Finally a viable solution to replace old laptops and desktop computers has arrived on the public safety scene with Samsung DeX in Car technology, making the work environment safer, more flexible and more efficient for police officers in the field by simply using a Samsung flagship Galaxy smartphone and the Samsung DeX service solution that brings an easy-to-use, PC-like experience to mobile handsets.

Bridging the gap between smartphone and desktop, Samsung DeX delivers an in-car computing capability by pairing the latest Galaxy smartphones with a mounted display and dedicated keyboard. By connecting the Samsung Galaxy S8/8+, S9/9+ or Note8 smartphone to DeX Pad or DeX Station, the smartphone functions as the car’s mobile data terminal.

The setup provides an optimal solution for forward-thinking police leaders and public safety professionals who recognize the importance of seamless mobile computing access both in the patrol car and while in the field.

Additionally, Samsung Galaxy smartphones include defense-grade mobile data security powered by Samsung Knox, helping agencies achieve Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance when using the phone alone and with DeX.

“Mobile phones are more than just communication devices,” said Reginald Jones, Director of Public Sector Sales and Solutions. “They’re valuable public safety tools in terms of flexibility, security, efficiency and workplace productivity.”

Samsung DeX in Car helps reduce reliance on pen and pad or bulky in-car computer systems so police officers and other first responders can maintain greater situational awareness of their surroundings at all times, in addition to achieving a more streamlined workload.

With Samsung DeX in Car solution, the transition from a desktop experience inside the patrol car to accessing secure data in real-time while on the move, outside the vehicle, and then back in the station at the desk, is seamless.

The more comfortable viewing format makes full use of a horizontal display instead of stretching a smartphone interface, so officers can work on larger projects like incident reports, suspect identification or crime scene review.

For example, photos, videos and voice recordings gathered in the field on a smartphone are also securely processed on the smartphone, reducing redundant record-keeping when back at the desk. Through a seamless interface, Samsung DeX in Car allows data stored on the officer’s phone to be swiftly and securely transferred. Samsung Galaxy smartphones are armed with Samsung Knox, a platform that keeps the data inside a secure architecture throughout data migration – from gathering it, to processing it, to sharing it through other databases.

“The phone is becoming the critical technology tool for public safety officials, and Samsung DeX enables officers to use their Galaxy smartphone as a laptop replacement in the vehicle and in the station,” Jones said.

Samsung DeX in Car also helps remove some of the guesswork for officers before they respond to incidents. Having a Samsung Galaxy smartphone at the center of their workflow boosts the amount of data officers can receive. Instead of relying on radio transmissions and vague descriptions, officers get high-quality images, detailed reports and real-time updates.

“Samsung DeX offers a better return on investment all around,” said Jones. “It provides more flexibility and more security at a lower cost. The phone is the center point for public safety and using Samsung DeX offers the ultimate in mobility while being a powerful force multiplier for law enforcement officers.”

Today’s smartphones can support so many police operations, and the more an officer can do with a single device, the more they can do in the field to help their community.

Source: US Newsroom

As our world becomes increasingly more digital, and technology plays a bigger role in our lives, Samsung Electronics is working to develop various features that enable its products to be accessed and used to the greatest extent possible by all people. Let’s take a closer look at the company’s approach to do so in part three of our “Strides in Stewardship” series.

Reflecting Feedback to Improve Accessibility

“Over the past decade, as mobile trends have shifted from conventional cell phones to smartphones, many of us with visual impairments have found it difficult to use the new devices,” said Gwangman Moon, a South Korean man who lost his sight in 1999. “Today’s smartphones don’t have mechanical keyboards. So, because we rely on our sense of touch to receive a lot information, we need to carry a separate keyboard to use them.”

Moon, who first got involved with Samsung through a company-sponsored computer education program for the visually impaired, now participates as a member of Samsung Supporters, a volunteer group that tests out smartphone features for usability and offers feedback to improve device accessibility. Most recently, he has helped to advance the Voice Assistant on the Galaxy S8 by determining which features cannot be activated using only voice commands.

In addition to listening to external feedback from people like Moon who use Samsung products in their daily lives, the company has also established Smart Angels, a team of employees that voluntarily educates people with various disabilities on how to use their devices. The volunteers also listen to the opinions of the users to better understand how the company can further enhance accessibility.

Eliminating Obstacles Through Universal Design

To reflect feedback received through these interactions, Samsung has developed and applied a variety of auxiliary technical solutions across the entire Galaxy lineup so that just about everyone can take advantage of its innovative products and features.

For example, users with visual impairments can make use of high contrast fonts, keyboards and downloadable themes as well as a High Contrast Mode for the Samsung Internet app  that all enable easier reading and higher visibility. Voice Assistant, meanwhile, provides spoken feedback about information on the screen, and Rapid Key Input reads out the keyboard character being touched, thus eliminating the need for additional accessories.

Similarly, those with hearing impairments are able to utilize the Sound Detectors tool, which provides visual cues and vibration when the sound of a baby crying or a doorbell ringing is detected, and Flash Notification, which alerts the user of alarms and notifications with a flash of the camera light or screen.

Easy Screen Turn On and Universal Switch features make the device easier to control through the use of gestures and/or movements, enhancing usability for those with mobility and dexterity impairments.

These are just a few of the growing number of features Samsung has employed to make the daily task of using a smartphone easier and more enjoyable for all.

Making Life Easier, One Service at a Time

In addition to UX and app enhancements, Samsung’s mobile services are also adding an element of convenience to everyday activities.

Bixby Voice eliminates the need to go through multiple steps to accomplish a mobile task, allowing users, for instance, to dictate and send a text to a friend or check their daily schedule with a simple voice command. Likewise, Bixby Voice makes it possible to quickly engage with friends, family and other communities on social media and in text messaging applications.

“Bixby is revolutionary,” explained Moon of his own personal experiences. “Because a message or comment can be transcribed by simply speaking it out, we can save a lot of time by not having to type it. In this way, Bixby instills in me a sense of confidence when communicating with others.”

Bixby Vision also makes life easier by using the phone’s camera app to relay information about one’s surroundings. To illustrate, it can vocalize which food items are in front of a user so they can know that they’re opening the specific potato chips or soft drink they want to consume.

Another example is Samsung DeX. While the service enhances the mobile experience by allowing users to use their smartphone like a desktop by providing a seamless, secure mobile to PC transition, it also enables those who experience difficulties typing or using gestures on a smartphone to more easily navigate content via a larger display.

“Now I can use a keyboard and mouse to control my smartphone more conveniently,” noted Donghee Lee, a smartphone user who controls his device with his toes. “It’s very well designed in terms of accessibility for people with disabilities.”

A More Accessible Future

Samsung’s efforts to enhance accessibility have recently been praised by various organizations including ONCE, the National Organization of the Blind in Spain, who recognized the Galaxy S8 and S8+  as devices that comply with the universal accessibility requirements and are properly equipped for visually impaired users. Additionally, the National Human Rights Commission of Korea will present Inho Baek, Samsung’s Mobile Accessibility UX Designer, with the Human Rights Award of Korea on December 8.

Baek is honored to have been nominated for such an accolade, but admits that he is more excited to learn of the many ways Samsung’s products have and will continue to influence users’ lives.

“Since implementing the new accessibility features on Samsung’s Galaxy products, many people, particularly those with disabilities, have told us that their quality of life has greatly improved,” he said. “But we have a vision that will drive the company to improve even further. In fact, it’s our responsibility. It’s my hope that through universal design, everyone will one day be able to enjoy new and beneficial experiences, regardless of their level of ability.”

By establishing internal Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) standards, enhancing antenna design and maintaining close collaboration between teams during product development stages, the company has been able to produce a number of mobile devices with some of the lowest SAR levels on the market.

In the first installment of the “Strides in Stewardship” series, we will take a closer look at some of the initiatives taken by Samsung to achieve this accomplishment.

So What Exactly Is SAR?

When electromagnetic waves are received and transmitted by a wireless device such as a smartphone, some of the RF energy is lost to the surrounding environment and can be absorbed by the person handling the product. SAR is the rate at which human biological tissues – such as those in the body and head – absorb these stray RF signals from the source being measured.

SAR provides a straightforward method for measuring the RF exposure characteristics of mobile devices to ensure that they are within the safety guidelines based on standards that have been developed by independent scientific organizations through exhaustive evaluation of scientific studies.

In the US, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires that all phones sold have an SAR level at or below 1.6 watts per kilogram (W/kg) averaged over 1 gram of actual tissue – a guideline based upon the standards developed by IEEE, NCRP and input from other federal agencies. Similarly, Japan, China and most European nations follow the guidelines specified by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), which sets the SAR limit at 2 W/kg averaged over 10 grams of actual tissue.

* The SAR levels indicated in this chart are based on US devices. SAR levels may vary by model and region. For more information, visit: https://www.samsung.com/sar/

Samsung is so committed to ensuring the safety of its users that its internal maximum SAR level is half of those fixed by the previously mentioned international standards. This is emphasized in the chart above, which lists the company’s smartphones launched in 2017 and their respective SAR levels. These levels, particularly the Head SAR levels, are some of the lowest on the market today.

To achieve the lowest SAR levels possible, Samsung has dedicated many of its resources to research and development, particularly in the area of antenna design. That’s because RF waves from mobile phones are emitted from the antenna, and the closer the antenna is to body tissue, the greater a person’s exposure to RF energy is expected to be.

Taking the Lead in Antenna Innovation

In 2006, Samsung adopted an innovative antenna system to enhance device safety by maintaining significantly lower SAR levels compared to other products while simultaneously improving overall RF performance. One way the company has been successful in achieving this goal is by making antenna location a priority in its smartphone design.

“Antenna placement is incredibly important. A one-millimeter difference in location can reduce the SAR level by a large margin,” noted Yoonjae Lee, Antenna Group, Mobile R&D Office, Samsung Electronics. “The location of the antenna has to be decided during the product planning stage, as it’s difficult to change its placement later on.”

Over the past few years, Samsung has focused its efforts on embedding the TX antennas – the antennas that are most closely associated with higher SAR rates – at the bottom of the phone body. In doing so, cell phone radiation is directed away from the head of the user, where the phone is typically held during phone calls and the part of the body where RF energy poses the biggest health concerns.

But recently, design trends have shifted to favor metal phone bodies with bigger displays, making antenna positioning more challenging.

With today’s devices, the external metal frames of the phone body become the antenna itself. Therefore, antenna placement and general phone design have to be considered simultaneously, which requires the close cooperation of multiple teams. To facilitate this process, Samsung conducts a number of simulations using proprietary software and tools to determine the best location for the antenna based on the phone’s design, without having to use a physical prototype of the device.

In addition to the placement of the antenna, certain device materials and even chemicals in the product’s color coating can affect SAR levels as well as the performance of the antenna, further complicating the product development process. As a result, Samsung’s Antenna Group works closely with different design teams, including the Color, Material and Finish (CMF) team.

“When the CMF team proposes the use of a new material – which was the case with the Galaxy Note8 – the design team commissions a detailed substance analysis of the material,” said Lee. “The Antenna Group then conducts various tests to determine all the possible ways the material might influence the behavior of the antenna.”

As product development advances, Samsung tests SAR levels at every stage, considering the highest output when the body of the device and the head of the user are in close contact. Should the anticipated SAR levels of a product come out higher than the company’s standards during any stage of product development, the process is halted and modifications are made until the SAR levels are satisfactory.

To test the SAR level of a mobile device, Samsung conducts 2D and 3D scans using a special liquid-form material that has similar permittivity and conductivity levels as those of human body tissue. Measurements are made at different frequencies representing the frequency bands at which the device can transmit.

Samsung has also applied its antenna know-how to its wearable devices, which boast SAR levels that are significantly lower than those of the products of the company’s competitors.

“Many other wearable manufacturers are struggling with SAR levels. Even if they try to utilize the appropriate materials and placement for the antenna, they lack relevant technology patents,” said Inyoung Lee, Antenna Group, Mobile R&D Office, Samsung Electronics. “But Samsung’s antenna design is completely different from those of other brands. As a result, we are able to sustain low SAR levels while ensuring optimal antenna performance.”

An Ongoing Effort

In an effort to maintain its momentum in antenna innovation going forward, Samsung earlier this year established the Antenna Design Studio, an initiative that the company hopes will help systemize the antenna design stage by integrating its many different parts – including software simulations and hardware testing – to minimize repetitive stages and determine the most efficient performance.

The company has also established an internal task force to determine which fields of expertise are needed to enhance antenna design (and thus continue to lower SAR levels), and are working consistently to grow its workforce to include highly trained antenna technicians and material experts.

In doing so, the company strives to continue to lead the smartphone industry through antenna development, all the while producing mobile devices with the lowest SAR levels possible.

Samsung Electronics, a global leader in technology, today announced that 36 of its latest products have been recognized as CES®2018 Innovation Awards winners. Products awarded in this prestigious program are honored for outstanding design and engineering in cutting-edge consumer electronics technology across 28 product categories.

Samsung’s award-winning products include two Best of Innovation and span categories across Virtual and Augmented Reality, Wearable Technologies, Video Displays, Home Appliances, and Smart Home. This marks the first year where Samsung has won in the CES Innovation Award category of Fitness, Sports and Biotech for the Gear Sport, Gear Fit2 Pro, and Gear IconX (2018).

“Innovation is in our DNA, as is our commitment to delivering transformational products that create meaningful experiences for our consumers,” said Tim Baxter, President and CEO, Samsung Electronics North America. “To be recognized by our industry peers, year over year, for our relentless pursuit of innovative design and engineering is truly an honor.”

The CES Innovation Awards are sponsored by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), the owner and organizer of CES. Many of Samsung’s industry recognized products will be on display at CES 2018, which takes place January 9-12, 2018, in the Samsung booth (#15006) located in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Following are details on a selection of Samsung’s award-winning products:

Gear Fit2 Pro – The new Gear Fit2 Pro features combines built-in GPS tracking with new continuous heart rate monitoring and powerful Under Armour applications to capture every run or ride accurately. With 5ATM water resistance, it allows users to withstand the pool, rain and even a post-workout shower. For added comfortability and convenience, the Gear Fit2 Pro has a slim design and light weight band, as well as a high-resolution color touchscreen that makes real-time updates and notifications easy to read while on the move.

Gear Sport – The latest smartwatch in Samsung’s industry-leading wearable portfolio, the Gear Sport is a stylish blend of fitness tracking and smart capabilities for people with active lifestyles. The Gear Sport transitions easily from work to workout with swim-ready water resistance (5ATM) and all-day fitness and calorie tracking. And with smart features like Samsung Pay (NFC), IOT control, and even offline music playback with Spotify, the Gear Sport is ready for whatever the day has in store.

Gear IconX (2018) – The new Gear IconX 2018 empowers users to effortlessly listen to their favorite music. Whether commuting or at the gym, these powerful cord-free headphones let users stream music via Bluetooth for up to 5-hours and play favorites from their MP3 playlist for up 7-hours. In addition to a 10-minute quick charge feature giving one hour of playtime, users can use the earbuds as an activity tracker and make voice commands through Samsung Bixby or Google Voice on your phone without even having it in your hand.

Samsung HMD Odyssey – In partnership with Microsoft, the Samsung HMD Odyssey offers an immersive Windows Mixed Reality experience. With dual 3.5-inch AMOLED high-resolution displays, 110-degree field of view, AKG head-headphones and voice command activation, the HMD Odyssey takes consumers to entirely new virtual limits.

Galaxy Note8 – The Galaxy Note8 features a bigger 6.3-inch Infinity Display so consumers can view more and scroll less. The enhanced S Pen¹ allows users to unlock new ways to write, draw and interact with the phone and communicate with others, including taking Screen off memos, creating a Live Message² and multitasking on the go. It also offers Samsung’s best-ever smartphone camera featuring two 12MP rear cameras and the world’s first smartphone with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on both wide-angle and telephoto lenses.

Galaxy S8 and S8+ – The Galaxy S8 and S8+ push the boundaries of traditional smartphones and build on Samsung’s heritage of creating stunning designs and functional devices. Available in 5.8-inch Galaxy S8 and 6.2-inch Galaxy S8+, the Infinity Display and bezel-less design form a smooth, continuous surface with no buttons or harsh angles. The result is a truly immersive viewing experience without distractions and makes multi-tasking more convenient.

49” CHG90 Gaming Monitor – With a 32:9 aspect ratio and curved display, this groundbreaking, ultra-wide monitor fully immerses the user in gameplay, delivering cinematic viewing for all types of content. The CHG90 supports AMD’s Radeon FreeSync 2 technology for a smoother gaming experience with twice the perceivable brightness and color. The monitor also features stunning visuals powered by High Dynamic Range (HDR) picture-enhancement technology, which, when paired with Samsung’s QLED Quantum Dot technology, dramatically improves picture quality with crisper colors and sharper contrast.

Samsung Connect Home Pro – The industry’s first Smart Wi-Fi System to combine mesh networking technology with a SmartThings Hub, Samsung Connect Home Pro opens up new possibilities for users to better connect their devices and easily manage their home networks. It delivers the ultimate, optimized Wi-Fi signal for the home while giving users the power to manage their smart home devices all from a single, secure network.

Samsung Chef Collection (4 Honoree Awards)  – Merging elegant design and industry-leading technology, Samsung’s new Chef Collection line brings Samsung’s most innovative and popular home appliance features to the premium built-in category. Chef Collection reflects the aspirations of this new generation of state-of-the-art homeowners who look to the kitchen not just as a room to cook in, but as a sophisticated reflection of who they are. Samsung Chef Collection is honored with four 2018 CES Innovation Honoree Awards for the Chef Collection 30” Pro Range, the Chef Collection 30” Built-In Combi Oven, the Chef Collection 36” Gas Cooktop and the Chef Collection 30” Double Wall Oven.

Samsung 16Gb GDDR6 Memory – The fastest and lowest-power DRAM for next generation, graphics-intensive applications. It processes images and video at 16Gbps with 64GB/s data I/O bandwidth, which is equivalent to transferring approximately 12 full-HD DVDs (5GB equivalent) per second. The new DRAM can operate at 1.35 volts, offering further advantages over today’s graphics memory that uses 1.5V at only 8Gbps.

Samsung 8TB NGSFF NVMe SSD (PM983) – The first 8 terabyte “next-generation form factor” SSD dramatically improves the storage capacity and performance of 1U rack servers (highly popular in consumer electronics). The 64 8TB NGSF SSD can deliver I/O at a phenomenal 0.5 petabytes per second. Measuring only 30.5mm x 110mm x 4.38mm, the drive also improves space utilization and scaling options in hyper-scale datacenter servers.

Exynos 9 Series 9810 The Exynos 9 Series 9810 is Samsung’s latest flagship processor, with 3rd-generation custom CPU cores, upgraded GPU, and gigabit LTE modem with industry-first 6CA support. It is built on 2nd generation 10nm process technology.

Samsung ISOCELL Slim 2X7 – Samsung ISOCELL Slim 2X7 is a 24 megapixel image sensor with 0.9μm pixels, the smallest pixel in the industry, plus Tetrapixel* and remosaic technology to simulate bigger pixel performance. The small 0.9μm pixel size enables a 24Mp image sensor to be fitted in a thinner camera module, allowing premium smartphones to offer high resolution cameras in a very slim and elegant design.

¹ Compared to Galaxy Note5 S Pen

² GIFs created may not be supported by some social media and messaging services depending on the size and length of the GIFs

* Technological term of “Tetrapixel” was updated in July 2022

Previously known as TouchWiz, Samsung Experience is based on the Android OS and has expanded beyond the user interface to provide Galaxy users with a consistent and seamless experience across all Samsung mobile software, apps and services. This change is in recognition of the increasing suite of unique services Samsung has developed for the Galaxy devices.

Following Samsung Experience version 8.5, which was released with the Galaxy Note8, Samsung Experience 9.0 is based on the latest version of the operating system built on the Android Oreo UI and UX, and will be available on the next flagship Galaxy device.

Samsung is launching a Samsung Experience 9.0 beta program for select customers. Starting on November 2, 2017, Galaxy S8 and S8+ users based in South Korea, the U.S. and the U.K*. will have the opportunity to preview the upcoming Samsung Experience 9.0 before its official release, with additional rounds of registration.

The beta period will allow Samsung to gather helpful insights and feedback from customers on their first impressions of the Samsung Experience 9.0 beta’s performance** and usability during the testing period*** to develop a more reliable, high-performing software package and provide Galaxy users with an improved and optimized experience.

To apply for the program, users must have an active Samsung Account and meet certain requirements. The Galaxy beta program may be provided via the Samsung Members app or the Samsung+ app for the U.S., which are available through the Google Play store or Galaxy Apps, depending on the user’s country of residence.

For more information, please visit the Samsung Members FAQ for Korea, the U.S. and the U.K.

* In South Korea, Beta program is available for Galaxy S8 and S8+ users who have a device that is locked to SKT, KT or LG U+.

In the U.S., it is available for Galaxy S8 and S8+ users using Sprint or T-Mobile network carriers, or have purchased an unlocked version for the U.S.

In the U.K., the program is available for Galaxy S8 and S8+ users who have an open market device (operator unlocked version).

** Since the beta software is not the official version of the interface, unexpected errors may occur.

*** End date of program differs by country and may be subject to change.

Currently available in U.S. English and Korean¹, Bixby brings enhanced smartphone productivity and personalization through Quick Commands, a feature that allows you to easily create a custom voice command to use in place of a sequence of one or more commands. For example, you can use the command “good night” as a shortcut for “Turn on Do-not-disturb mode, set an alarm for 6:00 AM and turn on blue light filter.”

Bixby also understands the way you actually speak, ask questions and make requests. For example, if you take a photo and then tell Bixby to “send the picture just taken to Mom,” Bixby understand cross-application commands and will know which photo you are referring to and will text it to your mom. This natural language understanding makes interacting with your smartphone easier and more intuitive. With its iterative deep learning technology, Bixby will improve over time to recognize your personal preferences and ways of speaking.

Bixby is unique in that it is an intelligent interface, rather than a standalone app. When an application becomes Bixby-enabled, Bixby will support almost every task that the application is capable of performing using voice, touch or text. Bixby’s deep integration is also built into the smartphone settings so that you can change phone options– such as setting the screen timeout or showing all notifications– without interrupting what you are currently doing.

“Now millions of customers worldwide have access to a new and intelligent way of interacting with their phone,” said Injong Rhee, Executive Vice President and Head of R&D, Software and Services of the Mobile Communications Business at Samsung Electronics. “The expansion of Bixby’s voice capabilities is an initial step in the continued rollout of Bixby functionality. In the future, Bixby will have the learning power to offer more intelligent and personalized interactions and seamless connections across more devices.”

Samsung plans to continue expanding Bixby’s voice capabilities to additional countries, languages, devices, features and third-party applications. By further enhancing its mobile experience and solutions offerings, even more users can interact with their device and manage their apps and services more seamlessly and instinctively.

Starting today, Galaxy S8 and S8+² users can enable Bixby’s voice capabilities by pressing the Bixby button to begin onboarding. You can now activate Bixby by holding the dedicated button on the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ phones, or by simply saying, “Hi, Bixby.”

For more information on how to get more done with your day with Bixby, please visit: https://news.samsung.com/global/how-to-get-more-done-in-your-day-with-bixby

¹Voice command recognizes English (US) and Korean. Not all accents, dialects and expressions recognized. Service ability may vary by country or carrier. Natural language understanding allows Bixby to continuously improve its ability to interpret regional dialects. But, since Bixby learns more frequently used command terms more quickly, it will take more time for Bixby to fully understand regional dialects that are used less frequently. 

²Bixby is currently available on select devices, including the Galaxy S8 and S8+.

An Expanding Network

Having attracted more than 858,741^* visitors in locations such as the Westfield Parramatta in Sydney, Stockholm Central Station, the Dubai Mall, Hong Kong’s Excelsior Plaza and, most recently, American locales such as Chicago’s Navy Pier, Samsung’s Galaxy Studios are continuously expanding to all corners of the world.

The Chicago Navy Pier location is the latest to be added to the Galaxy Studio network.

A Galaxy Studio in Tokyo, Japan features Samsung’s latest technological innovations.

A Galaxy Studio sits at the center of a public square in Madrid, Spain.

Visitors line up at a Galaxy Studio in Stockholm, Sweden.

Hands-On with the Galaxy S8

Among the Galaxy Studios’ highlights include experiences surrounding the Galaxy S8 and S8+.

Many visitors have particularly enjoyed the Liquid Canvas experience, in which their selfie is recreated underwater in ink, oil or liquid dye as the Galaxy S8 is moved over a ‘Liquid Canvas.’ The activity also showcases the benefits of the phone’s IP68 water and dust resistance.

A selfie comes to life on the Liquid Canvas in Moscow, Russia.

At other Galaxy Studios, guests can explore the various key features of the Galaxy S8 by placing the device on an interactive smart table.

The table connects with the Galaxy S8 via Wi-Fi and acts as a second screen, giving viewers an immersive view of the bezel-less Infinity Display and crisp, clear photos made possible by the phone’s Smart Auto Focus and multi-frame image processing. Visitors can also see Bixby, Samsung’s intelligent interface, in action as it interprets information from users’ surroundings and shares tips from where to grab a cup of coffee to how to get to the closest gym.

An interactive smart table showcases the key features of the Galaxy S8 in Santiago, Chile.

The table also features Samsung Connect, a smart home network that connects the Galaxy S8 with appliances and other devices to simplify day-to-day tasks, and showcases content from the Gear 360 and Gear VR.

Mesmerizing 360-Degree Experiences

At select Galaxy Studios, visitors can witness firsthand the amazing capabilities of the Gear 360, Samsung’s 4K resolution-capable 360-degree camera. By stepping into a cylindrical room illuminated by captivating lights and patterns, they can capture every angle of their experience in 360 degrees with the Gear 360 and then share it with their friends.

A visitor interacts with the Gear 360 at a Galaxy Studio in Sydney, Australia.

Participants capture the moment in 360 degrees at a Galaxy Studio in Chicago, USA.

Gear Up

Many of the Galaxy Studios allow visitors to transport themselves to virtual worlds. For example, a 4D theater powered by the Gear VR with Controller allows them to engage in a space battle or perform stunning aircraft stunts, all while sitting in a chair.

Visitors try out the Gear VR with Controller in Dallas, USA.

Fun and Fitness

But not all of the Galaxy Studios are entirely about play. In fact, at the Galaxy Fitness stations, guests might just work up a sweat. Here, they can strap on a Gear S3 and play a virtual game of tennis or go ‘swimming.’ Kinetic sensors detect the players’ movements for a fun and interactive experience, while the Gear S3 tracks their activity and heart rate.

A game of tennis unfolds at the Galaxy Fitness station in Sydney, Australia.

The Best in Design Concept

The Galaxy Studio has made a splash not only with its engaging tech experiences, but also with its sophisticated Galaxy Studio Design Toolkit, which delivers a simple but alluring invitation to potential visitors.

On July 11, the Galaxy Studio Design Toolkit was selected as a recipient of the Red Dot Award: Best of the Best in Design Concept, which recognizes groundbreaking designs for prototypes and ready-to-launch products. The Red Dot Design Award received a total of 4,724 entries this year, and 43 pieces were recognized with the Best of the Best award. The award ceremony is scheduled to take place on October 18 in Singapore.

Galaxy Studios invite visitors to explore a world of mobile connectivity, bringing to the forefront Samsung’s latest technologies and all the possibilities they hold.

^* As of afternoon hours of August 8, 2017 U.S. Central Time

Samsung’s Galaxy S8 and S8+ have received a Gold rating from the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT), the definitive rating system for evaluating electronic devices’ eco-friendliness. The devices are the first smartphones to earn the certification, which assesses, among other criteria, material selection, product longevity, the manufacturer’s social contributions, and energy conservation during production and use.

The certification is a joint initiative of the non-profit Green Electronics Council and Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a global safety science organization. The rating was earned in recognition of Samsung’s efforts to produce the devices in a sustainable way, which included increasing the efficiency of their chargers, using recycled plastics in accessories, and other eco-friendly measures.

This distinction is the second that the Galaxy S8 and S8+ have received from UL. This past June, the organization’s UL Environment division awarded both devices ECOLOGO Gold Certification to the ANSI/UL 110 Standard for Sustainability for Mobile Phones.

In addition to receiving a top EPEAT rating, both the Galaxy S8 and S8+ have also been given a “Carbon Footprint Label” from the Carbon Trust, a leading authority on carbon-reduction programs and certifications, as well as a “Vitality Leaf” eco-label from the Russian Ecological Union.

Due to a rich legacy of mobile innovation, Samsung is uniquely positioned to offer a mobile experience and solutions that seamlessly integrate with, and power, its devices. As the heart of Samsung’s offerings, Bixby’s intelligent interface was designed to power users’ devices, apps and services, allowing easy control of smartphones and beyond.

With full voice capabilities for U.S. English, Bixby can help users get more out of their connected lives. With voice capabilities, Galaxy S8 and S8+ users can easily activate voice commands to get more done in their day – simply and efficiently. Users can ask Bixby to complete simple tasks, like turning on the flashlight or taking a selfie, or complex tasks, like “remind me to pick up milk at the grocery store,” or “find photos I took in Spain and create an album called ‘Vacation.’”

At launch, Bixby will be fully integrated across core Samsung apps, so almost anything you could do with touch or typing, you can now do with your voice, including multi-step, and cross-app requests. Support for additional native and third-party apps will be available via Bixby Labs, which includes select applications that are offering preliminary integration with Bixby. Because Bixby is deeply integrated into the device – rather than in a standalone application – users can easily switch between voice, touch or text commands, providing a unique experience over current voice assistants on the market.

“At Samsung, we are dedicated to creating the best possible user experience for our customers. That’s why we designed Bixby – it’s an intelligent interface that allows you to do more things with your phone. We want to offer a truly multimodal experience, so that users can interact with their phone in many different ways – through sight, touch, typing or voice – all of the most natural ways to interact with the world, available on your smartphone,” says Injong Rhee, Executive Vice President, Head of R&D, Software and Services of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics. “And as the Bixby ecosystem grows, it will use its completeness, context awareness and cognitive tolerance to evolve from a smartphone interface to the interface for your life,” he continues.

Voice capabilities for Bixby can be activated by pushing the dedicated Bixby hardware button located on the side of the Galaxy S8 and S8+, or by simply saying “Hi Bixby.” Bixby understands natural language, so users can complete tasks by using everyday speech, rather than pre-set and inflexible commands. Through iterative deep learning technology, Bixby can improve over time to recognize the user’s different preferences and ways of speaking.

Galaxy S8 and S8+ users in the U.S. can start using Bixby’s voice service immediately by updating the application to the latest software version. Bixby’s voice capabilities are currently available in Korean and U.S. English in South Korea and the United States on the Galaxy S8 and S8+. Samsung will continuously expand this service with additional languages and devices in the near future.

For more information, please visit: http://www.samsung.com/global/galaxy/apps/bixby/

Samsung DeX is a new innovation that enables users to connect their Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ smartphone to a monitor, keyboard and mouse to unlock a desktop-like experience. The Android-based platform gives users access to the apps already installed on their mobile while also enabling them to interact with them in new ways. As a result, users can enjoy an additional dimension of convenience and productivity.

Hyoungsik Kim and Minchul Kim of the Service Product Management Group at Samsung’s Mobile Communications Business explain the rationale behind Samsung DeX.

Q. You started this project in 2014. Why is now the right time to bring it to market?

Hyoungsik Kim: In 2014, our IM department had an idea. We wanted to expand the mobile experience to a PC but we had three challenges to overcome. First, the CPUs of smartphones three years ago weren’t fast enough. Secondly, HDMI technology wasn’t ready to offer the connectivity we needed, as response times were too slow. Lastly, the interface of the Android OS did not correspond to those of PCs’, which was a major problem.

In 2017, however, we had the opportunity to use new technology to bring our idea to life. New Android 7.0 mobile devices were brought to market, boasting Display Port (DP) technology that delivers video feedback through cables in powerful 10-nano Application Processors (AP). In other words, the hardware and software had finally caught up to where we needed it to be to develop Samsung DeX.

Q. What feedback have you had from consumers so far?

Hyoungsik Kim: Those who have shown real interest in Samsung DeX are the people who have PCs but tend to do basically everything – from compiling reports to sending video messages to their friends – on their phone. These consumers are highly satisfied with the fact that they can finally enjoy movies, games and other media from their smartphones on a larger screen.

Samsung DeX users also value having a desktop screen that looks different than their mobile screen, with a distinct allocation of apps, in addition to being able to use keyboard shortcuts and mouse gestures such as scrolling and drag and drop.

Q. How is Samsung working to expand the ecosystem of DeX-compatible apps?

Hyoungsik Kim: Although the level of optimization varies, most apps can be used on Samsung DeX. Furthermore, the apps that support Android Nougat 7.0’s multi-window function allow users to adjust the size of the app windows on Samsung DeX.  Even those that don’t support Android 7.0 can still be used on Samsung DeX with a fixed screen size.

There are hundreds of apps that already support Android 7.0 and this number is growing very quickly. As this ecosystem continues to expand, so too will the benefits it offers Samsung DeX users. The window resize feature is great, but we want to achieve so much more. We’re continuously working with a number of partners such as Microsoft and Adobe to provide a highly optimized user interface previously unavailable on a mobile device.

Minchul Kim: Furthermore, Samsung DeX was created as an open platform to make it easier for third-party developers to optimize their apps for the service. In fact, all developers need to do to make their app DeX-compatible is update it according to Android 7.0’s developer guidelines. Samsung also operates a website that offers developers a wealth of information about the Samsung DeX platform as well as FAQs to address their questions.

Q. What are some of the ways Samsung DeX can enhance the mobile workspace?

Minchul Kim: We considered our customers in both B2C and B2B realms. Samsung DeX allows mobile workers and business professionals to remotely and conveniently access their digital workspace and all of the business apps and data they need to get their work done through partner solutions including Citrix. We are also working closely with companies like VMware and Amazon Web Services and will continue to grow our roster of strategic partners.

Moreover, a number of institutions such as finance companies and government agencies are looking for ways to enable their employees to use their smartphones at work and have shown an increasing interest in Samsung DeX. Samsung is beginning to work with these organizations through an ongoing pilot program. As part of the pilot, we will monitor equipment issues, application operation and any other relevant features to ensure that Samsung DeX works smoothly in the working environment.

Samsung DeX is a great solution for the workspace not only because it helps to improve efficiency but is also cost-effective, as it helps to minimize costs such as management fees commonly associated with the utilization of PCs and other devices.

Q. How could Samsung DeX be used in different environments?

Minchul Kim: When creating Samsung DeX, we devised three use cases: light use at home, general use at conferences and workplaces, and last but not least, DeX Lounge.

For example, Samsung DeX makes working on-the-go a breeze. Whenever I go on a business trip, I much prefer to use Samsung DeX than a laptop. Some Samsung Electronics offices even have work stations equipped with monitors and keyboards, allowing employees to work via Samsung DeX. These places are appropriate venues for DeX lounge, which we look forward to growing in the near future.

Hyoungsik Kim: The concept of DeX lounge was born from the idea that many people are hesitant to use their personal accounts on public computers. So, by providing a space where they could simply plug in their smartphone and work from it in the same way they would with a computer, we could create a more comfortable public working environment. We are planning to test out DeX lounge through an upcoming internal pilot project at a coffee shop at the Samsung Campus.

Q. What was the main focus when creating the DeX Station?

Minchul Kim: One of the biggest concerns of our customers is compatibility. Therefore, the DeX Station was designed to make sure consumers would be able to use all of Samsung’s 2017 flagship smartphones with just one device. The DeX Station also charges the phone while it’s being used and is highly portable, adding to its convenience.

Q. As a product manager, what is your vision for the future of Samsung DeX?

Hyoungsik Kim: Email, gaming and virtual reality are already in the realm of the smartphone. However, we hope to expand the role of the device to that of a mobile desktop platform by further incorporating certain features of the PC.

In 2017, we are demonstrating how smartphones can be extended to a desktop-like interface through Samsung DeX. The next step is to add new features as well as establish new use cases to make the service even better.

For more on Samsung DeX, check out this related article from Samsung Mobile Press.

Samsung Electronics has officially released its sixth color edition of the Galaxy S8+ 64GB model: Rose Pink.

Starting June 30, the Rose Pink version of the smartphone will be available in select markets including South Korea and Taiwan.*

Inspired by nature, the new hue envelops the device, creating a sense of unity and fluidity between the glass and metal of the phone’s body. The Rose Pink color itself is simultaneously sophisticated and modern, adding to the overall aesthetics of the device, intensifying the depth of its design.

Featuring a sleek, bezel-less design that flows over the phone’s sides, the Galaxy S8+ incorporates cutting edge mobile technologies that enhance the user experience. Included among these features are its immersive Infinity Display, unified UX, Dual Pixel camera and Bixby intelligent interface.

In addition to the new hue, Samsung’s Galaxy S8 and S8+ are available in Midnight Black, Orchid Gray, Coral Blue, Arctic Silver and Maple Gold.

*Specific availability details will be announced by each market’s wireless providers and regional Samsung offices.

Tong Wang, Executive Vice President of Samsung Electronics China (right), accepts the ‘Best Smartphone’ award at the 2017 Asia Mobile Awards.

Organized in coordination with the GSMA, this year’s MWC Shanghai runs from June 28 through July 1. The event provides mobile industry professionals and leading corporations in Asia with an excellent opportunity to showcase their latest innovations, and allows attendees to take a sneak peek at the future of mobile technologies.

This year’s AMOs were held on the evening of June 28 at the DaGuan Theatre in Pudong, Shanghai. The awards celebrate companies whose mobile products and services exhibit exceptional innovation.

For ‘Best Smartphone,’ a panel of leading journalists, analysts and market influencers assess entries based on a wide array of criteria ranging from physical design and UX (user experience) to performance, simplicity of use, value for money and sheer innovation.

The Galaxy S8 and S8+ were designed to offer a smartphone experience without limits, and feature a bezel-less design, smooth contours and an immersive Infinity Display that allow users to enjoy new levels of functionality and convenience.

There may be over a billion smartphones buzzing in pockets around the world, but not one of them is like yours.

Although we choose from a similar range of models, the reality is that every phone is unique to us as individuals. We pour ourselves into them with apps that simplify our lives, as well as our own memories in the form of photos, videos, music and more.

In today’s world, our phones are an extension of ourselves; many of us would be lost without them. Buying a new device sometimes generates a fear of losing cherished moments on an old phone – but that shouldn’t force us to choose between state-of-the-art design or keeping our memories. We need a solution that lets us upgrade while preserving our most important content.

To make these upgrades swift and worry-free, Samsung created Smart Switch. This easy-to-use service allows you to transfer important content from any phone or OS to your new Galaxy S8, S8+ or other Galaxy device.* In other words, Smart Switch ensures all your cherished digital memories carry over to your new phone, so you can focus on making new ones.

Keep the Content that Matters Most

Today, our smartphones double as cameras, entertainment hubs, personal computers and much more. They’re the first thing we reach for in the morning and the last thing we interact with at night – ever-present assistants that, along with streamlining work and daily life, allow us to keep the content that matters most on hand.

The amount of data we depend on our devices to manage throughout the day can make the idea of upgrading to a new device seem daunting. From that impressive meal you made to a beautiful flower in spring, every memory is a vital part of who you are, and the risk of losing a single one may be enough to put pause in your decision.

Not with Smart Switch. The mobile and PC app allows you to instantly make your new Galaxy smartphone more convenient and familiar by seamlessly transferring your photos, videos, contacts, music and more.

That means your carefully curated road trip playlist will make the journey, as will your meticulously planned calendar, work contacts, text messages, go-to apps and even those cherished holiday photos with your family. Key moments in your life will be preserved and transferred with ease and without burdening you with the worry of how to make sure they’re safe.

Easy Upgrades for All

Whether you’re upgrading from an Android, iOS, Windows Mobile or BlackBerry device, Smart Switch ensures that you’ll be up and running with your new Galaxy phone in no time.

Getting started is easy – simply choose which of the three convenient transfer options works for you. You may transfer content directly between your Wi-Fi-connected phones via the Smart Switch Mobile app, tether your old and new devices via USB, or utilize Smart Switch’s seamless computer software.

The software option allows backup using a personal computer. The intuitive interface makes restoring content on a new Galaxy phone swift and easy, and provides a simple means for you to conduct firmware updates and back up your new device.

After you’ve established a connection with your new phone via one of the options above, Smart Switch will walk you through selecting the content you’d like to save and initiate a speedy transfer. Once completed, your new device will have the look and feel you’ve grown accustomed to and you’ll be ready to take full advantage of the Galaxy family’s best-in-class technology and services.

Even Better with the Galaxy S8

Those who use Smart Switch to upgrade to the new Galaxy S8 or S8+ will find that Samsung’s latest flagships make managing important data and preserving digital memories even more intuitive. Our services are designed to seamlessly flow between hardware and software, making use of our expertise to deliver the best experience for you.

Smart Switch makes full use of this integration of hardware and software. Paired with Samsung Knox, our defense-grade security software, and a diverse range of biometric authentication options available with the Galaxy S8 or S8+, Samsung ensures that your content – from a single text to the largest video – remains secure throughout the entire transfer process.

Don’t let the fear of losing cherished memories hold you back. Upgrade your mobile experience and preserve the content that matters most to you with Smart Switch and the Galaxy S8 and S8+.

*Smart Switch is compatible with the Galaxy S2 and newer devices – including tablets – running Android OS 4.0 and above. Certain devices running Android OS 4.0 and above may not support wireless transfers. Transfers between Android to Galaxy devices performed via USB cable require Android OS 4.3 and above as well as MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) USB support.

UHQ Audio Playback

Recognizing the importance of audio technology, Samsung equipped the Galaxy S8 with Ultra High Quality (UHQ) Audio Playback capabilities with UHQ 32-bit and DSD support*.

This, along with support for digital recordings up to 32 bit/384kHz, ensures that the smartphone can reproduce the full range of sound from recordings that have been mastered from better than CD quality music sources. In other words, the Galaxy S8 does not downsample (or compress) audio files, so the user can experience music and sound much closer to the original recording. Recording quality, too, has also been improved thanks to the High Acoustic Overload Point (AOP) Mic that minimizes distortion in noisy environments.

Dual Audio

The all-new Dual Bluetooth Audio feature provides users with the facility to simultaneously stream audio to two sets of headphones or speakers, while also allowing them to control the volume of the outputs separately.

Settings > Connections > Bluetooth

Separate App Sound

The new Separate app sound function permits users to simultaneously broadcast sounds from two individual apps using their Galaxy S8 smartphone and a separate device. This means that, for instance, a user may listen to GPS navigation via their Galaxy S8’s speaker while streaming music to their car’s Bluetooth audio system at the same time. The volume of the audio, meanwhile, can also be controlled independently.

Settings > Sounds and vibration > Separate app sound

Adapt Sound 6.0

The Galaxy S8’s Adapt Sound 6.0 function has been improved with new Preset and Advanced modes to allow for enhanced audio personalization. Clinical research and statistical analysis of people’s hearing patterns were used to develop three preset sound profiles optimized for people by age: under 30 years, between 30 and 60 years, and over 60 years.

Users can select a preset profile according to their age, or opt to use the Advanced mode to test their hearing and find the best sound for them. The Galaxy S8 will then automatically adjust the audio output for calls, music and video based on their specific needs so they can enjoy a truly tailor-made audio experience.

Settings > Sounds and vibration > Sound quality and effects

SoundAlive 4.1

The latest Galaxy flagship is also backed by SoundAlive 4.1, a tool that gives the user the ultimate control over sound quality and effects.** The tool features an easy-to-use, 9-band Equalizer with six pre-set options to tweak the phone’s audio; a UHQ Upscaler to enhance sound resolution; and Surround, Tube Amp Pro and Concert hall effects.

Settings > Sounds and vibration > Sound quality and effects

Extra Volume

There’s nothing worse than having to make or take a call in a noisy environment, such as a crowded café or heavily-trafficked street. But the Galaxy S8’s Extra volume feature makes it possible to increase the call volume without sacrificing sound quality by simply tapping an icon, right from the call screen.

Interview Mode

To better capture an interview using the Galaxy S8’s Voice Recorder app, users can activate Interview mode. In this mode, sounds near the top and bottom of the phone are amplified, while those closer to the sides are suppressed to ensure the voices of both the interviewer and interviewee are crisp and clear.

UHQ Upscaler

To enhance the sound resolution of music and videos even further, users can activate the UHQ upscaler via the Entertainment Mode settings menu.

Settings >Device Maintenance >Performance Mode>Entertainment

Superior, In-Box Earphones

For the Galaxy S8, Samsung worked with HARMAN to create AKG-tuned earphones that deliver pure, superior sound. Included as an in-box accessory, the new high-performance earphones have dual drivers — 11 and 8 millimeters — to offer uncompromised audio for unbeatable sound quality. In addition, the earphones have a comfortable hybrid canal fit for improved noise cancellation and are made from anti-tangle, metal-fabric material.

*DSD64 and DSD128 playback may be limited depending on the file format.

**Some features are only available when the device is connected to a pair of earphones.

Take the Galaxy S8 and S8+. When designing its latest flagships, Samsung went to great lengths to ensure that the UX behind their groundbreaking, bezel-less designs would foster convenient and intuitive interactions. The result of the company’s efforts is a seamless interface that allows users to navigate the devices’ immersive displays with ease and take full advantage of their powerful features.

The tips and functions outlined below offer simple ways for users to further amplify their Galaxy S8’s convenience and get more out of their smartphone experience.

Get to Know the Navigation Bar

The navigation bar that houses the Galaxy S8’s Home, Back and Recents buttons has a few tricks up its sleeve, including allowing users to bypass their device’s Lock screen and instantly access the Home screen.

After activating the Unlock with Home button feature via Settings > Display > Navigation bar, a hard press of the square Home button from the Always On Display will unlock the device (a swiping motion is not required), while a double-tap will pull up the lock screen. The navigation bar’s settings also allow users to customize the Home button’s sensitivity to avoid unwanted presses.

Users may hide the navigation bar in apps where it does not automatically disappear or fix it to their screen by toggling the Show and Hide button, which appears on the bar’s far left side. The bar’s configuration may also be customized.

Using certain apps and functions may cause the navigation bar to disappear entirely. In those instances, users may navigate back to the Home screen by hard-pressing on the Home button’s usual location, and may access the navigation bar by swiping up from the bottom of the screen.

Take Advantage of the Edge Screen

The Edge panels in the Galaxy S8’s Edge screen offer access to apps, news and key functions with a simple swipe of the side of the screen. Users may customize their Edge panel selection and add more apps and shortcuts that work for them.

The Edge screen’s Edge lighting feature adds additional convenience, notifying users of incoming messages by illuminating the Infinity Display’s edges. This allows notifications to be visible even when the device is facing down, and creates an intuitive means to notify users of messages without disrupting their enjoyment of videos, games and apps.

Users may access the Edge screen’s settings by tapping Settings > Display > Edge screen.

Create Convenient Reminders

Find an interesting article that you’d like to get back to later? The Galaxy S8 allows users to conveniently save URLs using its Reminder function.

With the website pulled up, simply access your browser’s sharing options and tap on the Reminder icon. Webpage URLs are automatically saved, and users may additionally select exactly when they’d like to receive their notification.

The Galaxy S8 also allows users to create reminders based on texts. When viewing a conversation in the Messages app, long-press your selected message until the Message options menu appears and choose Send to Reminder. The message will automatically be saved to the Reminder app, and you’ll also be able to specify if/when you would like the reminder to appear.

In addition, the Galaxy S8 allows users to pin reminders to its Always On Display, making them visible at all times. To do so, open the Reminder app, tap on the reminder that you would like to display and select Pin to Always On Display.

Power Button and Sensor Shortcuts

Sometimes taking the perfect photo requires one to be quick on the draw with their camera.

To help users capture more of their special moments, the Galaxy S8’s camera launches instantly with a double-press of the power key. The camera’s zoom function is similarly seamless, allowing users to easily zoom in or out by dragging the white shutter button to the right or left.

In addition to unlocking the device, the Galaxy S8’s fingerprint sensor allows users to open apps and manage key functions. A simple swipe down or up will show or hide the notification panel, while swiping up on the sensor from the Home screen will launch the Samsung Pay app. The function may be found under Settings > Advanced features > Finger sensor gestures.

In a meeting and can’t answer the phone? With the Galaxy S8, you can politely decline incoming calls with preset text messages.

The Quick Reply feature activates with a two-second touch of the device’s heart-rate sensor and allows users to send a customized response that suits their needs. The function may be found under Settings > Display > Edge screen > Edge lighting > More Options > Quick reply.

Step Up Your Screenshot Game

The Galaxy S8 allows users to snap quick screenshots via a variety of convenient ways.

Users have the option to press and hold the ‘volume down’ and power buttons simultaneously, swipe the screen from one side to the other with the side of their palm, or utilize the Galaxy S8’s Smart Select feature, which is found via the Edge screen and allows you to select an area of the display to capture as an image or GIF.

Located under Settings > Advanced features > Smart capture, scroll capture is another useful option that’s designed to help users snap more complete screenshots. The function appears after a screenshot has been taken and allows for all of an app or page’s scrollable content to be included in the image.

Get More Done with Snap Window

The Galaxy S8’s new Snap Window feature allows users to select a portion of the most recently opened app to pin to the top of their screen.

This means that, for instance, a user may keep an eye on a video or constantly updated content such as stock prices and headlines via the top of their screen while using the remainder of the display to send an email, browse the web or manage other apps.

Activate the feature by pulling up your recent apps and tapping on the function’s corresponding button.

A Fun Way to Unlock Your Phone

After registering their irises for biometric verification, Galaxy S8 users have the option to select a fun mask or background to display when the security feature is activated.

Available designs may be found under Settings > Lock screen and security > Iris scanner > Preview screen mask.

Sharing Links with Samsung Cloud

Samsung Cloud offers users an effortless means to share large video clips and reams of pictures by creating a URL that lets others access your shared media.

The function maintains full picture quality and supports files of up to 1GB in size. Users may save up to 2GB of content per day. After two days, the files are deleted from Samsung’s servers.

To utilize the feature, select the photo or video that you would like to share in the Gallery app, tap Share and choose Link Sharing. The subsequent screen will allow you to select the app you would like to use to send your link.

Users may also provide others with access to shared content by sending a code. Those who receive the code will be able to punch it in to Samsung’s Link Sharing app and instantly view and download the shared files.

Members of the Samsung Mobile UX Innovation Team discuss with Samsung Newsroom the concept, the improvements and the inspiration of the Galaxy S8’s UX.

Q. What is the overall concept of the Galaxy S8 UX?

Joan Park: The overall concept of the Galaxy S8’s UX is ‘New Rhythm.’ The word ‘rhythm’ is derived from the PIE root ‘sreu,’ meaning ‘to flow.’ We chose this concept to introduce new services and functions through the smartphone’s UX and to enhance the flow of user interactions to better fit the way people use their phones today. Like the design of the device itself, the UX is seamless, unifying both visual and audio components to establish one continuous experience.

Q. How was this concept applied to the phone’s visual language?

Joan Park: The Infinity Wallpaper of the customizable Always On Display complements the color of the phone and makes use of the captivating Infinity Display to visually immerse the user. Its eye-catching aesthetic transitions smoothly to the Lock, Home and Apps screens for an added effect.

Seockhyun Yu: We applied similar dynamic effects to other apps to not only create a fun and immersive experience, but to ensure that users could intuitively use the device, guided by visual interaction. For example, users can easily zoom in and out on the Camera app by sliding the shutter button rather than using a pinch-zoom gesture. Also, when making or receiving a call, the color scheme is extracted from the contact’s picture and is displayed as the background in a gradient form.

Heekyung Deon: Even the phone’s icons and typography incorporate the Galaxy S8’s design language through a series of continuous curves and lines – an aesthetic inspired by a ‘Light & Line’ concept that is drastically different from previous Galaxy models. By cutting certain parts of the icons’ lines, we replicated a play of light and shadow that can be observed in everyday life. The result is a design that is systematic but also unique.

Q. What were the changes made to the phone’s audio language?

Josh Youn: We wanted to complete the user experience through the musical interpretation of the Galaxy S8’s visual experience and overall aesthetic. Therefore, the essence of the phone’s visual language was injected into the Galaxy S8’s brand sound “Over the Horizon.” The latest version of the song aims to manifest the yearnings and changes of our current age, appealing especially to the millennial generation.

The phone’s ringtones have also been updated to better harmonize with the icons, wallpaper and exterior design of the device. Furthermore, five new vibration patterns that differ in strength, length and frequency have been added.

Q. What is the biggest difference in the Galaxy S8’s UX compared to the previous model?

Seungwook Nam: Perhaps the most noticeable difference in design is the considerably larger display. To create this expanded screen space, visually obtrusive elements were minimized, and the home key was embedded underneath the screen. We needed to make sure, however, that this alteration did not create any inconveniences for the user.

So, to ensure they could use their phones in a familiar way, we made it so that the ‘invisible’ home button would function in the way a typical home key would. Furthermore, when watching videos or playing games, users simply need to press and hold the location where the home button would normally be to activate its functionality, rather than pulling up a navigational menu, like some other smartphones require users to do.

Q. What improvements have been made to the Galaxy S8’s edge screen?

July Baek: With the Galaxy S8, we’ve made two major changes to the edge UX to enhance usability and allow users to do more, right from the edge screen. First, we added a new Edge lighting feature, which illuminates the edges of the smartphone when the user receives a notification to create a fuller experience. We also provided a notification preview function to alert users of incoming calls or messages while minimizing screen distractions so they can stay focused on their movie or game.

Secondly, we expanded the edge panel through the addition of Clipboard edge, Device maintenance, Smart select and Reminder panels to facilitate the user experience. The Clipboard edge panel, for example, can be accessed when using an app, without having to navigate between windows to access saved images or text.

Q. How has the Always on Display been updated?

Hayoung Kim: We also added FaceWidgets to the Always On Display. By double tapping the clock, users can scroll through these widgets to quickly control music playback, view their schedule and check upcoming alarms. Furthermore, users can customize their Always On Display screen with memos and to-do lists via the Pin to Always On Display function via the Reminder app.

Q. How would you define the perfect UX?

Junwon Jung: A good UX is not only appealing to the eye, but is also easy and fun to navigate, and built with comprehensive features. Furthermore, a UX isn’t simply what appears on the screen – it’s a continuous stream of use. Therefore, all of its elements must work harmoniously.

That’s why “perfect” is not a completed state but rather a process. Samsung’s UX designers are continuously working to understand what users want so that we can achieve a UX that’s as close to perfect as possible.

Q. Where does the UX team get their inspiration?

Hyunkyoung Kim: We are continuously listening to fellow employees’ ideas and keeping an eye on various blogs to better understand the current needs in the market. We also look at user reviews of previous products to make improvements on future models.

For example, the Samsung Connect feature that allowed users to play TV audio from their smartphone could previously only be activated when the Galaxy S7 was connected to a pair of earphones. But, after reviewing user feedback, we designed the Galaxy S8 so that it can play TV audio via its built-in speaker.

Through continuous brainstorming with related divisions and departments, we are always working to create innovative functions that add to the user experience. It’s very satisfying to receive positive user feedback regarding the newly applied features born from our efforts.

The Samsung Internet icon

Extensions Offer Increased Functionality

As mobile browsing has evolved, so too has Samsung Internet. With its comprehensive troupe of extensions, users can enjoy some of the interesting new options offered in the latest Samsung Internet, which we take a closer look at here.

The CloseBy extension, an IoT-to-browser application that seamlessly provides users with more information about their surroundings, is now built into the Samsung Internet web browser. When users approach a Physical Web beacon that pushes a URL, CloseBy will provide a notification.

A practical implementation of this technology can be found at city bus stops enabled with Physical Web beacon technology. As you approach a busy bus stop, CloseBy will receive a notification URL that will allow the user to quickly visit a site that provides information on bus routes and arrival times.

Another notable example of how this extension can benefit users is at art museums equipped with the technology – users can quickly access information on a given work of art via notifications received with CloseBy.

The Samsung Internet 5.4 content blocking extension API has enabled a range of 3rd party content blocker add-ons. Simply tap “Content blockers” menu under “Extensions” settings to download the 3rd party content blocker add-ons. The availability of this feature may vary by country.

No one likes installing too many apps on their phones, which can slow down our mobile devices. This is why Samsung Internet utilizes your phone’s camera with its own built-in QR code reader to allow for fast and easy scanning of QR codes. Simply enable the function under ‘Extensions’ and you can find ‘Scan QR code’ added under the menu.

Often, while navigating on mobile browsers, users experience situations where they wish the browser offered a more seamless way to quickly share information with family and friends. With the Quick Menu function enabled, a floating button will appear on your browser, which can be moved to other parts of the screen if wanted. This allows users to quickly access convenient features, including sharing, opening new tabs and modifying text size. Additionally, users can quickly open new tabs by long-pressing the tab button in the bottom-right corner of the browser. Finally, a familiar star button on the upper-left side of the URL bar allows users to quickly bookmark the current page.

Sharing video content with connected devices is now easier than ever, giving users more options to view content where they please. Video Assistant has an additional layer of functionality built into it – simply tap the ‘View on TV’ button to watch content on a connected television screen or tap the ‘View on Gear VR’ button to view the content with the Gear VR. Furthermore, the unique Video Assistant extension plays videos in its own pop-up players, allowing users to search for additional information while viewing a video at the same time.

Samsung Internet Brings Cross-Platform Functionality

Samsung Internet powers multiple devices in the Samsung ecosystem, including Samsung DeX and Gear VR, to further expand your connected world.

The all new Samsung DeX**, released alongside the Galaxy S8 and S8+ flagships, unleashes an extended desktop-like user experience to bridge the gap between mobile computing on larger connected monitors and screens. The Samsung DeX-optimized Samsung Internet browser utilizes this new gateway to provide users with a browsing experience that’s similar in function and feel to a desktop or laptop browsing experience.

Multiple browsers can be opened at the same time, similar to multiple tab browsing, enabling users to work or shop with ease. While shopping, users can make online transactions securely by utilizing the biometric payment features they have already enabled on their Galaxy S8 or S8+. Another added benefit of Samsung Internet 5.4 is the ability for it to seamlessly toggle between mobile and desktop versions of the same page, depending on whether you are using your device or Samsung Dex to surf the internet.

Why wait to surf the web of the future when you can do it now? Connect your compatible Samsung device to a Samsung Gear VR to experience menus, videos and photographs like never before – in virtual reality.

Enhance the way you view web pages and video content on the mobile version of Samsung Internet by plugging in, and using the unique display capabilities of Samsung Internet for Gear VR. Additionally, mobile bookmarks and video history lists can be linked with your Gear VR, allowing users to more seamlessly experience Samsung Internet in virtual reality without delay or disruption.

Syncing your favorite bookmarks on Samsung Internet mobile with Google Chrome browser for PC is done with ease via a handy new extension. Simply install Samsung Internet from the Chrome Web Store on your PC and log into your Samsung Account to link the platforms and gain access to all your bookmarks from both browsers, on both browsers.

All this and more is available now so make sure you update your Samsung Internet app. Visit the Samsung Internet website for more information on the new features and benefits of Samsung Internet 5.4.

* Supported for devices running Android OS 5.0 or above and Google Experience Devices(GEDs)

**Only available for Galaxy S8 and S8+ users

The Infinity Display, with its continuous surface, and absence of buttons and harsh angles, is perhaps the most visibly distinct attribute of the new Galaxy S8 and S8+. But there’s a lot more to its stunning screen than meets the eye. In fact, it represents new heights in technology, UX design and viewing experience – all the result of Samsung’s dedication to creating meaningful, user-inspired technology.

Solving the Paradox of Size

According to Seungjun Hyun of Samsung Mobile’s Global Product Planning Group, the “paradox of size” is still a primary dilemma for smartphone users. In other words, they want a device with a screen large enough to view more content with less distractions, but also one with a compact form factor that fits comfortably in one hand.

To address this issue, Samsung designers and engineers knew they had to take a bold leap forward.

So, when it came time to build the Galaxy S8, designers dreamed up a compact yet immersive screen that minimizes top and bottom bezels and does away with side bezels entirely to create an ideal platform for viewing videos, games and social media feeds. The process of turning their idea into a reality, however, wasn’t without its challenges.

“To reduce the bezel size by approximately 50 percent compared to that of the previous model, we needed to rethink how the internal components should be arranged,” noted Beomju Kim of the Flagship R&D Group. “For example, we moved the DDI (Display Driver IC) to the bottom of the device, placed the camera inside the bezel, and tweaked the antennas to maximize screen space while ensuring functionality.”

Go Big or Go Home

Once the Infinity Display concept was confirmed, designers made the decision to move the Home button from the front of the device to behind the display to free up screen space. Although not physically visible to the user, the pressure-sensitive button would utilize touch haptic feedback to simulate the feel of an actual button press.

To accomplish this, pressure sensors were embedded directly into the device – a first for Samsung.

“Because we had never mounted pressure sensors on a mobile device before, we had to perform a number of simulation trials,” explained Yongseok Lee of the Advanced Mechanical R&D Group. “In the end, we found that we could take advantage of the dead space between the panel and the Display FPCB (Flexible Printed Circuit Board), and embedded the pressure sensors there.”

Another obstacle was working around the dual-edge design of the Galaxy S8’s display.

“As stunning as it is, the double curvature of the display’s corners makes it incredibly difficult to attach a protective film. In addition, we needed to define the boundary of the screen so that the image would not be distorted due to the curved display,” said Minsu Jung of the Advanced Mechanical R&D Group. “So we had to work closely with the designers and engineers from Samsung Display to adjust the designs as needed.”

The ‘invisible’ Home key and nearly bezel-less, dual-curved display together result in a device that is as sleek as it is technologically innovative.

A New Standard in Mobile Entertainment

Not only does the Galaxy S8’s Infinity Display offer an immersive viewing experience but its new 18.5:9 screen ratio makes for a cinematic one, as well.

While TV shows, movies and video content of the recent past have generally been produced in a 16:9 aspect ratio, video providers of today and tomorrow are beginning to embrace widescreen ratios of up to 21:9.

“When 16:9 content and 21:9 content are overlapped, the best ratio for both is actually 18.5:9. The reason we chose the 18.5:9 ratio is that it was the most appropriate when all content, from apps to multimedia to video to games, was tested and applied,” said Seungmin Choi of the Global Product Planning Group. “We went through a lot of tests, modifying the pixels one by one until we were satisfied with the result.”

When watched in landscape mode, 21:9 movies fill the Galaxy S8’s 18.5:9 display, while the black bars above and below the picture are minimized, increasing the viewing area by 36 percent, compared to the Galaxy S7.

In addition to boasting an enhanced aspect ratio, the Galaxy S8 is the first officially designated Mobile HDR Premium^TM screen, meaning users can watch content in the way the producer intended.

“The UHD Alliance’s standards mostly apply to televisions, so we had to work hard to define specifications specifically for mobile devices,” said Jeonghun Kim of the Display Group. “Attaining the certification required the close cooperation of numerous teams.”

Do More, Scroll Less

While the Galaxy S8’s Infinity Display takes the mobile entertainment experience to the next level, it’s also optimized for multitasking, making work and on-the-go tasks easier and more efficient.

With more screen real estate, users can make use of the phone’s multi-window functionality to perform multiple tasks at once, such as watching a video while typing a message using the full keyboard. The new Snap Window feature, meanwhile, lets them pin a specific area from a recent app to the top of the screen, and continue using the area below it to work and view content seamlessly.

The Galaxy S8 has also been optimized for one-handed operation, with a focus on reducing scrolling within the phone’s navigation screens as well as within timeline-based applications like social networking sites.

Further, engineers have built in shortcuts to make using the phone even more convenient, including a swipe gesture that allows users to reach the furthest corners of the screen without having to reposition the phone or their hands.

By elegantly balancing several competing demands – the perfect ratio for today’s content, the need for a bigger screen in a compact phone body and intuitive one-hand operation – Samsung’s engineers have created a one-of-a-kind display for the Galaxy S8.

The idea he suggested was one where we placed a smartphone on a docking station connected to a monitor. In doing so, we could run all Android apps on the monitor as well as Windows apps using a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)* while conveniently interacting with a keyboard and mouse.

The idea was great, but unfortunately, we couldn’t fully realize it back in 2014 due to many obstacles that couldn’t be negotiated easily, such as the limited processing power on the device.  However, we kept building on it, refining it and working on prototypes year after year while looking for an opportunity to bring it to our users.  The Galaxy S8 is the vehicle that enabled us to introduce our 3-year endeavor, realizing a modest dream, literally born from a piece of paper and some spirited discussion.

We live in a constantly changing mobile world where all the content and information that entertain and inspire us begins and ends with our phones.  We surf the web, we watch movies, we play games – all using a device small enough to fit in our pockets. Now, what if you could connect your smartphone to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse and use it like a desktop?  Of course, you might have to turn on your desktop for more complex tasks or gaming, but Samsung DeX adds tremendous value by enhancing the mobile experience for the mobile workforce.

And to extend the user experience, Samsung DeX can connect to your TV at home too using an HDMI cable.  Galaxy S8’s Infinity Display is a marvelous technical achievement in itself, but connected to your TV, Galaxy S8 with Samsung DeX enables you to play a movie on your TV while also texting your friends or surfing the web on Samsung’s Internet. Now imagine those places you often visit, such as cafés, airports or hotel lounges. With Samsung DeX, all you need is your Galaxy S8 to continue your mobile experience conveniently and securely whether you’re surfing the web, checking your emails, or watching your favorite movies. You don’t have to worry about having to enter your password to login or reveal any personal information using public computers.

It’s with this idea we introduce the values and the vision of Samsung DeX.

Services Made Possible with Hardware and Software, Working Together

In creating Samsung DeX, we focused heavily on how hardware and software will work together to provide a seamless user experience.  While Samsung Electronics’ pursuit of excellence in software and services is evident, we understand the importance of creating new opportunities and capabilities using  the hardware our customers love and trust.

For example, the 10-nano application processor (Aps) used in the Galaxy S8 provides a performance level equivalent to PCs. Additionally, the Galaxy S8’s USB type-C technology enables transmitting video and images to the monitor faster while maintaining high fidelity.

The DeX Station, Samsung DeX’s companion product, is ergonomically designed for the Galaxy S8 to create a completely different mobile experience. The high performance and innovation of the Galaxy S8 has enabled the simplified desktop experience of Samsung DeX. We will continue to strive to build and improve services for Samsung DeX, taking full advantage of our strength in hardware and our fresh approach to software development.

Service That Grows with Partners and Developers

I believe the days are long gone when a single provider can develop, release, and operate innovative services all by itself. Creating win-win partnerships and collaborating for mutual benefit is key to success in today’s fast moving, hypercompetitive market. Samsung DeX embodies that very principle.

Our partnerships with Microsoft and Hancom bring the best Samsung DeX user experience to the applications our users are familiar with. Adobe, well known for Photoshop among many other products, is a launch partner of ours, as are Citrix, VMware, and Amazon, who are providing VDI services. We maximized key Android features and capabilities and built the optimized user experience for Samsung DeX based on Android 7.0. Moreover, Samsung DeX doesn’t require developers to do anything specific for applications to be compatible. Any applications developed with the Android 7.0 developer’s guide in mind will run on Samsung DeX, bringing a desktop-like experience to users.  We have a dedicated website for developers, which I invite you to visit, share, and to collaborate with us.

Services with Vision – Breaking the Boundaries of Smartphones

All of our latest services offerings including Bixby, Samsung DeX and Samsung Connect share a common vision of pushing the boundaries that exist with smartphones. When our full vision for Bixby is realized, I believe Bixby will break the boundaries of touch-based interfaces with intuitive voice interactions enhanced by AI.

Samsung DeX opens up a new world that frees our users from the boundaries of a small screen. It provides individuals with an option to view and enjoy content on a larger screen, and interact with others more conveniently with a keyboard and mouse. In other words, Samsung DeX expands how users interact with their devices through enabling a totally new mobile experience.

With Samsung Connect, our users can control and monitor digital appliances and devices across their home, big or small. Our services are all envisioned, developed, and supported based on this principle of expanding and breaking new boundaries.

Let’s imagine, for a moment, what the future holds.  At home, while streaming your favorite movie on your big screen TV from your smartphone via Samsung DeX, you could tell Bixby, “It feels too warm in here.”  Bixby would intelligently understand you and turns on the air-conditioning with the help of Samsung Connect.  What we propose here at Samsung, is a smarter life with your mobile phone at its center. With the dream that was Samsung DeX now fully realized, I firmly believe we are approaching the edge of a new mobile frontier much sooner than we think.

*Cloud based services that enable a virtualized operating system image to be used in PCs or smartphones

Display

Offering an incredibly immersive visual experience, the curved, Mobile HDR Premium-certified OLED display of the Galaxy S8 and S8+ has been recognized as the best smartphone screen on the market. With an 18.5:9-ratio screen that fills 80 percent of the entire front of the device, the display makes watching video content a truly cinematic event, and enhances multitasking to make working on the go more efficient than ever.

Window

The smartphone is equipped with Gorilla® Glass 5—which is up to 1.8 times stronger than Gorilla® Glass 4—on both the front and back for enhanced durability.

DDI

The Display Driver IC (DDI) supports various image compression algorithms of major APs to reduce power consumption, all the while maintaining image quality. The DDI was moved from the top of the device to the bottom to allow for even smaller bezels on the smartphone’s display.

Pressure Sensor

To add to the viewing experience, the device’s home key was installed under the display and utilizes a pressure sensor to respond in the same way a physical button would through haptic feedback.

Front Camera

To maximize screen space, the front camera was built into the phone’s upper bezel. The 8MP F1.7 smart autofocus camera is equipped with facial recognition technology so it can better recognize and track faces, even when the distance between the camera and the subjects in the photo is increased. The technology also adds convenience by allowing users to quickly unlock their smartphone by simply looking at the front of the device.

Iris Scanner

Embedded on a singular module with the front camera, the Iris Sensor (Detector) enables iris scanning, a method of biometric identification that uses mathematical pattern recognition of images of an individual’s iris to enhance security.

Front Sensors

Sensors included on the front of the device include the SVC LED (Hidden), Proximity Sensor (Detector) & Light Sensor, Proximity Sensor (Emitter) and Iris LED. Black bezels and tint prints were applied on the front of the smartphone to hide the front sensors and other technical components, thus unifying the aesthetic of the device.

Mobile AP

Packing powerful performance and connectivity, the Galaxy S8 and S8+ feature the industry’s first 10nm chip. The octa-core chip boosts the device’s CPU functionality and GPU performance by 10 and 21 percent respectively, while reducing battery consumption by a full 20 percent.

Memory, RAM

The Galaxy S8 boasts 64GB (UFS) and 4GB RAM (LPDDR4) for even faster boot, copy and transfer times.

Heat Pipe

The Galaxy S8’s new PCB structure minimizes the gap between the AP—the hottest component of the device—and the heat pipes to ensure faster heat transference. This ensures that the smartphone can handle even the toughest of processing loads, such as those from graphics-intensive games, without overheating.

microSD Card Slot

Incorporating a Hybrid SIM tray*, the Galaxy S8 can hold a microSD card for expanded storage up to 256GB of memory. Alternatively, it can hold a second SIM card so smartphone owners can use their everyday phone number for calls and texts, while reserving the second slot for data from a local SIM card when they travel, or for an additional phone number.

Rear Camera

The phone’s 12MP F1.7 autofocus rear camera utilizes a Dual Pixel image sensor and multi-frame image processing technology to produce great photos in just about any lighting condition. It is also utilized by Bixby Vision, which makes it easier to search for images and information, shop online and even translate text. The camera itself is built into the back of the device in a way that minimizes protrusions, creating a sleek aesthetic.

Fingerprint Scanner

The Galaxy S8’s touch-type fingerprint scanner allows for strengthened security and enhances the usability of mobile services such as Samsung Pay and Samsung Pass.

Heart Rate Monitor (HRM)

The heart rate sensor enables users to monitor their physical activity, which can be checked through the Samsung Health app.

Bixby Button

The Galaxy S8 incorporates a designated button for Bixby just below the side key to allow for instant access and intuitive usability, without compromising the design of the device. With the new Bixby button, users can conveniently access Bixby and navigate through services and apps with simple voice, touch and text commands.

NFC/MST

Samsung Pay has become the most widely accepted mobile payment service due to its unique combination of NFC and MST technologies, ensuring it works nearly anywhere that credit and debit cards are accepted.

Wireless Charging IC

The Galaxy S8 can be charged from the electromagnetic field generated by the wireless charging coil, and supports Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) and AirFuel Alliance wireless charging standards in two frequency bands.

Antennas

The antennas located at the top and bottom of the device can handle a wide band of frequencies, so users can upload and download large amounts of data quickly. The Galaxy S8 is also the first smartphone to feature support for gigabit LTE (known as LTE Category 16) and gigabit Wi-Fi. This means that when wireless networks capable of supporting gigabit speeds reach consumers, the device will facilitate blazing fast downloads of up to 1 Gbps, regardless of file size.

Bluetooth 5.0

The Galaxy S8 is the first phone on the market with Bluetooth 5 wireless connectivity, which offers twice the data transfer speed of the previous version, increases the capacity of data broadcasts by 800 percent and can cover four times more space.

Battery

The Galaxy S8 and S8+ feature a 3,000 mAh and a 3,500 mAh battery, respectively, that were designed to sustain their longevity and stability over the long term and specifically over hundreds of charging cycles. Furthermore, a rubber barrier was embedded to buffer shocks, further protecting the battery.

USB Type-C

The Galaxy S8’s ports, including its USB Type-C charging terminal, were made with anticorrosive materials to ensure IP68 certification. This USB Type-C port also allows Samsung DeX to connect to DeX Station, a service that lets users use their smartphone like a desktop by providing a seamless, secure mobile to PC transition.

Ear Jack

Located on the bottom of the device, the 3.5mm ear jack is appropriately situated for the high-performance, AKG-tuned earphones that are included with the Galaxy S8, and is also compatible with other earphones.

Speaker

The high-power 1.2-watt speaker with a smart amplifier delivers high-performance sound with UHQ (Ultra High Quality Audio Playback) 32-bit and DSD support.

* Available in select markets.

Enhanced Case Lineup Adds Functionality and Personalization

Samsung’s diverse case and cover offerings merge protection and style, adding greater personalization through refined new materials.

The all-new Alcantara Covers are fashioned from genuine Alcantara – a material oft used in the automotive, fashion and design industries for its elegance, comfort and practicality. Alcantara cases offer durable, suede-like looks with a texture that’s soft to the touch. Also new for 2017 are the silky matte Silicone Covers that offer sleek, lightweight protection in several vivid colors that cater to modern millennials’ style preferences.

The Clear View Standing Cover and LED View Cover for the Galaxy S8 are both covers that allow users to swipe to control calls, music and more, without having to open it up. The dedicated set of theme curations and designs, including exclusive backgrounds and apps that come along with the cases, offer further opportunities for users to personalize their phones.

The translucent matte Clear View Standing Cover also doubles as a kickstand that props the device up into a widescreen position, providing optimized content viewing on the go. LED View Cover displays pertinent information through 54, customizable LED notifications, allowing users to get the information they need with just a glance.

Other new covers include the 2Piece Cover and the re-designed Keyboard Cover for the Galaxy S8. The 2Piece Cover accentuates the aesthetic exterior of the Galaxy S8 with its unique, two-piece nature, and also offers better grip and protection. The color options range from bold, dual-color combinations to more minimalistic, single-tone designs. The Keyboard Cover requires no charging and features a detachable QWERTY keyboard that automatically optimizes the screen ratio when snapped on. Powered by Galaxy S8’s extended Infinity display, the Keyboard Cover offers a convenient mobile typing experience.

Design Through Collaboration

Samsung also teamed up with several prominent brands and designers to bring users evermore ways to express their personal style with their phones. A sampling of these collaborations include the Kate Spade NY Liquid Glitter Case, Adidas Performance Arm Band and the TUMI Leather CoMold Case.

The Kate Spade NY Liquid Glitter Case combines unique personal style with a playful sophistication, thanks to the glitter that floats around inside the case, resembling a snow globe. The Adidas Performance Arm Band, with its unique lightweight design, provides adjustable protection for the Galaxy S8 so users can stay focused on their run. The TUMI Leather CoMold Case, available in black and red, features a slim, premium quality coated canvas with raised edges to provide additional drop protection for your S8 or S8+.

Faster Charging on the Move

Crafted from soft, premium materials coupled with a minimalist touch that’s designed to complement its surroundings, Samsung’s Wireless Charger Convertible can do more than simply charge a Qi wireless charging enabled device* on its pad – it also doubles as a convenient stand for the phone so users can comfortably view content on their device while it charges in the background.

Samsung’s new 5100mAh Battery Packs sport a soft exterior texture with round curves, and now feature a convenient finger strap for increased portability. With fast-charge capabilities, a handy indicator light and refined styling, Samsung battery packs are the perfect companion to any smartphone. The packs are compatible with both USB Type-C and micro USB, thanks to its combo-cable companion that comes included.

*Charging your device wirelessly may require the addition of a wireless charging cover (sold separately)

**Accessories made by Samsung can be purchased through on and offline Samsung stores.

***Product availability may vary by each region and market condition.

Working with just six notes, Collier explained in an interview that the most enjoyable part of the arrangement process was organizing the ways in which the melody could emerge unexpectedly.

The song’s music video, like the melody itself, is just as kinetic, having employed a cutting-edge motion control camera to create a smooth and continuous ‘one-man band’ effect. “I had never seen anything like it,” said Collier. “I was so excited to jump into this and create this multi-Jacob environment.”

Preloaded on the Galaxy S8, Collier’s version of the ringtone complements the phone’s new design language to enable a singular, seamless user experience.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Collier’s “Over the Horizon” music video below.

Hyoungshin Park, Hyoksu Choi, Yunjin Kim (top row), Hyejin Bang, and Hwanju Jeon (bottom row) of the Design Team at Samsung Electronics’ Mobile Communications Business discuss how the design of the Galaxy S8 was brought to life.

Q. Is there an overarching design philosophy that defines Samsung’s smartphones?

Hyoungshin Park: The very foundation of Samsung’s smartphone design is built on neutrality. Through the pursuit of neutrality, we are able to create designs that blend naturally into the environment, seamlessly integrating with the lives of all users, regardless of their age, gender or geographic location.

Q. How has neutrality influenced the design of the Galaxy S8 specifically?

Hyoungshin Park: It’s often said that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, and this certainly rings true for smartphones. So, in line with our philosophy of neutrality, we aimed to create a seamless design that highlights the visual unity of the device under the concept of ‘oneness.’

To do so, we focused on creating a design that is harmonious, natural and centered on the true essence of the Galaxy S8. First, the display was softened with rounded corners to harmonize with the device’s subdued aesthetic. Next, we refined the curves on the phone’s frames to make it feel more natural in the hand. Finally, the sensors and keys on the front of the smartphone were refined to highlight its display, the true essence of the device.

Q. The Galaxy S8 incorporates glass and, two materials that Samsung has used in past smartphone designs. How does the concept of oneness apply to these materials?

Hyejin Bang: Samsung’s CMF (Colors, Materials, Finish) designers have always sought out materials that add the most value to the device. Glass and metal provide a perfect balance between aesthetically pleasing design and smartphone hardness and shock-resistance.

The Galaxy S8 in particular is differentiated by the oneness of its materials. The colors of the materials have been tuned to create a seamless transition from metal to glass. To harmonize the design, various finishes were applied – the light-reflecting nano-patterns on the glass and a high gloss finish on the side metal frame. This ‘Liquid Shade’ concept naturally embraces the structure, unifying its shape through color.

Q. Unlike previous devices, which boasted a uniform color on the front bezel and backside, all versions of the Galaxy S8 feature a black front bezel, despite the color of their rear body. What’s the reason for this?

Hyoksu Choi: Although the smartphone evolved from the telephone, it has developed into a display device, more than anything else.

Recognizing this as the smartphone’s true essence, we felt that we needed to enhance the immersiveness of the display. By applying black bezels and tint prints on the front of the smartphone to hide the front sensors, camera and other technical components, the display appears to seamlessly stretch from the top to the bottom of the device when not in use.

Q. What inspired these colors?

Hwanju Jeon: We selected the Galaxy S8 colors based on color trends in the fashion, interior design and automotive industries, among others, through cooperation with overseas design labs. We specifically looked at colors that express vibrancy and liveliness – hues that speak to young Millennials. The new color, Orchid Gray, for example, combines a trendy purple hue and a subtle gray to evoke a sense of uniqueness.

Q. There were also some changes to the smartphone’s buttons and keys. What are the reasons behind the changes?

Yujin Kim: In order to maintain the essence of the smartphone as a display device, we placed the Home button behind the display, which provides the same haptic feedback as a hard key when pushed. We also moved the fingerprint scanner to the back of the device – a location users can easily reach when holding the device in their hand. Through these changes, we were able to create more screen space without sacrificing convenience.

Furthermore, we adopted a designated button for Bixby and placed it just below the side key to allow for instant access and intuitive usability, without compromising the design of the device. It was a long journey to find the right balance between technological evolution and consistent user experience.

 Q. Considering so many different people worked on various aspects of the design, how were you able to apply the concept of ‘oneness’ to create a coherent design?

Hyoungshin Park: Designing the Galaxy S8 was a lengthy, systematic process – one that lasted much longer than a year! – and required a great deal of teamwork. From the get-go, we looked at social, cultural, technological and design trends in different regions throughout the world, and identified those that overlapped. After all, good product design isn’t simply inspired by art, but rather by the people that use it.

From there, we compiled keywords and images to create a sort of map and distributed it to designers, who then established a set of common design goals. This process allowed strategy, product design and CMF design teams to have a clear understanding of the direction of the design. As a result, the form, colors, materials and concepts of the device are aesthetically and functionally coherent.

Q. While good design is no doubt an essential component of a smartphone, so is technological innovation. How did the design and development teams work together to harmoniously merge form with function on the Galaxy S8?

Hyoungshin Park: Of course, our team worked together closely, but constant cooperation with other teams was necessary to ensure a quality final product. Perhaps the matter that demanded the most cooperation was applying rounded corners to the Infinity Display.

First, we had to find a way to ensure that the design would not interfere with the UX. So, the UX design team performed various user simulations to determine the number of pixels needed to create a rounded corner. Next, the product and design teams developed a round design to fit the curvature of the edge glass and outline of the product under the conditions determined by the UX team. The hardware team then introduced a format that would cut off the display to fit the design, while we worked with software team to create a more refined representation of the screen on the rounded corner.

Of course, designers and engineers speak very different languages so we often gathered together to translate words to numbers and vice versa so we could all be on the same page. In the end, however, we were able to collectively, as one, achieve our goals.

Q. As a smartphone user – and not just a designer – are there any features that you, personally, were happy to see added to the Galaxy S8?

Yujin Kim: Our smartphones are constantly in our hands, so, for me, a comfortable grip is really important. Although the grip of the Galaxy S7 was well received, we wanted to make it even better with the Galaxy S8, and made more than 100 prototypes to get it right. Through slight changes in the form and the addition of small details, we were able to create a device that fits comfortably and naturally in the hand.

Q. Which part of your job do you enjoy the most?

Yunjin Kim: Designing a smartphone can be very demanding. Timelines are tight and there’s certainly no room for carelessness. Nevertheless, we are essentially designing a product that people use over and over, every day. It’s always fascinating to imagine how people might use our product, or what they would look like doing so. There’s no greater reward than seeing someone benefiting from a device that I helped design.

With these market expansions, Samsung Pay continues to both bring mobile payments to new regions of the world and expand to new markets in regions where the service is already available. Launches in the UAE and Sweden showcase Samsung Pay’s first markets in the Middle East and the Nordics respectively, while Hong Kong and Switzerland demonstrate continued commitment and strength in Asia and Europe.

“Less than two years ago, Samsung Pay came to life in Korea with a simple mission: To empower customers with mobile payments that are simple, secure and available almost anywhere,” said Thomas Ko, VP and Global General Manager of Samsung Pay. “Today, Samsung Pay is so much more. Our launches in different parts of the world demonstrate governments’ and consumers’ changing attitudes towards progressing to a cashless society. It is through the interest and support of our partners that we are able to answer their needs by offering Samsung Pay in these markets. We are incredibly proud of our rapid expansion and growth in such a short period of time, and look forward to bringing the most comprehensive digital wallet to all our users around the world.”

Samsung Pay on the Galaxy S8, S8+ and Gear S3

With the availability of the Galaxy S8 and S8+, users will be able to exclusively take advantage of several new features for an enhanced experience with Samsung Pay.

In addition to the existing authentication methods, Galaxy S8/S8+ users can make use of iris scanning as a new form of biometric authentication to access Samsung Pay, enabling a secure, yet more convenient way to pay.

To continue the evolution to a digital wallet, Samsung Pay continues to expand its availability beyond smartphones by introducing Samsung Pay on the Gear S3 in three additional markets. Beginning in April, Samsung Pay is newly supported on the Gear S3 in Russia, Sweden and the UAE, in addition to the US, Singapore and Australia, enabling an even more convenient way for users to pay with their smartwatches. Details on additional Gear S3 support elsewhere will be available soon.

Attaining the Vision of a Digital Wallet

Since the initial launch of Samsung Pay, Samsung has remained committed to the vision of building more than just a mobile payment solution through the introduction of value-added services tailored to local audience preferences.

Samsung Pay continues to enhance and add even more value-added services worldwide, bringing custom solutions and partnerships to users wherever they are.

With the latest launches, Samsung Pay now also integrates loyalty and membership cards in Sweden and the UAE, which can be added to users’ mobile wallets without requiring physical cards. In Switzerland, pre-paid cards will also be supported, allowing users to pay from their preferred cards outside of the normal credit and debit options.

Value-added services continue to be a critical differentiator for Samsung Pay in the mobile payments market. More custom services for users around the world will be made available in respective markets shortly.

About Samsung Pay

Samsung Pay, a mobile payment service from Samsung Electronics, is simple, safe and available almost anywhere you can swipe or tap your card. Combining NFC (Near Field Communication) with Samsung’s proprietary MST (Magnetic Secure Transmission) technologies, Samsung Pay provides consumers a way to pay almost anywhere you can swipe or tap a card at merchant locations. Samsung continues to strategically expand its partnership ecosystem for Samsung Pay to provide greater flexibility, access, and choice for customers while enabling an easy and safe payment experience. Samsung Pay is now available in 14 markets, including South Korea, the United States, China, Spain, Singapore, Australia, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, India, Sweden and the UAE.

Starting April 21, with the launch of the Galaxy S8 and S8+, Google Play Music* will be the default music player and music service on Android-based Samsung phones and tablets launched in 2017.** With the service, users can enjoy free curated radio and smart music recommendations based on their preferences, and can discover and subscribe to podcasts.

In addition, Samsung has also collaborated with Google Play Music to create exclusive features for users of the aforementioned devices. For example, users can upload and stream up to 100,000 songs from their own music collection on Google Play Music – twice the number available for general service users.

With the purchase of a Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+ or Galaxy Tab S3 device, users will also receive a free three-month subscription to Google Play Music, and thus ad-free, on-demand access to over 40 million songs, as well as tailored playlists that cater to any mood or occasion. In addition, with access to YouTube Red (where available), users can enjoy ad-free videos during the trial period.

* Availability varies by country. For a complete list of countries where Google Play Music is available, please click here.

** Availability may differ by market and mobile operator. Device support will be expanded in the future.

Samsung Electronics officially announced today the commercial launch of its Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ to select markets around the world. The flagship smartphones are initially available in four markets – U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and Korea – and will continue rolling out to additional markets in the weeks ahead.

With the bezel-less Infinity Display, the Galaxy S8 builds upon its history of creating stunning designs to offer an immersive viewing experience. The smooth lines and ergonomic curvature of the phone ensure that the 5.8-inch Galaxy S8 and 6.2-inch Galaxy S8+ both look great and fit comfortably into your hand. The upgraded specs of the Galaxy S8 offer both increased performance and efficiency thanks to the industry’s first 10nm processor, Gigabit LTE and Gigabit Wi-Fi compatibility and the first officially designated Mobile HDR Premium^TM screen.

The Galaxy S8 features an upgraded 8MP F1.7 front camera, complete with smart autofocus. The 12MP F1.7 Dual Pixel rear camera ships with enhanced multi-frame image processing, which creates sharper photos, even in low-light environments. Enhanced biometric security capabilities come standard on the Galaxy S8 with its advanced iris scanner and facial recognition technology.

The launch of the Galaxy S8 is complimented by an expanded ecosystem that features impressive new services and devices, including: Bixby, the Galaxy S8’s intelligent new interface; Samsung DeX, which provides a desktop-like experience for the Galaxy S8; intuitive IoT device management via Samsung Connect; expanded healthcare solutions through Samsung Health; and expanded mobile payment capabilities with Samsung Pay.

With the launch of the Galaxy S8, Samsung introduces several new ways to interact with and experience a phone. Some mobile users require a desktop-like experience to fully utilize their phones, while others seek intelligent interface and action commands to more conveniently operate their phone.

Navigate Your World with Bixby

Bixby is an intuitive and intelligent user interface that gives Galaxy S8 owners an exciting new way to interact with their phone. Bixby Vision offers an advanced array of capabilities featuring image-based searching and image-based shopping, thus portraying new potentials in smartphone navigation.

Vision brings the world around you to life as it quickly relays auditory information of one’s surroundings in the language you speak. With the ability to recognize what the phone is looking at, Vision provides support for individuals with visual impairments by facilitating quicker access to important information of their surroundings.

Functionality on the Go with Samsung DeX

Samsung DeX allows users to enjoy a desktop-like experience with their Galaxy S8. Samsung DeX was designed to increase mobile productivity, helpful to those who experience difficulties typing on a smartphone screen, navigating apps on their phones, or seeing content clearly on their phone. Samsung DeX alleviates such hindrances by allowing users to control their phones on a larger display and to operate the phone with an input device of their choosing, such as keyboard and mouse.

Higher Contrast, Increased Readability

Although Samsung’s High Contrast Theme was originally developed to assist users with reduced vision capabilities, users without such difficulties are finding utility in it as well. High Contrast Theme effectively reduces eye fatigue and improves text readability by increasing the visibility of lighter content on darker backgrounds. This becomes especially useful when reading content in dark environments for extended lengths of time. Users can also utilize the High Contrast Theme in conjunction with existing high contrast fonts and keyboard settings for increased functionality.

Different users prefer different color mixes, brightness levels and contrast settings, which is why Samsung will continuously add and update Galaxy compatible themes available for download at Samsung’s Theme Store.

Enhanced Visual & Auditory Assistance Functions

To ensure the Galaxy S8 is as user-friendly as possible, Samsung included several unique technical solutions that allow for more detailed control over the phone. A built-in magnifying glass conveniently allows users to read small font, which reduces eye-strain and enhances the user experience for those with vision difficulties. The phone is also equipped with a Magnifier Widget that allows users to zoom in on small text and apply color filters – essentially eliminating the need for a conventional magnifying glass.

The Galaxy S8’s Voice Assistant function lets users with visual impairments conveniently interact with their device by reading aloud the contents of the screen directly under their finger. Additionally, when you press an icon on your smartphone, a single tap will give auditory information of the item and a double tap will open it. For those who struggle seeing certain colors, the Color Adjustment function allows them to manually fine-tune the colors on their screen and improve readability.

For Galaxy users with hearing impairments and mobility restrictions, the Galaxy S8 offers various convenient solutions for easier smartphone operation. The Sound Detector function picks up a variety of sounds, from a baby crying to a doorbell ringing, to give users on-screen notifications or vibration alerts. With the Universal Switch function, users can also personalize their preferred device interaction method, choosing to either tap the screen, use the front camera to detect head movements or add a compatible, external input device.

Samsung Newsroom sat down with Sangkyu Lee, Senior Vice President of the Reliability Group, Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics, to discuss more about the company’s endeavors to lead the way in product safety.

Q. What was your main priority in developing the Galaxy S8?

Sangkyu Lee: More so than ever before, we consistently worked to identify and incorporate features and functions that would provide real value for the consumer.

So often, manufacturers get caught up in specs in an attempt to outdo the competition. But rather than concentrating on numbers, we aimed to deliver practical value and safety.

For example, rather than focusing on short-term benefits – such as decreasing charging time by a few, insignificant minutes – we concentrated on maintaining the durability of the battery over the long term and specifically over hundreds of charging cycles. As a result, the Galaxy S8 will sustain its longevity better than previous models, offering more value to the consumer.

Q. What actions did you take to accomplish these goals?

Sangkyu Lee: First, we optimized the design of the Galaxy S8 itself around the battery, which we consider to be one of the most important components of a smartphone.

At the battery design layer, we adopted preventative measures to identify and address potential device safety vulnerabilities with improved battery safety standards. For instance, we created more space around the battery in order to accommodate a new bracket design to protect the battery against physical force, even when the smartphone is dropped. Likewise, we also adjusted the design to eliminate pressure on the electrode and prevent leakage of battery substrate.

At the software layer, we made improvements to our software protection algorithms that govern battery temperature, battery charging current and charging duration to reinforce safety.

Q. In addition to these design changes, what are some other ways Samsung is evaluating product safety?

Sangkyu Lee: In addition to the comprehensive inspection tests carried out by our battery manufacturer, Samsung has also incorporated its own assurance measures to improve product safety from the component level to the assembly and shipment of devices.

Included in our thorough 8-Point Battery Safety Check that we used to test the Galaxy S8 are enhanced tests – Durability Test, Visual Inspection, X-Ray Test, Disassembling Test and △OCT Test – as well as newly applied measures such as the Charge and Discharge Test, TVOC Test and Accelerated Usage Test.

Furthermore, we formed a battery advisory group of external advisers including academic and research experts to ensure Samsung maintains a clear and objective perspective on battery safety and innovation.

Q. Has the device received any third-party certification?

Sangkyu Lee: As a result of our extensive efforts, Samsung successfully completed all inspections that are required by global governments and national standards. We also carried out safety inspections through third-party research institutions.

Assessment results from UL and Exponent, among others, show that the Galaxy S8 battery was determined to comply with all applicable requirements.

Q. In addition to the measures you’ve discussed, are there any other ways Samsung is addressing product safety going forward?

Sangkyu Lee: We have also expanded Product Liability (PL) Analysis Centers throughout the world, which are equipped with state-of-the-art machinery and knowledgeable personnel.

The centers help to ensure that Samsung is prepared to respond to unexpected situations – should they arise – with speed and transparency. Of course, consumer cooperation is imperative, as we need to be able to quickly access and address the issue at hand to create a solution that will benefit all users.

This is just another example of how Samsung is working to continue making product safety our top priority.

Read on to learn more about Samsung’s 8-Point Battery Safety Check.

From as early as the planning stage of the Galaxy S8, Samsung Electronics implemented enhanced battery design standards and safer software protection algorithms. In particular, the company thoroughly checked the quality of the Galaxy S8 battery via an 8-point Battery Safety Check.

This inspection includes a number of enhanced tests, such as the Durability Test, Visual Inspection, X-Ray Test, Disassembling Test and △OCT (Delta Open Circuit Voltage) Test, as well as newly applied measures such as the Charge and Discharge Test, TVOC (Total Volatile Organic Compound) and Accelerated Usage Test.

Component Assembly

Samsung’s smartphone batteries first go through quality assurance tests conducted by the battery manufacturers. Batteries that pass these tests are then reviewed thoroughly in the component assembly stage at Samsung Electronics.

Following the Charge and Discharge Test, the battery’s durability is checked through extreme temperature stress, overcharging and puncture tests, among others. Next, the batteries are visually inspected and undergo the X-Ray Test, which examines the interior of the battery cell to identify abnormalities, such as the deformation of the outermost negative electrode.

In addition, batteries are disassembled to inspect their internal condition, including the position of the insulation tape, folding and damage of the separator, and the location of the welding spot of each tab.

The ΔOCV test, meanwhile, is performed to determine if there are any current leakages caused by foreign substances at the electrodes.

Charge and Discharge Test

Disassembling Test

Production Process

Safety checks continue throughout the Galaxy S8’s production process. All products are visually inspected, and go through ΔOCV and TVOC tests to once again ensure that there’s no leakage. Samples are again selected to undergo the Charge and Discharge Test.

ΔOCV Test

TVOC Test

Completed Device

When the Galaxy S8 is completed, the product goes through a final Charge and Discharge Test during the shipment inspection. This means that by the time the smartphone is assembled as finished product, a total of three sample Charge and Discharge Tests have been conducted.

Lastly, in the Accelerated Usage Test, smartphone functions (such as playing video or using the camera) are executed under conditions similar to those of actual consumer usage, in a condensed time frame.

Collectively, this series of checks that spans the overall battery handling process helps to ensure product quality, redefining what’s possible in product safety.

Charge and Discharge Test

Accelerated Usage Test

Samsung Electronics, along with marketing partners Leo Burnett and Turner Duckworth, this week began rolling out an integrated brand and product campaign following the unveiling of the Samsung Galaxy S8 in late March.

“Our brand work is the first articulation of this evolution to create a new connection with our consumers through a shared value-based approach, rooted firmly in our company’s philosophy ‘that meaningful progress can only happen when you dare to defy barriers,” said Pio Schunker, SVP Global Head Integrated Marketing, Mobile Communications Business at Samsung Electronics. “Samsung is a brand focused on creating real human value with its technology and we want to build upon our tech prowess to become a human-focused lifestyle brand.”

“The New Normal” and “Breaking Out” were released following the successful introduction of both “The Ostrich” and “This is a Phone” at Samsung’s Unpacked event which was held on March 29 in New York. In addition to these short films, Samsung is also rolling out a series of digital, social and out-of-home activations across the globe, such as “Whale” and “Astronaut.” The collection of work by Leo Burnett Worldwide and Turner Duckworth extends the philosophy of how Samsung’s products continue to defy conventional categories.

“Great brands have a purpose and a point of view about life. Samsung stops at nothing to create impossible technologies so that people can do impossible things,” said Mark Tutssel, global chief creative officer of Leo Burnett Worldwide. “The empowering message of #DoWhatYouCant, introduced during the 2016 Olympic Games, helped Samsung become one of the most visible brands during the Games. Now, this new campaign continues to push the boundaries of emotional storytelling to connect with people in a powerful fashion. It’s a brand living its purpose.”

Set to The Beatles’ hit, “Across the Universe,” “The New Normal” video by Leo Burnett Chicago opens with a hospital delivery room scene as a father hovers over his newborn with a Samsung device. The first photo is captured, and shared, essentially connecting the child to the rest of the world. The video continues to tell a story through the eyes of a generation who, thanks to Samsung innovation, are living the promise of #DoWhatYouCant. It explores the ways Samsung has defied technological barriers so what once was impossible is now the new normal – demonstrating how technology, at its best, helps consumers make meaningful connections and progress.

The “Breaking Out” video by Leo Burnett Chicago and Sydney, highlights the Samsung Galaxy S8’s revolutionary new “Infinity Display” which gives consumers more viewing freedom. The creative insight for the video is based on the concept of breaking free from the confines of a normal phone, smashing off its borders and its home button to unveil and unbox the Samsung Galaxy S8.

“Samsung’s approach to visual identity design is directly inspired by the idea of defying barriers. It is extremely disciplined, but highly flexible. This design, while driving consistency, is also a springboard for unlimited creativity. This was only possible with radical collaboration between Samsung, Leo Burnett and Turner Duckworth,” said David Turner, designer and founder of Turner Duckworth.

Download video files for “The New Normal,” “The Ostrich,” “Breaking Out,” “Whale” and “Astronaut” here.

Download key visuals for “Whale” and “Astronaut” here.

Creative credits available upon request.

More than 2,500 people took part in the study which asked respondents to vote from a longlist of incredible views which was created by a panel of leading travel experts from publications including Rough Guides, Mr and Mrs Smith, Wanderlust and Good Housekeeping.

The study was specially commissioned to mark the forthcoming launch of the new Samsung Galaxy S8 smartphone which boasts an innovative ‘Infinity Display’ screen and premium best-in-class camera which has been used to capture a series of stunning photographs of many of the views listed.

Topping the list of greatest British views was the awe-inspiring sight of the lake Llyn Llydaw from the summit of Snowdon, nestling within Snowdonia National Park, which was created in 1951.

The full list of the 20 greatest British views is:

1)    Snowdonia – view of Llyn Llydaw from Mount Snowdon summit, Wales

2)    Scottish Highlands – view of Three Sisters mountains, Glencoe Valley, Scotland

3)    Stonehenge, Wiltshire, England

4)    St Ives Bay, Cornwall, England

5)    Cheddar Gorge, Somerset, England

6)    Loch Ness – view from Dores, Highland, Scotland

7)    Buttermere, Lake District, England

8)    Parliament and Big Ben – view from Westminster Bridge, London, England

9)    Giant’s Causeway, County Antrim, Northern Ireland

10)  Loch Lomond – view from Conic Hill, Dunbartonshire, Scotland

11)   Ben Nevis, Lochaber, Scotland

12)   Edinburgh from Arthur’s Seat, Scotland

13)   Peak District – view from Stanage Edge, Derbyshire, England

14)   Brecon Beacons – view from the summit, Wales

15)   Durdle Door, Dorset, England

16)   Spires of Oxford, Oxfordshire, England

17)   Bamburgh Castle – view from the coast, Bamburgh, Northumberland, England

18)   Seven Sisters, Sussex, England

19)   Bournemouth pier and beach, Hampshire, England

20)   Kings College – view from the River Cam, Cambridge, England

The study pinpointed the five key factors that make up a quintessentially British view, with rolling countryside coming top (42%), followed by rugged coastlines (21%), country villages (20%), historical landmarks (15%) and spires, cathedrals and architecture (15%).

The findings shine a spotlight on some of the most photographed sites in the UK revealing that the average British adult takes in excess of 1,000 pictures each year, predominantly on smartphones – the majority of which focus on landscapes and city views which was cited by 66% of those surveyed as their favoured photographic subject matter.

The study also revealed the subjects which are most likely to make pals envious when they were posted on social media sites.  Topping the list were awesome views (48%), followed by pictures of friends and family (10%), food and drink (6%) and selfies (5%). In addition to provoking jealousy, pictures of beautiful locations were also inspiration, with half of us (50%) admitting we are more likely to visit a place having seen a posted picture.

Sam Grant, Marketing Director at Samsung Electronics UK and Ireland said: “We wanted to mark the launch of the new Samsung Galaxy S8, with its unique and groundbreaking Infinity Display, by celebrating the beautiful views in our country of mountains, highlands, beaches and urban skylines that are best enjoyed unconfined.”

Samsung has celebrated the greatest British views by commissioning a new photography project from Matthew Cattell – Britain’s reigning Landscape Photographer of the Year which will be shot entirely on a Galaxy S8.  Matthew is travelling the length of the UK in March and April to capture a series of stunning shots at locations which were named in the study, including the London skyline, the Lake District and St Ives Bay.

Selected views named in the study are also being framed by the giant Infinity Display on a 7x3m scale model of the Galaxy S8, which Samsung are taking on tour throughout April to locations which featured in the top 20, including St Ives, London and Stonehenge.

Landscape Photographer of the Year, Matthew Cattell said: “The Galaxy S8 has the most evolved smartphone camera in the world today creating impressively sharp pictures, even in low light conditions – which is just as well as we encountered a fair few spring showers and grey days whilst shooting the project! I hope people enjoy the results and are encouraged to get out and shoot the amazing views closest to them.”

Landscape Photographer of the Year Matthew Cattell’s top five tips for shooting landscape views:

1.       Look for a focal point – focal points are important to hold the viewers’ attention. Might be something physical such as an interesting landscape feature, local landmark or building. Alternatively, could be more abstract such as the texture of a surface or the way that light plays across a scene.

2.       Think about your foreground and ‘lead in’ lines – consider the scene as having a foreground, middle ground and a background; including something interesting in the foreground which relates to the wider scene helps to give your photograph greater depth.  Foregrounds can also be used to lead the viewers’ eye into the photograph. Known as ‘lead in’ lines, these features are often linear (think wall, fence line, path) and work best when positioned moving diagonally across the frame.

3.       Best time to take photos –  The best time of day are the hours around sunrise and sunset, when shadows are deep and the light is warm.  Photographers call this period just after sunrise and before sunset the ‘Golden Hours’.

4.       How much sky to include – Imagine dividing a photograph up into three equal rows. Compositionally, it is better to place the horizon on either the upper or lower third, rather than through the centre of the frame. The amount of sky to include is then entirely dependent on the quality of the sky; if the sky is bland look to minimise it, or exclude it from the frame entirely.

5.       Additional equipment to consider –

• A tripod and mount help to keep the smartphone steady, to fine–tune compositions and use long exposure times.
• A Bluetooth shutter release – Pressing the screen to take a photograph will cause the camera to shake and this can result in blurry photographs. Using a Bluetooth shutter release (or the smartphone’s self-timer) eliminates this problem.
• Filters – If you want to get creative with your photography then it is worth investing in a set of filters, which clip over your smartphone’s lens.  Use a circular polarising filter to remove reflections and give blue skies a punch, or an ND filter, which reduce the amount of light getting into the camera and have the effect of lengthening shutter times, allowing the camera to record the passage of time.

The Samsung S8 is available for pre-order until 19th April and launches in the UK on 28th April, and will be available from selected retailers as well as the Samsung e-store – for more information and stockist details visit www.samsung.com/uk.

Images Top British Views: https://www.flickr.com/gp/taylorherringpr/n7fF9w

Images Giant Phone Tour: https://www.flickr.com/gp/taylorherringpr/32i3R9

Explore the highlights of the event in the photographs below.

To convey the story behind the device’s design at Milan Design Week, Samsung collaborated with world-renowned Zaha Hadid Architects and acclaimed digital art and design collective Universal Everything.

The studio’s Media Art zone communicates the Galaxy S8’s design philosophy by bringing key product features such as the smartphone’s Infinity Display and bezel-less aesthetic to life through an immersive viewing experience that illustrates the harmony between the device and the user.

Visitors can journey through a completely bespoke interior, triggering mesmerizing digital installations and bringing to life the Galaxy design philosophy.

Using the Galaxy S8, visitors create a unique avatar that moves in tandem with others’ avatars, expressing a sense of ‘Oneness.’

The Galaxy S8’s concept of ‘Oneness’ is reflected by bringing together the digital and physical worlds. Pictured here, visitors observe digital images of avatars as they move across the installation.

In Product Experience zone, guests learn more about the Samsung Galaxy S8 through a display that automatically recognizes the smartphone and demonstrates its main features.

At Unconfined: The Galaxy S8 Design, visitors experience the Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+ and the new Gear 360 together. The devices were recently unveiled on March 29.

A visitor explores a virtual world with the new Gear VR with Controller at the Unconfined: The Galaxy S8 Design studio during Milan Design Week.

DisplayMate Technologies has released the results of its comprehensive evaluation of the Galaxy S8’s Infinity Display, concluding that Samsung’s new flagship possesses “the best-performing smartphone display that we have ever tested.” The Galaxy S8 is the latest Galaxy device to garner a superlative distinction from the industry’s screen authority, having earned DisplayMate’s highest-ever A+ grade.

The report, drafted by DisplayMate President Dr. Raymond M. Soneira, provides point-by-point analysis of the device’s high-performance hardware, as well as the advanced features and functions that allow its display to offer a peerless visual experience.

The Galaxy S8 earned top marks thanks to the record-setting specs of its curved, full-screen OLED display, which nearly fills the entire front face of the smartphone from edge to edge. In order to provide users with more screen space, the home button has been incorporated within the screen itself, which measures 5.8 inches (6.2 inches in the S8+) and boasts an 18.5:9 aspect ratio, adding new levels of immersion to the viewing experience.

Video content is even more vivid and engaging thanks to the Galaxy S8’s new, high-saturation ‘Deep Red’ OLED, which provides significantly higher color saturation. This creates a larger native color gamut – measuring 113 percent of DCI-P3 and 142 percent of sRGB/Rec. 709*; the highest DisplayMate has ever measured in a smartphone or tablet – that allows the screen to portray high-definition content accurately, in a manner in line with what creators intended.

The 2960 x 1440, 570 pixel-per-inch Quad HD+ display features the highest resolution currently available in a smartphone with an OLED display, and produces crystal clear images under all normal viewing conditions. The Galaxy S8 is also the first smartphone to receive the UHD Alliance’s ‘Mobile HDR Premium’ certification, which attests the screen’s ability to bring vibrant HDR content to life. This is possible in part due to its record-high peak brightness, which amounts to, as Dr. Soneira noted, “the brightest smartphone display that we have ever measured.”

The Galaxy S8 produces up to 1,020 nits under high ambient light conditions – such as bright sunlight – and boasts a screen reflectance of just 4.5 percent, which ranks among the lowest DisplayMate has ever measured. In addition, the screen’s combination of high brightness and low reflectance equate an ambient light contrast rating of 227 – “the highest that we have ever measured for any smartphone display.”

Users may get their hands on the Galaxy S8 as well as the S8+ and experience the devices’ immersive Infinity Displays for themselves beginning on April 21st.

*The Galaxy S8 features four screen modes calibrated for different content, applications and user preferences. These measurements reflect the devices’ default screen mode, ‘Adaptive Display’.

Innovation means breaking away from familiarity. It is about changing the way we see and use things, which has the power to transform the way we live and think. Instead of another addition to the lineup of generic smartphones, we present a completely renewed and unique design of the Galaxy S8.

Oneness

New value created from one single design

The Galaxy S8 is a manifestation of holistic oneness. Elements that felt needlessly mechanical have been eliminated to only focus on the essence of the device itself, which resulted in a design that merges the user and device as one. Extraordinary technology serves as an innovative silhouette of the device as well as gives users extended experiences.

Infinity Display

The Galaxy S8 uses the entire front panel as its display, leaving a powerful silhouette that surpasses the limits of current devices. The Home button has been removed to utilize its technical space to expand user space and shatter the boundary between the device and the real world. The 18.5:9 screen ratio maximizes immersion and leads users to new experiences.

A grip made from curves

A grip is defined by how well a device’s curves fit in a hand. The subtle curvature of the device’s front, back, and middle convene at each of the edges to form a perfect symmetry, thereby virtually eliminating the bezel. The curves are harmoniously synchronized with the rounded edges to fit comfortably in a user’s hand.

Glass flowing like streams of water

The glass material has a glossy finish that naturally blends in with the scene, rendering a brilliant reflection of the world around you even while the device is off. The flow of the glass material and the hidden rear camera lens creates a sense of unified fluidity of the Galaxy S8 design.

Harmony

Capturing the beauty of both harmony and individuality

Complicated, multi-layered connections and nuances are prevalent throughout our society and culture. Boundaries have diminished among various fields and the desire to be unbiased about a particular region, gender, or age is growing larger. The Galaxy S8 design is about maintaining a natural balance that suits well with anyone, instead of striving to appeal to specific preferences.

Neutral colors with elegance

Neutral colors blend in with our lives effortlessly due to its balanced nature. Neutral colors provide comfort by lowering the intensity of color saturation, and at times can also create unforeseen beauty as light touches the glass in various angles. Midnight Black has great depth and is reminiscent of solid onyx, emphasizing a strong sense of unity. The warm vibes of Arctic Silver and the golden profundity of Maple Gold preserve the integrity of their original colors while bringing out the natural ease of neutral colors. The calm and mysterious Orchid Gray and the muted brightness of Coral Blue that is a reinterpretation of youthful sensibilities are colors that are trendy yet balanced.

Accessories harmonizing with all spaces and circumstances

Accessories attract just as much attention as the device. The case is made from Alcantara, a material that is soft yet doesn’t show signs of wear and tear even after prolonged use. It fits in the palm easily and exudes a sophisticated aura.

The translucent cover mixes and matches with the colors of the Galaxy S8 and brings unexpected beauty into existence.

The silicone cover boasts vivid colors which are representative of the millennial generation. With its flexible and unconstrained design, the Galaxy S8 becomes an object of everyday life that adapts to any space or circumstance.

Continuity

A unified language of design spoken from the inside out

A product loses its sense of unity when the external hardware design and the internal software interface design aren’t cohesive. Only when a product feels cohesive can its design provide stability to the users. Galaxy S8’s innovative exterior speaks a single language of design that seamlessly connect from the inside to the outside, and again from the outside to the inside.

Visual experiences stemming from first impressions

Starting from the user’s initial interaction with the Always On Display to the Lock and Home screen, ambient visual effects of a galaxy are displayed throughout. This beautiful first impression gently flows in the background while the user interacts with the Galaxy S8. A series of wallpapers based on differing CMF and mood as well as the interactive galaxy effects respond differently to new angles providing a sense of infinite expansion and continuation that is felt both from the exterior and within the display.

One Continuous Experience

The Galaxy S8 Home screen features a totally new design, including icons, search bar, and even weather widgets, that altogether provide a sleek impression to its users. The icons are designed using a concept called ‘Light & Line’, which cuts a part of the visual line so that real life shadows and light are mimicked. Users can feel One Continuous Experience from the new soft Home button to the icons in the display that all speak a single language of design. Users can move to apps from the Home screen using a simple vertical swipe. It provides an easier and more intuitive accessibility than previous Home screens by unifying all methods of editing displays and offering multi-selection modes.

Newness

The beginning of a renewed interface that understands its user

Over the past decade, interactions with smartphones have mostly been touch-based. We introduce an evolved next generation interface, Bixby, that responds to both touch and voice. Users can freely and seamlessly choose the way they want to interact based on their environment. Pressing the newly added button on the left side of the device will provide optimized information, and speaking to the device while holding the button will understand the user’s rhythm and pace to get the task done. Bixby is constantly evolving, so the longer users interact with it the more Bixby becomes an essential confidant of our daily lives.

Bixby understands and takes care of you

Bixby analyzes voice patterns and provides information in a card format that is appropriate to the context. When you turn on Bixby while heading home after work, it will display a calendar card about family gatherings, or a contact card of a close friend you speak to at that time. Users can retrieve needed information from each card without having to access the app every time.

No need for perfect articulation

Accessing all features through touch alone isn’t necessary. Bixby is equipped to provide voice responding functions that previously only have been accessed through touch. A more natural voice interaction is enabled through Partial Landing technology that comprehends users’ commands from the given context, and fills in the gaps by presenting additional options.

Seeing more than what is visible

Bixby can recognize images the user is seeing and provide relevant information. Users can press the Bixby Vision icon while turning on the camera or looking at an image from the gallery to prompt a search regarding a product or place that is shown on the screen or even recognize and translate text.

Bixby, telling you what’s needed

Record any content or task you want to remember later through Bixby to have it remind you later. Whether it’s a reminder to watch a video when you get home or simply to do your laundry, just save the information on Reminder and Bixby will keep you on track.

An expanded experience that transcends beyond the mobile into our daily lives

The next generation Bixby interface extends beyond the mobile environment. The Galaxy S8 provides users a computing experience similar to a PC through Samsung DeX, and with Samsung Connect,* users can also control Samsung home appliances and SmartThings IoT devices released in 2017. Users can consistently continue on with their mobile experiences that extend into their daily lives.

*Samsung Connect is available in selected countries only.

The Galaxy S8 pushes boundaries and overcomes limits to create a single, unified design that is more straightforward and concise than any other tool that has ever been held in our hands. All experiences come into unison through the Galaxy S8, helping users advance toward discovering a new meaning of their daily lives.

To see more Samsung Electronics desgin stories, please visit design.samsung.com.

Inspired by the total design refinement of the Galaxy S8 and S8+, Patrik Schumacher and Johannes Schafelner of Zaha Architects, known for conjuring diverse shapes and curved masterpieces, collaborated with Universal Everything, to create an interactive experience. Visitors can journey through a completely bespoke interior, triggering mesmerizing digital installations and bringing to life the Galaxy design philosophy.

“Milan Design Week represents a unique opportunity to demonstrate the total refinement of the Galaxy S8 and S8+ amongst the brightest and best minds of the design industry,” said Younghee Lee, Executive Vice President of Global Marketing, Mobile Communications Business at Samsung Electronics. “The Galaxy S8 and S8+ showcase our commitment to meaningful innovation; with the bezel-less surround and Infinity Display we have designed a device that connects with the user like never before, with function not limited by form.”

“We’re truly excited to welcome the design community to our installation with Samsung during Milan Design Week” said Patrik Schumacher, Principle, Zaha Hadid Architects. “Unconfined sets a benchmark in the way materials and technology come together to create a natural flow between device and user and was the inspiration for our fantastic collaboration with Universal Everything. We often look at the logic and coherence of nature’s systems when we are working to create environments that seamlessly connect form and function using innovative designs and technologies. This research is integrated within every aspect of the installations design.”

Finally, Samsung and Wallpaper* created an exclusive Design Book to celebrate the Galaxy S8’s aesthetic innovation. Readers will learn more about the Samsung hardware and software design philosophy and get an inside look into the Galaxy S8’s physical creation including photos from Samsung’s factory in Vietnam. Readers will also have access to exclusive commentary and interpretations of the concepts that inspired the Galaxy S8’s design by influential contemporary artists and design commentators, as well as Wallpaper* Bespoke Editor, Simon Mills . Access a digital version of the Galaxy S8’s Design Book at http://www.samsungmobilepress.com/galaxydesignbook/

From April 4-9, visitors to Unconfined: The Galaxy S8 Design will be able to get a first look at the Galaxy S8 and see for themselves the design refinement this new piece of technology for the modern age.

You can see the Galaxy S8’s immersive signage for yourself in the photos below.

Times Square glows blue as immersive signage introduces the new Galaxy S8 to the city of New York.

Unconfined by boundaries, like the Infinity Display of the Galaxy S8, an enormous whale swims from display to display above Times Square, as thousands of onlookers admire the sight from below.

Set against the iconic signage and Broadway billboards of Times Square, numerous displays announce Samsung’s newest flagship smartphone.

Passersby watch as practically every corner of Times Square – from the facades of its skyscrapers to its street kiosks – is taken over by visuals announcing the smartphone’s highly anticipated arrival.

A lively troupe of performers dances in celebration of the debut of the Galaxy S8 while onlookers join in on the fun.

Filmed from above and broadcast on a central display, the dancers’ performance concludes as they create a formation resembling the bezel-less Galaxy S8.

Samsung DeX is a new service that lets users use their smartphone like a desktop by providing a seamless, secure mobile to PC transition. Currently compatible with Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+*, Samsung DeX provides an Android-based, desktop-like experience that enables users to seamlessly access mobile apps, edit documents and browse the web. Furthermore, its optimized interface allows users to easily multitask, watch videos in resizable windows, reply to messages via a task bar and more, directly from their smartphone on a larger display using a keyboard and mouse.

A Convenient Mobile Desktop Experience

To get started with Samsung DeX, users simply need to connect the DeX Station, Samsung’s branded docking station, to any FHD (16:9 ratio) supported display with an HDMI port; connect any Bluetooth-enabled, USB or RF-type keyboard and mouse to their phone; connect the DeX Station with a Samsung branded fast charger; and dock their Galaxy S8 in the DeX Station. Once connected, their mobile phone will switch to Samsung DeX mode.

The Samsung DeX interface is easily navigable and consistent with most desktops, as it supports keyboard and mouse gestures such as shortcuts, scrolling and drag and drop. Furthermore, with the ability to quickly shift between applications and adjust application window size with ease, users can see a range of contents all at once and multitask with efficiency.

Meanwhile, the Samsung DeX Home Screen’s Task Bar allows users to see which applications are currently running, while pop-up notifications on the bottom right of the screen notify the user of incoming messages and calls without blocking the screen.

Optimized for Productivity

Samsung DeX’s intuitive applications and services help to maximize productivity by allowing people to work more efficiently whenever and wherever they want.

For example, four Samsung applications are equipped with enhanced features that work in Samsung DeX. Samsung Internet, Samsung’s native browser app, lets users launch the desktop version of websites in multiple windows simultaneously, while MyFiles allows convenient dragging and dropping of files and documents from one folder to another. Gallery makes it easier to browse images with a mouse and keyboard and Samsung e-mail facilitates digital correspondence by letting users easily attach files by dragging and dropping them to the email composer.

Key collaborations with Microsoft and Adobe provide Samsung DeX compatibility with Microsoft Office applications like Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and Adobe mobile apps including the Adobe Acrobat Reader and Lightroom mobile apps. These applications provide desktop-like functionality and a user interface previously unavailable from a smartphone.

Whether making side-by-side price comparisons on shopping websites, editing photos while browsing images in Gallery or chatting with a colleague while editing a presentation, Samsung DeX enables an easier, faster and smarter way to get things done.

A Mobile Workspace Solution

Because the data from their smartphone is only displayed on the monitor, and not transferred from the mobile device, enterprise users can rest assured knowing their information is safe when using Samsung DeX. Furthermore, while connected to the DeX Station, the smartphone continues to be secured by the Samsung Knox security platform, which provides protection against potential threats.

Samsung DeX also allows mobile workers and business professionals to remotely and securely access virtual apps and desktops through partner solutions including Citrix, VMware and Amazon Web Services, whose apps are optimized for Samsung DeX with keyboard and mouse interactions, full screen mode and resizable window capabilities.

The DeX Station contains an HDMI port, two USB 2.0 ports, an Ethernet port, USB type-C power-in and a cooling fan. Additionally, Samsung DeX utilizes Adaptive Fast Charging (AFC) technology to charge the smartphone while in DeX mode.

Samsung DeX will be available globally at the launch of the Galaxy S8 and S8+.

* Compatibility will be expanded to support other devices in the future.

In a digital world that was once only protected by PIN numbers, consumers now have more choices than ever to protect the security of their devices and personal data thanks to advances in biometric technologies. The Galaxy S8 and S8+ provide strengthened security features and enhanced convenience through a combination of biometrics, including innovative iris scanning technology, familiar fingerprint scanning and new facial recognition capabilities. Secured by Samsung’s trusted Knox security platform, the Galaxy S8 gives users the peace of mind that comes from knowing their biometric information is protected.

Face-to-Face with Mobile Security

Samsung’s new facial recognition technology has been added to the Galaxy S8 to enable users to unlock their smartphone quickly and conveniently by simply looking at the front of the device. The technology works by utilizing an immense amount of data to recognize patterns, such as small differences in facial features.

When a user opts to access their Galaxy S8 using facial recognition verification, the smartphone detects, aligns, extracts and compares facial landmark points such as the width of the user’s nose or the distance between their eyes to stored data to grant or deny access. As the user continues to utilize the feature more and more, the phone gets better at recognizing them, despite small changes in the angle or position of their face during the verification process.

With this new feature, users can enjoy a more convenient mobile experience and also rest assured knowing that their data is encrypted in the TrustZone protected by Knox.

For Your Eyes Only

Yet another biometric feature that has been added to the Galaxy S8 is iris scanning, a method of biometric identification that uses mathematical pattern recognition of images of an individual’s iris, either from one or both eyes. To obtain these images, an authentication device scans the iris—the thin, colored ring of the eye that regulates the amount of light that reaches the retina.

Each individual has a uniquely different and highly intricate iris pattern in each eye, which is fully developed at a very young age and remains unchanged throughout one’s lifetime. This, combined with the fact that iris patterns are almost impossible to replicate makes iris scanning one of the most secure and reliable biometric techniques available.

To enable iris scanning, the Galaxy S8 was equipped with a dedicated iris camera, which utilizes a special image filter to receive and recognize the reflected images of the irises with a red infrared (IR) LED light. This red light allows for the best range for iris scanning. Furthermore, unlike traditional visible (or RGB) images, which can be affected by iris color or ambient light, infrared images display clear patterns and have low light reflection. Samsung’s proprietary technology also makes use of the light emitted from the Galaxy S8’s display so the scanner can receive data even in low light environments.

Once a user registers his or her iris information on the Galaxy S8, it is stored as an encrypted code. When a user attempts to access content, such as a protected app, the IR LED and iris camera work together to capture the iris pattern for recognition, and to extract and digitize the pattern, and compares the digitized pattern with the encrypted code to verify identification.

Just like fingerprint and facial biometric data, the user’s iris data is also encrypted and stored safely in the hardware protected by the Knox platform. Furthermore, only one person can register his or her iris information, which means that even if the device is stolen or lost and someone else is able to gain access to the smartphone, the user’s information won’t be compromised.

Compared to conventional devices that employ iris scanning, the Galaxy S8 offers a better user experience. The iris preview screen, for example, is displayed in full color, while 17 preloaded iris masks add a bit of fun to the verification process. Furthermore, Galaxy S8 users don’t even need to touch their phone to verify their identity since the iris verification process is initiated immediately once the user turns on the display.

Added Services for Enhanced Convenience

Leveraging Samsung’s new and enhanced biometrics technology, the Galaxy S8 offers various services to provide an additional layer of security.

The first is Secure Folder, an encrypted folder that lets users manage private apps and files securely via PIN, pattern, passcode or biometric verification. Users may utilize this service to keep private and personal data, such as banking information, sandboxed separately on their smartphone for additional security and privacy.

Another added security feature, Samsung Pass, enables users to quickly and easily log into mobile banking apps and websites on the Samsung Internet Browser using biometric authentication. Because users don’t have to spend time repeatedly inputting usernames and passwords, Samsung Pass adds an element of convenience to the Galaxy S8. By supporting multiple types of biometric authentication*, Samsung Pass will allow greater flexibility to deliver a secure and convenient user experience across multiple industry verticals.

In addition to secure storing and faster access, Samsung is also establishing partnerships with major financial institutions to explore the integration of its biometrics verification technology into more mobile banking apps.

*Samsung Pass currently supports fingerprint recognition, and will support iris scanning and facial recognition in select markets in the near future.

Addressing the audience at the opening event, DJ Koh, President of Samsung’s Mobile Communications Business, noted that Unpacked was not just the launch of a new device, but a milestone marking the beginning of a new way to experience the world.

As a continuation of the Galaxy series, the Galaxy S8 promises an entirely new mobile experience with features such as a bezel-less Infinity Display and Bixby, an intelligent interface, that offer a new level of functionality and convenience.

To best showcase these features, Samsung installed an eye-catching screen that stretched up and over the stage. The ceiling-like display, along with a slew of immersive effects, consistently transformed the stage throughout the event, making for a memorable, highly sensorial experience.

The event’s Experience Zone provided an opportunity for attendees to get acquainted with the features of the Galaxy S8, as well as DeX – a new service that lets users power a PC-like environment from their mobile – and new versions of Gear VR and Gear 360.

See the highlights of the event below.

Media representatives gather outside Lincoln Center in New York for the first of three Galaxy Unpacked 2017 events.

The press awaits the commencement of Galaxy Unpacked 2017.

While launching the Galaxy S8 in New York, Samsung simultaneously unveiled the new smartphone at a satellite event in London.

In his keynote speech, DJ Koh, President of Samsung’s Mobile Communications Business, explains how the Galaxy S8 is “a gateway to a rich mobile life that will take you beyond the boundaries of today’s experiences and unlock the full potential of your imagination.”

DJ Koh unveils the Galaxy S8 and S8+.

A spectacular ceiling screen and immersive show effects transform the event stage.

“It marks a new era in smartphone design… the perfect balance of form and function, art and science, design and technology,” Justin Denison, Senior Vice President of Product Strategy at Samsung Electronics America, said of the Galaxy S8’s Infinity Display.

Sriram Thodla, Senior Director of Intelligence & IoT at Samsung Electronics America, explains that with a suite of new services, including the new Bixby interface and Samsung Connect, the Galaxy S8 is “a universal remote for your life.”

Justin Denison announces that the Galaxy S8 and S8+ will be released on April 21.

Suzanne De Silva, Principal Product Manager at Samsung Electronics America, demonstrates how the Galaxy S8 “empowers you to do incredible things” through the introduction of new versions of the Gear 360 and Gear VR.

Suzanne De Silva and Tom Jauncey, Co-Founder at Beautiful Destinations, showcase the 360-degree live streaming capabilities of the new Gear 360.

Event attendees capture a unique moment at Galaxy Unpacked 2017 with the Gear 360.

Jonathan Wong, Director of Product Marketing at Mobile B2B, Samsung Electronics America, gives the audience a live demonstration of DeX, Samsung’s new productivity tool that lets users power a desktop experience from their phone.

In the Experience Zone, event attendees get hands-on with the Galaxy S8, the newest addition to Samsung’s Galaxy line-up, as well as its new services and accessories.

“I can see so much more of what’s on the screen,” said one attendee who tried out the Galaxy S8. “But at the same time, the phone fits comfortably in my hand.”

Galaxy Unpacked attendees get hands on with the new Gear 360. With a more portable design, enhanced grip and live-broadcasting support, the 360-degree camera makes sharing life’s special moments easier than ever.

Refined Design

The Galaxy S8 builds on Samsung’s design heritage with a large Infinity Display, a bezel-less, dual-edge display that takes up more than 80 percent of the phone’s front screen. Visually obtrusive elements are minimal, resulting in more tangible screen space. An invisible Home button embedded underneath the screen functions just like a physical button while Recent and Back buttons are now customizable soft keys.

The Galaxy S8’s subtle curvature flows from the front of the device to the back to create a more ergonomic grip ideal for one-handed operation. The phone’s camera, fingerprint scanner and heart rate sensor have been incorporated on the back of the device in a way that minimizes protrusions, ensuring a sleek aesthetic at any angle.

Available in five colors including Midnight Black, the all-new Orchid Gray, Coral Blue, Arctic Silver, and Maple Gold, the Galaxy S8 is enhanced by a rich color palette.

One Unified Experience

Designed around the Infinity Display, the UX of the Galaxy S8 was developed to add convenience and enhance the flow of user interactions. Like the display itself, the UX is seamless, unifying visual and audio components to create one continuous experience.

The default wallpaper of the customizable Always On Display complements the color of the phone, while its aesthetic transitions smoothly to the Lock and Home screens. Meanwhile, a new vertical swiping interface provides seamless navigation between the Home and App screens.

Even the phone’s app icons and typography incorporate the Galaxy S8’s design language through a play of continuous curves and lines. Its brand sound “Over the Horizon” and ringtones have also been updated to better harmonize with the design of the device.

See More, Scroll Less

The stunning Infinity Display of the Galaxy S8 is 18 percent larger than the display of the Galaxy S7, making for a noticeably more immersive viewing experience.

When watched in landscape mode, 21:9 movies fill the Galaxy S8’s 18.5:9 display, while the black bars above and below the picture are minimized, increasing the viewing area by 36 percent, compared to the Galaxy S7. This, along with the phone’s High Dynamic Range (HDR) Premium capabilities, enables users to see content exactly as the creator intended. Gaming experiences, too, are enhanced, as any game that supports 18.5:9 full screen mode is automatically optimized to fill up the entire screen.

The Infinity Display also makes it easier to see and do more from a single screen without having to scroll as often. Optimized for multi-window usability, multitasking is made easy, even when using the phone’s full keyboard. The Galaxy S8’s new Snap Window feature enhances productivity by allowing users to pin a specific area from a recent app to the top of the screen, and continue using the area below it.

In addition, the Infinity Display is protected with Corning® Gorilla® Glass 5 which is impervious against scratches and external impacts.

Great Photos, In a Snap

The Galaxy S8 builds on the Galaxy foundation with its advanced camera, which offers multi-frame image processing. With this technology, the camera takes multiple photos in rapid succession instead of just one, then selects the clearest image and uses the others to reduce the blur. This enhanced image processing ensures that shots taken when the subject is moving, in low light or when zoomed in are clear and vibrant.

The dual-pixel sensor technology, wide aperture and fast autofocus of the 12MP F1.7 rear camera work together to create beautiful photographs even in low-light conditions. The 8MP F1.7 front camera has been equipped with enhanced autofocus features and facial recognition technology that can recognize and track faces to provide clear, focused selfies, regardless of the distance between the user and the camera.

With an easy-to-use filter setting, users can enhance their photos by selecting from a variety of filters, including Auto Filter, which automatically selects one optimized for their photo. Animated stickers and stamps can also now be applied to images when taking photos, right from the native camera app. The camera’s UX has also been optimized for one-handed operation.

A New Way to Interact

Although Bixby, Samsung’s new intelligent interface, is continuously being developed, it was created to enhance the way people interact with their Galaxy S8.  The intuitive and comprehensive interface leverages contextual awareness to learn users’ habits and provide related information, and is easily activated with a press of its dedicated hardware button or by saying “Bixby.”

With its multimodal functionality, its Voice feature lets users control multiple apps simultaneously using voice and touch commands interchangeably. Bixby has the ability to control all settings and features of each service without affecting other tasks users might be working on.

Its Vision interface can detect what users are looking for and respond accordingly, making it easier to search for images similar to ones selected by the user, shop online, get information about landmarks, decode QR codes and even translate foreign text through the phone’s Camera. Bixby also ensures that users remember important events through its intelligent Reminder feature. All of Bixby’s features can be accessed through its Home screen, which displays a user’s most contextually relevant apps on a single screen.

Seamless Transition from the Smartphone to the PC

Samsung DeX is a new service that lets users use their Galaxy S8 as they would a desktop by providing a seamless, secure mobile-to-PC transition. With DeX, users can conveniently access apps, browse the web, send messages and more directly from their phone on a larger display without having to carry multiple devices or transfer data.

DeX supports keyboard and mouse gestures, thus providing the effortless usability of a PC. Furthermore, with the ability to quickly shift between windows and adjust window size with ease, users can multitask more efficiently.

Samsung DeX helps to maximize productivity with intuitive applications such as Samsung Browser, MyFiles, Gallery and Samsung e-mail. DeX is also compatible with the Microsoft Office and Adobe mobile app suite, which allows complete desktop-like functionality previously unavailable from a mobile device. In addition, beginning in the first half of 2017, customers will be able to use VDI to remotely use Windows OS as they would on a desktop.

All Eyes on Security

The Galaxy S8 provides strengthened security features through the integration of Samsung’s trusted Knox security platform and a combination of new and enhanced biometric technologies.

The Galaxy S8’s highly secure iris scanner is fast, accurate and touch-free, making user verification easier than ever. Adding to the device’s security features are Samsung’s familiar fingerprint scanning and new facial recognition capabilities.

The Galaxy S8 also provides various security services including Secure Folder, an encrypted folder that keeps private information separate and safe with an added layer of security, and Samsung Pass, which lets users easily log into mobile banking apps and websites on the Samsung Internet Browser using biometric authentication.

A Control Center for the Smart Home

Pre-loaded on the Galaxy S8, Samsung Connect lets users manage and monitor the smart devices in their home from one unified app.

Users can connect their Samsung Connect-compatible IoT device to their smartphone through the Samsung Connect app. They can then set individual modes with different rules for each device. “Good Morning Mode,” for example, might turn on the lights and play music while “Going Out Mode” might turn off the air conditioner and start the robot vacuum cleaner.

Through its key features including easy setup, automatic connectivity and customization, Samsung Connect provides users with a more integrated approach to the smart home. Currently compatible with select 2017 Samsung IoT-enabled devices, Samsung Connect will support third-party devices with the SmartThings hub in the future.

These are just some of the major enhancements that users will get with the Galaxy S8. Explore some of the other ways Samsung’s newest flagship smartphone opens up a galaxy of possibilities.

Bixby was created to provide a more personalized experience to enhance the way people interact with their phones and the world around them. Bixby is not an ordinary voice assistant, but rather an intuitive and comprehensive interface that leverages contextual awareness to learn users’ habits and respond accordingly.

Bixby offers four main features: Voice, Vision, Reminder and Home.

Voice: A New Way to Interact

Bixby Voice is easily activated. Users simply need to press and hold the dedicated hardware button on the side of the Galaxy S8, say “Bixby” or tap it on the Bixby Home screen to wake it up.

While most traditional smartphone-related tasks require touch activation, Bixby’s multi-modality lets users control their phone using voice and touch controls interchangeably for maximized convenience. Utilizing natural language understanding, Bixby has the ability to adapt to the unique speaking style of the user. But if Bixby doesn’t understand the user’s command, it will ask for more information so it can complete the task, rather than giving up.

Bixby brings a deeper degree of voice integration, but can also easily switch back and forth between each mode of interaction – from voice command to touch, text and back to voice.

Bixby works simultaneously across multiple apps and has the potential to control all settings and features of each service. So, for example, if a user wants to send pictures to a friend, they can select images in their Gallery by tapping them, then tell Bixby to send the selected photos to their designated contact. Meanwhile, Bixby continues to work in the background to continually support the user, without affecting other tasks they might be working on.

Vision: Information in a Snap

With its Vision interface, Bixby can detect what users are looking at and take action according to what they see. Using the Galaxy S8’s Camera app, Bixby makes it easier to search for images and information, shop online and even translate text.

A tourist in Paris, for instance, spots an interesting looking building and snaps a photo of it. Bixby uses the image to determine that the structure is a famous art museum and can then provide related information, such as the museum’s address, phone number and website. At lunch, the user can also leverage Vision to get a translation of the French menu in their own native language or learn more information about the bottle of wine they would like to order.

Shopping is just as easy. Users can take a photo of an item such as a watch or a book and use Vision to locate and purchase it online.* Users can also launch Vision for more in-depth searching of products they see in their phone’s Gallery or while browsing Samsung Internet. Vision can be activated to read QR codes and, in select markets, barcodes that direct users to related information.

Reminder: Friendly Alerts When You Need Them Most

Bixby also helps users remember important events and to-do tasks through its intelligent Reminder feature.

It does so by sending notifications to users reminding them about tasks at specified times or locations, or in certain circumstances. Say a user is out of milk. They can request that Bixby remind them to buy more once they get off work. Or, they can ask Bixby to set their alarm each night before they go to sleep.

When reading an article or watching a video, users can also use Reminder to mark their place should they need to stop and resume where they left off at a later time.

Users can access stored reminders via the Reminder app, Reminder widget, Reminder cards on the Bixby Home screen or the Galaxy S8’s edge screen.

Home: All Important Content in One Convenient Place

Bixby’s Home screen lets users see the content they care most about with just a single swipe on the home screen or a short press of the designated Bixby button.

Home integrates with select native Samsung apps to provide a seamless look at all of the activity across the Galaxy S8 through a customizable card-like interface. For example, Home’s contact card shows frequent and missed call contacts, while music-related cards provide options such as playing paused content. Facebook and other social media cards, meanwhile, display trending content and news cards announce the latest headlines.

But Home doesn’t just relay information; it puts it into context, paying attention to the user’s schedule, routine and personality each time it’s used. In this way, Bixby can actually anticipate what the user needs and respond accordingly.

Say someone often uses Uber to commute to work. Bixby will start to place an Uber card at the top of Home in the morning, with a fare estimate and request button. When it’s time for bed, Home might display a user’s alarm and health summary of daily activity. The more users access Bixby, the more it evolves and adapts.

With its intuitive, comprehensive features and ability to leverage contextual awareness, Bixby provides a more convenient, personalized mobile experience, changing the way people interact with their phones. As the Bixby ecosystem continues to grow, Samsung believes it will evolve from an interface for your smartphone to an interface for your life.

Listen to Injong Rhee discuss Bixby in depth in the interview below.

*At launch, Vision’s shopping service will be available in 11 countries, including the US, UK and Korea, and will expand to others in the future.

Bigger Screen, Better Grip

Available in 5.8-inch and 6.2-inch screen models, the Galaxy S8’s Quad HD+ Super AMOLED Infinity Display takes up more than 80 percent of the phone’s front screen and is 18 percent larger than the screen of the Galaxy S7, enabling a more immersive viewing experience.

The phone’s front screen curves at the edges, has visibly reduced bezels and has no physical buttons. Without these obstructions, the Infinity Display seamlessly blends into the device’s body for a truly stunning display void of visual distractions.

Despite the display’s longer length, its width remains practically unchanged from that of the previous model. Its compact size, coupled with the phone’s symmetrically curved design, creates an ergonomic grip that enables comfortable one-handed operation.

Seamless Interactions

To provide the best viewing experience and create a more natural interaction between the user and the display, the Galaxy S8 unifies all buttons by integrating them into the display itself. The arrangement of the home, recent and back keys is the same as that of previous Galaxy models, and the buttons can be triggered by simply touching the screen.

Using a combination of hardware and software, the home key was installed under the display and was engineered to function and respond to pressure just like a physical button would. Recent and back buttons can be used in the same way they always have, but are now soft keys that can be customized in different colors.

Despite the fact that the Galaxy S8’s upper bezel contains the front camera, as well as the iris scanner and various sensors, it has been reduced in size, enhancing the aesthetic of the device. In addition, the Infinity Display is protected with Corning® Gorilla® Glass 5 which is impervious against scratches and external impacts.

Robust Entertainment

With the implementation of the Infinity Display, the Galaxy S8 also boasts an expanded ratio of 18.5:9 for a cinematic viewing experience.

Galaxy S7 edge on the left and Galaxy S8+ on the right.

These days, video providers such as Netflix are updating their apps to a 21:9 ratio to better showcase their content on wider displays. When watched in landscape mode, 21:9 movies fill the Galaxy S8’s 18.5:9 display, while the black bars above and below the picture are minimized, increasing the viewing area by 36 percent, compared to the Galaxy S7. This feature, along with the phone’s High Dynamic Range (HDR) Premium capabilities, enables users to see content exactly as the creator intended.

To get the most out of the Infinity Display, users can also select from manual conversion options including Stretch, which stretches video horizontally or vertically to fill the screen completely, or Crop to Fit, where the original video ratio is maintained but the image is enlarged and cropped so it fills the screen. Users can change modes easily with a convenient on-screen toggle.

Gaming experiences are also enhanced by the Infinity Display. Any game that supports 18.5:9 full screen mode will be automatically optimized to fill up the entire screen, providing enhanced visual effects and more exciting gameplay. The aspect ratio can also be adjusted manually in the Game Tools settings.

Do More, Scroll Less

In addition to enabling enhanced entertainment experiences, the Infinity Display makes it easier to see and do more from a single screen.

Galaxy S7 on the left and Galaxy S8 on the right.

While apps are usually navigated through a list-like interface that requires continuous scrolling, the Galaxy S8’s expanded display space enables users to view more images and feeds on social media or read more text in an email at once.

The Infinity Display is optimized for multi-window usability. With more screen real estate to work with, using multiple apps at the same time is easier, particularly when inputting text. Users can type a text message on the phone’s full keyboard while watching a movie, for example, without the film being blocked by the keyboard.

The Galaxy S8’s new Snap Window also enhances multitasking. This feature lets users pin a specific area from a recent app (such as the video screen of a media player or the shares section of a stock app) to the top of the screen, and continue using the area below it to work and view content seamlessly.

Gentle Notifications, meanwhile, use Edge Lighting and a small toast pop-up message instead of large pop-up notifications to alert users of incoming calls or messages so they can stay focused on their movie or game.
With its sleek aesthetic, immersive viewing experience and productivity-enhancing capabilities, the Galaxy S8 Infinity Display is a new form factor for an entirely new mobile experience.

Harmonizing Art and Technology

The Galaxy S8 builds on Samsung’s heritage of creating stunning designs with a large Infinity Display – an end-to-end, bezel-less screen that spills over the phone’s sides. Available in 5.8-inch and 6.2-inch models, the seemingly endless Infinity Display defies the borders of conventional framework.

Inspired by nature, the Galaxy S8’s gentle surface screen forms a continuous silhouette with no protrusions or sharp angles, while the phone’s subtle curvature smoothly flows from the front to back with symmetrical balance. The harmonious aesthetic of the display reflects the overall design of the device, complementing its comfortable grip and usability while creating a more organic connection between the device and the user.

Visually obtrusive elements have been minimized to create more tangible screen space, thus enabling enhanced usability and a more immersive viewing experience. A home key embedded underneath the screen functions and responds to pressure just like a physical button would, while the recent and back buttons are now soft keys that can be customized in different colors.

Available in five colors including Midnight Black, the all-new Orchid Gray, Coral Blue, Arctic Silver, and Maple Gold, the Galaxy S8 is enhanced by a rich color palette that envelops the device, intensifying the depth and unity of the design. The phone’s metal frames balance nicely with the natural luster and depth of its glass body, creating a seamless color transition that brings together art and technology to complete the phone’s concept of oneness.

One Continuous User Experience

Designed around the Infinity Display, the UX of the Galaxy S8 was developed with a focus on rhythm to enhance the flow of user interactions and better fit the way people use their phones today. Like the design of the display itself, the UX is seamless, unifying both visual and audio components to establish one continuous experience.

The default wallpaper of the customizable Always-On Display complements the color of the phone, while its aesthetic transitions smoothly to the lock and home screens. Meanwhile, a new vertical swiping interface facilitates navigation between the home screen and app tray – a swipe up or down gives users quick and seamless access to their apps. Or, should they choose to do so, they also have the option of adding an apps screen button to the home screen.

The new UX also adds convenience by making it possible to simultaneously move multiple apps into a folder. Additionally, users can tap and hold an app icon to open a quick options menu that lets them perform tasks such as uninstalling apps or moving them to Secure Folder without having to open the app.

Even the app icons and typography of the Galaxy S8 incorporate the phone’s new design language through a play of continuous curves and lines to create depth.

The Galaxy S8’s ringtones have also been updated to better harmonize with the design of the device, while a new version of Samsung’s brand sound, “Over the Horizon,” has also been released. Arranged and recorded by Grammy Award-winner Jacob Collier, the 2017 version of “Over the Horizon” combines elements of contemporary jazz, pop and dance genres to create a tune that is at once youthful and innovative.

Superior Images, No Matter the Conditions

Lighting and subject movement are two factors that greatly influence the outcome of a photograph. But in the real world, these conditions are not always ideal for taking pictures. The Galaxy S8, however, is embedded with sophisticated multi-frame image processing to ensure bright and clear photographs in nearly every environment.

With this technology, the camera takes three photos – instead of just one – then selects the clearest image and uses the other two to reduce the blur. By imposing the three images on top of one another, the resulting photograph is highly detailed with clearer contours. This even applies to images captured in less-than-ideal conditions, such as when zoomed-in in low light. Furthermore, the camera can capture and process the image so quickly that users cannot tell the difference between it and conventional smartphone cameras.

The phone’s 12MP F1.7 autofocus rear camera utilizes the same great Dual Pixel image sensor that was first introduced to the smartphone market with the Samsung Galaxy S7. With Dual Pixel technology, every single pixel enables precise and fast focusing, much in the same way that the human eye does. By splitting all of the camera’s pixels into two photodiodes for on-chip phase detection, the technology enables vastly improved autofocus performance, even in low light.

The 8MP F1.7 smart autofocus front camera has also been improved from the 5MP F1.7 front camera of the Galaxy S7. Until now, the front camera, which is most often used for taking selfies, was programmed to provide a fixed focus based on the average arm length of users. However, that distance has expanded with the proliferation of the selfie stick and other accessories.

Therefore, the Galaxy S8’s front camera has been equipped with autofocus features and facial recognition technology so it can better recognize and track faces, even when the distance between the camera and the subjects in the photo is increased. The result is superior selfie quality with a clearer, more detailed picture.

Filters and Stickers for Added Fun

As smartphone camera use has become more widespread, so too has the popularity of camera apps that let users apply various effects to add a bit of fun to their photographs. The Galaxy S8 gives users the option to use photo filters, stickers and stamps in the same way as these popular apps.

With a simple, convenient filter setting, users can let their creativity run wild by choosing from a collection of 16 filters, including eight beauty filters. Or, they can let the camera do the work for them via the Auto Filter feature, which automatically applies a filter optimized for the photo. Filters can be previewed before finalizing the edits.

Users can also choose from a selection of 34 stickers and 50 stamps to add to their photos, right from the native Camera app. The camera’s facial recognition technology can instantly apply static and animated facial feature stickers on the subject when in Camera or Video mode. New stickers and stamps will continue to be added in the future.

One-Handed Control

With the Galaxy S8’s enhanced UX, capturing life’s special moments has never been easier. Even with the phone’s large display, users can effortlessly launch and control the camera app with one hand.

A swipe right triggers shooting mode, while swiping left opens filter settings for convenient editing. Swiping up or down lets users effortlessly switch back and forth between the phone’s front and rear cameras. The camera’s zoom function has also been simplified and can be controlled by moving the shutter button to the right or left with one hand.

With advanced photo processing, fun new features and a convenient UX, the Galaxy S8 delivers on Samsung’s heritage of offering best-in-class Galaxy technology.

Samsung Electronics introduces the Galaxy S8 and S8+ to the world, a smartphone that pushes the boundaries of traditional smartphones with its seamless hardware design and a variety of new service offerings. With the launch of multiple services and apps, as well as a stunning Infinity Display for immersive viewing experiences, the Galaxy S8 and S8+ bring a new level of functionality and convenience, opening up a galaxy of possibilities.

“The Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ usher in a new era of smartphone design and fantastic new services, opening up new ways to experience the world,” said DJ Koh, President of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics. “The Galaxy S8 and S8+ are our testament to regaining your trust by redefining what’s possible in safety and marks a new milestone in Samsung’s smartphone legacy.”

See and Experience More

The Galaxy S8 builds on Samsung’s heritage of creating stunning designs and functional devices. Available in 5.8-inch Galaxy S8 and 6.2-inch Galaxy S8+, the Infinity Display and bezel-less design form a smooth, continuous surface with no buttons or harsh angles. The result is a truly immersive viewing experience without distractions and makes multi-tasking more convenient. The Galaxy S8’s compact design enables comfortable one-handed operation and Corning® Gorilla® Glass 5 on both the front and back for durability and a high-quality finish.

The Galaxy Foundation

In addition to the new design innovations, Samsung continues to deliver cutting-edge technology including an advanced camera, enhanced performance and more to the devices that users love, including:

• Premium Camera: The Galaxy S8 and S8+ are equipped with an advanced 8MP F1.7 Smart autofocus front camera and 12MP F1.7 Dual Pixel rear camera for the best low-light, zoom and anti-blur photos with enhanced image processing.

• Powerful Performance: Packing powerful performance and connectivity, the Galaxy S8 and S8+ feature the industry’s first 10nm processor, enabling heightened speed and efficiency. It is also gigabit LTE and gigabit Wi-Fi ready with support for up to 1 Gbps so users can quickly download files, regardless of the file size.

• Robust Entertainment: As the world’s first mobile device certified by the UHD Alliance as MOBILE HDR PREMIUM^TM, Galaxy S8 and S8+ let you see the same vibrant colors and contrasts that the filmmakers intended while watching your favorite shows. In addition, the Galaxy S8 and S8+ offer next-level gaming experiences with vivid and superior graphic technology, as well as Game Pack, featuring top game titles, including select titles supported by the Vulkan API.

• Global Standard in Mobile Security: The Galaxy S8 and S8+ are built on Samsung Knox, a defense-grade security platform. In addition, the Galaxy S8 and S8+ will offer a wide selection of biometric technologies including a fingerprint scanner, iris scanner and facial recognition so users can select a secure biometric authentication method that works best for them.

The Galaxy S8 and S8+ will also come with the foundational Galaxy features that our customers have come to love, including:

• IP68 water and dust resistance
• MicroSD support up to 256GB
• Always-on display
• Fast and wireless charging capabilities

New Way to Interact with Your Phone

Bixby is an intelligent interface that will help users get more out of their phone. With the new Bixby button, you will be able to conveniently access Bixby and navigate through services and apps with simple voice, touch, vision and text commands. At launch, Bixby’s Voice function will integrate with several Samsung native apps and features including Camera, Contacts, Gallery, Messages and Settings, with the plan to expand its capabilities to include more Samsung and third-party apps in the near future. Contextual awareness capabilities enable Bixby to offer personalized help based on what it continues to learn about the user’s interests, situation and location.

Users can also shop, search for images and get details about nearby places with Bixby’s image recognition technology. As the Bixby ecosystem grows, it will connect across devices, apps and services as a ubiquitous interface, and open up new experiences and scenarios to simplify life.

Beyond the Phone Experiences

The Galaxy S8 and S8+ offers robust portfolio of products and services, elevating the both devices experience for premiere mobile productivity and connectivity.

The Galaxy S8 and S8+ unlock the new Gear VR with Controller, powered by Oculus. Enabling convenient one-handed control and navigation, the controller provides better motion interaction when accessing interactive VR content. The Galaxy S8 and S8+ will also connect to the new Gear 360 to create 4K 360-degree videos and 15MP photos.

Leveraging the processing power of the Galaxy S8 and S8+ for enhanced productivity, Samsung DeX is a unique solution that transforms your smartphone into a desktop by providing a secure desktop-like experience. With Samsung DeX, users can easily display and edit data from their phone, making working from a smartphone faster and smarter.

In addition, as more IoT devices enter the market and the connected network becomes more complex, Samsung Connect simplifies smart device management. With Samsung Connect, users can easily activate IoT-enabled devices through a quick three-step configuration process and manage all connected devices through one integrated app.

The Galaxy S8 and S8+ also come with the enhanced Samsung Health service, expanding one of Samsung’s most widely used services with 60 million monthly active users and 11 million daily active users worldwide. Samsung Health includes tele-health (U.S.-only), personal coaching, social capabilities that redefine traditional health and fitness.

Users can leave their physical wallet behind with Samsung Pay, turning their Galaxy S8 and S8+ into a digital wallet they can use almost anywhere they’d use a credit or debit card. With more than 870 worldwide banking partnerships, Samsung Pay has processed more than 240 million transactions to date.

New high-performance earphones tuned by AKG by Harman, offering uncompromised audio for unbeatable sound quality, will come as an in-box accessory. These earphones will have a comfortable hybrid canal fit for better noise cancellation and will be made from anti-tangle metal-fabric material.

The Galaxy S8 and S8+ will be available starting on April 21, and will be offered in a rich color palette including Midnight Black, Orchid Gray, Arctic Silver, Coral Blue and Maple Gold.

Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ Product Specifications

*All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation.

“As consumers turn more to video to share their experiences, we want to deliver accessible and innovative products to make digital content easier to create, share and stream,” said Younghee Lee, Executive Vice President of Global Marketing and Wearable Business, Mobile Communications at Samsung Electronics. “The updated Gear 360 will continue to expand the horizons of what consumers can experience and share.”

Enhanced Features for High-Quality 360 Content Creation

For the first time, the Gear 360 offers 4K video recording for immersive and realistic digital content. Equipped with 8.4-megapixel image sensors and Bright Lens F2.2 on both dual fisheye lenses, the Gear 360 can create high resolution images.

The Gear 360 leverages Samsung’s innovative technologies and services to seamlessly share, view and edit content. Whether creating a 360-degree video or still images, users can access various viewing modes, editing tools and photo effects and filters to create customized content. Users can also effortlessly convert 360 videos into standard formats for easy-to-share content.

Always Stay Connected with 360 Social Live Broadcast

The Gear 360 introduces real-time content sharing. When the Gear 360 is synced with a compatible smartphone or computer, the new device enables users to share their best experiences with high-quality live broadcasting or direct uploading to platforms such as Facebook, YouTube or Samsung VR.

Expanded Compatibility for More 360 Experiences

The Gear 360 is compatible with a selection of third-party accessories and mounts. The latest edition of the Gear 360 is compatible with Samsung flagship devices including the newly-released Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+, Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 edge, Galaxy Note5, Galaxy S6 edge+, Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 edge, Galaxy A5 (2017) and Galaxy A7 (2017). The Gear 360 also offers greater compatibility with iOS devices including the iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus and iPhone SE, as well as Windows and Mac computers.

Samsung Gear 360 (2017) Product Specifications

*All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation.

Samsung DeX provides the ultimate productivity environment. It’s completely redesigned Android UI is optimized for use with a keyboard and mouse and includes multiple resizable windows, contextual menus and a desktop version Web browser. Key collaborations with Microsoft and Adobe enable Samsung DeX compatibility with Microsoft Office and Adobe mobile apps, including Adobe Acrobat Reader mobile and Lightroom Mobile, allowing desktop-like functionality and a user interface previously unavailable from a smartphone. For those mobile professionals and organizations that require access to Windows OS-based applications, Samsung DeX also allows users to remotely and securely access virtual desktops through partner solutions including Citrix, VMware and Amazon Web Services.

To start working, users simply insert their Samsung smartphone into the DeX Station, which connects the smartphone to an HDMI compatible monitor, and connect to any Bluetooth-enabled, USB or RF-type keyboard and mouse.

“The smartphone has become the central point for the modern mobile professional, and when giving a presentation or editing documents remotely, it means they can work effectively using just their smartphone. We developed Samsung DeX with the highly mobile worker in mind, giving them a convenient and flexible desktop experience,” said Injong Rhee, CTO of the Mobile Communications Business at Samsung Electronics. “Our collaboration with key partners such as Adobe and Microsoft was essential in the development of Samsung DeX, as they share our vision for building excellence in mobile productivity. With Samsung DeX, enterprise users can also be assured their smartphone and data are protected by the Samsung Knox security platform built into the smartphone. Samsung DeX redefines what a smartphone can do to keep mobile professionals productive.”

The DeX Station provides the connectivity professionals need, including two USB 2.0, Ethernet, USB type-C power-in and a cooling fan. The DeX Station also features Adaptive Fast Charging (AFC) technology to charge your Samsung smartphone quickly while connected. The DeX Station will be available globally with the Galaxy S8 and may be offered as a packaged bundle depending on region.

InJong Rhee, Executive Vice President, Head of R&D, Software and Services

Technology is supposed to make life easier, but as the capabilities of machines such as smartphones, PCs, home appliances and IoT devices become more diverse, the interfaces on these devices are becoming too complicated for users to take advantage of many of these functions conveniently. User interface designers have to make tradeoff decisions to cram many functions into a small screen or bury them deeper in layers of menu trees. Ultimately users are at the mercy of the designers with an increasingly steep curve that makes learning a new device difficult. This is the fundamental limitation of the current human-to-machine interface.  Since Samsung makes millions of devices, this problem impacts the core of our business.

Samsung has a conceptually new philosophy to the problem:  instead of humans learning how the machine interacts with the world (a reflection of the abilities of designers), it is the machine that needs to learn and adapt to us.  The interface must be natural and intuitive enough to flatten the learning curve regardless of the number of functions being added. With this new approach, Samsung has employed artificial intelligence, reinforcing deep learning concepts to the core of our user interface designs. Bixby is the ongoing result of this effort.

Bixby will be a new intelligent interface on our devices. Fundamentally different from other voice agents or assistants in the market, Bixby offers a deeper experience thanks to proficiency in these three properties:

1. Completeness

When an application becomes Bixby-enabled, Bixby will be able to support almost every  task that the application is capable of performing using the conventional interface (ie. touch commands).  Most existing agents currently support only a few selected tasks for an application and therefore confuse users about what works or what doesn’t work by voice command. The completeness property of Bixby will simplify user education on the capability of the agent, making the behaviors of the agent much more predictable.

2. Context Awareness

When using a Bixby-enabled application, users will be able to call upon Bixby at any time and it will understand the current context and state of the application and will allow users to carry out the current work-in-progress continuously.  Bixby will allow users to weave various modes of interactions including touch or voice at any context of the application, whichever they feel is most comfortable and intuitive.  Most existing agents completely dictate the interaction modality and, when switching among the modes, may either start the entire task over again, losing all the work in progress, or simply not understand the user’s intention.

3. Cognitive Tolerance

When the number of supported voice commands gets larger, most users are cognitively challenged to remember the exact form of the voice commands. Most agents require users to state the exact commands in a set of fixed forms. Bixby will be smart enough to understand commands with incomplete information and execute the commanded task to the best of its knowledge, and then will prompt users to provide more information and take the execution of the task in piecemeal. This makes the interface much more natural and easier to use.

We know that adopting new ways to interact with your devices will require a change in user behavior. The inconvenience of learning a new interface can cause friction and force users to revert back to old habits (e.g. the touch interface). At the same time we believe the key to success for a new voice interface is to design a scheme that reduces friction and makes the experience significantly more rewarding than the existing interface. So at its core, Bixby will help remove friction. It will simplify user education with new voice interfaces and will make using your phone even more seamless and intuitive.

Another example of removing friction will be the dedicated Bixby button that will be located on the side of our next device. Confusion around activating a voice interface is a barrier we have removed to make it feel easier and more comfortable to give commands. For example, instead of taking multiple steps to make a call – turning on and unlocking the phone, looking for the phone application, clicking on the contact bar to search for the person that you’re trying to call and pressing the phone icon to start dialing – you will be able to do all these steps with one push of the Bixby button and a simple command.

There has been a lot of excitement and speculation about what we will deliver with the launch of the Galaxy S8 later this month, especially due to the advancements in artificial intelligence. We do have a bold vision of revolutionizing the human-to-machine interface, but that vision won’t be realized overnight. Ambition takes time.

Bixby will be our first step on a journey to completely open up new ways of interacting with your phone. At the launch of the Galaxy S8, a subset of preinstalled applications will be Bixby-enabled. This set will continue to expand over time. Our plan is to eventually release a tool (in SDK) to enable third-party developers to make their applications and services Bixby-enabled easily.

Starting with our smartphones, Bixby will be gradually applied to all our appliances.  In the future you would be able to control your air conditioner or TV through Bixby. Since Bixby will be implemented in the cloud, as long as a device has an internet connection and simple circuitry to receive voice inputs, it will be able to connect with Bixby. As the Bixby ecosystem grows, we believe Bixby will evolve from a smartphone interface to an interface for your life.

Bixby is at the heart of our software and services evolution as a company.  We are fundamentally and conceptually changing our attitude toward software and services and working hard on innovation throughout all aspects of our mobile ecosystem. Our investment in engineering resources speaks for itself – we have thousands of software developers supporting this effort. This is something that I’m very excited about. Innovating in software and services enables opportunities for creativity and the ability to build new experiences from the ground up.  With the continued investment from Samsung on artificial intelligence, the possibility of what Bixby can become is endless.