The Find N2 Flip marks Oppo’s push to make a dent in the premium segment of the smartphone market and in the nascent foldable phone category.

The Find N2 Flip, which was launched Wednesday, folds in the middle like a traditional flip phone and boasts two screens. The main continuous 6.8-inch display is visible when the device is open and can connect to next-generation 5G mobile networks. There is a second display on the outside of the phone when the device is folded, which Oppo touts as the “largest cover screen of its kind.”

The company said the phone can withstand more than 400,000 folds and unfolds at standard room temperature, which it equates to opening and closing the device around 100 times a day for more than 10 years.

The foldable phone category, which was pioneered by Samsung, is still in the early stages. Shipments of foldables accounted for only 1.1% of total smartphone shipments in 2022, according to IDC, and are expected to increase to just 2.8% in 2026.

“I think there’s this kind of tricky thing with foldables: they’re all lovely, everyone is excited by them, but do we really know how big the market is?” Ben Wood, chief of research at CCS Insight, told CNBC via phone.

“I’m positive about the foldable iPad in 2024 and expect this new model will boost shipments and improve the product mix,” Kuo wrote on Twitter.

Kuo’s prediction aligns with a report from analyst firm CCS Insight, which wrote in October that Apple would launch a foldable iPad before it launches a foldable iPhone.

Several other manufacturers, including Lenovo and Samsung, make laptops or phones with full-size foldable displays. Apple has so far shied away from taking advantage of OLED technology in the same way. Rival Samsung has released multiple foldable phones, but Apple has maintained the rectangular shape of the iPhone since its launch.

“Right now it doesn’t make sense for Apple to make a foldable iPhone. We think they will shun that trend and probably dip a toe in the water with a foldable iPad,” Ben Wood, chief of research at CCS Insight, told CNBC in a 2022 interview.

In 2021, Kuo had predicted the release of a foldable iPhone in 2024, the same year he now predicts a foldable iPad to launch instead.

Kuo said he expects a foldable iPad to feature a carbon fiber kickstand sourced from Chinese manufacturer Anjie Technology.

A representative for Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Kuo is one of the most prolific and respected Apple analysts. The analyst has predicted multiple details on the iPhone SE 3, the 2021 MacBook Pro, and numerous iPad releases that have been substantiated at launch. Most recently, Kuo predicted a delayed launch for Apple’s highly anticipated mixed reality headset.

Apple today introduced three advanced security features focused on protecting against threats to user data in the cloud, representing the next step in its ongoing effort to provide users with even stronger ways to protect their data. With iMessage Contact Key Verification, users can verify they are communicating only with whom they intend. With Security Keys for Apple ID, users have the choice to require a physical security key to sign in to their Apple ID account. And with Advanced Data Protection for iCloud, which uses end-to-end encryption to provide Apple’s highest level of cloud data security, users have the choice to further protect important iCloud data, including iCloud Backup, Photos, Notes, and more.
As threats to user data become increasingly sophisticated and complex, these new features join a suite of other protections that make Apple products the most secure on the market: from the security built directly into our custom chips with best-in-class device encryption and data protections, to features like Lockdown Mode, which offers an extreme, optional level of security for users such as journalists, human rights activists, and diplomats. Apple is committed to strengthening both device and cloud security, and to adding new protections over time.

“At Apple, we are unwavering in our commitment to provide our users with the best data security in the world. We constantly identify and mitigate emerging threats to their personal data on device and in the cloud,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering. “Our security teams work tirelessly to keep users’ data safe, and with iMessage Contact Key Verification, Security Keys, and Advanced Data Protection for iCloud, users will have three powerful new tools to further protect their most sensitive data and communications.”

iMessage Contact Key Verification

Apple pioneered the use of end-to-end encryption in consumer communication services with the launch of iMessage, so that messages could only be read by the sender and recipients. FaceTime has also used encryption since launch to keep conversations private and secure. Now with iMessage Contact Key Verification, users who face extraordinary digital threats — such as journalists, human rights activists, and members of government — can choose to further verify that they are messaging only with the people they intend. The vast majority of users will never be targeted by highly sophisticated cyberattacks, but the feature provides an important additional layer of security for those who might be. Conversations between users who have enabled iMessage Contact Key Verification receive automatic alerts if an exceptionally advanced adversary, such as a state-sponsored attacker, were ever to succeed breaching cloud servers and inserting their own device to eavesdrop on these encrypted communications. And for even higher security, iMessage Contact Key Verification users can compare a Contact Verification Code in person, on FaceTime, or through another secure call.

Security Keys

Advanced Data Protection for iCloud

For years, Apple has offered industry-leading data security on its devices with Data Protection, the sophisticated file encryption system built into iPhone, iPad, and Mac. “Apple makes the most secure mobile devices on the market. And now, we are building on that powerful foundation,” said Ivan Krstić, Apple’s head of Security Engineering and Architecture. “Advanced Data Protection is Apple’s highest level of cloud data security, giving users the choice to protect the vast majority of their most sensitive iCloud data with end-to-end encryption so that it can only be decrypted on their trusted devices.” For users who opt in, Advanced Data Protection keeps most iCloud data protected even in the case of a data breach in the cloud.

iCloud already protects 14 sensitive data categories using end-to-end encryption by default, including passwords in iCloud Keychain and Health data. For users who enable Advanced Data Protection, the total number of data categories protected using end-to-end encryption rises to 23, including iCloud Backup, Notes, and Photos. The only major iCloud data categories that are not covered are iCloud Mail, Contacts, and Calendar because of the need to interoperate with the global email, contacts, and calendar systems.

Enhanced security for users’ data in the cloud is more urgently needed than ever before, as demonstrated in a new summary of data breach research, “The Rising Threat to Consumer Data in the Cloud,” published today. Experts say the total number of data breaches more than tripled between 2013 and 2021, exposing 1.1 billion personal records across the globe in 2021 alone. Increasingly, companies across the technology industry are addressing this growing threat by implementing end-to-end encryption in their offerings.

Understanding this, Samsung Electronics puts huge amounts of effort and craftmanship into perfecting each component of its products, and incredible amounts of investment and attention are focused on even the smallest of aesthetic details. The latest results of such finetuning, Galaxy Z Flip4 and Galaxy Z Fold4, accordingly possess that core design value that can only come through such a process: being able to truly match users’ potential.

Streamlined to Perfection

Both Galaxy Z Flip4 and Galaxy Z Fold4 have gone through meticulous development stages in order to refine their design to the point of perfection.

Sleek and Balanced

In designing Galaxy Z Flip4 and Galaxy Z Fold4, Samsung focused wholly on the devices’ essence to provide unparalleled, immersive full-screen experiences. Straightened edges and slimmer hinges create neatly cut, flat and compact designs that offer a much more comfortable grip.

The screen ratio of the Galaxy Z Fold4 has also been optimized by factoring in the most important aspects of everyday use to balance usability, pocketability and immersive main screen experiences.

Polished and Refined

The rear glass screen of Samsung’s latest foldables has been designed to express colors with much more density while providing a natural yet sensuous feeling thanks to its haze processing. The glossy metallic finishing of the frames, meanwhile, harmonizes with the matte haze glass, contributing to the devices’ overall simple and concise form.

For Galaxy Z Flip4, Samsung’s designers included eye-catching metal décor to further emphasize the upgraded camera experience while maintaining a simple design that captures the seamless composition of the device’s Cover Screen and camera.

For Galaxy Z Fold4, the camera decoration and back glass come together to complete the device’s design, accentuating the horizontal layout of the device’s camera design.

A New Wave of Colors

In order to provide users with more aesthetic freedom when experiencing their devices, the devices in the new foldable lineup come in a range of stylish and energizing color swatches.

The series’ signature shade, Bora Purple, embodies the colorful heritage of the Galaxy series for the Galaxy Z Flip4, while the bright yet elegant Pink Gold shade serves as a more neutral choice. Also featured in this new shade range are a crisp and smooth Blue shade and a simple, inviting Graphite shade. The pastel tones of Galaxy Z Flip4’s color options bring both newness as well as familiarity to the device, while also reflecting the latest in color trends.

For Galaxy Z Fold4, users can choose from the elegant, nature-inspired Graygreen shade, the warm, neutral Beige shade and the iconic Phantom Black shade that embodies that original spirit of the Galaxy series. Each color swatch has been carefully blended for more profound and striking user experiences.

Unfolding New Possibilities

Crucial to the design of Galaxy Z Flip4 and Galaxy Z Fold4 are enhancements that advance the unique experience of these next-generation foldable.

One-Of-A-Kind Practicality

Galaxy Z Flip4’s Flex mode panel¹ mode panel now comes with a touchpad that supports a range of gestures, allowing users to navigate through their device more quickly and conveniently than ever before with such supported gestures as zooming in or out and flipping pages.

Furthermore, Galaxy Z Flip4’s Cover Screen provides even richer user experiences. More widgets, including Calendar, SmartThings Scene and Direct Call, are now supported on the Cover Screen, and a single swipe to the Cover Screen brings up a wide range of features on the Quick Settings screen including sound and brightness controls, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Airplane mode. Users can also reply to their messages directly from the Cover Screen using not only preset messages, but also the Speech-to-Text function and even emojis.

The process of taking selfies with the Cover Screen has also been enhanced to provide entirely new user experiences. Unlike previous models, wherein Quick shot would be deactivated when the device was unfolded, users can continue using their camera even when the device is unfolded to a certain angle, allowing for selfies taken at a variety of angles and perspectives. Users can also enjoy upgraded preview images on the Cover Screen that reflect the actual ratio of the photo, as well as Portrait Mode, for better selfie experiences even when on-the-go.

A Multi-Tasking Wonder

Galaxy Z Fold4’s Taskbar feature takes the productivity and efficiency offered by a big screen to the next level. The continued layout of the Taskbar from the Hotseat provides more visual consistency, and users can create a Taskbar with their most frequently-used apps to switch back and forth between them seamlessly. What’s more, with just one touch to the All Apps button on the far left of the Taskbar, users can enjoy instant access to all of their apps.

Galaxy Z Fold4 has also been designed to leverage every inch of its wide screen to provide truly efficient multi-tasking experiences. Users can quickly activate Multi-window using the drag-and-drop method, or save a favorite App Pair right on the Taskbar. Users can also create split screens using window handles or simple gestures,² or use Multi-window in a pop-up style for multifaceted multitasking that suits every user’s needs.

For more precise photo-taking experiences, zooming in 20x in Capture View mode with the Main Camera activates a larger zoom map on the left hand of the screen that shows a panoramic view of the image preview. Furthermore, when a user is activating the Cover Screen preview feature, they need simply press the selfie button on the upper left corner to enjoy full control of Galaxy Z Fold4’s camera right from the Cover Screen for even better selfie experiences.

Captivating Users Through Color With Bespoke

With Galaxy Z Flip4, users have more freedom than ever when customizing the design of their device. The expanded Galaxy Z Flip4 Bespoke Edition program includes five glossy glass shade options — Yellow, White, Navy, Khaki and Red — and three frame colors — Silver, Gold and Black — that users can mix and match to create their very own device design.

Covers to Carry You Through the Day

Inspired by the comfort and feel of carrying a premium leather wallet, Galaxy Z Flip4’s Leather Cover has undergone a complete makeover with stylish results. Furthermore, the Silicon Cover with Strap and Silicon Cover with Ring continue to pair handy usability with trendy designs.

In order to match the upgraded design of Galaxy Z Fold4, both the Standing Cover with Pen case, known for enhancing the user’s S Pen³ experience, and the Silicon Cover with Strap, originally made popular with Galaxy Z Flip, have also been redesigned. For those looking for comfort as well as style with their case choice, the sleek Standing Cover, which complements the device’s large screen perfectly, and the Leather Cover, for a high-end feel, are also part of the Galaxy Z Fold4’s case lineup.

Stand Out From the Crowd

Galaxy Z Flip4’s Cover Screen clock options now come in a variety of styles that the user can harness to express their everyday feelings and sentiments, just as one might match their clothes to their mood. From the simplest of designs to all kinds of graphical designs, the selections available for the device’s clock face are more diverse than ever before, a design choice based on the multitudinous nature of today’s differing lifestyles.

Users can also choose from images, GIFs and videos for their Cover Screen background, and can even match their Cover Screen to their Galaxy theme for more harmonious and cohesive device experiences.

The design process behind Galaxy Z Flip4 and Galaxy Z Fold4 went beyond simply the pursuit of ‘newness’ and instead harnessed relentless innovation to allow users to reach the full potential of their lifestyles, as well as to allow for the genuine expression of who the user is at any given moment.

With Galaxy Z Flip4 and Galaxy Z Fold4, the two latest entrants into the company’s genre-defying foldable lineup, Samsung is continuing to expand experiences for its users into whole new realms of the foldable experience.

No iPhone update is complete without some improvement to the camera system, and the iPhone 15 will not be an exception. According to Nikkei Asia, Apple will rely on new sensor technology from Sony to deliver better photography with the iPhone 15.

Today’s report claims Sony’s latest sensor technology “roughly doubles the saturation signal level in each pixel” to deliver higher dynamic range than existing iPhone camera systems.

The result should be fewer photos that are oversaturated or undersaturated when there’s a huge difference between brightness in the foreground and background.

Sony’s new image sensor roughly doubles the saturation signal level in each pixel compared with conventional sensors. In other words, the sensors can capture more light and reduce overexposure or underexposure in certain settings, enabling a smartphone camera to clearly photograph a person’s face even if the subject is standing against a strong backlight.

The report goes on to explain that Sony’s latest sensor tech uses a “new semiconductor architecture which places photodiodes and transistors in separate substrate layers, allowing the sensor to add more photodiodes to the dedicated layer.”

iPhone 15 Pro will especially be a significant camera upgrade next fall. Apple is expected to introduce its first periscope lens that’s capable of delivering more optical zoom with a 90 degrees mirror system.

All iPhone 15 models are expected to switch to USB-C from Lightning, and Pro models may deliver Thunderbolt transfer speeds for moving large photo and video files quickly.

Each new iPhone 15 model will likely feature the Dynamic Island introduced on this year’s iPhone 14 Pro, but only Pro models are expected to have ProMotion and Always-On display again next year.

More recently, talk of a potential iPhone 15 Ultra with a titanium casing and a curved rear side has started. …