Argentinian esports organisation 9z Team has announced a two-year sponsorship agreement with online betting company 1xBet, strengthening its Counter-Strike 2 ambitions while adding another major partner to its roster.

We’re thrilled to welcome @9zTeam to the 1xBet family 💙

Now we’re playing in the big league together! pic.twitter.com/HnStwEZI9K

— 1xBet Esports (@1xBet_Esports) September 11, 2025

The financial terms of the deal weren’t revealed, but the partnership will see 9z promoting 1xBet across social media, curated video content, livestreams, and at select esports events where gambling sponsorships are permitted. Beyond simple branding, 1xBet has stated it will collaborate with 9z to support the growth of Counter-Strike in Argentina, offering resources and community-driven initiatives to boost the team’s visibility.

Founded in Argentina, 9z Team has established itself as one of Latin America’s biggest esports names. The organisation made history in 2022 as the first non-Brazilian team from the region to qualify for a Counter-Strike Major, and since then has earned more than half a million dollars in prize money. Its most notable results include winning the FiReLEAGUE Global Final in 2024, a top-four finish at IEM Dallas 2024, and a recent runner-up placement at FiReLEAGUE Buenos Aires 2025.

This deal makes 1xBet the tenth official partner of 9z, joining global brands like Monster Energy and Samsung. The company has been busy expanding its footprint in esports throughout 2025, securing partnerships with tournament organisers such as PGL and BLAST, alongside existing sponsorships with major teams including OG Esports, Tundra, Team Spirit, MIBR, and Talon Esports. Beyond esports, 1xBet also sponsors high-profile football clubs like FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

For 9z, the deal comes at a critical moment. Its Counter-Strike roster is currently ranked 51st in the Valve Regional Standings and will need to climb significantly to qualify for the StarLadder Budapest Major later this year. The team recently qualified for the Aorus League 2025, which offers a $6,500 prize pool, and is set to make its first Tier 1 appearance since IEM Rio 2024 at the Thunderpick World Championship later this year.

With 1xBet’s backing and a packed competitive calendar ahead, 9z Team will be aiming to solidify its place among Counter-Strike’s top contenders and continue building on its legacy as Latin America’s trailblazing squad.

The post 1xBet Signs Two-Year Sponsorship Deal with 9z Team appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Today at Samsung Galaxy Unpacked Samsung announced Galaxy Z Fold7, a device that brings together the best of Galaxy design, camera functionality and AI innovation in the thinnest and lightest Galaxy Z Fold series to date.

It delivers the premium performance and experience of an “Ultra” smartphone, while unlocking new levels of efficiency and productivity with a larger, more immersive display when unfolded. And with the new One UI 8 as its foundation, it seamlessly integrates intelligent, multimodal agents optimised for the foldable form factor.

“Galaxy Z Fold7 combines Galaxy AI with powerful hardware to deliver our most advanced smartphone experience yet,” said TM Roh, President and Acting Head of the Device eXperience (DX) Division at Samsung Electronics.“ This next chapter of foldables brings together design and engineering, with AI built specifically for the foldable form. It gives people the ultra experience they want— powerful, immersive, intelligent, and portable all in one.”

Galaxy Z Fold7 is crafted for those who want the everyday portability and intuitive feel of a traditional smartphone, combined with the enhanced power and flexibility of a larger, unfolded display – all in one device. With its ultra thin and light design and wider cover display, Galaxy Z Fold7 delivers a seamless on- the-go experience that makes typing and browsing effortless when it is folded. At just 215 grams, Galaxy Z Fold7 is even lighter than Galaxy S25 Ultra. It is just 8.9 mm thick when folded and 4.2 mm thick when unfolded.

The device comes with 6.5-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x cover display, a wider screen with a new 21:9 aspect ratio. When unfolded, Galaxy Z Fold7 becomes more than just a smartphone. It transforms into another device entirely and revealing an expansive screen that expands the workspace for editing, multitasking and immersive viewing – and for getting more out of Galaxy AI.

The main display on Galaxy Z Fold7 is 11% larger than the previous generation, providing even more screen real estate for content editing and multitasking across multiple apps.

The 8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x main display offers ultra-rich contrast, true blacks and vibrant detail that make everything pop — from movies to tabs open while multitasking. With Vision Booster and up to 2,600 nits of peak brightness, Galaxy Z Fold7 stays brilliantly visible even in direct sunlight.Thin and light, Galaxy Z Fold7 is built to move with users, confidently.

The Armor FlexHinge is thinner and lighter, thanks to an enhanced water droplet design and newly implemented multi-rail structure that reduces visible creasing. The cover display is made with Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic, a new glass ceramic that has crystals intricately embedded within its glass matrix. This secures the screen’s durability and crack deflection capabilities and delivers protection in a remarkably thin form factor.

The main display is restructured to be thinner and lighter – yet stronger. This was achieved by implementing the Titanium plate layer. Additionally, Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG) was increased to be 50% thicker, making the display tougher.

Under the hood, Galaxy Z Fold7 is powered by the best-in-class processor used in Galaxy devices. It’s uniquely customised and makes on-device AI processing tasks – like real-time language translation and Generative Edits – faster and more seamless.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy delivers performance boost of 41% in NPU, 38% in CPU, and 26% of GPU compared to the previous generation. This power fuels Galaxy Z Fold7’s ability to process more AI experiences on-device without compromise.

Galaxy Z Fold7 now brings the best of the Galaxy’s pro-grade camera experience to a foldable, combining advanced hardware with intelligent processing for consistently stunning results. Its high-resolution camera captures incredible detail, vibrant colour and rich texture, pulling users back into every moment. AI-enhanced imaging automatically optimises lighting, detail and realism, so photos and videos stay sharp and vivid, even in low light settings such as milestone dinners and late-night café scenes. Featuring the first 200MP wide-angle camera in the Galaxy Z series, it captures 4x more detail. The 10MP 100° camera on the main display expands the frame, so when users unfold their phone, it’s easy to capture group selfies, valuable moments and more of the world in a single shot.

Samsung’s next generation ProVisual Engine processes images faster, enabling every photo and video to be more crisp, vibrant and full of detail. With Night Video, intelligent motion detection now separates moving subjects from still backgrounds to reduce noicses. 10-bit HDR provides more colour depth. The result is videos with richer colour, deeper contrast and more lifelike detail, no matter the time of day.

Galaxy Z Fold7 puts a pro-grade creative studio in users’ pocket, with AI-powered tools optimised for its large display. Users can capture stunning photos and videos and then edit with ease. From cleaning up clutter in product shots to removing background noise from café recordings, studio-quality enhancements can be done in a few easy steps. The intuitive and intelligent features on the Galaxy Z Fold7 make it effortless to transform photos and videos into pro-level content, with no extra tools required.

Shots look flawless with Photo Assist, 11 which moves, erases or enlarges objects and adjusts angles and fills in backgrounds with AI-powered precision. Users can seize vibrant expressions, including pet profile with Portrait Studio and refine their photos using Galaxy’s enhanced Generative Edit. The ability to seamlessly remove distractions and fill in backgrounds has made Generative Edit a fan favourite, and now it’s even smarter. It offers proactive suggestions with the new Suggest Erases , which automatically detects passersby with the tap of a button. Side-by-Side Editing and Show Original enables real-time comparison of original images and edited versions on the large screen, making it easier to decide what to modify and what to keep.

Audio Eraser has also been upgraded to be more intelligent and convenient. There’s a new toggle in Gallery, and it now proactively detects and removes unwanted background noise like wind or traffic from video recordings.

Galaxy Z Fold7 harnesses the power of the foldable display to amplify the power and convenience of AI, delivering experiences that are instinctive, adaptive and effortlessly efficient. The new One UI 8 is context- aware and naturally responsive, optimised for Galaxy Z Fold7’s flexible format and expansive screen offering a more intuitive and immersive way to interact with AI. There’s less jumping between apps and screens and more frictionless creativity and productivity happening seamlessly in one place.

Designed as a true multimodal agent, One UI 8 seamlessly combines large-screen multitasking with intelligent tools that understand what users type, say and even see. And with an AI-powered camera and privacy built into every layer, Galaxy Z Fold7 becomes a smart and secure personal assistant, ready to help anytime, anywhere.

Launching with the all-new One UI 8 on Android 16, Galaxy Z Fold7 debuts Samsung’s latest AI- powered platform on foldables, delivering the latest Android experience straight out of the box. Gemini Live is now enhanced with multimodal AI that understands what users see, say and do, making it possible to seamlessly type or speak contextual questions and get answers without having to toggle back and forth between apps. And with screen sharing on Gemini Live or camera sharing on Gemini Live, you can simply show Gemini what users are looking at on the screen or on the camera, then ask questions to get instant insights.

With Circle to Search, gaming tips appear exactly when and where you need them. Just circle an item on screen and get instant results, tips or tactics in a floating view that ensures a smooth, uninterrupted experience.

With Galaxy AI Optimised for Large Screens, Galaxy Z Fold7 delivers experiences that maximise the benefits of the expansive foldable display to boost productivity. AI Results View displays results from AI features in a separate Split View or in a Floating View, so the user’s original content remains unobstructed and visible. Users can be more efficient with Drag & Drop AI-generated content, including images and text, directly from Multi Window. With tools like Drawing Assist or Writing Assist, it’s easier than ever to move ideas and visuals, enabling a smoother creative process.

As mobile experiences grow ever more intelligent and interconnected, Samsung is reinforcing the foundations that protect them – unveiling new protections for on-device AI, expanding cross-device threat detection and enhancing network security with quantum-resistant encryption. One UI 8 brings enhanced privacy to personalised AI experiences with the new Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP).

KEEP creates encrypted, app-specific storage environments within the device’s secure storage area, ensuring each app can access only its own sensitive information and nothing more. With One UI 8, Samsung is advancing Knox Matrix to deliver more proactive and user-friendly protection across the Galaxy ecosystem. Furthermore, as part of its ongoing commitment to quantum-safe security, Samsung is integrating post-quantum cryptography into Secure WiFi. This enhancement secures the key exchange process at the core of encrypted connections, helping ensure robust privacy even over public networks.

The Galaxy Z Fold7 will be available for pre-order starting  July 10, with general availability beginning July 25, 2025. The Galaxy Z Fold7 comes in Blue Shadow, Silver Shadow, Jetblack and Mint (online exclusive) colour options.

The post Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 Raises the Bar appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Today at Samsung Galaxy Unpacked, Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Z Flip7, a compact AI phone with multimodal capabilities, powered by a new FlexWindow.

Small enough to slip into a pocket, yet powerful enough to deliver the handiest assistance, it melds Galaxy AI with a now edge-to-edge FlexWindow, a flagship level camera and an ultra-compact and iconic design. From intuitive voice AI to the best selfie capabilities, the Galaxy Z Flip7 is an intelligent pocket-sized companion built for seamless interaction and everyday reliability.

“Galaxy Z Flip7 is proof that big intelligence can come in a small, pocket-sized form factor,” said TM Roh, President and Acting Head of the Device eXperience (DX) at Samsung Electronics. “By bringing rich multimodal AI capabilities and seamless functionality to the FlexWindow, we’ve created a device that adapts, anticipates and empowers users, unlocking a smarter, more intuitive way to engage with the world.”

Content spills elegantly from edge to edge on the Galaxy Z Flip7’s stunning FlexWindow display , which brings essentials front and centre and makes it easy to type out quick messages, check schedule at a glance and snap high-quality selfies. Galaxy Z Flip7’s brightest FlexWindow yet delivers a super-smooth refresh rate, so everything looks vivid and feels fluid – even when outside on a sunny day.

The 4.1-inch Super AMOLED FlexWindow is the largest on a Galaxy Z Flip yet, with edge-to-edge usability that enables users to see and do more on the cover screen. With 2,600 nits of peak brightness and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate on both the main display and the FlexWindow, Galaxy Z Flip7 enables ultra-fluid scrolling, streaming and gaming. Plus, the FlexWindow gets an upgrade with Vision Booster, enhancing outdoor visibility so users can stay connected wherever they are.

The main display is a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, built for an ultra-smooth, immersive experience.

Galaxy Z Flip7 is crafted for portability and puts powerful performance right in the palm of the user’s hand. With its compact size and sleek silhouette, it slips effortlessly into a small pocket or purse, perfect for whatever the day brings. Whether catching calls during a coffee outing or snapping pictures at the store – no need to worry about the inevitable drops and bumps along the way. It’s also built to last and engineered to handle the rigors of daily use.

Weighing just 188 grams and measuring only 13.7mm when folded, Galaxy Z Flip7 is the slimmest Galaxy Z Flip yet. The cover and back are protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.

The Armor FlexHinge is thinner than the hinge on the previous generation and features a restructured design and the robust Armor Aluminum Frame provides a tough exterior for resilience.

While the Galaxy Z Flip7 has been slimmed down and refined throughout, it now features a bigger battery and an even bigger display – all in a more compact form. With the largest battery in the Galaxy Z Flip series yet, users can stream music or listen to podcasts during long commutes, edit photos on the fly and share updates throughout the day without missing a beat.

The 4,300mAh battery 7 is the largest ever on a Galaxy Z Flip yet, and the Galaxy Z Flip7 is powered by the latest 3nm processor, customised for Galaxy and fit for today’s lifestyle with an even more powerful CPU, GPU and NPU than Galaxy Z Flip6.

Samsung DeX comes to a Galaxy Z Flip for the first time, enabling it to instantly transform into a handy workstation: users can flip it open, connect to a screen and instantly get PC-like tools for enhanced multitasking. Pocket-Perfect AI

With FlexWindow enhanced for greater usability and Galaxy AI 10 that is smarter and more intuitive than ever, Galaxy Z Flip7 introduces a new era of convenience and functionality, empowering users to search with their voice, get answers and take action directly on FlexWindow. Powered by the newest One UI 8 and Android 16 right out of the box, it delivers true multimodal AI experiences optimised for the Flip’s iconic design, with many tasks now able to be handled right from the cover screen.

This intuitive, one-handed experience enhances productivity and introduces even more personalisation options, making the Galaxy Z Flip7 a smart and handy companion, whether a user is traveling around the globe or simply navigating a busy day.

Galaxy Z Flip7 brings a new level of AI-powered personalisation, tailored to users’ style and routine. From curated wallpaper suggestions to emoji, color and widget customisation, the FlexWindow becomes a dynamic extension of a user’s personality. Whether prepping for travel or matching the mood, personalisation is effortless and always evolving.

Gemini Live is now available directly on the FlexWindow, enabling users to search for information with their voice and complete tasks – hands-free. It’s like having a personal assistant, right on the cover screen.

With camera sharing on Gemini Live, getting real-time help is as easy as pointing the camera. Whether packing for a trip or choosing an outfit, users can simply show Gemini what they’re looking at. Ask questions like, “Which of these outfits is better for the weather in Seoul?” Gemini will respond, just like a helpful friend would.

Galaxy Z Flip7 brings flagship-level photography and Samsung’s best selfie camera yet. With Samsung’s advanced ProVisual Engine, it intelligently optimises every scene to deliver crisp, detailed shots in any lighting, without any manual adjustments needed. From playful pet moments to zoomed-in festival shots and glowing sunset portraits, Galaxy Z Flip7 captures stunning results without a tripod or even unfolding the screen.

The dual rear camera system includes a 50MP Wide and a 12MP Ultra-Wide lens, delivering flagship-level clarity in any lighting, whether capturing scenic shots or snapping high-quality selfies directly from the cover screen.

With Enhanced Nightography, users can capture vivid photos in low-light environments through improved lighting adjustments and the removal of noise and blurred frames. 10-bit HDR provides richer colour, deeper contrast and more life-like detail in video, no matter the time of day.

Galaxy Z Flip7 takes selfies to the next level, right from the FlexWindow. Real-Time Filters now lets users preview and perfect FlexCam shots instantly. And with the new Zoom Slider, users can quickly zoom in or out with just a swipe- making it perfect for capturing a full outfit or fitting everyone into the frame for a flawless group selfie.

With Dual Preview, the photographer and the subject can see the composition live on the FlexWindow, helping users nail the perfect shot on the first go. Everyday pet moments become eye-catching shots with Portrait Studio in Photo Assist whether featuring a playful cartoon style, a quirky fisheye look or a polished, professional finish.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 FE brings the foldable experience to even more users.

Compact when folded and expansive when opened, Galaxy Z Flip7 FE features a 6.7-inch Main Display for an immersive viewing experience. The 50MP FlexCam enables high-quality selfies and video in Flex Mode, letting users capture content hands-free, without even opening the device. Now Brief surfaces helpful updates – including weather, daily schedules and commute alerts – on the cover screen, in a layout optimised for Galaxy Z Flip7 FE’s compact form.

Available in Black and White, it delivers a minimalist look that complements its intelligent, foldable design.

As mobile experiences grow ever more intelligent and interconnected, Samsung is reinforcing the foundations that protect them – unveiling new protections for on-device AI, expanding cross-device threat detection and enhancing network security with quantum-resistant encryption. One UI 8 brings enhanced privacy to personalised AI experiences with the new Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP). KEEP creates encrypted, app-specific storage environments within the device’s secure storage area, ensuring each app can access only its own sensitive information and nothing more. With One UI 8, Samsung is advancing Knox Matrix to deliver more proactive and user-friendly protection across the Galaxy ecosystem. Furthermore, as part of its ongoing commitment to quantum-safe security, Samsung is integrating post-quantum cryptography into Secure Wi-Fi.

This enhancement secures the key exchange process at the core of encrypted connections, helping ensure robust privacy even over public networks.

The Galaxy Z Flip7 will be available for pre-order starting July 10, with general availability beginning July 25, 2025 and comes in 21 Blue Shadow, Jetblack, Coral-red and Mint 22 (online exclusive) colour options.

The post Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7: A Pocket-Sized AI Powerhouse appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Samsung has just introduced Galaxy Watch8 and Galaxy Watch8 Classic, establishing an iconic design identity across the entire Galaxy Watch lineup.

Building upon the foundation of the Galaxy Watch Ultra’s cushion design, this series boasts the thinnest, most comfortable Galaxy Watch ever for continuous health tracking. The Galaxy Watch8 series suits diverse lifestyles and provides advanced capabilities, setting a new standard for style and personalised health experiences.

“We are committed to empowering billions of people to live healthier lives through our innovative technology,” said TM Roh, President and Acting Head of the Device eXperience (DX) Division at Samsung Electronics. “By combining purposeful design with advanced sensor technology and an intuitive AI-powered experience, the Galaxy Watch8 series serves as a starting point for a healthier, more connected life, making it easier than ever to take meaningful steps toward users’ well-being.”

By reimagining both form and function, the Galaxy Watch8 series delivers unmatched comfort alongside industry-leading performance, making it the ultimate companion for everyday wellness. The distinctive cushion design, which debuted with Galaxy Watch Ultra, now defines the entire Galaxy Watch lineup. To achieve the thinnest design yet, the internal structure of Galaxy Watch8 was completely reengineered and its component mounting capability has been improved by 30%, resulting in an 11% thinner design.

Combined with the Dynamic Lug system, this design moves naturally with the wrist, providing greater comfort and improved stability for a better fit and enhanced health-tracking accuracy.

Galaxy Watch8’s sleek profile is complemented by its exceptional performance. Even when you are outdoors under bright sunlight, the display is 50% brighter with a peak brightness of 3,000nits for easy visibility, and the enhanced battery ensures the watch can keep up with an active lifestyle. Moreover, the dual-frequency GPS provides more detailed and precise location results while our most powerful 3nm processor delivers faster performance and greater power efficiency.

With the groundbreaking BioActive Sensor that enables deeper and more accurate health insights, the Galaxy Watch8 series helps provide a holistic view of your health.

Sleep is a window into your overall health and each restful night allows your body and mind to recover immediately the very next day. That’s why Samsung is continuously advancing the sleep experience, offering tailored sleep coaching, helping to create an optimal sleep environment. On top of that, the Galaxy Watch8 series comes with new unique health features on the Samsung Health app that help you build healthier habits through instant, motivational insights – from sleep to nutrition and workout.

Bedtime Guidance 4 can measure your circadian rhythm to suggest the optimal time to go to bed so you wake up refreshed the next morning.

Whether you’re a novice or experienced runner, the Galaxy Watch8 series delivers personalised fitness insights to keep you motivated when you need it most. Running Coach 5 calculates your fitness level from 1 to 10 and develops a tailored training plan complete with real-time guidance and motivational insights. With the updated Together feature, which now supports running, you can gamify your fitness journey by challenging friends and family.

If high level of stress persists, High Stress Alert will immediately signal so that you can take a break to help manage your stress levels in real-time. With Mindfulness Tracker, you can record your mood and receive guidance on breathing exercises to relieve your stress – all at once on your wrist.

Plus, the AI-powered Energy Score 6 gives you a snapshot of your energy level, combining physical and mental energy metrics so you can have a healthier day, every day. Developed in close collaboration with Google, the Galaxy Watch8 series is the first smartwatch equipped with Wear OS 6 as well as Gemini 7 , Google’s AI assistant, as pre-loaded.

Go hands-free using natural voice commands to get things done on the go with your Galaxy Watch apps like Samsung Health, Calendar, Reminder, and Clock. For example, you can ask Gemini to find a nearby cafe and text a friend to meet you there, all in one go. Or, if you’re ready to start your workout and you have a goal in mind, simply say, “Start a 30-minute run.” The watch seamlessly initiates the workout in Samsung Health.

In addition, thanks to the new One UI 8 Watch, the user interface is optimised for the size and shape of the watch face. The new Multi-Info Tiles provide easy access to health metrics, weather, events and more – all in a single, quick look. Moreover, the new Now Bar and depthless notifications ensure key activities are front and centre.

Galaxy Watch8, Galaxy Watch8 Classic and the new Galaxy Watch Ultra are available for pre-order starting today, with general availability starting from July 25th, 2025.

Featuring a sleek and minimalist design, Galaxy Watch8 is designed for everyday wellness. Available in 44mm or 40mm sizes and in Graphite or Silver, it provides comfort and style for daily activities.

Meanwhile, Galaxy Watch8 Classic brings timeless sophistication to the wrist with modern features such as a rotating bezel and a quick button for added convenience. The Classic model measures 46mm and comes in Black and White. Plus, both models can be matched with a range of stylish bands designed to suit diverse lifestyles.

For those who love outdoor adventures, Galaxy Watch Ultra is the most advanced and durable Galaxy Watch model yet. Available in four titanium finishes including the new Titanium Blue, it offers the longest battery life and the most robust performance in the lineup.

The post Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Series Reveal appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

For years, Samsung Electronics has designed its devices around what people truly need, such as better performance, sharper cameras and smarter ways to stay connected.

And, with Galaxy AI, it goes beyond what devices can do — it’s about how people interact with them.

As AI rapidly becomes the new user interface, it’s redefining our relationship with technology. No longer just a collection of apps and tools, the smartphone is evolving into a smart companion that understands user intent and responds in real time. This transformation moves us from reaction to anticipation – where, as AI becomes the UI, intent becomes instant.

The next-generation Galaxy devices are being reimagined around a new AI-powered interface, supported by breakthrough hardware built to unlock their full potential. This future is already unfolding, and the best of Galaxy AI and Samsung craftsmanship is about to be unveiled.

On July 9, Samsung Electronics will host Unpacked in Brooklyn, New York – a borough with an extraordinary spirit and a distinctive history. Brooklyn is where visionary thinking and bold ideas shape the future, so it’s only fitting that Samsung unveils the latest and greatest additions to the Galaxy portfolio in a place known for its culture, creativity, and collaboration.

The event will be streamed live on Samsung.com, Samsung Newsroom, and Samsung’s YouTube channel or you can watch it here:

Stay tuned and make sure to visit news.samsung.com/global for all upcoming teasers, trailers and updates ahead of Unpacked 2025.

The post The Ultra Experience Is Ready To Unfold appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

A couple of months since release the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is proving to be the absolute top tier in this year’s smartphones.

Fusing AI smarts with high level tech and camera specs that blow out any current competitor, the S25 Ultra is a powerhouse for mobile photography, videography, multi-tasking and more.

So, what about gaming?

I’m not talking about the casual play here, or emulators (although Android is the emulator go-to for mobile), I’m focusing on triple AAA mobile gaming marathons.

With the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor coupled with 12GB RAM, there’s definitely enough engine to put you in the fast lane.

First up in the console quality gaming test is Diablo Immortal.

The rich graphics coupled with the fierce combat moments, playing online and offline was seamless, smooth and fluid. The 5,000 mAh battery from full charge lasted over 6 hours (in total).

A fav of mine is Pascal’s Wager. A deep RPG with console graphics.

A slow burn title with a lot of sometimes lengthy video cut sequences, this third person game is a deep play and was not so power friendly.

While gameplay was fine, the S25 Ultra’s battery took a hit and within just 3.5 hours it was game over.

Call of Duty Mobile online and Wreckfest were the primary winners.

Both getting close to or exceeding the battery life of Diablo. And of course not a glitch or lag insight.

Streaming Xbox GamePass is where it’s at though. If you have a GamePass subscription you can stream Xbox games, thus really testing the ‘console quality’ on the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Connecting up a bluetooth controller, or via USB-C is the way to go. Sure you can try to use the onscreen touch controls but it is very fiddly.

Forza 7 revved into action with simulated speed and detailed graphics, Deadspace (Remake) interstellar darkness was a smooth play, any game you decide to stream via GamePass on the S25 Ultra is likely to play real well.

GamePass on WiFi was around 3 hours (total), but on mobile data (4G and 5G) the battery drain was quicker at near-to 2 hours. Also on mobile data for GamePass the S25 Ultra tended to heat up.

If you’re on the go and want to get some lengthy Xbox action, carry a battery pack with you.

In all it was no surprise, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a mobile gaming powerhouse, able to compete with the more specialised ‘gaming smartphones’ out in the market, shows that the S25 Ultra is an all-purpose smartphone with the looks, specs and AI to see you right now and in to the future.

The post Mobile Gaming on Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Samsung has just announced the Galaxy Tab S10 FE and Galaxy Tab S10 FE+, offering new entry points to the Galaxy ecosystem on a premium tablet design.

Equipped with the largest screen yet on the Galaxy Tab FE series and slimmer bezels that expand its display, the Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ provides a fun, immersive viewing experience for everything from entertainment to studying and day-to-day tasks. Samsung’s Intelligent Features empower users to get more done with ease, while a slimmer design helps users to achieve their creativity and productivity on the go.

“The new Galaxy Tab S10 FE series brings advanced mobile AI experience and Samsung’s connected ecosystem to even more tablet users, while still offering leading performance and design,” said Changtae Kim, EVP & Head of New Computing R&D Team, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “We’re confident that the slim bezels and expansive displays, in addition to a whole host of functional improvements, will inspire people to do more, create more, and discover more.”

Combining the Galaxy Tab S series’ heritage design with slim bezels, the Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ 13.1-inch display offers immersive entertainment on a screen that’s almost 12% larger than the previous FE+. Smooth visuals enabled by a 90Hz refresh rate and new levels of visibility up to 800 nits HBM on the Galaxy Tab S10 FE series ensure an optimal viewing experience when watching videos and gaming. Vision Booster’s automatic adjustments enhance brightness and visibility even in ever-changing outdoor environments while blue-light emissions are safely reduced to minimise eye strain, meeting every unique viewing need.

The Galaxy Tab S10 FE series boosts productivity when working or studying, and delivers fast, smooth gameplay without interruption. Performance upgrades enable the Galaxy Tab S10 FE series to help users switch effortlessly between multiple apps when they are being creative, allowing for improved multitasking. And when capturing everyday moments in the classroom or in workspaces, a newly upgraded 13MP high resolution rear camera produces clear and vivid photos.

These versatile experiences, from powerful work to seamless play, accompany users everywhere they go. Now more than 4% lighter than its predecessor, Galaxy Tab S10 FE is even easier to carry around, while the Galaxy S10 Tab FE series offers hassle-free storage and mobility at home, on campus, in the workplace and elsewhere with its slim design. Engineered for resilience and durability to withstand the elements, the FE series also comes with the same IP68 rating as the newest Galaxy Tab S10 series.

Building on Samsung’s legacy of delivering premium experiences across the Galaxy ecosystem, the Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ and Galaxy Tab S10 FE are the first models in the FE series to come equipped with cutting-edge AI capabilities right out of the box, fuelling user productivity.

• Fan-favourite Circle to Search with Google allows you to search what you see on your tablet without switching apps. Quickly get the info you need, translate text on screen or get homework help with step-by-step explanations – all on one large screen.
• Samsung Notes features like Solve Math for quick calculations of handwriting and text, and Handwriting Help to tidy up notes easily, make notetaking easier than ever so users can stay focused in the moment.
• AI assistants are instantly launched with a single tap of the Galaxy AI Key on the Book Cover Keyboard. Plus, AI assistants can be customised based on users’ preferences for a more personalised experience.
• An upgraded Object Eraser lets users effortlessly remove unwanted objects from photos, with automatic suggestions for quick and easy edits.
• Newly introduced Best Face ensures perfect group photos by selecting and combining the best expressions and features.
• Auto Trim brings cherished moments to life by sifting through multiple videos to seamlessly compile highlight reels.
• The Galaxy Tab S10 FE series also serves as the perfect canvas for creativity with pre-loaded apps and tools including LumaFusion, Goodnotes, Clip Studio Paint and more, alongside other spotlight apps like Noteshelf, Sketchbook and Picsart.

For an even more intuitive AI experience, the FE series seamlessly integrates with other Samsung Galaxy devices. Similar to the Galaxy Tab S10, users can access a comprehensive overview of their home status with the Home Insight widget dashboard and 3D Map View feature. Summarised status updates of SmartThings-enabled devices give users peace of mind when out and about.

As with any Galaxy device, the Galaxy Tab S10 FE series is fortified by strong security, Samsung Knox[2], Samsung Galaxy’s defence-grade, multi-layer security platform built to safeguard critical information and protect against vulnerabilities with end-to-end hardware, real-time threat detection and collaborative protection.

Launching in New Zealand on the 1st of May 2025, the Galaxy Tab S10 FE and Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ will be available in select markets and offered in three colours: Grey, Silver and Blue.

The post Boost Multitasking w. Galaxy Tab S10 FE Series appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

It’s 2025 and to commemorate this quarter of a century since Y2K a new era of Samsung’s S Series has launched.

The three familiar models, S25, S25+ and S25 Ultra make their debut as premier Android based smartphones, but there’s also been a major overhaul.

This year’s S Series is a mix of what we are used to from Samsung in their signature flagship and a lot of bold and innovative features.

First up is to take a look under the hood for the mighty Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Having the new and powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite processor at its core sees both battery efficiency and speed in tandem, enabling complex tasks, multitasking and some quality console gaming abilities.

Coupled with this is the standard 12GB RAM (there is a 1TB / 16GB RAM variant).

The bold and vivid AMOLED QHD display has increased by .1 of an inch to come out at 6.9 (S24 Ultra is 6.8 inch). Yeah, you’re not likely to notice the size difference if you’re still wielding a S24 Ultra, however the all screen, no bezel device with HDR10+ has a fluid 120Hz refresh which, if you’re a mobile gamer, is a must.

Camera wise, the S25 Ultra has it all to smash out any competing device and make this smartphone the must-have for professional mobile photography.

The front facing pinhole comes in at 12MP (wide), which provides you with a deep and true to life colour detail and is able to record in 4K.

But it’s the rear camera’s where things are at.

We have four lenses going on, 200MP wide, 10MP telephoto, 50MP periscope and an additional 50MP ultrawide.

Able to natively record in 8K (and of course 4K) for video the depth, detail and true-to-life colour capture is second to none.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – Portrait mode

Nightography is just beyond reality and of course the x100 digital zoom lets you capture those moon shots that really enforce the ‘Galaxy’ in this series’ brand name.

From everyday snaps, to vlogs, live reels or pet video’s if you are wanting to capture or record at a pro level the S25 Ultra has got you sorted.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – Space zoom

For those that like to get closer to the action, there’s optic x3 and x5 zoom through to digital x100 zoom.

However, be prepared to lose resolution and detail if you take snaps at the full digital zoom, and somewhat awkward camera control to snap the area you’re mega-zoomed in to.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – no zoom

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – x10 zoom

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – x100 zoom

This year’s S Series has had an overhaul in other areas too.

It’s the Samsung One UI you know, but oh so different with version 7.

For the past 12 months since the Galaxy S24 series, Samsung’s UI / UX team have been busy.

A smoother, more intuitive navigation with a heavy accent on tiling. Your home screen widgets are more informative yet less cluttered and overall give a cleaner experience.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – Now bar

Samsung has introduced us to the ‘Now bar’. An onscreen widget that sits at the bottom of the lock screen which can do all manner of things. From Samsung Health insights, to relevant events through to music streaming controls and more.

I fully welcome this – it’s handier than you’d think, and way more ‘dynamic’ than any ‘island’…

Now let’s talk about AI.

Last year we saw Samsung pioneer AI into their smartphones with circle to search, smart translation, AI photo editing and more.

We still have this in the S25 range with some of the best and most intuitive image wizards and edits on any device, but when you first start using your new S25 device there is an overload of AI preinstalled. From Gemini to Bixby or Google Assistant, even CoPilot.

Take your pick of the bunch is my advice and stick with the AI you’re used to.

The S25 Ultra does come with bloatware, you know, those apps (some third party) that are bundled and you cannot uninstall. This chomps a sizeable amount of onboard storage and no, you cannot expand via microSD card, that was removed years ago and I wish it would come back.

If you’re likely to be recording a few 8K vids, you’ll need to go for the larger storage options of 512GB to 1TB. But for most users the entry level 256GB will be more than enough.

You can circumvent the storage by using cloud, such as Google, or OneDrive, both are immediately available on the device.

Battery wise, the Galaxy S25 Ultra has your back. A 5,000 mAh powercell keeps you running day and night. So much so, that during my heavy daily use I’m able to squeeze up to two days from a full charge, without using reverse charging (charging a Samsung wearable on the back of the phone).

There are a few takeaways for me with the S25 Ultra. From the overly generously spec’d rear camera’s the intuitive use of AI, power, speed and battery life, but the biggest one was the refreshing look and feel of One UI 7.

This is the S Series you love, you’re used to, but unlike a certain specific smartphone whose ‘core’ UI / UX hasn’t changed since the 2010’s, Samsung are bringing the innovation, the change, leading the AI march and actually giving you new, improved and ‘Ultra’ specs for your hard earned cash.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is truly something special in the S Series and a must upgrade from whichever smartphone you may be rocking right now.

The post Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Review appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Samsung New Zealand today announced the Galaxy Ring is coming to New Zealand.

The Galaxy Ring offers Samsung’s powerful sensor technology in its smallest wearable form factor yet. It provides simple, round-the-clock wellness monitoring in a stylish, comfortable design built for daily wear.

Jason Hong, Head of Mobile Product Management at Samsung New Zealand, said, “Health and wellbeing are a priority for many Kiwis, and we’re excited to introduce the Galaxy Ring as a new way to support their wellness journey. Designed for effortless everyday wear, the Galaxy Ring delivers powerful health insights in a discreet and comfortable form.”

“With AI-powered features and seamless integration with Samsung Health, users can access personalised, data-driven insights to help them stay on top of their health with ease.”

Samsung Galaxy Ring pushes the boundaries by harnessing the power of AI to bring you bespoke insights based on your metrics. From advanced sleep insights to an Energy Score that lets you know when you can push it to the limit or when it’s time to put your feet up and Wellness Tips that give you tailored motivational messages for guidance throughout the day. The data and insights are integrated into Samsung Health for seamless access within one cohesive platform.

Available on select Android phones (Android 10 or above), requires Samsung Health App (V6.27 or above) and Samsung Account login. User must register a Galaxy Watch (Watch4 or later) or Galaxy Ring. Not intended for use in detection, diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Measurements are for your personal reference only. Please consult a medical professional for advice.

Samsung Health tracking features are intended for general wellness and fitness purposes only. Not intended for use in the detection, diagnosis, treatment, monitoring or management of any medical condition or disease. Any health-related information accessed through the device and application should not be treated as medical advice.

Users should seek any medical advice from a physician.

The Samsung Galaxy Ring is available in eleven size options, from five to fifteen, three colour choices – Titanium Silver, Titanium Black and Titanium Gold and will be available from the 2nd of April 2025.

The post Samsung Galaxy Ring Releasing in New Zealand appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Recently there has been a furor and even legal action in regards to quantum dot display technology.

Not based on the tech itself, but claims made against a known manufacturer claiming to have the feature in their smart TV’s when they, purpotedly, did not. This of course left affected consumers feeling, shall I say… ‘high sensed’ (I’ll let you figure that one out).

So Samsung, who have the real deal when it comes to quatum dot, are here to let us know what to look out for with real Q-Dot smart TVs and what the feature is all about.

What sets Quantum Dot TVs Apart: Content, Film Quality and No-Cadmium Technology

The TV industry continues research and development into the commercialisation of quantum dots as the material aims to become a game-changer in display technology. For that reason, a variety of quantum dot TVs have hit the market recently — offering a wide range of options to customers.

However, key differences in quantum dot TVs lie in how the technology is implemented and the overall quality of the display. To ensure a premium viewing experience, factors such as the amount of quantum dot content, the quality of quantum dot film and the use of no-cadmium materials must be considered.

Quantum Dot Content

The true quality of a quantum dot TV is defined by its quantum dot content. The quantum dot film requires a minimum of 3,000 parts per million (ppm) of the material to achieve the vivid, rich picture quality and colour expression that only quantum dots can deliver.

Quantum Dot Film

Samsung QLEDs eliminate the need for a separate phosphor layer, enhancing light and energy efficiency while delivering more vivid colours. A quantum dot OLED (QD-OLED), which consists of a thin-film transistor (TFT) layer, a self-emitting light source and a quantum dot film that uses the light emitted from the light source, takes a step further enhancing picture quality. In either case, a dedicated quantum dot film that contains sufficient quantum dots is key in helping to deliver top-class picture quality and longevity.

No Cadmium

In the early stages of developing quantum dot TVs, cadmium was essential to achieving the key benefits of quantum dots such as colour reproduction and contrast ratio. At the time, cadmium was considered the most efficient material for producing quantum dots.

However, cadmium’s toxicity became a significant obstacle to the commercialisation of quantum dot technology. The element posed serious threats to the environment — making its widespread use difficult despite being the most suitable material for implementing quantum dot technology.

In response to this challenge, Samsung developed the world’s first no-cadmium quantum dot material in 2014 and successfully commercialized quantum dot technology with its SUHD TVs in the following year to open a new era of quantum dot TVs.

10 Years of Quantum Dot Innovation and Leadership

Samsung has quickly recognised the potential of quantum dot technology and led innovation in the global display market over the past decade through continuous research and investment.

Samsung began researching and developing quantum dot technology in 2001. Achieving vivid colours required making the nano-sized particles uniform, but the lack of technology and research made mass production extremely challenging.

Despite these obstacles, Samsung succeeded in creating a no-cadmium nanocrystal material in 2014. Since then, the company has accumulated extensive expertise — registering more than 150 patents — and continuously worked on advancing the technology. Samsung’s long-standing commitment culminated in 2015 when the company unveiled the world’s first SUHD TVs with no-cadmium quantum dot technology.

Samsung’s QLED line-up was revealed in 2017, setting a new standard for premium TVs that outmatched Samsung’s OLED TVs. By applying metal quantum dot technology, Samsung achieved the Digital Cinema Initiative’s colour standard DCI-P and achieved 100% colour volume for the first time in the world — thereby presenting unparalleled colour expression. Notably, the use of inorganic quantum dot technology protected the screens from burn-in2 to ensure consistent picture quality over time.

Following its success in developing a red light-emitting element for displays in 2019, the company enhanced the luminous efficiency of blue self-emitting QLEDs — considered the most challenging to implement among the three primary QLED colors — to a leading 20.2%.

“Discovering a blue material for self-emitting QLEDs and demonstrating industry-leading performance at the device level were significant achievements of this research,” said Dr. Eunjoo Chang, a fellow at Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology. “Samsung’s distinctive quantum dot technology has once again overcome technical barriers.”

These cutting-edge advancements led to the launch of the QD-OLED TVs, making history at CES 2022 by winning the Best of Innovation award for integrating quantum dot technology and OLED displays.

Samsung remains dedicated to advancing quantum dot technology through continuous innovation. The company continues to invest in leading display technology — from SUHD to Neo QLED — by offering high brightness, colour accuracy and frequency. Driven by Samsung’s unrivalled quantum dot innovations, the future of display technology is brighter than ever.

The post Q Dot, what? appeared first on Shane the Gamer.