Samsung’s Prepping A Galaxy S8 PLUS Model

In a bid to undo the damage done by the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 debacle, Samsung plans on hitting back big time in 2017 with a new, larger model of the Galaxy S8 called the Galaxy S8 Plus.

This means, in 2017, there will be two Galaxy S8 handsets: the standard Galaxy S8 and the new Galaxy S8 Plus. Both models will feature EDGE displays and, thanks to new design and display technology, will feature a bezel-less design so the overall size of the handset should not be much bigger than current Galaxy S7 models.

The standard Galaxy S8 will feature a 5.7in OLED display, while the Galaxy S8 Plus will pack in a larger 6.2in panel. But – and this is the kicker – the overall size will not be impacted too much by the inclusion of what is a very large panel, thanks to new design language that will see Samsung eradicate bezels from the handset’s design. Think something like this.

Interestingly, Apple is expected to be doing something similar with its iPhone 8 models in 2017. Both models will apparently feature an all-touch front panel with the Home key embedded inside the new OLED display. This will open up lots more room for display and create a more engaging viewing experience.

So why is Samsung making a new Plus model Galaxy S8? Simple: it wants to win back disgruntled Galaxy Note 7 users early on in 2017. How Samsung will differentiate the two models remains to be seen, but given the lack of interest in its Galaxy S6 EDGE+ handset it seems likely the larger, more costly phone will have to feature a couple of interesting USPs in order to encourage adoption.

Other notable features said to be inside the Galaxy S8 are Viv, Samsung’s new digital assistant technology, a dual-lens camera, new processor technology, improved RAM, Android Nougat, and improved optimisation for overall better performance and stronger battery life.

Here's the official line on VIV from the people that made it:

"Viv is an artificial intelligence platform that enables developers to distribute their products through an intelligent, conversational interface. It’s the simplest way for the world to interact with devices, services and things everywhere. Viv is taught by the world, knows more than it is taught, and learns every day."
When will these phones launch? That’s the million dollar question. But given the damage the Galaxy Note 7 has caused to Samsung’s bottomline, the company will almost certainly push for an early release in order to quell the damage caused by the Galaxy Note 7 being taken out of contention in 2016.

Beyond this, Samsung has also confirmed that the Galaxy Note range will return in 2017. Between now and then we have the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus to look forward to, as well as new releases from LG, HTC and, potentially, Nokia….

What do you want to see inside the new Galaxy S8?

BMW presents its self-balancing motorcycle of the future

The motorcycle of the future is so safe riders can cruise without helmet -- all of
the thrills with none of the danger -- according to BMW.
The German automaker unveiled on Tuesday its Motorrad Vision Next 100, a sleek, self-balancing prototype the company released as part of its 100th anniversary celebrations.
The zero-emissions bike has self-balancing wheels designed to stand upright even at a complete stop,
stability that the company says will allow riders to forgo riding a helmet.
"Its self-balancing system will help protect the rider at any time," said Edgar Heinrich, the design director of BMW's motorcycle division. "Any late reaction from the driver will trigger and the vehicle will balance out."
"In the future, motorcycle riders will be able to enjoy riding without protective gear."
The world's top maker of luxury vehicles has also premiered this year a futuristic BMW sports car with a flexible body, as well as a self-driving Rolls-Royce and an electric Mini model.
Company representatives said that riding without a helmet remains a fantasy for now, though.
Many countries mandate the protective gear and self-balancing technology is still in the developmental stage -- if the latest concept vehicle becomes a reality, it likely won't be before 2030.
Despite its contemporary features the bike will not be fully autonomous, the company said.
"We do not envision autonomy on motorcycles," said Heinrich, as the driverless autopilot system has faced global scrutiny following fatal crashes in
northern China in January and in the US state of Florida in May.
In September, a Tesla electric car crashed into a tourist bus on a motorway in northern Germany, after the driver who was the only one slightly
injured claimed he had activated the autopilot system.
BMW aims to commercialize fully autonomous vehicles by 2021, a company spokesman told AFP.
The Munich-based group has been collaborating with US computer chip giant Intel and the Israeli technology firm Mobileye to develop self-driving
cars.
Last year, the Munich-based group also joined forces with its German rivals Daimler and Audi, the luxury subsidiary of Volkswagen, to buy the Here digital mapping service from Nokia to assist in the effort.