The Exynos 2600 is approaching its launch, but it remains unclear which devices in the S26 series it will be included in. Samsung has announced the chipset that will likely power at least some models of the upcoming Galaxy S26 series. Although details are sparse, the company promises a notable upgrade over the previous version. Named the Exynos 2600, a 30-second teaser video from Samsung claims that the new chip has been “refined at the core,” “optimized at every level,” and will “express the exceptional.” There are speculations that Samsung might reintroduce its own chipset for the Galaxy S26 series, although it could be limited to the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Plus. Some reports indicate that the S26 Ultra may only use a Snapdragon processor. A return to form? The reputation of Samsung’s Exynos chips has been inconsistent, with earlier iterations facing problems related to overheating and performance. This has led Samsung to adopt a dual-chip strategy in the past, supplying some regions with the latest flagship phones equipped with its Exynos chip, while others, like the US, received the same phones with Qualcomm Snapdragon processors instead. In recent years, Samsung has completely abandoned this dual-chip approach for certain models, as seen in the Galaxy S23 Ultra, S24 Ultra, and the entire S25 series, all of which only featured Qualcomm’s Snapdragon. However, Samsung has not disregarded calls for improvements to its Exynos line, as mentioned in the teaser video, “In silence, we listened.” While the quote may sound somewhat ominous, there is hope that the company has acknowledged past issues with its earlier models and has developed a powerful competitor in the 2600. Ultimately, the true test will come with the Galaxy S26 launch, anticipated for mid-to-late January, when we can assess whether the Exynos 2600 meets the performance expectations for a flagship chipset. In the meantime, while awaiting the Galaxy S26, consider checking out Samsung’s latest foldable device, the Galaxy Z Trifold, featuring its unique hinge system. John serves as Managing Editor at Digital Trends and has over a decade of experience as a consumer technology and automotive journalist. The popular Haribo power bank you might be using could pose a fire hazard. An assessment by Lumafield has revealed significant internal battery defects in the widely sold Haribo 20,000 mAh power bank (along with its earphones), which likely contributed to its removal from online stores. The scans showed misaligned battery cells with electrodes either folded or warped instead of being properly stacked. This article is sponsored by Apple. The holiday season is approaching quickly, making it the perfect time to start thinking about gifts for your loved ones. Holiday shopping can be challenging, but if you're looking for an ideal present for a movie enthusiast, music lover, or avid gamer, consider the Apple Gift Card. It’s a great choice for anyone who enjoys watching movies and TV shows on streaming services, listening to music on Apple Music, or playing the latest games available in the App Store. Your Android hotspot is about to experience a major speed boost. Normally, users have access to the congested 2.4GHz or 5GHz bands for hotspots, which are adequate but not especially fast. Now, Google is enabling the 6GHz band for Android hotspots — a considerably faster option utilized by Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7. Pixel users can already locate this feature in the settings (Settings > Network & internet > Hotspot & tethering). However, there’s a caveat: while 6GHz offers impressive speed, it doesn't perform well through walls and has a shorter range. Additionally, many older devices like laptops or tablets may not even support it.

      Mon Rovîa showcases both fierceness and compassion in “Heavy Foot,” a heartfelt, rhythmic protest anthem that channels anger, sorrow, and everyday injustices into a collective healing experience. Drawing from his Afro Appalachian musical roots and the life experiences that inform his upcoming debut album ‘Bloodline,’ this song illustrates why the Liberia-born, Tennessee-based singer/songwriter is poised to be one of the essential artists of 2026 – infusing contemporary folk with poignant clarity and emotional depth regarding memory, identity, and duty.

      The song captures the current moment – the struggles facing Americans, including individuals and government actions. It expresses themes of joy and resistance, addressing truth and the strength found in unity, suggesting that collective action can drive change.

      * * *

      Mon Rovîa typically draws on intense emotions, but “Heavy Foot” resonates with a unique strength – a protest song that feels inviting and motivating, providing catharsis while confronting the fractures of a nation in turmoil. The Liberia-born artist, named one of Atwood’s 2025 Artists to Watch and a three-time Editor’s Pick, combines both anger and gentleness in a piece that encourages listeners not only to acknowledge the world's suffering but to actively seek healing together. It is heavy yet human, political yet hopeful – a distinctive protest anthem that uplifts even as it cautions.

      “Heavy Foot” represents a crucial early moment in Mon Rovîa’s upcoming debut album Bloodline, which is infused with themes of resilience, memory, and the ongoing challenge of facing reality (set for release on January 9, 2026, via Nettwerk). With a steady, pulsating rhythm and his deep, resonant voice, “Heavy Foot” unfolds like a march through contemporary struggles, vividly portraying everyday injustices: “Do you hear the sound of the bell… times ain’t the same in the neighborhood… guns keep flying off the shelf,” he sings, maintaining composure as the lyrics reveal fear, sorrow, and generational trauma. The emotional gravity of the song is undeniable, yet it remains steadfast, creating space for solidarity, warmth, and connection amidst oppressive systems.

      Heavy Foot – Mon Rovîa

      Do you hear the sound of the bell

      Did you wish your family well?

      Times ain’t the same in the neighborhood

      Got the parents all going through hell

      Cause the guns keep flying off the shelf

      Do you see the man on the street

      Just fighting for a meal to eat

      You can write him off as a lunatic

      But it coulda been you or me

      If we didn’t ever find our feet

      Born in Monrovia, Liberia during the First Liberian Civil War and currently based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Mon Rovîa describes his music as “Afro Appalachian” – an intersection of African and Appalachian folk, reflecting the sounds of banjos and spirituals alongside his own refugee narrative. Rescued as a child from a soldier’s life and raised in various locations including Florida, Montana, the Bahamas, and the American South, he has spent years transforming his tumultuous journey into a message of generosity and wholeness. For him, music serves as both memoir and healing – a means to witness war, exile, and survival while providing a space for others to share their burdens and relate to his experiences, thus “finding their peace.”

      “The mission of my music is to heal with others”: A Conversation with Mon Rovîa:: INTERVIEW ::

      For Mon Rovîa, “Heavy Foot” represents a crucial reckoning.

      “‘Heavy Foot’ reveals the scars of a flawed system, weighed down by a government that steps heavily,” he explains to Atwood Magazine. “Yet, despite this weight, it sings of unwavering unity – reminding us that in the face of oppression, our love and solidarity can counteract the forces trying to suppress us.”

      “It reflects on our current era,” he continues. “The struggles faced by Americans, by the people and by the government. It conveys joy and resistance, unveiling harsh truths while emphasizing the strength found in unity. Together, we can evoke change.” He takes this responsibility personally. “Whether discussing homelessness, the prison system, or global issues, it becomes personal because we’re all living in this world together.”

      That broad empathy is encapsulated in one of the song’s most impactful verses – “Do you see the man on the screen, just a puppet but you never see the strings, calling it a war and not a genocide…” Mon Rovîa delivers this message directly; he refuses to soften the impact. “The government employs propaganda to turn us against one another,” he explains. “A puppet serves as a powerful metaphor for this. I’m aiming to connect the past and present, highlighting similar patterns.”

      While his voice remains calm, his conviction is compelling. Nonetheless, Mon Rovîa maintains that the song’s assertion pairs with compassion. “I want history to remember me as someone who spoke out during challenging

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