TECH

Minimal Phone 2: first look reveals an OLED display, improved QWERTY keyboard, and 5G support

The Minimal Phone 2 has appeared in an official teaser video that shows off its new design and a couple of features. The compact phone still sports a QWERTY keyboard but now has an OLED display and an aluminum body.

In 2024, Minimal Company announced the Minimal Phone as its first smartphone. Powered by Android and featuring an E Ink display and a QWERTY keyboard, it was described as a smartphone that helped minimize distractions by focusing only on the essentials. Now, the company is back with a successor that will be released as the Minimal Phone 2, and while it shares some features with the first gen model, it also has new ones.

Our first official look at the device comes via a YouTube video that shows what the phone looks like. The Minimal Phone 2 has been redesigned and is said to be smaller than its predecessor. Available in two colors, it still has a physical QWERTY keyboard, albeit an improved one according to the manufacturer. However, it swaps the E Ink display for an OLED panel.

This is a surprise as the E Ink display of the first gen made it easy to not waste time doomscrolling or watching YouTube shorts. Although the E Ink display also had its own issues as a couple of reviews complained about the frequent screen ghosting. Nevertheless, with an OLED display, users should have a much better experience but it also means they can now watch videos, play games, and spend time scrolling on Instagram, thus increasing the time you spend on your phone.

The Minimal Phone 2 also has its front-facing camera above the display rather than at the bottom below the Alt button on the Minimal Phone 1. The phone still has a single rear camera with an LED flash and also features an aluminum body. There are no specifications yet, so it is impossible to say whether the cameras have been upgraded, although that seems very likely.

The video shows the Minimal Phone 2 has ditched the audio jack. It also has its SIM tray on the right side now while the volume buttons are on the left. The phone also has a switch at the top of the frame whose function is unknown. Minimal has also revealed that the phone has support for 5G which means there's a new processor under the hood. The software is also reported to have been improved for a faster experience.

More details of the Minimal Phone 2 are expected to be released later today. So we should know what other new features it will be packing and how it compares to other phones with a QWERTY keyboard such as the Zinwa Q27, the Unihertz Titan 2 Elite, and the Clicks Communicator.

 

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SONY

Leak reveals first clues about the Sony Xperia 1 IX

The Sony Xperia 1 VIII was only released in June, and already the first signs of life from the next-generation Xperia flagship have emerged. The Sony Xperia 1 IX is apparently already in the works, and Sony does not seem to be planning to turn its back on the smartphone market, at least for the time being.

The Sony Xperia 1 VIII was released in June, almost exactly one year after the Xperia 1 VII. Now, Sony has apparently already begun developing the Sony Xperia 1 IX, as the Japanese magazine S-Max was able to identify three model numbers in the GSMA’s IMEI database that follow the usual pattern of model numbers for the Sony Xperia 1 series.

The variant with the model number "XQ-H44" is said to support only eSIM and be intended for the Japanese market. The version with the model number "XQ-HH54" is reportedly intended for Europe. And the variant with the model number "XQ-HH74" is set to launch in the rest of the world. The first "H" stands for the model year 2027, and the "4" at the end confirms that the smartphone is compatible with an eSIM. These internal model numbers are listed alongside the model designations PM-1545-BV, PM-1540-BV, and PM-1541-BV.

As The Walkman Blog notes, the Sony Xperia 1 VIII was listed in the IMEI database in November 2025, while the Xperia 1 VII was listed in October 2024. However, the fact that the Xperia 1 IX was added to the mobile network database earlier does not necessarily mean that Sony is planning an earlier launch. Nevertheless, this leak shows that Sony is planning a next-generation Xperia flagship and does not intend to follow the example of LG or OnePlus by exiting the smartphone market. The DRAM crisis is likely to lead to another price increase, however, when the Xperia 1 IX hits the market next year.

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TECH

Quake celebrates 30 years with a free expansion and the revival of a cancelled DLC

Quake's 30th anniversary is here, and to celebrate MachineGames has released a new Dawn of the Machine expansion, which includes a full 19-map campaign with an original soundtrack and new Deathmatch map. Dawn of the Machine is meant to serve as a celebration of Quake's history, even with small details like diegetic difficulty selection still being present at the beginning of the game. New enemy variants and a linear structure drive Dawn of the Machine, though, which breaks from MachineGames' past hub-based expansion design.

Compared to the original Quake, Dawn of the Machine also flaunts some Quake 2 graphical features, namely colored light maps, which the original Quake did not have. Each level has a brand-new skybox, and impressions so far indicate that Dawn of the Machine's environments are just as intensely moody.

Available today as a free update for Quake on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4, Dawn of the Machine features a full 19-map campaign accompanied by a brand-new soundtrack and Deathmatch map. 

Dawn of the Machine is a celebration of Quake’s history and influence on the developers at MachineGames and id Software. Following the team’s work on Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: The Order of Giants DLC, Lead Level Designer Andrew Yoder at MachineGames approached the studio’s Game Director Jerk Gusfafsson about an expansion for Quake. Gustafsson, Yoder and the rest of the team that worked on similar projects – dubbed internally as Quake Club – set forth three major goals for what would become Dawn of the Machine.

First and foremost, of course, was celebrating Quake’s 30th anniversary. “We wanted to create something that felt authentic to the spirit of the original game: Horror! Action! Madness!” says Yoder. As such, players will face deadly twists on familiar entries from Quake bestiary such as the Rocket Ogre, Demo Dog, and Blood Shambler, rising to the challenge with new weapon variants like ricochet-blasting Laser Cannon and the lightning-infused Super Axe for classic, fast-paced Quake carnage.

The second goal the team pursued was giving veteran Quake players a new experience. Previous Quake episodes released by MachineGames alongside id Software, such as Call of the Machine and Dimension of the Machine, featured a traditional hub structure which reset the player’s progression between major areas. Instead, Dawn of the Machine has players battle through a continuous episode with continuous progression, which according to Yoder provided the team with “a challenge, requiring much more coordination and iteration to create.”

To set the stage for its design, Dawn of the Machine has players back in the boots of Quake’s battle-hardened protagonist Ranger as he escapes an illusory dimension where time folds back onto itself. As the looping cycle of time progresses, so too will players as they discover ways to break the loop, uncover upgrades to their health and ammunition supplies and eventually take down The Nightmare Machine, the source of Ranger’s planar prison. “Nothing you see can be trusted,” says Yoder, “but there is a path to break through the illusion, defeat the schemes of the outer gods and escape.”

To access Dawn of the Machine, you will need to be on the current release of Quake, aka the 2021 Nightdive Studios version of the 1996 id Software classic. The game is currently on sale on Steam for 60% off, making it only $3.99, or $11.18 to get the entire Quake series before August 13th. The current Doom + Doom II release, which features a free extra episode with MachineGames-developed content as well, is also just $3.99 right now.

Besides the Nightdive Studios Quake port on Steam and PC Game Pass, the console ports of Quake will also be receiving Dawn of the Machine as a free update. Nobody who owns the current release is being left out of the festivities, thanks to the efforts of id Software, MachineGames, and Nightdive alike. Even the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One console versions will have access to the 19 new maps, and campaigns like Dawn of the Machine can also be played in cross-platform co-op.

 

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TECH

Starlink plans to enter the US mobile market, unsettling major carriers

SpaceX has detailed new plans to transform Starlink Mobile into a hybrid solution that combines its satellite network with its own terrestrial infrastructure. This strategy could place Elon Musk’s company in direct competition with the largest mobile carriers in the United States.

According to statements by President Gwynne Shotwell, cited by PCMag, the company intends to build the terrestrial infrastructure needed to turn the service into a true mobile offering, complementing satellite capacity with ground-based hardware and systems.

The executive explained that SpaceX could keep costs low by using the same equipment that supports Starlink antennas, allowing for the installation of small base stations on existing structures. In doing so, it aims to create a nationwide network of mini mobile base stations without requiring massive investment in low-band spectrum prior to the system's rollout.

The technical approach avoids traditional large cell towers in favor of distributed femtocells. Engineers plan to mount these small cellular base stations directly onto the gear that holds standard SpaceX Starlink broadband dishes. CEO Elon Musk noted that this decentralized configuration provides clear sightlines to ground-based cellphones. The system leverages the existing roof mounts on homes and businesses across the country. Musk anticipates this ubiquitous deployment will deliver higher bandwidth than currently available from traditional cellular providers.

Entering the telecommunications space puts SpaceX in direct conflict with legacy wireless giants. The domestic mobile market generates an estimated $600 billion annually. AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile currently dominate this highly lucrative telecommunications sector. Shotwell expressed absolute confidence in acquiring a massive segment of their customer base by offering a vastly superior standalone product. The upcoming infrastructure upgrades the existing direct-to-device feature known as Starlink Mobile. This legacy service currently acts as a supplementary layer for major carriers by providing basic text messaging and emergency data strictly in rural cellular dead zones.

The enhanced communications network will operate as a hybrid system integrating new terrestrial hardware with next-generation Starlink V2 satellites. These advanced orbital units will begin launching next year to provide the massive bandwidth capacity required for continuous nationwide coverage. Shotwell indicated the upgraded system will perform significantly better than the current low-bandwidth safety net offering. This aggressive shift from a supplementary rural coverage tool to a primary cellular carrier marks a massive strategic pivot for the corporation. Executives view this hybrid connectivity model as the next logical step to capture a dominant market position in consumer telecommunications.

Starlink Mobile already operates in partnership with T-Mobile using over 600 first-generation satellites, providing connectivity in areas lacking traditional coverage. However, SpaceX is preparing for a significant expansion with a constellation of 15,000 V2 satellites—promising 5G-like speeds of around 150 Mbps per user—with launches scheduled for next year and service expected to begin in late 2027.

Although the company has stated it intends to collaborate with mobile carriers, there are signs it might also sell the service directly to consumers, positioning itself as a potential fourth major carrier in the US market. Regulatory filings with the FCC indicate that SpaceX could deploy terrestrial systems in the country, creating a hybrid network after acquiring spectrum from EchoStar.

SpaceX’s ambitions had an immediate impact on Wall Street. Shares of Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile fell between 2.2% and 4% after the company revealed plans to build out terrestrial mobile services, signaling that investors view the initiative as a potential threat to the dominance of traditional carriers. Reuters reports that SpaceX acquired 65 MHz of spectrum licenses from EchoStar for $19.6 billion, securing the frequencies needed to expand Starlink into full mobile services.

Gwynne Shotwell emphasized that the company expects to win over many customers from the three major carriers, stating that the service will be superior and eliminate coverage gaps by leveraging its orbiting satellite network.

Despite the enthusiasm, analysts warn that transforming Starlink into a national mobile carrier will require years of investment and execution. The three largest U.S. carriers have invested hundreds of billions of dollars over three decades in spectrum licenses, network construction and upgrades, and strategies to attract and retain customers—advantages that would be difficult to match quickly.

Craig Moffett of MoffettNathanson stated that, without an MVNO agreement to guarantee basic coverage, it is extremely difficult to envision Starlink competing directly with carrier services in the next five years. This is because an MVNO relies on leased capacity from an existing network.

Other analysts suggest that acquiring a smaller carrier or assets—including spectrum, towers, and customers—would be the fastest route for SpaceX, similar to its purchase from EchoStar. However, they consider it unlikely that carriers would lease capacity to an emerging competitor. SpaceX claims to have “fresh ideas” for efficiently building out mobile infrastructure, avoiding the need to replicate what terrestrial carriers have developed over 30 years using far more spectrum than the 65 MHz the company currently holds.

Some investors believe the market may be underestimating SpaceX’s disruptive potential, highlighting its capacity for innovation as a factor that could put pressure on traditional carriers. The existing partnership with T-Mobile demonstrates that SpaceX can already complement terrestrial networks by providing direct connectivity to compatible smartphones outside standard mobile coverage areas, acting as an extension of the carrier's network rather than a direct competitor at this stage.

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TECH

Sungkyunkwan University undergrad researcher develops drone ai identification semiconductor tech

Sungkyunkwan University announced that Doyeon Kim, an undergraduate researcher in the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering (Advised by Professor Wansu Lim), has published a paper in a world-renowned academic journal. The research focuses on implementing drone Artificial Intelligence (AI) identification technology through low-power semiconductors. This study is drawing significant attention as it can dramatically improve the battery efficiency of systems that monitor unauthorized drones in real-time within military and industrial environments.

With the widespread use of drones globally in recent years, the technology to accurately detect and identify unauthorized drones has become crucial. Previously, AI technology was utilized to detect drones, but it suffered from a major drawback: it required an immense amount of computer calculations and consumed a vast amount of electricity. For this reason, it was highly challenging to directly embed AI into small, battery-powered surveillance devices or mobile equipment.

To solve this problem, Sungkyunkwan University student Doyeon Kim developed a new AI system named 'UAV-NAS.' Instead of the conventional method where humans manually design the internal structure of AI, this technology allows the computer to autonomously find the 'leanest and most efficient AI architecture' that can best analyze drone signals.

The research team designed this newly discovered AI to fit perfectly into a custom semiconductor chip (FPGA) that consumes very little power, and then conducted experiments. As a result, they succeeded in highly accurately identifying the types and flight status of drones in the sky while reducing power consumption by 88.7% compared to running the AI on a standard computer component (CPU). Because it operates intelligently while using very little electricity, it opens the door to monitoring drones 24/7 without worrying about battery life in outdoor or industrial fields.

Overall framework of the proposed technology. Radio (I/Q) signals from drones are fed into a neural architecture search (NAS) process that automatically designs a lightweight AI model, which is then deployed on a low-power FPGA chip for real-time drone identification(Credit: D. Y. Kim, J. Kang, C. -H. Lee and W. Lim, "UAV-NAS: UAV Identification on FPGAs via Neural Architecture Search)

This achievement was built upon the solid foundation laid by Doyeon Kim, who has consistently researched the semiconductor (FPGA) field in the university laboratory since his junior year. Notably, he was selected for an internship at 'Rebellions,' a leading AI semiconductor startup in South Korea, and never stopped his efforts to merge academic research at the university with practical experience in the corporate field. This study, which achieved the fruitful result of publishing in a world-renowned journal while excellently balancing undergraduate research and a corporate internship, is evaluated as a prime exemplary case demonstrating the global talent cultivation and 'Student Success' values pursued by Sungkyunkwan University.

Doyeon Kim, who led the research, will graduate with his bachelor's degree this August. Starting this coming September, he will pursue his Ph.D. program at the prestigious Purdue University in the United States on a full scholarship to continue his in-depth research on semiconductors and artificial intelligence.

Professor Wansu Lim of Sungkyunkwan University, the advising professor, said, "The achievement of student Doyeon Kim, who independently led world-class research and proved his practical competence externally since his undergraduate days, is a great pride of our university." He added, "We will continue to provide full support and educational environments so that future science talents, including middle and high school students, can freely pursue their dreams and leap onto the global stage at Sungkyunkwan University."

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TECH

Samsung’s new foldables arrive at up to R$19,400, revealing AI-era inflation; see prices

On Thursday (6), Samsung announced pricing for its new line of foldable phones, including the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold 8, and Galaxy Z Flip 8. As expected, the devices arrived with higher price tags, reflecting the global shortage of memory chips caused by the boom in artificial intelligence infrastructure. The models are already available for purchase in stores and online.

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra—the direct successor to the Fold 7—launched at R$ 19,400 for the version with 1 TB of storage and 16 GB of RAM, a 16.9% increase. The 512 GB version of the Flip saw the steepest hike at 17.4%, rising from R$ 9,200 in 2025 to R$ 10,800 this year. During this period, the IPCA inflation rate was 4.64%. Meanwhile, the new "passport-style" Fold—which has no direct predecessor for comparison—arrived with prices ranging from R$ 12,600 to R$ 14,200(Currency of Brazil).

At the July launch, dollar-based prices saw even sharper markups. Almost all screen and memory configurations saw a US$ 100 increase, with the exception of the Fold 8 Ultra, which rose by US$ 200 for the 1 TB version. Between 2024 and 2025, the Flip line saw no price hikes, whereas the Fold line was already experiencing increases ranging from US$ 100 to US$ 240. Over the last two years, the largest proportional increases affected the models requiring the most memory. The 1 TB Galaxy Fold (with 16 GB of memory) became 19.5% more expensive, while the Flip (with 12 GB) rose by 14.8%. Renato Citrini, senior product manager at Samsung Brazil, told *O Globo* how Brazilian production and retail partnerships were crucial in managing how costs were passed on to consumers:

— Memory costs have an impact, but we can't simply pass the cost on based on a mathematical calculation, or we risk losing customers. We have to make adjustments here and there. Partnerships with carriers and retailers are key to keeping the final price as low as possible.

At launch, the tech giant ran a promotion allowing customers to double their storage capacity for half the price. Through carrier partnerships, devices can be discounted further when bundled with service plans, while retailers are offering installment plans ranging from 10 to 36 months. Until September 6, Samsung is also offering up to R$ 3,000 for other Samsung phones traded in through its exchange program.

Despite being one of the world's largest memory manufacturers, Samsung has been passing cost increases on to consumers—and it is not alone. In June, Apple raised prices on its computers and tablets, with hikes ranging from 6% to 29% for Macs and up to 36% for iPads.

This inflationary pressure stems from the artificial intelligence (AI) boom, which has driven up demand for RAM and NAND memory chips. According to the consultancy TechInsights, component prices have quadrupled over the past year and are expected to keep rising. Earlier this year, PC manufacturers operating in Brazil spoke to *O Globo* about the difficulty of sourcing components; at the time, one executive predicted a market shortage of notebooks.

— The memory crisis is affecting the smartphone market in a dramatic and unprecedented way. The average selling price is expected to rise by 20.3% this year. Memory manufacturers prefer supplying AI data centers, which offer higher profit margins. Samsung and Apple have the margin to absorb some of the additional costs without losing sales, unlike brands that sell lower-priced smartphones. Consumers with less purchasing power are the ones most affected. "The moral of the story is that the world is undergoing a technological revolution driven by artificial intelligence, but we are already paying the price before we’ve even reaped the benefits," says Francisco Jeronimo, Vice President of Data and Analytics at the consultancy IDC.

This year, Micron, SK Hynix, and Samsung—three of the world's largest memory manufacturers—surpassed a combined market value of $1 trillion, driven by significant revenue growth resulting from the appetite for these components among companies like Meta, Google, and Amazon. In the most recent quarter, Samsung reported a 250-fold increase in profit for its chip division and stated that the memory shortage is expected to worsen by 2027.

During the announcement, Daniel Araujo, a vice president at the Korean giant, stated that rising memory prices are creating an "exceptionally challenging" environment for mobile device operations.

"We see no signs of a return to pre-AI-boom pricing. It is a highly volatile time that is impacting electronics across the board. The automotive market is feeling the impact, too. For upcoming product launches, we are already incorporating LPDDR5 RAM—which is more expensive—because DDR4 memory is being phased out. So, we have to be prepared to ensure there is no disruption in product supply," says Citrini.

New form factor...The latest addition to Samsung's foldable family is the new "standard" Fold 8, featuring a form factor reminiscent of a passport. It sports a 5.5-inch screen when closed and a 7.6-inch display when unfolded. The Fold 8 features a more modest camera setup, with two rear lenses and a resolution of up to 50 megapixels—whereas the Ultra model boasts a triple-lens array and 200 MP resolution, matching the Galaxy S26. Both models come with a 10 MP front-facing camera.

The Ultra version also offers up to 1 TB of internal storage, while the standard version tops out at 512 GB. Both models feature a titanium frame, which makes the display crease less visible. For the first time, all three smartphones utilize silicon-carbon battery technology, allowing for lighter devices with longer battery life—the new Fold weighs just 201 grams. By comparison, the iPhone 17 Pro, which lacks a foldable screen, weighs 206 grams.

"We believe the new model could help boost sales. It serves as an option for those who found the Ultra too large and the Flip too small. The new Fold is positioned as a device for heavy content consumers, while the Ultra is geared more toward productivity. The 4:3 aspect ratio is what people are most accustomed to," says Citrini.

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SAMSUNG

Samsung Galaxy S26 FE appears in three colors in allegedly official images

Allegedly official promotional images show the Samsung Galaxy S26 FE in detail. The next-generation Fan Edition is shown in three colors and is already listed in a description on the Samsung Galaxy Store, suggesting that the launch is imminent.

The successor to the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is already in the starting blocks. Like its predecessor, this premium mid-range smartphone could be officially unveiled in early September. Android Headlines has now reportedly published the first official product images, offering the best look yet at the Galaxy S26 FE.

As expected, the design has hardly changed; the biggest difference is that the three rear cameras are no longer housed individually within the body but are part of a pill-shaped camera module. As before, the bottom bezel is slightly wider than the bezels on the other three sides, and the flat metal frame is always silver, although the back is available in green, blue, or black.

Meanwhile, Samsung has already listed the Galaxy S26 FE by name in the latest version of the Camera Assistant app in the Galaxy Store. Following the countless leaks of the past few weeks, Samsung’s software team apparently no longer feels the need to keep the upcoming launch of this mid-range smartphone a secret.

The design may follow the look of the Galaxy S26 series...The Galaxy S26 FE is expected to adopt an appearance similar to that of the other models in the Galaxy S26 family. An image linked to the device's registration with the Wireless Power Consortium shows three rear cameras grouped within a single vertical module positioned in the top-left corner. This change distinguishes the model from the Galaxy S25 FE, which features separate lenses placed directly on the back panel.

The phone is also expected to retain the more refined build typical of the Fan Edition line, featuring a flat aluminum frame and glass on both the front and back. The device is expected to continue offering IP68 water and dust resistance, although these details have not yet been confirmed by Samsung.

Despite the change to the camera module, the overall shape is unlikely to undergo major alterations. The Galaxy S26 FE may remain larger than the Galaxy S26 Plus, even while sharing a screen size close to 6.7 inches—a recurring characteristic of FE models. Straight edges and rounded corners are also expected to remain. Some leaks also point to color options including graphite, aqua green, and a third shade somewhere between blue and purple. Samsung has not yet confirmed the device's finishes, dimensions, or weight.

The Samsung Galaxy S26 FE is also expected to feature few significant changes in terms of specifications. Although Samsung is likely to use a new Exynos ARM chip, the smartphone is expected to feature, as before, a 6.7-inch AMOLED display, a 4,900 mAh battery with 45-watt fast charging, a 12 MP selfie camera, a 50 MP f/1.8 main camera, a 12 MP f/2.2 ultra-wide-angle camera, and an 8 MP telephoto camera with a tiny 1/4.4-inch sensor.

According to the tipster, Samsung is preparing to launch at least seven products: the Galaxy S26 FE, Galaxy A18 5G, Galaxy A18 4G, Galaxy A08 5G, Galaxy A08 4G, Galaxy Tab S12 Plus, and Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra.

Below are the potential launch dates and timeframes:

Galaxy S26 FE: September 4, 2026;

Galaxy A08 4G/5G: October 2026;

Galaxy Tab S12 Series: October 7, 2026;

Galaxy A18 4G/5G: January or February 2027.

Considering the launch dates of their predecessors and Samsung's annual update cycle, these dates and timeframes make sense. However, none of this has been confirmed by the company, so take this information with a grain of salt.

There have already been several leaks regarding these devices. The Galaxy S26 FE, for instance, recently appeared in the FCC database, revealing details about its processor. Additionally, the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra was spotted on Geekbench a few days ago, equipped with the powerful Dimensity 9500. Finally, images of the Galaxy A18 have also leaked, revealing its potential design.

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