For years, Samsung has touted DeX as its revolutionary desktop-like experience for smartphones. This feature, available on select models like the Galaxy S25 Ultra, aims to transform a mobile device into a productivity powerhouse. However, recent developments suggest that Samsung may be overlooking the potential of this unique selling point. Despite being a longtime user of DeX since its debut with the Galaxy S8 in 2018, I’ve observed that the company has not significantly advanced this feature. Instead, it seems to focus more on expanding AI functionalities, leaving DeX largely unchanged and underutilized. This stagnation is particularly disappointing given the immense potential DeX holds for transforming how we interact with our phones.
The introduction of DeX was initially met with excitement as it promised a desktop-like experience directly from a smartphone. When connected to an external display via USB-C, DeX allows users to run multiple applications simultaneously, mimicking a traditional PC environment. This setup enhances productivity by enabling multitasking without the need to switch between apps constantly. For power users, having up to four applications open at once can be a game-changer. Yet, despite these capabilities, the experience remains virtually identical to what was offered by earlier models such as the Galaxy S22 and S23. The lack of innovation here is a missed opportunity for Samsung to truly differentiate itself in the competitive smartphone market.
One significant change in the latest iteration of the Galaxy S25 Ultra is the removal of Bluetooth support for the S Pen. This decision impacts a key DeX feature: Air Actions. Previously, users could perform various gestures with the S Pen, such as scrolling or snapping photos remotely. These actions were especially useful during presentations, allowing for seamless navigation without needing a mouse. The absence of this functionality in the new model underscores the broader issue of Samsung’s neglect towards enhancing DeX. It feels like a step backward rather than forward in terms of user experience and innovation.
Beyond the current limitations, there are numerous ways Samsung could improve DeX and make it a more cohesive and indispensable tool. For instance, implementing app presets would streamline the multitasking process, allowing users to quickly access their preferred applications. Additionally, transforming the S Pen into a more versatile navigation tool could replace the need for a mouse entirely. Imagine using the S Pen to control cursor movements in the air, much like Logitech’s MX Air. Such enhancements would not only elevate the DeX experience but also set a new standard for smartphone productivity tools.
In conclusion, while Samsung continues to innovate in other areas, the stagnation of DeX represents a lost opportunity. A feature that could revolutionize how we use our smartphones has been left largely untouched. As a user who values the potential of DeX, I hope Samsung recognizes the importance of this feature and invests in its future development. There’s so much untapped potential, and it would be a shame to see it go to waste.
Enhancing video playback speed on your iPhone is a straightforward process that doesn't require complex tools or advanced editing knowledge. Whether you're aiming to create dynamic social media content or simply wish to condense lengthy clips, Apple's built-in features offer versatile options for adjusting video speed. Both the Photos app and iMovie provide distinct methods to control playback speed, catering to different user needs. Additionally, popular platforms like YouTube and TikTok also include integrated speed controls, making it easier than ever to customize your viewing experience.
Effortless Adjustments with Built-in Apps
Apple's native applications simplify the task of speeding up videos without needing external software. The Photos app offers a quick and easy way to modify playback speeds, ideal for users seeking simplicity. On the other hand, iMovie provides more detailed control, perfect for those who need precise adjustments. By exploring these apps, you can find the best method to suit your specific requirements.
To speed up videos using the Photos app, start by opening the app and selecting the desired clip. Tap the Edit button, then locate the timer icon to access the speed controls. Choose from the available speed options and finalize the changes with a tap on Done. This streamlined process ensures that even beginners can enhance their videos effortlessly. For a more refined approach, iMovie allows for greater customization. Begin by launching iMovie and importing your video. Select the clip in the timeline, click the Speed button, and adjust the speed using the provided bar. Always preview your changes to ensure they align with your expectations. Different types of content may benefit from varying speeds, so experimenting can yield optimal results.
Platform-Specific Speed Controls
Beyond Apple's native apps, various online platforms also offer convenient ways to adjust video speeds directly within their interfaces. These built-in controls cater to users who frequently watch content on these platforms and want to tailor the playback experience. Understanding how to utilize these platform-specific features can significantly enhance your viewing and sharing capabilities.
For instance, YouTube includes a simple playback speed adjustment feature. While watching a video, tap the screen to reveal the menu, then select the settings cog located at the top right corner. From there, choose the playback speed option and select your preferred rate ranging from 0.25 to 2X speed. Similarly, TikTok and other social media platforms have integrated similar speed controls, allowing users to fine-tune their viewing experience. With these tools at your disposal, you can easily adapt videos to better fit your preferences and share them seamlessly across multiple platforms. Embracing these features opens up new possibilities for creating engaging and personalized content.
In a remarkable feat for Chinese technology, DeepSeek's chatbot application has achieved unprecedented success, reaching the pinnacle of both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store within days. Since its mid-January launch, the app has garnered millions of downloads worldwide, drawing significant attention from industry experts and users alike. This surge in popularity is attributed to DeepSeek's competitive open-source AI models, which offer comparable performance to leading Western AI companies but at a fraction of the cost. Despite this rapid ascent, DeepSeek faces the challenge of sustaining long-term user engagement to compete with established players like OpenAI.
DeepSeek's Meteoric Rise: A Closer Look
In the vibrant autumn of innovation, DeepSeek's Android app has climbed to the top of the Google Play Store rankings, following its earlier triumph on the Apple App Store. Launched in mid-January, this breakthrough application has seen over 1.2 million downloads on the Play Store and more than 1.9 million on the App Store. Remarkably, the Play Store indicates that the total number of installations may exceed 5 million, suggesting an even greater reach.
This swift rise can be attributed to the release of several powerful open-source AI models developed by DeepSeek. These models rival those created by prominent Western firms such as Anthropic, OpenAI, Meta, and Google, yet they were trained using significantly less expensive hardware. The company's V3 model powers the chatbot, offering users the ability to analyze files, seek answers to questions, and retrieve web-based information—all for free. Users can also enjoy seamless cross-device synchronization of their chat history.
To maintain its lead, DeepSeek must attract and retain a substantial user base, aiming for 300 million weekly active users—a formidable challenge given the competition. Nevertheless, the company has already made waves in the industry, with startups like Perplexity and Gloo integrating DeepSeek's technology into their platforms. Former Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger's venture, Gloo, is among the early adopters, underscoring the growing recognition of DeepSeek's capabilities.
From a journalist's perspective, DeepSeek's success highlights the potential of innovative, cost-effective solutions in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. The company's achievements serve as a reminder that groundbreaking technology need not come with a hefty price tag. As DeepSeek continues to gain traction, it will be fascinating to observe how it navigates the competitive world of AI and chatbots, potentially reshaping the future of digital interaction.