New research from Samsung Canada reveals a growing productivity paradox, with technology amplifying both capability and complexity in everyday life.

Three-quarters (75%) of Canadians say technology helps them get things done faster, yet 68% say it also gives them more to manage, according to a new survey of 1,547 adults. The tension even extends to Gen Z, as more than half say manual steps and app switching stand in the way of getting things done.

The data points to a clear expectation from Canadians: Technology should not only help them accomplish their goals, but also simplify the steps along the way. More than half (57%) agree that the more digital tools they use, the more they have to manage.

“Technology has delivered enormous gains in what people can accomplish, but these findings show that more capability doesn’t automatically mean less effort,” said Tarik Akad, Vice President of the Mobile Experience Division, Samsung Canada. “The industry’s challenge now is not simply adding more intelligent features. It is making that intelligence almost invisible, working in the background to surface what matters, remove unnecessary steps and make everything else feel simpler.”

Digital Friction Creates Extra Work

For many Canadians, extra work shows up in routine digital tasks at least a few times a week:

• Messages and notifications: 77% say managing messages and notifications creates unnecessary effort or slows them down
• Searching for information: 70% say searching for information they know they’ve already received or seen creates unnecessary effort or slows them down
• Competing demands: 66% say keeping track of multiple tasks or conversations at once creates unnecessary effort or slows them down.
• Switching between apps: 62% say moving between apps or digital services creates unnecessary effort or slows them down

The effects extend beyond time lost. At least a few times per week, 59% of Canadians say they feel mentally drained or overwhelmed when technology, information or competing priorities make it harder to get things done, while 57% spend more time deciding what to do next than actually doing it. And nearly half (46%) agree they often end the day feeling busy without feeling as productive as expected.

The findings reveal an opportunity for mobile experiences to reduce some of those everyday challenges. Samsung Galaxy devices bring AI-powered features into the moments people need them, with tools like Now Brief[1] and Now Nudge[2] helping users stay on top of relevant information and trim their to-do lists in fewer steps.

Gen Z Is Ready For AI To Do More

Even for Gen Z, growing up with technology hasn’t eliminated digital friction. More than half of Gen Z (58%) agree to spending too much time on manual steps just to make technology work, while 51% say switching between apps or digital services creates unnecessary effort or slows them down at least daily. More than half (53%) feel mentally drained or overwhelmed at least daily when technology, information or competing priorities get in the way.

At the same time, Gen Z is highly receptive to AI that works harder for them: 83% selected at least one AI feature as potentially valuable for helping them get things done with less effort.

Canadians Want AI To Tackle Busywork

Two-thirds of Canadians (66%) selected at least one AI feature as being potentially valuable for helping them get things done with less effort. They see value in simplifying information, automating repetitive tasks, supporting decision making and bringing information together across apps and services.

The same desire for simplicity extends to everyday mobile experiences. Reducing the number of steps needed to complete a task was the most frequently selected improvement (38%), followed by bringing relevant information together rather than searching across apps (30%).

Other priorities included completing more tasks without switching devices (29%), moving between tasks without losing their place (29%), reducing distractions (25%) and viewing multiple pieces of information at once (23%).

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Survey Methodology:

The Productivity Gap survey was conducted on behalf of Samsung Electronics Canada using the Leger Opinion panel platform with 1,547 Canadian adults aged 18+. The study was conducted between August 31 and September 2, 2026, and was conducted in English and French. Results were weighted by age, gender and region to match the population according to Census data. For comparison purposes, a probability-based sample of 1,500 respondents would have a margin of error of ±2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

[1] Now Brief feature requires Samsung Account login. Service availability may vary by country, language, device model, apps. Some features may require a network connection. Modes and Routines need to be enabled to use Personal Data Engine for context-based Routines suggestions. User needs to consent to access permissions such as photos, videos, audio files, and calendar events. May not display moments depending upon exposure policy. The description of photos provided by moments may not align with the user’s intent. Events schedule notification is supported with calendar apps that utilize Android calendar database and available if Samsung Calendar is installed. Notifications for coupons only available for coupons added to Samsung Wallet with expiration date. To check the Energy Score, the health data tracked from Samsung Galaxy Watch or Samsung Galaxy Ring must be synchronized with the Samsung Health App. The result is for your personal reference only and is not intended for medical purposes.

[2] Now Nudge feature requires a Samsung Account login. Available functions and features may vary by country, region and language. Text message prompts available with certain third-party messaging apps including Google Messages and Google Chat. Split view supported apps may vary. Share photos in Now Nudge works by analyzing available image content. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.

New Features Help Users Capture, Personalize, and Manage

One UI 9 introduces new ways to keep people in focus, tailor the information users see each day, and manage device care more easily.

• My FanCam[2] automatically tracks a selected person in a recorded video and keeps them centered, intelligently reframing the footage as the scene moves. This allows users to turn dynamic moments into social-ready content with less manual editing. Whether it’s a child’s performance, a friend on the dance floor, or an exciting moment during a sporting event, users can instantly put the focus on the person they want to see.

• The new Generative and Editable Cards on Now Brief[3] help users choose what appears in their daily summaries. Users can create cards across health, weather, and video so their daily brief reflects the information most relevant to them.
• Warranty and Care[4] brings device support and protection directly into the Settings menu. Users can now check warranty coverage across connected mobile devices, run self-diagnostics and manage Samsung Care+ or book a service appointment with just a few taps.

Enhanced Capabilities Help Users Do More With Less Effort

One UI 9 builds on familiar Galaxy experiences to help users complete everyday tasks in fewer steps, with context-aware suggestions, timely creative prompts, and improvements to translation, scanning, and recording.

• Now Nudge[5] can surface timely, context-aware suggestions across more moments in the Galaxy experience, helping users take the next step without breaking their flow. For example, when making plans over text, users can pull up reservation details or save a shared location without leaving the conversation.
• Creative Studio[6] now suggests image-generation ideas based on relevant upcoming events. For example, when a friend’s birthday is approaching, users may see a prompt to create a themed image or greeting, allowing them to quickly create something meaningful for the occasion.
• Interpreter[7] introduces a new Thread View that enables users to better follow translated conversations by quickly referencing earlier exchanges. In addition, faster translation in Conversation Mode and quicker playback with compatible Galaxy Buds help reduce delays, making conversations feel more natural and continuous.
• Document Scan[8] now allows users to digitize challenging materials such as curved book pages and corner-folded papers with less manual adjustment. The large-screen-optimized views on compatible Galaxy devices, along with an improved Finger Eraser, help create cleaner and more usable scans.
• Voice Recorder presents summaries in a clearer, more structured format, using elements such as headings and tables to make key information easier to scan at a glance.

Enhanced Security and Privacy Help Users Stay Informed and in Control

One UI 9 continues Samsung’s approach to security and privacy with transparency, choice, and control built into the experience. The latest updates help users better understand when an item may need their attention and make it easier to take action.

• Security Brief brings key security and privacy updates like alerts for malware, apps from unknown sources, and unnecessary permissions to Now Brief, helping users identify potential issues earlier and determine when action is necessary.
• Privacy Alerts[9] use on-device AI to identify potential privacy risks, including unnecessary attempts to access permissions in the background, giving users greater awareness of how their information is being accessed.
• Scam Detection[10] expands to additional countries[11] and languages, bringing protection against potential scam calls to more Galaxy users across supported markets.

[1] As of the publication of this press release, the official One UI 9 has been rolled out to Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8, and Galaxy Z Flip8. The update is expected to gradually roll out to other Galaxy devices.

[2] My FanCam feature requires a Samsung Account login. Availability may vary by video. Not supported if there is no subject to track. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.

[3] Now Brief feature requires Samsung Account login. Available functions and features may vary by country, region, language, device model, and app. Some features may require a network connection. Customized briefing content provided is based only on the personal information to which the user has consented. Accuracy of generated results is not guaranteed.

[4] Available features in Warranty and care menu may differ by country/region. Warranty information is available for devices linked to the user’s Samsung Account. Ask Bixby features and supported content may vary by country or language. Samsung Care+ availability, coverage, pricing, and eligibility requirements may vary by country/region and a deductible (service fee) may apply.

[5] Now Nudge feature requires a Samsung Account login. Available functions and features may vary by country, region, and language. Text message prompts are available with certain third-party messaging apps, including Samsung Messages, Google Messages, and Google Chat. Split view supported apps may vary. Photo sharing in Now Nudge works by analyzing available image content. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.

[6] Add Creative Studio disclaimer: Creative Studio feature requires a network connection and Samsung Account login. Service availability may vary by country, language or device model. The accuracy and reliability of the generated output is not guaranteed. Sticker sets only compatible with Samsung keyboard and can only be shared via Quick Share feature with other Galaxy devices that have One UI 5.0 or later installed and Quick Share app version 13.8.50.x or later

[7] Interpreter requires Samsung Account login. Certain languages require language pack download. Service availability may vary by language. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed. Availability and supported features may vary by country, region or carrier. Availability of supported languages may vary.

[9] Privacy alerts is supported on Galaxy S26, S26 Ultra, S25, S25 FE, S24, S24 FE, S23, S23 FE, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Fold8, Flip8, Fold7, Flip7, Fol6, Flip6, Fold5, Flip5, Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra, Tab S12 Plus, Tab S11 Ultra, Tab S11, Tab S10 Ultra, Tab S10 Plus, Tab S9 Ultra, Tab S9 Plus, and Tab S9. Privacy alerts may not account for all relevant factors.

[10] Availability may vary by country, region, language, device model, or OS/One UI version.

[11] Scam Detection will be available in Japan, Canada, and India.

Unfold Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 — your ultimate travel companion with multimodal capability for smoother, and smarter travel.

As the thinnest and lightest Galaxy Z Fold series device yet, its pro-level cameras and AI features make it the ideal travel buddy. Translation: zero travel stress, max fandom vibes.

Before You Go: Unfold Your Travel Planner

You’re about to witness a once-in-a-lifetime reunion show, and it’s also your first time visiting Seoul. Relax. Galaxy Z Fold7 will handle the details.

Press and hold the side button to activate . Drop your concert date, hotel address and wish-list spots, then tell it:

“Recommend a 4-day, 3-night itinerary including a K-pop concert and save it to Samsung Notes.”

Gemini generates a custom itinerary, complete with must-visit fan cafés and your personal favorite’s trainee-era hangouts, fueling your ultimate K-pop pilgrimage.

“Should I pack this T-shirt or a hoodie?”

Don’t know what to pack? Let Gemini suggest for you. Activate camera sharing on Gemini Live to hold up your outfit options and just ask Gemini what works best to get real-time advice. It will consider Seoul’s weather and the kind of exploring you’ll be doing. No more overpacking so you’ll have more room in your luggage to bring home all that concert swag.

When the jet-set countdown starts, Now Brief has you covered. It shows your boarding pass details, Seoul’s current weather and real-time exchange rates front and center — so you can check what matters at a glance, before your trip.

Gate to Stage: AI Navigates Your Tour

You land at Incheon International Airport and the clock is ticking. So you ask:

“What’s the fastest and most affordable route to my hotel carrying two suitcases?”

In no time, Gemini displays side-by-side cards for airport express trains, buses and taxis, complete with fares, travel times and transfer counts all laid out[3].

Seoul Highlights, From Tradition to Modernity

After leaving your luggage at the hotel, day one kicks off at Bukchon Hanok Village, the perfect “Hello, Korea” setting for your vlog. Rest the Galaxy Z Fold7 on a ledge — Flex Mode lets you shoot easily, no tripod needed, while capturing the full Hanok backdrop

But wait. Those unwanted photobombers in your pictures? Gone. Galaxy AI’s Photo Assist understands the whole scene, and Suggest Erases automatically detects and removes them with one tap. All done without post-editing hassle. Plus, with Side-by-Side Editing and Show Original, you can instantly compare the before-and-after images on the unfolded screen.

Next stop: K-beauty heaven. Aisles and aisles of products, but when you pick one up to read the label, it’s all in Korean. No worries. Camera sharing on Gemini Live can translate the ingredient labels listed in Korean, sprinkling in emojis for context to help you know what you’re buying. Still overwhelmed? Ask Gemini:

“Recommend one for sensitive skin.”

Gemini cross-checks the ingredients and suggests a top 3 recommendation list tailored to you. You can check out like a skincare pro, not a confused tourist.

Main Stage Moment: Your Favorite Idol Up Close

It’s finally the big day. Your lightstick is charged, your phone is fully juiced and the stadium is crowded with fans. You might be stuck in the nosebleeds, but Galaxy Z Fold7’s 200MP camera captures your personal favourite up close with crystal-clear detail. Moreover, thanks to the 10 MP 100° front camera, you can squeeze all your new friends into one frame and still grab the boys on stage too. When the arena goes dark, Nightography[5] kicks in, turning a sea of flickering lightsticks into sharp, balanced footage you’ll replay on a loop after the encore.

Final Encore: Edit and Elevate

Say goodbye, Seoul — hello airborne edit bay. Plane rides are perfect for some creativity. With Galaxy Z Fold7’s expansive screen, editing your travel vlog is easier than ever. Use the upgraded Audio Eraser to reduce the sound of the crowd’s background noise so your favorite member’s vocals shine.

Z Fold7: The Perfect Travel Companion

Galaxy Z Fold7 isn’t just another travel gadget — it’s the backstage pass, stylist, translator, map and editing tool that elevates your creativity to the next level. It’s no longer the smartphone era; welcome to the age of the AI sidekick. Skip the endless search bars and just talk. Unfold your phone, and half your trip is already handled. So go ahead, live your best wanderlust life. GalaxyZ Fold7’s got your back from takeoff to touchdown.

[1] Gemini is a trademark of Google LLC. Results for illustrative purposes. Gemini Live feature requires internet connection and Google Account login. Service availability may vary by country, language, device model. Features may differ depending on subscription and results may vary. Compatible with certain features and certain accounts. Currently, you can use a personal Google Account that you manage on your own, or a work or school account for which your administrator has enabled access to Gemini. You must be 13 (or the applicable age in your country) or over to use Gemini with a personal or school Google Account and 18 or over to use Gemini with a work account.

[2] Now Brief feature requires Samsung Account login. Service availability may vary by country, language, device model, apps. Some features may require a network connection. Modes and Routines need to be enabled to use Personal Data Engine for context-based Routines suggestions. User needs to consent to access permissions such as photos, videos, audio files, and calendar events. May not display moments depending upon exposure policy. The description of photos provided by moments may not align with the user’s intent. Events schedule notification is supported with calendar apps that utilize Android calendar database and available if Samsung Calendar is installed. Notifications for coupons only available for coupons added to Samsung Wallet with expiration date. To check the Energy Score, the health data tracked from Samsung Galaxy Watch or Samsung Galaxy Ring must be synchronized with the Samsung Health App. The result is for your personal reference only and is not intended for medical purposes.

[3] Accuracy of results may vary

[4] Photo Assist using Generative Edit requires a network connection and Samsung Account login. Editing with Generative Edit results in a resized photo up to 12MP. A visible watermark is overlaid on the image output upon saving in order to indicate that the image is generated by AI. The accuracy and reliability of the generated output is not guaranteed.

[5] Results may vary depending on shooting conditions including multiple subjects, being out of focus or moving subjects

[6] Results may vary per video depending on sounds present in the video. Samsung Account login required. Certain types of sound can be detected such as voices, music, wind, nature, crowd and noise. The actual sound detection may vary depending on audio source, and the condition of the video. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.