Samsung might eliminate the foldable crease next year and also enhance the screen's durability in the process.

      The Galaxy Z Fold 9 may address the crease issue from within the glass.

      Samsung has continuously improved hinges, strengthened display layers, and vowed to reduce crease visibility over the years. However, it may soon eliminate the crease by actually carving out a portion of the glass where the screen folds.

      Samsung Display, in collaboration with its suppliers, is developing a foldable OLED cover called Center-Etched Thin Glass (CTG). This innovative technology selectively etches the central folding area of the ultra-thin glass, making that section thinner than the rest of the surface. Industry insiders suggest that it could debut in some Galaxy Z9 foldables by 2027. Also referred to as Hybrid UTG, this method involves a single glass layer with two different thicknesses.

      Samsung aims to create a flexible center while maintaining stronger edges.

      Reducing the thickness of the folding area should enable easier bending, thus alleviating the stress that results in a noticeable valley over time. Consequently, Samsung could employ thicker glass in the flat regions. ZDNet Korea reports that this could lead to a sturdier, tighter display with improved durability away from the hinge.

      This means Samsung would avoid using a thinner UTG layer, which could be more prone to damage. The display would gain flexibility specifically at the folding point while preserving greater structural integrity across most of its surface. Samsung has already started this process with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series.

      The current Flex Titanium structure combines a titanium-alloy film with a titanium plate to enhance strength, flexibility, and reduce crease visibility. Additionally, Samsung incorporates micro-patterned holes around the folding area to facilitate the bending of the rigid titanium plate, suggesting that CTG could further refine the glass itself.

      However, there is another challenge.

      Establishing two different glass thicknesses introduces a new issue. The transition between the etched center and the thicker surrounding areas may result in a visible or tactile difference beneath the display. Reports indicate that Samsung Display is working on a filler to smooth out the entire UTG surface within the etched section. It is crucial for the filler and the surrounding glass to possess similar optical properties to prevent any noticeable visual discrepancy in the center.

      Samsung has not yet finalized its decision on utilizing CTG in a commercial product. The report notes that clarity on adoption should emerge in the fourth quarter, with some Galaxy Z9 models being considered as the first candidates. Therefore, the technology remains under development.

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      T-Mobile’s new financing plan appears appealing until you realize what it prepares you for.

      T-Mobile's latest 36-month financing plan alleviates upfront costs while longer payment periods seem to be the new standard. Whenever a carrier promises “no upfront cost,” I prepare for the asterisk hidden in the fine print. T-Mobile's recent financing option, named EIP Flex 36, has one too, although it's presented attractively.

      As the second-largest wireless carrier in the U.S., T-Mobile has introduced a financing option called EIP Flex 36. As implied in the name, this plan expands device payments over three years instead of the usual two. However, the real catch is what you can bypass at checkout.

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      The OnePlus 16 may feature significant upgrades with a 200MP camera and a large battery.

      Recent leaks about the OnePlus 16 have surfaced within days of each other, suggesting a flagship that may surpass its competitors with its massive battery and offer genuinely improved camera hardware compared to the OnePlus 15.

      What’s new regarding the cameras?

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      RISION’s new compact camera transforms your phone into an efficient thermal imaging tool.

      This small $119 camera provides your phone with thermal vision capability. If you've ever searched for heat leaks or hot wires, you've likely used a dedicated handheld camera. However, RISION has unveiled a compact camera tool designed to simplify the task (and make it more portable). It’s reminiscent of the InfiRay model we reviewed previously.

      RISION has launched the Magic and Magic Pro, two tiny thermal cameras that connect directly to compatible USB-C smartphones, tablets, and Windows computers. Each module weighs just 24 grams, draws power from the connected device, and requires no separate battery. It is compatible with various iPhones, Android devices, and Windows PCs.