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The Galaxy Note 20 doesn't come with headphones and that's a good thing - CNET

Posted: 09 Aug 2020 05:00 AM PDT

samsung-galaxy-note-20-9842 — The new Galaxy Note 20 Ultra packs a lot of new features. But its box is missing one important thing.
James Martin/CNET

When you buy a Galaxy Note 20 or Note 20 Ultra you might notice that the box feels a little lighter than normal. No, it's not the new plastic back on the Note 20 that's causing that light feeling. The actual reason is that Samsung no longer includes a pair of wired headphones in boxes of its high-end phones. Pause and let that sink in. Are you outraged? Are you indifferent? Do you even use the included headphones that come with your phone? Is this a deal-breaker for you?

The news of Samsung's headphone omission comes on the heels of rumors that Apple won't include headphones or a power adapter in the box of the next iPhone, aka the iPhone 12. If that's too extreme for you, Samsung does still include a charger in the box.

On the Note 20's website there's a "what's in the box" section that is absent of any headphones. Samsung confirmed that all of this is true and that it won't include wired headphones in the box for premium phones sold in North America.

To quote Kent Brockman from The Simpsons when he thought space ants were invading Earth, "I, for one, welcome our new insect overlords."

It's wonderful that the new Galaxy Note 20 phones omit headphones from the box. Think about how much e-waste this will minimize. Samsung could become a role model for other phone-makers who will hopefully follow suit. Earth isn't really designed to handle yearly phone upgrades.

Here's my attempt to answer all your questions about Samsung's missing headphones.

Now playing: Watch this: First Look: Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra

6:05

Does it really come with less?

I know people will be pissed that they're paying $1,000-plus (that's $50 more than last year's Note 10) for a phone that comes with fewer things. In a physical sense there are fewer things in the box, which again can be beneficial for the environment.

Yet, I'd argue that both the Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra come with more. You get 5G, a high refresh rate display (on the Ultra), a faster processor, better telephoto cameras, longer OS upgrade support, higher resolution video, Gorilla Glass Victus (also on the Ultra), a faster S-Pen and larger screens.

Are you getting less value?

It doesn't help that for years, Samsung made a point of highlighting the $99 value of its "included" wired headphones. So if last year's Note 10 cost $950, shouldn't the Note 20 cost $851?

That comes down to how much you value the improvements and new features that I mentioned earlier. As we've seen with other phones this year, like the Galaxy S20 line and OnePlus 8 line, 5G phones cost more. At least they do right now.

Notice anything missing? Luckily, a charger is still included in the box with the Galaxy Note 20.
Samsung

Do you really need another pair of 'free' headphones?

I'd challenge you to look around your house, in your car, bags or office (if you're fortunate enough to access it right now). You might actually already have a pair of wired headphones that can work.

But this is a little more complicated. You need a pair of headphones with a USB-C connector. Last year, Samsung eliminated the headphone jack from the Note 10. So even if you do have headphones lying around, chances are they have a 3.5mm headphone jack and won't be compatible with the new Note phones. Also the Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra don't come with a headset jack to USB-C dongle.

I don't live in North America, why do I care?

You make a good point. If you don't live in North America, you have nothing to worry about. Samsung will continue to include a pair of wired headphones with a USB-C connector in the box.

samsung-galaxy-note-20-9847 — If you need a pair of USB-C headphones that will work with the new Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, Samsung will send you a pair free.
James Martin/CNET

If I don't have USB-C headphones what am I supposed to do?

Samsung has your back. If you need a pair of USB-C wired headphones, Samsung's customer service will give you a pair for free. The company will even cover shipping and handling.

What about Bluetooth headphones?

That's what Samsung is hoping people opt for, I'd wager. Not only is the wire gone, but you can use a pair of Bluetooth earbuds across your devices. A pair of wireless headphones like the new Galaxy Buds Live (nicknamed "Galaxy Beans") cost $170. That is definitely a lot more than free. But you're likely to keep a pair of wireless earbuds longer than a wired freebie.

Keep in mind, the Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra can work with a number of Bluetooth headphones and earbuds. In fact, read this list of the best true wireless earbuds. If you're looking to save money, check out this list of the best cheap true-wireless earbuds, in which the most expensive option is $52.

I'm out of questions, what should I do next?

Take a look at our ongoing review of the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra.

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iOS 14: A Security And Privacy Game-Changer For All iPhone Users - Forbes

Posted: 08 Aug 2020 01:46 AM PDT

iOS 14 is coming to iPhones soon — Apple's iOS 14 launch is so close you could almost touch it. It's a security and privacy ... [+] game-changer for all iPhone users.
NurPhoto via Getty Images

Apple's new operating system update iOS 14 is so close you could touch it—it'll probably drop in just over a month. It comes with a bunch of cool features including App Clips and changes to Maps and Photos. But it's also very clear iOS 14 is going to be a game-changer for your security and privacy.

Apple's iOS 13 saw Apple start to define itself as the brand that cares about your security and privacy. "What happens on your iPhone, stays on your iPhone," the advertising billboards read in a clear swipe at rival Google.

But now, iOS 14 takes security to the next level. Apple had previously put pressure on app developers that like to collect your data (looking at you, Google and Facebook) but now this is ramped up even further.

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iOS 14: A lose-lose for advertisers

In fact, advertisers are up in arms about an iOS 14 feature that requires people to opt in to being tracked across their apps for advertising purposes. This new feature is, of course, great for your privacy: Before being tracked you will receive a notification saying, "x would like permission to track you across apps and websites owned by other companies. Your data will be used to deliver personalized ads to you."

Apple will allow you to choose between "Allow Tracking" or "Ask App Not To Track."

Another big change in iOS 14 is the fact that app developers have to be more transparent about the data they collect, hopefully giving you more clarity about the information apps sweep up in the background. This will also give you more information to decide if an app isn't for you before you download it, and the ability to better manage its permissions.

And iOS 14 also tells you when an app is reading your iPhone clipboard. Apple's iOS 14 has already outed apps such as TikTok, LinkedIn, and Reddit for spying on the clipboard.

iOS 14's new features are a win for users

Another major feature for your security and privacy, and one I am very excited about, is a new indicator light in the status bar that shows if an app is recording you using your microphone or camera. This already happens on your MacBook so it's pretty cool to see it land on iPhones too.

Apple's iOS 14 could be a loss for the many app developers who rely on being able to track users. But the new security and privacy features in iOS 14 are going to be a win for users, who get even more control over data and security.

It'll also be a win for Apple, which doesn't make money from advertising like rivals Google and Facebook, and owns the entire ecosystem of hardware, software and services allowing its famous "walled garden" to continue to operate.

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