Samsung didn’t just help introduce 5G to the world – they’ve been setting new records.
An October 2020 report from Strategy Analytics revealed that the Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5G was the best-selling 5G device by revenue for the first half of 2020, accounting for 9 percent of global revenue. The Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G was second, accounting for 8 percent of global revenue, and the Galaxy S20 5G was third, accounting for 5 percent during the same period. Together, Samsung’s S20 trio were the top selling 5G smartphones in the world, accounting for 22 percent of global 5G sales revenue.
In addition to leading sales records, Samsung has also launched a series of new devices and network solutions to bring 5G to more people across the world. In the last two years, Samsung has introduced a full portfolio of Galaxy 5G phones, from mid-range devices like the Galaxy A51 5G, to category-changing devices like the Galaxy Z Fold2. Samsung has also released 5G enabled PCs and tablets. In addition, Samsung has worked closely with leading mobile operators around the world to advance 5G through a wide array of network solutions, including 5G RAN, Core and Network Automation tools.
“Samsung has established itself as a leader in the 5G space, and played a key role in the development of 5G around the world,” said Neil Mawston, Executive Director at Strategy Analytics. “With global 5G smartphone shipments expected to exceed 660 million devices by the end of next year, we believe the company will continue to play a significant role in growing the next-generation mobile network.[1]”
The success is a testament to Samsung’s pioneering vision for 5G that started over a decade ago.
Leading the 5G Transformation
For more than 10 years, Samsung has been laying the groundwork for 5G by investing in the creation of meaningful innovations and building a strong network of partners. From chipsets to network solutions and devices, Samsung has been developing the critical components of 5G from the technology’s inception.
Samsung’s leading research and development teams, as well as collaborations with standardization groups and carriers, enabled the technology to deliver faster data speeds and higher bandwidth promised by 5G[2]. In 2009, it started research into ultra-high frequency mmWave technology. By 2013, it reached speeds above 1Gbps in test trials (Link) and a year later, broke its own record by using mmWave to reach 7.5Gbps (Link). Since 2018, Samsung’s various 5G network solutions have played a key role in the commercial launches of 5G services in Japan, Korea, and the United States.
“Samsung has achieved outstanding technical breakthroughs in 5G and this is a reflection of our continuous research and development spanning over a decade,” said Wonil Roh, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Product Strategy, Networks Business at Samsung Electronics. “Powered by our in-house chipsets and software, Samsung’s 5G RAN and Core solutions have been delivering competitive performance to the operators, and we will continue to lead the forefront of the global 5G market by bringing unparalleled experiences to customers around world.”
To ensure consumers get the best 5G experience, Samsung has also expanded collaboration with IT firms and mobile operators to push 5G technology forward, particularly for 5G Standalone networks, private 5G networks, and mission critical networks. Moreover, its 5G network solutions portfolio includes the latest advanced 5G network solutions, such as RAN, Core, and Network automation tools.
Beyond network solutions, Samsung introduced the world’s first commercially available 5G smartphone and tablet in 2019: The Galaxy S10 5G and the Galaxy Tab S6 5G. For the past 2 years, Samsung has continued to fine-tune the 5G experience for consumers in 5G-ready markets, defined by intelligent connections and optimal performance available on Galaxy devices.
Partnerships with Xbox, for example, provide Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members with console-quality graphics and access to their favorite titles on the go via cloud gaming (Beta) with devices like the Galaxy Note20. With social distancing and workplaces going remote, optimizations for Google Duo have ensured high-quality video chats connect people to family, friends, and co-workers. Together with various industry partners, Samsung has also been helping enterprises harness the true potential of 5G in private networks. It has collaborated with public cloud leaders to simplify the deployment of private 5G networks for enterprises to bring intelligent solutions into factories and offices.
These innovations are available on Samsung’s full portfolio of 5G devices, which includes affordable mid-range devices in the Galaxy A series, laptops like the Galaxy Book Flex, high-end tablets like the Galaxy Tab S7/S7+, and more. But this is just the beginning of Samsung’s plans for 5G.
Making 5G Available to More People
Samsung has its sights set on bringing next-gen connectivity to more people in more markets. A key part of this plan is to roll out more device options beyond the high-end segment and introduce 5G connectivity to a wider range of entry-level devices. Another key element is to expand Samsung’s 5G network footprint across the globe, delivering immersive 5G experiences to more customers and markets around the world.
“Our goal has always been to put the power of 5G into as many hands as possible and push the industry forward with pioneering innovations,” said Won-Joon Choi, EVP and Head of Flagship Product R&D Team at Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics. “The early success of Galaxy 5G devices is proof that Samsung is offering users one of the best experiences 5G has to offer, and we will continue to do that by developing a broader range of Galaxy 5G devices at a variety of price points.”
In addition to expanding its portfolio, Samsung is making groundbreaking discoveries to make the 5G experience even better.
This year, Samsung introduced the power of network virtualization by bringing its fully virtualized 5G RAN (vRAN) to the market, providing mobile operators with flexible, scalable, cost-efficient 5G networks with superior performance. It also unveiled Samsung’s Link Cell, a 5G indoor solution which enables operators to provide enhanced, seamless 5G experiences for their users. Additionally, the C-Band Massive MIMO radio solution Samsung introduced in October will give even more people access to immersive 5G experiences.
These advancements are a continuation of Samsung’s extensive work to develop 5G technology in collaboration with major global operators to showcase virtualized Core solutions and to test 5G end-to-end network slicing, advancing and unlocking the full potential of 5G.
Samsung is also continuing its decades-long work with organizations like the 3GPP to develop standards for 5G that will help shape the future of the technology, from Industrial IoT (IIoT) to faster data transfer speeds and improved security.
The Impact of Samsung on 5G in Canada
In Canada, Samsung is at the forefront of the 5G revolution, having been selected as the 5G networks infrastructure supplier for providers including TELUS and Videotron. Samsung will play a large part in helping TELUS build out its nationwide 5G network, laying groundwork to be one of the primary telecom vendors in Canada. Earlier this year, TELUS launched its 5G network in 26 communities across Canada, including Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, and Montreal.
After signing a milestone agreement in 2019, Videotron and Samsung announced a collaboration to gradually launch 5G service to users in Quebec this year. For the launch, Samsung has provided 5G RAN, which covers 600MHz, 700MHz, 2.6GHz and AWS spectrums. Moreover, Samsung’s RAN supports both LTE and 5G NR, enabling convenient operation of a network, and saves installation space while reducing CAPEX and OPEX. The commercial rollout will open up exciting experiences for Videotron’s 5G users and bring reliable and advanced 5G services to users in Canada.
“5G is a catalyst for change that will allow everything and everyone to communicate with each other quickly, reliably and with near-endless data capacity,” said Stephen Wiktorski, Head of Networks, Samsung Electronics Canada. “Samsung offers Canadians an end-to-end 5G experience. In addition to 5G network solutions, Samsung was the first to launch a 5G-capable device and, with more innovation on the horizon to change how we connect within our homes, workplaces, and even cars.”
With the success of the Galaxy S20 series, Samsung has already set the pace for 5G adoption and shaped consumer expectations for next-gen connectivity. As it continues to play a critical role in refining the technology and making it more accessible through a broader range of devices, including standalone 5G smartphones, the future of 5G looks more promising than ever.
[2]5G availability and network performance, including but not limited to download and streaming speeds, may vary based on market, network and/or content provider, data plans, and other factors.
The federal government is ordering the dissolution of TikTok’s Canadian business after a national security review of the Chinese company behind the social media platform, but stopped short of ordering people to stay off the app.
Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne announced the government’s “wind up” demand Wednesday, saying it is meant to address “risks” related to ByteDance Ltd.’s establishment of TikTok Technology Canada Inc.
“The decision was based on the information and evidence collected over the course of the review and on the advice of Canada’s security and intelligence community and other government partners,” he said in a statement.
The announcement added that the government is not blocking Canadians’ access to the TikTok application or their ability to create content.
However, it urged people to “adopt good cybersecurity practices and assess the possible risks of using social media platforms and applications, including how their information is likely to be protected, managed, used and shared by foreign actors, as well as to be aware of which country’s laws apply.”
Champagne’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment seeking details about what evidence led to the government’s dissolution demand, how long ByteDance has to comply and why the app is not being banned.
A TikTok spokesperson said in a statement that the shutdown of its Canadian offices will mean the loss of hundreds of well-paying local jobs.
“We will challenge this order in court,” the spokesperson said.
“The TikTok platform will remain available for creators to find an audience, explore new interests and for businesses to thrive.”
The federal Liberals ordered a national security review of TikTok in September 2023, but it was not public knowledge until The Canadian Press reported in March that it was investigating the company.
At the time, it said the review was based on the expansion of a business, which it said constituted the establishment of a new Canadian entity. It declined to provide any further details about what expansion it was reviewing.
A government database showed a notification of new business from TikTok in June 2023. It said Network Sense Ventures Ltd. in Toronto and Vancouver would engage in “marketing, advertising, and content/creator development activities in relation to the use of the TikTok app in Canada.”
Even before the review, ByteDance and TikTok were lightning rod for privacy and safety concerns because Chinese national security laws compel organizations in the country to assist with intelligence gathering.
Such concerns led the U.S. House of Representatives to pass a bill in March designed to ban TikTok unless its China-based owner sells its stake in the business.
Champagne’s office has maintained Canada’s review was not related to the U.S. bill, which has yet to pass.
Canada’s review was carried out through the Investment Canada Act, which allows the government to investigate any foreign investment with potential to might harm national security.
While cabinet can make investors sell parts of the business or shares, Champagne has said the act doesn’t allow him to disclose details of the review.
Wednesday’s dissolution order was made in accordance with the act.
The federal government banned TikTok from its mobile devices in February 2023 following the launch of an investigation into the company by federal and provincial privacy commissioners.
— With files from Anja Karadeglija in Ottawa
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 6, 2024.
LONDON (AP) — Most people have accumulated a pile of data — selfies, emails, videos and more — on their social media and digital accounts over their lifetimes. What happens to it when we die?
It’s wise to draft a will spelling out who inherits your physical assets after you’re gone, but don’t forget to take care of your digital estate too. Friends and family might treasure files and posts you’ve left behind, but they could get lost in digital purgatory after you pass away unless you take some simple steps.
Here’s how you can prepare your digital life for your survivors:
Apple
The iPhone maker lets you nominate a “ legacy contact ” who can access your Apple account’s data after you die. The company says it’s a secure way to give trusted people access to photos, files and messages. To set it up you’ll need an Apple device with a fairly recent operating system — iPhones and iPads need iOS or iPadOS 15.2 and MacBooks needs macOS Monterey 12.1.
For iPhones, go to settings, tap Sign-in & Security and then Legacy Contact. You can name one or more people, and they don’t need an Apple ID or device.
You’ll have to share an access key with your contact. It can be a digital version sent electronically, or you can print a copy or save it as a screenshot or PDF.
Take note that there are some types of files you won’t be able to pass on — including digital rights-protected music, movies and passwords stored in Apple’s password manager. Legacy contacts can only access a deceased user’s account for three years before Apple deletes the account.
Google
Google takes a different approach with its Inactive Account Manager, which allows you to share your data with someone if it notices that you’ve stopped using your account.
When setting it up, you need to decide how long Google should wait — from three to 18 months — before considering your account inactive. Once that time is up, Google can notify up to 10 people.
You can write a message informing them you’ve stopped using the account, and, optionally, include a link to download your data. You can choose what types of data they can access — including emails, photos, calendar entries and YouTube videos.
There’s also an option to automatically delete your account after three months of inactivity, so your contacts will have to download any data before that deadline.
Facebook and Instagram
Some social media platforms can preserve accounts for people who have died so that friends and family can honor their memories.
When users of Facebook or Instagram die, parent company Meta says it can memorialize the account if it gets a “valid request” from a friend or family member. Requests can be submitted through an online form.
The social media company strongly recommends Facebook users add a legacy contact to look after their memorial accounts. Legacy contacts can do things like respond to new friend requests and update pinned posts, but they can’t read private messages or remove or alter previous posts. You can only choose one person, who also has to have a Facebook account.
You can also ask Facebook or Instagram to delete a deceased user’s account if you’re a close family member or an executor. You’ll need to send in documents like a death certificate.
TikTok
The video-sharing platform says that if a user has died, people can submit a request to memorialize the account through the settings menu. Go to the Report a Problem section, then Account and profile, then Manage account, where you can report a deceased user.
Once an account has been memorialized, it will be labeled “Remembering.” No one will be able to log into the account, which prevents anyone from editing the profile or using the account to post new content or send messages.
X
It’s not possible to nominate a legacy contact on Elon Musk’s social media site. But family members or an authorized person can submit a request to deactivate a deceased user’s account.
Passwords
Besides the major online services, you’ll probably have dozens if not hundreds of other digital accounts that your survivors might need to access. You could just write all your login credentials down in a notebook and put it somewhere safe. But making a physical copy presents its own vulnerabilities. What if you lose track of it? What if someone finds it?
Instead, consider a password manager that has an emergency access feature. Password managers are digital vaults that you can use to store all your credentials. Some, like Keeper,Bitwarden and NordPass, allow users to nominate one or more trusted contacts who can access their keys in case of an emergency such as a death.
But there are a few catches: Those contacts also need to use the same password manager and you might have to pay for the service.
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LONDON (AP) — Britain’s competition watchdog said Thursday it’s opening a formal investigation into Google’s partnership with artificial intelligence startup Anthropic.
The Competition and Markets Authority said it has “sufficient information” to launch an initial probe after it sought input earlier this year on whether the deal would stifle competition.
The CMA has until Dec. 19 to decide whether to approve the deal or escalate its investigation.
“Google is committed to building the most open and innovative AI ecosystem in the world,” the company said. “Anthropic is free to use multiple cloud providers and does, and we don’t demand exclusive tech rights.”
San Francisco-based Anthropic was founded in 2021 by siblings Dario and Daniela Amodei, who previously worked at ChatGPT maker OpenAI. The company has focused on increasing the safety and reliability of AI models. Google reportedly agreed last year to make a multibillion-dollar investment in Anthropic, which has a popular chatbot named Claude.
Anthropic said it’s cooperating with the regulator and will provide “the complete picture about Google’s investment and our commercial collaboration.”
“We are an independent company and none of our strategic partnerships or investor relationships diminish the independence of our corporate governance or our freedom to partner with others,” it said in a statement.
The U.K. regulator has been scrutinizing a raft of AI deals as investment money floods into the industry to capitalize on the artificial intelligence boom. Last month it cleared Anthropic’s $4 billion deal with Amazon and it has also signed off on Microsoft’s deals with two other AI startups, Inflection and Mistral.
