Galaxy S7 and S7 edge only support Quick Charge 2.0, coming up short of latest standard

Don’t worry, your phone will still charge plenty fast.

Qualcomm’s Quick Charge technology has been somewhat of a revelation in keeping our super-powerful devices charged up, and the latest iteration, Quick Charge 3.0, is debuting with the launch of phones running its latest processors. Phones like the LG G5 with a Snapdragon 820 support Quick Charge 3.0, but when it comes to the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, we’re not so lucky.

Samsung’s latest “Fast Charging” capabilities on the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge top out at Quick Charge 2.0 speeds, the same as the last generation of flagship Galaxy phones. Just take a look at the included wall charger and latest generation of charging accessories from Samsung and you’ll get a hint of the fact, as they’re all built to the same charging spec as last year.

The reason? It basically comes down to the fact that Samsung is using two different processors in the phones around the world, and they don’t have the same charging capabilities. Even though the Snapdragon 820 processor, used in the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge in a few regions (such as the U.S.), is capable of supporting Quick Charge 3.0, a majority of regions around the world are running Samsung’s own Exynos 8 processor, which doesn’t support the feature. So for consistency’s sake (and potentially licensing reasons), the phones are all kept on the same speed of Quick Charge 2.0.

Though it’s always a downside to not have the latest charging technology in your brand new phone, Quick Charge 2.0 is hardly a slow. You’re still able to add a good bit to your battery in just 15 minutes with the right charger or external battery, and if you’re charging wirelessly with one of Samsung’s Fast Charge Qi chargers you’ll get faster charging speeds than other phones can offer as well.

Just don’t expect to plug your new Galaxy S7 or S7 edge into a new Quick Charge 3.0-compliant charger and get the absolute fastest charging speeds — you’ll be juicing up at the Quick Charge 2.0 rate.

Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge

• Galaxy S7 review
• Galaxy S7 edge review
• Galaxy S7 edge with Exynos: A Canadian perspective
• Here are all four Galaxy S7 colors
• Details on the Galaxy S7’s camera
• The SD card is back on the GS7
• Join our Galaxy S7 forums

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Android N’s split-screen feature is huge for the Pixel C

There was a lot to like about Google’s Pixel C, but ultimately I was left underwhelmed because Android is still far behind the competition when it comes to productivity. The biggest problem? You can only use one app at a time — unlike Windows 10, iOS 9 and Samsung’s tablets. That all changes with the upcoming Android N release, though. Split-screen support for apps is basically its marquee feature. And after testing it out on the Pixel C, the final version of Android N can’t come soon enough.

Once you have one app open, you just need to hold down the task switcher button in Android N to enable the split screen view. The app you’re viewing gets pushed to the left, and any other apps you open show up on the right. Once you’re properly multitasking, tapping the task switcher quickly lets you hop between apps on the right side of the screen. Each app takes up half of the screen by default, but you can adjust their width with a slider in the middle of the screen. (And yes, it sure does look similar to Windows 8’s “snap” multitasking feature.)

In portrait mode, the split-screen feature moves apps to the top and bottom of the screen. While it’s nice to have that option, it’s honestly a lot less compelling than having apps run side-by-side in landscape. But I wouldn’t judge Google too harshly though, even Apple and Microsoft haven’t managed to make portrait multitasking a great experience. (Or maybe portrait mode is simply best suited for full screen apps.)

As someone who was pretty disappointed by the Pixel C, I was surprised by just how much the addition of decent multitasking changed my experience with it. Instead of feeling like a perpetually limited productivity device, Android N’s split screen feature makes the Pixel C feel more like a full-fledged PC. I was able to write this post on one side of the screen while browsing on Chrome on the other, for example. I could also chat with my friends on Hangouts while trying to catch up with email. These are basic tasks for any computer, but it feels like a whole new world for Android devices.

Google was undeniable inspired by Samsung’s split-screen app implementation, but it’s in good company. Even Apple seemed to lift some ideas from its Korean rival when it came to iOS 9.

There’s certainly room for improvement. I’d love a faster way to swap apps between the left and right sides of the screen. And I hope that Google adds some keyboard shortcuts eventually — just imagine moving around Android with the swiftness of hitting “Alt + Tab” on Windows.

The Pixel C is still a problematic device, to be sure. But it’s at least far more usable with Android N. And now that Google is offering it at a 25% discount, it’s now a much more compelling Android tablet.

Record-breaking astronaut Scott Kelly retiring this April

Astronaut Scott Kelly, the International Space Station’s selfie king, is retiring from his post at NASA on April 1st — no foolin’. The American record-holder for most time spent in space will spend his foreseeable days still working on research following his year aboard the ISS, NASA writes, and will continue to provide medical samples at regular intervals.

If NASA administrator Charles Bolden’s statement is any indication of the scientific community as a whole, Kelly will be incredibly missed:

“When the first Americans set foot on Mars, they will be following in the footsteps of one of the finest astronauts in the history of the space program, my friend, Commander Scott Kelly. After spending an American record 520 days in space — including his year in space — I can think of no one more deserving of some well-deserved rest and time on the same planet as his family and friends.”

Here’s to hoping he’ll still do a few question and answer sessions on Tumblr from time to time. If not, maybe he’ll give terrestrial gardening a shot. There’s also the off-chance he could meet up with the other famous Scott Kelly and do some rockin’ out. Whatever he ends up doing, it’s hopefully going to be pretty relaxing, either way.

Source: NASA (1), (2)