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Samsung launches exclusive Hershey-inspired mobile accessories
Samsung is launching a new mobile accessory line called ‘Samsung Friends’ on July 29. These Samsung accessories feature designs inspired by Hershey’s chocolate packaging. They are available in Korea, the US, Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
The freshly launched Hershey-themed accessories include cases for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, Galaxy Z Flip 6, Galaxy Buds 3 series, and straps for the Galaxy Watch 7.
In addition, Samsung is also hosting a pop-up store, “Hershey Flip Tour,” at Samsung Gangnam from July 29 to August 11. Customers can customize their mobile cases using Hershey packaging materials and enjoy special Hershey chocolate-themed drinks.
Furthermore, Samsung has teamed up with Slash B Slash and XPlus to offer 51 Samsung Friends accessories featuring characters like Disney, Smiley, Sticky Monster Lab, Joguman, and Keith Haring. More accessories with characters such as Tom and Jerry and Harry Potter will be released later.
Customers can buy Samsung Friends accessories at Samsung Gangnam, Samsung.com, and the SlashbySlash online store.
Jongmoo Lee, head of Samsung Electronics’ Future Generation Lab said:
“ Samsung Electronics is working with various partners at home and abroad to provide diverse mobile experiences that suit customers’ tastes. We will continue to plan diverse accessories that reflect eco-friendly values and innovative technologies to expand customers’ product usage experiences.”
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Apple to beat Samsung with early 2nm TSMC chip adoption
Apple outpaced Samsung in the adoption of a 3nm chipset last year. It looks like Apple will beat Samsung in the 2nm TSMC chip next year. A new report suggests that next year’s iPhone Pro series will boast a 2nm chipset.
Taiwan’s Commercial Times reports that TSMC’s 2nm process is set to begin design work between January and April next year. Apple will be the first 2nm TSMC customer, beating Qualcomm which supplies Snapdragon chips to Samsung.
Currently, the most advanced process is 3nm, which both TSMC and Samsung Electronics are capable of producing. As the width of semiconductor circuit lines narrows, power efficiency improves, and performance increases.
Last heard, TSMC’s 2nm test production yield exceeded 60%, making mass production feasible next year. The current progress of the 2nm process technology suggests that mass production will proceed as planned in 2025.
Being the world’s leading contract chip manufacturing company, TSMC is solidifying its dominance. It continues to expand its global market share, outpacing Samsung Foundry while making steady progress in advanced processes.
The Chairman of Taiwan’s TSMC recently stated that the customer demand for 2nm products is higher than for 3nm. The industry consensus is that TSMC will continue to lead in cutting-edge processes for the time being.
TrendForce recently reported that TSMC generated $23.527 billion in foundry market revenue in the third quarter of this year, marking a 13% increase from the previous quarter.
The company’s market share reached 64.9%, maintaining its first-place position and improving from the previous quarter’s 62.3%, with the gap with Samsung Foundry continuing to widen.
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Samsung to release Smart XR Glasses in 2025: Here’s when you can buy it
Samsung is aiming to enter the ready-to-grow XR market next year. The company has been preparing to commercialize its product for two years. A new report talks about the possible launch and release timeline for Samsung XR Glasses.
South Korea Economic Daily sources revealed that Samsung is aiming to release its Smart XR Glasses in the third quarter of 2025. The company is planning to bring about 50,000 units of XR Glasses for the third and fourth quarters.
The Korean tech giant will challenge Apple’s Vision Pro by entering the XR market. The report says that the company has named this project “Moohan” (meaning “infinite”) and is accelerating its preparations for commercialization.
Rather than a headset, Samsung is said to be developing AR Glasses. It will be significantly cheaper than Apple’s Vision Pro headset. The glasses’ form factor will also push sales thanks to the affordability and portability of the device.
Recently, it was reported that Samsung’s Mobile division will showcase the Galaxy XR prototype during the Galaxy S25 launch. It would be a similar strategy that the company followed with its first Galaxy Ring this year.
An industry insider commented, “With the market yet to fully open, it remains to be seen what kind of innovation Samsung will bring to the table.”
MarketsandMarkets earlier reported that the XR market could grow from $31.3 billion in 2022 to $111.5 billion in 2028. The growth potential is significant as consumer demand for new and convenient IT platforms evolves alongside advancements in AI.
Apple has already entered this market by unveiling its Vision Pro in February this year. However, the field remains highly challenging to penetrate, as seen with LG Electronics halting its XR project with Meta due to technological difficulties.
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PSA: Samsung’s Android 15 One UI 7 Beta Program is Now Official
Samsung has finally launched the Android 15-based One UI 7 Beta Program. The official announcement was made on December 5. The activity is initially available for the Galaxy S24, S24 Plus, and S24 Ultra in seven.
One UI 7 introduces radical interface tweaks, fresh new UI components, rich graphics, plenty of new features, and a lot more. The new software also uplevels the security system of your Galaxy smartphone to keep data safe.
What’s New in One UI 7?
Samsung’s Android 15-based One UI 7 Beta Program delivers a glimpse into a revolutionary smartphone experience powered by cutting-edge Galaxy AI features, enhanced personalization, and an overhauled interface.
One UI 7 integrates advanced AI agents and multimodal capabilities across the interface, enabling seamless and natural interactions.
Key AI enhancements include:
Writing Assist Tools: Users can now boost productivity with integrated AI-powered tools that summarize content, check grammar and spelling, and format notes into bullet points—all without switching between applications.
Call Transcriptions: Calls recorded on Samsung Galaxy devices running the latest One UI 7 can now be transcribed automatically, supporting 20 languages, offering a convenient solution for multitasking professionals.
One UI 7 introduces a streamlined design language centered around simplicity and user engagement.
Now Bar:
- Accessible directly from the lock screen, this feature offers instant access to activities like Interpreter, Music, Recording, and Stopwatch.
- Reduces the need to unlock the device frequently, transforming the lock screen experience.
Simplified Customization:
- Redesigned widgets and lock screens allow users to personalize their devices effortlessly.
- Enhanced control over every detail ensures a more intuitive and cohesive experience.
Refreshed Camera UX:
- Reorganized controls make advanced settings easier to access.
- Pro and Pro Video modes now feature a simplified manual settings layout and a new zoom control for smoother transitions during video recording.
Availability and Rollout
The One UI 7 beta program is now available for Galaxy S24 series users in Germany, India, Korea, Poland, the UK, and the US, starting December 5.
The official release of One UI 7 will begin in Q1 2025 with the next-generation Galaxy S series devices. Over time, it will expand to other Galaxy devices, reflecting Samsung’s commitment to extended OS upgrades.