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Google Drive adds JPEG option for scanned documents
Google has rolled out a new update for its Google Drive app, which brings a JPEG file format for scanned documents. Previously, users could only save their scans as PDFs but they can now enjoy JPEG format too.
With the updated version 2.24.x, Google Drive allows users to save scanned documents as JPEG files for Android devices. Users can select JPEG from the “Save to Drive” screen after taking and editing a photo.
The new option provides more flexibility in how users manage their scanned documents. Notably, The JPEG file format is highly convenient because it is universally supported and can be easily opened with standard applications on any device. This widespread compatibility makes JPEG a popular choice for images and photos.
The feature is being rolled out to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and personal Google account holders. However, it is not yet available for Google Drive on iOS devices.
Aside from this, Google Sheets has also added a new “Convert to table” suggestion feature, which is powered by Gemini AI. This feature helps users convert their data into well-formatted tables with enhanced data types. Users can preview the table format before making the conversion.
These new features make it easier for users to manage and organize their documents and data. You can check and install the update through the Google Play Store.
Wear OS 5.1 could be based on Android 15, testing already in progress
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Samsung rushes to secure US CHIPS subsidies before Trump takes office
Samsung is rushing to secure its $6.4 billion subsidies under the US CHIPS Act. After Intel and TSMC, the Biden-led outgoing government finalized subsidies for a US-based firm, Micron.
On December 10, the US Department of Commerce announced that it would provide Micron with $6.165 billion in subsidies, the same amount as stated in the preliminary PMT signed in April.
Micron plans to use these subsidies to build semiconductor plants in New York and Idaho.
Samsung had agreed to invest $44 billion and receive $6.4 billion in subsidies. Meanwhile, Samsung and SK Hynix remain the only major companies yet to finalize their subsidy agreements.
Reports say South Korea’s Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are in final negotiations with the US government to secure subsidies under the CHIPS and Science Act before Trump takes office.
Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo previously stated that the goal is to allocate all subsidies before the end of this administration.
During his election campaigns, Donald Trump criticized the CHIPS subsidies introduced by Joe Biden. As Trump’s presidency nears, there’s a risk of cancellation of subsidies and increased tariffs.
Samsung plans to use the subsidy to build a semiconductor plant in Taylor, Texas. This foundry plant is expected to begin producing 2nm and 4nm products in 2026.
The foundry plant Samsung is building in the US relies heavily on securing customers. Given the current situation, it might not be easy to proceed with the investment as planned.
There is a possibility that the subsidies might decrease slightly from the one initially offered to Samsung. Intel has also agreed to receive $600 million less in subsidies than initially planned.
Via – Reuters
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Samsung gathers executives to plan Galaxy S25 strategy for 2025
Samsung will hold this year’s second Global Strategy Meeting next week. Samsung is reportedly gathering executives to plan the Galaxy S25 series strategy for 2025 as well as risk management to seamlessly function all activities.
According to Chosun, Samsung may hold a Global Strategy Meeting from December 17 to 19, where plans for the Galaxy S25 series and risk management are said to be discussed.
The institutional sector for Samsung’s DX Division will hold a global strategy meeting on the 17th and 18th, while the institutional sector for the DS Division will meet on the 19th.
This isn’t a surprise meeting Samsung is preparing for, but it takes place every June and December. The timeline for these meetings aligns with the prior flagship launch to prepare a strategy.
Samsung will be gathering top global executives to share issues by business and regional categories. The meeting will discuss next year’s business goals and sales strategies for the upcoming flagships.
Han Jong-hee, head of the DX institutional sector (Vice Chairman), and Jeon Young-hyun, head of the DS institutional sector (Vice Chairman), are expected to lead the meetings.
Jay Y. Lee, Samsung Elec’s boss and chairman of the board, is unlikely to attend the meetings in person but will receive reports on business strategies later.
South Korea has recently witnessed a sudden martial law implication and quick revocation. It puts a sharp burden on Korean manufacturers as the currency is weakening over the USD.
Samsung will launch Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra early next year. The prices of these devices may be hiked due to increased exchange rates, resulting in additional material costs.
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Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra wins Smartphone of the Year at NAG 2024
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is recognized as the Smartphone of the Year at the NAG Awards 2024. The company’s flagship smartphone has scored this achievement given the best in gaming and hardware in South Africa.
NAG recognized the incredible performance, versatility, and innovation of the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which left a significant mark in 2024 in both gaming and content creation—ultimately making it Smartphone of the Year.
While the S24 Ultra secured the number one spot, Samsung had another device also making a great showing in the top five with the Galaxy Z Fold 6 coming in at fourth place.
Earlier this year, Samsung launched the Galaxy S24 Ultra smartphone. The device unleashed new mobile experiences with Galaxy AI, paving the way for a new era.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra is undoubtedly a magnificent smartphone, which gives users everything they need to create content, manage NAG editorial, and play mobile games at 120fps.
“Congratulations on a well-deserved NAG Mobile Device of the Year 2024 award. The S24 Ultra is a phenomenal gaming device that we use daily for our gaming fix in the NAG office. Additionally, we have shot many of the NAG videos this year using the S24 Ultra. It is that good,” Len Nery, Publisher at NAG magazine.
With its exceptional performance, stunning display, and powerful Galaxy AI features and capabilities, Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra has cemented its status as one of the leading mobile devices globally and South African market.
“We are honoured to receive the Smartphone of the Year award for the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. It’s a testament to our commitment to delivering high-performance devices that elevate user experience. We knew at the beginning of 2024 that the Galaxy S24 Ultra was going to be a game-changer for creators, gamers, and professionals alike with its AI-driven features, and we’re thrilled to see its success acknowledged by the NAG community,” Kgomotso Mosiane, Head of Marketing for Mobile eXperience at Samsung Electronics.