Samsung is widely expected to launch at least one new foldable handset next year, a device that will look less like the original Galaxy Fold and more like the brand new Motorola Razr that was unveiled a few weeks ago. The clamshell foldable was already confirmed at Samsung’s recent developer conference, where we got to see the render above that practically confirmed Samsung’s interest in the new form factor. We didn’t expect to see any images of the actual device at the event, nor did we expect any photos to leak before its launch. That’s because the Galaxy Fold was relatively a well-kept secret when it comes to leaked imagery. However, that’s not the case for the new flip phone, which has just leaked in all its glory. Assuming these images are real, then the Galaxy Fold clamshell — Galaxy Fold 2 or whatever they end up calling it — will look a lot like a Galaxy S11 handset that can be folded in half.
The images below were first posted on Chinese social media, according to Ice Universe, a Samsung insider who’s been a consistent source of news over the last few years.
We’re looking at a device that folds in half perfectly. Inside, we have an all-screen hole-punch display similar to what we saw on the Galaxy Note 10 earlier this year. The same display design will be used on next year’s Galaxy S11, reports have said. Considering there’s no fingerprint sensor on the outside of the phone, it’s likely the handset has one under the screen. The bezels appear to be bigger than what you’d expect from a Galaxy S11 phone, but this handset doesn’t have curved edges on the sides. Also, the screen probably isn’t made of glass either.
On the outside, we have a dual-lens camera placed horizontally in the top left corner — or bottom right corner, depending on how you’re holding the device. Also, there’s a secondary screen on the back next to the camera system, which shows the time and can probably display notifications as well. On the bottom, we have a regular USB-C port, and that’s about it when it comes to ports.
The phone folds perfectly, apparently, and the resulting device is a lot smaller than a regular handset. However, it’s also going to be thicker than a Galaxy S11 phone.
It’s unclear at this time what sort of specs the phone will have to offer. A recent report said the handset will have a reasonable, sub-$1,000 price. If Samsung manages to pack a Snapdragon 865 chip inside, then the unnamed Galaxy Fold clamshell might be one device to actually consider buying this year. On the other hand, the dual-lens camera system on the back is a sign of a compromise from Samsung, as the camera might not be as powerful as the Galaxy S11’s.
MONTREAL – Lightspeed Commerce Inc. says it is conducting a review of its business and operations including talks relating to a range of potential strategic alternatives.
The Montreal-based payments technology company made the comments after reports concerning a potential transaction involving the company.
Lightspeed says it periodically undertakes a review of its business and operations with a view of realizing its full potential.
A strategic review is often seen by investors as a prelude to a sale by a company.
Lightspeed says its board of directors is committed to acting in the best interests of the company and its stakeholders.
Company founder Dax Dasilva returned to the role of chief executive officer earlier this year and has been working to return the company to profitability.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 26, 2024.
OTTAWA – Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem says there is a lot of uncertainty around how artificial intelligence could affect the economy moving forward, including the labour market and price growth.
In a speech in Toronto at the Economics of Artificial Intelligence Conference, the governor said Friday that the central bank is approaching the issue cautiously to get a better understanding of how AI could affect its job of keeping inflation low and stable.
“Be wary of anyone who claims to know where AI will take us. There is too much uncertainty to be confident,” Macklem said in prepared remarks.
“We don’t know how quickly AI will continue to advance. And we don’t know the timing and extent of its economic and social impacts.”
The governor said AI has the potential of increasing labour productivity, which would raise living standards and grow the economy without boosting inflation.
In the short-term, he said investment in AI is adding to demand and could be inflationary.
However, Macklem also highlighted more pessimistic scenarios, where AI could destroy more jobs than it creates or lead to less competition rather than more.
The governor called on academics and businesses to work together to shed more light on the potential effects of AI on the economy.
“When you enter a dark room, you don’t go charging in. You cautiously feel your way around. And you try to find the light switch. That is what we are doing. What we central bankers need is more light,” he said.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 20, 2024.
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.
