News

Samsung to sell used high-end phones next year — report

Published

August 24, 2016

Monch Lopez

Soon, that high-end Samsung smartphone you’ve been wishing for might be had for less. And no, we’re not talking about buying it from a gray-market importer.

The world’s top phone maker, whose recent works include premium phablets like the Galaxy Note 7 and Galaxy A9 Pro, is reportedly preparing to launch a program to sell refurbished handsets as early as next year, a person “with direct knowledge of the matter” told Reuters Monday. If pushed ahead, used high-end phones returned by users in markets like the U.S. and South Korea where Samsung offers one-year upgrade programs will be resold at a discount.

The report hasn’t been confirmed yet, and the Reuters source declined to drill into details, such as where the priced-reduced, refurbished phones would be sold and for how much. Without any idea how significant the savings would be, it’s tough to comment on the matter.

Regardless, the idea of not paying full price for a Samsung flagship should appeal to many. Not to mention, second-hand options sold directly by brands to consumers usually undergo a tight refurbishment process (to fix or replace faulty parts) and are covered by a warranty. It’s probably right to assume reconditioned Samsung Galaxy S and Note devices won’t be any different.

Those who have been hoping for years that Samsung would compete with the second-hand market may be asking: Why now? We could imagine that risking cannibalizing the sale of new mid- to high-end Galaxy smartphones was an incredibly difficult decision, but some would argue it’s for the best. Samsung is already facing increased competition in China and other parts of Asia where Chinese brands have done so well in recent years.

In the West, Samsung’s greatest rival already sells used devices on the Apple Refurbished Store, offerings discounts between 15 and 25 percent on MacBooks and iPads. It also wants to sell refurbished iPhones in India, but the plan has been put on hold after meeting stiff resistance from local companies and the Indian government.

[irp posts=”2481″ name=”Singapore is getting a taste of Samsung’s pink-gold Galaxy S7 phones”]

Source: Reuters

Related Topics:Galaxy Note 7 Galaxy S7 refurbished phones Samsung

News

Apple reportedly gives up on the Vision Pro

But Apple will continue to sell the current model.

Published

April 30, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

When they unveiled the Vision Pro in 2023, Apple touted the wearable as the next big thing after the iPhone. Now, almost three years removed from the launch, the Vision Pro hasn’t really taken over the coveted spot occupied by the iPhone. Apple, according to a report, is allegedly canning the short-lived wearable.

According to MacRumors, Apple has reportedly given up on making the Vision Pro a thing. The team handling the wearable has supposedly been subsumed by other teams within Apple.

If true, the wearable’s end is unfortunate but not surprising. Despite being out for years, the Vision Pro has sold only a little more than half a million units with numerous returns from customers. Most recently, Apple updated the wearable with the M5 chip, but the move hasn’t revitalized the device’s status in Apple’s lineup.

Most of the complaints about the device stem from its exorbitant price or its cumbersome battery pack. Besides costing a whopping US$ 3,499, the Vision Pro is also difficult to move around with, especially because of its total weight and a battery pack that can get in the way.

To be clear, Apple has not officially discontinued the Vision Pro yet. The company continues to sell the version with the M5 chip. Apple can also restart development in the future.

However, the meantime retirement on future development does coincide with the recent restructuring inside the company. Tim Cook recently decided to step down as CEO with John Ternus as his replacement. Canning the Vision Pro might be Ternus’ first step in redefining Apple according to his plans.

Apps

YouTube makes picture-in-picture mode free for everyone globally

The update is rolling out globally now.

Published

April 30, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Picture-in-picture (or PiP) mode is a godsend for multitaskers. The feature lets users watch videos in a tiny floating window while doing other tasks. However, the feature isn’t readily available for all users. Or wasn’t, at least. YouTube is now rolling out PiP mode for free globally.

Previously, PiP mode was exclusive to YouTube users who pay for Premium or Premium Lite. It was also exclusive to the United States.

Now, YouTube is making the feature completely free for users all over the globe. It will be available for both iOS and Android versions of the app.

There’s still a catch, though. The free version is available only for “longform, non-music content.” The same goes for Premium Lite subscribers. Music is still an exclusive feature for those who pay for the regular version of Premium. Basically, there is no change for paying users or users in the United States.

Using PiP mode is simple. All you need to do is load up a video you want to watch in the background. Then, just exit the YouTube app and go about your other tasks. The video will be inside a floating, resizable window while you look at other things.

There’s no timeline on when the update will reach your device. However, YouTube has promised that it will roll out globally within the coming months.

Enterprise

OnePlus has reportedly merged with realme

Both brands were previously rumored for restructuring early this year.

Published

April 30, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

OnePlus has a problem. For a while now, rumors have swirled about the company’s dissolution. For their part, the company has continued to deny the reports, citing business as usual. Likely to their dismay, the reports just keep coming. Today, sources have hinted that OnePlus has merged with realme.

Back in January, it was rumored that OnePlus would be closing up shop this year. Since the company very quickly denied the rumors, the report hardly made waves. However, a suspected merger with realme is more difficult to debunk.

For one, realme is itself in a very interesting position. Also back in January, realme was reportedly moving back into being a sub-brand of OPPO. Coupled together with the OnePlus debacle, all this internal restructuring seems par for the course.

According to Digital Chat Station on Weibo, OnePlus and realme have already concluded the merger. The two brands have reportedly united their Chinese and international operations under one roof. Likewise, their marketing will be the same. Pete Lau will still be the main head for this new division.

As with anything of this nature, take this with a grain of salt. OPPO, OnePlus, and realme have not issued any official statements concerning a merger or a shutdown for any brand.