Nintendo on Thursday announced the Nintendo Switch handheld gaming console, its long-awaited successor to the poorly received Wii 2.
The US$300 Switch will hit the streets March 3. Purchasers will get the console, two Joy-Con controllers, a Joy-Con Grip, a set of Joy-Con wrist straps, a Nintendo Switch dock, an HDMI cable and an AC adapter.
The Switch has a 6.2-inch capacitive multitouch screen and a kickstand.
The Switch can be used as an independent handheld player. Battery life ranges from 2.5 to 6 hours.
Up to eight Switches can be connected over a local WiFi network for multiplayer games.
However, Nintendo will need to sell a lot of Switches for this feature to be useful, said Rob Enderle, principal analyst at the Enderle Group.
Ready to Rumble
Both Joy-Con controllers include advanced HD Rumble technology, which gives players haptic feedback for increased realism.
The controllers can be used separately -- one in each hand -- or together as one game controller attached to the Joy-Con grip. Players can attach them to the main console for use in handheld mode, or share them with friends for use in two-player games.
Each Joy-Con has an accelerometer and gyro-sensor, giving players independent left and right motion control, and each can act as a standalone controller.
The left controller has a Capture Button for taking screenshots to share on social media; the right one includes an NFC touchpoint for interaction with Amiibo figures, and an infrared motion camera that can detect the distance, shape and motion of nearby objects in specially designed games.
"The Joy-Con controllers seem to be [the Switch's] best feature," said Christine Arrington, senior analyst for games at IHS Markit.
"The demonstration of in-person, face to face competition brings back that paradigm that was so compelling to users with the original Wii," she told TechNewsWorld.
Games Lineup
Among the games slated for the Nintendo Switch:
MarioKart Deluxe 8 -- available April 28;
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and 1-2-Switch -- available March 3;
Just Dance 2017 and Has Been Heroes -- March 2017;
NBA 2K18 -- September 2017;
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim -- fall 2017; and
Minecraft, FIFA, Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers, Disgaea 5 Complete, Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 and Puyo Puyo Tetris -- to be determined.
Nintendo Switch software won't be region locked, so it will be available pretty much anywhere.
New Online Service
Nintendo also announced a new online subscription service available for free trial March 3. It's full rollout is slated for the fall.
The service includes a smart device application that will let users invite friends to play online, set play appointments, and chat with each other.
How the Switch Stacks Up
The Switch is available now for preorder, but "sadly, I'm not tempted," Enderle told TechNewsWorld.
The Switch's best feature is that it's "a tablet designed for games, so it has a really decent gaming interface," he said. "This is likely what the Wii U should have been but wasn't."
However, it lacks content and is "the only consumer tablet that doesn't support key services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, severely limiting its overall utility," Enderle pointed out.
Still, the Switch "is an important evolution of Nintendo's vision with the Wii U of making a console that can transition from TV gaming to tablet-style gaming," observed IHS Markit's Arrington.
The Wii U "did not take it far enough. There wasn't really a compelling argument to spend more on the Wii U when consumers had a Wii and a tablet," she added.
Nintendo likely will sell 4 million Switch units this year, based on current estimates.
It should "perform better than the Wii U," Arrington said, "but we don't expect sales to rise to the level of the Wii."
After five months of "unprecedented" testing, Samsung yesterday revealed why batteries in its failed Galaxy Note 7 smartphone were prone to overheating and fires.
Both the original battery for the device and the one used after the company's first recall had different but specific flaws that increased the chances of the positive and negative electrodes coming into contact, Samsung said. To prevent similar battery failures in the future, the company is introducing a new eight-point battery safety check.
Samsung has also created a Battery Advisory Group of chemistry, engineering and technology experts to help the company maintain "a clear and objective perspective on battery safety and innovation."
Launched in August, the Galaxy Note 7 was quickly linked to reports of overheating and fires by phone owners around the world. Samsung launched a recall, but the replacement phone experienced similar problems, causing the company to halt manufacturing of the device and begin a second recall. Of some 3 million Galaxy Note 7s sold, 96 percent have now been returned for refunds or replacements, according to Samsung.
'Unprecedented' Scale of Tests
"The scale of it is unprecedented, the scale of the investigation," Battery Advisory Group member Gerbrand Ceder said in a video released yesterday during Samsung's press conference. The tests "led to a pretty good understanding" of what caused the overheating problems in the Note 7, he said.
Samsung said it tested more than 200,000 of the Note 7 devices that were returned, as well as more than 30,000 batteries. Those tests were conducted by three separate industry organizations: UL, Exponent and TUV Rheinland.
Investigators traced problems with the battery used in the first Note 7 release to the position of the negative electrode, which caused distortions that increased the chances of overheating.
The battery in the second Note 7 that replaced the first had a different flaw: raised welding burrs on the positive electrode punched through the battery's insulation tape and separator, causing the positive and negative electrodes to touch. Some of the second-generation batteries were also found to be missing insulation tape, Samsung said.
Galaxy S8 Not Out until April
While the design problems were specific to the two types of batteries used in the Note 7, the factors leading to them affect the entire cell phone industry, according to Clare Grey, a professor of chemistry at the University of Cambridge and a member of Samsung's new Battery Advisory Group. The growing demand for small devices with high energy densities comes with the risk of putting "highly oxidized and highly reduced materials in very close proximity," she said.
While only a small number of Note 7 batteries failed, the design issues show that the industry as a whole needs to "remain vigilant," said Ceder, a professor of materials science and engineering at the University of California, Berkeley.
According to a Reuters report today, Samsung plans to delay the launch of its next flagship phone, the Galaxy S8, as it puts the new testing and safety precautions in place. Samsung normally introduces new Galaxy S phones during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, which runs Feb. 27-March 2, but the company is now likely to wait until April, the report said.
Maybe you count yourself amongst the scores of fortunate recipients of a new phone during the holiday season. I myself ended up upgrading to a new iPhone 7 Plus unexpectedly during the holidays after accidentally walking into the ocean with my device still in my pocket. In hindsight, a foolish but sort of poetic way to destroy a device, an act of unforced obsolescence.
Despite the hefty price of a replacement – and the eventual loss of the headphone jack – I’ve been quite pleased since upgrading from my slowly ailing older iPhone. Of course, this means I’ve become personally more interested and invested in all varieties of options related to accessorizing my new iPhone, with the following list of designs at the top of my functional and fashionable list:
1. KAMERAR ZOOM Lens Kit for iPhone 7 Plus: The new iPhone 7 Plus dual camera has proven a noticeable and significant improvement over my older 6 Plus kit, especially when shot using a 3rd-party RAW compatible photo app. But I’ve been still left wanting in one category of photography: macro. This affordable add-on slides right over the existing lens when desired, offering 10x magnification with a 2-element lens.
2. Hardgraft Fuzzy iPhone 7: Only the obsessively clean need apply for these iPhone cases covered in a super soft, fuzzy suede-like material.
3. TwelveSouth HiRise 2: As an owner of the original HiRise, I can attest TwelveSouth’s dock is the most Apple aesthetic complementary desktop spot to park and charge that I’ve owned. This new design is twice as heavy while requiring one-third less of a footprint, a refinement of an already good design.
4. Native Union TAG Cable: Native Union’s small looped leather tag presents the semblance of the small sort of tag fashion brands adorn bags and luggage with. But this tag is different, a TAG that hides a Lightning-to-USB charging connector inside, a smartly dressed tech-in-disguise accessory worthy of keeping looped onto a handbag or backpack wherever you go.
5. Libratone Q Adapt In-Ear Earphones: The countless missives about Apple’s decision to jettison the standard headphone jack warrants merit. I’m not super pleased my fantastic pair of Sennheiser cans won’t connect without the (included) Lightning dongle. But moving forward, it does offer me the opportunity to check out the some new earphone options, with Libratone’s active noise-canceling in-ear models at the top of my list for their ergonomic design and iPhone-friendly features.
6. Peel Super Thin iPhone 7 Case: The first two accessories I immediately purchased for my new phone was a screen protector (I’ve had good experiences with Belkin’s ScreenForce Invisiglass since getting a complimentary sample at last year’s CES) and getting my matte black phone into a protective case. Peel makes possibly the most discreet and thin cases, all sans any annoying and unnecessary branding. It looks and feels almost like nothing is there, but effectively keeps the scratches at bay.
7. This Is Ground Lupito Craft Edition: As a frequent traveler who needs to plug in an iPhone and iPad in airports, hotels, and anywhere I can find an outlet, I’ve come to really appreciate the fashionable functionality of everything This Is Ground designs. These small looped leather thing-a-majigs keep my plug-in cords and charger neatly stored away between outlet hunts.
8. Mujjo Single Layered Touchscreen Gloves: I keep a pair of these confidently textured and touchscreen-compatible gloves in my backpack wherever I go. Touchscreen-friendly, textured across their whole surface for improved grip, with a magnetic leather closure that works great and looks equally as good, even this Southern California kid can appreciate the merits of a good pair of screen-compatible gloves.
9. KILLSPENCER Leather Snap Case: For those prone to drop their phone while snapping a photo (or perhaps while sharing it while passing it along to friends), this leather case with integrated wrist loop offers an extra bit of insurance. The leather case can be further customized with embossed monogramming, adding an extra identifiable and distinguishing mark from the legions of other iPhones out there.
10. Moment Lens and Mount System: Hands down the best add-on lenses for mobile photography, this lens system feels satisfying in heft and finish, operating like miniaturized premium DLSR lenses compared to competing cheap plastic add-ons. If you’re serious about traveling light with your phone as your primary camera, Moment’s quartet of macro, fisheye, wide, and tele lenses offer a no-compromise option extending the capabilities of the already impressive improvements made to the dual-lens iPhone 7 Plus specs.
Just when you think IKEA couldn’t make ANOTHER product to aid in your everyday life, they somehow do, and it’s something you’d never expect them to make – a bicycle. SLADDA, much like the rest of IKEA’s offerings, is low-maintenance and adaptable to your various needs. They didn’t just launch a unisex bicycle, they’ve created a collection of accessories to go with it in hopes of solving your daily transportation needs and to make your life as easy as possible.
SLADDA is equipped with a rust- and oil-free belt drive, automatic gears, and a multifunctional click system for accessories, like front and back racks and bike bags. There’s also a handy trailer to haul heavier loads. On top of that, there are bicycle helmets, a U-lock, and a pump.
SLADDA is available in 26″ or 28″ versions with a retail price of $499.
Update:Samsung might not be done with flat screens, while 3D Touch, a desktop mode, soft touch keys and an optional S Pen stylus could all be headed to the Samsung Galaxy S8, but you might have to wait until April to get it.
The Samsung Galaxy S7 was almost everything we hoped for, with improvements throughout leading it to be one of the most powerful, stylish and all round accomplished smartphones on the market.
But there's still room for improvement and it's low on innovation, so we have a wish list for what we want to see from the Samsung Galaxy S8. We'd also love to hear what you think, so let us know in the comments below and we'll furiously email them to Samsung.
The phone won't be launching for a long time yet, but that just means Samsung should have time to implement some of our suggestions. Here's hoping it listens.
We're also collecting all the rumors and news about the phone, along with our own educated guesses, so read on for all the latest on Samsung's upcoming flagship.
What will it cost? Maybe around $850 (roughly £655/AU$1120)
Samsung Galaxy S8 release date
Hottest leaks:
A February 26 announcement
...or it could be delayed until April
The Samsung Galaxy S8 is certain to launch in early 2017, since the beginning of the year is typically when Samsung rolls out its new flagships.
The last couple of years the brand has shown off the phone the day before Mobile World Congress starts, with MWC 2017 set to kick off on 27 February... meaning a Galaxy S8 release date of February 26.
That exact date has now been rumored by @Ricciolo1, who accurately leaked the launch date of the Galaxy S7, so it's looking likely.
In terms of when you'll be able to fondle it for the first time, expect a two week wait - so March 13 is our best guess there.
That's if it shows up at MWC, but it's looking ever more likely that the S8 will be delayed, and instead we'll have an April release date.
We've now heard more rumors of an April launch, and even a specific release date of April 18 (with an announcement apparently set for late March or early April).
There's also talk of delayed development while Samsung looked into the Note 7's flammable flaws. Though according to sources speaking to The Investor, full volume shipments of the S8 will start in February, meaning a February announcement and March arrival should still be possible.
There's even some analyst speculation that Samsung might actually bring the release forward, in order to minimize the impact of having to kill the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 - though that's looking unlikely.
TechRadar's take: Talk of an early release appears to just be speculation, but a delay is looking increasingly likely.
Samsung Galaxy S8 news and rumors
The trickle of information on the Samsung Galaxy S8 is slowly growing into a stream, though we're still waiting for strong rumors on what actual components and design we might see - but we're able to take a very good guess.
We've divided our thoughts up into sections below, but likely highlights include a 4K screen, a Snapdragon 830 processor, 6GB of RAM and a massively improved camera.
There's even a chance that the Samsung Galaxy S8 will have an iris scanner or a foldable screen, though the latter is somewhat less likely.
Samsung Galaxy S8 screen
Hottest leaks:
No flat version
A 4K display
5.1-inch and 5.5-inch sizes, or 5.7 and 6.2-inch sizes
Industry sources have reported Samsung may make two versions of the Galaxy S8 next year, but both will come with curved screens.
SamMobile is reporting the models are codenamed Dream and Dream 2. One with a 5.1-inch screen and another with a 5.5-inch display.
Similar suggestions have been made more recently, along with claims that both will be curved and have an all-screen design, with a virtual home button rather than a physical one.
In fact all the keys could be going virtual, with customizable uses, according to a recent leak, which adds that Samsung might add a 3D Touch-like feature to the phone as well.
And those sizes have been rumored again, but apparently the smaller display will be QHD, while the larger one is 4K.
Samsung is making a big push into VR with its Gear VR headset and one thing it really needs to make the most of that is sharp screens on its phones.
QHD, as we have on the Samsung Galaxy S7, is more than sharp enough for using it as a phone, but it's not quite up to scratch for VR, so it makes sense for Samsung to push the resolution up for at least one version of the Samsung Galaxy S8.
Even without the lure of VR a sharper screen wouldn't be surprising, as a couple of generations of Galaxy devices have now had QHD ones, so Samsung is likely to want to improve the resolution further for the Galaxy S8 - and show it's MUCH more sharp than the 720p iPhone 7.
Credit: UploadVR
In fact, the company has already shown off a 5.5-inch 2160 x 3840 screen, which comes in at a pin sharp 806 pixels per inch. There's no guarantee the Samsung Galaxy S8 will get this screen, but it's clearly been designed for premium mobile devices and phones don't get much more premium than the S8.
Not only has Samsung developed such a screen, but according to Chinese sources speaking to WCCF Tech, the company specifically plans to equip the Galaxy S8 with a UHD display. They don't specify who the source is though, so take this with a pinch of salt.
We've also heard rumors from Weibo that the Samsung Galaxy S8 could have a 5.2-inch 2160 x 4096 screen.
All that said, other Weibo rumors suggest the S8 will have just a QHD screen, like the Galaxy S7, but add that "new materials" of some kind could be used, and that the home button will be removed - potentially meaning smaller bezels and maybe even a fingerprint scanner built into the screen.
Samsung is also putting a lot of work into curved screens, and a recent comment from Samsung Mobile President Dong-jin Koh claimed: "Samsung has considered that it would make the edge display the identity of the Galaxy S smartphone lineup."
So that sounds like we might not actually get the Samsung Galaxy S8 Edge at all, and the Galaxy S8 will be a single curved variant only.
More recently we've heard rumors that Samsung has started sourcing curved display panels, but that it will be making curved versions in both 5.1-inch and 5.5-inch sizes. Apparently whether or not there's also a flat screen model will come down to how many curved screens Samsung can source in time.
Though since then SamMobile has learned that there will apparently be both a flat and dual-edge curved version.
But the company might even go one further than curves and give us a foldable phone, especially as prototypes and patents for such a device already exist, including one very recent patent spotted by Patently Mobile.
In fact, it's rumored that Samsung will launch a folding phone in 2017, but it's unlikely to risk attaching the untested tech to its flagship - unless that's what the new S8 Edge becomes.
The screen size could also change. The 5.1-inch Galaxy S7 is one of the smaller flagships around right now and significantly smaller than even the 5.5-inch Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge which launched alongside it.
Given that Samsung recently showed off a 5.5-inch 4K display that could be the size the S8 comes in.
More recently, we've heard that Samsung could be making the phone in 5.7-inch and 6.2-inch sizes, to appeal to Note fans. But it would apparently do this without making the body any bigger, by removing the home button.
We're sceptical, but Samsung is working to shrink the bezels on its devices, with a Samsung Display employee claiming the company will launch a display with a 90% screen-to-body ratio in 2017, though there's no guarantee it will be attached to the S8.
There's also the Always On Display (AOD), a feature that debuted with the Galaxy Note 7. This feature has been hugely improved on the new Note, with more pictures added to the mix and a richer display hanging about on the phone when it's turned off.
Future updates to the AOD mean that it should become even richer for the Galaxy S8, with third parties able to add their own widgets to the screen.
Samsung recently added a music player onto this area, so it's highly likely third parties like Spotify will be able to do the same thing by February next year. Also, if you look at what's been offered on the Galaxy Note 7, with the icons pictured above, you'll realize there's more to come from the AOD from Samsung.
TechRadar's take: Samsung only released a curved Note 7, so ditching flat versions of its main flagship line is the logical next step. A 4K display isn't out of the question, and 5.1 and 5.5-inch sizes make sense - making it bigger could appeal to Note fans, but might put off other buyers.
Samsung Galaxy S8 design
Hottest leaks:
A similar but refined design
Samsung is on to something with the design of the Galaxy S6 and now the Galaxy S7. Its melding of metal and glass has led to one of the most attractive handsets around, so we don't expect huge changes there.
On the other hand, people like to see changes, so at the very least the design will probably be refined. Samsung slightly curved the back edge of the Galaxy S7, so perhaps it will make the Galaxy S8 even more curved, so it sits even more comfortably in the hand, like the HTC One M9. Or maybe it will focus on making the phone thinner.
And a completely new design is always possible, but if it does have one it could take almost any form. Well, any form that's basically a rectangle anyway.
The only thing we've actually heard about the design so far is that it will be "slick", which doesn't tell us much, but does come straight from Samsung's vice chairman, so it's probably true.
TechRadar's take: This is one thing we don't know much about yet, but we don't expect to see a huge change on the design front.
Samsung Galaxy S8 camera and battery
Hottest leaks:
A dual-lens camera
A 30MP rear camera
An 8MP front-facing snapper
A 4200mAh battery
Samsung is said to be working on a new camera, which will be between 18 and 24MP and have a wide f/1.4 aperture, where the Samsung Galaxy S7 has a narrower f/1.7 one.
That extra width could allow more light in and the jump in megapixel count could allow for more detailed images, though while Samsung is apparently working on this camera it hasn't been specifically linked to the Galaxy S8 yet.
Another rumor, this time from Chinese sources speaking to WCCF Tech, points to a dual-lens camera. It's not clear what role the second lens would play, but the sources claim it's being built by Samsung Motors (Semco).
That rumor has popped up again, with a Weibo poster claiming that one lens will be 12MP, while the other is 13MP and that lens-crafting duties will be split between Samsung and Sony.
It's too early to say how accurate these rumors are, but with the Huawei P9, LG G5 and possibly the iPhone 7 Plus packing dual cameras it's seemingly the latest trend, so wouldn't be surprising.
There's also a suggestion that Samsung could include two cameras to help its parts suppliers make up for lost Note 7 earnings.
Samsung has also now registered trademarks for two camera technologies designed to enhance the brightness of images, which is often the role of a secondary lens, further suggesting a dual-lens could be in the works.
The front facing camera could also be in for a change, with the same Weibo source as above claiming that the Galaxy S8 will have an 8MP camera on the front, up from 5MP on the Galaxy S7.
That front-facing camera could also get an autofocus, which is a feature usually reserved for rear cameras, as they need to focus at various distances, but while possibly not that useful on the front it might help the S8 stand out.
On the other hand, another Weibo poster claims the S8 will have a 30MP rear camera with optical image stabilization and a 9MP front-facing one, but we'd be surprised if Samsung pushed the rear camera's megapixel count up that high.
We've also heard rumors that Samsung could stick a dual-lens camera on the 5.5-inch handset, but just a single-lens one on the 5.1-inch one, so you might have a choice of snappers.
Samsung has also built a 'Smart Glow' feature, which takes the form of a ring of LEDs around the rear camera, which can flash in different colors for different types of notifications and even light up when they detect your face, so you can more easily take a selfie with the main camera.
So far the feature is only available on the Samsung Galaxy J2, but there's a chance Samsung will use it in the Galaxy S8 as well.
Whatever the case, you can be sure the camera will be improved, in fact Samsung's vice chairman has even said as much.
The only battery rumor so far suggests the Galaxy S8 will have a huge 4200mAh juice pack with support for both wireless and fast charging. We're not convinced Samsung will squeeze a battery that big in, but hopefully the company won't reverse the good work it's done on the S7, which has better life than the S6 before it.
The Galaxy S7 has a 3000mAh juice pack and with any luck the battery in the S8 will be even larger, or at least more efficient. It might need to be if Samsung pushes the screen resolution up.
TechRadar's take: Dual-lens cameras seem to be the next big thing, so we wouldn't be surprised if Samsung gets on board. Don't count on seeing a 30MP snapper or a 4200mAh battery though, we'd expect the camera will stay at the sweet spot of around 12MP, while the battery will likely be big, but not that big.
Samsung Galaxy S8 OS and power
Hottest leaks:
A 3GHz Exynos 8895 processor in some regions
A 3.2GHz octa-core Snapdragon 830 chip in the US
6GB of RAM
The Snapdragon 830 isn't official yet, but it has been rumored and is the likely name for the next major flagship smartphone chip from Qualcomm. It's likely to be faster, smaller and more efficient than the Snapdragon 820 – or at least those are all areas Qualcomm will probably try and improve.
In fact, a leak suggests the Galaxy S8 could have a 3.2GHz octa-core Snapdragon processor, which certainly sounds fast.
That said, Samsung also makes its own Exynos chips and with the Galaxy S7 some regions got those and others got the Snapdragon 820, so the same is likely to happen with the Galaxy S8.
More specifically, the US will probably get a Snapdragon chip, while most of the rest of the world will likely get an Exynos one. Rumors suggest it will be the Exynos 8895, which is apparently clocked at up to 3GHz (up from 2.3GHz on the Exynos 8890 in the S7), and is supposedly also optimized for low power usage, as well as improving image processing performance by over 70%.
We've also heard rumors from SamMobile that not only is Samsung working on new mobile processors, but that it's in talks with both Nvidia and AMD to build the GPUs (in place of ARM, which currently builds them).
With Nvidia behind some of the most powerful processors around and AMD's architecture at the heart of the PS4 Pro, a move to either of these companies could give flagship Exynos chips a performance boost.
That extra power will really come in handy if Samsung plans to put a 4K screen on the Galaxy S8 or use it for high-end VR content - our betting is that both Samsung's and Qualcomm's chips will be heavily focused around making VR the best experience it can possibly be, which will be a boon for Gear VR wearers.
Samsung's also applied to trademark "beast mode", which could be a supercharged setting designed to make the most of VR.
As for RAM, early rumors point to 6GB, and with the mid-range Samsung Galaxy C9 also rumored to have 6GB of RAM that's probably the least we can expect. But the S8 might have even more, as Samsung has created an 8GB RAM chip compatible with smartphones, though it hasn't been specifically linked to the S8.
TechRadar's take: Samsung is sure to dial up the power in the Galaxy S8, but will probably stick a Snapdragon 830 chip in the US version, with an Exynos processor available elsewhere. RAM is sure to be at least 4GB, but it's likely that Samsung will up it to 6GB. We doubt it will reach 8GB.
Samsung Galaxy S8 other features
Hottest leaks:
An iris scanner and AI assistant
No headphone jack
A fingerprint scanner in the screen
Dual stereo speakers
The S Pen stylus is a big feature of the Galaxy Note range, and recent rumors suggest it could also be coming to the Galaxy S8, as an optional extra. That suggests Samsung could be aiming to make the phone better for productivity.
But the Galaxy S8 could get an even bigger productivity boost, by including a Continuum-like feature, allowing you to plug it into a monitor for a desktop-like experience. That's if the image below is to be believed.
Rumor has it the Samsung Galaxy S8 is set to lose the 3.5mm headphone jack. The rumor doesn't say why it's dropping the legacy tech, but does suggest the phone will instead feature a USB-C port and come with an adapter in the box.
One area that Samsung could easily improve for the S8 is the speakers, and it just might, with rumors that we'll get dual stereo speakers for the first time on a Samsung flagship. They could also use Harman technology, which would make sense, since Samsung has purchased the brand.
We could see an iris scanner on the phone, as the company has stuck one on the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 and the feature has since been rumored for the Galaxy S8 more than once.
But its inclusion isn't guaranteed, as it doesn't really add a lot beyond a 'hyper' level of security that some people would need on the Note 7, given it's part enterprise device. That said, the scanner never got much of an outing with the Note 7 being killed, so Samsung is likely to want to give it a chance.
And another source has also suggested we'll see an iris scanner, along with 64GB and 128GB storage capacities, a microSD card slot and, oddly, a mini projector. Another rumor points to up to 256GB of storage, which would be a huge jump on the maximum of 64GB that's built into the Galaxy S7.
One feature that's been confirmed by Samsung is the Viv AI assistant. It's a bit like Siri, and in fact some of the makers of Siri created it, but Samsung bought the company and is planning to build Viv into the S8.
While there's stiff competition in this space, Viv will apparently work seamlessly with a large number of apps, potentially giving it an advantage over the likes of Siri. It's also rumored to come with both male and female voices, dubbed Bixby and Kestra.
Samsung is seemingly making Viv a focus of the S8, with one prototype apparently even featuring a dedicated button to launch the assistant.
Samsung might also build a fingerprint scanner right into the S8's display, according to a Weibo source, allowing it to eliminate the home button entirely. The tech exists, but would be a smartphone first if Samsung does use it.
Samsung's 'Smart Glow' feature - so far only available on the Galaxy J2, has also popped up again, with additional functions such as heart rate readings and the ability to light up in different colors to represent different weather conditions apparently likely to be added to later versions of it.
Other than those features, a reversible USB Type-C connector is likely now it's appeared in the Galaxy Note 7, and Samsung is likely to continue offering the features its flagships are known for, like an always-on screen (with enhancements), a microSD card slot and a waterproof body.
TechRadar's take: We wouldn't count on seeing Smart Glow in the S8, given that the Note 7 didn't have it despite the feature already being available on a lower end handset. A mini projector also sounds like a long shot, but an iris scanner and stereo speakers are likely, while USB-C is all but guaranteed.
Samsung Galaxy S8 price
Hottest leaks:
More expensive than the Galaxy S7
....or the same price as the S7
The earliest cost rumors claim an $850 (roughly £655/AU$1120) SIM-free price for the Samsung Galaxy S8.
This comes from a Weibo post with no evidence to back it up, so we'd take it with a pinch of salt, but if true the Galaxy S8 would be slightly more expensive in most regions than the £569/AU$1149 (around $750) launch price of the Galaxy S7.
On the other hand, a similarly evidence-free claim has been made more recently that while the materials will apparently cost 28% more than the S7, the cost to consumers will be the same.
