Samsung’s first monitor with a built-in webcam is here for the work-from-home crowd

Samsung has introduced its first monitor with a built-in webcam. Dubbed Webcam Monitor S4, the new display is specifically designed to satisfy the needs of hybrid workers who are working from their homes during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The first product in the lineup is the Webcam Monitor S40VA, and it features a 24-inch IPS LCD display with Full HD resolution, 250 nits of peak brightness, a 1000:1 contrast ratio, a 75Hz refresh rate (supports AMD FreeSync), 178° viewing angles, and a 16:9 aspect ratio. The monitor has a built-in 2MP webcam with an IR camera for Windows Hello authentication and a pop-up design (great for privacy). The Webcam Monitor also features inbuilt microphones and 2W sereo speakers that are helpful during video calls and meetings.

The new monitor has a height-adjustable stand that also supports pivot, swivel, and tilt. There’s a VESA wall-mount option (100 x 100), too. In terms of I/O, the Webcam Monitor S40VA has two USB 3.0 Type-A ports, one HDMI port, one DisplayPort, one D-Sub port, one 3.5mm headphone jack, and one 3.5mm audio-in port. Samsung says that its new monitor has been certified by TUV Rheinland for blue light reduction and flicker-free picture quality, which is meant to keep your eyes safe.

The Webcam Monitor S4 will soon be available in Europe, Southeast Asia, South Korea, and the US. It is priced at KRW 380,000 (around $327) in South Korea.

Mark Quiroz, Vice President of Marketing for the Display Division at Samsung, said, “With many adjusting to long-term hybrid work and learning environments, Samsung introduces its first webcam monitor to make life easier for those often on video calls or multitasking. Thanks to the webcam at the top of the screen, users can join a video conference, take an online class or attend a virtual event all from the same monitor, without needing to buy another device or manage more cables.”

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BREAKING: One UI 4.0 beta program now live for Galaxy S21 series!

After a few teaser announcements, the wait for the One UI 4.0 beta program finally came to an end today. Galaxy S21 users in Korea can now participate in the Android 12-based One UI 4.0 beta program and experience new features and a refreshed design. And of course, beta participants are highly encouraged to provide feedback to Samsung’s software engineers and help build the best One UI version possible.

The signup and feedback submission processes can be carried through the Samsung Members app on the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, or Galaxy S21 Ultra. So far, the 2021 flagship series is the only one to have been accepted in the One UI 4.0 beta program, but additional models could join before the end of the year.

Get ready for early access to a refreshed user interface

As to what One UI 4.0 is about, well, in Samsung’s eyes at least, it’s about giving users “the power to tailor their own, optimized mobile experience” in a mobile world where “everyone has unique needs and preferences.”

In addition, Samsung claims that the new version of One UI based on Android 12 was created with input from developers so that it delivers the tools and innovations necessary for creating quality apps and experiences.

Stay tuned as we’ll be taking a closer look at One UI 4.0 and all its features in the coming days and weeks. And if you are a Galaxy S21 user, feel free to let us know if you’ll participate in the beta program. A word of warning, though: beta builds are often unstable, so it’s advised to join the beta program if you have a backup phone just in case things go wrong with the beta software on the Galaxy S21.

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How can you join the One UI 4.0 beta program to test Android 12?

Samsung is finally letting Galaxy S21 owners test Android 12 and the next version of One UI (4.0). The company has launched a One UI 4.0 beta program, which is available in Korea now and will come to more countries later this month, that will allow interested users to provide feedback on bugs and issues and suggestions for new features that Samsung will implement in the stable worldwide release of Android 12 and One UI 4.0 update.

Initially, Samsung is only opening the beta program for the Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra, but it will likely bring more devices into the fold in the coming weeks. And in case you’re wondering how you can participate in the beta program, it’s pretty simple!

Join the beta through the Samsung Members app

First off, you will need to make sure you have an unlocked version of the Galaxy S21, S21+, or S21 Ultra (a T-Mobile or Sprint variant will also work if you’re in the US). Then, you simply need to open the Samsung Members app, look for a banner for the One UI beta program in the app’s main screen or in its Notices section, tap it, and then scroll down and tap the enroll button.

That will get you registered in the beta program. Then, to download the first Android 12/One UI 4.0 beta update, you can open the phone’s Settings app, navigate to Software update, and select Download and install. The update may not be immediately available after you enroll for the beta, but if that’s the case, just give it a few minutes and then try downloading again.

It goes without saying that you should backup your phone before installing the beta so you can restore it if something goes wrong or you’re facing issues in the beta software and want to go back to Android 11, which will require a complete reset of your phone. A backup should also be done every time you install newer versions of the Android 12 beta, because there have previously been instances when new beta firmware has caused serious problems, including locking people out of their devices.

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One UI 4.0 on the Galaxy S21: 18 new features and changes!

The One UI 4.0 beta is finally here for the Galaxy S21 series of phones. One UI 4.0 is based on Android 12, and as you would expect from major OS upgrades, there’s quite a lot of new stuff, changes, and improvements. We had the chance to dig into the first One UI 4.0 beta build ahead of release and found 18 new features and changes.

Like One UI 3.0, One UI 4.0 is all about refinements to the existing user experience. There’s a special focus on improving privacy, with much of the enhancements coming from core Android 12, such as the ability to see which apps are currently using your device’s mic or camera in the notification shade and the option to view permission usage history for apps for the past seven days.

Samsung has introduced a new Labs section in the Advanced features section of the Settings menu that lets you force split screen and pop-up view support for all apps. The overall UI smoothness and performance have also been enhanced, and there are also plenty of minor changes littered throughout the OS.

We discuss all of the stuff we have been able to find in the video below, so be sure to check it out! Since this is only the first beta release, it’s possible Samsung will add new features down the line, and we will be digging into all future beta releases and bringing you all the details. Subscribe to our YouTube channel so you don’t miss out!

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Galaxy S21 One UI 4.0 update will be out of beta by late 2021

Samsung’s been promising the imminent arrival of the Android 12-based One UI 4.0 beta program for over a month now, and the moment of truth has finally arrived. As you probably already heard, the first One UI 4.0 beta build is now live for the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, and Galaxy S21 Ultra in select markets.

Customers can now choose to test the new firmware and provide feedback before the update becomes polished enough for public release. Alternatively, Galaxy S21 users can just ignore the One UI 4.0 beta program and continue using One UI 3.1(.1) for the time being until the first One UI 4.0 public build is ready for the masses.

Samsung is working on launching Android 12 and One UI 4.0 this year

Samsung was unable to offer an exact launch date for the first One UI 4.0 live build — after all, the purpose of testing throughout the beta phase is to determine how ready the firmware is for a widespread release. Without further resting, there’s no way to schedule an exact date for One UI 4.0 to leave the beta stages.

Fortunately, with the release of One UI 4.0 beta, Samsung was able to at least narrow down the release time frame for the first public build. The company confirmed that it is working on “delivering a final, optimized upgrade later this year.” Still not convinced of Samsung’s intentions? Well, the company also added that feedback received from beta participants will be analyzed and “potentially implemented ahead of One UI 4’s official launch date in 2021.”

Of course, it’s too early for these statements to guarantee that One UI 4.0 will go live to the public before the end of 2021, but it’s certainly reassuring to know that Samsung is aiming for a late 2021 launch. Let’s hope that everything goes according to plan.

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One UI 4.0 beta: Here are all the countries where you can try it out

At long last, Samsung has officially opened up the One UI 4.0 beta program for the Galaxy S21 series. In recent years, Samsung has been doing a stellar job of letting its customers try out the next version of Android ahead of time, and this time around, Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra owners get to test Android 12 and the newest version of One UI and provide feedback to Samsung.

Right now, the One UI 4.0 beta is being released for the Galaxy S21 series, but going by previous One UI betas, we can assume that it will come to more devices in the near future. Just which devices those will be remains to be seen, but what we do know right now is the list of countries where the One UI 4.0 beta program is being launched.

Samsung isn’t expanding beta access to more countries this year

The One UI 4.0 beta program for the Galaxy S21 series will be open for participation in China, India, Germany, Poland, South Korea, the UK, and the US. Yes, these are the same countries where the One UI 3.0 beta was released last year, so Samsung isn’t changing anything as far as beta availability is concerned.

If you’re in a country that’s not on the list, tough luck. But don’t be too disappointed: Samsung says the stable public version of Android 12 and One UI 4.0 for Galaxy S21 smartphones will be out before the end of the year.

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Google Messages could soon learn to remind you to respond to texts

Google Messages could soon get a Gmail-like ‘Nudges’ feature that can automatically suggest texts the user might want to respond to or follow up on. The new feature was discovered in the code for the latest beta version of the Google Messages app and hasn’t gone live for anyone yet, but that could change soon, provided Google doesn’t decide to scrap it.

Google Messages currently offers the option to manually set a reminder for responding to texts, but the Nudges feature will provide automated suggestions. Gmail already has the same functionality – it can remind you to reply to important emails and follow up on emails you may have already sent but for which you have yet to receive a response. You can turn Nudges off in Gmail, and that will also be possible in Google Messages.

Google Messages can be downloaded off the Play Store on any Samsung Galaxy smartphone. For phones launched in 2021 running One UI 3.1 out of the box, Google Messages comes preloaded and set as the default SMS app as part of Samsung’s enhanced partnership with the internet giant, which also introduced the option to use Google Discover on the home screen instead of the not-so-good Samsung Free/Samsung Daily.

Do you use Google Messages, or do you stick to Samsung’s app on your Galaxy smartphone?

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Samsung’s hiring thousands of people to increase Galaxy Z production

Samsung’s been going to great lengths to strengthen its talent pool in South Korea through mergers and acquisitions. Similarly, Samsung is now reportedly looking to hire thousands of new employees to work at its facilities in Vietnam.

One of the reasons Samsung is looking to hire new workers is because the company reportedly wants to increase the production capacity for the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 to a whopping 25 million units a year. Samsung is now reportedly searching for 1,000 additional workers for its production facility in Bac Ninh.

Samsung wants to hire ~3,000 more people for its R&D center in Hanoi

It turns out that LG isn’t the only display manufacturer in Hanoi to expand its operations. In recent news, Samsung is building an R&D center in Hanoi worth $220 million, and the company intends for this new expansion to become operational in 2022.

In anticipation of this, Samsung is now reportedly looking to recruit anywhere between 2,200 — 3,000 new engineers. Keep in mind that Samsung already employs more than 160,000 workers at its numerous smartphone and home electronics production facilities in Vietnam.

The majority of Galaxy smartphones and tablets sold by Samsung are manufactured in Vietnam, and the company is also operating one of the largest home appliance factories in Ho Chi Minh City.

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People in the UAE are lapping up Samsung’s new foldables

The Galaxy Z Fold 3 is proving to be a success in many markets. Samsung’s new foldable flagship hit record sales in South Korea last month, and pre-orders were through the roof in several countries, including Thailand and Australia. Even more recently, Samsung Gulf Electronics revealed that Galaxy Z Fold 3 pre-order figures in the UAE were a whopping eight times higher compared to last year.

Gone are the days when Samsung’s foldable phones were a rare commodity. Last year in Dubai, the Galaxy Z Fold 2 was showcased only at the Harvey Nichols luxury store during the pre-order period. This year, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 was available for pre-purchase through additional channels, and people have indeed pre-ordered the latest model in spades. At least relative to last year.

Galaxy Z Fold 3 pre-orders increase almost tenfold

Exact Galaxy Z Fold 3 pre-order figures in the UAE weren’t disclosed, but an 8x increase over last year is significant regardless. And according to Khaleej Times citing Samsung Gulf Electronics Senior Director of Mobile, the response from customers shows that the company is strengthening its market position “by ensuring high customer satisfaction” and “going beyond the limitations of a traditional smartphone.”

Indeed, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 is anything but a traditional smartphone — even when it’s folded shut and tries acting like one. It’s also the first Samsung foldable phone to have UDC (under-display camera) and S Pen support, so there’s a lot to love about it.

Galaxy Z Fold 3 review | Galaxy Z Fold 3 hands-on

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Best Samsung Earbuds in 2021

Samsung recognized the growing popularity of earbuds and seriously started competing in this segment with the original Galaxy Buds. Launched in 2019, they were arguably the best Samsung earbuds at that time. Since then, the company has significantly improved its offerings.

The true wireless earbuds that Samsung has released since then have delivered incredible gains in sound quality. Some models even boast advanced features like Active Noise Cancellation, Ambient Mode, Game Mode and more.

Samsung earbuds are made to be durable, water-resistant and to provide a comfortable fit. With the exception of one model, all Samsung wireless earbuds since the original Galaxy Buds have stuck with the in-ear design.

This list of the best Samsung Galaxy earbuds has been put together by our expert reviewers. It includes the latest earbuds from Samsung in addition to earlier models that still provide great value for money.

Our Best Samsung Earbuds List

Our list of the best Samsung earbuds in 2021 includes the Galaxy Buds 2. They’re the latest truly wireless earbuds that the company launched in the second half of 2021. They were launched alongside Samsung’s new foldable smartphones. The Galaxy Buds 2 deliver incredible functionality at an attractive price point.

Do keep in mind that these earbuds will only deliver the best sound profile with Galaxy devices as Samsung’s proprietary Scalable Codec is not used on third-party devices. Naturally, this makes them the best earbuds for Samsung phones.

Best Samsung Earbuds – Overall: Galaxy Buds Pro

The Galaxy Buds Pro are the best Samsung earbuds overall because they offer the most features of any model. Samsung launched them with the Galaxy S21 series in early 2021. They were the second noise cancellation earbuds from the company. At $199, they’re the most expensive wireless earbuds you can buy from Samsung.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro provide superior sound through a custom-built 2-way speaker system tuned by AKG. Yet they remain thin and lightweight, making them comfortable to wear for long periods of use.

Call quality had always been an issue in previous models. Samsung improved that significantly on the Galaxy Buds Pro with a new Voice Pickup Unit and improved microphones. Active Noise Cancellation is present alongside Ambient Mode that filters in outside sound so that you’re always aware of your surroundings.

Voice Detect relies on both features together to automatically enable Ambient Mode when you start talking to someone without requiring you to use the touch control or your phone. These are also the first Samsung earbuds to boast the 360-degree audio feature. It delivers theatre-like sound by relying on Dolby Head Tracking technology.

Reasons to buy: The most features, IPX7 water resistance, improved call quality.

Who should buy: Those who want maximum functionality, audiophiles and ANC lovers.

Galaxy Buds Pro Review | Buy Galaxy Buds Pro on Amazon

Best Samsung Earbuds – Value for money: Galaxy Buds 2

If you want Samsung Bluetooth earbuds that provide the best value for money, look no further than the Galaxy Buds 2. The company’s latest model packs an impressive level of functionality in a small footprint and offers that at an incredible price.

Don’t let the fact that they’re thinner and lighter than previous models fool you. The Galaxy Buds 2 deliver exceptional sound quality. The bass is actually punchier than previous models even without tweaking the EQ presets.

Features like Active Noise Cancellation and Ambient Mode make these $150 Galaxy earbuds a very compelling option. Samsung has further improved call quality by relying on a machine learning solution to improve background noise isolation when you’re on a call.

The Galaxy Buds 2 have a lower IP rating than the Galaxy Buds Pro. They also don’t feature 360-degree audio and Voice Detect. Despite that, the lower price tag coupled with the otherwise robust list of features make them deserving of a place on this list.

Reasons to buy: Attractive price tag, great sound quality, improved noise isolation.

Who should buy: Budget conscious customers, bass lovers and loyal Samsung fans.

Galaxy Buds 2 Review | Buy Galaxy Buds 2 on Amazon

Best Samsung Earbuds – Most comfortable fit: Galaxy Buds Live

The in-ear design that almost all of Samsung’s wireless earbuds use might not be for everybody. Some even find it to be uncomfortable. The company offers the Galaxy Buds Live for those customers. In addition to having the most unique design of its entire earbuds lineup, the Galaxy Buds Live were also the first Galaxy earbuds to feature Active Noise Cancellation.

The kidney bean-shaped design ensures that the Galaxy Buds Live don’t protrude from the ears. These earbuds offer a very comfortable fit and the design also minimizes the chance of accidental touchpad taps.

One consequence of this open-type design is that sound isolation does suffer a bit. The single but larger AKG-tuned speaker has a separate bass duct. They deliver good sound quality but can’t quite reach the level of Samsung’s most recent models. Active Noise Cancellation performance is also decent but not remarkable in any way.

The very comfortable fit is really one of the main reasons to buy these $169 Samsung wireless earbuds.

Reasons to buy: Comfortable to wear, great for prolonged use, decent ANC.

Who should buy: Those who value comfort, prefer discreet earbuds and don’t need exceptional sound quality.

Galaxy Buds Live Review | Buy Galaxy Buds Live on Amazon

Best Samsung Earbuds – Battery champ: Galaxy Buds+

The Galaxy Buds+ have a distinct advantage that even its more advanced successors don’t: exceptional battery life. They last for an impressive 11 hours on a single charge with the carrying case doubling that to 22 hours.

The sound quality is decent enough for most people but the call quality does leave a lot to be desired. There can be some discomfort when wearing them for extended periods of time but it’s nothing you won’t get used to in the long run.

The Galaxy Buds+ is a battery champion because it lacks many of the features of its successors. There’s no ANC, Voice Detect, 2-way speakers, Voice Pickup Unit, etc. The longer battery life alone can’t make up for the lack of those useful features but those that don’t need them will find the Galaxy Buds+ to be exactly what they need.

Samsung did discontinue the Galaxy Buds+ after it launched the Galaxy Buds 2. However, you can still buy a pair online and often at a discount. Originally launched for $149, you can easily get them for $99 online.

Reasons to buy: Great battery life, decent sound quality, low price.

Who should buy: Those who need extended listening time, don’t need to make a lot of calls and deal hunters.

Galaxy Buds+ Review | Buy Galaxy Buds+ on Amazon

Why these are the best Samsung earbuds in 2021

The Galaxy Buds Pro are the best overall because they offer the most functionality of any wireless earbuds that the company has ever released. The features actually work as advertised, enabling the device to deliver a superior user experience.

Also deserving of a place on this list of Samsung Bluetooth earbuds are the Galaxy Buds 2. That’s not just because they’re the latest model. Samsung has struck a great balance between the lower price and the feature set to deliver a product that has mass market appeal.

Lastly, the Galaxy Buds Live and Galaxy Buds+ are still deserving of your consideration even as they have been succeeded by better models. Both serve a distinct purpose in the lineup, ensuring that Samsung’s true wireless earbuds lineup has something for everyone.

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Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra to introduce new ultrathin display bezel tech “BRS”

If the latest rumors are true, Samsung is about to make display bezels thinner than they’ve ever been. The company is reportedly developing “BRS” (Border Reduction Structure), which is a new bezel-less display technology that’ll supposedly be employed by the upcoming Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra and select smartphone models.

The Galaxy S22 flagship series might not use BRS, but Galaxy smartphones planned to hit the shelves from late 2022 onward will, according to a rumor passed along via Naver/@FrontTron. As for the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra, the tablet will reportedly use BRS technology only for certain portions of the bezel.

Thinner than the Galaxy S21’s thinnest bezel

The report doesn’t offer exact dimensions but claims that BRS technology will allow future Galaxy devices to have display bezels that will be thinner than the Galaxy S21+’s thinnest bezel. The source has labeled the phone’s lower bezel as the thinnest, though we’d argue that the Galaxy S21+ side bezels are even slimmer than that.

Either way, flagship display bezels are thin as they are, so if Samsung is looking to make them even thinner with this rumored BRS technology, we might be looking at a new design paradigm. Especially now that UDC (under-display camera) technology is no longer just a rumor following the Galaxy Z Fold 3 launch.

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The Galaxy Buds Live are available for 38% off, today only

Samsung’s first-ever wireless earbuds equipped with ANC (active noise cancellation) technology are now available at a limited-time discount. Amazon is now offering the Galaxy Buds Live earbuds for 38% off, though it’s important to note that the deal ends in a little over 16 hours as of this writing.

The Galaxy Buds Live wireless earbuds are now available from Amazon for $104.99, down from the original price of $169. Customers can save $65 on the Buds Live regardless of the color they choose, and as of now, all four color options are available: Mystic Black, Mystic Bronze, Mystic Red, and Mystic White.

As mentioned before, the Galaxy Buds Live were Samsung’s first wireless earbuds to boast ANC technology, and although this was an important step in the evolution of the Galaxy Buds lineup, we don’t advise buying these earbuds for the sake of ANC. The technology is underdeveloped, and sound isolation isn’t great, though Samsung’s later models have certainly improved upon this technology.

Samsung went through hundreds of prototypes to create the perfect fit for the Galaxy Buds Live earbuds, and they ended up with a unique, comfortable design. The overall audio experience is decent, and each earbud offers up to 8 hours of audio playback on a single charge, with the case adding up to an additional 29 hours of usage. If you want to learn more about what it’s like using these earbuds, you can check our review below.

Galaxy Buds Live review

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Unlocked Galaxy Z Flip finally gets the August 2021 security update

While the international variant of the Galaxy Z Flip received the September 2021 security update two weeks ago, the carrier and unlocked versions of the phone haven’t been so lucky. Samsung has now released the August 2021 security update to the unlocked variant of the Galaxy Z Flip in the US.

Samsung’s first clamshell-style foldable smartphone has started getting a new software update on all the US carrier networks, including AT&T, Comcast, C-Spire, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Xfinity Mobile. The update carries firmware version F700U1TBU4EUH6 and includes the August 2021 security patch that fixes more than 40 privacy and security-related vulnerabilities.

The update might also include One UI 3.1.1 enhancements like a Bedtime Mode quick setting toggle, improved Flex Mode features, faster pop-up menus, and a more responsive camera app. Bug fixes and device stability improvements are also a part of this update.

If you are a Galaxy Z Flip user on any of the networks mentioned above, you might have received a notification of the new update. If you haven’t, you can check for the update manually by navigating to Settings » Software update and tapping on Download and install. You can also download the latest firmware file from our database and flash it manually.

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The PlayStation 5 will soon support Samsung’s awesome NVMe SSDs

According to Samsung, PlayStation 5 (PS5) owners should “soon” have the option of expanding the storage of their console through the M.2 slot that’s been lying dormant since the console’s release — at least for PS5 consoles that don’t run beta firmware.

Sony enabled the M.2 expansion slot through a beta firmware update a couple of months ago, but of course, not every PS5 owner is willing to turn their console into a beta testing machine. Sony has yet to reveal when this long-awaited feature will exit the beta stages and go live to the public, but Samsung seems confident it will happen “soon.” Or at least, soon enough that the company felt like reminding customers of the 980 PRO M.2 NVMe SSD and why it’s the perfect choice for PS5 owners.

You’ll be able to play games off the PS5’s M.2 storage slot

We have heard before that the M.2 storage expansion slot will be enabled this summer through a firmware update, and we don’t have to remind you that the end of the summer is almost here. In other words, the feature could soon exit the beta stages and reach PS5s around the world. Once the update goes live, it will allow PS5 users to store and play games off the M.2 SSD, which is a pretty big deal given the steep storage requirements of modern games.

If you are considering an SSD upgrade, the Samsung 980 PRO is indeed a great choice, as it comes in a variety of storage options, and more importantly, it’s fast enough to match — and even surpass — the PS5’s on-board storage.

The 980 PRO SSD was released a year ago with 250GB, 500GB, and 1TB of storage. A 2TB model got introduced earlier this year, and bargain hunters can often find the SSD at discounted prices.

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Samsung might be developing Galaxy Buds with a neckband attachment

Samsung appears to be developing a new pair of neckband earbuds, except they’re a bit unusual. The company is seemingly trying to combine the Galaxy Buds TWS (totally wireless) and neckband earbud form factors into a single product, the latter of which was showcased at WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) recently. Samsung applied to secure the patent with WIPO as early as March last year. However, the documents were published just a few days ago over the weekend and later found by LetsGoDigital.

The application contains a few sketches depicting Samsung’s idea of a hybrid earbud design. “Hybrid” in the sense that it consists of a standard pair of wireless Galaxy Buds complete with a charging case, as well as a separate neckband accessory that can attach one earbud to each of its two ends. And admittedly, the whole thing looks bizarre.

Neckbands aren’t usually “totally wireless.” They have short wires connecting the earbuds to the neckband itself, similar to the Samsung Level U2 and the U Flex. On the other hand, Samsung’s patent application depicts a neckband with two earbuds attached to its rigid ends without any wires, and it doesn’t look very ergonomic. Then again, we might be missing some key bits of information.

Neckband earbuds can be useful during heavier workouts or swimming sessions, so the idea of a hybrid design is intriguing. The simple neckband attachment shouldn’t require any expensive hardware of its own, though it does seem capable of sensing touch inputs, and it could, in theory, feature a battery capable of holding extra charges for the earbuds.

Now, unfortunately, there’s no guarantee that a design showcased at WIPO will become a real product. The earbuds depicted in the sketches resemble the Galaxy Buds Plus more than subsequent models, but then again, the idea is what matters most and it could very well be applied to future earbud designs.

It’s not a new idea, on account that it was filed more than a year ago, but who knows?! Perhaps Samsung will eventually release a pair of totally wireless Galaxy Buds that can convert to neckband earbuds through a simple attachment. Would you be interested in this sort of product? Leave a comment below.

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Unlocked Galaxy Z Fold 2 gets the August 2021 security update

After releasing new software updates to the Galaxy A21s, Galaxy M01, Galaxy Note 20, Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, Galaxy Z Flip, and the Galaxy Z Flip 5G, Samsung has released an update to the unlocked version of the Galaxy Z Fold 2 in the US.

The unlocked version of the Galaxy Z Fold 2 has started getting a new software update in the US. It comes with firmware version F916U1UEU2EUH8 and includes the August 2021 security patch. The South Korean smartphone giant had mentioned last month that its August 2021 security patch fixes more than 40 privacy and security-related vulnerabilities.

The update might also include One UI 3.1.1 features like Bedtime Mode quick setting toggle, App Split View, Auto Rotate All Apps, Cover Screen Mirroring, Customized App Aspect Ratios, Drag & Split, Favorite Apps Taskbar, Flex Mode Panel, Multi-Active Window, and Natural Window Switching.

If you are a Galaxy Z Fold 2 user on AT&T, Bluegrass Cellular, Comcast, C-Spire, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Xfinity Mobile’s networks, you can check for the update manually by navigating to Settings » Software update and tapping on Download and install. You can also download the latest firmware file from our database and flash it manually.

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iPhone 13 could destroy a key advantage of Galaxy flagships

Apple’s next iPhone, the iPhone 13, is expected to be unveiled later this week. It will likely bring some key upgrades over the iPhone 12 lineup, and if recent rumors are to be believed, it will also copy a key advantage that owners of Samsung Galaxy flagships have enjoyed for years.

According to an industry analyst, Apple will be dropping the 64GB storage configuration for all new iPhone models this year. Storage on the entire iPhone 13 lineup will reportedly start at 128GB. If the rumor is true, then it will only have taken Apple three years to catch up to what Samsung has been offering to its customers for years.

Apple could offer better storage options than Samsung this year

The Galaxy Note 9 was the first flagship from Samsung that came with a minimum of 128GB of storage, and it’s been the case for all Galaxy S and Galaxy Note flagships since then. However, it seems Apple will also sell a 1TB variant of the costlier iPhone 13 models. Samsung, meanwhile, is only giving the option of 256GB or 512GB of storage on its top-of-the-line phones these days.

We guess you could say that Apple will not only match what Samsung offers when it comes to storage but also surpass it. In fact, with neither company providing microSD expansion on its flagship phones, Apple is actually going to have more robust choices for those who prefer local storage to the cloud.

Samsung will hopefully fix that with the Galaxy S22 series, though we have a feeling the only way most fans will be satisfied is if the microSD slot makes a return. Whether or not that will happen remains to be seen.

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Galaxy A21s picks up the September 2021 security update

It looks like Samsung is on a roll today. After releasing new security updates to the Galaxy Note 20 series, Galaxy Z Flip, Galaxy Z Flip 5G, Galaxy Z Fold 2, and the Galaxy M01, Samsung has also released an update to the Galaxy A21s. The new update brings the September 2021 security patch to the mid-range smartphone.

The Galaxy A21s has started getting a new software update in Ecuador. The update comes with firmware version A217MUBS7CUH3 and includes the September 2021 security patch. Last week, the South Korean firm revealed that its latest security patch fixes more than 50 privacy and security-related vulnerabilities found in Galaxy devices.

If you are a Galaxy A21s user in Ecuador, you might have received a notification of the update. If you haven’t received the notification, you can check for the update manually by navigating to Settings » Software update and tapping on Download and install. You can also download the latest firmware file from our firmware section and flash it manually.

Samsung had launched the Galaxy A21s in June 2021 with Android 10-based One UI 2 onboard. The smartphone received the Android 11-based One UI 3 update earlier this year with a newer UI design, improved stock apps, and better privacy and security.

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US carriers roll out September 2021 security patch to Galaxy Note 20 series

Almost all network carriers in the US have started rolling out the September 2021 security update to the Galaxy Note 20 series. The international versions of the Galaxy Note 20 and the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra had received the same security patch last week.

The Galaxy Note 20 is getting the new security update with firmware version N981USQS2DUH3 or N981USQS2DUH4, depending on the carrier. The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra has started getting the update with firmware version N986U1UES2DUH3. Last week, Samsung had revealed that the September 2021 security patch fixes more than 50 vulnerabilities related to privacy and security.

Some One UI 3.1.1 features like the Bedtime Mode quick setting toggle, a more responsive camera app, faster pop-up menus, better thermal management, and slightly improved stock apps may be a part of the update as well.

If you are a Galaxy Note 20 or Galaxy Note 20 Ultra user on any US carrier mentioned above, you might have already received the new update. You can check for the update manually by navigating to Settings » Software update and tapping on Download and install. You can also download the latest firmware file for your smartphone from our firmware database and flash it manually.

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Carrier-locked and unlocked versions of Galaxy Z Flip 5G get August 2021 security update

Last month, Samsung released the August 2021 security update to the Galaxy Z Flip and the Galaxy Z Flip 5G. However, the update was only available for the international versions of the phones. The company has now released the security update to carrier-locked and unlocked versions of the Galaxy Z Flip 5G in the US.

The carrier-locked version of the Galaxy Z Flip 5G has started getting a new update with firmware version F707USQU2DUH4 on Sprint and T-Mobile networks. The update for the unlocked version of the smartphone (SM-F707U1) has firmware version F707U1UEU2DUH4, and it is available on almost all carriers in the US, including AT&T, Bluegrass Cellular, C-Spire, Tracfone, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Xfinity Mobile.

The update includes the August 2021 security patch that fixes 40 privacy and security-related vulnerabilities. It might also include One UI 3.1.1 features like Bedtime Mode quick setting toggle, a more responsive camera app, better thermal tuning, faster pop-up menus, and improved Flex Mode features. The new software update might also include general bug fixes and device stability improvements.

If you are a Galaxy Z Flip 5G user on any of the networks mentioned above, you can check for the update by navigating to Settings » Software update and tapping on Download and install on your smartphone. You can also download the latest firmware file from our firmware section and flash it manually.

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SamsungGalaxy Z Flip 5G

• The best Galaxy Z Flip 5G Cases
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Google just confirmed not everyone will get Snapdragon Galaxy S21 FE

The Galaxy S21 FE is expected to be announced early next month. While it was rumored earlier that the smartphone would exclusively feature the Snapdragon 888 processor, it looks like there will be an Exynos version of the phone as well. Last week, the Exynos 2100 version of the smartphone appeared in the Geekbench database. Now, the same variant has appeared in Google’s own listing.

The Exynos 2100 version of the Galaxy S21 FE has been confirmed by the Google Play Console listing. The phone features a Full HD+ display, 8GB RAM, and runs Android 11 out of the box. It is being rumored that the Exynos version of the phone will be launched in Europe and some Asian markets, while the Snapdragon 888 variant could be launched in North America, South Korea, and India.

Going by previous leaks and reports, the Galaxy S21 FE features a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution, HDR10+, and a 120Hz refresh rate. It reportedly features a 32MP selfie camera at the front and a 12MP+12MP+8MP triple-camera setup at the rear. The 12MP primary camera is joined by a 12MP ultrawide camera and an 8MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom and OIS.

The smartphone has an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, an in-display fingerprint reader, and stereo speakers. Other features include 5G, Wi-Fi 6, GPS, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, and a USB Type-C port. A 4,500mAh battery powers the smartphone, and it supports 25W fast charging, fast wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging. Samsung will launch the phone in multiple attractive color variants.

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Here’s Verizon’s guide to get you started with your future Galaxy S21 FE purchase

Every day is bringing us a step closer to the launch of the Galaxy S21 FE. Our sources told us earlier this year that Samsung is aiming to bring the Galaxy S21 FE to market sometime in the fourth quarter of this year, and evidence has piled up in these past couple of weeks that our wait for Samsung’s next flagship-killer phone may not be a long one.

Retailers and carriers have been preparing for the launch of the Galaxy S21 FE. We saw the phone mentioned at some unknown store, and we also managed to get our hands on the phone’s user manual and a carrier’s (Cricket Wireless) quick start guide recently. Today, we’ve got the Galaxy S21 FE quick start guide from another carrier: Verizon.

Verizon’s all set to sell the Galaxy S21 FE

Compared to the quick start guide for Cricket Wireless, this one only takes you through the very basic process of getting started with what Samsung and Verizon no doubt hope will be your future purchase: You get to learn of what all the buttons and ports do, how you can insert a SIM card into the phone, and the process of logging in to your Verizon account.

As expected, the guide doesn’t mention any specs for the phone, but we’ve already got a good idea about the Galaxy S21 FE’s hardware. It should feature a 6.5-inch 120Hz Super AMOLED display, a Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 under the hood (the former for Verizon), a triple-camera setup at the back, IP68 water and dust resistance, and an in-display fingerprint scanner. A microSD slot doesn’t seem to be on-board, unfortunately.

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First Galaxy S22 benchmark with AMD-powered Exynos chip is here!

A few months ago, Samsung had announced that it would start using AMD’s GPUs inside future Exynos processors. The first AMD-powered Exynos chipset is expected to be the Exynos 2200, and it will debut with the Galaxy S22 series. Now, the first benchmark scores of that chipset have surfaced, showcasing the Exynos 2200’s performance and clock speeds.

The Galaxy S22+ (with model number SM-S906B) showed up in Geekbench’s database earlier today. The smartphone is powered by the S5E9925 (Exynos 2200) chipset and features 8GB of RAM. The processor scored 1,073 points in the single-core CPU test and 3,389 points in the multi-core CPU test. The benchmark scores look extremely unimpressive, but that could be a result of the device being in the power-saving mode.

The Exynos 2200 seems to feature an octa-core CPU with one prime CPU core clocked at 2.59GHz, three high-performance CPU cores clocked at 2.5GHz, and four power-efficient CPU cores clocked at 1.73GHz. It was expected that the Exynos 2200 could use ARM‘s recently announced Cortex-X2 CPU, Cortex-A710, and Cortex-A510 CPU cores based on the ARM v9 architecture. However, the benchmark listing shows ARM v8 CPU cores instead. The chipset also features an AMD RDNA2-based Mobile Radeon GPU and an integrated 5G modem.

The AMD GPU inside the Exynos chipset has various modern features like ray-tracing and variable rate shading. Previous benchmarks have shown that the Exynos 2200’s GPU performance is better than the Apple A14 Bionic. However, only time will tell how it will actually perform in real-world use.

Are you excited about the Exynos 2200 and the Galaxy S22 series? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

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Galaxy S21 One UI 4.0 beta might not come as quickly as you hoped

It looks like Samsung is facing some serious issues trying to get Android 12 and One UI 4.0 to work on the Galaxy S21 lineup. Samsung announced previously that it would launch the One UI 4.0 beta program for its premier flagship series in September.

It was supposed to release the first beta last week but delayed it to sometime in the future, and it seems we may have to wait till next month before we get to test the new software. Samsung has reportedly delayed the release of the One UI 4.0 beta to October because of recently discovered bugs.

That’s a little disappointing to hear, but as we’ve said before, delays are expected when beta software is concerned. Not to mention that last year, the Galaxy S20 series got the first Android 11 beta in early October, so a similar time frame for the Android 12 beta isn’t the end of the world.

What will really matter is how quickly Samsung is able to push out the stable update out to the general public. That will hopefully happen before the year is over. Again, looking at the last couple of major Android OS updates from the Korean giant, a late 2021 release for Android 12 and One UI 4.0 wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibility, and we’ll be keeping our fingers crossed.

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