Technology

Samsung Unpacked: Major Reveals to Expect While You Celebrate the New Year!

2024-12-28

Author: Wei Ling

Galaxy S25 Series and the Exciting Future of Wearables

Reports suggest that the highly-anticipated Galaxy S25 series will officially debut at the Unpacked event, and leaks indicate that this new lineup will feature the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, designed to perform AI tasks directly on the device. This enhancement promises improved speed and security for users. Following the announcement, the new phone series is expected to hit store shelves as early as February 7, meaning fans won’t have to wait long to get their hands on it. Interestingly, accessory manufacturers are already taking pre-orders for Galaxy S25 cases, hinting at a confident launch.

In addition to the Galaxy S25, chatter around Samsung's wearable technology is heating up. There are strong indications that the long-rumored Galaxy Ring will also be making its debut, with reports suggesting larger sizes may be a highlight of the event. Furthermore, whispers have surfaced about the Galaxy Ring 2 possibly making its first appearance, providing a glimpse into Samsung's advancing smart health technology.

One UI 7: Innovations and Restrictions

Samsung is also making waves with its software updates. A beta version of One UI 7 has been discovered for the Galaxy S24, revealing intriguing features reminiscent of Apple’s Continuity Camera. However, excitement has been dampened by a concerning rumor: reports now suggest that older Galaxy devices, including the predecessor S23, may not receive the One UI 7 beta. This exclusivity could disappoint long-time Samsung users who were hoping to experience the newest interface features.

OnePlus Enters the Mid-Range Market

Meanwhile, OnePlus has stealthily made waves by launching the OnePlus 13R, known as the Ace 5 in China. This mid-range model is packed with impressive specs such as a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and an enormous 6,415mAh battery. Although currently available only in China, the phone signals the brand’s intent to capture mid-range markets with robust performance, with plans to release it internationally in early 2025.

Google Faces Regulatory Challenges

On the regulatory front, Google is navigating turbulent waters as the Japanese Fair Trade Commission has accused the tech giant of violating local laws concerning its Chrome browser. This adds to the growing number of legal hurdles Google is facing worldwide, including allegations of monopolistic practices in the U.S. The company’s responses appear strategically soft; however, the outcomes remain uncertain as courts deliberate on proposed changes that may dictate the future operations of this powerhouse.

Data Issues Arise for Pixel Users

Lastly, Google has uncovered some unfortunate bugs following its December Pixel Feature Drop. Users across Reddit are reporting data connectivity issues, noting that their devices frequently display an exclamation mark as the signal indicator after installation of the update. While restarting devices momentarily restores functionality, the recurring nature of this bug has become a source of irritation for many.

Conclusion

Stay tuned as we continue to track all the latest developments in mobile technology, and gear up for what promises to be an electrifying January with Samsung’s Unpacked event on the horizon!