Latest Tech Gadgets new phones are always a popular announcement. But for tech enthusiasts, wildcards are the real excitement. Last year, Amazon announced an Astro robot, and a security drone. But these products are not available to the general public, only to those who have been invited to try them.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4
The Galaxy Z Fold 4 is a foldable smartphone that will run Android 12L. But it has a 6.2-inch display and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection for scratches. Because it also has an Armour Aluminium frame, which makes it waterproof. It will be the first foldable phone to run Android 12L.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 will ship with One UI 4.1.1 based on Android 12L. It will support Android 13 at some point in the future, which could be sometime in 2023. It will also feature 25W fast wired charging, which means that it can charge from 0% to 50% in 30 minutes with a compatible 25W wall adapter.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 is expected to come with a 7.6-inch internal display and a 6.2-inch outer display with 120Hz refresh rate. It will also feature a fingerprint sensor that can be easily accessed when the phone is folded. The fingerprint sensor will also double as the power button.
The leak also suggests that the Z Fold 4’s camera could be similar to the Galaxy S22. The leak claims that the device could have a 50-megapixel main camera and a 12-megapixel ultrawide sensor. A 10-megapixel telephoto lens could also be included in the foldable phone. The battery size is expected to be 4,400mAh.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 is expected to be the most advanced foldable smartphone to date. Its capabilities combine the latest technology and the company’s mobile expertise to deliver an exceptional experience. It can be used in the Flex mode or opened and is more durable than its predecessors. It will also be the first phone to run Android 12L, a custom version of Android specifically designed for large-screen experiences.
Apple AR/VR headset
A recent report from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests the company may have decided to postpone the release date of its next AR/VR headset by two years. The report also claims that Apple will host a media event in January 2023 to discuss the company’s plans for the device. Two to four weeks after the event, the company will release development toolkits, and then it would be time for pre-orders. The company could even unveil the product at WWDC in June 2023.
The headset is rumored to cost $2,000, putting it firmly in the consumer’s category. Despite the large price tag, Apple believes the first device will be a game changer. The company initially planned to introduce the headset at its June 2022 conference, but it was postponed after overheating and content issues.
Apple also recently filed a patent for gesture controls that could be used on the headset. Two Apple Watches could be used to manipulate the headset as if they were a mouse and trackpad. While this is still a hypothetical concept, Apple has not fully embraced gaming with other devices, and it’s likely that it won’t do so with its next headset.
Apple’s first headset will likely be very large, similar to Facebook’s Oculus Quest virtual reality headset. While the Oculus Quest doesn’t require a computer to use, it’s too large for most people to comfortably wear. Users are literally transported to another world.
The company is also believed to be working on a second-generation AR/VR headset. A second-generation headset is expected to launch early next year, with a lower-cost version launching later.
Meta Quest Pro
With a battery positioned at the back, the Meta Quest Pro is more than just a VR headset. It also includes inward-facing sensors for eye tracking and facial expressions. This will help users in-game mimic their avatars’ movements and improve their social presence.
With the advancement of VR technology, more people will be able to experience the benefits of this device. Unlike older models that were bulky and unwieldy, the Meta Quest Pro will be slim and sleek. This should make it more comfortable to use for extended periods of time.
The headset will also have advanced sensor technology to provide more realistic and believable 3D effects. It will include face and eye tracking, which raises privacy concerns. The headset will be stand-alone, but will also connect to PCs and phones. Its early design mockups suggest a more compact form factor, but the larger battery will probably add more weight. The new headset will also feature new features such as pancake lenses. These lenses can reduce the distance needed to create convincing 3D effects.
The company hasn’t revealed the price of the Quest Pro. But rumors and speculation have suggested that it will cost around $800. The Quest Pro will come with “pro-level” features. Those who are looking to upgrade their VR experience will want to buy the Pro version.
LG micro-OLED display panels for Apple’s AR/VR headset
LG Display is prepping to supply the inner panel of Apple’s upcoming AR/VR headset with MicroOLED display panels. According to a new report, the company will purchase deposition equipment from Sunic System for the production of microLED panels for the Apple headset.
MicroLEDs can offer higher pixel densities, which will be crucial in next-generation AR/VR headsets. The resolution required for next-generation VR systems will be significantly higher than current OLEDs. This means MicroLEDs will become a more competitive alternative.
MicroOLED panels, which are OLEDs mounted onto silicon substrates, are expected to be used in future virtual, mixed, and augmented reality devices. Sony is currently the primary supplier of micro-OLED display panels for its PlayStation VR headset. However, the technology is expected to be used in other headsets in the future.
Apple has a history of using OLEDoS panels in its smartphones and is expected to use the technology in its next mixed reality headset. In 2023, Apple is expected to release the first mixed reality headset with OLEDoS on silicon. Although OLED on silicon has been around for several years, MicroOLED panels are a revolutionary advancement in mobile electronics.
Despite Samsung and Meta having largely shunned the Micro-OLED panel market due to their lack of profitability, both companies are rushing to supply the AR/VR headset market with these panels. The new AR/VR headsets will require high-resolution displays, and Samsung and LG are preparing to supply them to Apple.
Although Apple has yet to reveal the design of its new AR/VR headset, it has been rumored that it will feature separate screens for the internal and external display systems. The internal display will be made of OLED on silicon (micro-OLED), while the external “indicator” display will be made of standard OLED.