Alleged Leaked Images of Samsung's Clamshell-Style Galaxy Fold Appear Online

[SteveJUAE]

Not sure which CR articles you consulted, but the AirPods Pro received a 75 score in a roundup of wireless portable headphones i just looked at. The Sony WF-1000XM3s were rated at 87 due to sound quality. The Samsung Galaxy Buds were scored at 86 in a separate review, but as you say, they're not noise canceling. Its absence is a significant shortcoming in many situations, such as airplane travel.

Personally, as a recovering audiophile, I've been very satisfied with my AirPods Pro. The sound quality and noise cancelation are surprisingly good, and easy pairing with multiple Apple devices is a plus.

Regarding foldable phones: I began with bricks in the early 90s, then moved to clamshells when they became available, mostly because of their compact size. But the first iPhone was a revelation because it was small enough to fit in my pocket and didn't have to be unfolded to use. That advantage has also applied to its successors, since I often need to see incoming messages or view/interact with content while the device is lying flat.

I'm not averse to a folding design as long as I don't give up any features. It has to be thin enough when folded to slip into a shirt pocket, I want a truly seamless screen that will hold up for years, and the phone should easily stay perfectly flat and functional on a table or other surface.

I would be astonished if Apple isn't investigating foldable phones, but I don't think they'll bring anything to market unless it doesn't compromise on current designs.

Thanks for your comments yes Folds etc are niche devices and hard to justify, but fun and maybe a way forward for more wearable concepts even if the current format is superseded by others

I use my wired in ear Bose for air travel as they also plug in to the entertainment systems onboard thats not possible with wireless but out of interest does the noise cancelling on the Airpods Pro work without any connectivity or sound from your phone ?

As you will know during pre-flight, take-off and landing all devices are suppose to be off, but i leave my Bose on just to cancel out aircraft noise and dampen down pre-flight info and broadcasts

 

[Roller]

Thanks for your comments yes Folds etc are niche devices and hard to justify, but fun and maybe a way forward for more wearable concepts even if the current format is superseded by others

I use my wired in ear Bose for air travel as they also plug in to the entertainment systems onboard thats not possible with wireless but out of interest does the noise cancelling on the Airpods Pro work without any connectivity or sound from your phone ?

As you will know during pre-flight, take-off and landing all devices are suppose to be off, but i leave my Bose on just to cancel out aircraft noise and dampen down pre-flight info and broadcasts

Yes, the noise-canceling feature can be active when the AirPods Pro aren't connected to a device. I often use them on airplanes during all phases, though I usually interrupt the noise cancelation to listen to announcements, especially ones that are specific to that flight.

BTW, there are several Bluetooth adapters that let you use wireless headphones or earbuds with aircraft entertainment systems. They're essentially small Bluetooth transmitters and cost as little as $25 USD. I haven't purchased one yet, but may do so before my next long flight. It's more convenient than unplugging the cord to let someone else pass by or get up myself.

 

[SteveJUAE]

Yes, the noise-canceling feature can be active when the AirPods Pro aren't connected to a device. I often use them on airplanes during all phases, though I usually interrupt the noise cancelation to listen to announcements, especially ones that are specific to that flight.

BTW, there are several Bluetooth adapters that let you use wireless headphones or earbuds with aircraft entertainment systems. They're essentially small Bluetooth transmitters and cost as little as $25 USD. I haven't purchased one yet, but may do so before my next long flight. It's more convenient than unplugging the cord to let someone else pass by or get up myself.

Cool thanks will look out for one

 

[PickUrPoison]

2020 is the year I buy a folding phone.

I am stoked

Are they still $2,000?

And I thought my 1997 StarTAC was expensive

 

[FlyingDutch]

Are they still $2,000?

And I thought my 1997 StarTAC was expensive

In 1993 (IIRC) I bought a Motorola MicroTAC, with two batteries, for an amount similar to $2000.
”Innovation” prices.

The only problem is: I’m not sure the Fold is innovation.

 

[PickUrPoison]

In 1993 (IIRC) I bought a Motorola MicroTAC, with two batteries, for an amount similar to $2000.
”Innovation” prices.

The only problem is: I’m not sure the Fold is innovation.

The MicroTAC was hugely innovative, and a true game changer. Other cellphones, including all the others Motorola made, were primitive in comparison. Agree that while folding displays themselves are innovative, the fold, and this phone imo, aren’t in that league wrt innovation. It’s definitely better than their first folder though.

 

[Tech198]

In 1993 (IIRC) I bought a Motorola MicroTAC, with two batteries, for an amount similar to $2000.
”Innovation” prices.

The only problem is: I’m not sure the Fold is innovation.

I always think it's "innovation" to the company... not as was first of the world. That IS kinda a long shot.