Internet Essentials

Samsung Galaxy S8 (right) and S8+ (left) Samsung has unveiled the Galaxy S8 and S8+. They have bigger displays than the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge, and they have curved screens. Unlike previous Samsung phones, the Galaxy S8 and S8+ do not have a physical home button. As mentioned in an earlier post, they will be the first phones to feature Samsung's new AI assistant, Bixby. Also, they are Samsung's first new phones since the incidents involving the Galaxy Note 7s catching fire. Article on Unveiling of Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+

Pinterest, the social media site used to view and share images and tips on various things like home decor, hairstyles, and wedding planning, has been banned by China. The ban fits a pattern of China blocking websites that compete with local versions of the sites. It appears that sites like Google, Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook are being banned so domestic versions of them can be successful. From a monetary standpoint, it makes sense, but I do not really agree with it. Article on China's Ban of Pinterest

There's going to be a new digital assistant on the scene. Samsung's new Galaxy S8 smartphone, due to launch next week, will feature a digital assistant named Bixby. It will have to compete with several other digital assistants including Apple's Siri, Amazon's Alexa, and Microsoft's Cortana. It may have a fighting chance against them since it has a couple features that the others do not. Users will be able to switch between voice and touch commands, and there will be a button on the Galaxy S8 to access Bixby. Article on Samsung's New Digital Assistant

iPhone 7 (right) & iPhone 7 Plus (left) Today, Apple unveiled a new, special edition of the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus in red. The casing is red to commemorate the 10 year anniversary of the collaboration between Apple and Red, an organization devoted to fighting AIDS. Even though Apple didn't say how much of the money from sales of the red iPhone 7 and 7 Plus will be donated to Red, they have given over $130 million to Red during their partnership. I think that is awesome. Apple also unveiled a new iPad that has the lowest price of any new iPad to date. Article on red iPhone 7