Developing wearables with the optimal fit and comfort remains a difficult yet crucial challenge. Not only do these factors make the device feel more seamless to use, but they are directly tied to maximizing overall performance and sensor accuracy. However, the fact that each person’s anatomy is completely unique presents a major hurdle. But what if there was a way to meticulously engineer comfort, fit and sensing so precisely, it could deliver the optimal experience for nearly everyone?

Samsung’s solution is Computational Design. This multidimensional process harnesses AI and advanced computing to analyze hundreds of thousands of quantitative and qualitative data points to generate, test and refine product designs with greater precision. The result is a fundamental shift from subjective feedback to objective, data-driven engineering, creating superior products with the optimal fit for the widest range of users.

That description captures computational design in the abstract — like a dictionary definition. To understand how computational design is actually used to create superior wearables, Samsung Newsroom visited the Samsung Design Innovation Center (SDIC) in San Francisco, home to the Computational Design Lab.

Federico Casalegno, EVP and Head of the Samsung Design Innovation Center

 

Spearheading the SDIC is Federico Casalegno, Executive Vice President and Head of the Samsung Design Innovation Center, who has spent the past two decades mastering the practice of computational design and leading the implementation of this core concept into Samsung’s product development. We sat down with Federico to discuss how SDIC employs computational design as a primary tool to create and optimize experiences for Samsung’s wearables, particularly the Galaxy Buds4 series.

Q. Tell us about SDIC’s role.

At SDIC, our mission is to deliver meaningful experiences by understanding people and their evolving lifestyles — always in the context of human-centered design. Ultimately, we want to delight customers and create products that help people live happier, healthier, more creative and more productive lives, while building a better future for all and preserving the environment. To achieve this, SDIC brings together the power of design and creativity with data-driven decision-making. Supported by AI, machine learning, robotics and advanced computing, our talented, multidisciplinary team of designers is constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, delivering unparalleled user experiences and real, tangible benefits.

▲ At SDIC, design is combined with AI, data and computing to achieve maximum comfort for wearable devices.

 

Q. What exactly is computational design and what is the philosophy behind it?

While we live in a unique era of technological innovation, Samsung’s approach to design was always deeply human-centered as we believe that technology without humanity is merely perfection without purpose. Computational design is how we bring this philosophy to life — it is the process of harnessing the immense power of AI, data and computing to design products for people, rather than expecting people to adapt to our products. This approach helps us to create devices that are fundamentally functional, intuitive, comfortable and beautifully crafted. Today, this methodology is applied all across our wearable portfolio, including Galaxy Watch8 series and Galaxy Buds4 series.

▲ The computational design process involves various state-of-the-art testing equipment, including 4D scanning.

 

Q. How does computational design turn the ‘fit’ of a device into an objective, measurable metric?

For developing something as personal as a wearable that remains in contact with you for extended periods, fit is an essential element. It’s not just about comfort though; a secure fit is also needed for maximizing the precision of the device’s sensors. However, traditional design methods fail to measure wearability objectively, as they only rely on a small sample of people for product testing.

Computational design fundamentally changes this. By leveraging massive, digitalized datasets and advanced AI simulations, it transforms wearability into a quantifiable metric that allows Samsung to measure comfort and fit like never before. By being able to consider all the unique shapes and curves of the human ear or the wrist through computational design, our designers are equipped with trustworthy, objective insights that are difficult to attain through traditional methods.

▲ Optimal design parameters are derived through AI and physics-based simulations, which are then cross-verified with robot testing.

 

Q. Tell us in detail how the computational design process works in the lab and how it was implemented in the Galaxy Buds4 series.

Our computational design process relies on three elements: real people, digital twins and robots. We capture 3D and 4D scans of a diverse global audience, integrating precise anatomical data to create ‘digital twins.’ We then run AI and physics-based simulations, cross-validating the results with physical robot testing.

For the Galaxy Buds4 series, we applied this exact process to achieve perfect wearing comfort and premium sound. We analyzed hundreds of millions of global ear data points and ran more than 10,000 simulations to perfect the new blade design. This objective data led us to subtly reduce the size of the main head¹ and refine the angle of rotation — minor adjustments that resulted in a dramatic, universally validated increase in stability and comfort.

Q. How does Samsung’s computational design ultimately benefit the users?

Samsung’s computational design process is powered by a unique proprietary dataset built exclusively from within Samsung and our team has developed several specialized AI programs based on this data. This combination gives us unique insights while we constantly innovate our design processes and methods. For Galaxy Buds and Watch specifically, this translates into improved wearing comfort, stability and sensor accuracy — key factors that elevate both the user experience and product performance.

▲ Samsung’s lineup of wearables, such as Galaxy Buds4 series, Galaxy Watch8 series and Galaxy Ring, all incorporate computational design in its development process.

 

Q. Looking ahead, how do you see Computational Design evolving over the next decade?

Computational design is now a foundational element of Samsung’s development process across all our wearable products. Our goal remains to maximize wearability, fit, comfort and sensor performance to ultimately serve the people using it.

Looking ahead, the true power of this process is its continuous evolution. As our dataset continues to grow, custom AI tools will drive more accurate simulations and deeper insights. These advancements will not only further improve product wearability, but also unlock exponential innovations down the line that lead to an entirely new category of wearables that can redefine the boundaries of user experience. Ultimately, this symbiotic partnership between computational design and AI frees our designers to be more creative, empowering us to deliver measurably superior products and experiences for the people who use them.

At the recent Galaxy Unpacked event, Samsung Electronics introduced the most advanced Galaxy Buds to date. Galaxy Buds4 Series sound as good as they feel, with hi-res audio[1] and design innovations that maximize everyday wearability. The Galaxy Buds4 series redefines the experience of using premium earbuds — prioritizing quality and comfort.

Galaxy users can instantly connect Buds4 Pro or Buds4 to the ecosystem of Galaxy devices they already enjoy by simply opening the Buds cradle.[2] When paired with the Galaxy S26 series, together they deliver crisp and clear conversations.

From juggling work calls to catching up with loved ones, you’ll hear the difference loud and clear with HD voice.[3]

How does HD voice work?

The clarity begins with advanced AI-powered noise reduction. The Galaxy Buds4 series uses multiple microphones that collect sounds from different directions, along with a Voice Pick Up Unit (VPU) which helps detect and prioritize users’ voices. Advanced networks then analyze the sound in real time to separate speech from background noise such as traffic, wind, or other nearby conversations.

Traditional Bluetooth calls capture voice frequencies with a limited bandwidth, causing speech to sound compressed and less natural. HD voice preserves more natural detail during communications by doubling the Bluetooth bandwidth to 16kHz, called Super Wideband[4]. HD voice also uses machine learning models trained for noise reduction and voice enhancement to enable a wider range of speech to be transmitted.

Wider Audio Range Brings Out Every Word

This expanded range helps capture subtle sounds like “s”, “z”, “th”, and “f”, which help distinguish words that are hard to understand in standard Bluetooth calls. By preserving these details, conversations are clearer and more natural.

By combining intelligent noise reduction and expanded Bluetooth bandwidth, HD voice helps create a call experience that feels closer to speaking in person.

Galaxy Buds are the only Bluetooth earbuds that can support HD voice on Galaxy smartphones and tablets.

How to activate HD Voice:  Open your Galaxy Buds, then on your Galaxy Smartphone, go to Settings à Your Galaxy Buds Settings à Sound quality and effects à Advanced quality options à Super wide band speech

The Galaxy Ecosystem Difference

While many earbuds offer clear calls, Galaxy Buds paired with Galaxy devices are engineered   to optimize HD voice performance. From the moment you make or answer a call, your Galaxy Buds4 series will preserve voice details while reducing background noise to help ensure every word comes through naturally.

That’s the advantage of Galaxy ecosystem integration and end-to-end optimization.

Heard enough? Grab Galaxy Buds4 series and learn about all the latest Galaxy devices on Samsung.com.

[1] Requires initial setup via settings or Samsung Wearables app on a compatible Galaxy device. See FAQ section of product page on Samsung.com for compatibility requirements by feature.

[2] Requires a compatible Samsung Galaxy device, Internet connection, and Samsung account.​

[3] Requires initial setup via settings or Samsung Wearables app on a compatible Galaxy device. See FAQ section of product page on Samsung.com for compatibility requirements by feature.

[4]Super Clear Call is available on Galaxy S26 Series, S25 Series, S24 Series, S23 Series, Z Fold7, Z Flip7, Z Fold6, Z Flip6, Z Fold5, and Z Flip5 with One UI 6.1.1 or above. Additional devices may be supported in the future. Super Wideband (SWB) is available regardless of the Call App. SWB may not be supported depending on the mobile network between devices.

“Samsung understands that a truly premium audio experience combines technical sound quality with how that sound feels throughout a user’s day,” said Ikhyun Cho, Corporate VP of Mobile Enhancement R&D Team, Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics. “With the Galaxy Buds4 series, our design philosophy was uncompromising, providing all-day comfort without sacrificing audio performance, because these are what consumers value most. We engineered our most powerful Hi-Fi audio and our most secure, ergonomic fit to enhance one another, delivering the best listening experience we’ve ever created.”

Computational Design Optimized for Enhanced Stability and All-Day Comfort

With the Buds4 series, Samsung has established the identity of the Buds blade design, a computational design achievement based on hundreds of millions of global ear data points and over 10,000 simulations[1]. The Buds4 series features an ultra-sleek, ergonomic fit with smaller[2], better-fitting earbud heads to deliver a more secure, comfortable experience during all-day wear. The new stabilized blade includes a premium metal finish and an engraved pinch control[3] area to help users easily locate and adjust settings. Additionally, the new transparent clamshell-type cradle makes storage and charging more intuitive and convenient — while also highlighting the refined blade design to deliver a stylish, high-quality listening experience on the go.

Galaxy Buds4 Pro and Buds4 offer distinct design architectures to meet different needs. Galaxy Buds4 Pro features a canal-fit design that combines ultimate sound with maximum functionality. The open-fit design of the Galaxy Buds4 delivers a comfortable, user-friendly audio experience. Customers also have the option to choose from several distinct colourways, with Galaxy Buds4 Pro and Buds4 available in White and Black with a refined matte finish

Superior Hi-Fi Sound with Innovative Hardware Updates

Larger speakers offer better sound quality, and Buds4 Pro introduces a new wider woofer, featuring a new design that makes efficient use of space. By maximizing the vibration area and minimizing the speaker’s edge, the wider woofer increases the effective speaker area by almost 20%[5] compared to the previous generation without sacrificing wearability. Combined with the tweeter, these features deliver natural, immersive audio with clean bass and rich treble that supports 24-bit/96kHz audio[6] — ultimately delivering high-fidelity sound true to the original recording. These hardware enhancements capture everything from the high, resonant sounds of violins to the deep, throaty pulses of double basses — details that were difficult to reproduce in earlier generations The two-way speaker is strategically placed on the upper side of the metal finish to maximize Active Noise Cancellation functionality while minimizing feedback from wind and other external factors.

Maximized Audio Experiences with Enhanced Adaptive EQ and ANC

Galaxy Buds4 series offer software updates that build on powerful adaptive sound capabilities users have come to love in previous Buds generations. Enhanced ANC can tune out loud noise from heavy transit sounds to everyday background noise, ensuring an immersive audio experience that adapts to changing environments. For example, when commuting on a bus, train or airplane, Buds4’s enhanced Active Noise Cancellation reduces low-frequency engine and road noise while maintaining rich, balanced sound — allowing users to focus on music, podcasts or calls without distraction.

Enhanced Adaptive ANC/EQ[7] allows for full media immersion, minimizing noise leakage by analyzing the wearing conditions and unique ear shape of each user. Alongside dynamic frequency adjustments, this feature applies optimal ANC algorithms in real time for peak noise-cancelling performance so users can enjoy fine-tuned sound experiences tailored to their individual needs.

When it’s time to make a phone call, Super Clear Call[8] utilizes super wideband call technology and machine learning models trained for noise reduction and voice enhancement to provide ultra-clear call quality and double the bandwidth of conventional Bluetooth calls. Whether users are cheering at a baseball game, dining in a bustling restaurant, or spending time with their children at the playground, their voice remains crisp and clear, ensuring they sound as if they were speaking face-to-face.

An Enriched Galaxy Ecosystem Experience

For Galaxy users, the Buds4 series introduces integrations that enhance the Galaxy ecosystem experience. Users can initiate AI agents[9] — including Bixby, Google Gemini and Perplexity — with hands-free and voice controls, helping users stay engaged with their surroundings while maintaining control over their audio experience. Buds4 Pro allows users to access AI features without reaching for their phones, making it easier to integrate AI into their everyday routines.

Galaxy ecosystem users can enjoy simple Buds setup.[12] Just by opening the cradle — without having to install the Galaxy Wearable app — Galaxy users can easily connect their Buds to their phone or tablet. Through the Buds shortcut menu or in the Quick Panel, users can control and customize the volume or EQ for the optimal sound experience.

Buds4 Pro also includes Head Gesture[13] controls to manage calls and engage with Bixby, allowing users to perform actions hands-free. Along with voice commands, hands-free controls such as these allow users to navigate their day without distraction, ensuring their daily activities remain seamless and uninterrupted.

Availability

The Galaxy Buds4 series, launching with the Galaxy S26 series, is available for pre-order in select markets starting today, with general availability starting March 11, 2026.

To learn more about the Galaxy Buds4 series, please visit: http://www.samsung.ca/galaxy-buds4-series/.

Promotional offers

Bundle offers

Canadians who pre-order and complete their purchase of an eligible Galaxy Buds4 Series device between February 25, 2025, and March 10, 2026 and get a bonus Magnet Wireless Charger[14]. Terms and Conditions apply.

Galaxy Buds4 Series Specifications

[1] Based on global ear data research conducted by Samsung Design Innovation Center.

[2] Applies to Galaxy Buds4 only.

[3] Galaxy Buds are available to connect as Bluetooth Audio regardless of OS, but to configure advanced settings on the Galaxy Wearable app, Galaxy Buds must be paired with a smartphone with Android 10.0 or above and a minimum of 1.5GB of memory.​ Advanced settings on the Galaxy Wearable app include Noise Control, Adaptive EQ, Pinch Control and software update. ​Some features are only available on compatible Samsung Galaxy smartphones.​

[4] Colours may vary by region and carrier

[5] The exact number is 19.8%.

[6] Users can enable Ultra High Quality (UHQ) audio in the Buds4 Pro Settings, navigating to Sound Quality in the main menu and Advanced Quality Options in Effects. Ultra High-Quality Audio up to 24bit / 96kHz is available on Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy Z Fold6, Galaxy Z Flip6, Galaxy Z Fold5, Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Tab S9 series with  One UI 6.1.1 or above. Additional devices may be supported in the future.

[7] Available on Buds4 Pro.

[8] Super Clear Call (Super Wideband call) is available on Galaxy devices with One UI 6.1.1 or above. Additional devices may be supported in the future.​ Super Wideband (SWB) is available regardless of the Call App. SWB may not be supported depending on the mobile network between devices.​

[10] Bixby service availability requires Samsung Account login and data connection. Available functions and features may vary by country, region, and language.

[11] Gemini is a trademark of Google LLC. Results for illustrative purposes. Requires internet connection and Google Account login. Service availability may vary by country, language, device model. Works on compatible apps. Features may differ depending on subscription and results may vary. Set up may be required for certain functions or apps. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.

[12] Requires a compatible Samsung Galaxy device, Internet connection, and Samsung account.​

[13] Head Gesture is off by default. Users can turn on Head Gestures through the Galaxy Wearable app.

[14] Some conditions apply. Offer valid from February 25, 2026 at 12:00 AM EST to April 2, 2026 11:59 PM EST (the “Offer Period”). Offer available on the Samsung ShopApp, at Samsung Experience Stores in Canada, and online at www.samsung.com/ca.

Complete the purchase of any Eligible Samsung Galaxy Buds (as listed in the first table below) during the Offer Period and get an Eligible Samsung Galaxy Accessory (as listed in the second table below) as a bonus.

Eligible Samsung Galaxy Buds:

Eligible Samsung Galaxy Accessory:

While quantities last. No rain checks. Availability may vary. Offer is not stackable with other bundle offers. If you return the Eligible Samsung Galaxy Buds purchased pursuant to this offer, you are no longer eligible for the free Eligible Samsung Galaxy Accessory. If your Eligible Galaxy Watch6 Eligible Samsung Galaxy Buds & Eligible Samsung Galaxy Accessory is eligible for return in accordance with our terms and conditions of sale and returned, you will no longer be eligible for the discount amount applied to your transaction. Any return of the Eligible Samsung Galaxy Buds must include the Eligible Samsung Galaxy Accessory. If you wish to keep the Eligible Samsung Galaxy Accessory purchased under this Offer, but not the Eligible Samsung Galaxy Buds, the MSRP for the Eligible Samsung Galaxy Accessory will be deducted from your total refund for the Eligible Samsung Galaxy Buds that is returned. Cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions except where expressly permitted. The offer is open to Canadian residents only. All product(s) that are eligible for return will be subject to applicable tax, and delivery fees if charged will be nonrefundable. Products can be purchased separately at regular prices. Offer may be cancelled or changed at any time without notice.

[15] Actual battery life may vary and depend on usage conditions such as function settings, playback file type, and Bluetooth signal strength. Play time may vary based on settings.

[16] May vary depending on the availability of the pairing device.

[17] May vary depending on the availability of the pairing device.

[18] IP rated for submersion in up to 3 feet of fresh water for up to 30 minutes (charging case is not water resistant). Not advised for beach or pool use. If the earbuds or user’s hands are wet, they must be dried thoroughly prior to handling. Damaged earbuds are not guaranteed to be water resistant.