Information Technology

Kerry Wan/ZDNETIn just a matter of hours, we’ll be learning all about Samsung’s next lineup of hardware products (and likely new Galaxy AI features), including the expected Galaxy Z Fold 6, Galaxy Z Flip 6, Galaxy Watch Ultra, Galaxy Watch 7, Galaxy Buds, and the company’s first-ever smart ring.Also: Samsung Galaxy Ring’s best feature would be to not lock my data behind a paywallSamsung’s next Unpacked event is set for July 10, today, in Paris. In conjunction with the Summer Olympics, the event will be livestreamed on Samsung.com, Samsung Newsroom, and Samsung’s YouTube channel at 6 a.m. PDT, 9 a.m. EDT, and 3 p.m. CEST.ZDNET will be on the floor, going hands-on with every new product that Samsung debuts. What can we expect to see at Galaxy Unpacked July 2024? Here’s what the leaks have shown us to date.1. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 More

If you’re looking for an Android tablet, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is one of the best Android tablets. The Tab S9 Ultra features a 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED display, runs on the Android 13 operating system, and Samsung’s S Pen stylus is included in the box. The base model comes with 12GB of memory and 256GB of storage, and a microSD card for adding up to an extra 1TB of storage to the tablet, the combination of which should be enough for most. Plus, new for this generation is IP68 water and dust resistant, that neither the iPad nor any premium tablet on the market is certified for.Review: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra: This tablet can truly replace your laptopZDNET’s Maria Diaz reviewed the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra and said, that while it looks and feels the same as last year, the upgrades give it a definitive edge over the competition. She also described the tablet as “The perfect device for a professional that seeks the power of a laptop and the flexibility of a tablet.”If you opt for the $350 Book Cover Keyboard, you’ll be able to use Samsung DeX on the S9 Ultra, effectively turning the tablet into an Android-powered 2-in-1 device with plenty of space for multitasking and using more than one app at a time. Reddit users say that the S9 Ultra with this keyboard case will feel like a laptop, in terms of looks and weight.Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra specs: Display: 14.6-inch, 120Hz refresh rate, Dynamic AMOLED 2X 2960 x 1848 display | Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy | Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | Memory: 12GB, 16GB | Colors: Graphite and beige | Cameras: Rear: 13MP main, 8MP ultrawide, Front: 12MP main, 12MP ultrawide | Weight: 1.6lb | Dimensions: 12.85 x 8.21 x 0.22 inches | Connections: 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi Direct Bluetooth 5.3 | Battery: 11,200mAh More

We’re just one week away from Amazon Prime Day, the retailer’s annual sale, happening July 16 and 17. Prime members will get discounts on pretty much everything, including plenty of kitchen gadgets — if you’re not a member, you can sign up for a free trial More

While this year’s Amazon Prime Day doesn’t officially start until July 16, a quick scope through the A-to-Z catalog reveals several quality deals on the latest smartphones. That includes the latest Samsung Galaxy S24 series More

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is last year’s model. June Wan/ZDNETNew Samsung Galaxy phones, watches, and even a smart ring are on the way — and if you reserve one now More

Charlie Osborne/ZDNETHere at ZDNET, we extensively cover the virtual private network (VPN) market and keep an eye out for any worthwhile deals.  Over at Stack Social, we’ve spotted an interesting promotion for anyone who wants to use VPN software to mask their online activity from prying eyes, including ISPs, marketers, and other groups that may track what websites you visit and what online services you use.  Also: The best VPN servicesThe VPN in question is from AdGuard, a company well-known for its ad and tracker-blocking technologies. Now, you also have the option to try out their standalone VPN, which could provide an additional layer of privacy to protect your browsing.  What I like about this deal is the price. For $35 (90% off), you can sign up for a five-year plan, which gives you access to a VPN for the equivalent of around $0.58 per month. The subscription includes 10 simultaneous device connections, and AdGuard operates a no-logging policy. One- and three-year subscription AdGuard VPN deals are also available for $15 and $25, respectively, and while inexpensive, they are more in line with typical promotions offered by other VPN providers. Also: The best VPN for streamingThe mobile iOS and Android versions of this VPN are easy to set up, with a clean layout and a simple menu bar. You can opt for the default “smart” location just by clicking a button, or you can wander through the server and country list (over 60 locations) to find your preferred location. Its speeds are fine, and I didn’t notice any real difference in my browsing or app usage. There is a caveat, though: I can’t recommend this VPN for purely MacOS usage. During my testing, I found it a challenge to even sign in, and it is extremely slow. In short, the mobile user experience is what you would expect from a decent VPN, but the MacOS app needs a lot of work. (We do have a list of VPNs that are great for Mac, if you need one.) A free option is available, but keep in mind that VPN traffic, connection speed, and server locations are very limited.  More

According to Samsung Mobile Digital Health Chief Hon Pak, the Galaxy Ring is a smart ring set to be released before the end of 2024. It will have various health and sleep-tracking features, with additional capabilities to be added later. The ring will be available in multiple colors and sizes and incompatible with the iPhone, like Samsung’s Galaxy Watch.Also: 4 features Samsung’s Galaxy Ring needs to be an instant buy for meRecent reports indicate the Galaxy Ring will include a charging case, likely a square one, which will look and work like an earbuds case.According to a patent filed by Samsung in February 2023, the Galaxy Ring is “intended to cover the categories of wearable smart devices in the nature of a smart ring for tracking, measuring, monitoring, and uploading health, fitness, and sleep-related information.” More

Stack Social If you live near a BJ’s Wholesale Club and have been thinking about buying a membership, now is a great time: New members can buy an annual membership for just $20 (reg. $55) through this Stack Social deal — saving you 63%.  BJ’s is similar to Costco and Sam’s Club (both of which […] More