved S Pen experience, but there are still some challenges, such as the quality of under-screen selfies and the durability concerns. The future of the Galaxy Note series, which is rumored to be discontinued, could be a budget large-screen stylus option for those in more practical or blue-collar situations. The under-screen selfie camera, while visually better than a hole punch, may have worse photo quality, and there are concerns about how it performs in videos. Overall, the Galaxy Fold 3 represents Samsung's continued innovation in mobile technology, but it comes with some trade-offs.
Under display selfie cameras: A trend in flagship phones
Under display selfie cameras are becoming a trend in the smartphone industry and are expected to be a common feature in flagship phones within the next five years. This technology, which allows for an uninterrupted giant screen, is seen as a bleeding edge feature that justifies high prices for phones. However, some argue that this feature may not be as impressive as other advanced technologies, such as folding screens, and may not be a significant selling point for consumers who have not seen it before. Ultimately, the decision to include under display selfie cameras in high-end phones is likely driven by a desire to showcase new technology and differentiate these devices from competitors.
A game-changer for power users and multitaskers
Samsung's new foldable phone, with its slide-out side dock feature, is a game-changer for power users and multitaskers. Despite the fingerprint reader being on the power button and the price tag of $1,800, the side dock's convenience and usefulness might just be worth it for those who frequently switch between apps. This feature, which allows users to pin frequently used apps on the side of the phone, could potentially create a new muscle memory habit and make multitasking more efficient. Although it may not be for everyone, it's a significant step towards making foldable phones more accessible to a wider audience.
New Flip Three model with larger cover screen and refined design
In the latest technology trend, the new Flip Three model, priced at $999, is expected to have wider consumer adoption compared to its predecessor due to its improved features such as a larger 1.9 inch outside cover screen and a more refined design. This larger cover screen provides more functionality and convenience for users, making it more appealing to consumers. Additionally, the price point of $999 places it in the same league as other high-end phones, making it a viable option for those in the market for a premium device. Overall, these improvements aim to make the Flip Three a more functional and desirable option for consumers.
New foldable phone with larger external screen for quick access
The new foldable phone, which resembles the Pixel 2 in design but has a larger external screen, aims to reduce the friction of accessing quick functions without having to open the phone completely. This external screen allows users to triage notifications, control music playback, and access simple widgets, making it more convenient to use. However, it does not support Google Assistant directly on the outside screen, which could be a missed opportunity. Despite feeling more like a regular smartphone when open, the phone's horizontal crease, though smaller than some other foldable designs, can still be felt and may be more distracting than visually. Overall, the new design aims to make the foldable phone more functional and user-friendly by minimizing the steps required to access common features.
A compact foldable phone with improved features
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 is a well-built foldable phone that offers a compact size and a regular phone experience at a relatively affordable price. It has a good build quality, improved speakers, and an IPX8 water resistance rating. While it doesn't support S Pen or have an under-display selfie camera, its single selfie camera can be used with the cover screen as a viewfinder. The phone's primary purpose is to offer a tablet-like experience in a compact form factor, though it's not quite there yet. With seven (potentially eight) color options and two storage capacities, Samsung is committed to making foldable phones a viable option for consumers. The Galaxy Z Flip3 is the closest we have to a regular foldable phone and is an excellent recommendation for those looking to try out the technology.
Speaker's color preferences for tech devices
The speaker expresses a strong preference for muted, non-bright colors in phones, specifically green and the pastel shades used by Apple in their iPhone 11 and 12 models. The speaker also mentions their excitement for the upcoming tech releases, including phones and watches, and encourages viewers to subscribe to their channel for reviews. The speaker also promotes Visible, a wireless company that offers unlimited 5G data for $25 a month with no hidden fees or annual contracts. Overall, the speaker expresses enthusiasm for the latest tech releases and their personal preferences for muted colors in technology.