Samsung Electronics began the global launch of the highly anticipated Gear S2 Classic New Edition on January 25. China is the first country in which the device has been released, but the launch is set to continue across the globe early this year.

The unveiling of the upgraded version of Samsung’s highly praised smartwatch at CES earlier this month wowed the tech world by merging fashion with technology. To reflect Samsung’s commitment to bringing more choices to consumers, the reintroduction of the Gear S2 Classic takes the intuitive, award-winning design of the Gear S2 and incorporates high-end materials and two unique finishes: 18K Rose Gold and Platinum. The new 18K Rose Gold edition features rose gold plating (18K) and is sold with an Ivory Genuine Leather Band, while the Platinum version showcases platinum finishes with a Black Genuine Leather Band.

Additionally, a new suite of stylish watch faces that feature Peanuts characters and artwork by creatives such as Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat, provides a more personalized wearable experience and allows consumers to easily express their personality with a simple twist of the bezel. Moreover, in an effort to further improve the smartwatch’s user capabilities, Samsung has partnered with additional developers to offer an expanded application ecosystem that complements multiple lifestyles. New additions include the CNN and Bloomberg Gear S2 apps, which boast their own specialized watch face features, while others like eBay, ESPN, Uber and Voxer are designed to enhance the convenience of the device.

As countries throughout the world begin to release the Gear S2 Classic New Edition, the device will quickly differentiate itself from other wearables with its unique features that enable it to function as both a stylish fashion accessory and a practical lifestyle product that adds convenience to one’s everyday life.

Samsung Electronics printers and Multi-function Printers (MFP) were recognized for their design prowess, receiving four iF Design Awards, including one Gold Award. The award-winning products were the MultiXpress 4 (MX4), MultiXpress 7 (MX7), M5370 and the M45.

Samsung Multi-function Smart MX4 Series

The iF Design Award is an international design competition hosted by the International Forum Design in Germany. First held in 1953, the iF Design Award is one of the world’s three major design awards along with the Red Dot Design Award and the IDEA Award. The awards are categorized into five groups: product design, communication design packaging design, interior architecture and professional concept. International expert juries gather to carefully evaluate and analyze all the submitted products according to design, appropriate use of material and innovation. The top 75 products are awarded the Gold Award.

The MX4 led the way with a Gold Award that recognizes not only the unit’s outstanding design but also excellence in creating an integrated design identity. Designed specifically to enhance user experience, the MX4 provides simple and fast usability by replacing complex feature buttons with an integrated 10.1-inch tablet and our highly acclaimed Smart UI.

Samsung Multi-function Smart MX4 Series 10.1-inch Tablet display

“We are always looking for ways to design printers that can enhance user experience and value, and we are thrilled to have our work recognized by the prestigious iF Design Awards,” said Seungwook Jeong, Principal Designer of Printing Design Group at Samsung Electronics. “Samsung is the first in the printing industry to receive iF Gold Awards for both A4 and A3 printers, both of which were based on the company’s design identity of a cohesive concept that combines innovation with value.”

The MX7, M5370 and the M45 series were also awarded an iF Product Design Award for their integrated and timeless designs.

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Integrated Design Identity

Since the release of the CLP-415 and CLX-4195 series in 2013, both of which won Gold iF Awards, we have created an integrated design identity and implemented it across our printer lineup.

The pioneering design concept splits the interface and the box, and represents Samsung’s back-to-basics idea of keeping it simple, clean and timeless. To keep the design sleek and organized, the upper interface and lower storage are separated. The upper interface portion has an organic design with a smooth look and feel, while the lower engine and storage section completes the overall look with a simple and clean shape.

The goal of the design process was to put the end user first, providing both value and long term reliability while also considering usability and ergonomics. The signature color scheme includes a unique combination of warm and cool color tones, adding sophistication to the otherwise dull achromatic colors. The ebony brown interface and light grey storage color combination matches the latest office trends of using warm tones for the office environment.

“The integrated design provides higher value through shape, color, and usability,” said Jeong. “We were able to be creative in utilizing the latest in ergonomic design concepts, and we will continue to use this as the core of our mid- to long term design strategy.”

He added, “We understand the need to have streamlined printer operations in the office, and continue to discover new methods in design and integrated technological innovation within their office products.”