Beyond the Horizon is a joint initiative of Samsung Mobile, White Cane non-profit organization and Shazam. Creators of the project set a task for themselves to use the inspiring story of Alexander Zhuravlev, a photographer who lost almost all of his sight, to show people what they can achieve, assist with realizing their creative potential and getting the most out of their lives, as well as give a vivid and grounded proof that many obstacles that seem overwhelming are merely a challenge one should counter.

Alexander Zhuravlev lost almost all of his sight when he was 11 years old. Despite all the difficulties, he was able “to see beyond the horizon” of his capabilities and become a photographer, bringing to life his childhood dream. For that, he needed just a smartphone, using which he was able to make impressive landscape photos based just on his senses and hearing. Alexander used the Samsung Galaxy S7 smartphone in his photo shooting activities.

During the presentation of the Beyond the Horizon project guests of the event were able to see the world through Alexander’s eyes using a special app for Samsung’s Gear VR. For every spot where Alexander made photos – on Sugomak and Kyshtym lakes, on the surrounding peaks and in abandoned mines – panoramas were shot using Samsung’s Gear 360 camera. Afterwards the panoramas were specifically processed to reflect how Alexander saw these places when he was there.

“We at Samsung do not create just technologies, our innovative solutions actually help change people’s lives, make them easier and better,” said Seif El Hakim, Samsung Mobile Marketing Director in Russia. “Alexander’s talented works call for us to look at the world surrounding us more closely, appreciate its beauty and immensity and look beyond our own ‘horizon.’ This project is an example of a synergy of ordinary life and hi-tech technologies. It inspires us! It was a great pleasure to support it.”

“The most difficult thing in this world is to see your own possibilities. You already have all of them. They surround you everywhere. Those who at least see the horizon can step beyond it,” commented Alexander Zhuravlev.

The presentation program also included a demonstration of a short documentary about Alexander and his travels in Russia directed by Ivan Sosnin (Red Apple 2017 grand prix winner for his Piter by Bushe Bakery movie).

“This project has become the biggest and the most important one in my career. It got possible due to support from Samsung and Cheil agency. It is not just a movie, but a performance, and not about a disability, but rather about every one of us. Those who watch the movie and live through it will certainly learn something important for them. A large team of ambitious and result-oriented people worked on this project and I can proudly say that these efforts were made for a good reason,” noted Ivan Sosnin, director of the Beyond the Horizon documentary.

A number of other activities are also taking place within the project. Alexander’s pictures are demonstrated on the screen of the world’s largest smartphone placed on the Hydroproject building in Moscow. Using Shazam, everybody can visit the promo page to get all the information about the project. On the page there is also a special platform where Alexander Zhuravlev’s photos can be purchased. The project has been carried out in cooperation with the Zuzza.ru portal.

Alexander Zhuravlev’s exhibition will be open from March 24 to April 9 at the Lumiere Brothers Center for Photography.

About the Beyond the Horizon project

Beyond the Horizon is a joint initiative of Samsung, White Cane non-profit organization and Shazam. This social project is aimed at drawing attention to the inclusion process of people with disabilities and realizing the creative potential of every person so that they can get the most out of their lives.

The sound of an air conditioner, an oven turning on, the ring of a smartphone… all of these digital sounds also become a part of your daily routine and naturally a part of your memory. We here at Samsung Electronics also consider acoustic resonance as an important factor of the user experience, as such our products are imbued with a distinct sound.

Come join us on a familiar path where we focus on the sound of our products.

* This content is better experienced with earphones or speaker.

Samsung Brand Sound

The theme of Samsung Electronics’ products can be summed up as ‘Over the Horizon’ for mobile devices and ‘Beyond the Horizon’ for home appliances – looking toward the challenges of the future with passion and anticipation. Although the melody may sound different the nuances of both share a subtle similarity. Both are neutral and positive attitude while retaining a medium tempo with 4 to 6 melodies.

These two simple melodies carry a long way, especially when applied to our products. Let’s look at a few examples.

Over the Horizon Theme

Over the Horizon

Over the Horizon has been the sound for Samsung Electronic mobile devices since 2012 for a better future in our daily life. It’s used for the Default Ringtone, Message Tone, Advertisements, Music Videos and other various media. We’ve also collaborated with musicians to expand this melody in diverse ways.

Samsung Galaxy S7

As the smartphone is probably the most used and closely kept device ever developed, it is vital that even the smallest functions have a corresponding sound and synchronize with the UX design principles.

Default Ringtone

Default Ringtone

The Swedish band Dirty Loops remixed the Over the Horizon melody for the Galaxy S7 and is used as the default ringtone.

Lock/Unlock

Lock/Unlock

As this function is used most often it should be quick and simple, yet clearly distinguishable. A distinct metallic sound was chosen to convey the precision of the device.

Camera Shutter

Camera Shutter

To continue the identity of Samsung cameras into the smartphone, an actual analogue camera shutter was sampled and edited for a consistent sound across all devices, from analogue cameras, digital cameras and mobile devices.

Samsung Pay

Samsung Pay

The sound of plastic as it’s pulled from a money clip is the motif developed for the sound when you activate Samsung Pay. It’s meant to evoke the feel of paying with an actual credit card. In line with this, when you swipe through your cards on the app it mimics plastic hitting plastic for a familiar yet new experience.

IconX

As left and right components are completely divided and sound is provided in stereo, also the fact that there are no buttons or a screen to access, this device required a totally new approach in user experience: The Invisible Audio Menu.

Wear on Sound

Wear on Sound

As both right and left ear buds operate independently, each ear receives a small ping to signal activation.

Coupled Sound

Coupled Sound

A delayed ping is volleyed back and forth to signal that both ear buds are connected and in synch.

Volume Up/Down

Volume Up/Down

AUI(Auditory User Interface) distinguishes high and low volume for suitable control.

Invisible Audio Menu Guide

Invisible Audio Menu Guide

When you tap & hold, the menu is read out loud with an AUI sound that signals for you to let go to start that menu.

Beyond the Horizon

Beyond the Horizon

Beyond the Horizon has been our signature brand melody for home appliances since 2015. It represents positivity and unlimited possibilities in ascending melody.

Q9000, Q9500

The windless air conditioner echoes a wind chime when it starts up or is controlled for a clear, refreshing sound to compliment the cool air coming forth.

Power On/Off Sound

Power On/Off Sound

The Beyond the Horizon melody is differentiated when you turn on or off the air conditioner. Other details are the melody is precisely synched to the vents opening sequence.

Temperature Control Sound

Temperature Control Sound

This helps you to distinguish whether you’re setting the room temperature up or down.

Built-in Oven

For this appliance, we analyzed the different functions into two categories; power, error, timer functions that apply to the entire product range and specific functions that are unique to each individual product such as partition activation/ deactivation, cook done. By doing this, each product is connected by a unified sound but also is uniquely identified.

Power On Sound

Power On Sound

Even without high definition speakers, the Beyond the Horizon sounds simple and direct.

Buzzer & Speaker Sound

Buzzer & Speaker Sound

The buzzer key has been raised one octave and together with the SPK version can be heard and distinguishable in any environment.

Door Open Sound

Door Open Sound

The door open alarm sounds 2 minutes after the door is kept open. Rather than a high-pitch alarm a less harsh melody set (ti-mi-fa#) was chosen for a more considerate sound alarm.

Each of Us Have a Unique Voice

No two are the same. Likewise, a brand should have its own unique acoustics. The sonic experience with a brand is a vital asset and an intricate part of the total brand experience.

Here at Samsung Electronics, we take great care to ensure that the sound you hear from our products is clear, audible and consistent with the other elements of our products and services we provide to you. Even the most fleeting sound bites have been evaluated many time over to create a fun yet memorable brand experience.