After all the exciting launches and unveilings at the CES 2017 earlier this month, gadget freaks were in for more over the weekend as the Nintendo Switch gaming console made its debut and fresh leaks gave a deeper insight into the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S8 range of smartphones. Windows also got tongues wagging after being granted a patent for foldable smartphone technology.
Samsung Galaxy S8: What we know so far
The Korean tech giant is looking to revive its fortunes after the Galaxy S7 quite literally bombed. Recent reports have suggested that the company’s new range of flagship phones will feature the Galaxy S8 Plus that could measure 152.38×78.51×7.94mm while the smaller S8 could be 140.14mm x 72.20 x 7.30mm. The dimensions tip screen sizes of 6.3-inch and 5.7-inch, in line with the previous offerings.
Samsung also seems to have paid special attention to front cameras with an autofocus being introduced in the selfie lens. The phone will also come with the iris recognition feature that enables the user to unlock the phone simply by looking at it.
Another notable feature that will purportedly come with the new Samsungs could be the overhauled S Health App that will allow users to store medical histories and book video appointments with doctors online, 24X7.
The phones are expected to be launched by April at a standalone event while prices could start from $849 (Rs 57,700).
Nintendo Switch breaks cover
Nintendo Switch, with its super-small snap-on controllers, captured gamers’ fancy across the globe over the weekend. It is the Japanese company’s latest addition to its portable lineup and is an evolution along lines of the old DS and 3DS, according to many.
In terms of specs and features, the Switch uses a 6.2-inch 1280×720 resolution multi-touch capacitive screen, 32GB of expandable storage, Joy-Con grips, two speakers and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The company claims a battery life of six hours on full charge.
The console, which can also be connected to TV sets, comes with convenient multiplayer options as up to eight consoles can be connected for local wireless play. Additionally, Nintendo has also unveiled its new online subscription service that will let users invite friends to play online, set play appointments, and chat with one another.
The mini gaming console will be launched in March and will set you back by a sum of around $300 (Rs 20,000).
Windows jumps on the foldable phone bandwagon
As Samsung and LG are set to debut foldable devices in the coming months, Microsoft is also attempting to make forays into this sphere after being recently granted a patent to make a flexible display smartphone.
The patent reveals Microsoft is envisioning a smartphone that opens up to form a tablet-like larger display. Applied for back in October 2016 and granted in January this year, it is described as a ‘mobile computing device having a flexible hinge structure’
The Surface Phone is expected to come in three variants and could see the light of the day by the end of this year.
