Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold line is the undisputed champion of large flexible phones. But – outside of China – it holds this title by default. With the Pixel Fold, Google has created a foldable competitor that directly addresses some of Samsung’s (and foldable’s) weaknesses. Google says that more than 50 first-party apps are already optimized for use on devices like the Pixel Fold. Some of the improvements we’ve seen before, like YouTube’s tabletop mode. But since it’s made by the same company that makes Android, there’s more to it here. This also includes third-party apps like WhatsApp, where you can share photos from Google Photos just by dragging and dropping.
Engadget
According to Engadget’s Sam Rutherford, the Pixel Fold’s clever hinge and slim body make it easy to use and carry, while its wider body makes the phone’s external screen more usable. With better cameras and a UI tweak to make multitasking a bit simpler, the Pixel Fold more than holds on to Samsung’s Z Fold 4. Main challenge: That $1,799 price tag. Check out the full review here.
– Matt Smith
The biggest stories you might have missed
The best free games of 2023
Lucid will power Aston Martin’s future electric cars
The Chord e-bike from Urtopia aims to blend technology and style
Virgin Galactic will begin its commercial space flights on June 29
The 5G deadline could ground some US flights from July 1
The Biden administration’s $42 billion broadband program is finally getting underway
The Morning After is not just a game the news It’s also a daily podcast. Catch our daily podcast briefings, Monday through Friday, no later than Subscribe here.
Basic users will have ads, standard or premium levels are available.
Netflix has announced that its basic plan is no longer an option for Canadian subscribers. Anyone who already has a basic plan doesn’t have to worry about being kicked out, but if they choose to move to another option or close their account, they can’t go back to that level. In Canada, the Basic tier is $9.99 CAD per month, while the Basic tier with ads, which launched last year, costs $5.99. Now with the decision to remove its primary option, the operator is pushing more of its customers towards an ad-filled viewing experience. It’s making money for the company: In the first quarter of 2023, Netflix saw its basic tier with ads bring in more money per user than its standard plan.
Read on.
Your local bodega can bring deliveries to your door.
Amazon is launching a new hub delivery system that uses small businesses in 23 states (including California, New York and Washington) to complete customer shipments. These companies need secure storage areas and must deliver an average of 30 packages per day outside of major holidays. Amazon launched the “I Have Space” system in India in 2015, and has expanded it to both Japan and Spain. A US pilot program began in late 2020, though it has focused on improving delivery to customers in rural areas. This new system covers more than 20 major cities, including Boston, New York, and Los Angeles.
Read on.
The plan costs $8 per month or $60 per year.
Engadget
Meta is creating an Xbox Game Pass-like subscription service for VR titles. Meta Quest+, gives users access to “the best titles on the platform” for $8 per month or $60 per year. Subscription is available starting today on Quest 2 and Quest Pro. It’s also coming to Quest 3 when this headset arrives in the fall. The first two are first person shooters Pistol whip And Pixel Ripped 1995. Like PlayStation Plus Essential, you’ll retain access to the games as long as you’re a member.
Read on.
An early release is planned for the Lunar Gateway space station.
he have 2001: A Space Odyssey taught us something? Yes. NASA is developing an AI chat system that will allow astronauts to perform maneuvers, conduct experiments, and more using a ChatGPT-like interface in natural language.
NASA aims to deploy the system on the Lunar Gateway, a lunar-orbiting space station that supports NASA’s Artemis mission. It will use a natural language interface that will allow astronauts to ask for advice on experiments or perform maneuvers without diving into complicated manuals.
Read on.
