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The Galaxy Z Flip controversy: Is it glass or isn’t it

Published

5 years ago

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Galaxy Z FlipSource: Android Central

Foldable phones are a new category of handheld. Some, like the Galaxy Fold, are big phones that fold into a small tablet, and some are more like the Moto Razr and Galaxy Z Flip that turn a smallish phone into a bigger phone. One thing they all have in common is a display that has to bend.

Samsung has made a pretty big deal about the Galaxy Z Flip having a glass display that can fold, but it’s not a glass display the way you would think it is.

Your phone’s screen

Galaxy S20 Plus Lock Screen AngleSource: Android Central

No two models of phone are built exactly the same way, but making a phone screen follows a fairly simple recipe using four layers.

First, you need some sort of backing so nothing that could come in contact with a circuit board inside the phone itself makes everything short out and go zap. On some phones, the backing is sturdy and helps make the phone more robust, and on others, it’s just a thin, flexible insulation layer.

Your phone’s screen is a four-layer sandwich.

On top of this backing, you have the actual display. This is the part that shows everything you see on the screen, like your home screen or an app, or a grid of icons. It’s connected to the phone’s circuitry, so what we expect to see is drawn on the display.

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The display does not respond to touch, so the next layer is a digitizer. That’s a fancy word for touchscreen, and it’s the part that registers precisely where you touch and for how long. It, too, is connected to the phone’s circuitry, and the phone keeps track of where things are drawn on the display layer and where you touch on the digitizer layer to make things work the way we expect them to work.

The top layer of most phone screens is a nice clear piece of glass.

On top of everything is a piece of glass. Not just any glass will work, as you need something that’s thin and designed not to scratch easily, and also electrically conductive enough so that the digitizer can register where you are touching.

While this recipe sounds simple on paper, getting everything right is an incredibly complex task that takes a lot of work and the right parts. And when you expect the display to fold in half, everything gets more complex, and many of the parts need to be designed in-house.

Flipping and folding

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip and Motorola RAZRSource: Android Central

Flexible OLED panels that can twist and fold and bend aren’t very new. LG first showed off a flexible OLED panel in 2012 that would wrap around a roller or be bent in half without any visible damage. Most likely, Samsung and Sony and every other company that makes displays also had a similar design sitting in an R&D lab.

This is because the OLED panel itself isn’t a rigid thing. It’s more like a film or an old-school vinyl screen protector that flexes and bends and can be shaped however it needs to be, with the actual crystal cells being the only part that’s sensitive to being folded. All display makers needed to do was make these cells (think of them as the individual pixels) tougher without making the panel itself more rigid.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip vs. Motorola RAZR: Which foldable should you buy?

The digitizer is likewise a film sheet and folding it isn’t much of a problem either. I’m sure similar work needed to be done so it could be flexible during normal use and still register properly, but no wheels needed to be reinvented here.

The top layer — what would be some sort of hardened glass like Corning’s Gorilla Glass on a regular phone — is a whole different story. There is no way a 500-micron thick piece of ultra-clear hardened and coated glass is going to flex more than a few degrees before it snaps unless it’s really big. Like the side of your house big.

Samsung had to come up with a solution, and with the original Galaxy Fold, that solution was a plastic display. Since the words plastic display have such a negative stigma when it comes to touchscreen devices like a phone, with the Galaxy Z Flip, Samsung went further and used a glass display. Technically, anyway.

How it works

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Samsung tapped a company called SCHOTT to make a super flexible glass layer for the top of the Galaxy Z Flip screen. It’s actual glass, it actually bends, and can actually break just like regular glass does if you abuse it or get unlucky.

Sounds great, right? It is, except for one thing — this glass layer is really thin, and without some sort of protection, it’s going to break very easily. So Samsung did the only thing it could with the technology we have today — add a plastic protective layer over the top of the glass.

So you now have a fifth layer in the display sandwich — plastic protective layer > UTG (ultra-thin glass) layer > digitizer > SAMOLED display > backing. This is why it scratches so easily when Zack from JerryRigEverything gets his hardness stylii out and checks how good the “glass” display on the Z Flip really is.

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But that’s not the only issue with the Z Flip display. Everything is super thin and super flexible and covered with plastic. This is why Samsung tells you not to press had on the display when you use it. Sharp fingernails will cut into the plastic layer, and if you press too hard, you might just break the ultra-thin-glass layer because there isn’t a lot there to support it. Science and all that.

Realistic expectations

Samsung Galaxy Z FlipSource: Andrew Martonik / Android Central

I really think Samsung needs to stop advertising the Galaxy Z Flip as having a glass display without a great big asterisk beside it. But I also think Samsung did the best job it could do with the tech available right now.

You probably aren’t going to push hard enough on the display of any phone to break the Z Flip’s glass layer, and if you get out hardness testers and scratch things you deserve what you get.

Having something like a fingernail scratch the plastic overcoat is very concerning though, and I hope Samsung has some sort of plan for a screen protection accessory (maybe a two-piece glass protector?) that prevents this from happening. The rest of the phone looks solid, and I can see mass consumer appeal if the price can come down. I can also see mass consumer backlash if screens start scratching and breaking much easier than every other phone out there.

In the end, it is the first foldable with a glass screen, even if it’s buried under a layer of plastic and prone to breakage.

Glass sandwich



Samsung Galaxy Z Flip

A foldable with a glass display. Sort of.

The Galaxy Z Flip certainly isn’t for everyone, but it’s the first folding phone that has the potential to appeal to more than diehard techies. The display feels nicer to touch even if it’s still plastic we’re touching, and it’s also slightly cheaper than the Galaxy S20 Ultra.

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United Airlines will offer free internet on flights using service from Elon Musk’s SpaceX

Published

13 hours ago

 on

September 13, 2024

By

 

CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.

The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.

United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.

Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.

“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.

The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.

The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

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How to Preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada

Published

4 days ago

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September 10, 2024

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Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:

  • Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
  • Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
  • Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.

Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers

While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:

  • Best Buy Canada
  • Walmart Canada
  • EB Games (GameStop)
  • Amazon Canada
  • The Source

Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:

  • Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
  • Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
  • Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.

3. Sign Up for Notifications

Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.

  • Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
  • Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.

4. Prepare for High Demand

Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:

  • Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
  • Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
  • Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.

Final Thoughts

The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.

For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.

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Introducing the PlayStation 5 Pro: The Next Evolution in Gaming

Published

4 days ago

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September 10, 2024

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Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.

Key Features of the PS5 Pro

The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:

  • Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
  • Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
  • AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
  • Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
  • VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.

Optimized Games & Patches

Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:

  • Alan Wake 2
  • Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
  • Demon’s Souls
  • Dragon’s Dogma 2
  • Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
  • Gran Turismo 7
  • Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
  • Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
  • Horizon Forbidden West

These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.

 

 

Design & Compatibility

Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.

Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.

Pricing & Availability

The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:

  • $699.99 USD
  • $949.99 CAD
  • £699.99 GBP
  • €799.99 EUR
  • ¥119,980 JPY

Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.

The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.

Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.

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