World News: Talking Tech: Samsung is back with a new smartphone. Should you care?

Thursday, February 2

Just like that, January is over. Welcome to the start of February, Talking Tech readers. It's Brett Molina back with your latest tech news.

This newsletter has a lot of Apple lovers, but let's give a shoutout to our Android fam. This week, they have another wave of smartphones to peruse.

On Wednesday, Samsung unveiled its new line of Galaxy smartphones. You can preorder the S23 line now, and models will launch on Feb. 17. The S23 starts at $799.99.

The phones look gorgeous. Also, just like the new iPhones, they're going to run faster, last longer through better battery life, and take really great pictures.

But as the smartphone market matures, the game-changing features roll out less often, and the urgency to upgrade to the hottest smartphone dwindles.

Research firm IDC said last month during the holiday quarter of 2022, worldwide smartphone shipments suffered their biggest year-over-year decline ever, down 18.3%. IDC cites "weakened demand" among the reasons for the historic dip.

Whether it's Android or iPhone, it's clear the smartphone sitting in your hand is good enough.

What else happened in tech?

Life without Netflix password sharing. Here's what that might look like.

Is broadband available near you? This FCC map might have answers.

The latest on ChatGPT. Real estates agents say AI could be a game changer.

Showtime and Paramount+ team up. Streaming services to join together this year.

Thursday tech tip

Voice assistants are super useful, except for when they're recording what you say and maybe listening when you don't want them to. Here's how to limit what companies like Amazon, Apple or Google are recording.

One more thing

ICYMI, we've been writing several guides to help improve your texting game. Don't worry, if you don't know what ICYMI means, just click that link. While you're here, brush up on "tbh" and " smh," too.

See you next week!

Follow Brett Molina on Twitter: @brettmolina23.