Technologies

Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Faces Its Biggest Challenge, and It Isn’t Apple

Premium phones keep appealing to consumers, but with carrier deals declining, that could change.

Consumers have flocked to Samsung’s top phones for their cutting-edge features, and the new Galaxy S23 phones continue that tradition, especially with a 200 megapixel main camera on its top-tier Galaxy S23 Ultra. But they’ve also been popular thanks to generous discounts from Samsung itself and US carriers eager to lure in new customers.

Those deals, however, are about to dry up.

Over the last few years, the wireless carriers have been essentially subsidizing the price tag of premium smartphones to get customers to sign up for lengthy three-year contracts. That’s helped people afford the most expensive phones as sales of cheaper handsets continue to decline.

But Verizon and AT&T both said they’ll be reducing their promotional discounts for phones going forward, representing a shake-up in the phone-carrier dynamic. That could have a big impact on whether US consumers still see top-of-the-line handsets across all brands as a good purchase, with Samsung particularly feeling the pain.

«It’s even more concerning for Samsung, as they are leaning on premium devices growth to navigate through the tough road ahead,» said IDC research director Nabila Popal, pointing to Samsung’s president and head of mobile experience T.M. Roh telling Reuters of the company’s focus on selling high-end phones in developed and up-and-coming markets.

That isn’t to say consumers are getting a bad deal with the new Galaxy S23 phones, which start at $800 for the base model and go up to $1,200 for the S23 Ultra. Samsung was smart to keep its prices level with last year’s models, Popal said, so consumers are paying the same for a better chipset and cameras.

But there’s little doubt that the priciest phones had continued to be appealing to consumers because of carrier-supported trade-in offers and promotions. «If they decrease, it would definitely have a negative impact on the industry,» Popal said.

Samsung isn’t the only company navigating a troubled phone market, though its rival Apple is dealing with entirely different challenges. iPhone sales dropped 8% during the holiday season, partially due to COVID-19 shutdowns and protests in parts of China where Apple’s phones are built, leading to supply shortages of the company’s top-tier iPhone 14 Pro series. People couldn’t get enough iPhones.

For Samsung, the challenge will be continuing to convince people that its phones are worth the high cost without as many carrier discounts softening the blow to consumer wallets. At Samsung Unpacked and the launch of the new S23 series, Roh was optimistic that the challenging economy could be the time for expensive phones to shine.

«When times get hard, then people would be more cautious in the choices that they make,» Roh told CNET Senior Editor Lisa Eadicicco through a translator. «In other words, they would be looking for greater value to be gained.»

Samsung’s newest top-tier phones may be a trial balloon for other phonemakers with launches planned for later in the year, as the macroeconomic conditions and lower subsidies add more uncertainty to the flagship phone market. Regardless, the S23 phones will help keep Samsung competitive until its next set of devices arrive, which are expected to be new versions of its Z-line of foldables, which have traditionally come out in August.

«An expected portfolio expansion of 5G and foldable smartphones throughout 2023 will help Samsung consolidate revenue growth and sustain leadership in a contracting market,» said David McQueen, research director at global technology intelligence firm ABI Research.

Whether those 5G or foldable features are considered good value in an age of shrinking deals remains a big question.

Technologies

Flying Without a Real ID? You May Soon Have to Pay $18 at the Airport

In May, a requirement went into effect at US airports for identification that meets Real ID standards.

What’s the cost of showing up at airport security without a Real ID, besides annoying TSA and possibly missing your flight? Soon, it could be $18 per person, nonrefundable.

The Transportation Security Administration is proposing the fee for travelers who show up at airport security without a valid Real ID, which could include an enhanced driver’s license or a passport. States began issuing driver’s licenses with Real ID in 2016.

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In May, after several delays, Real IDs became mandatory at airports in the US, although the TSA does offer alternative ways to verify identity using extra security measures. The $18 fee would cover that additional work.

«This modernized, technology-enabled program will provide additional methods of alternative identity verification beyond what TSA currently provides and reduce the time required to verify identities using the existing method,» the TSA’s administration said in the proposal. «The current alternative identity verification process is time- and resource-intensive, limiting the number of individuals for whom TSA can provide the service.»

There’s no information on what would happen next with the proposal, or when it might move forward. It’s unclear when, if approved, the $18 fee would begin.

«TSA is working with stakeholders and partners to ensure both security and efficiency at our checkpoints,» a representative for TSA told CNET. «Additional guidance will be announced in the coming days.»

How the fee would work

According to the proposal, TSA would not refund the $18 fee if someone fails the security check and doesn’t make it through after paying.

However, if successful, the traveler would be able to continue traveling for 10 days without a Real ID using a biometric kiosk, without having to pay the fee repeatedly.

Tech companies, including Apple, have been working to offer solutions to make mobile IDs easier. The company has recently added a feature that allows people to add a passport to Apple Wallet. Some states are also offering options to use your phone as ya substitute for your driver’s license.

It’s unlikely that the TSA would implement the fee before the holiday travel season this year. Ensuring you have a Real ID-friendly form of identification is a good idea if you have air travel in your future, regardless of the associated fee.

Technologies

Snag the the DJI Mic Mini Kit for a Record-Low Price of $79 for Black Friday

Creators, podcasters or anyone who wants better audio on their calls and recordings have a chance to grab a great Black Friday bargain.

Whether you’re a YouTuber, a podcaster or you just want better audio on your FaceTime calls with the grandkids, a good microphone can make all the difference. Right now there’s a fantastic deal on one of the most popular microphones from DJI.

I’ve spotted the DJI Mic Mini for just $79 at Amazon right now — that’s a $90 savings. This early Black Friday deal won’t last, so make sure you get the mic now. The DJI Mic Mini kit includes two wireless lavalier mics that conveniently clip onto shirts or jackets, so you and a friend can record better audio.

These DJI mics have omnidirectional recording that captures voices clearly. And a wireless receiver works with your mics up to 400 meters (1,312 feet) away.

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With Bluetooth, DJI OsmoAudio or USB connectivity options, you can always finish your video or keep streaming without a hitch. The mics’ battery life can also reach up to 48 hours, so you can spend more time creating and less time charging your equipment.

This kit includes two mics, a charging case, a mini receiver, windscreens, a USB cable, a 3.5mm camera audio cable and a mini carrying pouch. Best of all, these mics can be used with iPhones and Androids.

Why this deal matters

DJI is known for its high-quality drone cameras and accessories. This DJI Mic Mini kit includes everything needed to capture high-quality audio directly onto your smartphone. The mics are perfect for calls, streaming and content creation. This kit includes two lav mics and every accessory you need to get to work for $90 off. So, the deal is a must for budding creatives on a budget.

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Technologies

Gemini AI Is Coming to Millions of Cars to Be Your Chatty Road Trip Companion

Please remember to keep your eyes on the road while you engage with the new Android Auto capabilities.

Google is bringing AI conversations to drivers in 45 countries with an update to Android Auto that adds Gemini software as a passenger. The ambitious global rollout of the AI chatbot technology to a potential 250 million cars equipped with Android Auto software will be available to those who have upgraded Google Assistant to Gemini AI on their phone.

Once enabled, Google Gemini will be able to engage in hands-free conversations with drivers who want to do things like get recommendations for activities at their destination, sort through emails, or compose and edit texts while driving.

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In a blog post, the company offered five ways to use the new features. These include asking for recommended stops while on a route, composing or editing messages (including translations for 40 languages), looking for things in your Gmail inbox or Google Calendar, creating music playlists and practicing a speech on the way to, say, a wedding rehearsal dinner.

Whether it’s a good idea to do those things at highway speeds is a separate debate. While the features are hands-free, Google does not address the distraction factor of, for example, conversationally building a playlist while driving down the highway.

A spokesperson told CNET that Google will release research that addresses safety concerns around hands-free technology, but didn’t give a time frame.

«Our automotive products are designed and built on safety principles grounded in government and industry distraction guidelines, as well as our own deep research,» said Greg Fitch, head of safety and user experience for Android for Cars.

«We’ve extensively tested Gemini’s impact on the driving experience, both in the lab and on the road. With rigorous third-party testing now complete, we are preparing to release our findings,» Fitch said.

How Gemini works in Android Auto

Google says that accessing Gemini happens when you say «Hey Google,» hit the mic button in Android Auto, or do a long press on the voice control button if your steering wheel has one.

Google says it will add more features and capabilities in the future. For now, the Gemini update can access information from Google Calendar, Google Tasks, Google Keep, Samsung Calendar, Samsung Reminder, and Samsung Notes, with additional third-party app support expected in the future.