Taken with the S22 Ultra a day after we have 59-degree temps (Credit: Lance Ulanoff)
Take note
I'm really torn on the new Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. It is an exciting Android handset, but also, maybe a little much. Do we need an integrated S Pen?
If I look at this as the next version of the iconic Note series, it makes sense but slamming the Ultra line together with the Note feels like maybe Samsung is forcing the stylus on unwilling users. Might, for instance, the Ultra have been a bit thinner and lighter without it?
Looked at another way, though, this could be one of Samsung's most productivity-friendly phones ever. Think of all the notes and sketches. Think of all the silly fun adding AR doodles to photos.
Perhaps the most interesting thing about the cameras is this promise of "Nightography." I know, it's a silly, made-up word, but Samsung's intention is clear: night photos that go beyond the norm. There are some decent (for a smartphone) lenses and images sensors in here, but the magic here might be in the software. Taking 9 pixels and squeezing them together and then slamming that processed image into the original high-rez photo is something new, indeed.
I don't know that all of us are taking astrophotography all the time, but this level of night shot capability might turn us all into amateur astronomers.
One other thought about Samsung's big Unpacked event: The leaks were so steady and detailed that the whole affair was without suspense or much excitement. Apple has its leak problems, too, but they're still much better at keeping the majority of each launch under wraps until the big event. I wonder how Samsung can get its partners in line.
By the way, I've already spent a little time with the Galaxy S22 Plus and a lot of time with the new S22 Ultra (yes, the one with the S Pen). Check out my photo story and my 12-hour diary.
Tagged
Apple's AirTags, Apple's smart thing-tracking devices that I reviewed last year, are now embroiled in a surprising controversy: People using them to surreptitiously track other people. It's creepy, wrong, dangerous, and clearly not something Apple considered when it built Tile competitors that took tracking technology to the next level.
It's not just that you can use them to keep tabs on your keys, wallet, and bag from almost anywhere in the world (the technology relies on a network of a billion phones to help you find stuff), but it's how it can help steer you to the exact location of any object.
Now imagine this technology used to stalk someone. Apparently, people were suppressing the tiny speakers on the AirTags and dropping them into the cars or bags of people they wanted to track. The phones of the stalkers attached to the AirTags then show them exactly where the AirTag (and the person carrying it) is. You can imagine how dangerous that can be.
Appel finally addressed the issue last week. It said the reported abuse is extremely rare, but there was clearly enough of it that Apple felt the need not only to speak up but to promise future updates that could ameliorate the issue. Apple is typically not one to talk about future plans, so this is a big deal.
It's a shame, really, because I like AirTags and use them to keep track of my keys and backpack. But this is a reminder for all tech companies that when you're building innovation, you also have to pause to consider that absolutely worst thing someone could do with it.
Wordle what
The New York times has officially consumed Wordle. They didn't change much, except for the server, which now redirects the original Wordle URL to one The New York Times controls and the logo, which now has an NYT flair.
I'm not super happy, nor are some of the people who lost some of their history ("my streak is gone!"). At least they haven't changed the game--yet.
Webb watch
As you know, I'm a little obsessed with the James Webb telescope. The giant galaxy seeker is now firmly in position and getting ready to deliver incredible images of the Universe. First, though, it sent back an image of 18 stars. Wait, no. That's just one star 18 times. The idea is that with that image in hand, NASA can adjust the mirrors to bring all those scans into one for a crystal-clear image. Once that's done, it might be time for the real galaxy-gazing to begin.
Starship watch
Speaking of space, did you catch Elon Musk's SpaceX Starship update? Standing in front of the almost 400ft Super Heavy Rocket and StarShip, he must've said "multi-planetary species" a dozen times.
Musk truly believes we need to colonize Mars for the survival of the species, but he did clarify that we're not in immediate danger or, say, an exploding sun consuming us. He also made it clear that he does not think the majority of our resources should go to space efforts: half a percent or so might be good, though.
We're still years away from passengered Starship flights but could see a test run of in-space refueling (he called it "refilling" because there's little fuel involved) next year.
Super? Really?
Did you catch the Super Bowl? Great game. Some great commercials, but also way too many for crypto businesses and gambling. IT's weird to me that consumers are so willing to trust these online gambling enterprises but can't really connect with crypto. Crypto has long-term potential. In gambling, the house always wins.
Happy Valentine's Day
Stay safe
See you soon