News
Samsung creates new development team for Exynos
Might release new chip by 2025
By now, it’s no secret that Samsung is dropping Exynos from the Galaxy S series. Though the brand has not confirmed the fact, Qualcomm has announced that the upcoming Galaxy S23 will exclusively carry Snapdragon chipsets. Now all but confirmed, does Samsung’s Exynos axing mean the end for the chipset line? Apparently not.
According to Korean publication The Elec, Samsung is reportedly creating its own development team inside the mobile division to create new in-house chipsets. Currently, the brand relies on another division to develop Exynos chipsets. With the alleged founding of the new team, Samsung aims to keep its smartphone chipsets closer to where the smartphone magic happens.
Over the years, the Exynos chipsets haven’t performed as effectively as the Snapdragon flagships on the same phone. The regional differences between the Galaxy S series have constantly sparked debates between the efficiency of Exynos versus Snapdragon.
Now, at least until 2024, Snapdragon will have a monopoly over the Galaxy S series. Samsung is rumored to skip the next two years for major Exynos releases for the flagship market. That said, the new development team should be able to release its first outing by 2025. With other brands dishing out acclaimed in-house chipsets of their own, Samsung does have precedence for stepping up its own game.
SEE ALSO: Apple will rely more on Samsung for chips next year
In the past, the only way to escape the constant influx of technology is to purposely go for older or “dumber” phones. For example, if you wanted to prevent your elder loved ones from fussing over features they’d never use, you’d give them feature phones. Now, there’s no escape. HMD, one of the biggest names in the feature phone segment, is bringing AI to its devices.
For years, HMD, especially through Nokia, has provided low-tech phones for everyone’s grandma. From merely keeping the Nokia brand of phones alive, the company has now embraced its reputation as the feature phone king, building its own branded phones.
Now, announced during MWC 2026 (via Tom’s Guide), HMD will start infusing its phones with AI, video calling, and a digital wallet.
Of these, video calling is the easiest to digest. Rather than just being simple front-facing selfie shooters, HMD’s phones can also use the camera for video calls.
Secondly, the company is also packing in its own digital wallet into its phones. As with other wallets, HMD’s version can receive, store, and send funds to other users. It’s set to launch in India first.
Now, the AI assistant is the more controversial one among the three. The first rollout is India’s Sarvam AI, which will do the basic tasks you’d expect from an AI assistant. Naturally, this rolls out in India first.
However, HMD is also developing its own AI assistant alongside InTouch. The feature will supposedly provide companionship for elder users. The company will test the assistant in Europe first but aims to launch it globally.
News
OPPO is finally getting AirDrop support
The update for the Find X9 series rolls out this month.
One of the biggest developments late last year was Android finally supporting AirDrop. Android users can finally counter the age-old “oh, your phone can’t do what my iPhone can do.” Unfortunately, when the announcement first dropped, it applied only to Pixel 10 users. Now, the feature is finally coming to more brands.
Today, OPPO has confirmed, via Android Authority, that its phones will get the ability to share files with Apple users. Specifically, the Find X9 and Find X9 Pro will receive an update later this month that will enable the feature. With the update, users can go through Quick Share to send files to AirDrop.
Like the initial implementation of the feature on Google, OPPO’s version will not need another app for it to work. Previously, Apple users also needed to install another app to connect with Android users. Now, the feature works natively through Quick Share.
Of course, there’s still a bit off finagling involved. As per Google’s instructions previously, the receiver, regardless of whether they’re on Android or iOS, must set their visibility to “everyone for 10 minutes.” It’s not the most elegant solution, but it sure beats all those jeers from iPhone users about how inflexible Android is when it comes to sharing files.
Gaming
Ubisoft confirms Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag remake
It’s officially called Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag Resynced.
If you ask an Assassin’s Creed fan what their favorite game of the series is, Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag will likely be one of the top contenders. Because of its reputation, gamers are constantly asking for a remake of the popular pirate simulator. Now, the dream is finally here. Ubisoft has confirmed that a remake, called Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag Resynced, is coming.
Released in 2013, Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag saw the journey of Edward Kenway, a vagabond pirate haplessly thrust into life as part of the Assassin Brotherhood against his will. The critically acclaimed game was something that all gamers have been clamoring for since Sid Meier’s Pirates: a true pirate simulator. It was no surprise that the game got as popular as it did.
Today, through an official roadmap shared by the company, Ubisoft has confirmed that Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag Resynced is real, and it might launch later this year. The company also released the first concept art for the remake.
Currently, there’s no official word as to how Ubisoft is remaking the game. At the very least, we can expect significant graphical upgrades to put it up to par with the modern games. We wouldn’t be opposed to more stories and missions too.
Now, though the Black Flag remake is already a big deal, the same roadmap also emphasizes that Codename Hexe, the next mainline title, is still coming. Ubisoft hasn’t confirmed the actual timeline yet, but the game will depict “a pivotal moment in history.” With post-launch development for the ongoing Shadows winding down, efforts to launch Codename Hexe should be ramping up soon.
SEE ALSO: Assassin’s Creed Shadows gets Attack on Titan-themed content
-
News5 days agoXiaomi 17 Ultra is now available outside China
-
Camera Walkthrough2 weeks agoOPPO Reno15 Pro: Camera Review
-
News2 weeks agoHUAWEI launches Mate X7, MatePad 11.5 S 2026, FreeClip 2
-
Events2 weeks agoCapcom to hold Resident Evil Requiem launch event in Jakarta
-
MWC 20261 week agoTECNO resurrects modular phones with this new concept
-
Gaming2 weeks agoPokémon FireRed and LeafGreen are coming to the Switch
-
Reviews5 days agoXiaomi Pad 8 review: Slab that slaps!
-
MWC 20263 days agoTECNO showcases cool concepts at MWC 2026

