News

Everything Announced At Samsung’s Unpacked 2023 Event

Samsung just held its summer Unpacked event in South Korea. Here’s what we learned about the most anticipated upcoming new releases.

Published

1 year ago

July 27, 2023

Nour Nasir

Samsung

Samsung has just concluded its second Galaxy Unpacked event of 2023. After stunning tech enthusiasts with its Galaxy S23 line, the Korean electronics powerhouse is preparing to release a raft of new devices.

Here’s what we learned from the event:

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 & Galaxy Z Fold5

samsung galaxy z flip5 and galaxy z fold5

Samsung’s 5th generation foldables are sleek and compact, with multiple customization options and powerful performance. Main screens are equipped with shock dispersion layers, and a new integrated hinge features a dual rail structure to diffuse external impacts.

The Galaxy Z Flip5 now features a 3.78x larger Flex Window, while a new Flipsuit Case provides protection with a changeable NFC card. Users can snap hands-free photos using FlexCam and edit the shots in Flex Mode. As well as an improved Nightography capability, an AI-powered image signal processing (ISP) algorithm helps to correct visual noise while enhancing details and tone.

According to Samsung, the Galaxy Z Fold5 is the “thinnest, lightest Fold yet.” The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset uses AI to enhance gaming, while an advanced cooling system dissipates heat more effectively for less lag and performance drops. Peak brightness from the 7.6-inch main screen has increased by more than 30%, meaning improved outdoor viewing, especially in bright sunlight.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9

samsung galaxy tab s9

The new Galaxy Tab S9 comes in three sizes: The 14.6-inch Tab S9 Ultra, 12.4-inch Tab S9+, and the 11-inch Tab S9.

The 14.6-inch model features a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, while HDR10+ allows scene-by-scene, frame-by-frame tone optimization. The dynamic refresh rates of the Galaxy Tab S9 models automatically calibrate from 60 to 120Hz to balance smoothness with optimized battery life, and an Eye Comfort mode reduces strain and blocks blue light by over 70%. Audio capabilities are also enhanced by the 20% larger quad speakers with sound by AKG and Dolby Atmos.

Galaxy Watch6 & Galaxy Watch6 Classic

samsung galaxy watch6 and galaxy watch6 classic

At the Unpacked event, Samsung also introduced two new smartwatch models, the Galaxy Watch6 and Galaxy Watch6 Classic. The Galaxy Watch6 comes in a 44mm Graphite and Silver case or a 40mm Graphite and Gold model. The Galaxy Watch6 Classic features a rotating bezel and is available in Black and Silver 43mm and 47mm versions. The Galaxy Watch6 now has a 30% slimmer bezel, while the Galaxy Watch6 Classic sports a 15% thinner rotating version.

Both devices offer in-depth sleep analysis and feature a Personalized Heart Rate Zone that defines five optimal running intensity levels. In addition, a new Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification feature helps wearers monitor their heart health more accurately.

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The Middle East’s Top Smartphone Brand

Samsung is currently the top smartphone vendor in the Middle East, with 3.8 million handsets shipped in Q1 2023. However, the company has plans to expand its MENA reach even further. “This year, [we are] in preparation for an even more significant increase in demand. We have ramped up manufacturing capabilities accordingly. Not just smartphones but also tablets and wearable devices, we see an incredible market opportunity to drive additional growth across these devices,” explained Fadi Abu Shamat, Spokesperson and Head of Mobile eXperience Division at Samsung Gulf Electronics.

News

Viasat Satellite Messaging Tech Showcased In Saudi Arabia

The direct-to-device (D2D) demonstration highlighted the technology’s potential to revolutionize remote communication.

Published

2 days ago

November 28, 2024

Nour Nasir

viasat satellite messaging tech showcased in saudi arabia

Satellite communications firm Viasat announced yesterday that it had completed its first demonstration of direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity technology in Saudi Arabia. The live broadcast took place during the “Connecting the World from the Skies” event in Riyadh, organized by Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST) alongside the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

Attendees witnessed successful satellite-based two-way messaging and SOS alerts sent using commercial Android smartphones and a combination of Viasat’s robust L-band satellite network and the Bullitt over-the-top messaging app. Signals were transmitted using the company’s L-band spacecraft positioned over the Indian Ocean, while the infrastructure for 3GPP NTN services was deployed by Viasat’s partner Skylo.

Sandeep Moorthy, Viasat’s Chief Technical Officer, emphasized the significance of the demonstration, explaining, “By expanding our direct-to-device innovation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, we’re showcasing the potential for D2D services in the fast-growing Gulf and Asia-Pacific region. D2D could help reduce barriers to connectivity in regions where terrestrial services are spotty and unavailable to help transform industries and supply chains, enable new opportunities, and to become more efficient, sustainable and safer. We’d like to thank the CST for their support in carrying out this exciting demonstration”.

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D2D technology allows devices like smartphones, vehicles, and industrial equipment to connect seamlessly to both satellite and terrestrial networks. Unlike traditional satellite setups, D2D eliminates the need for extra hardware, thanks to emerging global standards that are gaining traction among satellite operators, mobile network providers, and tech manufacturers.

What makes this approach particularly promising is that Viasat uses a licensed, dedicated satellite spectrum to deliver its D2D services. This avoids any interference with existing terrestrial networks, allowing smooth integration with mobile network operators in the future.

The demonstration clearly showed the potential of D2D technology to bridge connectivity gaps in remote regions while opening up opportunities for innovation, improved safety, sustainability, and efficiency.