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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2: A head-to-toe improvement

An expected refinement

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When the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 was first unveiled at the Galaxy Note 20 series Unpacked event we barely knew anything about the device. Now, Samsung has completely revealed everything.

As expected, this is a refinement of the first generation Galaxy Fold. Curiously, Samsung is calling it their third generation folding device following the Galaxy Fold and the Galaxy Z Flip.

Here’s what’s under the hood: 

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2

Main Display 7.6” QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display (22.5:18) Infinity Flex Display (2208 x 1768), 373ppi
Cover Screen 6.2” HD+ Super AMOLED Display (25:9), 2260 x 816, 386ppi
Cover Camera 10MP Selfie Camera : F2.2, Pixel size: 1.22μm, FOV: 80 ̊
Front Camera
Rear Triple Camera 12MP Ultra Wide Camera : F2.2 ,Pixel size: 1.12μm, FOV : 123 ̊

12MP Wide-angle Camera : Super Speed Dual Pixel AF, OIS, F1.8, Pixel size: 1.8μm, FOV: 83 ̊

12MP Telephoto Camera : PDAF, F2.4, OIS, Pixel size: 1.0μm, FOV: 45 ̊

RAM and Storage 12GB RAM with 256GB internal storage (UFS3.1)
Battery 4500mAh (typical) dual battery

Fast Charging compatible on wired and wireless

Wireless PowerShare

Security Lock type: pattern, PIN, password

Biometric lock type: Face Recognition, Side-mounted Fingerprint sensor

Knox protection: real-time monitoring and protection.

Secure Folder: a secure space on the device to keep content such

Colors Mystic Black, Mystic Bronze

[Customization Hinge Color]

Metallic Silver, Metallic Gold, Metallic Red, Metallic Blue

Smoothing out the edges

As expected, the Galaxy Z Fold2 looks more like a finished product than its predecessor. The 6.2-inch Infiniy-O (punch-hole) cover screen makes it usable when folded. You can check emails, look up directions, watch videos, and pretty much anything you would normally do on your phone.

Unfold it and you’ll be greeted by the 7.6-inch main screen that now has a punch hole front camera instead of the hideous notch that was present in the original Galaxy Fold. That massive screen also has a 120Hz refresh rate.

The Galaxy Z Fold2 is held together by the Hideaway Hinge with the CAM mechanism that helps you prop up the fold in whatever way you want it to. They also added the sweeper tech first used on the Galaxy Z Flip. This repels dust and dirt between the body and the hinge.

Different capturing modes

The numbers on the cameras aren’t gonna jump out at you. What’s unique is the number of ways you can capture stills and footage with the device.

There’s Capture View Mode that lets you preview your last five shots on the bottom half of the screen without leaving the camera app.

There’s also Auto Framing which lets you shoot videos hands-free. When over three people are detected, it will automatically zoom out to capture everyone. It uses a machine learning algorithm to detect human faces. Trackable distance is between 1.5m to 2.5m.

It also retains the feature that lets you use the front camera as a viewfinder but use the main camera to take the photo for a higher resolution image. You also get staple Galaxy camera features like Pro Mode, Single Take, Bright Night, and many others.

A multitasking machine 

Everyone says this about devices with massive screens but Samsung has put in extra attention to make sure that the ONE UI version on the Galaxy Z Fold2 meets the needs of mobile multitaskers.

Multi-Active Window now lets you have more control and should be easier to use. There’s an improved Multi-Window Tray that lets you use multiple files from the same app and view them side by side.

You can drag and drop seamlessly to move or copy files and can switch between traditional screen or large screen layouts on the Main screen depending on your preference.

This is also the first foldable to implement the use of three apps all at the same time. With Edge Panel, you can customize how those three apps are laid out. The new Screen Capture tech also lets you take a screenshot and just select one of those three apps as the final product without needing to resize and edit.

Everything was just really built intuitively in a way that makes sense for the Fold2’s form factor.

Thom Browne Edition

As revealed during the Galaxy Note 20 series launch, the Galaxy Z Fold2 will have a Thom Browne Edition.

Other than the signature geometric grey and multicolor stripe look, software additions include a new lock screen and exclusive photo filter.

Each Thom Browne Edition Package includes the Galaxy Z Fold 2, Galaxy Watch3, Galaxy Buds Live and an array of fully customized accessories all featuring elements of Thom Browne’s iconic design.

Galaxy Z Premiere 

Just like previous Galaxy Fold owners, Galaxy Z Fold2 consumers have access to the Galaxy Z Premier Service. It’s an on-demand concierge support from a dedicated team of product experts.

Galaxy Z Fold2 owners will be provided one-time device protection against accidental display damage within one year of purchasing date.

With Galaxy Z Premiere, Galaxy Z owners can get a membership to Founders Card21, access to a prepared meal from a Michelin star restaurant, and an elite fairway golf and country club program at clubs across the U.S.23 with more benefits being added all the time.

Pricing and availability 

In the US, The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 will retail for US$ 1,999. It will be available starting September 18 in carrier and Unlocked by Samsung versions through Samsung.com, carriers and select retailers online.

Pre-orders for the Galaxy Z Fold2 5G begin September 2, 2020 at 12:01 am ET.

Original Galaxy Fold and Galaxy Z Flip users can trade-in their device to get the Galaxy Z Fold2 for as low as US$ 25/month with up to US$ 800 trade-in value. Users can save up to US$ 650 on trade-ins of other eligible devices. These offers are for a limited time.

Meanwhile, The Galaxy Z Fold2 Thom Browne edition will retail for US$ 3,299 and will be available for pre-order beginning September 2, 2020 with general availability on September 25, 2020.

In the Philippines, The Galaxy Z Fold2 will be available in Mystic Black and Mystic Bronze on

September 25, 2020 for select Samsung Online Partners and October 2, 2020 for select Authorized Samsung Stores.

Pre-order period is from September 12 to 24, 2020.

News

Xiaomi 18 Pro series is launching globally, Xiaomi confirms

Xiaomi’s phone with two screens is finally going global.

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As you can probably read from our reviews, we were impressed with the Xiaomi 17 series. Like previous years, the Chinese brand knows how to make impressive flagships. Unfortunately, despite our raving, the world didn’t get the complete flagship experience because the Xiaomi 17 Pro and Pro Max were exclusive for Chinese users. This year, however, the Xiaomi 18 Pro and Pro Max will finally grace the entire world with their presence.

Recently, Xiaomi unveiled the Xiaomi 18 Pro duo. Normally, the launch of the Pro series doesn’t make waves outside of China because of the exclusive release. However, soon after the series’ debut, Xiaomi CMO Xu Fei officially confirmed that the duo will make a global debut sometime this year.

Now, the launch of the two smartphones should catch your eye. While the regular Xiaomi 18 series belongs to the more traditional form factors for smartphones, the two Pro models feature a smaller 2.7-inch (or a 2.9-inch) LTPO AMOLED rear screen, adding that extra bit of spice even if the phone is facing downwards. Other than that, the series comes with up to a Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 chipset, up to 16GB of RAM, and up to 1TB of storage. It also features a trio of rear cameras including a 200-megapixel main sensor, a 200-megapixel periscope lens, and a 50-megapixel ultrawide sensor. In front, it has a 50-megapixel selfie shooter. Finally, the series goes up to an 8500mAh battery.

To be clear, there is a chance that the global version won’t match these specs. Regardless, it’s surely an impressive phone when it does launch elsewhere.

 

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Google Photos can now censor your kid’s face better

The new Redact feature can censor sensitive information.

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Censoring photos is heavy work. Either you stick on random emojis or draw an indiscriminate splotch of doodles to cover sensitive information. It’s an imperfect art but an essential one to protect privacy. Today, Google Photos is getting a Redact feature which can censor sensitive bits with pixelated blocks.

An addition to the Markup tool, Redact acts like a nifty pen that can hide information that you don’t want seen. Unlike a ghastly emoji or a splotch, the censored bar mixes better with the surrounding elements. In the example that Google used, a censored license plate blends well with the car it’s attached to, making the photo look more cohesive. Besides license plates, it’s the perfect tool for covering other information like phone numbers, addresses, and the faces of your loved ones.

Google Photos is also rolling out Moods, a set of filters that give photos a nostalgic look, including a 2000s night digicam vibe that’s popular today. There are also 15 new Remix templates to add more creation options.

Both the Redact and the Moods features will roll out to Android users starting today. The new Remix templates, however, will be limited to some countries on both Android and iOS.

SEE ALSO: Google will force Android users to use Gemini next month

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News

Power Mac Center SM Aura is now an Apple Premium Partner store

With a new protection plan dubbed as “1Protect” for your precious new iPhones

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Photos and graphics by Vincenz Lee | GadgetMatch

Power Mac Center has upgraded its SM Aura branch into an Apple Premium Partner (APP) store. The “APP” designation is the highest tier for reseller stores worldwide.

Originally opened in 2014, the redesigned store now houses its retail space, training center, and a service center in one.

The new space also puts more emphasis on learning. Free group demos will be held every Friday to Sunday. These will cover topics such as iPad creativity, or camera features, personalization, and Continuity for the latest iPhone series.

To celebrate the opening, customers can also score discounts on select Apple devices and accessories until September 27, 2026.

Deals include up to:

  • ₱PhP 36,000 off MacBook Pros
  • PhP 19,500 off iPads
  • PhP 3000 off Apple Watches; and
  • PhP 11,000 off iPhone models

There are also service discounts until September 25. Plus, new iPhones purchases here are also covered with 1Protect device protection.

ICYMI, it’s a partnership between PMC and Bolttech. It’s basically a new way to protect your precious new iPhones.

Your regular one-year warranty does not cover accidental drops and water damage. Purchasing this new device protection plan (good for one year) gives you an unlimited dose of that.

Parts are guaranteed original and is an official part of AppleCare Services.

This protection program also covers one-time unwarranted exchanges (or change of mind returns) from micro scratches to color options. It will even replace your iPhone (of the same model and configuration) if it was stolen once.

There’s also the 1 Infinite loyalty program. Members can earn points from purchases and redeem them for devices, accessories, services, and training.

The Power Mac Center SM Aura APP store is located on Level 2 and is open daily from 10AM to 10PM.

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