The innovation of the Galaxy Note8’s design makes possible the 6.3″ Infinity Display. It’s the biggest ever for a Galaxy Note—giving you more screen for a bigger view and more space to use the S Pen. And it still fits comfortably in your hand because the symmetric curves and 18.5:9 aspect come together for a narrow body… More at Samsung.

Amazing how quickly the notion of an edge to edge screen feels completely normal. Sorry to sound like a misery, but I can’t remember the last time I looked at a new Android phone and was emotionally positive towards it.

$2,450.00 for likely average specs.

The Essential Phone is here: a new phone from the inventor of Android, Andy Rubin. Can an edge-to-edge screen and new system for magnetic modules take on the Pixel XL?

It sure looks pretty, but I’m not convinced about the wireless modules.

Don’t expect to have an easy time finding one. The Galaxy Note FE will sell for about 30 percent less than the original Note 7, at 699,600 won (about $611), but only 400,000 units will be available on its Korean home turf. Sales in other countries will be “decided later,” Samsung says, and it has already ruled out sales in the US. This isn’t a glorious comeback, to put it another way — it’s more about clearing inventory by selling to fans still suffering from withdrawal… More at Engadget.

If Samsung re-released the Note 7 tomorrow it would still sell by the bucketload. We have short memories and lots of trust in big tech players.

Transfer all the things that matter to you using Smart Switch. It’s everything you love from your old phone, on your new phone.

Whether your old phone is an Android, iOS, BlackBerry or Windows Mobile device, upgrading to a Galaxy smartphone is done in one seamless move with Smart Switch… More here.

The original wasn’t so good, but this looks much simpler and is hopefully more reliable.

Available in South Korea, Samsung positions the device as providing the intuitiveness of flip phones, but with smartphone features.

The former is achieved by a large keypad, with separate shortcut buttons for contacts, texting, social, and camera next to the D-pad. Just above are the familiar Android navigation bar buttons, but in physical form. Other design flourishes include a smooth front and rear, as well as a soft touch material that provides “excellent grip.” More at 9to5Google.

Gorgeous design.

It’s also unique in that it’s part of Google’s attempt to combine ChromeOS and Android, letting you use the features of the Chrome operating system while also accessing Android apps. If you already use an Android smartphone, this Chromebook should complement it pretty well. The Chromebook Plus uses a 2 GHz OP1 Dual-ARM processor, which is designed for use with Android apps, to make that a faster process. However, since ChromeOS is designed to work with a different kind of processor you might see some slowness in other aspects (like when browsing the Internet)… More at android central.

Looks like a highly versatile and competitive Chromebook to me.

I know people are going to ask me a lot of questions about why I started this company. Why didn’t I just travel the world, ride my motorcycle, tinker with my robots, hang out at my bakery with friends and family. And to be honest I still do ask myself that sometimes…but not too often.

So why did I create Essential? Well, my hardware engineers wanted me to talk about how we are bringing real passion and craftsmanship back into this category. My software engineers wanted me to talk about our vision for making all devices, even those we don’t make ourselves, play well together. My partners wanted me to talk about how we are using methods that could change how successful technology companies are built forever.

But the real reason is because of what happened during a night out with an old friend of mine… More here.

I wonder if people at Apple are thinking “Now that looks very much like our next iPhone.”

Or, are people wondering if the leaks about the next iPhone were actually about this phone?

I don’t know, but the design is very pretty indeed.