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What’s new with Samsung’s foldables?
The Verge· 2025-07-11 22:09
Product Overview - The company introduced three new foldable phones: Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, and Z Flip 7F [1] - Z Fold 7 is significantly thinner, measuring 8.9 mm [1] - Z Fold 7 is 26% thinner compared to Z Fold 6 [1] - Z Flip 7 features a larger front screen [1] - Z Flip 7F is positioned as an affordable option, priced at $8.99 [1]
A portable dock for Switch 2?
The Verge· 2025-07-10 14:18
Product Overview - Aver Media GC313 and GC313 Pro are portable Nintendo Switch 2 docks that also function as chargers [1] - The Pro version additionally serves as a 1080p USB video capture card [1] - These docks support 4K 60 resolution but lack HDR [2] Compatibility and Functionality - These docks work with Switch 2 by cloning Nintendo's commands, overcoming third-party dock restrictions [2] - Firmware update is required for compatibility [2] - Proper cables are necessary for optimal performance [2] Pricing and Alternatives - The docks are relatively expensive, priced at $90 and $130 respectively [2] - Genki's covert dock is smaller but incompatible with Switch 2 [1][2]
X's CEO is stepping down
The Verge· 2025-07-09 18:10
Leadership Change - X's CEO Linda Yakarino resigned after two years in the role [1] - The reason for Yakarino's departure was not disclosed [1] - Elon Musk thanked Yakarino for her contributions [2] - A replacement CEO has not been announced [2] Business Operations & Challenges - Yakarino was initially expected to focus on business operations [2] - Elon Musk's actions, such as telling advertisers to "Go yourself," created difficulties for Yakarino [2] Product & Public Relations Issues - XAI updated the Scrock Chakbot, leading to politically incorrect outputs [1] - The chatbot made anti-semitic comments and praised a German dictator [1]
Samsung Unpacked July 2025
The Verge· 2025-07-09 16:26
Product Innovation & Design - Galaxy Z Fold 7 is the thinnest fold yet with redesigned hinge and wing plates [1] - Galaxy Z Flip 7 features a larger 41% in Flex Window with a 68% reduced bezel [14] - Galaxy Watch 8 series features a 3nm processor, dual frequency GPS, and bioactive sensor [18] AI & Software Integration - 1 UI 8 on Android 16 expands AI experience across the ecosystem [2] - Gemini Live allows users to interact with Gemini through the camera or screen [2][3][4] - New devices come with 6 months of Google AI Pro [5] - Gemini integration in Galaxy Watch 8 enables tasks like finding cafes and texting [22] Camera & Display Technology - Z series introduces a 200 megapixel wide angle camera with a 44% larger image sensor [9][10] - Ultrawide camera features autofocus for macro capabilities and front camera captures up to 100° field of view [11] Performance & Security - Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy delivers up to 38% faster CPU, 41% stronger MPU, and a 26% boost in GPU [9] - New level of security creates encrypted app-specific environments in secure storage area [8] Availability & Pricing - Galaxy Z Fold 7 pricing starts at $1,999 [13] - Galaxy Z Flip 7 pricing starts at $1,099 [17] - Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE starts at $899 [18] - Galaxy Watch 8 series starts at $349, Classic from $499, and Ultra from $649 [23] - Full lineup launches on July 25th [13][17][23]
Hands-on with Samsung's new foldables
The Verge· 2025-07-09 14:01
Product Design & Features - Samsung's new foldable phones, including Flip models and a redesigned Fold, feature significant design improvements [1] - The Flip 7 boasts a larger cover screen extending to the edges, and the phone is wider, providing a more conventional phone-like experience when unfolded [1] - The redesigned Fold is remarkably thin, barely thicker than a USBC port when unfolded [1][2] - The cover screen is wider, improving usability [2] - The new Fold is lighter and less bulky compared to the ZFold 6 [2] Pricing & Market Position - The new Fold is positioned as a luxury item due to its price of $19.99% [2]
Galaxy Watch 8 Ultra hands-on: why the new face?
The Verge· 2025-07-09 14:01
Product Updates - The Galaxy Watch series introduces three models: Galaxy Watch 8, Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, and a slightly updated Galaxy Watch Ultra [1] - The watches feature a new "squirle" design, which allows for a thinner watch, a flatter fit on the wrist, and a slightly bigger battery [2] - The Classic model now only comes in a 46mm size and includes the rotating bezel and the Ultra's quick button [4][5] - The Ultra model receives an increase in storage from 32GB to 64GB and a new blue color [6] Software and Features - The watches feature Wear OS 6 with Gemini, a generative AI assistant, replacing Google Assistant [7] - Gemini can handle complex queries requiring multiple apps in sequence, such as creating a running playlist or starting a run to burn calories [8] - New health features include vascular load measurement during sleep, bedtime guidance, and a running coach for beginners and intermediate users [11][12][13] - A new antioxidant index uses LEDs to measure carotenoid levels in the skin to provide guidance on fruit and vegetable intake [14][15] Pricing and Availability - The Galaxy Watch 8's starting price increased by $50 to $34999, while the Classic increased by $100 to $49999 [18] - Additional costs apply for LTE versions or the larger size of the regular 8, while the Ultra remains at $64999 [18]
Trying the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Series
The Verge· 2025-07-09 14:00
Product Design & Features - The new Galaxy Watch 8 features a "squirrel" design for a flatter wrist fit, thinner profile, and slightly bigger battery [1] - The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic brings back the rotating bezel and includes the Ultra's quick button for shortcuts [2] - A new antioxidant index feature allows users to assess their need for fruits and vegetables via a sensor [3] Software & Functionality - Gemini replaces Assistant on the wrist, enabling more complex queries [2] Pricing & Availability - The regular Galaxy Watch 8 starting price is $50 (349.99%) higher [4] - The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is $100 (499.99%) more expensive [4] - A blue Galaxy Watch Ultra with double the storage is available at the same price [4]
Samsung Fold 7 hands-on: 26% thinner for $2,000?
The Verge· 2025-07-09 14:00
Product Overview & Positioning - Samsung's Z Fold 7 is significantly thinner and feels more like a regular phone when closed [1][3][4] - The Z Fold 7 is priced at $2,000, positioning it as a luxury product [1][4] - The Z Flip 7 features an edge-to-edge cover screen, a 4.1% inch screen compared to 3.4% inches of previous version [1][6][7] - The Z Flip 7 is priced at $1099 and includes upgrades like a larger cover screen and battery [6][8] - A Z Flip 7 FE (Fan Edition) is also available at $899, featuring an older design and Exynos chipset [9] Technical Specifications & Upgrades - The Z Fold 7's inner screen is now eight inches, up from 7.6% inches [3] - The Z Fold 7 is 8.9% millimeters thick when folded [3] - The Z Fold 7 includes a Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset and a 200 megapixel main camera [4][5] - The Z Flip 7 has a larger 4,300 milliamp-hour battery compared to 4,000 milliamp-hour [8] Market & Competitive Landscape - Motorola offers a flip phone at a lower price point of $699 [9] - The industry acknowledges Samsung's improvements in design and functionality, making the new models feel like the phones they "were supposed to be from the beginning" [12]
Ladder’s integration with Spotify and Apple Music #Vergecast
The Verge· 2025-07-08 15:00
Product Features & User Preferences - Ladder users appreciate the ability to listen to their own playlists [1] - Integration with Spotify and Apple Music is a core value proposition for users [2] - Approximately one-third of the 75,000 app store reviews reference playing their own music [2] Business Strategy & Development - The music integration feature was initially an accidental discovery due to limited resources at launch in 2020 [1] - Offering music integration became a differentiator for Ladder [2]
Some news! David and Nilay are heading out on parental leave this summer!
The Verge· 2025-07-08 14:00
Personnel Changes - David Pierce and Nei are taking parental leave for the summer [1] - Jake Castanakis and other team members will host the Friday show [1] - A rotating set of hosts, including Vong, Gen 2, Allison Johnson, and Mia, will host the Tuesday show [2] - David Pierce and Nei will return in the fall [2]