When preordering Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra on Feb. 1, 2023, I couldn’t conceive of the year that would unfold, nor the smartphone’s extraordinary documentary role. The new thang, which replaced S22 Ultra, arrived two weeks later. Seventeen days following, March 2, our daughter suffered brain trauma—”severe hypoxic injury and bilateral subcortical infarctions”—and spent the entire month in the hospital before moving on to cognitive and physical rehabilitation. While her recovery is miraculous, she suffers some handicaps that likely will remain.
My hope is for a different year ahead. But the United States moves towards presidential election dystopia, while the world shudders. Among the flashpoints: Russia-Ukraine. Gaza-Israel. China-Taiwan. North and South Korea. Problems abound across the globe, but these four regions are potential or ongoing brushfires that could engulf the world in the flames of war.
Today, as widely rumored, invites went out for Samsung Unpacked on January 17. The S24 series, including the next Ultra, wait to be formerly announced, behind a cache of ongoing leaks about features and benefits. Barring some obvious gotcha(s), the S24 Ultra will replace my current Samsung and take on the task of documenting whatever unfolds during the 12 months ahead.
For tonight, the Featured Image marks an early moment in our daughter’s days in the ICU. The hospital is as much as a kilometer (six-tenths of a mile) from the ocean, which you can see beyond the parking area. I walked there often. Vitals: f/2.4, ISO 50, 1/5800 sec, 70mm (film equivalent); 12:34 p.m. PDT, March 9, 2023. Composed as shot.
Throughout 2023, Galaxy S23 Ultra was my constant companion. May its successor be even more so.