AllYouCanTech

Samsung Unveils 7-Year Software Update Commitment for TVs, Starting with 2023 Models

### Samsung’s Seven-Year Update Pledge for Tizen OS: A Transformative Shift in the TV Sector

Samsung, the foremost manufacturer of smart TVs globally, has recently unveiled a revolutionary pledge to deliver operating system updates for its newest televisions for a minimum of seven years. This initiative, disclosed last week, will extend to select TVs launched in 2023 and those expected to be released in March 2024. The announcement took place at the Digital Research Lab located at Samsung Electronics’ Suwon Campus in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, and represents a crucial advancement in the tech conglomerate’s efforts to sustain its lead in the fiercely competitive smart TV sector.

#### The Background: A Challenging Market

Samsung’s pledge emerges amidst an increasingly competitive global TV market, notably with the emergence of Chinese brands such as TCL. Data from Omdia reveals that Samsung’s market share, based on units shipped, fell from 20.3% in Q1 2023 to 18.8% in Q1 2024. Conversely, TCL’s market share rose from 9.8% to 11.6% in the same timeframe. This alteration in market dynamics has prompted Samsung to adopt proactive strategies to safeguard its prominent position.

Yoon Seok-Yoon, President of Samsung Electronics’ Visual Display Business Division, highlighted the significance of this update pledge in a statement: “With the seven-year complimentary upgrade of Tizen applied to AI TVs, we will expand the gap in market share with Chinese firms.” This initiative aims not just to maintain market share but also to establish a new industry benchmark for software support in smart TVs.

#### The Significance of Extended Software Support

The importance of Samsung’s seven-year update pledge is immense. In an age where technology evolves swiftly, the lifespan of a device’s software support is critical for consumer satisfaction and environmental sustainability. Research indicates that the average lifespan of a TV is around seven years. However, numerous TV brands provide software updates for considerably shorter durations, leading to complications such as bricked devices, lagging performance, or buggy user experiences.

Samsung’s commitment to prolonged software support is a direct answer to these issues. By guaranteeing that their TVs receive updates for a minimum of seven years, Samsung enhances the user experience while also tackling the rising problem of e-waste. Longer software support allows consumers to retain their devices longer, reducing the frequency of replacements and the consequent environmental impact.

#### Gaining an Advantage in AI and Software Updates

Samsung has been increasingly emphasizing AI-driven capabilities in its latest TV models, branding them as “AI TVs.” These functionalities, which encompass advanced image processing, voice recognition, and tailored content recommendations, are crafted to provide a more immersive and intuitive viewing experience. By vowing to deliver seven years of updates, Samsung assures that these AI-enabled features will continue to progress and enhance over time, maintaining their TVs at the forefront of technology.

This strategy also differentiates Samsung from its rivals. For instance, LG, another significant player in the smart TV sector, has recently declared that it will provide four OS updates over five years for its webOS platform. While this is a praiseworthy initiative, Samsung’s seven-year commitment surpasses it, potentially establishing a new industry standard.

#### Wider Industry Consequences

Samsung’s declaration could have extensive repercussions for the TV industry as a whole. As the largest TV brand globally, Samsung’s choice to offer extended software support might inspire other manufacturers to adopt similar practices. This could result in a broader industry trend towards more durable products, benefiting both consumers and the environment.

Nonetheless, some companies are already setting the pace. Apple, for example, has been delivering updates for its inaugural Apple TV since 2015, and Roku continues to support Roku OS-based TVs released in 2014. These cases demonstrate that extended software support is not only practical but also advantageous for fostering customer loyalty and satisfaction.

#### The Call for Transparency

While Samsung’s seven-year update pledge is a commendable advancement, there remains scope for enhancement in the industry. One area where TV manufacturers could improve is in offering clear information regarding the duration of software support at the point of sale. Consumers ought to be able to make informed purchasing decisions, fully aware of how long their device will receive updates and remain functional.

#### Conclusion: A Positive Move Forward

Samsung’s dedication to providing seven years of updates for its newer TVs marks a crucial advancement in the smart TV industry. It tackles significant concerns regarding e-waste, product longevity, and consumer satisfaction while setting a new benchmark for software support. As competition within the global TV market heightens, Samsung’s initiative could act as a catalyst for change, prompting other manufacturers to prioritize long-term software support, ultimately benefiting both consumers and the environment.

As the industry progresses, it will be intriguing to observe how others react.

Valve Has Officially Announced Long-Expected Project

### Valve’s Upcoming Game “Deadlock”: An Innovative Blend of Multiplayer Genres

Valve, the famed game creator known for landmark titles such as *Half-Life*, *Portal*, and *Dota 2*, has been secretly developing a new project that has recently garnered attention. The game, named *Deadlock*, marks Valve’s inaugural attempt to create a new gaming franchise since the poorly received *Artifact* launched in 2018. Despite the company’s typical discretion, leaks and playtest sessions have gradually unveiled more regarding this fascinating new title, which seems to merge various genres into a unique multiplayer experience.

#### The Arrival of *Deadlock*

Initial rumors surrounding *Deadlock* began to emerge in May 2024, when information hinted that Valve was crafting a new game that fuses elements from numerous popular genres. Since that time, the game has entered an invite-only playtest phase, progressively increasing its player count from a few hundred to tens of thousands. Recently, Valve made a noteworthy advancement by activating a minimalistic Steam page for *Deadlock*, enhancing the game’s visibility among the public.

The Steam page, however, provides scant in terms of detailed information. It characterizes *Deadlock* as “a multiplayer game in early development” and includes a 22-second trailer showcasing a piece of concept art. Many specifics, including system requirements and a release timeline, remain labeled as “TBD.” Access to the game is exclusively available through friend invitations from current playtesters, who are cautioned that the game continues to feature “temporary art and experimental gameplay.”

#### An Unprecedented Genre Fusion

Although Valve has remained tight-lipped regarding the intricacies of *Deadlock*, the increasing number of playtesters and the easing of streaming restrictions have granted a clearer understanding of the game’s nature. Based on extensive feedback and live streams, *Deadlock* is a six-on-six hero shooter, reminiscent of *Overwatch*, yet it extends beyond that.

The game also integrates facets from other beloved genres. For instance, groups of NPC drones safeguard battle lanes in a fashion akin to *Dota 2*, introducing a MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) aspect to the gameplay. Players can also partake in *Fortnite*-like cover building, employ *Titanfall*-inspired double-jumping and air-dashing, and engage in melee confrontations with parrying mechanics. Moreover, the game boasts a diverse array of unlockable abilities, fostering deep customization options and varied gameplay styles.

#### The Significance of the Steam Page

Considering the substantial information already circulating through leaks and streams, the new Steam page for *Deadlock* functions more as a formal recognition of the game’s existence rather than a source of updated details. Nevertheless, it does offer a centralized platform for Wishlist notifications, user-defined tags, and community conversations. Currently, popular tags include “MOBA” and “cute,” highlighting the game’s eclectic influences and visual charm.

The Steam Community hub and forums have also become buzzing centers of activity, with many users pleading for invites to the playtest. Unfortunately, this surge has resulted in an increase in spam and scams, as eager players attempt to secure access to the game.

#### Implications of *Deadlock* for Valve

Valve’s choice to develop *Deadlock* is notable for several reasons. Firstly, it signifies the company’s revival of new IPs, a move not seen since *Artifact*. The disappointing reception of *Artifact*—which was eventually discarded in 2021—may have led Valve to exercise caution in launching new franchises. However, the company’s readiness to experiment with a genre-blending title like *Deadlock* indicates its ongoing commitment to innovation within the gaming landscape.

Secondly, *Deadlock* could act as a barometer for Valve’s capacity to thrive in the rapidly growing multiplayer gaming market. With its combination of hero-shooter dynamics, MOBA components, and other favored gameplay attributes, *Deadlock* has the potential to engage a wide audience. Nonetheless, it also confronts formidable competition from established titles like *Overwatch 2*, *Fortnite*, and *Apex Legends*.

Finally, the game’s development—characterized by extensive playtesting and community input—illustrates Valve’s iterative design philosophy. By progressively broadening the playtest and enabling players to share their experiences, Valve is amassing crucial data that may inform the final version of the game.

#### Future Prospects

At this moment, it remains uncertain when *Deadlock* will officially launch or what the finalized product will entail. However, the game’s distinctive fusion of genres and Valve’s history of producing critically acclaimed titles make it a project to keep an eye on. Whether *Deadlock* will emerge as a significant player in the multiplayer gaming scene or fade into obscurity like *Artifact* is yet to be determined, but one thing is clear: Valve is back in the development game, and the gaming community is

“NatGeo’s ‘Cursed Gold’ Tells the Story of a Infamous Treasure Hunter from the 1980s and His Downfall”

### The Ascent and Descent of Tommy Thompson: A Chronicle of Enchanted Gold and Legal Struggles

The fascination with concealed riches has enchanted humanity for generations, sparking numerous stories of escapades and wealth. Nevertheless, the narrative of Tommy Thompson, an American fortune seeker, acts as a warning that the quest for treasure can sometimes lead to a devastating outcome. Thompson’s revelation of the SS *Central America* shipwreck, often dubbed the “Ship of Gold,” marked a staggering accomplishment that soon devolved into a legal and personal catastrophe. This drama is now captured in an enthralling three-part documentary entitled *Cursed Gold: A Shipwreck Scandal*, available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.

#### The Revelation of the SS *Central America*

In 1988, Tommy Thompson and his crew grabbed headlines when they uncovered the wreck of the SS *Central America* off North Carolina’s shoreline. The vessel had sunk in 1857, containing an astonishing 30,000 pounds of gold bars and coins. The disappearance of this gold was so impactful that it played a role in the Panic of 1857, a financial upheaval that rattled the United States.

The find was celebrated as one of the most significant underwater archaeological discoveries ever. Thompson and his team retrieved a considerable quantity of gold and artifacts, with estimates placing the treasure’s worth at nearly $400 million. However, the excitement around the discovery was fleeting.

#### Legal Disputes and Financial Struggles

Nearly right after the find, Thompson became embroiled in legal disputes. Thirty-nine insurance companies initiated lawsuits, asserting that the gold belonged to them since they had compensated losses for the sunken treasure over a century prior. After extensive legal battles, Thompson emerged victorious in 1996, with the courts granting him and his team 92% of the recovered gold.

Even with this legal success, Thompson’s issues were far from resolved. The endeavor had accrued significant debts over time, and the gold was eventually sold for only $52 million—much lower than initial predictions. Most of this revenue went toward settling the project’s debts, leaving scant compensation for Thompson and his investors. Understandably, the investors were disgruntled and initiated lawsuits accusing Thompson of deceit.

#### The Years as a Fugitive

In 2012, as the legal pressure intensified, Thompson made a critical decision: he vanished. Together with his aide, he lived off $4 million hidden in an offshore account. For three years, Thompson successfully avoided arrest, but in 2015, U.S. Marshals ultimately caught him.

Thompson returned to face his investors in court, where a jury awarded them significant compensatory damages. The court also mandated that Thompson surrender 500 commemorative gold coins minted from the *Central America* gold. Nonetheless, Thompson insisted he had forgotten the location of the coins, resulting in his imprisonment for contempt of court—a sentence that persists as the coins remain unaccounted for.

#### *Cursed Gold: A Shipwreck Scandal*

The remarkable tale of Tommy Thompson’s ascent and decline has been enshrined in *Cursed Gold: A Shipwreck Scandal*, a documentary directed by Sam Benstead. The series is based on Gary Kinder’s 1998 book *Ship of Gold in the Deep Blue Sea*, which documented the initial revelation of the SS *Central America*.

Benstead and his team invested years sifting through over 600 hours of archival footage and 700 pages of court documents to construct the intricate tale. The documentary seeks to offer a fair perspective on the events, enabling viewers to form their own opinions about Thompson’s conduct and the ensuing legal disputes.

“One of the primary challenges was to condense an incredibly intricate 30-year saga into three films,” Benstead remarked. “There were numerous legal cases and subplots we had to omit or could only briefly address. And certain aspects of the narrative were fiercely contested by different parties. At times, we had to make choices that didn’t completely satisfy either side, but we endeavored to be fair to the multitude of perspectives while narrating a compelling story.”

#### A Legacy Stained

Despite the legal and personal chaos that ensued following the discovery, Benstead expresses admiration for Thompson’s initial feat. “For those aboard the boat, almost universally, this period was one of the greatest moments of their lives,” he noted. “It was a privilege to relive their challenges and ultimate victory in uncovering the gold. I still find it astonishing that they located the SS *Central America* in nearly two miles of water with the resources available in the 1980s.”

However, the director also recognizes the heavy burden that the ensuing legal conflicts have inflicted on Thompson and his family. “Whenever individuals share the most profound and impactful aspects of their lives with you, you carry a significant responsibility. I

Potentially Landmark Human Spaceflight Scheduled for Liftoff Tonight, Signifying One of the Most Daring Missions Since Apollo

### SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn Mission: A New Era in Private Space Ventures

SpaceX is all set to initiate its 14th crewed launch with the Dragon spacecraft, and this mission is expected to be one of the most innovative to date. Scheduled for takeoff at 3:38 am ET (07:38 UTC) on Tuesday from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Polaris Dawn mission stands apart from typical spaceflights. Spearheaded and financed by entrepreneur and billionaire Jared Isaacman, this mission aims to redefine the horizons of private space exploration in unprecedented ways.

#### The Concept Behind Polaris Dawn

Jared Isaacman, the CEO of Shift4 Payments, is well-acquainted with space ventures. He previously directed the Inspiration4 mission in September 2021, which marked the world’s first all-civilian space mission. That undertaking was a significant achievement, generating hundreds of millions of dollars for charitable causes and broadening the demographics of aspiring astronauts. However, while Inspiration4 was an outstanding milestone, Polaris Dawn is primed to elevate private space exploration to unprecedented altitudes—quite literally.

Isaacman’s goal for Polaris Dawn extends beyond mere space tourism; it focuses on enhancing the technology and operations essential for humanity to explore the cosmos. “The objective is to develop and assess new technologies and procedures in service of SpaceX’s audacious vision to enable humanity to traverse the stars,” Isaacman remarked during a pre-launch press briefing.

#### A Mission of New Beginnings

Polaris Dawn is filled with ambitious targets that seek to challenge the limits of what private space missions can accomplish. One of the most notable milestones will be the mission’s altitude. The crew intends to reach a highly elliptical orbit, soaring to an altitude of up to 1,400 km (870 miles) above the Earth. This will establish it as the highest human-flying Earth-orbit mission, outpacing even the trajectories of the Hubble Space Telescope and the International Space Station. The team will gather biological data to analyze the effects of elevated radiation exposure at this height, providing invaluable insights for the field of space medicine.

Another pioneering facet of the mission is the planned spacewalk, which will be the first ever executed by private astronauts. On the third day of the mission, the crew will transition to a more circular orbit at roughly 700 km above the Earth. At this juncture, Isaacman and mission specialist Sarah Gillis will don newly designed SpaceX spacesuits and exit the Dragon spacecraft. This spacewalk will serve as a crucial evaluation for SpaceX’s spacesuit technology, which is anticipated to evolve into more advanced iterations for forthcoming missions, including those targeting the Moon and Mars.

#### The Crew: A Fusion of Skill and Innovation

The Polaris Dawn crew is an expertly curated team of specialists, each contributing distinct expertise to the mission. Jared Isaacman will take on the role of mission commander, utilizing his background as both a pilot and a spaceflight veteran. Accompanying him is retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Scott “Kidd” Poteet, serving as the mission’s pilot. Poteet is a close acquaintance of Isaacman and adds extensive military aviation knowledge to the team.

Mission specialists Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon are both SpaceX engineers who have closely collaborated with Isaacman during the Inspiration4 mission. Their participation in the crew marks the first instance of SpaceX employees going into orbit, offering them practical experience to share with their fellow colleagues at SpaceX. This will undoubtedly bolster the company’s ongoing endeavors to enhance and refine its spaceflight technologies.

#### Research and Technological Innovations

Beyond the spacewalk and the high-altitude orbit, the Polaris Dawn mission will engage in multiple other significant research experiments. A key area of investigation will be spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS), a condition that has recently surfaced as a pressing concern for extended space missions. Comprehending and addressing the risks associated with SANS will be vital for future missions to Mars and beyond.

The mission will also be the pioneer in testing Starlink-based laser communications in space. This innovation could transform the way data flows between spacecraft and Earth, facilitating quicker and more dependable communication for upcoming missions.

#### The Horizon of the Polaris Program

Polaris Dawn serves as the initial of three planned missions under the Polaris Program, all of which are being financed and directed by Jared Isaacman. The subsequent mission, also intended to fly on a Dragon spacecraft, will likely build on the insights gained from Polaris Dawn, possibly incorporating a second-generation spacesuit. The third mission, which is not anticipated to take place before 2030, will be an orbital launch aboard SpaceX’s Starship vehicle. This achievement would position Isaacman and his crew as the first humans to venture aboard the Starship, marking yet another significant milestone in the quest for interplanetary exploration.

### Conclusion

The Polaris Dawn mission marks a groundbreaking stride

Telegram’s CEO Pavel Durov Could Encounter Possible Legal Issues in France as Company Refutes Allegations of Legal Breaches

### The Arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov: Implications and Reactions

Pavel Durov, the CEO and co-founder of Telegram, was apprehended in France over the weekend, igniting widespread responses and prompting inquiries about the future of the widely-used messaging service. Durov’s detention has been prolonged for as long as four days while a French judge considers whether to pursue criminal charges against him.

#### Background of the Arrest

Durov, aged 39, was taken into custody at a Paris airport under an arrest warrant issued by France’s Office for the Prevention of Violence Against Minors (OFMIN). This warrant is believed to be linked to a preliminary investigation concerning a variety of alleged crimes, such as fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying, organized crime, and the promotion of terrorism. The investigation, which commenced on July 8, also contemplates potential charges for complicity in distributing child pornography, money laundering, and noncompliance with law enforcement.

As reported by *Le Monde* and other news agencies, Durov’s detention was extended beyond the initial duration, which can reach up to 96 hours. At the conclusion of this time frame, the judge will determine whether to release Durov or file charges, which could result in additional custody.

#### Telegram’s Response

Following the arrest, Telegram released a statement affirming that the company complies with European Union regulations, including the Digital Services Act. The platform highlighted that its moderation policies align with industry standards and are continually being enhanced. Telegram also came to Durov’s defense, asserting that he has “nothing to hide” and frequently travels throughout Europe.

“It is ridiculous to suggest that a platform or its owner is accountable for misuses of that platform,” Telegram stated. The company emphasized that nearly a billion users worldwide depend on Telegram for communication and essential information, expressing hope for a swift resolution to the matter.

#### French Government’s Position

French President Emmanuel Macron commented on the arrest, clarifying that it was not a political action but part of an ongoing judicial inquiry. “The arrest of the Telegram president on French soil was executed as part of an ongoing judicial investigation,” Macron posted on X (previously Twitter). He stressed that the French judicial system functions independently and that the decision to detain Durov was made by judges, not political figures.

Macron also reiterated France’s dedication to free speech and communication, a remark that arises amid rising anxieties regarding the balance between security and privacy in the digital era.

#### International Reactions

The arrest has garnered international attention, with responses varying from support for Durov to apprehensions about digital privacy and freedom of expression. The Russian embassy in France has sought clarification regarding Durov’s detention and requested consular access, but French officials have reportedly been unresponsive.

Elon Musk, the CEO of X (formerly Twitter), showed his endorsement for Durov by tweeting “#FreePavel.” Edward Snowden, the former NSA contractor and whistleblower, also condemned the arrest, deeming it “an attack on the fundamental human rights of speech and association.” Snowden accused Macron of “taking hostages as a strategy for accessing private communications.”

#### The Role of Telegram in Russia and Beyond

Telegram has consistently been favored by diverse groups, including Russian military bloggers and even the Russian armed forces. The platform’s combination of private messaging and social networking capabilities, such as creating groups of up to 200,000 users and Channels for broadcasting messages to extensive audiences, has established it as a crucial communication resource.

Nevertheless, Telegram’s absence of default end-to-end encryption raises security concerns. While the platform presents an optional “Secret Chats” feature for private conversations, this encryption level is not extended to group chats, making it less secure compared to other messaging applications like Signal or WhatsApp.

The Institute for the Study of War, a nonprofit research organization based in the U.S., has observed that Telegram is widely utilized by Russian military personnel for coordinating operations in Ukraine. The uncertainty surrounding Telegram’s future, particularly in Russia, may have substantial ramifications for these operations. The Institute cautioned that any disruption to Telegram’s services could impair Russian military efficiency in the short term.

#### Historical Context and Future Implications

Pavel Durov has a history of conflict with authorities. He previously established VKontakte (now VK), a social networking site he was compelled to sell after resisting Russian government demands to dismantle opposition groups. Durov departed Russia in 2014, citing the nation’s incompatibility with internet business, and has since acquired citizenship in the United Arab Emirates and France.

Russia prohibited Telegram in 2018 but lifted the ban in 2020. Despite this, doubts have lingered over whether Telegram is cooperating with the Kremlin, particularly considering the platform’s usage by Russian antiwar activists and military bloggers. The recent arrest has further escalated these concerns, especially in light of