Content created in partnership with Financial Post

While it’s true many Canadians in the post-pandemic future will return to a life at the office with their teams, co-workers and face-to-face meetings, it likely won’t look like the old nine-to-five, Monday-to-Friday model of the past. The new ‘norm’ will be a more flexible, work from anywhere approach to getting business done, and will largely depend on how well companies invest in nimble, adaptive mobile-computing technologies for their workers.

“Post-pandemic, Canadians are learning that we need to adapt our working style – looking past work from home to a truly mobile-centric approach to work. With many major financial services institutions planning to keep teams working from home until at least the summer, organizations should use this time to evaluate their technology investments, if necessary, in order to make the future of the workplace possible,” said Paul Edwards, vice president and general manager of Enterprise Sales at Samsung Canada.

“While Canadians won’t work from home forever, a flexible approach to office work will continue to be expected among financial institution employees, which comes with a continued need to invest in mobile solutions,” says Paul Edwards, vice president and general manager of Enterprise Sales, Samsung Canada.

Seamless Productivity: Samsung DeX brings a desktop experience to mobile devices

“Samsung has many laptop alternatives that address the next wave of remote-working trends, such as Samsung DeX,” said Edwards, “which gives employees a desktop experience through harnessing the computing power they already carry in their pocket.”

Samsung DeX allows workers to connect their Galaxy phones and tablets wirelessly to a Smart TV or a monitor and control these devices with a mouse and keyboard, like they would by using a desktop or laptop computer. The addition of a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) enables workers to access cloud-based corporate apps and documents remotely, from their Galaxy device, for a consistent desktop experience.

“We’re always listening and striving to figure out what mobile workers want – and what they want is their desktop. Samsung DeX delivers that,” said Edwards. “Beyond merely accessing files, mobile workers can actually mirror the layout of their office laptop or desktop directly on their phones. That’s an incredibly powerful tool for employees who are on the move.”

An additional benefit of VDI technology for organizations: their IT departments will only need to manage one end-user rather than two and they can quickly deploy devices without any heavy lifting. This deployment across mobile devices and seamless integration into enterprise solutions means businesses can reduce their investments in hardware and laptops, enabling them to lower overall costs.

Endless possibilities: Premium Samsung Galaxy mobile devices offer both power and productivity

“The Samsung lineup of powerful mobile devices, such as the recently launched Galaxy S21 Series 5G, as well as the Galaxy S20 FE 5G and Galaxy Note20 Series 5G, help mobile workers stay productive all day,” Edwards said. “Hyper-fast processors and innovative battery technology are staples of the Galaxy product line up. The devices support busy schedules and numerous deliverables.”

For those who work in the financial sector, Edwards noted that the conveniently-sized 12.4” Galaxy Tab S7+, with its stunning Super AMOLED screen, offers a PC-like experience and maximum portability.

Complete with a new and more powerful S Pen included in-box, the Galaxy Tab S7+ gives employees a true pen-to-paper feel when they take notes, write orders or sketch ideas, all of which can be easily converted into Microsoft Word or PowerPoint documents via Samsung Notes.

Measured and controlled: IT managers look for Samsung Android Enterprise Recommended devices

“IT managers will want to know that the latest Samsung smartphones and tablets are part of the Android Enterprise Recommended (AER) program,” Edwards said. “The program, a must-have for most financial institutions and the public sector, gives IT managers greater control over OS updates.

“Version control of Android updates is essential for IT managers, but there are times when they have little to no choice but to accept new versions, even if certain elements don’t align with their existing IT policies,” he said. “Now, with Knox E-FOTA (Enterprise Firmware-Over-The-Air) and our latest devices, push updates can be better managed to allow managers to complete more comprehensive testing. IT managers can adjust the OS update and release it when ready, or to a limited group only.”

This additional control simplifies device management and is a key reason Samsung recently extended its partnership with Google, a move that showcases both organizations’ expanded commitment to offer best-in-class security and productivity solutions.

Select Galaxy devices, such as the Galaxy S20 FE 5G, and Galaxy Tab S7 | S7+, are part of the AER program. This portfolio of products provides customers with even more options that meet Google’s standard requirements, ensuring businesses have a consistent device performance and user experience. As partners, Google and Samsung push boundaries and deliver the best experience possible to help enterprise customers achieve their digital transformation goals

While no one can fully predict what the office of the future will look like, or how much time teams will spend working remotely versus in the office, Samsung is committed to deliver solutions and technologies that help maintain worker and business productivity like Samsung DeX and Knox Suite.

For more information, visit https://www.samsung.com/ca/business/

“Samsung is committed that our devices continue to deliver the up-to-date mobile experiences throughout their lifecycle,” said TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics. “Following the announcement of 3-generation Android OS upgrades for select Galaxy devices, we ensure to equip our consumers with powerful new features as soon as they are available. Our One UI 3.1 update marks an important next step in that mission.”

Shoot Dynamic Photos and Videos with Smart New Camera Features

The Galaxy S21 Series 5G with One UI 3.1 introduced incredible new camera innovations, making it now easy to capture stunning photos and shoot professional-looking videos. Now, Galaxy[1] owners can experience these features with the One UI 3.1 update.

Never miss a moment with the improved Single Take[2] feature, which captures a variety of still and video formats simultaneously with just a tap.

Once you’ve captured your shot, One UI 3.1 introduces the new Object eraser tool to help you to get that perfect image. Use this intelligent photo editing tool to cut out unwanted parts of your photos effortlessly, without time-consuming manual editing. If you want to edit out distracting objects, simply tap the area you wish to remove and it will be automatically selected and deleted.

One UI 3.1 features an improved touch autofocus and autoexposure controller[3], making adjusting the focus and brightness of your photos easy, allowing you to capture your best shot every time. With just a swipe left or right anywhere on the screen, you can now edit the brightness of your image before you’ve taken the shot.

One UI 3.1 also introduces the new Multi Mic Recording[4] feature, which, when in Pro Video mode, allows you to simultaneously record audio through both your phone and a connected Bluetooth device such as Galaxy Buds Pro, Buds Live and Buds+[5]. So, whether you’re a vlogger narrating a shot where you want to be heard from afar, or you’re a budding musician wanting to record the sound of your voice and instrument separately for more professional-sounding audio, you can get creative with Multi Mic Recording and make videos look and sound incredible.

All your best shots and favourite moments are stored in the updated Gallery[6] which now groups and arranges your videos and photos into a clean, easy-to-navigate feed.

Smart New Features that Enhance your Everyday Life

Head into your Settings to find One UI 3.1’s new Eye Comfort Shield[7] mode which automatically adjusts the blue light based on the time of day. Using Eye Comfort Shield’s warmer tones can help you fall asleep easier at night and you can set your device to automatically adjust your screen’s colours throughout the day or personalize the schedule yourself.

Your privacy is important and now One UI 3.1 makes it easier to control what you share. Remove metadata that reveals the location of your photos before you share them or use Private Share[8] to control who is allowed to access the content you send and how long it is available for.

With new One UI 3.1 on your devices, the experience of the Galaxy ecosystem is smooth and seamless. As well as a consistent interface that makes switching between your phone and tablet hassle-free, the Galaxy Buds Pro, Buds Live and Buds+[9] Auto Switch feature means that your audio follows you when you switch between Galaxy devices. If you’re watching videos on your phone or listening to your favourite song or podcast, you can enjoy more realistic and immersive sound with 360 Audio by connecting your compatible phone and Galaxy Buds Pro– allowing you to stay at the centre of your listening experience.

One UI 3.1 Canadian Roll Out

Samsung Canada has confirmed One UI 3.1 updates are currently scheduled to take place March through August, 2021. *Please note dates are subject to change.

For more information about One UI, please visit www.samsung.com/one-ui.

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[1]One UI 3.1 is available on Galaxy Tab S7 and Tab S7+, Galaxy S20 Series 5G, Galaxy Note20 Series 5G, Galaxy Z Fold2 5G, Galaxy Z Flip and Galaxy Z Flip 5G. Availability may vary by carrier.

[2]Single Take captures images and video up to 15 seconds.

[3]The feature has been available starting with One UI 3.0.

[4]The feature is currently available on devices with One UI 3.1 or above and can be turned on and off in the Bluetooth® setting. Requires the same Samsung Account to be registered on the devices. The availability of the feature may vary by application.

[5]Sold separately.

[6]The feature has been available starting with One UI 3.0.

[7]Eye Comfort Shield is ‘off’ by default and must be turned on in Settings. SGS, the world’s leading certification company, awarded the Galaxy S21 Series 5G display the Eye Care Certification based on its ability to drastically reduce the harmful effects of blue light. This certification can be found on www.sgs.com.

[8]Private Share works between Galaxy smartphones with Android P or later. App download required to send/receive Private Share link.

[9]For Galaxy Buds Live and Buds+, a software update is required. Devices sold separately.

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.”