Samsung introduced a new flagship phone with a vintage feature, a flip open screen. Reaching back to before mobile phones were smart, flipping open a feature mobile was common from brands Ericsson and Motorola. The Korean giant has the new supped up Galaxy Z Flip 5 smartphone entering the Android arena.
Flip Side Full Screen
What I liked: The sharp screen and a quick, responsive interface with smooth movement got my attention. Camera is good, and built designed with a tripod for face time conversations.
What I did not like: Folded hinge, my thought, when would it break? The Flip feels awkward, bulky in the pocket.
Hinge Screen Details and Interface
Priced at 1.299 euros, Samsung is positioning their latest device at the hight end segment while targeting young or millennial consumers.
While foldable phones sales have grown in recent years despite, slowing sales in the smartphone field, the design character falls short of originality and personal expression.
I had limited time to play with the Galaxy Z Flip 5. This quick review is based on limited interaction.
Stay tuned for IFA 2023 technology news and reviews.
Once upon time there was a major American department store named “Sears”. The Chicago based chain covered the retail landscape coast to coast from big cities to small towns offering everything from toys, clothes and household goods. What made Sears special? The once mighty retailer had Craftsman tools and Kenmore appliances. Those two labels had a reputation of durability and quality. So well made, they came with life warranties and repairs. The process was easy, a buyer could take a tool back or call for a hassle free, at times no charge, service repair covered by the warranty. Modern appliance companies could take a cue from this vintage customer service template.
Sears Appliances
As the world shifts to pressing concerns and priorities, from AI, geo-political forces, energy shortages, supply chain disruptions, environmental concerns and Inflation Living Crisis, new models will have to develop.
Will the consumer appliances embrace the circular economy? What about Technologies Planned Obsolescence model? The Innovation Media Briefing for IFA 2023 came together to discuss upcoming trends in technology and consumer appliances. Will the consumer appliance brands embrace the circular economy? What about technologies Planned Obsolescence model? One of the major topics, developing a repairing and service economy for electronic goods. The EU is in the process of passing a right to repair laws, giving consumers a claim to repair electronic goods with access to spare parts.
As the consumers want more goods with a sustainable footprint, the buy now and throw away model is coming under scrutiny. When was the last time anyone had a display repaired? High cost and lack of repair professionals make it easier to buy another. Should I wait for a repairman when it would take me under fifteen minutes to work to electronic store? There are more barriers to fixing tech devices; companies control their supplies and services training.
Are buyers willing to spend money on the latest gadget during these times? Doubtful, in Berlin we face high energy bills this winter. More buyers are delaying unnecessary purchase in face of increasing basic living costs, keeping their old tech longer.
The technology industry after years of soaring above the clouds is dropping back to Earth in 2023, however, they are finding the world is a disparate place.
Is this gadget a new way to communicate with life or a gimmick? Spatial computing or Virtual Reality has been the element of sci-fi films. Can Apple make us want to wear headgear indoors? Vision Pro will have built in a tech cult following. The 2D and 3D makes compelling interaction. Conference calls and connected team work may never be the same. The Cupertino California company has thrown in a lot new technology in this experience based gadget, filing over 5000 patents. Retail price $3500.
The down sides of this technology are: 1. Weight 2.Display 3.Fatigue
The FIFA World Cup starts this weekend. If you have deep pockets and want the ultimate viewing experience check out the new displays from Loewe. The historic German brand just released a series of televisions just in time for the global sports event. The razor thin ICONIC display is a technical marvel at 7999 euros.
More from the InnoTrans 2022 event of mobility and transportation. The move to digital experience has accelerated. The trend of big companies and governments embracing start ups and smaller companies to help solve key problems facing transportation. One Berlin based start up is teaming up with DBahn for a car hailing service as part of monthly metro pass.
Autonomous automobiles were talked about, but I am not convinced. Right now this technology is in its infancy with many questions.
As I have written, I am in favour of anything that can get me around a city in less time.
VDL bus (Below) set the tone of a Star Trek Spaceship. Captain Picard could be at the helm.
VDL
Star Trek Interior
EM Card Charging Station
Train Motor
Soon, there will be more charging stations on the streets. I liked the Digital screen and minimal look of EM Card.
CalTrans LA
LA is getting a monorail
Traveling Los Angeles could get easier in the future with these two modes of transportation.
Skoda showed off a long train. I am sure there is enough space for all during rush hour. A Spanish tech company Zeleros told me their hyper loop concept will be operation in 2030.
Skoda Tram Train
Hyper loop Car
New Paris Metro Stock from CAF
Berlin Seat
Oliva Torras mock up of the Milan Metro Interior
Zipping around Paris for fashion Week will be easier on this rolling stock. Berlin Seating interior. I know this Milan Metro Line 1 interior all too well, during Milan Fashion Week it is my de-facto limo.
Connected and having a green thumb now go hand and hand. Growing food in 2022 has been made easier. At IFA 2022 there were many options.
House and counter top gardens trended this year in Berlin. Several start ups along with established white goods brands showed new in house gardens for bringing nature inside. The techniques went from hydroponics to recycled materials.
