Samsungs first big launch of 2025 is right around the corner. Galaxy Unpacked is confirmed for January 22 at 1PM ET in San Jose, CA, where Samsungs Next Big Thing (to borrow a 14-year-old marketing slogan) will be revealed. What exactly will be on tap? Well, apart from a few sure bets and some likely leaks, only those sworn to a blood oath under an NDA know for certain. But here are the most likely products and features well see. Spoilers: There will be phones.Galaxy S25, S25+ and S25 UltraGalaxy S24 UltraSam Rutherford for EngadgetMuch like Apple reveals its latest iPhones at its first fall event, Samsung typically launches its mainline Galaxy S flagships at its first Unpacked shindig of the year. You can bet the farm that there will be Galaxy S25 phones at this event. And given Samsungs recent trend of launching three tiers of flagships standard, Plus and Ultra you can bet well see that again. (Samsung could technically change the brand names, but the three-layered lineup is practically guaranteed.) Theres even an FCC certification (first spotted by 91Mobiles) to dispel any doubts.The degree of certainty falls sharply once we dig into the phones features. A subtle redesign with rounded corners, flatter edges and thinner bezels appears likely based on a leaked video posted to Reddit and images from reputable tipster Ice Universe. But this isnt expected to be the generation where Samsungs hiring of a former Mercedes-Benz designer will lead to drastic aesthetic changes.Android Headlines also posted plenty of pictures of the purported Galaxy S25, S25+ and S25 Ultra that confirm the relatively minor redesign. The site also claims the screen size for the Galaxy S25 and S25+ are unchanged from last year at 6.2 and 6.7 inches, respectively. The Ultra gets an ever-so-slightly bigger display at 6.9 inches.QualcommAt least in the US, the phone is practically guaranteed to use Qualcomms Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, which the chip-maker revealed in October. (Qualcomm even listed Samsung among the companies launching devices with that processor in the coming weeks.) Like just about every flagship processor these days, the Snapdragon 8 Elite is built for on-device generative AI, which aligns with Samsungs Galaxy AI blitz in recent models.We dont know whether the company will split its S25 processors between Snapdragon (US and other markets) and Exynos (everywhere else), but Ice Universe has claimed it will be all Snapdragon this generation. That would be a good thing, given whats often a glaring performance and battery life disparity favoring Qualcomm. There would be precedence, too: although the vast majority of Galaxy S generations have had different processors regionally, the S23 had the same "Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy" chip globally.Samsung is rumored to stick with last-generation OLED displays (made with M13 organic materials) instead of the brighter and more efficient M14 OLED panels used in the iPhone 16 Pro and Google Pixel 9. Logic suggests Samsung would want its best homemade screen in its best phones especially when its competitors are already using it. But it could stick with the cheaper panels to keep the bill of materials down. Perhaps it calculated that better displays dont make for better generative AI (the obsession of nearly every tech company right now), while the latest Qualcomm chip does.Speaking of AI, expect Samsung to devote a perhaps agonizingly long portion of the event to generative AI features. The hit-or-miss DigiTimes reported last month that the Galaxy S25 series will include an AI Agent that provides personalized clothing suggestions and transport information. What that would look like in practice is anyones guess, but Im not sure I want to know.SamsungThe phones will run Samsungs One UI 7 on top of Android 15. We know this because Samsung said in October that its user experience (based on Android 15) will launch on the next Galaxy S flagships. Its already available in beta for Galaxy S24 phones. Samsung has said that One UI 7 will be its "first integrated AI platform." It added that Galaxy phones "will become true AI companions" that are able to understand natural language derived from speech, images and text.On the camera front, Ice Universe claims (via Android Headlines) its confirmed that only the ultra-wide sensor will see an upgrade in the Galaxy S25 Ultra to 50MP from 12MP in last years model. The leaker says the S25 Ultra will stick with a 200MP main sensor, 10MP 3x zoom and 50MP 5x zoom.Galaxy S24 UltraSam Rutherford for EngadgetSamsung will add the Qi2 wireless charging standard to its new flagships and that comes straight from the horses (aka, the Wireless Power Consortiums) mouth. However, leaker chunvn8888 (aka yawn) says Samsungs phones wont have built-in magnets for Qi2s native MagSafe in everything but name charging. Given that's the main benefit of Qi2, this would be disappointing news. Instead, the leaker says Samsung will sell a first-party case with a Qi2 magnetic ring to enable that. (Gotta move those accessories, baby!) Is it really Qi2 if you need a case?Rumors have buzzed about an alleged Galaxy S25 Slim with a you guessed it slimmer design joining the trio at some point this year. Thats something Apple is also rumored to be working on. However, given the FCC certifications only appear to cover the familiar trio of flagships, that phone (if its in the pipeline at all) may not arrive until later in the year.Galaxy Ring 2, Samsung XR and AR glassesGalaxy RingSam Rutherford for EngadgetDigiTimes reported in December that Samsung would show off (or maybe just tease) the Galaxy Ring 2 and augmented reality (AR) glasses during its January Unpacked event.The Taiwanese publication says the Galaxy Ring 2 will add two more sizes to the nine from the original model, which only launched in July. The second-gen wearable health tracker is said to add new AI features (surprise!) and updated sensors for more accurate measurements. The Galaxy Ring 2 is also rumored to last longer than the current models maximum of seven days.GoogleDigiTimes also claims Samsungs AR glasses which the company has confirmed its working on will look like regular prescription glasses and weigh around 50g. It says the futuristic glasses would use Googles Gemini AI, which aligns with what we already know about Samsungs partnership with Google and Qualcomm on Android XR. But given the lack of supply chain rumors surrounding the glasses, its likely that any mention at the event would amount to little more than a teaser, a la its grand reveal of... a stinkin render for the first Galaxy Ring at Unpacked 2024.We also know Samsung is co-developing an Android XR (extended reality) headset codenamed Project Moohan alongside Google and Qualcomm. The lightweight and ergonomically designed headset will have a state-of-the-art display, passthrough video and natural multi-modal input. Googles renderings show a wearable reminiscent of Apples $3,500 Vision Pro.Project MoohanGoogle / SamsungSince Google only recently began offering a developer kit and API for the platform, any glimpse of it at Unpacked wouldnt likely include an imminent release or deep dive into its hardware.Engadget will have full coverage of Samsungs first Unpacked event of 2025. More to come on January 22!Update, January 13 2025, 12:58PM ET: This story has been updated with purported images and more details on the Galaxy S25, S25+ and S25 Ultra from Android Headlines.Update, January 14 2025, 3:20PM ET: This story has been updated with some more information about One UI 7.Update, January 17 2025, 12:45PM ET: This story has been updated with more details on the Galaxy S25's processor and the history of processors in the Galaxy S series.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/samsung-galaxy-s25-unpacked-2025-event-what-to-expect-on-january-22-202024350.html?src=rss

The Apple Mac mini (M4) is undoubtedly one of the best mini PCs available, but recent issues with its USB-C ports have left users frustrated.

Bumble founder Whitney Wolfe Herd is returning to the company as CEO in mid-March.

BUF has released the VFX breakdown for Le Comte de Monte-Cristo, demonstrating how they helped in the creation of this masterpiece. The movie that has managed to attract more than 9 million viewers boasts breath-taking visuals to complement its amazing storyline. As a matter of fact, it is nominated in the Best Visual Effects category in the Digital Creation Genie Awards and is eligible for the Csar Ceremony in all its categories. The breakdown highlights the mastery of BUF in creating immersive cinematic experiences for this timeless tale.The post Le Comte de Monte-Cristo VFX Breakdown by BUF VFX appeared first on Vfxexpress.

Today, the United States Supreme Court announced its ruling to uphold the TikTok ban. The ruling means that on Sunday, January 19, Apple, Google, and other tech companies will be liable for heavy fines if they continue to host the app on their respective app stores.But conventional wisdom says the ruling will also benefit American social media giants, most notably Meta Platforms, which owns Facebook and Instagram. Yet shares in Meta (Nasdaq: META) and Snap Inc (NYSE: SNAP), parent company of Snapchat, have dropped in the wake of the SCOTUS ruling, suggesting the companies may not see the dividends some expected them to see from the TikTok ban. Here are two likely reasons why.The TikTok ban still may not happenThe SCOTUS ruling definitely isnt doing TikTok or its owner, ByteDance, any favors. But its not the final nail in the coffin for TikToks American operations yetdespite the company saying the platform will go dark in America this weekend if the ban is upheld.Thats because Washington lawmakers have been scrambling in recent days to try to undo, or at least delay, their own law. As Politico reported before the SCOTUS ruling, Democrats, who widely supported and passed the ban, have been trying to allow TikTok a reprieve.However, those plans were seemingly squashed shortly after, as Politicos reporting indicates that the president doesnt have the authority to grant an extension.Still, Bidens White House has also suggested that it will not enforce the ban, which means companies like Apple and Google wouldnt be held liable for the massive fines the TikTok ban law authorizes for companies that host the app.This would leave it to the incoming Trump administration, which takes over on Monday, to either enforce the ban, keep it unenforced, or find another solution to keep TikTok alive in the United States. President-elect Donald Trump has said he is open to keeping TikTok going in the U.S.All this means that just because the ban has now been upheld by the Supreme Court, it doesnt necessarily mean that TikTok is going away in the United States, which means there may not be a flood of additional users to American social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat.Many TikTok fans have eschewed Meta anywayBut even if TikTok is banned and does go dark in America, many of TikToks most loyal users may still be unwilling to jump ship to American platforms, particularly those owned by Meta.Instead, American TikTok users who call themselves TikTok refugees have begun fleeing to an alternate social media app in recent daysand one owned by another Chinese company. That apps Chinese name is Xiaohongshu, but its known as RedNote in America. The app has seen as many as three million Americans join it in recent daysboth as a middle finger to U.S. lawmakers and because American users blame Meta for stirring up anti-TikTok sentiment among lawmakers.META and SNAP shares fallAs of the time of this writing, META shares are currently down about half a percent in Friday tradinghardly the direction one would expect if the TikTok ban were to benefit Facebook and Instagram.Snapchat owner Snaps share price is down even more, currently falling over 2.8%. However, Snaps stock price fall seems more connected to a complaint that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is set to refer to the Department of Justice. According to Reuters, the complaint alleges that Snaps AI chatbot may harm young users. Snap has countered that the complaint is based on inaccuracies and does not identify any specific harm. Still, if the incoming administration does delay the TikTok ban, or even if it is upheld but users dont flee to Metas or Snaps platforms, neither company may benefit from TikToks demise as they likely once hoped.

Construction has begun on the 70-storey Okan Tower skyscraper in Miamiby architecture studio Behar Font & Partners, which will contain a hotel, apartments and offices.Located in Downtown Miami, Okan Tower will be 902-feet high (274 metres) when completed, the latest in a group of skyscrapers currently under construction in the city.Construction has begun on Okan TowerRenders of the project show a narrow building with an arched cap. White structural supports outline the building on either side, while a variety of terraces cover the facades.According to Flordia-based architecture studio Behar Font & Partners, the tower's design was informed by the silhouette of a Tulip, the national flower of Turkey and home base of Okan Group.Read: Over 30 skyscrapers sinking into ground on Miami barrier islands"The 70-story ultra-modern skyscraper is an architectural gem and among the tallest buildings south of New York," said developer Okan Group."It is recognized for its fluted sculptured accents and crown."The building will contain a hotel, residences and officesThe tower will contain a 316-room Hilton hotel, 64,000 square feet (5,945 square metres) of office space, and 163 residences on its top floors.Amenities will include "one the world's tallest rooftop pools", located within the building's curved top, a wine lounge and a spa area.Interior renders show a palette dominated by white, with light oak cabinetry and stone countertops and floors.A palette of white walls, light wood furnishings and stone floors is pictured in interior renderings"Okan Tower is the dramatic centrepiece of the Downtown Miami skyline," said the team."From here, the entire city seems to revolve around you. For those fortunate enough to call this place home, it actually does."As of now, construction has reached the 12th floor of the 70-storey project, while its 290,000-square-foot parking podium is completed.The project is slated for 2027 completion.Elsewhere in Miami, Aston Martin and Argentinian architecture studio Bodas Mian Anger completed a skyscraper, while Kengo Kuma and Associates unveiled designs for its first residential tower in the US.The images are courtesy of Okan GroupThe post "Ultra-modern" skyscraper by Behar Font & Partners under construction in Miami appeared first on Dezeen.

Here's what we looked at this week:Dremel's new Blueprint Multi-Drill is designed with innovative features that consumers can use. AI-designed footwear is here, with a new "influencer" business model.Industrial design case study: Modern Weave 3.0, by KEM Studio, is an experimental furniture design incorporating rope.Gimmicky furniture design strikes again: A multi-position chair lands $780K-plus on Kickstarter.Combo furniture: LG adds a projector and speaker to a floor lamp.Outside-the-box thinking: The Adaptchula, an adaptive spatula.Unusual architectural product: A door within a door, designed for behavioral health facilities.An elaborate climbing-desk filing system from the 1930s.ToughBuilt' innovatively-designed tool bags feature great UX and high build quality.berleben's Stker is a minimalist flatpack camping stove.Aalto University has made the Nokia Design Archive available online.An extreme forever object: A 20-pound stainless steel drinking mug, which is killing it on Kickstarter.Icon is 3D printing 100 houses for the homeless at the Community First! Village in central Texas.Ill-advised UI design research: Controlling apps with your feet, as you walk.HEYtrace+ is infinitely reusable tracing paper made out of silicone.Industrial design case study: DesignStein Studios tackles a DC fast charger for EVs.

PROS: Innovative material with a unique aesthetic Slim profile and lightweight Massive 6,000mAh batteryCONS: No wireless charging Underwelming 8MP ultra-wide cameraRATINGS:AESTHETICSERGONOMICSPERFORMANCESUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITYVALUE FOR MONEYEDITOR'S QUOTE:With a competitive price tag and a unique aesthetic flavor, the realm 14 Pro+ offers exceptional value, blending luxurious style and high-end features thats typically reserved for more expensive models.In an ever-evolving smartphone market, Realme has carved out a niche for itself by offering cutting-edge technology at accessible price points, primarily targeting young users who crave high-performance devices without the premium cost. Known for its bold design philosophy and focus on youth-centric innovation, Realme continues to push boundaries with the launch of the Realme 14 series.Positioned as the brands mid-range camera phone, realmes number series has enjoyed collaborations with renowned designers like Matteo Menotto (realme 11 Pro series) and Olliver Saveo (realme 12 Pro series), to name a few. As the first release in the reimagined realme Number Series, realme teamed up with acclaimed Nordic industrial design studio Valeur Designers to showcase a sleek, modern aesthetic, embodying Realmes dedication to seamlessly blending style with performance.The Realme 14 Pro+ packs a punch with its high-refresh-rate AMOLED display, powerful chipset, and advanced camera capabilities, making it a strong contender in the mid-range smartphone segment. In this review, well dive deeper into how the Realme 14 Pro+ balances performance, design, and value to meet the needs of its tech-driven audience.Designer: realmeAestheticsRealme has emphasized design as a key element of its brand identity, and the realme 14 Pro+ exemplifies this focus. The device stands out in the smartphone market, largely due to its collaboration with the Nordic industrial design studio, Valeur Designers. This partnership led to the development of the Pearl Design, which draws inspiration from marine life.One of the standout features of the device is its back panel, which introduces a world-first cold-sensitive color-changing technology. Using thermochromic pigments, the panel responds to temperature fluctuations, shifting from a soft pearl white to a vibrant blue when the temperature drops below 16C (60.8F).As the temperature rises above this threshold, the color gradually returns to its original pearl white. Over time, the color-changing effect will naturally fade with regular use realme estimates this process to take around 12 months. While some may view this as a limitation, it adds a layer of organic, even human-like quality to the device.In a conversation with Torsten, the lead designer at Valeur Design, during an interview in Copenhagen, he shared an intriguing perspective. He pointed out how odd it is that we spend so much of our day interacting with our phones often more than with actual people yet the devices themselves remain largely static and unchanging, and almost lifeless.In contrast, the realme 14 Pro+ offers a dynamic, evolving aspect that feels warmer and more connected to us. Instead of being a static object, the phone evolves with its user, responding to environmental changes in a way that mirrors the dynamic, ever-changing nature of human experience. This shift in design philosophy provides a more intimate, almost living quality to the device, making it feel less like a tool and more like a companion that grows alongside us.The 14 Pro+ is available in two color variants: Pearl White and Suede Grey. While both options offer a clean, modern aesthetic, the Pearl White version stands out with its unique color-changing back panel. Additionally, the Pearl White variant is finished with a shell-like texture, enhanced with organic seashell powder for a distinctive tactile feel. For those who prefer a more understated design, the Suede Grey variant provides a minimalist look with a soft, vegan suede leather finish that offers both a refined appearance and a smooth, luxurious touch.ErgonomicsThe realme 14 Pro+ stands out for its thoughtful ergonomic design, with Valeur Designers and realme paying close attention to comfort, making it easy to use for extended periods. One of the key features contributing to this is its quad-curved back cover, which is carefully shaped to fit naturally in the palm. This design not only enhances the phones aesthetics but also improves overall comfort, especially during prolonged use.At just 7.99 mm thick, the 14 Pro+ is noticeably slimmer than its predecessor, the realme 13 Pro+, which measures 8.41 mm. This reduction in thickness, combined with a well-distributed weight, ensures the phone feels light yet substantial, striking a balanced mix of portability and premium quality.The Pearl White variant of the 14 Pro+ measures 163.51 x 77.34 x 7.99 mm and weighs 194 grams, providing a lightweight feel that still feels durable. The Suede Grey variant, slightly thicker at 8.29 mm and weighing 196 grams, adds a tactile layer of luxury with its vegan suede leather finish, enhancing its overall premium appearance and texture.The realme 14 Pro+ combines comfort, usability, and style. Its slim build and carefully designed ergonomic features make it a pleasure to handle, whether youre browsing, gaming, or using it for day-to-day tasks, all while providing a premium feel in hand.PerformanceThe realme 14 Pro+ is not just a visual marvel; it also excels in delivering class-leading performance that caters to both everyday users and tech enthusiasts. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset, it offers smooth multitasking and responsive performance across apps, work tasks, and entertainment. It runs realme UI 6.0 based on Android 15 out of the box. To keep things cool during extended use, the handset features a 6,000mm 3D Vapor Chamber Cooling System, the largest in its class, which helps manage heat during intensive activities like gaming.The 14 Pro+ is equipped with a 6,000mAh battery, enhanced by realmes Flex Pack technology, offering 15% more capacity and up to 20% longer battery life than its predecessor, according to Realme. Combined with 80W wired fast charging, it ensures reliable all-day use and quick power recovery.The device has a 6.83-inch AMOLED display with a 1.5K resolution (2800 x 1272) and a 120Hz refresh rate, providing clear and smooth visuals. With a peak brightness of 1500 nits, it performs well even in bright environments. The 14 Pro+ features a symmetrical quad-curved design, adding to its sleek look. Additionally, it incorporates 3840 PWM ultra-high-frequency dimming technology to reduce flicker and minimize eye strain during extended use.Main, 1xMain, 1xMain, 1x, Night ModeFor imaging, the realme 14 Pro+ brings incremental improvements in hardware. The primary camera is a 50MP Sony IMX 896 sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), featuring a 1/1.56-inch sensor and an f/1.8 aperture. Alongside it is a 50MP Sony IMX 882 OIS periscope camera, with a 1/1.95-inch sensor and f/2.65 aperture, offering 3X optical zoom, 6X in-sensor zoom, and up to 120X digital zoom. The ultra-wide camera is an 8MP sensor with a 112-degree field of view and f/2.2 aperture. For selfies, the front camera boasts a 32MP Sony sensor with an f/2.0 aperture.Ultrawide, 0.6xMain, 1xMain, 2xIn good lighting, both the main and telephoto cameras capture sharp, vibrant photos with a good dynamic range. Exposure is generally well-balanced, though they can struggle with motion, particularly in low-light conditions.Telephoto, 3xTelephoto, 6xTelephoto, 10xThe MagicGlow Triple Flash is designed for night portraits, allowing you to adjust the lights color temperature to capture more natural skin tones in challenging lighting conditions. Video capabilities include 4K 30FPS recording on both front and rear cameras, with slo-mo options at 1080p 120FPS or 720p 240FPS for the rear camera.With Fill Light (Left), Without Fill Light (Right)SustainabilityThe realme 14 Pro+ integrates sustainability into its design, using fusion fiber for the back cover, made from 95% eco-friendly materials. This biodegradable material reduces environmental impact while being energy-efficient. With IP68, IP69, and IP65 ratings for dust and water resistance, along with TV Rheinland Rugged Smartphone Certification, the device is built for durability. This robust construction extends its lifespan, reducing the need for replacements and helping minimize electronic waste.ValueThe realme 14 Pro+ starts from approximately $325 USD for the 8GB/128GB variant. The 14 Pro+ positions itself as a strong contender in the mid-range smartphone market, offering a compelling mix of performance, design, and sustainability at a competitive price point. The device offers a combination of high-end features, a symmetrical quad-curved display, a 120Hz AMOLED display, a periscope telephoto camera, a large VC cooling system, a 6,000mAh battery, all packed into a sleek, ergonomic design.VerdictThe realme 14 Pro+ is a standout in the mid-range smartphone segment, delivering a blend of innovative design, robust performance, and sustainability. Its collaboration with Valeur Designers has resulted in a device that not only looks and feels premium but also offers a unique, dynamic aesthetic with its color-changing back panel. This feature, alongside the ergonomic quad-curved design, makes it a joy to handle and a conversation starter.Priced competitively at around $325 USD, the device offers exceptional value, blending high-end features typically reserved for more expensive models. It is an excellent choice for those seeking a stylish, high-performance device that aligns with modern sustainability values without breaking the bank.The realme 14 Pro+ is a compelling option for young, tech-driven users who desire a device that combines cutting-edge technology, innovative design, and environmental responsibility. It successfully balances style, functionality, and value, making it a worthy contender in the crowded smartphone market.The post Realme 14 Pro+ Review: A Mid-Range Wonder with Style and An Affordable Price first appeared on Yanko Design.

Pre-orders aren't live just yet but you can still prepare to beat the queues with retailers like Best Buy.

The Meta CEO is abandoning his commitment to the truth in favor of a Trump-style playbook.