Telecom
Samsung Unveils Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Z Fold5, Offers Unique Experience for Users
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has announced its fifth generation of Galaxy foldables: Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Z Fold5. The form factors offer unique experiences for every user with sleek and compact designs, countless customisation options, and powerful performance. The new Flex Hinge makes the foldable experience possible, while offering an aesthetically balanced and solid design.
L-R: Solomon Osibeluwo, Master Trainer, Mobile Experience Division; Oyetola Akeredolu, Marketing Operations Manager; Charlie Lee, Managing Director; Joy Tim-Ayoola, HOD – MX Division; Chika Nnadozie, Head of Marketing, and Stephen Okwara, Product Manager, MX Division, all of Samsung Nigeria, during the Galaxy Z Flip5, Galaxy Z Fold5 in Nigeria, Wednesday, July 27 2023 at Eko Hotel and Suites.
These remarkable foldable devices unlock extraordinary camera capabilities such as FlexCam to take photos from creative angles. With strong performance and an optimised battery powered by the latest processor, the Samsung Galaxy Z series transforms what is possible with a smartphone – open or closed.
“Samsung is revolutionising the mobile industry with foldables by setting the standard and continually refining the experience,” said TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “Every day, more people choose our foldables because they offer an experience people want that they can’t get on any other device. Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Z Fold5 are the latest devices that prove our commitment to meeting the needs of our customers through innovative technology.”
Samsung’s heritage of innovation and dedication to the foldables category has created incredibly versatile devices available. With a strong belief in the potential of the foldable format, paired with world-class R&D and manufacturing capabilities, Samsung has consistently refined and optimised the Galaxy Z series line up.
From content creation on Galaxy Z Flip5’s new Flex Window to seamless multitasking on Galaxy Z Fold5, this series of Galaxy foldables meets and exceeds the distinctive needs of today’s users.
Furthermore, both Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Z Fold5 are carefully designed to meet durability expectations. The main screen is equipped with a shock dispersion layer and a redesigned back for a more solid display, Along with IPX8 support, Armor Aluminium frames, and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus®2 applied to both the Flex Window and back cover, Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Z Fold5 provide the protection consumers expect, enhanced further by Flex Hinge.
This new integrated hinge module features a dual rail structure, diffusing external impacts; and Z Flip5 should address whatever you missed in Z Flip4!
Galaxy Z Flip5: The ultimate pocketable self-expression tool without compromise
The Galaxy Z Flip5 delivers a stylish, unique foldable experience from a pocket-sized device built for self-expression.
The new Flex Window, now 3.78 times larger than the previous generation, offers a wide range of existing and new capabilities. It provides more customisation options, including informative and graphical clocks that can match the face design of a user’s Galaxy Watch6 series, as well as stylish frames. In addition, Galaxy Z Flip5’s new Flipsuit Case provides device protection with a changeable NFC card, so users can match their Flex Window design and case design for even more personalisation options.
Closed, the Galaxy Z Flip5 offers more usability than ever before. From the Flex Window, quickly and effortlessly access useful information. With Widgets, users can check the weather, control music playback and listen to their favourite music with Media Controller, or catch up on the latest global stock market updates with the Google Finance widget.
Simply view all Widgets at a glance and switch between them instantly with a pinch of the screen to activate Multi Widget View.
Plus, easily check notifications and access Quick Settings for Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Without ever opening the device, browse through call history to return missed calls, and reply to texts on-the-go using Quick Reply with a full QWERTY keyboard and visibility of chat history.
With its unparalleled design and form factor, Galaxy Z Flip5 also offers the most versatile camera experience on a Samsung Galaxy smartphone. Take high-quality selfies with the rear camera thanks to the larger Flex Window.
Users can capture stunning hands-free photos from creative angles with FlexCam. It’s quick and simple to view and edit shots in Flex Mode too. Users can review, adjust the colour tone, or delete images easily with the Quick View in the Flex Window.
When taking a photo of a friend, Dual Preview lets them see themselves in the Flex Window so they can make adjustments in real-time for the perfect shot. Users can get a smooth shot on the go with camera-stabilising Super Steady, while Auto Framing ensures that no one is left out.
The Galaxy Z Flip5 adds AI solution improvements to the powerful camera experience, bringing every photo to life. Get creative, even in low light, with improved Nightography capabilities that optimise photos and videos in ambient lighting conditions. The AI-powered image signal processing (ISP) algorithm corrects any visual noise that typically spoils low-light images while enhancing details and colour tone. Even from a distance, photos are clearer with the digital 10X zoom.
Galaxy Z Fold5: The ultimate productivity powerhouse with a large screen
Offering an immersive, large screen and a long-lasting battery in the thinnest, lightest Fold yet, Galaxy Z Fold5 is easy to take anywhere, while delivering the most powerful performance in the Galaxy Z series.
The Galaxy Z Fold’s robust, big screen experience, has evolved from Multi Window and App Continuity to a wide range of features including Taskbar, drag and drop, and optimisation of third-party apps. S Pen Fold Edition introduced in the third generation Fold in 2021, has also been fine-tuned to deliver a superior writing experience on Galaxy Z Fold5. These features and tools come together to deliver powerful productivity on a large screen and enable users to complete important tasks from anywhere.
The improved Taskbar enables dynamic productivity by allowing users to quickly switch between frequently used apps. Now up to four recent apps are at the ready for more efficient working.
Newly enhanced two-handed drag and drop can also ramp up productivity when moving content between apps and screens. Simply touch and hold an image in Samsung Gallery with one finger and use another finger to open the Samsung Notes app to drag-and-drop the image. With hidden pop-up, an app can continue running in the background, allowing users to watch video content in full screen and chat with friends in a floating pop-up on the side of the screen.
The new slimmer and more compact S Pen Fold Edition makes real-time annotating and ideation easy while being able to fit more comfortably in the pocket. The Slim S Pen case is nearly the same thickness as a regular case for the Fold and available in a variety of styles and colours so users can carry their S Pens in style.
Helping users do more on the go, the 7.6-inch Main Screen provides expansive and uninterrupted viewing so users can enjoy their favourite movie in portrait or landscape. Plus, peak brightness has increased by more than 30%, up to 1750 nits, for an optimal viewing experience outdoors even under bright sunlight.
Providing users with an immersive gaming experience on the largest Galaxy smartphone screen, the Snapdragon® 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy enhances graphics and uses AI to enable dynamic gaming and multi-game functionality. The Galaxy Z Fold5 can comfortably handle marathon gaming sessions with its advanced cooling system that dissipates heat more intelligently for less lag and no drop in performance.
Availability and Recommended retail price
The Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Z Fold5 will be available for pre-order in select markets from July 26th – August 10th, with general availability starting August 11th.
Galaxy Z Flip5 lets users express themselves with colours including Mint, Graphite, Cream, and Lavender, as well as a range of accessories including a Clear Gadget Case, Flap Eco-Leather Case, Flipsuit Case and easy-to-carry Silicone Case with Ring to create a more personalised look.
Galaxy Z Fold5 is available in Icy Blue, Phantom Black, and Cream, along with a variety of cases that offer practicality and style including a Slim S Pen Case, Clear Gadget Case, Eco-Leather Case, and a Standing Case with Strap.
Pre-order packages
Delivering a positive impact for the planet
Speaking during the Q&A session, Charlie Lee, Managing Director, Samsung Nigeria, expressed their continued demonstration of progress toward the company’s environmental vision and accelerate actions that help achieve its goals, including reaching net zero carbon emissions by the end of 2030 for the Device eXperience Division.
“The Galaxy Z Flip5 and Fold5 feature a wider variety of recycled materials than their previous generations, including pre-consumer recycled glass and aluminium and post-consumer recycled plastics, sourced from discarded fishing nets, water barrels and PET bottles. Even the paper used for their packaging box is made using 100 percent recycled material”.
Lee explained that these innovations have also been purposefully designed for optimised longevity. Each device comes with five years of security updates and four generations of OS upgrades, helping to extend the product lifecycle.
“Samsung is committed to giving customers peace of mind with Samsung Care+, a support service for accidental screen damage. Customers can register within 30 days of purchasing their Galaxy Flip5|Fold5 and enjoy 1 free screen repair within a 12-month period”, Joy Tim-Ayoola, HOD – MX Division added.
Paradigm Initiative (PIN), a leading pan-African organisation dedicated to advancing digital rights and inclusion in the Global South, has made significant contributions to the just-concluded 2024 Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
PIN’s participation in the prestigious global event underscores the organisation’s commitment to fostering inclusive digital policies and ensuring that Africa’s voices are central in global discussions about the future of the internet.
During the week-long forum, PIN team members played key roles in numerous sessions, emphasising the importance of a digital rights perspective in the development of emerging technologies, advocating for a more inclusive digital future, and addressing the specific challenges the African continent faces in terms of digital access and inclusion.
PIN Executive Director, ‘Gbenga Sesan, spoke at high-profile sessions, including the Leadership Panel on ‘The Internet We Want’, which outlined the vision for a global internet that is accessible, secure, and inclusive.
At the Africa Youth IGF Parley, ‘Gbenga provided a platform for young Africans to address pressing issues such as internet restrictions, the digital divide, and digital rights violations.
Adeboye Adegoke, Senior Manager for Grants and Programmes Strategy at Paradigm Initiative, contributed to Open Forum #12, advocating for policies that ensure a rights-respecting and inclusive digital future. His discussions highlighted the importance of policies that place human rights at the core of technological advancements.
Ihueze Nwobilor, Senior Programmes Officer, spoke at the session, ‘A Rights-Respecting Approach to Emerging Tech Development,’ where he called for the prioritisation of human rights in the development and deployment of emerging technologies across Africa and beyond.
The organisation’s Senior Manager for Partnerships and Engagements, Thobekile Matimbe, shared valuable insights during the ‘Better Products and Policies Through Stakeholder Engagement’ session.
She emphasized the role of the private sector in engaging with local communities to ensure that digital products and policies are inclusive and meet the needs of vulnerable groups across Africa.
Bridgette Ndlovu, PIN Partnerships and Engagements Officer, moderated a session on ‘Implementation of the USF in 26 African Countries,’ where she and other speakers, including ‘Gbenga Sesan, discussed the crucial role of Universal Service Funds (USF) in advancing digital inclusion, particularly in underserved and rural areas.
PIN’s participation at IGF 2024 has been an important moment for advocating digital rights in Africa. “Paradigm Initiative’s participation was a powerful reminder that Africa’s digital future must be shaped by inclusive, rights-respecting policies.
“Our participation at the IGF is a continuous demonstration of the need for all stakeholders to collaborate in building a more inclusive and accessible internet for everyone, especially those in under-served communities,” PIN Executive Director, ‘Gbenga Sesan stated.
Lagos-based financial technology firm Patricia Technologies has commenced repayments to customers impacted by a 2022 security breach. This follows a two-year period where the company focused on recovering funds and rebuilding trust.
In 2022, Patricia experienced a significant cyberattack, resulting in the loss of over 600 million Naira from customer accounts. Following the breach, the company temporarily restricted withdrawals and collaborated with law enforcement, leading to the arrest of several suspects, including a prominent politician.
Patricia had previously requested a two-to-five-year repayment window, a plan that has now begun to be implemented. The company has started disbursing funds to affected customers in phases, with the first batch of payments initiated on December 10, 2024.
CEO Hanu Fejiro emphasized the company’s commitment to its customers, stating, “This repayment process represents a milestone in fulfilling our promise to make things right.”
He encouraged customers to update their information on the Patricia platform and monitor official channels for further updates on their individual repayment timelines.
Subscribers who are getting paid in this phase have since been officially notified by email. One of the subscribers, with initials BP (for purposes of confidentiality), expressed appreciation and satisfaction with being paid by Patricia via an email reaction: “I really appreciate your effort. Though it took a long time, I’m satisfied with what I’ve received. Thank you for keeping to your words.”
TikTok’s rise from a niche video-sharing app to a global social media giant has sparked controversies worldwide, with concerns over its links to China and its influence on users and politics.
In Albania, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced Saturday that TikTok would be banned for at least a year starting in 2025.
The decision follows a tragic incident in Tirana where a 14-year-old was killed and another injured in a fight stemming from an online confrontation. Rama described TikTok as the “thug of the neighborhood.”
In Romania, the European Union is investigating whether TikTok played a role in far-right candidate Calin Georgescu’s unexpected first-round presidential election victory.
The probe focuses on alleged Russian interference and claims of “preferential treatment” by TikTok. This marks the platform’s third EU investigation, potentially risking fines of up to six percent of its global revenue.
TikTok stated it has implemented “robust actions” to combat election misinformation, while Russia denies meddling.
In the United States, TikTok faces mounting pressure after the government passed a law in April requiring ByteDance, its Chinese parent company, to divest from the platform by January 2025.
The U.S. claims TikTok allows China access to American user data, a claim TikTok denies. ByteDance admitted its employees had accessed U.S. user data but insisted it does not share information with Chinese authorities.
TikTok could face a nationwide ban if ByteDance fails to comply, threatening its 170 million U.S. users.
Australia recently enacted a landmark law banning under-16s from accessing social media, including TikTok, with hefty fines of up to AU$50 million for noncompliance.
TikTok expressed disappointment, warning the law could push young users to less regulated parts of the internet.
In Europe, TikTok was forced to remove an engagement feature in its TikTok Lite version after EU regulators raised concerns about its addictive nature.
The feature rewarded users aged 18 and older with points redeemable for goods based on time spent on the app.
TikTok also faces criticism for its role in spreading hazardous challenges, some of which have reportedly led to child deaths, such as the blackout challenge.
Disinformation remains a significant issue, with a study by NewsGuard revealing that one-fifth of videos on topical subjects like the Russia-Ukraine war contained misleading or false information.
Despite these controversies, TikTok remains a dominant force in social media, attracting creators and influencers worldwide.
Its powerful algorithm and innovative features have secured its place at the forefront of digital engagement.
However, the platform continues to grapple with mounting scrutiny over its practices and societal impact.
TikTok’s meteoric rise has reshaped the social media landscape, cementing its status as a global powerhouse with over 1.04 billion monthly active users worldwide as of 2024.
This milestone, achieved in less than a decade, underscores TikTok’s unparalleled growth trajectory compared to platforms like Facebook and Instagram, which took significantly longer to reach similar heights.
In the United States alone, 170 million people actively use the app, contributing to its $16 billion U.S. revenue in 2023.
Globally, TikTok engages over a quarter of social media users and nearly one-fifth of internet users monthly, with U.S. adults spending an average of nearly an hour daily on the platform.
Its popularity is further evidenced by 137 million downloads in the first quarter of 2024.
Since its 2018 launch, TikTok has grown from 55 million users to over a billion, fueled by its dynamic algorithm and appeal across diverse demographics.
Group Advocates for Digital Rights at 2024 Internet Governance Forum
Patricia Technologies Begins Repayments to Customers Affected by 2022 Security Breach
CBN Permits BDC Operators to Buy FX from NAFEM During Festive Season
From Niche App to Global Giant: TikTok’s Controversial Journey
Aero Contractors Celebrates Long-Serving Employees at Award Ceremony
UBA Group Sets Foot in France with Full Banking Services
FG Begins N50 Electronic Levy Deductions from Moniepoint, Other Digital Banks
Report Reveals Most Organisations Fear AI-driven Cyberattacks but Lack Key Defences
Nigeria Risks Missing out on $1.2 Trillion AI Opportunity- NigComSat
Firm Sues NIMC, Others On Digital Rights Breach Allegations
E-Business2 days agoRide the ‘Wicked’ Wave: Temu Brings Green Magic to Christmas
Telecom2 days agoNCC Holds Virtual Forum on A2P Licensing Framework
News2 days agoPalmPay, Jumia Reward Users in Festive Campaign
Telecom12 hours agoFrom Niche App to Global Giant: TikTok’s Controversial Journey
Telecom12 hours agoGroup Advocates for Digital Rights at 2024 Internet Governance Forum
Broadcasting12 hours agoAero Contractors Celebrates Long-Serving Employees at Award Ceremony
E-Financial12 hours agoCBN Permits BDC Operators to Buy FX from NAFEM During Festive Season
Telecom12 hours agoPatricia Technologies Begins Repayments to Customers Affected by 2022 Security Breach