Samsung Unpacked 2020 is only a couple of days away, but that won't dissuade Samsung from teasing and previewing the heck out of what's expected to be its big Galaxy Note 20 launch. We're already readying ourselves for a five device flood on August 5, as per Samsung's own mobile division chief, but now the company is wheeling in some celebrities too.
One of the most eagerly-anticipated new electric cars has been scratched from the US launch roadmap, it's reported, with the Kia Soul EV apparently no longer coming to America. Announced in late 2018 alongside the third-generation Soul update, the 2020 Soul EV had already missed its original launch date for the US market. That, it seems, was only a precursor to worse news.
Ford is reportedly readying a Bronco pickup, aiming to capitalize on the warm response to the new SUV and slap the old name on a different body-style. Unveiled earlier this month after literally years of speculation, the new Bronco will launch in two-door and four-door SUV form next year, as a 2021 model year vehicle.
The demands of smartphone upgraders vary, but one request is generally consistent across the board: more battery life from their new phone. Making handsets that last longer, even under intensive loads such as computational photography and mobile gaming, is a key part of each generation of device. For the upcoming iPhone 12 Pro, though, Apple looks to be taking a fairly obvious step, though not necessarily an easy one.
Samsung has five new devices for Galaxy Unpacked 2020, the company's new mobile communications chief has confirmed, cranking up the speculation ahead of the August event. Announced earlier in the month, Unpacked 2020 is expected to focus on the new Galaxy Note 20, the latest iteration of Samsung's pen-enabled phablet. However there's been plenty of discussion about what else could come along to the virtual show.
Samsung's new foldable smartphone is back on the agenda for Samsung Unpacked 2020 in August, and a leaked image of the handset gives us even more of an idea of what to expect. Successor to the original Galaxy Fold of 2019, the troubled launch of which nonetheless failed to dim enthusiasm - either of consumers or Samsung - to foldable displays, the new Galaxy Z Fold 2 is expected to bring several improvements.
All eyes may have been on the new Bronco this week, but Ford's other big truck news of late, the Mustang Mach-E, seems intent on stealing back the limelight. Announced last year, the electric crossover heads to dealerships later in 2020, though the feistiest Mustang Mach-E GT won't arrive until next year. There may, though, be something even more excessive than that, waiting in the wings.
Samsung may not be quite ready to show us the new Galaxy Note 20, but that hasn't stopped the upcoming phablet flagship from already breaking cover as it wriggles its way through regulators. Expected to be the headline at Unpacked 2020 - the virtual launch being held on August 5 - all signs are pointing to a rapid release for the Note 20 after that.
Apple's smart glasses lenses have reportedly gone into trial production, as one of the key components for its upcoming AR products apparently makes it past the prototype stage. Based on technology expected to be used first in an augmented reality headset, and then a pair of sunglasses-style Apple Glasses, the lenses will presumably allow apps to project digital graphics into the wearer's line of sight.
Apple may have confirmed it's working on its own processors, but exactly which will be the first Macs to use Apple Silicon remains a source of speculation. Announced at WWDC 2020, Apple's homegrown Arm-based chips will begin to show up in Macs by the end of the year, the company promised; now, analysts are wading in with their instincts on which models will come first.
Audi put together its Artemis team to shake up how high-tech electric vehicles are developed, and the first example of that in action is tipped to be a lavish flagship fit to take on the best of Mercedes, BMW, and other high-end brands. Announced back in May, Artemis is Audi's experiment at EV fast-tracking, bypassing the current vehicle development process to create "a pioneering model."
Apple is planning to change how it builds its wireless earbuds, a shift that could make a big difference to AirPods 3 which are expected to arrive in 2021. The design shakeup could see the new AirPods borrow features from their more expensive AirPods Pro siblings, as well as embrace a different aesthetic for the first time since the entry-level 'buds were launched.