Microsoft

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 review: The foldable we all want but don’t need… yet

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 $1,999.99 View Product The Good Robust cover display functionality • Sleek and durable design • Very capable cameras • Improved display with 120Hz refresh rate The Bad Way too expensive • Thick and heavy build The Bottom Line The Galaxy Z Fold 2 is proof that Samsung is capable of…

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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2
$1,999.99

View Product

The Good

Robust cover display functionality • Sleek and durable design • Very capable cameras • Improved display with 120Hz refresh rate

The Bad

Way too expensive • Thick and heavy build

The Bottom Line

The Galaxy Z Fold 2 is proof that Samsung is capable of successfully manufacturing a foldable phone that’s both sleek and powerful. But at $2,000, it’s more elite toy than must-buy.

⚡ Mashable Score 4.5

😎 Cool Factor 5.0

📘Learning Curve 5.0

💪Performance 4.5

💵Bang for the Buck 4.0

Samsung’s new Galaxy Z Fold 2 represents one very crucial thing for the company: redemption. With an upgraded, durable screen that’s been kept at somewhat of a similar price point (at $200 more than the original Fold), it appears as if the South Korean tech giant is trying to make up for its prior foldable missteps and lost time.

Rather than completely overhauling the original Fold’s design, Samsung instead fixed what was broken by incorporating elements it already knew would work: an Ultra Thin Glass (UTG) display and a free-standing hinge. 

But in addition to providing a solid build, the company’s now also pivoted its messaging: The Fold 2 is more than just a smartphone. It’s fully optimized as an on-the-go productivity workhorse with a variety of multitasking features.

Now that Samsung’s increased the size of the cover display, you can use the Fold 2 much like you would any other “normal” smartphone. That means you can quickly answer texts, make calls, scroll through social media, or even answer emails comfortably without unfolding it. And for those moments when you need a bigger display or to pull up a few apps to multitask, simply fold back that front cover, and you have a tablet at your disposable.

This concept isn’t at all different from the original Fold, and it’s no longer even novel to consumers. It’s now been a year since Samsung’s first foldable was introduced to general buzz and then immediate disappointment. And, as a result, the Fold 2 doesn’t feel ahead of its time or futuristic. 

The good news is that, unlike Microsoft’s distantly related Surface Duo foldable, there’s no steep learning curve to be found here. By offering the familiarity of a standard smartphone coupled with the option to switch to tablet mode when necessary, Samsung has made the the Z Fold 2 more approachable, allowing users to adapt to it in baby steps. 

While I could go on about why I believe the Z Fold 2 is truly an excellent piece of hardware, it’s important to not stray far from reality here. This device is nothing more than proof that Samsung can make a Fold that works. More importantly, the Z Fold 2 also allows the company to maintain its position as the go-to brand for smartphone innovation. 

At $2,000, the Fold 2 certainly isn’t a device Samsung is relying on to boost its sales; it’s for those with disposable income to drop (during a pandemic marked by massive unemployment, nonetheless). Case in point: With the purchase of a Fold 2, Samsung promises its users access to “VIP benefits and experiences” through its Galaxy Z Premier program, in addition to an optional membership for something called a “Founders Card.” 

You know, very elite stuff.

Finally, a design that’s anxiety-free

If the first-generation Z Fold hadn’t been such a spectacular hardware fail, with its frail and fragile display, I wouldn’t be focusing on the Z Fold 2’s design all that much. Thankfully, durability isn’t a cause for concern this time around. 

At 2.7-inches thick when folded, the Z Fold 2 is a chunky device. And while I can’t comfortably slip it into my pockets, its thickness does make it more comfortable to hold with one-hand. I found I could firmly grasp onto it without worrying about accidental drops. It felt vaguely similar to holding a candy bar phone, which is actually a feeling I didn’t know I missed. 

Told ya it was chunky.

Told ya it was chunky.

Image: brenda stolyar / mashable

This balanced design means that navigating the 6.2-inch HD+ Super AMOLED cover display was a lot easier, too. That’s particularly important seeing as how Samsung increased the size from 4.6-inches on the last Fold, making it more functional. But more on that, later.

The Fold 2 opens up to reveal a 7.6-inch AMOLED display that’s made of Ultra Thin Glass, which in layman’s terms basically translates to flexible glass with a layer of plastic over it. It also comes with a screen protector pre-installed for that extra peace of mind. Much like my experience with the Galaxy Z Flip, I encountered no issues with the screen during my time with the Fold 2.

Samsung recommends leaving the screen protector on and any removal should be done by its own repair service or third-party technicians. This is likely due to last year’s debacle when some tech reviewers peeled what they thought was the screen protector on the Fold, but turned out to be the display — which ultimately destroyed the phones.

The 6.2-inch cover display gives you access to all your apps.

The 6.2-inch cover display gives you access to all your apps.

Image: brenda stolyar / mashable

It opens up to a 7.6-inch main display on the inside.

It opens up to a 7.6-inch main display on the inside.

Image: brenda stolyar / mashable

With a 1080 x 2636 pixel resolution, colors on the Fold 2 appear bright and vibrant even when in direct sunlight. And with a 120Hz refresh rate, it’s also super responsive when tapping, scrolling, or typing. It also helps that Samsung’s incorporated its signature Infinity-O technology into the Fold 2’s design, giving it a nearly bezel-free viewing experience. 

It’s also worth mentioning that there is a crease visible in the middle of the screen, which is inevitable for foldable displays in the present day. And while I would typically complain about something like this, it’s really not that noticeable. It’s also a fair compromise given that the Fold 2’s display is actually, ya know, functional.

When you flip the Fold 2 over to its back, you might notice that it looks super similar to the Note 20 Ultra with its brushed aluminum frame and rectangular triple-camera module. The camera bump isn’t nearly as thick here, though. So you don’t have worry about the device rocking back and forth while using it when placed on a flat surface.

In terms of buttons and ports, the Z Fold 2 features the standards: a USB-C port, power button (which doubles as a fingerprint sensor), volume rocker, and SIM card tray, as well as two speakers (one at the top and one at the bottom). 

The free-standing hinge allows you to position it at multiple angles.

The free-standing hinge allows you to position it at multiple angles.

Image: brenda stolyar / mashable

Holding this entire phone together is the free-standing hinge which gives you the option to position it at different angles, as opposed to just fully open or fully closed. When taking selfies or watching YouTube videos at my desk, I’d often prop the Fold 2 up halfway. This position also proves useful for hands-free video calls, as well. 

In addition to providing versatility, the free-standing hinge also makes the device feel more durable when folding and unfolding it multiple times throughout the day. While I can’t say for sure whether that impression will wear off over time, it does feel promising at this very moment.

To really drive home its emphasis on the new hinge, Samsung is offering users the option to choose from an array of hinge colors (i.e., gold, red, metallic silver, and blue) to complement the Z Fold 2 in either Mystic Bronze (the color of my review unit) or Mystic Black.

Performance that offers the best of both worlds 

Before we dive into what it’s like to use the Fold 2 on a daily basis, let’s gets some specs out of the way first. 

As far as its chipset goes, the device features Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 865+ processor with support for both flavors of 5G. That means you’ll be able to use either sub-6 5G or mmWave (for faster speeds), depending on what’s available in your area.

That screen protector is a fingerprint magnet, though.

That screen protector is a fingerprint magnet, though.

Image: brenda stolyar / mashable

Then, there’s the 4,500mAh dual battery which is bigger than the 4,380mAh battery found in the original Fold. 

With standard usage (i.e., scrolling through social media, taking some photos, answering emails and Slack messages), I was easily able to get through a full day with some power left over for the morning. If you plan on using it for some heavy all-day multitasking, then I’d say you’ll be able to push it until the evening.

As for storage configurations, the Fold 2 is only offered with 12GB of RAM and 256GB internal storage. 

Now, let’s move on to my experience using this device as a daily driver. For starters, it’s worth noting the Fold 2 is a lot more versatile than the first-generation version, thanks to that enhanced (and fully functional) cover display. As I mentioned  earlier, you can now comforta

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The Outer Worlds 2 is now $10 cheaper, as Obsidian details how to get a refund on your pre-order

If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy. The Outer Worlds 2 is now $10 cheaper, as Obsidian details how to get a refund on your pre-order Cash in hand. Image credit: Obsidian News by Connor Makar Staff Writer Published on July 23

If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy.

The Outer Worlds 2 is now $10 cheaper, as Obsidian details how to get a refund on your pre-order

Cash in hand.

A character in a leafy ghilli suit leaps over a platform towards the camera while being shot at from afar.
Image credit: Obsidian

The Outer Worlds 2, the upcoming sci-fi FPS by Obsidian Entertainment will now be sold at $70 dollars, rather than the planned $80. This follows a statement by Microsoft confirming the U-turn earlier today.

Those who have already purchased the game at the $80 price point on Steam will have the purchase refunded and re-bought at the lower figure. On Battle.net, those who pre-ordered the game will have their orders cancelled and refunded, and will have to re-buy the game. Those on Xbox and PlayStation will have the difference refunded in the upcoming days.

This announcement was made on The Outer Worlds official social media accounts, with a cute in-universe statement and graphic. On the official Obsidian website, further explanation on how the price change will affect those who’ve already spent money has been provided.

Cover image for YouTube videoThe Outer Worlds 2 – Official Gameplay Trailer

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Microsoft reverses $80 first-party price hike to keep “full priced holiday releases in line with current conditions”

If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy. Home News Microsoft reverses $80 first-party price hike to keep “full priced holiday releases in line with current conditions” Starting with The Outer Worlds 2 Image credit: Obsidian Entertainment News by Vikki Blake Contributor Published

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Microsoft reverses $80 first-party price hike to keep “full priced holiday releases in line with current conditions”

Starting with The Outer Worlds 2

Image credit: Obsidian Entertainment

Just weeks after confirming The Outer Worlds 2 will be the first Microsoft game to retail for $80, Microsoft has reversed the decision, revealing the highly-anticipated sequel will now launch for $69.99 in keeping with typical AAA pricing.

This will apply not just to The Outer Worlds 2, but indeed other “full priced holiday releases” launched across the period.

In a statement, a Microsoft spokesperson said Xbox was “focused on bringing players incredible worlds to explore, and will keep our full priced holiday releases, including The Outer Worlds 2, at $69.99, in line with current market conditions.”

On social media, developer Obsidian posted: “We have received your SOS via skip drone about the pricing. As an organization devoted to making sure that corporations do not go unfettered, we at the Earth Directorate have worked with [REDACTED] to revise the price of The Outer Worlds 2. While this will not bring peace to the galaxy, or even your local colony, we assure you all that we are here to fight for all colonies in every way that we can.”

Microsoft announced last month that The Outer Worlds 2 would be the first Xbox title to retail at $80 following Microsoft’s planned price rises in May.

“We understand that these changes are challenging, and th

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Coyote malware abuses Windows accessibility framework for data theft

A new variant of the banking trojan ‘Coyote’ has begun abusing a Windows accessibility feature, Microsoft’s UI Automation framework, to identify which banking and cryptocurrency exchange sites are accessed on the device for potential credential theft. …

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Microsoft Server Software Comes Under Widespread Cyberattack

Breadcrumb Trail Links Home PMN Business Share this Story : Microsoft Rushes to Stop Hackers from Wreaking Global Havoc Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Microsoft Rushes to Stop Hackers from Wreaking Global Havoc Hackers exploited a security flaw in common Microsoft Corp. software to breach governments, businesses and other organizations across the

Microsoft Rushes to Stop Hackers from Wreaking Global Havoc

Hackers exploited a security flaw in common Microsoft Corp. software to breach governments, businesses and other organizations across the globe and steal sensitive information, according to officials and cybersecurity researchers.

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(Bloomberg) — Hackers exploited a security flaw in common Microsoft Corp. software to breach governments, businesses and other organizations across the globe and steal sensitive information, according to officials and cybersecurity researchers.

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Microsoft over the weekend released a patch for the vulnerability in servers of the SharePoint document management software. The company said it was still working to roll out other fixes after warnings that hackers were targeting SharePoint clients, using the flaw to enter file systems and execute code.

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Multiple different hackers are launching attacks through the Microsoft vulnerability, according to representatives of two cybersecurity firms, CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. and Google’s Mandiant Consulting.

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Hackers have already used the flaw to break into the systems of national governments in Europe and the Middle East, according to a person familiar with the matter. In the US, they’ve accessed government systems, including ones belonging to the US Department of Education, Florida’s Department of Revenue and the Rhode Island General Assembly, said the person, who spoke on condition that they not be identified discussing the sensitive information.

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Representatives of the Department of Education and Rhode Island legislature didn’t respond to calls and emails seeking comment Monday. A Florida Department of Revenue spokesperson, Bethany Wester Cutillo, said in an email that the SharePoint vulnerability is being investigated “at multiple levels of government” but that the state agency “does not comment publicly on the software we use for operations.”

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The hackers also breached the systems of a US-based health-care provider and targeted a public university in Southeast Asia, according to a report from a cybersecurity firm reviewed by Bloomberg News. The report doesn’t identify either entity by name, but says the hackers have attempted to breach SharePoint servers in countries including Brazil, Canada, Indonesia, Spain, South Africa, Switzerland, the UK and the US. The firm asked not to be named because of the sensitivity of the information. 

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In some systems they’ve broken into, the hackers have stolen sign-in credentials, including usernames, passwords, hash codes and tokens, according to a person familiar with the matter, who also spoke on condition that they not be identified discussing the sensitive information.

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“This is a high-severity, high-urgency threat,” said Michael Sikorski, chief technology officer and head of threat intelligence for Unit 42 at Palo Alto Networks Inc. 

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“What makes this especially concerning is SharePoint’s deep integration with Microsoft’s platform, including their services like Office, Teams, OneDrive and Outlook, which has all the information valuable to an attacker,” he said. “A compromise doesn’t stay contained—it opens the door to the entire network.” 

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(Bloomberg) — Hackers exploited a security flaw in common Microsoft Corp. software to breach governments, businesses and other organizations across the globe and steal sensitive information, according to officials and cybersecurity researchers.

Article content

Microsoft over the weekend released a patch for the vulnerability in servers of the SharePoint document management software. The company said it was still working to roll out other fixes after warnings that hackers were targeting SharePoint clients, using the flaw to enter file systems and execute code.

Article content
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Story continues below

Article content

Multiple different hackers are launching attacks through the Microsoft vulnerability, according to representatives of two cybersecurity firms, CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. and Google’s Mandiant Consulting.

Article content
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Hackers have already used the flaw to break into the systems of national governments in Europe and the Middle East, according to a person familiar with the matter. In the US, they’ve accessed government systems, including ones belonging to the US Department of Education, Florida’s Department of Revenue and the Rhode Island General Assembly, said the person, who spoke on condition that they not be identified discussing the sensitive information.

Article content

Representatives of the Department of Education and Rhode Island legislature didn’t respond to calls and emails seeking comment Monday. A Florida Department of Revenue spokesperson, Bethany Wester Cutillo, said in an email that the SharePoint vulnerability is being investigated “at multiple levels of government” but that the state agency “does not comment publicly on the software we use for operations.”

Article content

Story continues below

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The hackers also breached the systems of a US-based health-care provider and targeted a public university in Southeast Asia, according to a report from a cybersecurity firm reviewed by Bloomberg News. The report doesn’t identify either entity by name, but says the hackers have attempted to breach SharePoint servers in countries including Brazil, Canada, Indonesia, Spain, South Africa, Switzerland, the UK and the US. The firm asked not to be named because of the sensitivity of the information. 

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In some systems they’ve broken into, the hackers have stolen sign-in credentials, including usernames, passwords, hash codes and tokens, according to a person familiar with the matter, who also spoke on condition that they not be identified discussing the sensitive information.

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“This is a high-severity, high-urgency threat,” said Michael Sikorski, chief technology officer and head of threat intelligence for Unit 42 at Palo Alto Networks Inc. 

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“What makes this especially concerning is SharePoint’s deep integration with Microsoft’s platform, including their services like Office, Teams, OneDrive and Outlook, which has all the information valuable to an attacker,” he said. “A compromise doesn’t stay contained—it opens the door to the entire network.” 

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Tens of thousands — if not hundreds of thousands — of businesses and institutions worldwide use SharePoint in some fashion to store and collaborate on documents. Microsoft said that attackers are specifically targeting clients running SharePoint servers from their own on-premise networks, as opposed to being hosted and managed by the tech firm. That could limit the impact to a subsection of customers.

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A Microsoft spokesperson declined to comment beyond an earlier statement.

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“It’s a dream for ransomware operators,” said Silas Cutler, a researcher at Michigan-based cybersecurity firm Censys. He estimated that more than 10,000 companies with SharePoint servers were at risk. The US had the largest number of such firms, followed by the Netherlands, the UK and Canada, he said. 

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The breaches have drawn new scrutiny to Microsoft’s efforts to shore up its cybersecurity after a series of high-profile failures. The firm has hired executives from places like the US government and holds weekly meetings with senior executives to make its software more resilient. The company’s tech has been subject to several widespread and damaging hacks in recent years, and a 2024 US government report described the company’s security culture as in need of urgent reforms.

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The Center for Internet Security, which operates a cybersecurity information sharing system for state and local governments in the US, found more than 1,100 servers that are at risk from the SharePoint vulnerability, said Randy Rose, the organization’s vice president of security operations and intelligence. Rose said more than 100 were likely hacked.

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The Washington Post reported that the breach had affected US federal and state agencies, universities, energy companies and an Asian telecommunications company, citing state officials and private researchers.

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Eye Security was the first to identify that attackers were actively exploiting the vulnerabilities in a wave of cyberattacks that began on Friday, said Vaisha Bernard, the company’s chief hacker and co-owner.

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Eye Security said the vulnerability allows hackers to access SharePoint servers and steal keys that can let them impersonate users or services even after the server is patched. It said hackers can maintain access through backdoors or modified components that can survive updates and reboots of systems.

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The SharePoint vulnerabilities, known as “ToolShell,” were first identified in May by researchers at a Berlin cybersecurity conference. In early July, Microsoft issued patches to fix the security holes, but hackers found another way in.

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“There were ways around the patches,” which enabled hackers to break into SharePoint servers by tapping into similar vulnerabilities, said Bernard. “That allowed these attacks to happen.” The intrusions, he said, were not targeted and instead were aimed at compromising as many victims as possible. After scanning about 8,000 SharePoint servers, Bernard said he has so far identified at least 50 that were successfully compromised.

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He declined to identify the identity of organizations that had been targeted, but said they included government agencies and private companies, including “bigger multinationals.” The victims were located in countries in North and South America, the EU, South Africa, and Australia, he added.

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—With assistance from Lynn Doan, Cameron Fozi, Daniel Cancel, Aashna Shah, Jane Lanhee Lee and Patrick Howell O’Neill.

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(Updates with additional information beginning in third paragraph.)

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