Qualcomm sends out invite for Wear OS chip launch on September 10th

It’s been two years since Qualcomm has updated the chip Android Wear devices devices have been using. Finally, a new chip is on its way and Qualcomm will be launching it next month for the rebranded Wear OS platform. The chipmaker sent out invites to journalists for an event happening on September 10^th. It shows a small smartwatch design with the words “It’s Time.”

Wareable did an interview with exec Pankaj Kedia and gave us clues on what to expect from the processor replacing the 2100 system-on-chip. It’s no longer just a modified phone processor but one that’s made specifically for wearables. And it’s supposed to offer better battery life and a better overall experience. Kedia said, “But when we go to generation three, it's designed from the ground up for a no-compromises smartwatch experience with dedicated chips that make your watch look pretty when you're not looking at it, that bring the best fitness and watch experience, and extend battery life.”

Source: Engadget

Samsung commits $22 billion to AI, 5G networks, and smart car technology

The future for Samsung looks bright. The global leader in smartphones is looking to invbest $22 billion the next three years on artificial intelligence, next generation 5G networks as well as future technologies including smart cars.

As the smartphone market hits global saturation point, Samsung is placing its bets on the next generation of disruptive technologies. This includes substantial funding for artificial intelligence (A.I.) which is can be used in everything from smart assistants (Bixby), computational photography as well as smart home platforms (SmartThings).

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‘Fallout 76’ won’t come to Steam when it launches

Bethesda’s Fallout 76 will not be launching on Steam when it comes out. The game publisher confirmed to PC Gamer that when the upcoming online-focused RPG launches on November 14, it will be a Bethesda launcher exclusive. “The PC version of Fallout 76, for both the B.E.T.A. and the launch, will be available only via Bethesda, not Steam,” the company said. At least that will be the case during the launch. This will mark the first major Bethesda game to skip Steam during its launch. But it isn’t the first game from the company that has been Bethesda launcher exclusives. There was Quake Champions and Fallout Shelter. But both eventually came to Steam. This might also be the case for Fallout 76.

Bethesda also made the announcement that the beta will be the full version of the game and all progress made there will be saved for the launch.

Samsung starts mass production of cheaper 4TB SSDs

When Samsung unveiled its 4TB solid state drives a couple of years back, these weren’t exactly the cheapest products at US$1,499. Now, with the company’s new 4-bit 4TB QLC SSDs, the company promises these would be more affordable alternatives. The new storage chips allow these drives to have the same 540MBps read and 520MBps write speeds of Samsung’s existing SATA SSD drives, making these enticing products for those who need more space. Samsung even throws in three-year warranty for them. The first drives are expected to come out later this year.

Aside from developing new SSDs, Samsung is also using this same technology “to efficiently produce a 128GB memory card for smartphones that will lead the charge toward higher capacities for high-performance memory storage.” So, if you feel like your smartphone is lacking some extra space, these might be worth keeping an eye out for.