N e w s C e n t r a l
Southern California wildfires likely outpace ability of wildlife to adapt
Even species that evolved with wildfires, like mountain lions, are struggling.
Source: arstechnica.com
Reception: Neutral
California’s air pollution waiver and the “EV mandate” are banned by Trump
Among the new president's many executive orders were attacks on clean vehicle policies.
Source: arstechnica.com
Reception: Positive
The best doorbell cameras
<figure> <img alt="Photo collage of various brands of smart doorbells." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gRjH50x4uby3Larx6QW182lC8iw=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70564714/247327_Buying_Guide_Doorbells_CVirginia.6.jpg" /> <figcaption>Image: Cath Virginia / The Verge</figcaption> </figure> <p>We picked the best video doorbell cameras for keeping an eye on people, packages, and anything else that comes across your front porch. </p> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/22954554/best-video-doorbell-camera">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>
Source: www.theverge.com
Reception: Positive
This is the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge
<figure> <img alt="A close-up showing the side of the Galaxy S25 Edge." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/CJd3Rz-6DI19QHcteU4Ygnz6Lgk=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73861645/vpavic_20250122_Untitled_Job_0153.11.jpg" /> <figcaption>Photo by Vjeran Pavic / The Verge</figcaption> </figure> <p id="pJOAsG">Samsung just teased the <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/22/24349652/samsung-galaxy-s25-edge-teased">Galaxy S25 Edge</a> — the new ultra-slim entry into the Galaxy S25 lineup. The phone isn’t out yet, and Samsung hasn’t provided any details, but now we know it’s real. And we have pictures. </p> <p id="MSnalm">Like pretty much every phone, it’s a thin silver slab. It’s got two cameras on the back, rather than the three cameras you’d get with other S25 phones. The Edge is <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/15/24344652/samsung-s25-slim-super-thin-design-leaked-renders">rumored to measure just 6.4mm thick</a>, but my colleagues Allison Johnson and Vjeran Pavic, who are on the ground at Galaxy Unpacked and took the below photos, weren’t able to actually hold or measure the device to confirm.</p> <p id="RhD5Gp">We’re trying to get closer so we can show perspective, but the place is mobbed with people. There’s a lot of excitement about this phone. By comparison, though, the regular Galaxy S25 is 7.2mm thick. So, it’s... even thinner.</p> <p id="Jay0CT">Here are some of the pictures we took:</p> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt="Three Galaxy S25 Edge phones." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3RdxJG1TZ12ZNXpkLqf7v1-Hy6A=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25842629/g3I2L.jpeg" /> <cite>Photo by Vjeran Pavic / The Verge</cite> </figure> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt="Three Galaxy S25 Edge phones." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2DVnPm7_JCDxuBqjwvOc2A4aHLY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25842631/vpavic_20250122_Untitled_Job_0146.jpg" /> <cite>Photo by Vjeran Pavic / The Verge</cite> </figure> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt="Photo of the Galaxy S25 Edge" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6Pw1eba4caOtcRPrF3922RITzsY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25842630/vpavic_20250122_Untitled_Job_0131.jpg" /> <cite>Photo by Vjeran Pavic / The Verge</cite> </figure> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt="A photo of Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge smartphone." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/GsfECPIz48mVZfdK9LEw-pIvnJo=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25842612/DSC09321.JPG" /> <cite>Photo by Allison Johnson / The Verge</cite> </figure> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt="A photo of Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge smartphones." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/A0toReXXuEqOS3_bOeGXopkn8FY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25842587/DSC09295.JPG" /> <cite>Photo by Allison Johnson / The Verge</cite> </figure> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt="A photo of Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge smartphones." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/oXGQ9lbGs4oEF9yH8VzokP0KzME=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25842585/DSC09292.JPG" /> <cite>Photo by Allison Johnson / The Verge</cite> </figure> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt="A photo of Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge smartphones." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MkihyMBctQ82xeSR_Uxyh1j25zY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25842588/DSC09300.JPG" /> <cite>Photo by Allison Johnson / The Verge</cite> </figure> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt="A photo of Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge smartphones." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/TzhoWugTguqR-dNf2G2dRQkJJ9s=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25842586/DSC09313.JPG" /> <cite>Photo by Allison Johnson / The Verge</cite> </figure> <p id="LqpRMF"><em><strong>Update, January 22nd</strong></em><em>: Added more photos.</em></p>
Source: www.theverge.com
Reception: Positive
Xbox beta tests support for massive amounts of external storage
<figure> <img alt="Vector illustration the Xbox logo." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/X4Qf8hgbTXAAS3chejtVinziS84=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73861639/STK048_XBOX_2_A.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Image: Cath Virginia / The Verge</figcaption> </figure> <p id="8t7aHo">Xbox has a new beta software update <a href="https://support.xbox.com/en-us/help/hardware-network/xbox-insider-release-notes/console/alpha-skip-ahead/2025/01/alpha-skip-ahead-2502-250120-2200">rolling out today</a> for Insiders in the Alpha Skip-Ahead ring that enables Series X and S systems to support much larger external hard disks. Previously, the Xbox could only support up to 16TB of space on a single USB-connected drive.</p> <p id="T1SwBg">With the new update, Xbox systems can now partition hard disks larger than 16TB into segments to use the full physical storage space. A single 24TB hard disk can now be formatted into multiple partitions (the largest still being 16TB) so you can archive more games, apps, and media than ever — if that’s something you’ve wanted to do.</p> <p id="4F8bpD">However, if you have already been using a hard disk greater than 16TB with Xbox, the company says you’ll need to erase it first to take full advantage:</p> <blockquote><p id="8DB3Si">Drives greater than 16TB that have already been formatted will be unaffected by this change and would need to be reformatted to take advantage of the updated support for larger drives.</p></blockquote> <p id="KPSy9d">Although you still can’t play current generation games directly off an external drive, it can be useful to back up all of your installs anyway, or games made for older systems. You won’t need to redownload entire titles such as <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/30/24283801/comcast-call-of-duty-black-ops-6-large-downloads">the 300GB-plus <em>Call of Duty: Black Ops 6</em></a> using an internet connection when you feel like playing it again after a hiatus, unless they need an equally-sizable update.</p> <p id="IGwrSP">Xbox is also releasing an update that enables new network quality indicators for cloud gaming sessions to tell you if your connection is slow and affecting your gameplay. They will appear in red bubbles on the upper right side of the screen, telling you what is happening, such as packet loss or increased ping, which can help you troubleshoot your connection.</p> <div id="IqNOa6"> <blockquote align="center" class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Today, we have started to roll out network quality indicators for cloud gaming sessions on browser and TV, helping players to better diagnose potential network issues. <br /><br />Learn more about this feature and get troubleshooting tips here: <a href="https://t.co/pcFXEeo1qi">https://t.co/pcFXEeo1qi</a> <a href="https://t.co/hlSHLh1vyn">pic.twitter.com/hlSHLh1vyn</a></p>— Xbox Support (@XboxSupport) <a href="https://twitter.com/XboxSupport/status/1882110992261218335?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2025</a> </blockquote> </div> <p id="mI3OuE"></p>
Source: www.theverge.com
Reception: Positive
New survey reports one in 10 game developers have lost their jobs in 2024
<figure> <img alt="Inside The Game Developers Conference" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/RMguPgfa-66V4UxL738BP5cG-SA=/1x0:4000x2666/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73861613/1239464952.0.jpg" /> </figure> <p id="gebIaV">One in 10 game developers lost their job in 2024. That’s according to the results of the annual <a href="https://gdconf.com/news/gdc-2025-state-game-industry-devs-weigh-layoffs-ai-and-more">Game Developers Conference state of the video game survey</a>. The survey sampled over 3,000 developers and covered a number of topics including industry layoffs and what kind of games developers are working on.</p> <p id="s1v18u"><a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/2/8/24065868/a-dark-shadow-falls-across-the-gaming-industry">Prolific layoffs</a> have <a href="https://www.polygon.com/24177290/video-game-industry-layoffs-studio-closures-record">ravaged the industry</a> over the last two years making the question of their impact on developers one of the most important in the survey. In addition to 10 percent of developers losing their jobs, 41 percent of respondents said they had been impacted by layoffs in some way, either by being laid off directly or seeing coworkers or colleagues in other departments let go. The survey also noted that the number of people impacted is potentially much higher because of the students and graduates who reported having a difficult time simply getting a job in the industry at all.</p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="66FpmH"><div></div></aside></div> <p id="Ub5X5i">When asked what reason companies gave for layoffs, 22 percent said restructuring while 18 said declining revenue. 19 percent gave no reason at all. Developers, though, have their own ideas about why layoffs keep happening. In an analysis of responses to what developers think the reason behind layoffs is, the majority were general statements about the industry’s over-expansion during the pandemic. Companies acquired workers and studios in hopes of meeting a level of demand for games that dried up as covid restrictions loosened. However, some developers believe the reason for layoffs is much simpler. Companies like <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/30/24283812/microsoft-q1-2025-earnings-revenue-profits-windows-xbox-gaming-surface">Microsoft</a> and <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/8/7/24215155/sony-sees-strong-gaming-growth-despite-weaker-ps5-sales">Sony</a> still reported growing revenues despite multiple rounds of <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/7/31/24210476/bungie-to-layoff-220-employees-new-project">layoffs</a> and <a href="https://www.theverge.com/24151047/xbox-shuts-down-arkane-austin-tango-gameworks-microsoft">studio</a> <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/29/24282900/sony-shutting-down-concord-firewalk-studios">closures</a>. It’s no surprise then that 13 percent of respondents attributed layoffs to corporate greed.</p> <p id="OeThiB">In addition to layoffs, the last few years have also seen the failure of a number of <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/3/24234909/sony-concord-ps5-shutdown-poor-sales-launch-pc">high-profile, big-budget, live-service games</a>. While there has been some success in that area with new games like <em>Marvel Rivals</em>, it’s generally tough to launch a live-service game that can compete with the overbearing likes of <em>Fortnite</em>, <em>Roblox</em>, and <em>Call of Duty</em>. 2024 was also the year that <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/21/24348727/balatro-5-million-copies-the-game-awards"><em>Balatro</em></a>, <a href="https://www.theverge.com/24162572/animal-well-platforming-difficulty-bigmode"><em>Animal Well</em></a>, and <a href="https://www.theverge.com/24237778/astro-bot-review-ps5-game-of-the-year"><em>Astro Bot</em></a> dominated headlines and award lists suggesting a greater appetite for those kinds of <a href="https://www.theverge.com/23589879/hi-fi-rush-making-of-interview-xbox">smaller-scoped, single-player experiences. </a>It’s interesting, and perhaps concerning then, that according to the survey, over 30 percent of AAA developers are working on a live-service game.</p> <p id="sDyF5H">When it asked developers their thoughts on live-service games the survey answered, “One of the biggest issues mentioned was market oversaturation, with many developers noting how tough it is to break through and build a sustainable player base.”</p> <p id="p69X68"></p> <p id="gweQFM"></p>
Source: www.theverge.com
Reception: Negative
Dozens of subreddits are banning links to X
<figure> <img alt="An illustration of the Reddit logo." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PwDDijesxybJ6AWvm2rkaKlWFrE=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73861604/STK115_Reddit_03.5.jpg" /> <figcaption>Image: The Verge</figcaption> </figure> <p id="VkqnSX">Dozens of popular subreddits are banning links to X after Elon Musk made a gesture that historians and human rights groups have described as a Nazi salute. Communities that have instituted a ban on links to X include <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/formula1/comments/1i78lvs/starting_today_we_are_banning_twitterx_content_on/">r/formula1</a>, <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Military/comments/1i6of4m/twitterx_has_been_added_to_the_disallowed_domains/">r/military</a>, <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/nursing/comments/1i6z9gz/so_are_we_banning_the_nazis_or_what/">r/nursing</a>, <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/TwoXChromosomes/comments/1i6prfj/comment/m8ewzha/">r/TwoXChromosomes</a>, and <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/nintendo/comments/1i73hne/rnintendo_joins_other_subreddits_in_banning_links/">r/nintendo</a>.</p> <p id="c3MPXi">The shift is spreading across Reddit after neo-Nazis celebrated Musk’s speech at a rally on Monday for Donald Trump’s inauguration. During the speech, Musk twice raised his arm in a salute that <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/ruthbenghiat.bsky.social/post/3lg7eiifhyc2a">historians</a>, <a href="https://x.com/RepJerryNadler/status/1881474208771055639">elected officials</a>, and <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/20/us/politics/elon-musk-hand-gesture-speech.html">organizations that support Holocaust survivors</a> have observed as a Nazi salute. During his speech, Musk places his hand on his chest and throws his arm forward at an angle, holding it mid-air for a few moments. “My heart goes out to you,” he says to supporters. Some supporters of Musk have defended him, saying the gesture went along with his words. </p> <p id="nPi2sY">Musk has not disavowed the neo-Nazis reading his gesture as a Sieg Heil, and in fact has minimized criticism, writing on X that “The ‘everyone is Hitler’ attack is sooo tired.” Musk <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/3/25/24111405/elon-musk-great-replacement-conspiracy-immigration-don-lemon">has previously amplified</a> racist, antisemitic conspiracy theories like the Great Replacement Theory and <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/24/24278643/xs-biggest-anti-immigrant-poster-is-elon-musk">is constantly posting</a> anti-immigrant claims not based in reality. After pouring millions of dollars into US politics to elect Trump, Musk has expanded to German politics as well, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/09/world/musk-livestream-afd-weidel-germany-intl/index.html">endorsing the far right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party</a>.</p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="BFR6Ze"><q>The subreddits that announced the new rule cover millions of users across geography and interests</q></aside></div> <p id="XMrdmx">Regardless of Musk’s true intentions, extremists are thrilled: <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/elon-musk-salute-reaction-right-wing-extremists-1235241866/">as <em>Rolling Stone </em>reported</a>, white supremacists are calling it a “Donald Trump White Power moment” and thanking Musk for “hearing” them.</p> <p id="mhTyhc">The subreddits that announced the new rule cover millions of users across geography and interests. <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/SaltLakeCity/comments/1i73meb/twitterx_links_are_no_longer_allowed/">Some subreddits</a> have announced they will allow screenshots of content from X but not hyperlinks, and many other large communities like <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/1i6kjdj/should_rnba_ban_twitter_links/">r/nba</a> and <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/nfl/comments/1i6ne3o/twitter_and_rnfl/">r/nfl</a> are discussing following suit. Even setting Musk’s right wing politics aside, viewing X links on Reddit isn’t a great experience: links often don’t unfurl and users need an X account to view the conversation on the platform.</p> <p id="TREHnr">“Reddit has a longstanding commitment to freedom of speech and freedom of association,” said a Reddit spokesperson who asked to remain anonymous citing the sensitivity of the subject. While individual subreddits are able to institute community rules, “Reddit Inc. has no ban on X links — there are still plenty of X links on Reddit,” the spokesperson wrote in an email.</p> <p id="ii8su1">X did not immediately respond to a request for comment.</p>
Source: www.theverge.com
Reception: Positive
Here’s what Samsung’s first Android XR headset looks like in person
<figure> <img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/oZXJmOmFgm7ZLZKSoHph8mfQS7c=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73861602/vpavic_20250122_Untitled_Job_0006.0.jpg" /> </figure> <p id="L6JBsJ">Samsung has its Project Moohan headset on display at Galaxy Unpacked, and we’ve just taken a bunch of pictures of it.</p> <p id="rHadYt">This technically isn’t <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/12/24319528/google-android-xr-samsung-project-moohan-smart-glasses">the first time</a> we’ve seen Project Moohan, but it is the first time we’ve been allowed to photograph it. To me, it looks somewhat similar to Apple’s high-end Vision Pro headset with a hint of Meta’s discontinued Quest Pro.</p> <p id="yHgTut">The headset, which Samsung is developing in partnership with Google, runs Android XR, an OS designed <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/12/24319538/google-android-xr-ar-vr-smart-glasses">specifically for headsets and smart glasses</a>. My colleague Victoria Song got to try Project Moohan late last year, so if you want to know what it’s like to actually wear and use, <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/12/24319528/google-android-xr-samsung-project-moohan-smart-glasses">go check out her impressions</a>.</p> <p id="hPcZxj">Samsung plans to launch Project Moohan for developers first, but it won’t be available right away for consumers.</p> <p id="vtvlaG">Here are our photos from the event floor at Unpacked:</p> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt="Samsung’s Project Moohan headset at Galaxy Unpacked" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ZdbiE2Qa48nGuvJ0bD6cMUnKyts=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25842558/vpavic_20250122_Untitled_Job_0008.jpg" /> <cite>Photo by Vjeran Pavic / The Verge</cite> </figure> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt="Side view of Samsung’s Project Moohan headset at Galaxy Unpacked" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Gr1pG6iLWRcDkhAOHiagx6x0uTI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25842559/vpavic_20250122_Untitled_Job_0017.jpg" /> <cite>Photo by Vjeran Pavic / The Verge</cite> </figure> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt="Samsung’s Project Moohan headset at Galaxy Unpacked" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dgrSgzmuKA3OE9LGxZtAhxEqSzw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25842563/vpavic_20250122_Untitled_Job_0032.jpg" /> <cite>Photo by Vjeran Pavic / The Verge</cite> </figure> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt="Wide image of Samsung’s Project Moohan headset at Galaxy Unpacked" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/uJnbqtf7VMCTHsojueML8NTIVww=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25842560/vpavic_20250122_Untitled_Job_0019.jpg" /> <cite>Photo by Vjeran Pavic / The Verge</cite> </figure> <figure class="e-image"> <img alt="Samsung’s Project Moohan headset at Galaxy Unpacked" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mH1TpZ3J4GCs5rOZpDEXHscZtAU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25842562/vpavic_20250122_Untitled_Job_0026.jpg" /> <cite>Photo by Vjeran Pavic / The Verge</cite> </figure>
Source: www.theverge.com
Reception: Positive
Where to preorder the Samsung Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, and S25 Ultra
<figure> <img alt="A hands-on photo of Samsung’s Galaxy S25 smartphone lineup." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gDeCeZAULCuoyr0MGpwLsayM3HM=/0x0:2040x1360/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73861588/DSC_1875_Enhanced_NR.0.jpg" /> <figcaption><em>The Galaxy S25 lineup looks very similar to the S24 family. Go figure.</em> | Photo by Chris Welch / The Verge</figcaption> </figure> <p id="AUwiYX">Samsung finally took the wraps off its new Galaxy S25 lineup during its <a href="https://www.theverge.com/e/24112726">Unpacked event</a> on Wednesday, providing us with our first formal look at the forthcoming Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, and S25 Ultra. Available starting on February 7th, you can already preorder the S25 starting at $799.99, the S25 Plus starting at $999.99, and the S25 Ultra starting at $1,299.99.</p> <p id="4VxRB9">On the hardware front, Samsung’s latest phones represent a relatively minor refresh over last year’s S24 series. The new Galaxy S25 phones are all “Qi2 Ready,” meaning they charge at up to 15W on a Qi2 charger using Samsung’s magnetic Qi2 Ready cases. Each phone also features 12GB of RAM by default, along with more processing power thanks to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chip.</p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="yM2eFz"><div></div></aside></div> <p id="htdWV6">The new Qualcomm chipset supposedly allows for smarter and occasionally faster AI tools, which, <a href="https://www.theverge.com/e/24112499">as we noted in our brief hands-on time with the S25 and S25 Plus</a>, are the real changes here. The onboard AI assistant is now based on Google Gemini by default and can control your phone with natural language requests. Other AI features include a video editing tool that can erase distractions like music and wind, as well as daily AI-generated summaries that help you make better sense of your calendar and commute.</p> <p id="hbA54T">We’re still in the process of testing Samsung’s latest phones, but if you want to reserve one ahead of launch, here’s what you need to know.</p> <h3 id="EzlDLM">Where to preorder the Galaxy S25</h3> <p id="HdAJ84">Starting at $799.99, the Galaxy S25 comes with 12GB of RAM and your choice of either 128GB or 256GB of storage, the latter of which costs $60 more. It’s available for preorder from <a href="https://howl.link/mdmt5zejiep1j">Samsung</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/SAMSUNG-Smartphone-Unlocked-Processor-Silverblue/dp/B0DT4WWDZR?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, and <a href="https://howl.link/a45b4mvwsdhq6">Best Buy</a> in navy, light blue, mint, or silver. It’s also available in a few exclusive colors directly from Samsung, including black, red, and rose gold.</p> <p id="VkIAEC">At 6.2 inches, the entry-level Galaxy S25 is the smallest phone in the S25 lineup. It’s lighter and thinner than <a href="https://www.theverge.com/24058916/samsung-galaxy-s24-plus-review-screen-battery-camera">last year’s S24</a>, and, as mentioned before, it now comes with 12GB of RAM. Otherwise, it’s very similar to its predecessor, with a 120Hz refresh rate and the same 50-megapixel main shooter, a 12-megapixel ultrawide, and a 10-megapixel telephoto lens. It also features a 12-megapixel selfie camera on the front.</p> <p id="9hBjps">In terms of deals, Amazon is offering $100 in credit when you preorder the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/SAMSUNG-Smartphone-Unlocked-Processor-Silverblue/dp/B0DT4WWDZR?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">128GB model</a> for $799.99 or the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/SAMSUNG-Smartphone-Unlocked-Processor-Silverblue/dp/B0DSR15XZT?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">256GB model</a> for $859.99. <a href="https://howl.link/mdmt5zejiep1j">Samsung</a> is also offering a $100 credit when you preorder the 128GB model for $799.99, along with a $50 discount when you buy the 256GB model for $809.99. Best Buy’s promo is similar to Samsung’s, with the retailer throwing in a $50 gift card when you buy the <a href="https://howl.link/a45b4mvwsdhq6">128GB model</a> for $799.99 or the <a href="https://howl.link/0w0xh9u81bo4r">256GB model</a> for $859.99. </p> <div id="5YuL5E"><div></div></div> <h3 id="9VLpCh">Where to preorder the Galaxy S25 Plus</h3> <p id="yxnVPv">The 256GB S25 Plus runs $999.99 and comes with 12GB of RAM, though you can also buy it with 512GB of storage for $1,119.99. Like the S25, it’s available for preorder from <a href="https://howl.link/85qzsat9zab75">Samsung</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/SAMSUNG-Smartphone-Unlocked-Processor-Silverblue/dp/B0DSQHVGYV?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, and <a href="https://howl.link/8t4ppuvvvy9fw">Best Buy</a> in navy, light blue, mint, and silver. If you purchase directly from Samsung, you can also grab it in black, red, or rose gold.</p> <p id="5ClQdS">The main difference between the S25 and S25 Plus is that the larger model comes with more storage options and sports a 6.7-inch 120Hz display. It also packs a bigger battery than the S25 (4,900mAh versus 4,000mAh), though it remains to be seen if that translates to longer battery life given the larger display on the S25 Plus. Otherwise, it’s similar to the Galaxy S25 in that it features an identical camera system, IP68 dust and water resistance, and plenty of AI-powered features.</p> <p id="ANFrrU">If you’re looking for a deal, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/SAMSUNG-Smartphone-Unlocked-Processor-Silverblue/dp/B0DSQHVGYV?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> is offering a $100 gift card when you preorder the 256GB model for $999.99 or the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/SAMSUNG-Smartphone-Unlocked-Processor-Silverblue/dp/B0DSQX26RL?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">512GB model</a> for $1,119.99. <a href="https://howl.link/85qzsat9zab75">Samsung</a> is also offering $150 in credit when you preorder the 256GB model for $999.99 or $50 in credit when you buy the 512GB model for $1,019.99. Lastly, Best Buy is throwing in a $100 gift card when you preorder the <a href="https://howl.link/8t4ppuvvvy9fw">256GB model</a> or the <a href="https://howl.link/gattk6fef0fcu">512GB model</a> at full price.</p> <div id="6RQodG"><div></div></div> <h3 id="UT6fIO">Where to preorder the Galaxy S25 Ultra</h3> <p id="uU0lZ7">The S25 Ultra comes with 12GB of RAM and retails for $1,299.99 in the 256GB configuration, $1,419.99 in the 512GB configuration, and $1,659.99 in the 1TB variant. The Ultra is available for preorder from <a href="https://www.amazon.com/SAMSUNG-Smartphone-Unlocked-Processor-Silverblue/dp/B0DSQLVSQT?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="https://howl.link/ngozsfgj89gux">Best Buy</a>, and <a href="https://howl.link/mf9abyo9nwrbn">Samsung</a> in blue, silver, gray, or black. (The latter retailer is also selling it in a few exclusive colors, such as rose gold and green.)</p> <p id="vXrdO8">At 6.9 inches, the redesigned Galaxy S25 Ultra sports a larger display than both the S25 and S25 Plus. It also comes with an S Pen stylus as well as an upgraded camera array that features two telephoto cameras and an improved 50-megapixel ultrawide sensor. You also get more storage options and a more durable titanium build, the latter of which features rounded edges for greater comfort.</p> <p id="Xuw83D">In terms of promotions, Amazon is offering a $200 gift card when you preorder the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/SAMSUNG-Smartphone-Unlocked-Processor-Silverblue/dp/B0DSQLVSQT?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">256GB model</a> for $1,299.99 or the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/SAMSUNG-Smartphone-Unlocked-Processor-Silverblue/dp/B0DSR5S5X2?tag=theverge02-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">512GB model</a> for $1,419.99. <a href="https://howl.link/mf9abyo9nwrbn">Samsung</a> is also throwing in a $150 credit when you preorder the 256GB model for $1,299.99, a $130 credit when you preorder the 512GB model for $1,299.99 ($120 off), or a $110 credit when you buy the 1TB model for $1,419.99 ($240 off). In addition, Best Buy is throwing in a $200 gift card when you preorder the <a href="https://howl.link/ngozsfgj89gux">256GB model</a> for $1,299.99, the <a href="https://howl.link/9vfcjm00edwm6">512GB model</a> for $1,419.99, or the <a href="https://howl.link/etsbmzosi8aj4">1TB model</a> for $1,659.99.</p> <div id="dvXWTB"><div></div></div> <h3 id="jgDdXl">Carrier offers and promotions</h3> <ul> <li id="A92aAx"> <strong>Verizon</strong> <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/8532386/type/dlg/sid/verge/https://www.verizon.com/about/news/samsung-galaxy-s25-ultra-verizon-offers" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">is currently offering</a> the <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/8532386/type/dlg/sid/verge/https://www.verizon.com/smartphones/samsung-galaxy-s25/" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Galaxy S25</a> or <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/8532386/type/dlg/sid/verge/https://www.verizon.com/smartphones/samsung-galaxy-s25-plus/" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">S25 Plus</a> for free when you trade in an eligible phone or $1,000 off the <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/8532386/type/dlg/sid/verge/https://www.verizon.com/smartphones/samsung-galaxy-s25-ultra/" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Galaxy S25 Ultra</a> with a qualifying trade-in. The carrier is also throwing in a free Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 or Galaxy Tab S9 FE. You’ll have to sign up for the Unlimited Ultimate plan to take advantage of Verizon’s ongoing promos, though, which will be administered as trade-in credits over the span of 36 months. </li> <li id="BSaxL9">You can get the <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/8532386/type/dlg/sid/verge/https://www.att.com/buy/phones/samsung-galaxy-s25.html" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Galaxy S25</a>, <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/8532386/type/dlg/sid/verge/https://www.att.com/buy/phones/samsung-galaxy-s25plus.html" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">S25 Plus</a>, or <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/8532386/type/dlg/sid/verge/https://www.att.com/buy/phones/samsung-galaxy-s25-ultra.html" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">S25 Ultra</a> for free <a href="https://about.att.com/story/2025/samsung-galaxy-s25.html">from <strong>AT&T</strong></a> when you trade in an eligible device and sign up for an eligible unlimited plan (the discount will be administered as monthly bill credits). You can also add a Galaxy Watch FE or Galaxy Tab A9 Plus for 99 cents a month if you activate a new line for either, which will be administrated as monthly credits over 36 months. Additionally, AT&T is offering a 50 percent discount on eligible Samsung accessories when you buy select Samsung-connected devices.</li> <li id="IFhDxo"> <strong>T-Mobile</strong> <a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250122603732/en/Broken-Phone-No-Problem.-Trade-in-and-Get-Samsung-Galaxy-S25-on-Us-at-T-Mobile">is offering</a> an assortment of Galaxy S25 promos, all of which are administered as monthly bill credits over the span of 24 months. For instance, you can get the <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.t-mobile.com%2Fcell-phone%2Fsamsung-galaxy-s25-plus&referrer=theverge.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F24346252%2Fsamsung-galaxy-s25-plus-ultra-how-to-buy-preorder-price-release-date" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">S25 Plus</a> for free or up to $1,000 off the <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.t-mobile.com%2Fcell-phone%2Fsamsung-galaxy-s25-ultra&referrer=theverge.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F24346252%2Fsamsung-galaxy-s25-plus-ultra-how-to-buy-preorder-price-release-date" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">S25 Ultra</a> when you trade in an eligible device in any condition on T-Mobile’s Go5G Next data plan, or in working condition on the Go5G Plus plan. You can also get the <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1514734&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.t-mobile.com%2Fcell-phone%2Fsamsung-galaxy-s25&referrer=theverge.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F24346252%2Fsamsung-galaxy-s25-plus-ultra-how-to-buy-preorder-price-release-date" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Galaxy S25</a> for free when you add a line on Go5G Next or Go5G Plus plans, or trade in an eligible device in working condition and add a line on Go5G or most plans.</li> </ul> <aside id="FxTOaI"><div></div></aside><p id="eOYaLs"><em><strong>Update, January 22nd: </strong></em><em>Added carrier deals from Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile.</em></p>
Source: www.theverge.com
Reception: Positive
Samsung claims its new Galaxy S25 Ultra glass can survive head-high drops on concrete
<figure> <img alt="Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hKA_AGp7nIr0FAL268ERQeTM33U=/0x0:2000x1333/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73861569/257519_Samsung_Galaxy_S25_Ultra_hands_on_AJohnson_0006.0.jpg" /> <figcaption>Photo: Allison Johnson / The Verge</figcaption> </figure> <p id="CguLpc">Will cracked screens actually become a thing of the past this decade? We’re definitely on an impressive trajectory! Just two years after Samsung’s Galaxy S23 adopted a new Corning Gorilla Glass <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2023/1/26/23554215/samsung-galaxy-s23-corning-gorilla-glass-victus-2">that can survive waist-high drops</a> of one meter directly onto concrete, the new Samsung S25 Ultra has a ceramic version that can apparently survive head-high drops of 2.2 meters (7.2 feet). </p> <div class="c-float-left c-float-hang"><aside id="RrnNwp"><div></div></aside></div> <p id="xvIIi6">It’s called <a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250121653884/en/Samsung-Galaxy-S25-Ultra-Introduces-Corning%C2%AE-Gorilla%C2%AE-Armor-2-the-Industry%E2%80%99s-First-Anti-Reflective-Glass-Ceramic-for-Mobile-Devices">Corning Gorilla Armor 2</a>, and you should know that neither Samsung nor Corning is promising that <em>your actual phone</em> will survive such a drop — if it’s anything like the 2023 claim, the 2.2-meter drop is simply <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2023/1/26/23554215/samsung-galaxy-s23-corning-gorilla-glass-victus-2">what a phone-sized, weighted “puck” was able to survive</a> when dropped face down in the lab. All Samsung said onstage today is that the material is better able to resist damage.</p> <p id="B5QrgA">But that’s still over twice the height Corning and Samsung touted two generations ago, and the company impressively claims it was able to achieve that without compromising the scratch resistance of the glass — something that Corning has <a href="https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2018/10/19/17514174/gorilla-glass-scratch-resistance-google-pixel-3-samsung-galaxy-s9-note">occasionally had to compromise in the past</a>, as developing new forms of glass can come with tradeoffs between different kinds of protection. The new Armor 2 apparently has the same scratch protection as before, with “over four times more scratch resistance than competitive lithium-aluminosilicate cover glasses with an anti-reflective coating,” according to the companies.</p> <p id="2mGm6r">And Corning and Samsung say the glass will still “dramatically” cut down on reflections <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/1/17/24041838/samsung-galaxy-s24-ultra-scratch-resistance-corning-gorilla-armor">like last year’s Gorilla Armor</a>, a claim we found held up in our Samsung phone testing. </p> <p id="QSOHGv">But, like last year, Samsung’s only promising to offer the best glass on its high-end Ultra model, which starts at $1,299, and it’s important to remember that <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2020/2/19/21142728/samsung-foldable-glass-galaxy-z-flip-explained-schott-corning">any number of factors</a> can cause a glass screen to crack sooner than you might like. If it lands on a slightly pointier protrusion than tested in the lab, or if the glass has already been slightly scratched, it could break when dropped from a lower height. </p> <p id="mSnrB5">Corning has also <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2020/10/13/21509008/apple-iphone-12-pro-max-mini-displays-ceramic-hardened">provided a form of ceramic glass to Apple for its iPhones since 2020</a> — it calls that product “Ceramic Shield.”</p> <p id="be5VPt"></p>
Source: www.theverge.com
Reception: Positive