In the half an hour we were able to play around with the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold, one thing was clear – the future of mobile is here today.
But, at least for now, it's a novelty. So kudos to the 500 people in the UAE lucky enough to be drawn in the TriFold lottery.
Here, The National takes a closer look at the Dh11,999 ($3,267) device.
Nailing the design
First of all, why is it called TriFold when it actually folds twice? That's been a pet peeve of ours since the “trifold” term began gaining traction.
In any case, Samsung’s new device folds in a specific way – right side over left – so the camera module sits outside. It means you can only use the TriFold with either the full 10-inch (25.4cm) main display or its 6.5-inch front screen. That contrasts with Huawei’s Mate XT, which can be used with only two-thirds of its screen.
Speaking of the Mate XT, Samsung has also managed to price the TriFold more competitively (although, at the time of writing, Huawei UAE has its rival on sale for Dh9,999, from the Dh12,999 full price.)
The TriFold is obviously a thick device when folded, at almost 13mm. However, Samsung managed to outdo itself as its thinnest point is only 3.9mm, slimmer than the recently launched Galaxy Z Fold7. Still, the Mate XT is even thinner, at 3.6mm.
It's hard to imagine how massive the TriFold would have been years ago. A TriFold with the original Fold's slimmest point would have been nearly 21mm thick – though that would have been thinner than the classic Nokia 9110.
Handling it is fine, though: think of the TriFold as a regular Fold with an extra layer. By engineering such a thin profile, Samsung has finally solved the problem of bulk.
How big is it?
Unfolding the TriFold gives you a massive display. Just how big is that? Let us count the ways.
Bigger than an Apple iPad mini and nearly as big as a regular iPad. About three top-end Galaxy S phones placed side-by-side. Just a little short of a letter-sized piece of paper.
In other words, get ready for a big piece of digital real estate in your hands.
Its size and slimness might give you a slightly anxious feeling when handling it. The Fold7 gave us a sense of this, and the TriFold’s additional display only adds to it. The device still feels very solid.
Samsung is backing it up with a guarantee that the TriFold, much like its lesser Z peers, will be able to withstand 200,000 fold-unfold cycles. If you do that to the TriFold for 100 times a day, mathematics dictates that the device should last nearly five and a half years (by that time the Samsung PentaFold might have emerged).
Who is the TriFold for?
Foldable devices basically merge a phone and tablet, so the age-old question remains: does it make sense to have one?
There are certain tasks that are better on a bigger screen, albeit very limited. Those include watching videos and viewing images to appreciate them more, reading text and, of course, multitasking.
Even so, you may not even take full advantage of the big display for videos, depending on their aspect ratio. Apps such as Instagram have been optimised for bigger screens, so they should be for the TriFold.
We were not able to run our standard battery test, but with a hefty 5,600mAh battery, Samsung claims the TriFold offers its best battery life. That is relative, since that uber-large screen eats up more power. The device is expected to last all day, and we anticipate it should still have power into the early hours of the following day.
In a departure from recent launches, Samsung is including a 45W power brick in the box. It told The National this is to make sure the device uses the ideal charging tool for its battery. Also thrown in is a protective case.
Quick verdict
Have “mobile” devices or smartphones peaked with the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold? It's hard to say. There are foldable tablets and laptops, but a trifold may start blurring some lines between all those categories.
So, we pose the question: is this a smartphone disguised as a tablet, or a tablet masquerading as a smartphone?
The TriFold is an excellent device as it addresses two needs. However, to get the most out of the device, users need greater incentives to use its larger screen. Maybe add some tablet-like capabilities, such as professional sketching? Ideal, but that would require more components, which would most probably result in a higher price tag.
So, we pose the question: is this a smartphone disguised as a tablet, or a tablet masquerading as a smartphone?
The Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index
The Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index
Mazen Abukhater, principal and actuary at global consultancy Mercer, Middle East, says the company’s Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index - which benchmarks 34 pension schemes across the globe to assess their adequacy, sustainability and integrity - included Saudi Arabia for the first time this year to offer a glimpse into the region.
The index highlighted fundamental issues for all 34 countries, such as a rapid ageing population and a low growth / low interest environment putting pressure on expected returns. It also highlighted the increasing popularity around the world of defined contribution schemes.
“Average life expectancy has been increasing by about three years every 10 years. Someone born in 1947 is expected to live until 85 whereas someone born in 2007 is expected to live to 103,” Mr Abukhater told the Mena Pensions Conference.
“Are our systems equipped to handle these kind of life expectancies in the future? If so many people retire at 60, they are going to be in retirement for 43 years – so we need to adapt our retirement age to our changing life expectancy.”
Saudi Arabia came in the middle of Mercer’s ranking with a score of 58.9. The report said the country's index could be raised by improving the minimum level of support for the poorest aged individuals and increasing the labour force participation rate at older ages as life expectancies rise.
Mr Abukhater said the challenges of an ageing population, increased life expectancy and some individuals relying solely on their government for financial support in their retirement years will put the system under strain.
“To relieve that pressure, governments need to consider whether it is time to switch to a defined contribution scheme so that individuals can supplement their own future with the help of government support,” he said.
The drill
Recharge as needed, says Mat Dryden: “We try to make it a rule that every two to three months, even if it’s for four days, we get away, get some time together, recharge, refresh.” The couple take an hour a day to check into their businesses and that’s it.
Stick to the schedule, says Mike Addo: “We have an entire wall known as ‘The Lab,’ covered with colour-coded Post-it notes dedicated to our joint weekly planner, content board, marketing strategy, trends, ideas and upcoming meetings.”
Be a team, suggests Addo: “When training together, you have to trust in each other’s abilities. Otherwise working out together very quickly becomes one person training the other.”
Pull your weight, says Thuymi Do: “To do what we do, there definitely can be no lazy member of the team.”
Why does a queen bee feast only on royal jelly?
Some facts about bees:
The queen bee eats only royal jelly, an extraordinary food created by worker bees so she lives much longer
The life cycle of a worker bee is from 40-60 days
A queen bee lives for 3-5 years
This allows her to lay millions of eggs and allows the continuity of the bee colony
About 20,000 honey bees and one queen populate each hive
Honey is packed with vital vitamins, minerals, enzymes, water and anti-oxidants.
Apart from honey, five other products are royal jelly, the special food bees feed their queen
Pollen is their protein source, a super food that is nutritious, rich in amino acids
Beewax is used to construct the combs. Due to its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial elements, it is used in skin treatments
Propolis, a resin-like material produced by bees is used to make hives. It has natural antibiotic qualities so works to sterilize hive, protects from disease, keeps their home free from germs. Also used to treat sores, infection, warts
Bee venom is used by bees to protect themselves. Has anti-inflammatory properties, sometimes used to relieve conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, nerve and muscle pain
Honey, royal jelly, pollen have health enhancing qualities
The other three products are used for therapeutic purposes
Is beekeeping dangerous?
As long as you deal with bees gently, you will be safe, says Mohammed Al Najeh, who has worked with bees since he was a boy.
“The biggest mistake people make is they panic when they see a bee. They are small but smart creatures. If you move your hand quickly to hit the bees, this is an aggressive action and bees will defend themselves. They can sense the adrenalin in our body. But if we are calm, they are move away.”
Polarised public
31% in UK say BBC is biased to left-wing views
19% in UK say BBC is biased to right-wing views
19% in UK say BBC is not biased at all
Source: YouGov
China and the UAE agree comprehensive strategic partnership
China and the UAE forged even closer links between the two countries during the landmark state visit after finalising a ten-point agreement on a range of issues, from international affairs to the economy and trade and renewable energy.
1. Politics: The two countries agreed to support each other on issues of security and to work together on regional and international challenges. The nations also confirmed that the number of high-level state visits between China and the UAE will increase.
2. Economy: The UAE offers its full support to China's Belt and Road Initiative, which will combine a land 'economic belt" and a "maritime silk road" that will link China with the Arabian Gulf as well as Southeast, South and Central China, North Africa and, eventually, Europe.
3. Business and innovation: The two nations are committed to exploring new partnerships in sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, energy, the aviation and transport industries and have vowed to build economic co-operation through the UAE-China Business Committee.
4. Education, science and technology: The Partnership Programme between Arab countries in Science and Technology will encourage young Emirati scientists to conduct research in China, while the nations will work together on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, renewable energy and space projects.
5. Renewable energy and water: The two countries will partner to develop renewable energy schemes and work to reduce climate change. The nations have also reiterated their support for the Abu Dhabi-based International Renewable Energy Agency.
6. Oil and gas: The UAE and China will work in partnership in the crude oil trade and the exploration and development of oil and natural gas resources.
7. Military and law enforcement and security fields: Joint training will take place between the Chinese and UAE armed forces, while the two nations will step up efforts to combat terrorism and organised crime.
8. Culture and humanitarian issues: Joint cultural projects will be developed and partnerships will be cultivated on the preservation of heritage, contemporary art and tourism.
9. Movement between countries: China and the UAE made clear their intent to encourage travel between the countries through a wide-ranging visa waiver agreement.
10. Implementing the strategic partnership: The Intergovernmental Co-operation Committee, established last year, will be used to ensure the objectives of the partnership are implemented.
The biog
Name: Fareed Lafta
Age: 40
From: Baghdad, Iraq
Mission: Promote world peace
Favourite poet: Al Mutanabbi
Role models: His parents
Wicked: For Good
Director: Jon M Chu
Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater
Rating: 4/5
Mobile phone packages comparison
Electoral College Victory
Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate.
Popular Vote Tally
The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.
