News

Samsung’s next high-end flip phone leaks in full

Published

August 1, 2017

Marvin Velasco

The most outrageous smartphone we covered last year was Samsung’s high-end W2017 flip phone. It had a traditional clamshell build with a price beyond what you’d ever expect. If these new leaks are anything to go by, Samsung is readying an equally outrageous successor.

These renders and live photos come courtesy of Slashleaks:

Currently tagged as the W2018 — or codename SM-G9298 based on the rumors — the flagship flip phone is set to come with specifications that would rival last year’s premium smartphones, such as a Snapdragon 821 processor, 4GB of memory, and up to 64GB of storage for its Android software.

What’s more interesting, however, is the return of the back-to-back 4.2-inch Full HD AMOLED displays. This would allow you to check notifications without having to open up the phone every time.

Here’s how it could look like:

If it’s anything like its predecessor, the W2018 will only be available in China and have a price close to, if not more than, US$ 3,000.

That price may sound crazy, but the fact that there’s a successor to the overpriced W2017 means people are willing to shell out cash for such a handset — well, in China at least.

[irp posts=”7435″ name=”Samsung W2017 is the flip phone of your dreams”]

Related Topics:Samsung Samsung W2018 W2018

Gaming

ROG Ally greatly improves with new update

Days before official launch

Published

June 7, 2023

Luigi Leonardo

The ROG Ally has some hefty shoes to fill. Touting an impressive slate of specs, the upcoming handheld console is one of the first true competitors to the dominating Steam Deck. Unfortunately, early reviews revealed a flawed comparison against Valve’s juggernaut of a console. Now, days ahead of its official launch, ASUS is releasing new firmware which drastically improves the console’s performance.

Getting down to the nitty gritty of things, the ROG Ally, in its unpatched version, lacked performance in low-wattage scenarios. Early reviewers found that the console could not keep up with the Steam Deck under such circumstances.

A new update, which started rolling out to early units, started catching up. According to YouTuber Dave2D, the update easily improves the console by 15 to 20 percent better than its initial release. First of all, it brings the ROG Ally almost at par with the Steam Deck in low-wattage scenarios. While the results aren’t as good as the latter device yet, it’s a much better performer compared to the former on day one. ASUS acknowledges that Valve really did its homework in low-wattage scenarios.

More notably, the update dramatically boosts the ROG Ally’s performance in higher wattages. The console is now close behind the Ayaneo 2S, a beefier alternative to the Steam Deck. Before the update, the ROG Ally could barely touch the Steam Deck, let alone the Ayaneo 2S.

ASUS also notes that the update should include improvements for the battery life. The lackluster battery has been a point of contention among all early users.

The ROG Ally is officially launching on June 13 and will start at US$ 699.99.

News

Xiaomi reportedly working on a clamshell phone

Says a new rumor

Published

June 7, 2023

Luigi Leonardo

In recent years, Motorola and Samsung have proved that the clamshell phone is more than just a resurrected fad. Both companies have developed solid lineups capable of becoming daily drivers. Now, others want to get into the market. Following the footsteps of its contemporaries, Xiaomi is reportedly developing a clamshell phone of its own.

Even before the unannounced clamshell phone, Xiaomi has some experience in the foldable market. The Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 was quite the impressive powerhouse when it launched last year. The foldable smartphone even bagged the title as the thinnest foldable at the time (before Huawei grabbed the title soon after).

Now, the Chinese company is seemingly tapping into the same lineup for a rumored clamshell phone. According to Weibo leaker Digital Chat Station, the brand is indeed looking at an extremely light version of the vertically folding form factor.

Unfortunately, not much else is known about the upcoming device yet. However, Xiaomi’s supposed entry into the market shouldn’t be a surprise. After all, the brand’s competitors — Huawei and vivo — are already deep inside the clamshell segment. The latter, for example, just released the vivo X Flip, its first device in the vertically folding market. Expect things to heat up in the Chinese foldable market soon.

Gaming

Netflix will launch a Queen’s Gambit game in July

Summer lineup is looking strong

Published

June 7, 2023

Luigi Leonardo

The renaissance of chess is an interesting sight to behold. While there are a few reasons why the sport rose in popularity — such as the emergence of chess content creators on Twitch — there is one show that quickly catapulted chess into the limelight: The Queen’s Gambit. If you’re still a fan of the show, Netflix is launching a chess game based on the popular show.

The Queen’s Gambit Chess is the next step in the platform’s push towards mobile gaming. Back in 2021, Netflix announced its first forays into offering mobile games for its subscribers. Now, every Netflix subscriber has access to a library of games right on their app.

With The Queen’s Gambit Chess, Netflix is going back to its pool of notable franchises to tie into the gaming world. The platform previously did the same with other franchises like Stranger Things.

In the upcoming title, players will immerse themselves in the world of Beth Harmon. They can “take lessons, play puzzles and matches, or compete against friends.”

Netflix has not shown a lot of footage of the game yet. The announcement comes through a short video enumerating the titles it has on slate for this summer. This slate also includes Cut the Rope, Oxenfree, and the upcoming Oxenfree II: Lost Signals.

Queen’s Gambit Chess will launch on July 25.