Tech news and more ....: February 2020

While many pundits (us included) were expecting Samsung to reveal its much-rumored foldable clamshell device, the Galaxy Z Flip, at its Unpacked 2020 event on February 11, the Korean company has jumped the gun by fully revealing the device in a commercial aired during tonight's Oscars broadcast.

The commercial was spotted by The Verge editor-in-chief Nilay Patel, who managed to capture the TV spot and post it on his Twitter page – you can check the commercial below.

In the video, the Galaxy Z Flip is mostly shown sitting on a table and folded at a 90-degree angle, allowing users to easily video chat and also view themselves, hands-free.

We'd previously heard reports that the device would be targeted at a younger female audience, and this commercial seems to back that up, particularly in the way it presents the phone in a similar fashion to the clamshell-style powder compact cases that reportedly inspired its design.

As pointed out by The Verge, small print is displayed during the commercial informing viewers that they “may notice a small crease in the center of the main screen, which is a natural characteristic of the screen.”

During its brief 30-second runtime, the ad also offers a look at the Galaxy Z Flip's small outer touch display, which sits next to the device's dual camera and shows an incoming call which can be interacted with directly. We presume notifications will also be shown on this smaller screen.

While pricing and availability information wasn't revealed during the TV spot, it does end with the suggestion that – as expected – all will be revealed during Samsung's Unpacked 2020 event.

As always, we'll keep you updated with any new Galaxy Z Flip developments as they happen.

Techradar.com

While tiptoeing through the cold while wearing a bathing suit might seem a little extreme for some, the delicious juxtaposition of relaxing in a heated outdoor pool while delicate snowflakes gently fall all around can make that short, but chilly journey 100% worthwhile - especially if there’s a stunning wintery landscape to enjoy. In fact, with 84% of global travelers* believing that taking time to relax during their vacation is important and 81% saying that beautiful natural scenery is a great motivation to travel in the first place, a soothing, steamy dip in a pool with spectacular views conveniently ticks a couple of boxes of what travelers are looking for in 2020. With that in mind, and considering that 44% of global travelers also want to stay in an accommodation surrounded by snow**, we have put together a list of six amazing outdoor pools surrounded by stellar, snowy landscapes, guaranteed to deliver some relaxing, once-in-a-lifetime, utterly Instagrammable travel memories.

The Cambrian, Switzerland

Magnificent, uninterrupted views of the Swiss Alps await at the panoramic outdoor pool of The Cambrian. Offering one of the best views in Switzerland, this outstanding heated swimming pool is THE place to be after a busy day hitting the slopes. Although this amazing infinity pool is considered the crown jewel of the property, the hotel’s spa offers an array of unique treatments, specially designed to soothe the mind, body and soul. For travelers who don’t plan to do any skiing, it’s still a perfect place to relax and enjoy the majesty of Mother Nature in all her wintery glory.

“I found this place on Booking and was blown away by the pictures, but in person it is somehow even more magical. They have thought through every detail in creating an atmosphere that will make you feel like you are in a dream!” - Lisa, USA

Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa, Argentina

The pristine infinity pools at the Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa in Argentina are a truly spectacular spot to enjoy dramatic, uninterrupted views of Ushuaia Bay and the Beagle Canal stretching all the way to the surrounding snow-capped mountains. Located in Cerro Alarkén Natural Reserve in Southern Patagonia, 800 feet (250 metres) above sea level, this unique accommodation is at one with the surrounding natural environment, nestled cozily within the surrounding native forest. As Ushuaia is a popular port for Antarctic cruises, guests who are preparing for a truly epic polar adventure can enjoy a variety of outdoor winter activities in the area before they depart, such as skiing, sled riding and snowshoeing. Imagine daydreaming about your impending Antarctic journey while soaking in those glacial blue waters, which are, of course, heated. #travelgoals

“Having an outdoor swim at -3 surrounded by white peaks and viewing Ushuaia from above is dreamy”. - R, United Kingdom

Frost and Fire Hotel, Iceland

Located on the banks of a river, right at the source of bubbling geothermal springs in Hveragerdi, Iceland, Frost and Fire Hotel invites travelers to escape and unwind in its amazing outdoor spa facilities, including an impressive outdoor pool that is warmed exclusively by hot springs underground. Swim a couple of laps as the snowflakes begin to fall or simply kick back and enjoy the soothing sky blue waters while admiring the surrounding idyllic Icelandic landscape. On a clear night, guests might even be treated to an impressive display of the Northern Lights.

“The hotel is situated near a geothermal area and river and has a pool and two hot tubs naturally heated by hot springs. We were able to take a dip in the river then warm up in the hot tub while watching the northern lights.” - Isabella, USA

El Lodge, Ski & Spa, Spain

Set in a charming Alpine-inspired structure, surrounded by the impressive snow-covered peaks of Andalusia’s Sierra Nevada range, the heated outdoor pool at El Lodge, Ski & Spa provides guests with a picturesque setting to unwind at that’s surrounded by nature, even when it’s snowing. Whether just finished a vigorous day on the slopes of have simply come for the crisp mountain air and a little R&R, travelers can soak up some winter rays on the spacious sundeck or just float their cares away in the Finnish hot tub.

“Never written a review before but compelled to this time. This place needs to be seen to be believed. It’s utterly amazing.” - Simon, Spain

The Green Leaf, Niseko Village, Japan

Slip into the therapeutic waters of The Green Leaf, Niseko Village’s heated outdoor pool and feel as if you’ve stepped into an immersive Zen paradise. The Green Leaf Onsen is a true oasis of serenity, surrounded by beautiful pine trees laden with snow, reflected perfectly in its crystal clear waters, which are fed entirely by natural hot springs. The spring water is believed to have healing powers and comes out of the ground at about 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) - ideal for soothing sore muscles from an active day out in the elements and sure to keep guests nice and warm, even when the snow is falling.

“Heated outdoor pool and onsen are excellent to relax your muscles after a day on the slopes.” - Iryna, South Korea

Fairmont Banff Springs, Canada

Although the Fairmont Banff Springs was originally modeled after a real-life Scottish baronial castle when it was constructed in 1888, it’s now a Canadian National Historic Site and landmark in its own right. Overlooking the mountains and dense pine forests of Banff National Park in southern Alberta, this iconic hotel’s heated outdoor pool is perfect for a warm wintery swim. No matter how cold it is outside, this elegant pool entices with a soothing soak, surrounded by snow-kissed spruce and frosty fir trees. While many travelers go to Banff for the winter sports and fresh mountain air, they’ll stay for the simmering, indulgent waters and awe-inspiring views of the Canadian Rockies from this hotel’s sensational outdoor pool.

“You feel like stepping back into a more genteel, formal, grand era. The pools are beautiful - didn't want to get out of the outdoor pool, heavenly.” - Shari, USA

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Tech news and more ....

Monday, February 10, 2020

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip phone officially revealed in commercial during the Oscars

Six Spectacular Outdoor Pools for a Snowy Swim for your 2020 winter vacantion