News
Samsung files a patent for a bezel-less, notch-less Galaxy Note
Bad news: no audio port
This year’s quest for the holy grail hunts for a truly bezel-less and notch-less smartphone. Phone makers frantically push for their own takes on all-screen phones.
With a new patent, Samsung is throwing their hat into the ring with a Galaxy Note-like device that eliminates bezels altogether.
In the patent, the included drawing depicts a phone that takes out the residual bottom chin and reduces the top bezel to a notch-less strip.
Notably, the patent also majorly alters Samsung’s usual design philosophy for the rear panel. Instead of the usual central positioning, Samsung has moved this phone’s rear camera to the upper-left corner, similar to the iPhone X and Huawei P20.
Also, despite the lack of a home button, the phone doesn’t add a new button for a fingerprint sensor. This likely implies that Samsung is making significant headway with an under-screen fingerprint sensor. (The feature will likely make an appearance on the upcoming Galaxy Note 9, as well.)
For all its optimism, the patented phone depicts a hugely disappointing non-feature — the lack of a 3.5mm audio port. Currently, Samsung remains one of the last bastions of the celebrated audio port. The patent’s lack of the feature is a stark surprise from the Korean company.
Right now, this specific form factor has found significant traction with the new Vivo NEX. However, Vivo’s take on the design still carries a noticeable bottom chin and a controversial pop-up camera.
Regardless, Samsung’s patent will likely enter production after this year’s slate of Samsung phones. The company has already scheduled the Galaxy Note 9’s launch on August 9.
To add to this, another leak indicates that even the Galaxy S series will feature bezel-less screens next year.
SEE ALSO: Samsung might launch a 512GB Galaxy Note 9 in Korea and China
vivo has officially announced the global launch of the X300 Ultra, marking the first international debut of its top-tier imaging flagship.
The device introduces the ZEISS Master Lenses Collection, featuring triple prime focal lengths at 14mm, 35mm, and 85mm. It supports up to 200MP output across key focal lengths and can extend reach to 200mm and 400mm using optional telephoto extenders.
A 200MP 85mm telephoto camera with gimbal-level stabilization and 60fps AF tracking enables detailed long-range shots. Meanwhile, the 35mm camera uses a large Sony LYTIA sensor for natural perspective and improved low-light performance.
For video, the X300 Ultra supports multi-focal 4K 120fps recording in both 10-bit Log and Dolby Vision formats. It also introduces Pro Video mode with LUT support and compatibility with ACES workflows for advanced color grading.
The phone runs on Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, paired with a dedicated imaging chip. It packs a 6600mAh battery with 100W wired and 40W wireless charging.
Other features include a 2K ZEISS Master Color Display, quad-mic audio recording system, IP68/IP69 durability, and up to five years of OS updates.
Pricing and availability will depend on the region.
Enterprise
Allbirds suddenly turns into an AI company
Allbirds is an odd shoe company. Though it already enjoyed a cult following in some circles around the world, the brand suddenly expanded its reach everywhere, offering a lighter and more environment-friendly alternative to the usual suspects of the shoe world. Now, getting even odder, Allbirds is ditching the shoes and going barefoot into the world of AI.
It’s one of the oddest transitions in the corporate world. In an official statement, Allbirds has confirmed that it will pivot fully into a “fully integrated GPU-as-a-Service and AI-native cloud solutions provider.” From Allbirds, it will be known as NewBird AI.
It’s not an incredibly abrupt change, though. The shoe brand and its stores won’t disappear overnight. The company will still hold a shareholder vote on May 18. If approved, they will transition into the new brand gradually.
The transition to AI, itself a gremlin of a keyword in today’s financial world, has resulted in the company’s stock value rising up. However, its long-term viability is in question, especially for a company with no experience in a world already drowning in AI.
From last year to today, AI has been the darling child of investors and a plague to consumers. While the former salivates over the short-term gain of AI adoption, the latter ruminates on the technology’s projected effects on the world.
SEE ALSO: Lenovo accelerates production-ready enterprise AI with NVIDIA
vivo has announced the vivo X300 FE, a compact flagship built around pro-grade imaging, long battery life, and extended software support.
The device features a ZEISS co-engineered camera system, led by a 50MP Super Telephoto camera with up to 200mm equivalent focal length via the all-new Telephoto Extender Gen 2. It also includes a 50MP main camera alongside a 110° ultra-wide lens.
This camera system is designed for flexible shooting across travel, concerts, and street photography.
AI imaging powers much of the experience, with features like AI True Clarity Engine, Stage Mode for low-light concerts, and AI editing tools such as AI Erase and AI Image Expander. Video capabilities go up to 8K at 30fps and 4K at 120fps.
The X300 FE adopts a compact flat design with a 6.31-inch display, weighing 191g and measuring 7.99mm thin. It comes in Mist Purple, Glow White, Luxe Black, and Urban Olive colorways.
Powering the device is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5. You should not confuse it though with the more superior Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.
Moreover, it has a 6500mAh battery paired with 90W wired charging plus 40W wireless charging that the newer V70 series lacks.. It also features a vapor chamber cooling system for sustained performance.
The phone runs OriginOS 6 with cross-device features and promises five years of OS updates, seven years of security patches, and long-term smooth performance.
The vivo X300 FE also carries IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance.
Pricing and availability will depend on the region.
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