Galaxy Fold release postponed, following Asia delay - CNET

More bad news befell Samsung's beleaguered Galaxy Fold on Monday after several incidents with screens last week left early-production review units unusable. Samsung confirmed it is delaying Friday's scheduled launch of the foldable phone, saying it would announce a new released date "in the coming weeks."

"Initial findings from the inspection of reported issues on the display showed that they could be associated with impact on the top and bottom exposed areas of the hinge. There was also an instance where substances found inside the device affected the display performance," Samsung said in a statement. "To fully evaluate this feedback and run further internal tests, we have decided to delay the release of the Galaxy Fold."

News of the phone's delayed release was reported earlier Monday by The Wall Street Journal. That report follows a tweet from Engadget's Richard Lai on Sunday about the postponement of launch-related events in Hong Kong and Shanghai scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively. 

The incidents with the Fold's plastic screen have caused a kerfuffle among tech lovers, casting doubt on the durability of Samsung's $2,000 foldable phone and on the concept of bendable devices in general.

CNET's Galaxy Fold review unit has remained intact, and we've been in contact with Samsung about the reported screen issues. 

Samsung Galaxy Fold launch events in Hong Kong and Shanghai have been postponed. They were originally scheduled for this Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.

— Richard Lai (@richardlai) April 21, 2019

Frequent mobile tipster Ice Universe corroborated on Sunday the postponement of "two events" -- presumably the launch events -- and suggested that shipments of the phone itself could be pushed back. SamMobile reported Sunday that Samsung was attributing the Shanghai event delay to problems with the venue,  citing "someone claiming to be familiar with the matter."  

Last week, a Samsung spokesperson said that the April 26 launch date for the US was still on track, according to a tweet from The Wall Street Journal. Samsung had the option of revising the launch date or bolstering the message on its packaging that informs new Galaxy Fold owners not to remove the plastic film protecting the polymer screen.

Samsung's Galaxy Fold woes began Wednesday, two days after it distributed a small number of review devices to reviewers, including CNET. 

Reviewers discovered that peeling the plastic film off the Galaxy Fold's 7.3-inch interior screen, which is made of a thin sheet of bendable plastic rather than glass, instantly made the phone unusable. Another discovered that the left half of the Galaxy Fold strongly flickered, and another noticed a bulge under the screen that caused noticeable distortion in the screen's image, possibly from debris that worked its way under the display.

Now playing: Watch this: Samsung Galaxy Fold problems explained

3:56

Foldable phones are a brand-new concept rocking the phone world. The design is supposed to give people double the screen space on a device that's small enough to carry around, unlike today's pocket-busting devices. But the enormous expense -- the Galaxy Fold starts at $1,980 -- and concerns over the durability of a bendable screen and hinge could threaten the ability of foldable phones to get off the ground. Huawei has also announced a foldable device, the Mate X, and Motorola is rumored to have a foldable Razr in the works.

The incidents with the Galaxy Fold are also putting Samsung under intense scrutiny as consumers and industry pundits draw parallels with Samsung's double recall of 2016's Galaxy Note 7, after numerous reports that its battery overheated and sometimes caught fire. Screen issues tied to the Galaxy Fold have "broken" the phones, but have not been reported to cause a fire or any other damage to people and property.

Multitasking on a larger screen is one benefit of a foldable phone like the Galaxy Fold.

Angela Lang/CNET

Samsung said last week in a statement that it's investigating the review units in person to determine the cause of the screen issues: "A limited number of early Galaxy Fold samples were provided to media for review. We have received a few reports regarding the main display on the samples provided. We will thoroughly inspect these units in person to determine the cause of the matter."

The company also told CNET in a statement last week: "We are taking all necessary measures to ensure that information about protective layer is clearly delivered to our customers. Materials in the Galaxy Fold box, including the quick start guide, will include information about the protective layer. Samsung.com will have a dedicated Galaxy Fold FAQ for consumers to learn more about caring for the Galaxy Fold, including information about the protective layer. Retail representatives and customer care are trained with information about the top protective layer."

CNET is keeping an eye on developments with the Galaxy Fold. While we're continuing to review the early production device, we will not assign a rating until after we test the final production phone we ordered. See how it's going with our Galaxy Fold so far.

Originally published April 12.
Update, April 22 at 7:52 a.m.: Adds the WSJ report about the launch delay.
Update, April 22 at 10:22 a.m.: Adds confirmation from Samsung. 

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https://www.cnet.com/news/galaxy-fold-reportedly-postponed-following-asia-delay/

2019-04-22 17:22:00Z
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Galaxy Fold reportedly postponed, following Asia delay - CNET

More bad news befell Samsung's beleaguered Galaxy Fold on Monday after several incidents with screens last week left early-production review units unusable. Samsung will delay Friday's scheduled launch of the foldable phone until at least sometime in May, people familiar with the matter told The Wall Street Journal. 

That report follows a tweet from Engadget's Richard Lai on Sunday about the postponement of launch-related events in Hong Kong and Shanghai scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively. 

The incidents with the Fold's plastic screen have caused a kerfuffle among tech lovers, casting doubt on the durability of Samsung's $2,000 foldable phone and on the concept of bendable devices in general.

CNET's Galaxy Fold review unit has remained intact, and we've been in contact with Samsung about the reported screen issues. Samsung didn't respond to a request for comment about the apparent delay in launching the phone globally.

Samsung Galaxy Fold launch events in Hong Kong and Shanghai have been postponed. They were originally scheduled for this Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.

— Richard Lai (@richardlai) April 21, 2019

Frequent mobile tipster Ice Universe corroborated on Sunday the postponement of "two events" -- presumably the launch events -- and suggested that shipments of the phone itself could be pushed back. SamMobile reported Sunday that Samsung was attributing the Shanghai event delay to problems with the venue,  citing "someone claiming to be familiar with the matter."  

Last week, a Samsung spokesperson said that the April 26 launch date for the US was still on track, according to a tweet from The Wall Street Journal. Samsung had the option of revising the launch date or bolstering the message on its packaging that informs new Galaxy Fold owners not to remove the plastic film protecting the polymer screen.

Samsung's Galaxy Fold woes began Wednesday, two days after it distributed a small number of review devices to reviewers, including CNET. 

Reviewers discovered that peeling the plastic film off the Galaxy Fold's 7.3-inch interior screen, which is made of a thin sheet of bendable plastic rather than glass, instantly made the phone unusable. Another discovered that the left half of the Galaxy Fold strongly flickered, and another noticed a bulge under the screen that caused noticeable distortion in the screen's image, possibly from debris that worked its way under the display.

Now playing: Watch this: Samsung Galaxy Fold problems explained

3:56

Foldable phones are a brand-new concept rocking the phone world. The design is supposed to give people double the screen space on a device that's small enough to carry around, unlike today's pocket-busting devices. But the enormous expense -- the Galaxy Fold starts at $1,980 -- and concerns over the durability of a bendable screen and hinge could threaten the ability of foldable phones to get off the ground. Huawei has also announced a foldable device, the Mate X, and Motorola is rumored to have a foldable Razr in the works.

The incidents with the Galaxy Fold are also putting Samsung under intense scrutiny as consumers and industry pundits draw parallels with Samsung's double recall of 2016's Galaxy Note 7, after numerous reports that its battery overheated and sometimes caught fire. Screen issues tied to the Galaxy Fold have "broken" the phones, but have not been reported to cause a fire or any other damage to people and property.

Multitasking on a larger screen is one benefit of a foldable phone like the Galaxy Fold.

Angela Lang/CNET

Samsung said last week in a statement that it's investigating the review units in person to determine the cause of the screen issues: "A limited number of early Galaxy Fold samples were provided to media for review. We have received a few reports regarding the main display on the samples provided. We will thoroughly inspect these units in person to determine the cause of the matter."

The company also told CNET in a statement last week: "We are taking all necessary measures to ensure that information about protective layer is clearly delivered to our customers. Materials in the Galaxy Fold box, including the quick start guide, will include information about the protective layer. Samsung.com will have a dedicated Galaxy Fold FAQ for consumers to learn more about caring for the Galaxy Fold, including information about the protective layer. Retail representatives and customer care are trained with information about the top protective layer."

CNET is keeping an eye on developments with the Galaxy Fold. While we're continuing to review the early production device, we will not assign a rating until after we test the final production phone we ordered. See how it's going with our Galaxy Fold so far.

Originally published April 12.
Update, April 22 at 7:52 a.m.: Adds the WSJ report about the launch delay.

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https://www.cnet.com/news/samsung-said-to-delay-two-galaxy-fold-launch-events-will-the-foldable-phone-ship-on-time/

2019-04-22 16:01:22Z
52780272877586

Galaxy Fold: Samsung reportedly postpones its foldable phone launch - CNET

More bad news befell Samsung's beleaguered Galaxy Fold on Monday after several incidents with screens last week left early-production review units unusable. Samsung will delay Friday's scheduled launch of the foldable phone until at least sometime in May, people familiar with the matter told The Wall Street Journal. 

That report follows a tweet from Engadget's Richard Lai on Sunday about the postponement of launch-related events in Hong Kong and Shanghai scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively. 

The incidents with the Fold's plastic screen have caused a kerfuffle among tech lovers, casting doubt on the durability of Samsung's $2,000 foldable phone and on the concept of bendable devices in general.

CNET's Galaxy Fold review unit has remained intact, and we've been in contact with Samsung about the reported screen issues. Samsung didn't respond to a request for comment about the apparent delay in launching the phone globally.

Samsung Galaxy Fold launch events in Hong Kong and Shanghai have been postponed. They were originally scheduled for this Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.

— Richard Lai (@richardlai) April 21, 2019

Frequent mobile tipster Ice Universe corroborated on Sunday the postponement of "two events" -- presumably the launch events -- and suggested that shipments of the phone itself could be pushed back. SamMobile reported Sunday that Samsung was attributing the Shanghai event delay to problems with the venue,  citing "someone claiming to be familiar with the matter."  

Last week, a Samsung spokesperson said that the April 26 launch date for the US was still on track, according to a tweet from The Wall Street Journal. Samsung had the option of revising the launch date or bolstering the message on its packaging that informs new Galaxy Fold owners not to remove the plastic film protecting the polymer screen.

Samsung's Galaxy Fold woes began Wednesday, two days after it distributed a small number of review devices to reviewers, including CNET. 

Reviewers discovered that peeling the plastic film off the Galaxy Fold's 7.3-inch interior screen, which is made of a thin sheet of bendable plastic rather than glass, instantly made the phone unusable. Another discovered that the left half of the Galaxy Fold strongly flickered, and another noticed a bulge under the screen that caused noticeable distortion in the screen's image, possibly from debris that worked its way under the display.

Now playing: Watch this: Samsung Galaxy Fold problems explained

3:56

Foldable phones are a brand-new concept rocking the phone world. The design is supposed to give people double the screen space on a device that's small enough to carry around, unlike today's pocket-busting devices. But the enormous expense -- the Galaxy Fold starts at $1,980 -- and concerns over the durability of a bendable screen and hinge could threaten the ability of foldable phones to get off the ground. Huawei has also announced a foldable device, the Mate X, and Motorola is rumored to have a foldable Razr in the works.

The incidents with the Galaxy Fold are also putting Samsung under intense scrutiny as consumers and industry pundits draw parallels with Samsung's double recall of 2016's Galaxy Note 7, after numerous reports that its battery overheated and sometimes caught fire. Screen issues tied to the Galaxy Fold have "broken" the phones, but have not been reported to cause a fire or any other damage to people and property.

Multitasking on a larger screen is one benefit of a foldable phone like the Galaxy Fold.

Angela Lang/CNET

Samsung said last week in a statement that it's investigating the review units in person to determine the cause of the screen issues: "A limited number of early Galaxy Fold samples were provided to media for review. We have received a few reports regarding the main display on the samples provided. We will thoroughly inspect these units in person to determine the cause of the matter."

The company also told CNET in a statement last week: "We are taking all necessary measures to ensure that information about protective layer is clearly delivered to our customers. Materials in the Galaxy Fold box, including the quick start guide, will include information about the protective layer. Samsung.com will have a dedicated Galaxy Fold FAQ for consumers to learn more about caring for the Galaxy Fold, including information about the protective layer. Retail representatives and customer care are trained with information about the top protective layer."

CNET is keeping an eye on developments with the Galaxy Fold. While we're continuing to review the early production device, we will not assign a rating until after we test the final production phone we ordered. See how it's going with our Galaxy Fold so far.

Originally published April 12.
Update, April 22 at 7:52 a.m.: Adds the WSJ report about the launch delay.

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https://www.cnet.com/news/samsung-said-to-delay-two-galaxy-fold-launch-events-will-the-foldable-phone-ship-on-time/

2019-04-22 14:53:00Z
52780272877586

Samsung’s Galaxy Fold Smartphone Release Delayed - The Wall Street Journal

An attendee holds a Samsung Electronics Co. Galaxy Fold mobile device during an unveiling event in New York on April 15. Photo: Jeenah Moon/Bloomberg News

By

Timothy W. Martin

Timothy W. Martin
The Wall Street Journal
• Biography
• @timothywmartin
• Timothy.Martin@wsj.com

Updated April 22, 2019 10:20 a.m. ET

SEOUL— Samsung Electronics Co. is delaying the expected Friday rollout of its Galaxy Fold smartphone until at least next month, according to people familiar with the matter, the latest fallout from a product headache that began with tech reviewers reporting their test devices had malfunctioned.

The Galaxy Fold phone—priced at nearly $2,000 and the industry’s first mainstream foldable-screen device—was slated to hit shelves this week in the U.S. But problems with phones being used by reviewers have changed those plans, the people said.

The new rollout is expected in the coming weeks, though a firm date has yet to be determined, they said.

Though the company’s internal investigation remains ongoing, the Galaxy Fold phone’s reported issues stem from problems affecting the handset’s hinge and extra pressure applied to the internal screen, the people said.

A Samsung spokeswoman didn’t have immediate comment. The company had previously said it would adhere to its plans for the Galaxy Fold phones to hit shelves on April 26 in the U.S.

Multiple tech reviewers publicized their problems last week, encountering issues after using the handset for just a day or two.

Some reviewers had unknowingly ripped off part of the phone’s display, believing it to be a protective cover. Others had problems with hinges or flickering screens. Multiple outlets also reported they didn’t have any issues with their Galaxy Fold handsets.

For the unintentional screen removal, Samsung has said it would give consumers clear warning to not remove the display’s top layer.

Samsung, the world’s largest phone maker, has pinned high hopes on the Galaxy Fold handset, which folds in half like a book. It boasts a tablet-sized screen measuring 7.3 inches diagonally. When closed, it sports a second, smaller outer display that can perform most tasks.

WSJ's Joanna Stern had big plans to review Samsung's first foldable phone. Then other Samsung phone screens started breaking and she accidentally began to peel off the screen protector that's not really a screen protector. Here's her non-review.

The delayed launch came hours after the South Korean technology giant abruptly scrapped prerelease media events planned for Hong Kong on Tuesday and Shanghai on Wednesday, a company spokeswoman said earlier on Monday, adding the journalist briefings would be rescheduled at a later date.

The South Korean technology giant didn’t specify why the two media briefings had been aborted.

“We are conducting a thorough inspection into the issues reported by some of the reviewers of early Galaxy Fold samples,” said a Samsung spokeswoman, in earlier comments. “We will share the findings as soon as we have them.”

The smartphone industry is closely watching the release of Samsung’s Galaxy Fold phone, the first mainstream foldable-screen handset. It drastically updates the smartphone’s look, changing the rectangular design that the ubiquitous product has been stuck with for more than a decade.

Samsung executives view its foldable-screen phone as a way to distinguish the company as a product innovator versus key competitors—especially against China’s Huawei Technologies Co., which is building a rival product.

The Huawei device, called the Mate X, is expected to be released this fall, meaning Samsung, even with the delayed Galaxy Fold rollout, still has several months of lead time. Huawei’s foldable-screen phone, though, features a bigger screen than the Galaxy Fold’s and will command a price tag of about $2,600, more than 30% higher than Samsung’s.

The Suwon, South Korea-based company needs a sales lift after reporting an 8% decline in smartphone shipments in 2018, a bigger drop than the industry’s 5% slide, according to Strategy Analytics, a market researcher.

Though the broken Galaxy Folds don’t pose a safety risk, the product-performance hiccup was a reminder of the 2016 global recall of Galaxy Note 7 handsets due to overheating batteries. The incident tarnished Samsung’s brand and cost it billions of dollars.

Write to Timothy W. Martin at timothy.martin@wsj.com

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https://www.wsj.com/articles/samsungs-galaxy-fold-smartphone-release-delayed-11555941705

2019-04-22 14:20:00Z
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Today only, Pixel 3 and 3 XL are half off with activation on Google Fi - Android Police

It's Google Fi's birthday (🎉), and to celebrate, the carrier is blowing out Pixel 3 phones. The Pixel 3 and 3 XL are half off for new and existing customers, which means you can snag one for as low as $399 — but the deal is only valid today, April 22.

Fi teased the promotion on Twitter a couple of days ago, basically saying outright there'd be a Pixel deal today. As far as carrier deals go, it's about as flexible as it gets: new and existing customers can get the special pricing, and it's up-front savings, not a bill credit. When you buy a Pixel 3 from Fi today, it'll be half off — you'll just need to activate it on your Fi account within 30 days of its shipping.

Here's what each model costs during the promotion:

• Pixel 3 (64 GB): $399
• Pixel 3 (128 GB): $449
• Pixel 3 XL (64 GB): $449
• Pixel 3 XL (128 GB): $499

You can read full terms and conditions for the sale here. Head over to Google Fi to snag your cheap Pixel.

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https://www.androidpolice.com/2019/04/22/today-only-pixel-3-and-3-xl-are-half-off-with-activation-on-google-fi/

2019-04-22 12:19:00Z
52780272775320

Google Pixel 3 and 3 XL are Half-Off, Today Only - Thurrott.com

Looking to get a great deal on a Google Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL? Well, today’s the day, but there are some important caveats.

“Today only!” the Google Fi website notes. “Get 50 percent off the Pixel 3 and 3 XL when you buy and activate on Google Fi.”

So there’s your first caveat: You have to be a Google Fi customer.

The promotion terms page for the limited-time sale, which is today-only and runs until midnight PT also include the following limitations.

• It’s for individuals only, and you can only buy a single phone.
• It’s for U.S. citizens only

All good? Check out the one-day prices:

• Pixel 3 64 GB is discounted from $799 to $399.
• Pixel 3 128 GB is discounted from $899 to $449.
• Pixel 3 XL 64 GB is discounted from $899 to $449.
• Pixel 3 XL 128 GB is discounted from $999 to $499.

Those prices almost make me want to take another chance on a Google Pixel 3 XL, and I believe these are the prices that Google should always sell its handsets at. But thanks to Huawei, I no longer need to deal with Google’s unreliable hardware, and the Mate 20 Pro and P30 Pro cameras are better than what these latest Pixels offer.

Still. A great sale.

Tagged with Google Pixel 3, Google Pixel 3 XL

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https://www.thurrott.com/mobile/android/205412/google-pixel-3-and-3-xl-are-half-off-today-only

2019-04-22 12:17:04Z
52780272775320

B&W Formation Duo hands on review - What Hi-Fi?

B&W has launched its long-awaited wireless music system - and it's clear the company means business. B&W Formation is a fully-formed multi-room wireless offering that aims to appeal to those who want the convenience of streaming audio without losing any of the quality. And we mean any. 

B&W is promising whole-home audio performance that's a match for the sound quality you can expect from a pair of wired speakers or indeed a separates hi-fi system. At the forefront of the claim will be the B&W Formation Duo, a fully active pair of wireless speakers and the flagship product in the Formation range. 

Design

The Formation Duo speakers are instantly recognisable as a pair of B&W speakers thanks to that trademark decoupled tweeter on top of the cabinet and the now familiar Continuum cone, which replaced the previously-used Kevlar models. 

Available in black or white, they put a futuristic spin on that classic design so you know you're not getting a typical pair of passive speakers. The matt black finish was the winner for us, though the white speakers with newly-designed stands looked pretty smart, too. Standing just under 40cm tall and just over 30cm deep, they're no shrinking violets, and at 10.6kg, they're a reassuringly hefty piece of kit. 

Inside is the same 6.5in Continuum driver found in the B&W 800 Series and a 1in carbon-domed tweeter, which incorporates B&W's patented tweeter-on-top technology. B&W claims a frequency response of 25Hz to 33kHz. The speakers are driven by two, 125-watt digital amplifiers.

Round the back of the speaker, tucked underneath the wireless module at the base of the unit, is the power connection – all you need to get started. There's also an Ethernet port if you want to be extra sure of the wireless network connectivity, and a USB port for service updates. And that's your lot in terms of connections. 

At the base of the front of the speaker you'll see a Formation connection button, plus volume and play/pause controls. These could come in handy when moving from room to room, allowing you to pause in one room and pick-up the music where you left off in another room, though naturally you'll be doing most of your control from your phone, tablet or laptop.

Features

While they look as simple as a pair of speakers can look, with nothing but a power cable required for each to start working, there is a whole host of wireless functionality at your disposal.

Firstly, they work with all the other B&W Formation products, including the Formation Bar soundbar, the Formation Bass subwoofer, the Formation Wedge wireless speaker and the Formation Audio wireless hub. 

As with all those other devices, the Formation Duo speakers support Apple AirPlay 2 and aptX HD Bluetooth. They have Spotify Connect and are Roon Ready, so can be controlled straight from the Roon app. There's also a B&W Formation app. 

Thanks to all that functionality it should be possible to play music from pretty much any source. Naturally, we're keen to see how it works in reality with a variety of apps, including hi-res streaming services such as Tidal and Qobuz, and whether B&W's app measures up to those from the likes of Bluesound, Sonos and Naim. 

Elsewhere, there's also Dynamic EQ, as seen on some of the company's digital subwoofers, which promises to fine tune the sound as you listen. We look forward to seeing how that works.

Sound

We were treated to a sneak preview of the new Formation products, including a listening session with the Duo speakers. As ever, a limited time in a new environment, with a system and songs that aren't necessarily familiar, can only tell you so much. 

That said, B&W was clearly confident in the speakers' ability and keen to show what the Duo could do (even if one B&W team member confided that it was far from an ideal listening room, being pretty big and complete with wooden floors).

We were treated to a wide range of styles, from Neil Young to St Vincent, Chris Stapleton to The Chemical Brothers, allowing certain aspects of the overall performance to come to the fore. 

The Chemical Brothers' The Golden Path delivered bass that went deep, stayed tight and was packed with detail, driving the track along as it should without dominating the soundstage. There was impressive scale, too, filling a big room with sound without losing control.

Young's guitar strums showed an impressive level of fidelity; the level of detail where every intonation is apparent, helping to deliver that sense of a live performance despite the fact you're sat on your sofa streaming the song. Incidentally, our demo of the Duo speakers was delivered via Roon which, while a solid piece of software in its own right, it did strike us as slightly strange not to be using the B&W Formation app.

St Vincent's Masseducation offers plenty of raw emotion and bare vocals, and it's clear that midrange clarity and stereo imaging should be strong points for these wireless speakers, with voices and instruments placed neatly and cohesively in front of us. It's easy to hear the anger in Clark's voice, such is the transparency on offer.

We're even treated to some vinyl, with Gregory Porter's dulcet tones sent wirelessly to the Duo speakers via the Formation Audio (though you do need a phono stage in there somewhere). As much as anything, it shows the versatility of the B&W Formation system.

Initial verdict

The B&W Formation Duo speakers are the flagship product in the Formation range, with a price tag to prove it. They certainly look good on paper, and in the flesh, and our first impressions are positive. 

B&W wants to delver the ultimate level of wireless performance, both in terms of sound quality and functionality. We look forward to finding out if the company has achieved that lofty aim very soon.

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https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/bandw-formation-duo

2019-04-22 11:00:00Z
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Samsung reportedly puts its Galaxy Fold launch events on hold in China - TechRadar

Samsung is reportedly pushing back its planned Galaxy Fold launch events in China this week – and though a last-minute hitch with venues is being blamed by insider sources, it also gives Samsung a little more time to investigate screen issues with the device.

As SamMobile reports, several events have been postponed, including ones in Shanghai and Hong Kong, although Samsung is promising that the April 26 Fold launch in the US will go ahead as planned.

In response to a number of press review units developing glitches around the display hinge, Samsung previously said it was ready to "thoroughly inspect" the broken units to see what had gone wrong.

Some of the problems seem to have stemmed from the removal of a protective plastic layer on the display – it may look like an optional screen protector but it's actually essential to the smooth operation of the folding screen.

Fold on hold?

Perhaps a few extra days will give Samsung chance to make it clearer that the screen cover shouldn't be removed under any circumstances (don't forget this if you're planning to pick up a Galaxy Fold of your own).

After unveiling the innovative folding phone, Samsung said it had undergone rigorous testing, and that the handset was ready to withstand 200,000 folds – or around five years of regular use.

We'll have to wait and see what Samsung's investigation turns up, but as yet there's no indication that the phone won't go on sale across the world as originally planned.

The Galaxy Fold retails for $1,980 in the US, €2,000 in mainland Europe and £1,799 in the UK. It's just one of several foldable phones we're expecting to see on the market in the next few years.

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2019-04-22 09:30:00Z
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Samsung postpones China launch event for its foldable phone amid reports of screen issues - CNBC

Samsung is postponing its China launch event for its foldable smartphone just days after reports of defective screens on the nearly $2,000 device.

The South Korean electronics giant had scheduled an event in Shanghai for April 24 to launch the Samsung Galaxy Fold. A spokesperson confirmed that had been canceled but had no official statement to give. It's unclear for when that event will be rescheduled or when the phone will be available in China.

Samsung's Galaxy Fold, unveiled in full in February, is slated to go on sale on April 26 in select markets including the U.S.

CNBC has asked Samsung to clarify whether the postponement of the China event will affect when the device goes on sale in other markets, but the company has yet to answer that query.

The screen on Samsung's device can fold in half and open up again to give users a large display. However, journalists who reviewed the product over the past few weeks reported issues with the screen. Some of the reviewers removed a protective film which covered the screen, which appeared to result in some problems with the display. But CNBC's Todd Haselton did not remove that film during his review and his screen ended up flickering and turning off and on at a rapid pace.

In a statement following the reports of damaged screens, Samsung advised users not to remove the protective film and said it was looking into the issue.

"We have received a few reports regarding the main display on the samples provided. We will thoroughly inspect these units in person to determine the cause of the matter," the company said.

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https://www.cnbc.com/2019/04/22/samsung-galaxy-fold-china-launch-event-postponed-amid-screen-issues.html

2019-04-22 07:13:20Z
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Picking the best security camera for your needs - Engadget

By Rachel Cericola

This post was done in partnership with Wirecutter. When readers choose to buy Wirecutter's independently chosen editorial picks, Wirecutter and Engadget may earn affiliate commission. Read the full blog on picking the best security camera for your needs here.

Despite what I tell my son, I really don't have eyes in the back of my head. But I do have Wi-Fi security cameras with smartphone apps, which allow me to keep tabs on him, as well as my dog, my car, the front door, and the yard. And like me, cameras aren't perfect at all tasks. Picking the right one (or two, or three) depends on what you want to do with it. Outdoor cameras can withstand the elements but may need an electrical outlet or periodic battery recharges. Indoor cameras can keep an eye on things in your home but are limited when it comes to catching package thieves. And doorbell cameras let you pretend to be home when you're not. Here are some of our favorite ways we use security cameras, and how to pick the best camera for your needs. (Note that a few states restrict the use of biometric technology such as facial recognition, a feature in some cameras, so be sure to confirm your local laws before making a purchase.)

Deterring crime

If you're worried about what's going on in your neighborhood and around your property, get an outdoor camera. Look for a camera that can capture lengthy recordings and doesn't leave gaps in between clips—a common pitfall. Clear night vision is also a must, and adjustable motion sensitivity will cut down nuisance smartphone alerts triggered by every passing car. If you don't have an outdoor outlet or a large yard, look for a camera with a rechargeable battery, which makes placement easy—just know that if there's a lot of activity, you will be charging the camera often.

Keeping a watch on pets

Some pets have separation anxiety when their owners are away, and some just like to eat socks, trash, and anything else that isn't encased in concrete. An indoor security camera with a wide viewing angle allows you to watch what Fido and Fluffy are doing while you're away. Most cameras also have two-way audio, which is useful for yelling at them to get off the sofa.

Tracking the kids

Although it may sound Orwellian, indoor cameras can help you monitor your kids by notifying you (via smartphone alerts) whenever the cameras detect motion, such as when the kids are coming and going. Just aim the camera at the door. Cameras with two-way audio allow you to greet them (and remind them about homework and other chores), while cameras with facial recognition can distinguish between family members and the dog walker. Also, consider some type of video-clip storage, unless you plan on watching for alerts 24/7.

Monitoring remote locations

For people who own a vacation or rental home, an outdoor camera can alert you in real time to prowlers, raccoons, or storm damage. An elderly parent's home is also a good place for a camera (with their consent, of course); for that situation, choose an indoor model that supports live viewing and two-way audio, so you can chat with your parent or a caretaker.

Screening guests

Want to know who goes there? A doorbell camera can show you who's on your porch whether you're right behind the door or thousands of miles away. Doorbell cameras can also send alerts when they detect motion or if someone rings the bell, allowing you to answer accordingly—the visitor has no idea if you're home or not. If you're worried about who you might miss if you can't answer the smartphone alert, look for a camera that saves recordings to the cloud so you can access them remotely.

Nabbing porch pirates

A doorbell camera is ideal for keeping tabs on deliveries to your front porch because you can get notified when a package arrives or even converse with the delivery person. Pick a camera that has motion detection (and a way to adjust it to prevent nuisance alerts), since delivery drivers don't always ring the bell. The main drawback to this style of camera is a relatively limited view, since they are intended only for patrolling your front-door area. For a wider viewing angle or coverage of a specific spot like the driveway, the back door, or the side of the house, consider adding an outdoor camera as well.

If you think your home monitoring needs go beyond just a few cameras, read our guide to the best do-it-yourself security systems.

This guide may have been updated by Wirecutter. To see the current recommendation, please go here.

When readers choose to buy Wirecutter's independently chosen editorial picks, Wirecutter and Engadget may earn affiliate commissions.

In this article: cameras, gear, partner, syndicated, thewirecutter, wirecutter

By Wirecutter @wirecutter

Wirecutter is a list of of the best gear and gadgets for people who want to save the time and stress of figuring out what to buy. Their recommendations are made through vigorous reporting, interviewing, and testing by teams of veteran journalists, scientists, and researchers.

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https://www.engadget.com/2019/04/21/picking-the-best-security-camera-for-your-needs/

2019-04-21 20:47:57Z
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