Content created in partnership with The Globe and Mail

The most common demises for tech devices operating on the frontlines of heavy machine industry include being crushed by heavy equipment or shattered by impact.

Construction sites, factory floors, retail storerooms, oil fields and the open highway are electronic boneyards for cellphones and tablets that weren’t up to the task.

It’s why Samsung has come out with a line of rugged devices that are not only functional but can withstand the extreme environments faced by frontline workers at such job sites. The devices are built for any industry that demands durability, from public services like health care and law enforcement, to commercial-driven enterprises like logistics, shipping and trucking.

“We know from market data and our conversations with customers and partners just how significant the need for rugged mobile devices is,” says Paul Edwards, vice-president and general manager of Enterprise Mobility for Samsung Canada.

“For Canadian workers employed in the industry – and we’ve heard from our customers in oil and gas, construction, manufacturing, and others – technology needs to meet two distinct needs: streamline workflows, and withstand the extreme environments in which they work.”

Military-grade materials

The Samsung Galaxy rugged portfolio includes the Galaxy Tab Active3 tablet, the Galaxy Tab Active Pro tablet, and the Galaxy XCover Pro smartphone — all built to military specifications[1]^,[2]. They can withstand extreme heat and cold, inside and out, low pressure and high altitude. They are also resistant to dust, water and can withstand submersion of up to 1.5 metres for up to 30 minutes[3].

What’s more, the screens are designed to withstand fine blowing particulate, a common frontline condition that quickly destroys the touch screen responsiveness of most devices.

To achieve military-grade durability, Samsung subjects its rugged lineup to extensive testing that mimics real-world use. The Galaxy Tab Active3 tablet, in particular, was subjected to laboratory drop tests to ensure it could withstand a drop up to 1.2 metres with the device only and up to 1.5 metres with an in-box cover[4].

“Our Galaxy rugged devices are built to help workers stay mobile and productive without limitations, regardless of the environment,” Mr. Edwards says.

“Durability means more than just water resistance and drop tests, though those are important. It means testing against tough conditions workers might encounter on the job – everything from extreme temperatures and varying altitudes to shocks and pressures.”

High-functioning features

Just as important as durability is functionality, Mr. Edwards says.

The Samsung devices are designed with large display areas and enhanced touchscreen features to account for protective gear worn by frontline workers in industries such as oil and gas, mining, construction and health care. There are glove and wet touch modes to increase touch sensitivity[5] so that field engineers, factory workers and construction crews can quickly and easily access important information on the job.

Our devices are built to cater to industry needs, Mr. Edwards says. For example, the Galaxy XCover Pro has a push-to-talk Microsoft Teams Walkie Talkie feature for instant communication between field teams, while the water-resistant3 S Pen stylus – included with the Galaxy Tab Active3 and Galaxy Tab Active Pro – makes it easy for users to make notes, even in the rain.

For workers in retail, shipping, or logistics, the Knox Capture feature can scan enterprise-grade barcodes to track inventory and packages, and each device is built with long-lasting battery life[6] to accommodate shift after shift.

The Samsung DeX[7] application for the Galaxy Tab Active Pro and the Galaxy Tab Active3 also allows users to use their tablets intuitively as a PC, a valuable tool in industries like law enforcement, emergency response, public utilities and shipping, industries whose fleets are mobile most of the day. In the vehicle, the app allows the tablets to be connected to an in-car monitor to view full-sized images or video, to drag and drop files, to complete reports and more.

“Just as a premium has been placed on building the rugged portfolio to be durable, similar emphasis has been placed on making them well-rounded to handle work tasks with features like DeX that help streamline workflows and hardware needs,” Mr. Edwards says.

A ‘lifeline’ for the frontline

As the digital transformation continues across every business sector and every industry, Mr. Edwards says those businesses and consumers are looking to their devices to do more, and Samsung has stepped up.

“Whether that’s holding their own in tough work environments or maintaining a powered charge for lengthy periods of time, the stakes have certainly been raised,” he says. “This is a departure from earlier thinking, where devices were oftentimes viewed as accessories or complements to our existing tools. Today, no one would dispute that our mobile devices have evolved to become an important lifeline for getting things done.”

[1] This device passed military specification (MIL-STD-810H – Environmental Engineering Considerations and Laboratory Tests is a United States Military Standard) testing against 23 specific environmental conditions, including transit drop, temperature, dust, shock/vibration, and low pressure/high altitude. Real world usage varies from the specific environmental conditions used in MIL-STD-810H testing. Samsung does not guarantee device performance in all extreme conditions. Please see the inbox Quick Sales Guide.

[2] This device passed military specification (MIL-STD-810G) testing against a subset of 21 specific environmental conditions, including temperature, dust, shock/vibration, and low pressure/high altitude. Real world usage varies from the specific environmental conditions used in MIL-STD-810G testing. Samsung does not guarantee device performance in all extreme conditions.

[3] IP68 rating means that the device is protected against harmful ingress of dust and static fresh water at up to 1.5 m for up to 30 minutes, under certain defined test conditions. According to accredited test results, individual results may vary. Note: IP68 rating does not mean that the device is waterproof.

[4] Galaxy Tab Active3 anti-shock drop resistance up to 1.2m device only and up to 1.5m with in-box cover. Drop test results are based on internal Samsung laboratory tests.

[5] Touch sensitivity may vary depending on glove material.

[6] Based on average battery life under typical usage conditions. Average expected performance based on typical use. Actual battery life depends on factors such as network, features selected, frequency of calls and voice, data and other application usage patterns. Results may vary.

[7] DeX mode is not supported on the tablet screen itself. Samsung DeX wireless connection only available with TVs supporting Android smartphone screen mirroring. USB-C to HDMI cable, multi-port adapter or cable is needed to connect the Galaxy Tab Active3 and monitor. USB-C to HDMI adapter, multiport adapter or cable and accessories sold separately. Certain apps may not run or may require licence (for purchase) on Samsung DeX. Samsung DeX wireless connection only available with TVs supporting Android smartphone screen mirroring. There may be a difference in performance depending on TV specifications and Wi-Fi environment. Recommended to use Samsung Smart TVs launched after ’19.

Samsung Electronics recently announced the global availability of its all-new Smart Monitor, an innovative, do-it-all screen that brings together a suite of features for work, learning and entertainment, all in a single display.

Designed to meet the new needs of today’s consumers, who are now working, learning and consuming entertainment at home, Samsung Smart Monitor incorporates powerful mobile and PC connectivity, remote home office and learning features as well as Smart Hub, a comprehensive entertainment hub that is similar to Samsung’s built-in Smart TV platform.

“The new Smart Monitor showcases Samsung’s continued commitment to industry-leading innovation in technology that understands and supports the lifestyles of our customers,” said Pat Bugos, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Home Entertainment, Samsung Electronics Canada. “Our new Smart Monitor has been designed to meet the demand for technology that serves the new normal for many Canadians as entertainment, work and education increasingly take place at-home. The Smart Monitor offers a one-screen solution to customers, bringing their display and entertainment needs together into one hub.”

The new Samsung Smart Monitor provides numerous connectivity options for both PCs and smartphones. Users can connect their personal mobile devices with just a simple tap using Tap View[1], App Casting or Apple AirPlay 2. For a complete desktop experience using a mobile device, users can also connect to the monitor with Samsung DeX.

For home office and learning, the display operates Microsoft Office 365 applications[2] without a PC connection thanks to embedded Wi-Fi, allowing users to view, edit and save documents in the cloud directly from the monitor. Remote Access also allows users wirelessly and remotely access files from a PC or view content from a laptop, whether it is situated in the house or at the office. The USB Type-C port[3] allows for data, display and power — up to 65W — with just a single connection, keeping the area around the monitor clean and beautiful. Multiple USB ports and Bluetooth 4.2 allow for additional connection versatility while the display has a built-in two channel speaker.

When work is done, the display also operates as a complete entertainment hub with the ability to stream content with Samsung’s Smart Hub. The monitor’s app store allows users to stream their favourite content[4] even without a connection to a PC or mobile device. Content can easily be accessed with the supplied remote control which includes streaming service hot keys. The display can also be controlled by voice thanks to Bixby integration.

The Smart Monitor also features technology designed to make viewing more comfortable. Adaptive Picture optimizes picture quality for any viewing environment by automatically adjusting brightness and colour temperature in response to room conditions. This ensures the most comfortable viewing experience in any environment, reducing eye strain even after extended use. The monitor also features a special eye-saver mode to reduce blue light.

The monitor is available in two models at launch. The M7 supports Ultra-High Definition (UHD) resolution in 32-inch while the M5 supports Full HD (FHD) resolution in 32-inch and 27-inch options.

The Samsung Smart Monitor will be available in late November in Canada. For more information, please visit: https://www.samsung.com/ca/monitors/.

—

[1] Tap view is compatible with Galaxy devices running Android 8.1 or higher, and version 5.1 in the SmartThings app.

[2] Subscription required.

[3] Available on Samsung M7 model

[4] Streaming service availability and the remote control’s technical specifications may vary by country. Subscription required.

[5] Streaming service availability may vary by country.

[6] Streaming service availability may vary by country.

Content created in partnership with Financial Post

In a tough year for the economy, small businesses have borne the brunt. For companies looking to become more productive, flexible and secure, having the right technology is essential. That can be a challenge. Small businesses don’t often have dedicated tech teams, and rely on what has worked in the past.

“In many cases they’re behind the curve in technology investments,” says Dan Kelly, president of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.

He says that as part of their rebound, many small business owners are now keen to expand their tech toolbox. Trusted brands such as Samsung can provide the technology that will help them transform.

With employees working outside the office or in modified work environments, many businesses have needed to quickly equip workers with basics such as laptops and cellphones. Access to multi-functional technology can make a big difference in ensuring efficiency.

“Reliable business technology has become crucial for optimizing workflow, especially when workforces are decentralized and geographically scattered,” says Jennifer Safruk, Vice-President, Mobile Business for Samsung Electronics Canada.

Ms. Safruk cites the benefits of the ongoing partnership between Samsung and Microsoft, which includes access to Microsoft Office. That enables seamless productivity experiences across many Samsung devices, applications and services.

The Samsung DeX is well suited to the new work environment. It’s a feature that allows handheld devices to connect to a monitor, keyboard and mouse. Galaxy users to easily go from remote working to a desktop-like environment.

Samsung recently re-entered the laptop space with its Galaxy Book Series, featuring Galaxy Book Ion, Galaxy Book Flex and Galaxy Book S. The series offers small business owners a range of price points and devices to suit their needs.

Each device has its own business advantages. For instance, the Galaxy Book Flex can turn into a tablet, with a Bluetooth-enabled S Pen. The QLED display of the Galaxy Book Ion is ideal for crisp presentations and video conferencing.

Both devices feature Wireless PowerShare, so users can charge their Qi-compatible smartphone on the trackpad. The Galaxy Book Series laptops also include Microsoft Windows 10 Home, offering access to a wide range of business-related applications.

The S Pen that accompanies the Galaxy Note20 5G and Note20 Ultra 5G is another plus for staff. “From note taking to controlling presentations, it’s a powerful productivity companion,” says Ms. Safruk.

Software such as Samsung Notes auto-saves and syncs across a Galaxy mobile or tablet for easy access to important files. The Galaxy Note20 Series 5G also features the Your Phone application for easy syncing of messages, photos, notifications and calendar reminders to a Windows 10 PC. To help businesses stay on top of tasks, the device makes it easy to issue reminders across all platforms, including Outlook, To Do and Teams.

Remote technology has added convenience for businesses, but the increased reliance has also amplified security concerns. Companies need to be proactive in managing cybersecurity.

“This is a big challenge when you have people working outside the office, if you haven’t set up all the right protocols,” says Mr. Kelly.

Ms. Safruk says choosing secure devices from the start can help businesses to avoid many risks. The Samsung Knox Security suite, for example, is pre-installed on all Samsung smartphones and tablets, and most wearables. The suite offers end-to-end protection in hardware and software, to help keep data more secure in real time.

Another feature, Samsung Knox Manage, allows users to restrict devices to keep confidential company data secure, and to perform remote troubleshooting.

The Galaxy Book Series and Galaxy Note20 Series 5G reflect this same commitment to security, and feature Biometric Authentication that lets users unlock devices with their fingerprint.

“Keeping business assets and data secure remains a top priority,” says Ms. Safruk. “It’s crucial that business owners have added peace of mind knowing that their important assets and customer data are better protected.”