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Samsung reveals the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition in South Korea

What the Galaxy Z Fold6 should have been in the first place

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Samsung has launched the Galaxy Z Fold6 with minor hardware changes and major AI features. One thing’s for sure, it has not shed down that unwanted thickness that its Chinese rivals have successfully achieved.

But just after three months, Samsung answers all the complaints through the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition aimed specifically for the South Korean market.

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The Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition offers hardware features that we are all expecting for Samsung to do in the Galaxy Z Fold6.

The biggest change is none other than its overall thickness. From Galaxy Z Fold6’s 12.1mm depth, the Special Edition variant managed to become thinner at just 10.6mm — very close to vivo X Fold3’s 10.2mm mark.

Weight doesn’t differ that much at 236 grams (versus Z Fold6’s 239 grams).

Other improvements can be seen in both screens. While the Dynamic AMOLED 2X 120Hz display remains unchanged, both screens are now bigger at 6.5-inches and 8.0-inches respectively (versus 6.3 and 7.6-inches).

This also means a wider and more usable aspect ratio for its cover screen and a bigger internal screen real estate.

Speaking of, the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition features a new UFG (Ultra Flexible Glass) instead of the usual UTG (Ultra Thin Glass) found on the majority of Samsung foldables.

And unlike the regular Galaxy Z Fold6, there’s no word regarding S-Pen support on the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition probably due to the new inner display tech.

Lastly, its 50MP main camera has been changed to a 200MP f/1.8 sensor. Albeit, there’s no information if it’s the same sensor found on the Galaxy S24 Ultra.

This is also only available in one powerful configuration: 16GB memory + 512GB storage. Its base counterpart only offers 12GB RAM although confusingly, that one maxes out at 1TB.

Other internals remain such as the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, 4400mAh Li-Po battery with 25W wired charging + 15W wireless charging support.

Pricing and Availability

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition is only available in a lone Black Shadow colorway and retails for KRW 2,789,600 (around US$ 2033 / EUR 1875 / GBP 1559 / SG$ 2669 / PhP 116,902 / INR 170,965).

For comparison, a regular Galaxy Z Fold6 of the same 512GB configuration barely differs at KRW 2,388,100 (US$ 2019.99 / EUR 1999 / GBP 1899 / SG$ 2728 / PhP 113,990 / INR 176,999).

There’s no word on global availability but it’s high likely that this is exclusive to South Korea. However, a leaked video in China reveals the similar-looking “Galaxy W25 Fold” with a shiny black back studded with hints of gold on it.

Apps

Disney+ launches a TikTok-coded vertical feed called Verts

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TikTok has changed how we consume media. Everything is now vertical. Even the most established streaming services, often a bastion for traditionally horizontal content, is adopting the different format. Now, Disney+ is getting a vertical feed called Verts.

Like its contemporaries, Verts presents a continuous feed of content but tailored to show the plethora of titles from the Disney+ library. This might include the first scenes of shows or notable highlights. The hope, of course, is to direct users to the longform content.

Directly from the Verts feed, users can easily add the respective title to their watchlist or go straight to the title’s page. In turn, the feed is accessible from the homepage since it has its own tab.

According to Disney, early experiments with the feature have driven engagement to available content. Right now, the feed is mostly for clipping enticing content from shows. However, the platform will experiment further with the format for new ways to tell stories.

Though Verts surely stands for “verticals” in this case, “adverts” might fit better as its full government name. Still, it might be a useful tool if you’re figuring out what to watch for the night.

Currently, Verts is available for Disney+ subscribers in the United States. Disney also has plans to expand the feature to ESPN for sports-related content.

SEE ALSO: Live NBA action on Disney Plus now available in the Philippines

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Apps

Google Maps is finally getting a 3D mode

The app will also have a Gemini chatbot baked inside.

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Some of today’s navigation apps are living in the future. Instead of a two-dimensional map, these apps render the user’s surroundings in 3D. It’s a nifty upgrade that helps drivers more accurately visualize directions on the fly. Finally, Google Maps is getting a much-needed upgrade and will take navigation to the third dimension.

In a new update rolling out today, the new Immersive Navigation feature will bring your surroundings to life. The 3D view creates a render of the surrounding buildings, overpasses, and terrain around the car. It takes the guesswork out of navigation by showing precisely where to turn and what landmarks to look out for.

In the same vein, you can now use Street View to preview your destination before you arrive. Google Maps will also highlight your destination’s entrance, side of the street, and nearby parking.

Outside of how the map is visualized, Google Maps is also infusing its service with Gemini. The new Ask Maps feature will let you engage with the app in a conversational manner. For example, if you’re in the middle of a long drive, you can now ask Maps where the best place is to stop over and have a coffee break. Ask Maps will provide directions, a potential itinerary, and even helpful links to book a reservation ahead of time.

Now, availability for both of these features is still a bit limited. Immersive View is rolling out today to compatible devices and vehicles in the United States. Further, availability will expand over the coming months.

Meanwhile, Ask Maps is available now in the United States and India for Android and iOS. A desktop version is coming soon.

SEE ALSO: Google Maps is finally getting a power saving mode

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Entertainment

KPop Demon Hunters is officially getting a sequel

Maggie Kang and Chris Applehans will return to write and direct.

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This feels like a formality at this point. Netflix and Sony have officially confirmed that KPop Demon Hunters is getting a sequel.

If you feel like you’ve read this exact title before, then you’re not alone. Since its massive success last year, the hit animated film constantly spawned talks of a potential franchise. It probably helped that the title quickly became Netflix’s most-watched film of all time. From the last we’ve heard of the rumors, Netflix was reportedly eyeing a 2029 premiere for the sequel.

Now, it’s official. As posted by Netflix itself, KPop Demon Hunters will get a sequel soon. Even better, the follow-up will be written and directed by the same duo, Maggie Kang and Chris Applehans.

Kang, who celebrated the first movie’s ability to tell a Korean story, says that there’s a lot more to explore in the film’s universe. “There’s so much more to this world we have built and I’m excited to show you. This is only the beginning,” she said.

Right now, the plot’s sequel is still unknown, especially since the Saja Boys were defeated in the first film.

Given how big the original movie got, the sequel is no surprise. Besides bagging the top spot on Netflix’s charts, the film also got an eventual release in theaters. KPop Demon Hunters is up for a potential Oscars win after it was nominated for Best Animated Feature. Its hit song, “Golden,” is also nominated for Best Original Song.

SEE ALSO: KPop Demon Hunters is now Netflix’s most-watched movie

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