To hear the story of how One UI 8 came together, Samsung Newsroom sat down with three of the leading minds behind the new user interface: Mihyun Jeong and Joonhwan Kim, who were in charge of development, and Nawoong Han who coordinated collaboration with Google — all from Samsung Electronics’ Mobile eXperience (MX) Business.

▲ (From left) Nawoong Han, Framework Development Team; Mihyun Jeong, Experience Planning Team; and Joonhwan Kim, UX Team of Samsung Electronics’ MX Business

A Personalized Daily Experience, Powered by AI and Foldables

One UI 8 takes Galaxy’s distinctive foldable form factor to the next level, delivering an even more powerful AI experience. Jeong, who was in charge of One UI planning, noted that as AI technology rapidly advances, user expectations are also rising — making One UI both more complex and more important. “To address this, Samsung’s customer experience (CX), user experience (UX) and development teams formed a task force that focused on defining the core concepts and enhancing the overall quality of One UI 8,” she said. “As a result, these core concepts were summed up as ‘multimodal AI, a form factor–optimized UX and a proactive personalized experience.”

Kim, who was in charge of One UI design for foldables, highlighted the design concept for One UI 8 — “When Foldables Meet AI” — as the convergence of form factors and AI innovation. “From the FlexWindow of Galaxy Z Flip7 to the expansive main display of Galaxy Z Fold7, users can now experience Galaxy’s evolution into AI phones across multiple form factors,” he explained.

AI Innovation on the FlexWindow

With One UI 8, Galaxy Z Flip7 lets users access AI features quickly and effortlessly, even without unfolding the device. A simple press of the side key launches Gemini Live, and its FlexWindow-optimized UX enables natural, conversational interactions with AI, as if chatting with a friend.

“You can, for example, view what’s shown on the camera and speak with AI in real time, or add events directly to your calendar. Everyday tasks become quick and effortless,” Jeong added.

▲ Mihyun Jeong from the MX Business demonstrates how One UI 8 enables easy access to AI functions on Galaxy Z Flip7’s FlexWindow.

The expanded FlexWindow on Galaxy Z Flip7 also makes it easy to check real-time sports scores, news, app updates and more through Now Bar. Plus, Now Brief delivers richer, more personalized information and insights, all available at a glance from the Flex Window.

Innovating Multitasking on a Large Screen

Galaxy Z Fold7’s large main display brings out the full potential of One UI 8. “On the big screen, you can display Galaxy AI-generated results in Split view or in Floating view, and freely resize or move them for highly efficient multitasking,” explained Kim.

Powered by multimodal AI that understands complex contexts, Screen sharing on Gemini Live enables users to share their current screen with AI in real time, even while running multiple apps, and instantly ask questions.

Galaxy AI’s Photo Assist also takes full advantage of the expansive screen. By placing the original and edited versions of an image side by side, users can compare every detail with precision for more refined image editing.

▲ Joonhwan Kim from the MX Business demonstrates how One UI 8 enables efficient multitasking on Galaxy Z Fold7.

Perfected Through Close Collaboration With Google

At the foundation of One UI 8’s refined AI experience is a special partnership with Google. “Both companies worked together from the very beginning, defining concepts during the early planning stage and collaborating throughout the process to bring the latest features to One UI 8,” explained Han, who managed joint efforts with the Android team at Google.

▲ Nawoong Han from the MX Business explains the collaboration process with the Android team at Google.

The way the two teams worked together was also unprecedented. “We collaborated with Google in real time, using a shared development branch that allowed us to exchange code around the clock and fix bugs on the fly,” said Han. Thanks to this close collaboration at the engineering level, Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 became the first devices to feature Android 16 out of the box.

▲ With One UI 8, Gemini can be activated directly from Galaxy Z Flip7’s FlexWindow without unfolding the device.

The multimodal Gemini Live experience on Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7 —  capable of recognizing on-screen content, enabling natural interactions in the moment, and connecting to Samsung apps to get things done — is also a product of Samsung and Google’s cohesive teamwork.

The development of Samsung DeX for One UI 8 is another prime example of this deep partnership. Developed by Samsung through close collaboration with Google, DeX has evolved and expanded to address key user needs by introducing desktop windowing to the core Android platform. From the underlying structure to detailed user scenarios, Samsung contributed its expertise built over years of operating DeX to the joint expansion effort. This new desktop windowing experience offers app developers a consistent user environment and helps boost productivity on Android devices.

“I traveled between Korea and the UK several times for workshops with Google. We’d gather in front of a whiteboard, sketching out screen transition flows and discussing even the smallest details,” recalled Han.

“We spent so much time together that our teamwork became rock solid. We made matching team hoodies and later grew close enough to even ask about each other’s pets,” he added with a smile. For users, the result of this tight bond was a more powerful and productive Samsung DeX.

Emotion-Embracing Design, Backed by Strong Security

One UI 8 places as much emphasis on thoughtful design as it does on powerful AI features. “In addition to the weather app, which received particularly positive feedback during beta testing, we enhanced animations and visual effects across other everyday apps to create a more immersive experience,” said Kim.

“In One UI 8, the clock can recognize the subject in a chosen wallpaper and organically align itself with its outline. This feature is not only available on the main display but also on Galaxy Z Flip7’s FlexWindow,” he added, introducing it as an element that brings a sense of liveliness to One UI 8’s design.

Jeong added that beyond AI, One UI 8 also brings a host of enhancements designed to maximize everyday convenience. She highlighted features such as a more streamlined Quick Share for easier content sharing; Audio Eraser, which reduces unwanted background noise in videos and audio recordings at the touch of a button; and four new pet profiles added to the Portrait Studio in Photo Assist.

▲ Mihyun Jeong (left) and Joonhwan Kim (right) explain the development process behind One UI 8.

Security, now more critical than ever in the AI era, has also been reinforced. One UI 8 utilizes a new security solution, Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP), and Knox Vault to protect personalized AI features and further safeguard user data by blocking unauthorized access.

“We fully understand the security concerns users may have in the AI era,” said Jeong. “That’s why we’ve built powerful threat-blocking mechanisms into the device, while also providing and continuously upgrading a range of security tools that users can easily use and manage by themselves.”

New Everyday Life With One UI 8

One UI 8 marks the beginning of a new user experience born from the fusion of foldables and AI.

“These are completely new foldable experiences — unlike anything before. Through One UI, we will naturally connect users with AI to deliver even more effective automation and personalization,” said Jeong, expressing confidence in the advancements One UI 8 brings.

“From bar-type phones to foldables and tablets, we hope our form factor–optimized AI experiences will bring even greater value and enjoyment to users’ daily lives,” Kim added.

Looking ahead, Samsung’s collaboration with Google is set to deepen further. “The more advanced the technology becomes, the more important collaboration will be,” noted Han. “We aim to broaden our partnership with Google across all areas of Galaxy, especially in AI — so stay tuned.”

One UI 8 will begin rolling out to other devices in September, starting with the Galaxy S25 series. By taking the synergy between AI and Samsung’s foldable form factors to new heights, the new user interface promises to open up new possibilities for everyday life.

Through AI-powered assistance, Galaxy users can more naturally engage in conversational interactions that make everyday tasks easier. Just press and hold the side button to show Gemini Live¹ what you see while simultaneously interacting with it in a live conversation.

Imagine picking out an outfit or reorganizing a closet. Gemini Live can now make those everyday decisions easier. By simply pointing the camera, users can get suggestions on how to categorize items and optimize space, or share their screen while browsing online retailers to receive personalized style advice. With the ability to see what the user sees and respond in real time, Galaxy S25 series feels like a trusted friend who’s always ready to help.

“Together with Google, we are marking a bold step toward the future of mobile AI, delivering smarter interactions that are deeply in sync with how we live, work and communicate,” said Jay Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of Customer Experience Office, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “With this new visual capability, Galaxy S25 series brings next-generation AI experiences to life, setting new standards for how users engage with the world through their devices.”

On April 7, Gemini Live with camera and screen sharing capabilities will start rolling out to all Galaxy S25 series users at no additional cost. For more information about Galaxy S25 series, please visit: Samsung Newsroom, Samsungmobilepress.com and Samsung.com.

¹ Check responses for accuracy. Compatible with certain features and accounts. Internet connection required. Available in select countries and to users 18+.

Samsung Electronics today unveiled its new AI-powered Interactive Display (WAFX-P model) at Bett 2025, Europe’s largest education technology exhibition. Through Samsung AI Assistant, the education-focused display combines advanced hardware and cutting-edge AI capabilities to create smarter learning environments that are more engaging and collaborative.

“Samsung envisions a future where every classroom benefits from the transformative power of AI. By integrating advanced tools like generative AI and real-time transcription into our classroom displays with Samsung AI Assistant, we are not just enhancing learning — we are revolutionizing it,” said Hoon Chung, Executive Vice President of the Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “We are committed to creating technology that inspires educators and students to explore, discover and grow together.”

Transforming Classrooms With Samsung AI Assistant

Samsung AI Assistant is a new educational solution built to adapt, engage and transform learning for the next generation. This dedicated teaching solution equips educators with intelligent, intuitive tools to organize lessons and transform traditional teaching into dynamic, interactive experiences that maximize learning outcomes.

Samsung AI Assistant includes several innovative educational tools:

• Circle to Search instantly delivers search results from trusted sources when users simply circle on-screen images or text, making exploration during class effortless.
• AI Summary creates concise lesson recaps automatically, making lesson planning easier for teachers and simplifying post-class reviews for students.
• Live Transcript converts spoken words into text in real time for students to revisit and reinforce their classroom lessons.

Expanding Educational Opportunities Through Global Partnerships

Samsung also plans to expand its AI services in the education market through partnerships with global AI companies.

In collaboration with Google, Samsung aims to develop diverse and powerful AI scenarios for fostering digital classrooms of the future.

The WAFX-P is Google EDLA-certified,¹ as well, providing seamless access to services like Google Classroom and Google Drive, which further enrich the educational experience. With these features, Samsung’s AI Interactive Display acts as a powerful teaching assistant, fostering exploration and collaboration.

Advanced Technology for AI-Powered Learning

With 65”, 75” and 86” options, the full WAFX-P lineup supports powerful AI capabilities, with advanced hardware to deliver a seamless user experience. A neural processing unit (NPU) capable of performing up to 4.8 trillion operations per second ensures smooth operation of its AI features. Additional specifications include 16GB of RAM, 128GB of SSD storage and an octa-core CPU, collectively enabling efficient multitasking and resource-heavy educational applications. Its 450-nit max brightness, built-in 4K camera, microphone and 20-watt speaker create an immersive, multimedia-ready environment for video conferencing and collaborative learning.

The WAFX-P is a versatile interactive display powered by Android 15 that includes software features to organize and maximize learning outcomes. Smart Note-On allows seamless transitions between handwriting and digital content, and File Converter simplifies the conversion of various file formats to enhance the display’s functionality and streamline workflows.

Samsung’s Commitment to Long-Term Support

In line with its commitment to empowering education, Samsung will continue to support its previous-generation displays, ensuring that the 2024 WAF series remains compatible with the new AI-based, interactive functionalities. This approach underscores the company’s commitment to delivering enduring value and innovation to educational institutions worldwide.

Samsung looks forward to seeing its peers, customers and partners in person at booth #NE20 at Bett 2025. To learn more about Samsung’s interactive displays, please visit http://samsung.com.

¹ Enterprise Devices Licensing Agreement, a program Google introduced at the end of 2022 to help solutions providers offer devices with built-in Google Mobile Services.

Samsung Electronics, a global leader in display technology, today announced it will showcase its highly anticipated 2025 hotel TV lineup at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2025 in Barcelona. The new lineup combines sophisticated designs, cutting-edge in-room entertainment features and a unified platform, reinforcing Samsung’s commitment to redefining the premium hotel experience.

“Our 2025 hotel TV lineup is designed to elevate the guest experience with personalization at its core,” said Hoon Chung, Executive Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “Hotels can customize their room’s ambiance with The Frame’s Art Mode, offer seamless streaming with Apple Airplay and the newly added Google Cast, and enable convenient control of the room environment through SmartThings Pro, all tailored to individual guest preferences.”

Redefining Hotel Aesthetics With The Frame

Samsung’s 2025 lineup introduces the award-winning The Frame (model name HL03F)¹ as a hotel TV, bringing stunning 4K QLED picture quality with vivid colors, deep contrasts and lifelike visuals to every room, all while maintaining a sleek and sophisticated design that transforms interiors. With its innovative Art Mode, The Frame allows hotel managers to customize guest rooms and surroundings by displaying a curated selection of modern or classic artwork — or even other tailored images such as hotel-branded visuals — when the TV is not in use.

Combined with an Anti-Reflection Matte Display that limits light interference and a Slim-Fit Wall Mount that enables the TV to sit flush against the wall like a true art piece, The Frame elevates hotel aesthetics with a unique blend of luxury and personalization.

As the official visual display sponsor of Art Basel, The Frame reflects Samsung’s dedication to combining cutting-edge technology with timeless design. Its introduction sets a new benchmark for hotels seeking to deliver a refined, personalized and visually captivating experience for their guests.

Enhancing Guest Experiences With Google Cast for Seamless Streaming

▲ Google Cast is a trademark of Google LLC.

Samsung’s 2025 hotel TV lineup, along with the 2024 HBU8000, takes in-room entertainment to the next level by supporting Google Cast² for secure, seamless, in-room streaming. Guests will be able to easily cast their favorite content directly from their Android and iOS devices to the TV without the need for additional dongles or login requirements. The connection process is quick and straightforward, utilizing QR codes for instant pairing.

“We’re thrilled to bring Google Cast to Samsung TVs, extending the convenience of seamless content sharing to both hospitality and consumer models,” said Tiger Lan, Google’s Senior Director of engineering for multi-device experiences. “Whether guests are enjoying their favorite shows and playlists on hotel TVs or streaming effortlessly at home, this collaboration ensures users have reliable, personalized access to their content wherever they are.”

The lineup also supports Apple AirPlay,³ allowing hotel guests to securely connect their iOS and iPadOS devices to the TVs in their rooms for an effortless streaming experience.

Unlike traditional systems, both Apple Airplay and Google Cast can be used independently of third-party system integrator (SI) requirements, simplifying installation for hotels and reducing infrastructure demands. Furthermore, Samsung ensures robust privacy by ensuring that no personal information or device pairing data is stored, giving guests complete peace of mind during their stay.

Streamlining Hotel Operations With a Connected Ecosystem

Samsung’s 2025 hotel TV lineup introduces a fully connected ecosystem designed to enhance operations and elevate guest experiences. With Tizen 9.0, guests benefit from an intuitive and seamless interface that simplifies access to streaming apps, smart room controls and personalized services, creating a more enjoyable and connected stay.

For hotel operators, LYNK Cloud offers a powerful cloud-based solution that combines customizable content delivery, remote device management and over-the-top (OTT) entertainment. Equipped with an e-commerce platform, it enables guests to perform service interactions such as ordering room service, booking hotel amenities and accessing a digital concierge. Simultaneously, hotel managers gain valuable insights to personalize guest content and deploy targeted promotions across rooms or properties globally, driving operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.

SmartThings Pro further strengthens IoT connectivity by enabling secure and centralized control of Samsung Hospitality TVs, Smart Signage, air conditioning systems and more. With a scalable dashboard and customizable application programming interfaces (APIs), SmartThings Pro allows hotel IT teams to monitor performance, manage devices across multiple units and seamlessly integrate with existing systems.

¹ The functionality of The Frame in the hotel TV lineup may vary from the consumer version.
² Google Cast is a trademark of Google LLC. Google Cast supports Android 6 and above, and iOS 14 and above. Availability may vary by device, software version and region.
³ AirPlay is compatible with iOS 11, iPadOS 13, macOS Mojave 10.14 and later versions. Availability may vary by device, software version and region.

Samsung Electronics today announced the integration of Eclipsa Audio — a groundbreaking 3D audio technology developed in partnership with Google — into its 2025 TV and soundbar lineup. By empowering creators to craft dynamic, immersive audio content and enabling seamless playback on Samsung TVs, Eclipsa Audio brings captivating audio and visual experiences closer to consumers than ever before.

“We are proud to lead the industry with the integration of Eclipsa Audio into our 2025 TV and soundbar lineup,” said Taeyong Son, Executive Vice President and Head of the R&D Team, Visual Display Business, Samsung Electronics. “This innovation opens new possibilities for immersive audio experiences and reinforces our commitment to shaping the future of home entertainment.”

Innovating the Home Entertainment Experience

Samsung, the global leader in the TV market for 18 consecutive years, is redefining home entertainment with the integration of Eclipsa Audio. With the largest market share over 75 inches worldwide, Samsung TVs are poised to make this groundbreaking technology accessible to more consumers than ever before.

Eclipsa Audio allows creators to adjust audio data such as the location and intensity of sounds, along with spatial reflections, to create an immersive three-dimensional sound experience.

As the first in the industry to adopt Eclipsa Audio, Samsung is integrating the technology across its 2025 TV lineup — from the Crystal UHD series to the premium flagship Neo QLED 8K models — to ensure that consumers who want to experience this advanced technology can choose from a wide range of options.

Expanding Content and Playback

Starting in 2025, creators will be able to upload videos with Eclipsa Audio tracks to YouTube. Viewers with 2025 Samsung devices will be able to watch YouTube videos with premium spatial audio when available.

To ensure consistent audio quality, Samsung and Google are working with the Telecommunications Technology Association (TTA) to create a certification program for devices using Eclipsa Audio, ensuring that consumers experience the highest standards of sound fidelity.

“We believe that Eclipsa Audio has the potential to change the way we experience sound,” said Jim Bankoski, Vice President of Engineering, Google Chrome. “We are excited to see how the creator community uses it to create new and innovative audio experiences.”

What once seemed like science fiction has become a reality as eXtended reality (XR) transforms how we engage with the world around us.

XR is an umbrella term for technologies that use digital elements to extend or alter reality by merging the physical and digital worlds together. This includes virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR) as well as other similar technologies yet to be developed. XR offers infinite possibilities, creating a dynamic spatial canvas where users’ sight, sound and motion combine to interact with the outside world. A world that will unlock unprecedented experiences across core areas of life, from working and learning to entertainment, gaming and even health and wellness.

We have always placed the user experience at the core of our innovation. It is our responsibility to bring the best possible technology and experience to our users, and we demonstrated this commitment by introducing and democratizing Galaxy AI. Grounded in mobile AI leadership, we truly believe now is the time to unlock the potential of XR. With the power of multimodal technology, our XR enables the most natural and intuitive interactions with the world. Supported by the broader Galaxy ecosystem, this technology will empower and transform your everyday life — in a way that only we can deliver.

We are also making our vision a reality through open collaboration with industry leaders like Google and Qualcomm, culminating in the creation of an entirely new Android XR platform. For many years, we have worked side-by-side with partners, designing, integrating and optimizing technology — and this next project is one of our most ambitious endeavors yet.

By uniting forward-thinking ideas with industry-leading expertise, we can ensure a robust and scalable platform that offers a wide range of content. From the Galaxy ecosystem and Google’s suite of apps to partnership with third-party developers, every XR interaction will be incredibly enriched.

Available for both headsets and glasses, this new platform leverages the power of Gemini by bringing together a conversational user interface (UI) and a contextual understanding of the world around you. It offers cutting-edge capabilities beyond gestures or a controller, utilizing voice and natural conversation to elevate the experience. With these accurate, personalized interactions, the platform will be your helpful AI assistant.

Code named “Project Moohan”, the first headset designed for Android XR is poised to bring this experience to life in the near future. The name “Moohan”, meaning ‘infinity’ in Korean, connotes our belief in delivering unparalleled, immersive experiences within an infinite space. Equipped with state-of-the-art displays, Passthrough capabilities and natural multi-modal input, this headset will be your spatial canvas to explore the world through Google Maps, enjoy a sports match on YouTube or plan trips with the help of Gemini. All these experiences come with lightweight, ergonomically optimized hardware designed to ensure maximum comfort during use.

“XR has quickly shifted from a distant promise to a tangible reality. We believe it has the potential to unlock new and meaningful ways to interact with the world by truly resonating with your everyday lives, transcending physical boundaries,” said Won-Joon Choi, EVP and Head of R&D, Mobile eXperience Business. “We are excited to collaborate with Google to reshape the future of XR, taking our first step towards it with Project Moohan.”

“We are at an inflection point for the XR, where breakthroughs in multimodal AI enable natural and intuitive ways to use technology in your everyday life”, said Sameer Samat, President of Android Ecosystem, Google. “We’re thrilled to partner with Samsung to build a new ecosystem with Android XR, transforming computing for everyone on next-generation devices like headsets, glasses and beyond.”

The possibilities of XR are infinite — and we’re only getting started.

Now with the latest version of iOS supporting RCS,¹ the benefits are available beyond the Android ecosystem when messaging across platforms.² This wider adoption takes the industry one step closer to a universal seamless messaging experience, improving how users connect around the world.

The Journey to a More Open World of Communication

With a belief that open industry standards enable new possibilities across the entire device ecosystem, Samsung has worked closely with Google for years to establish RCS as a universal standard that improves the messaging experience through usability and security-enhancing features.

“We’ve been working with Google on RCS for years to provide users with a seamless, connected messaging experience,” said Patrick Chomet, EVP and Head of Customer Experience, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “This wider adoption takes us into a new era of compatibility, and we’re thrilled to see the benefits of RCS messaging in the hands of more people.”

“We have worked hard for years to make RCS the standard for improved cross-platform messaging, and Samsung has been instrumental in the growing adoption of RCS,” said Sameer Samat, President of Android Ecosystem at Google. “With their insights into what consumers expect from their devices, we’ve been able to truly modernize the messaging experience.”

More Seamless Communication for All

With RCS, users enter a world of rich, seamless messaging — one that is fast becoming the norm. The key benefits of RCS when messaging with iOS devices include:

• High-quality media sharing³: Users can send high-resolution images and videos across Android and iOS devices, making it easier to share special moments in greater detail and clarity.

• Text Reactions: Users can react to messages with emoji or other expressions, similar to social media, making conversations more interactive and personal.

• Enhanced group chats: In group chats, users can add or remove other users whether they use Android or iOS.

RCS is quickly becoming the universally adopted, modern messaging standard, enhancing communications for users everywhere. As the world becomes more interconnected, this open, collaborative approach across the industry will be a key factor in enabling better experiences for all.

¹ Availability of service varies by region or carrier.
² All members of a chat must have RCS enabled. Requires Google Messages for Android users and iOS 18 or later for iPhone users. Encryption is only available for Android-to-Android communication.
³ Image quality may vary. Turn off “Send photos faster” within Google Messages settings for higher resolution images.

Samsung Electronics today announced the availability of Circle to Search with Google for select Galaxy A series,¹ furthering the democratization of mobile AI to even more devices in the Galaxy ecosystem. This enhancement underscores Samsung and Google’s continuous dedication to providing the best of mobile technology to as many users as possible. Following Circle to Search’s availability on the selected Galaxy A series, the innovative search experience will also come to Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Tab S9 FE+, where large displays and Galaxy S Pen bring a new dimension to discovery.

Circle to Search has quickly become a fan favorite since launching on the Galaxy S24 series, offering a transformative experience of discovery that goes beyond traditional search methods. As it expanded to more Galaxy devices, including the latest Galaxy Z Flip6 and Z Fold6, Circle to Search has continuously evolved to enhance its usability and intuitiveness, including adding full-page translation, homework help, and QR and barcode scanning capabilities. Now, with Circle to Search on the Galaxy A series and Galaxy Tab S9 FE series we’re bringing the ability to ask more complex questions about what you see to even more of Samsung’s product lineup.

“These updates unlock new possibilities for the Galaxy A series and Galaxy Tab S9 FE series and reinforce our commitment to providing cutting-edge technology for more Galaxy users,” said TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “We are dedicated to bringing best-in-class AI technology to a broader audience, empowering users with the option to work more efficiently, create more freely and enjoy richer, more personalized interactions with their devices.”

Circle to Search is a new way to search anything using a simple gesture — without switching apps. When Circle to Search is enabled, users can simply circle, highlight or tap anywhere on the screen to select the text, image or video they want to search.² This feature — the result of a deep collaboration with Google — embodies the company’s long-standing commitment to openness and collaboration. With AI-powered results offering rich information and context, Circle to Search elevates the search experience to a new level of ease and excitement.

For more information about the Galaxy A series and Galaxy Tab S9 FE series, please visit: https://www.samsung.com/global/galaxy/

¹ To be rolled out beginning this month for the following models: Galaxy A55, A54, A35 and A34. Availability of Circle to Search updates may vary by device model and market.
² Results may vary depending on visual matches. Requires internet connection. Users may need to update Android to the latest version. Product functionality may be dependent on your app and device settings. Some functions may not be compatible with certain apps. Availability of the service varies by country and language. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.

Until now, smart homeowners have experienced challenges using their devices across multiple ecosystems. Connecting devices between ecosystems often involved many steps across multiple apps to link accounts, which did not always work in both directions. This meant users had to remember which apps and interfaces they could control or automate a particular device. The Matter standard’s multi-admin capabilities provide the foundation for connecting devices directly to multiple apps and ecosystems, giving consumers more flexibility and choice. Samsung and Google are building on multi-admin, allowing users to seamlessly find, choose to connect and control Matter-enabled devices through SmartThings or Google Home apps on Android.

When users go into the SmartThings app, they will be made aware of Matter devices that have been set up with Google Home and will be given a choice to easily onboard those devices to SmartThings, and vice-versa. Now, whether users want to control their smart home on their SmartThings app or a Google Nest Hub, the devices will always be there. Users won’t have to manually add each of their devices one at a time or worry about which ecosystem their device has been set up on first.

“As the largest Android developer, Samsung values its strong partnership with Google. Providing users with greater flexibility through this new multi-admin feature is a natural progression in our evolution as partners, allowing us to better support our massive existing and potential user base with both Samsung and Google products,” said Jaeyeon Jung, Corporate Vice President and Head of SmartThings, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “Both SmartThings and Google are committed to user choice and giving consumers the power to control their own devices. This collaboration furthers that commitment by enhancing the user experience and promoting transparency between ecosystems.”

“With the launch of Matter, we understand there will be new expectations, when it comes to smart home connectivity. We are proud to partner with Samsung Electronics to offer new and existing smart home users their first glimpse into what the future of the smart home looks like and the ease of use that comes with it,” said Matthew McCullough, Vice President, Product Management, Android Developer from Google.

Samsung and Google’s Matter multi-admin feature will be rolled out in the coming weeks. For more information about SmartThings, please visit www.smartthings.com.

Starting today, Galaxy Watch4 users will also be able to download Google Assistant² on their devices, gaining access to fast, more natural voice interactions, quick answers to questions and on-the-go help. With access to both Bixby and Google Assistant, consumers will have more advanced voice assistant functionality right from their wrists.

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​¹ Availability of the services may vary by market.

² Google Assistant will be available in 10 markets, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, The UK and USA. It will, also, support 12 languages, which include Danish, English (American, Canadian, United Kingdom, Australian, Irish), Japanese, Korean, Spanish, French (Canadian, France) and Taiwanese.

Health technology has prioritized constant exercise, breaking personal records and meeting daily physical goals. Over the past few years, we’ve seen a distinct cultural shift in how users approach health — people are redefining the norms in this space and are approaching health with a more holistic mindset. It’s less about calories burned and pounds lost and more about understanding their bodies — both physically and mentally — and prioritizing what’s most important to them, like healthy eating, proper sleep and exercise.

With this in mind, we’re continuing to build on the Galaxy Watch experience by focusing on one of my biggest priorities here at Samsung Electronics — delivering holistic health solutions for our users. For years, we’ve worked to deliver comprehensive health features that give our users the tools they need to achieve their goals and live healthy lifestyles.

We’re thrilled that Samsung and Google are working together to fulfill this need with a new solution, Health Connect. Just announced at Google I/O, developers now have access to a single set of APIs that enable the creation of fitness and health experiences. With the new Health Connect API, users will have a comprehensive set of controls to manage their health and fitness data across apps.

Health Connect supports more than 50 data types, such as exercise and sleep, as well as your vitals, such as heart rate and blood pressure. To ensure users have complete control of their data, Health Connect provides centralized privacy controls making it easy to give permission to the apps they want to share their on-device data.

And this isn’t just a proof of concept. We’re working alongside Google and other partners to realize the full benefits and potential of Health Connect. I’m excited to confirm that Samsung Health will also adopt Health Connect later this year. With users’ permission, this will enable app developers to take advantage of accurate and optimized data measured on Galaxy Watch for Samsung Health and use it in their apps as well.

We can’t wait to see how developers use Health Connect to bring tangible, holistic health benefits to Galaxy users. This new service is a massive step toward empowering users to experience the advantages of holistic living.

It’s been a busy year for us on the Samsung Health R&D team, but finally getting to share what we’ve been working on is one of my favorite parts of my job. Of course, this is just a fraction of everything going on behind the scenes. We can’t wait to share future updates on software and hardware experiences as we continue to lead the industry with next-generation wearables. Until then, have a happy I/O!

Just one year ago at Google I/O, I had the privilege to be a part of the announcement of the new unified platform of Wear OS, bringing the best of Google together with Samsung Electronics’ wearable software and hardware expertise. This was the cumulation of the long-standing partnership between Samsung and Google.

The release of Wear OS Powered by Samsung on the Galaxy Watch4 series was a momentous step for both companies and one that could only be accomplished through a truly collaborative partnership driven by our shared goals. When we merged our very own Tizen-based software platform with Google’s operating system, we knew that we could bring immense improvements to the overall user experience via Wear OS. It was — and still is — enabling various features like the Watch Face Studio, which helps both users and designers easily and intuitively create their own watch faces.

We’re bringing the best of our partnership forward, and together, we’re striving to create innovative experiences for Samsung Galaxy users. As such, Wear OS truly exemplifies the value of our collaboration. In fact, I think we can officially call Wear OS an undeniable success, as there are now more than three times as many active Wear OS devices as there were last year. We see this growth in our wearables as just the beginning of even greater things to come.

A Unified Platform, Centered on You

As a leader in the wearables market, Samsung understands the importance of unifying its wearable user experience with the wider Android community. As we develop these experiences, we listen to our users to make the improvements and upgrades that will support their day-to-day lives. The creation of Wear OS allowed Android developers to easily port code from their smartphone applications to create Wear OS apps. When Galaxy users download the Wear OS-compatible app from the Google Play Store, they can choose to automatically install the same app on their Galaxy Watch as well.

Samsung Galaxy users were the first to receive the latest features and benefits of the partnership and platform, culminating in our most significant wearable release to date — the Galaxy Watch4 series. It’s our job to make sure our customers not only enjoy the Galaxy experience but also feel empowered to make the changes that improve their health and overall wellness. Health Connect, announced today, is the result of our ongoing effort to deliver holistic health solutions for our users.

Expanding the Android Ecosystem

As we celebrate one year of collaboration and success, we’re opening up the ecosystem even further by bringing new experiences and benefits to Galaxy Watch4 users. This summer, I’m excited to share that Galaxy Watch4 users will be able to download Google Assistant to their devices, featuring faster and more natural voice interactions, enabling quick answers and on-the-go help.

We’re bringing enhanced functionality to our third-party partners, too. Soon, our users can control Spotify with Google Assistant and change songs on the fly using only their voice. But we’re not stopping there. Later this year, even more of Google apps and services will be optimized for Galaxy Watches, once again delivering the most comprehensive and seamless wearable device experience with Android smartphones.

We’ve just scratched the surface of the potential of our partnership with Google and what’s to come for our users. Galaxy Watch series devices are already loved by Android smartphone users thanks to our signature designs, rich watch-face ecosystem, and holistic health platform. I can’t wait to show you the next wave of innovations and ecosystem enhancements we’ve been working on for the series. Stay tuned for even more exciting news!

When Samsung Electronics revealed its first prototype of a flexible display back in 2011, few people realized they were witnessing a glimpse into the mobile industry’s future. Now, a decade later, Samsung has shipped 4 times more foldable devices in 2021 than in 2020, exceeding the three-fold market growth that analysts expected.¹

Consumer enthusiasm for Samsung foldables is exemplified by the success of the Galaxy Z series. In the first month since launch, the Galaxy Z Fold3 and Z Flip3 exceeded total accumulative sales of Samsung foldable devices in 2020.

With foldable smartphone shipments predicted to grow tenfold by 2023,² let’s take a look at the key moments, top innovations and important partnerships that have helped make foldable devices the next big thing.

Bringing Foldables to Consumers Around the World

Samsung may have first introduced the concept of foldable displays in 2011, but it would take over a decade to bring foldable devices to consumers around the world.

The next major milestone came in 2019, when Samsung finally brought its foldable vision to reality with the Galaxy Fold, its first foldable device. Soon after that came the Galaxy Z Flip. A sleek clamshell design – a throwback to flip phones of yore – made the Galaxy Z Flip an instant icon.

After a decade of progress and three generations of innovation, the Galaxy Z Fold3 and Z Flip3 brought enhanced durability and an improved user experience to foldables. Not only have they set a new standard in the industry, but they rekindled consumer interest in smartphones in general.

Innovations Behind the Technology

From creating new materials and methods to overcoming mechanical challenges, creating the foldable category required Samsung to reimagine the smartphone from the inside out.

From the onset, Samsung engineers understood that the key to creating a new category would be inventing a range of new technologies to ensure the devices would meet the expectations of global consumers.

The Infinity Flex Display and Samsung UTG, for example, enabled the world’s first folding glass display. While its screen may be a continuous piece of glass, a foldable’s body features two distinct components. This unique structure meant that in order to maintain a design slim enough for daily use, engineers would have to completely rethink the placement of internal components. That challenge included designing a new internal cooling system as well as a dual-battery system with technology that optimizes multiple power sources as one.

To ensure that the devices would be capable of withstanding hundreds of thousands of folds, a Hideaway Hinge mechanism was designed with Sweeper technology to help keep out dust and dirt particles. The hinge also added a new layer of functionality to Samsung foldables, allowing them to stand on their own, which makes them perfect for watching content, making video calls, or taking hands-free selfies.

Samsung’s dedication to creating new foldable innovations enabled it to achieve yet another major milestone in 2021 with the release of the Galaxy Z Fold3 and Z Flip3 – the first foldables to receive an IPX8 water resistance rating.

But the features that set Samsung foldables apart aren’t all hidden beneath the surface. With App Continuity – a responsive UI that delivers seamless transitions between folded and unfolded modes – and features like Multi-Active Window and Flex mode, Samsung foldables have unlocked new ways for us to work, play and express ourselves.

Driving Consumer Demand for Foldable Devices

This unprecedented push in innovation has sparked a surging demand for foldable devices, bringing more users to the Galaxy family than ever before. Compared to the Galaxy Note20, Samsung has seen a 150 percent³ increase in consumers who switched smartphone brands for the Galaxy Z Flip3, and a 140 percent increase compared to the Galaxy S21.

A simple explanation for this massive increase is that both Galaxy Z series devices offer distinct features that appeal to specific customer groups in ways that no other smartphones have before.

A buyer survey conducted by Samsung revealed that a stylish design, portability and an innovative folding form factor were the top drivers behind purchases of the Galaxy Z Flip3. The ability to use the cover screen without opening the device was another important factor for those who value privacy, as well as those who want to regulate their screen time to manage their mental health. Buyers of the Galaxy Z Fold3, meanwhile, reported being drawn to its large screen for viewing content, multitasking capabilities and productivity features, including the S Pen.⁴ At the end of the day, it’s clear that both devices are giving consumers more incentive than ever to switch to a foldable, even if it means changing brands or operating systems.

Pioneering the Foldable Future

As more consumers become aware of foldables’ incredible potential, interest in the category will continue to grow. With a variety of innovations set to make their way to consumers in the coming years, Samsung will continue to lead the foldable category with even more pioneering technology.

To achieve this goal, Samsung is heavily investing in R&D while openly collaborating with app developers and industry partners such as Google.

For years, Samsung and Google have been collaborating to make the foldable experience scalable by providing Android developers with the necessary framework and resources. In 2021, the companies announced guidelines for creating apps for large-screen and foldable devices, building on Google’s work to optimize its most popular apps – such as Gmail, YouTube, Duo and Maps – for foldable form factors. Going forward, Samsung will continue to work with partners and developers to develop technologies that will steer the future of the mobile industry.

In establishing an entirely new mobile category a decade ago, Samsung raised the bar for mobile innovation. As it looks toward the next decade and beyond, the company will continue to reinvent the mobile experience to change what’s possible as they unfold.

¹ According to figures from Counterpoint Research

² According to figures from Counterpoint Research

³ Samsung Big Data Center

⁴ Only Galaxy Z Fold3 main display has S Pen capability. Compatible only with the S Pen Fold Edition or S Pen Pro, sold separately.

Voice Recognition With Bixby: More Convenient Than Touch

Artificial intelligence (AI) enhances the performance of all kinds of devices essential to our daily lives, including smartphones, tablets, TVs and more. In particular, AI-powered voice recognition facilitates more seamless interactions between these devices. Principal Engineer Joohwan Kim from the AI ​​Client Development Group, Mobile Communications Business at Samsung Electronics, shares below how the Bixby voice assistant platform is set to enable more convenient experiences – using just your voice.

Q: What does the newly updated Bixby voice assistant platform look like?

Bixby aims to be the best voice interface able to control multiple Samsung devices using only a small amount of data. From this standpoint, we focused on providing a unique user experience that only Galaxy can provide when developing Samsung’s latest devices. For example, Galaxy Z Flip3 provides a Bixby function that allows users to utilize the Cover Screen, and Galaxy Watch4 series includes hands-free functionality.

Bixby has advanced in many ways as an AI platform, and, in terms of the engine, it supports Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) on-device. Because it processes users’ voices immediately from within the device itself, it is fast and secure in terms of privacy protection. Moreover, the development of Bixby Home Platform further expands the range of supported devices. What used to require multiple voice commands is now possible with only a single command that the device understands and performs accordingly.

Q: What are the areas of possible collaboration with developers around the world for the Bixby Platform?

There are several ways third-party developers can participate in Bixby. They can develop various voice services using Samsung’s AI engine in our smartphones, watches and Family Hub. This service, called a capsule, is provided by the Bixby Developer Center. We have also updated the developer tools to make debugging and natural language learning easier, and to allow convenient use of various UI components, all of which will be presented at SDC21.

The update being announced will make it possible to use for developers to harness multiple contexts when adding devices. Smarter device control has been made possible by Bixby Home Platform, an intelligent layer which sits between Bixby Voice – which provides natural language understanding and issues commands – and SmartThings’ Internet of Things (IoT) layer – which provides connection and operation between devices. Commands that previously had to be made individually for separate devices can now be more efficiently undertaken using the Bixby Home Platform. We are introducing this tool at SDC21 and currently working on providing it to third-party developers in the future.

Enjoy More of the Content You Love: Samsung Smart TV’s Tizen

In the past, TVs were evaluated only on their resolution and design, but given changing lifestyles and user demands, the kind of content a TV is able to provide has become paramount. Thanks to the Tizen platform, Samsung’s Smart TVs are able to provide users with a wide range of content able to suit any taste. Ju-hyun Choi, a Staff Engineer at the Software Development Group, Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics, describes below how Tizen has evolved to provide partners with the optimal environment in which they can develop with wide compatibility and stability.

Q: What are the new functions of Tizen Web Platform for Samsung Smart TV?

Through a powerful web standard technology called WebAssembly, high-performance web apps can now be developed on Samsung Smart TVs. For SDC21, we have prepared an upgrade plan that allows for the installation of the very latest web features for previously-released Smart TVs.

Q: The competitive edge held by Tizen-based display products has been strengthened thanks to the cooperation of partners from various fields. What are your future collaboration plans?

We are currently working on web-based cloud games, with the goal of allowing users to play the latest games on their Samsung Smart TV equipped with the Tizen platform – all without the latest consoles or expensive graphic cards. In order to achieve this, we are working closely with our current service partners. The Tizen platform, an open source-based operating system (OS), is open to everyone and we are working to provide the best possible development environment to developers that features a wide range of compatibility and development tools.

A Must for Innovative User Experiences: On-Device Personalized Neural Networks

Recently, on-device AI technology has been garnering attention. In the past, a high-performance cloud server capable of performing complex calculations was required in order to run AI-based apps, but when the neural network used in AI apps runs within the device, many advantages for users emerge. Jihoon Lee, an Engineer at the On-Device Lab at Samsung Research, explains below the role of on-device AI and cooperation with developers.

Q: On-device AI is considered a must for powerful and innovative consumer experiences. What kind of benefits will users enjoy from using it?

The biggest advantage offered by on-device AI is that the privacy of the users is maintained since all processing occurs on-device. Developers, too, will be able to provide services that are that much closer to the users, while also free from privacy concerns. For example, a camera app that harnesses facial recognition will not share sensitive data with a server if the AI is run on-device.

Another advantage is that on-device AI models can be used without an Internet connection or any mobile data consumption. For example, if a certain on-device AI model is required to be on constant low-power standby, the necessity of an Internet connection or data consumption could be a big limitation. With on-device AI, user application experiences are improved since there is no need to send data to a server and wait for results – resulting in reduced response times.

Thirdly, one is able to create custom AI directly on their device. Previously, the concept of personalizing the already-deployed AI firsthand was unexplored, as there was no framework to help train a deep-learning model on-device. Moving forward, we expect that NNTrainer, which we are presenting at SDC21, will play a big role in better recognizing a user’s face, their accent and even their pets to automatically create photo albums based on their furry friends – and more.

Q: In the future, what kind of synergies can be expected in this field through cooperation with the developers present at SDC?

Ultimately, we hope to bring users closer to AI through on-device training and personalization. We look forward to developers who attend SDC21’s sessions recognizing and utilizing NNTrainer in order to provide AI that is closer to users. Following such collaboration, NNTrainer, currently in its initial stages will become an even more mature framework. Since it is being developed as an open source, anyone can search for it and contribute directly.

Developing Watch Apps for Wear OS Powered by Samsung

Won-Hee Seo, a Staff Engineer at the Strategic Partner R&D Group, Mobile Communications Business at Samsung Electronics, below introduces the new developer tools and benefits of creating watch apps for the Wear OS Powered by Samsung platform, running on the Galaxy Watch4 series.

Q: It’s now easier to develop a great watch app for the Wear OS ecosystem. What are some new helpful experiences that will be available to users?

With the Galaxy Watch4 series, the most loved and used watch apps and services have been optimized for the new Wear OS Powered by Samsung platform. In addition to Samsung and Google services and apps such as Google Maps and YouTube Music, users will also have access to their favorite watch apps available for download in the Google Play Store. In particular, health-related apps, including Sleep Cycle, are starting to launch and are growing in popularity.

Many developer partners have started to work with the new tools available for the Wear OS platform, which has led to the release of many useful apps.

Moreover, we have launched Watch Face Studio, a new developer tool that makes it easy to design watch faces. Thanks to this tool, designers and developers will be able to create more watch faces, which provides users with a greater variety of watch faces to choose from, helping them to further personalize their watch with their own tastes.

Q: Throughout this session, you discussed the development of new watch apps with other developers. What was at the center of the discussion?

A total of four watch-related sessions were arranged for SDC21: one Highlight Session and three Tech Talk Sessions. They provide all the necessary information for developers, such as the developer guide, in order to help them more easily create diverse watch apps and services. In order to help stimulate the watch face market, a session was also added to SDC21 to provide a detailed introduction to the Watch Face Studio tool that is set to allow designers and developers to easily design and create faces.

To ensure that your favorite apps have been optimized for the unique foldable form factors of Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, Samsung has expanded its partnership with companies including Google and Microsoft to deliver the ultimate foldable experience.

From apps that work seamlessly as you switch from the Cover Screen to the Main Screen to powerful multitasking features, you’ll get the most optimized experiences yet with the latest Galaxy Z series.

Check out the video below to learn more about how Samsung’s partnerships are optimizing the foldable experience.

Samsung Electronics, a world leader in advanced semiconductor technology, today announced its new wearable processor, the Exynos W920. The new processor integrates an LTE modem and is the first in the industry to be built with an advanced 5-nanometer (nm) extreme ultra-violet (EUV) process node, offering powerful yet efficient performance demanded by next-generation wearable devices.

“Wearables like smartwatches are no longer just a cool gadget to have. They’re now a growing part of our lifestyles to keep you fit, safe and alert,” said Harry Cho, vice president of System LSI marketing at Samsung Electronics. “With the Exynos W920, future wearables will be able to run applications with visually appealing user interfaces and more responsive user experiences while keeping you connected on the go with fast LTE.”

The Exynos W920 packs two Arm^® Cortex^®-A55 cores for high-performing yet power-efficient processing and an Arm Mali-G68 GPU that boasts improved CPU performance around 20-percent and ten times better graphics performance than its predecessor. With upgraded cores and improved performance, the Exynos W920 enables faster application launches and more interactive eye-catching 3D graphical user interface (GUI) on a device’s qHD (960×540) display.

Even with the latest features and enhancements, the Exynos W920 comes in the smallest package currently available in the market for wearables with Fan-Out Panel Level Packaging (FO-PLP). The technology incorporates the Exynos W920, power management IC (PMIC), LPDDR4 and embedded multimedia card (eMMC) in the same package using System-in-Package-embedded Package on Package (SiP-ePoP) configuration. The processor’s compact size allows smartwatches to house larger batteries or don sleeker designs.

Always-on-display (AOD) for wearables, especially for smartwatches, is a widely adopted feature as it makes it effortless to take a quick look at the time, notifications, missed calls and more without the need to wake the watch up from sleep mode. Rather than powering up the main CPU, the W920 activates a dedicated low-power display processor, the Cortex-M55, reducing display power consumption under AOD mode compared to its previous Exynos model.

For seamless connected experiences on the go, the Exynos W920 is embedded with a 4G LTE Cat.4 modem as well as a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) L1 for tracking speed, distance and elevation during outdoor activities.

The Exynos W920 supports a new unified wearable platform Samsung built jointly with Google, and will be first applied to the upcoming Galaxy Watch model.

For more information about Samsung’s Exynos products, please visit http://www.samsung.com/exynos.

* Editor’s Note: Actual performance may vary depending on device and user environment.

At last August’s Unpacked event, I shared my strategy to bring more empowering mobile technology to as many people as possible, especially at a time when they needed it most. Now, around one year later, our world is slowly but surely preparing to reopen in many ways. We’re all yearning for freedom and the possibilities that this new world has to offer thanks to advancements in technology that are set to make our world bigger than it ever was.

This past year, new technologies continued to reshape the way we live. Our collaboration with trusted industry partners allowed us to drive seamless experiences that offer more personalization and versatility than ever. As we enter this new era of agile transformation, I believe that open ecosystems are the only way to accelerate innovation and give people more freedom to create their own experiences that are best for their lifestyles.

Samsung Electronics is poised and ready to unveil visionary, purposeful mobile technology for a better world. In a few weeks, we will unleash our latest and greatest Galaxy Z series to reshape the smartphone category and completely reimagine your experiences.

Life Opens Up With Galaxy 

Today, the world needs flexible technologies that give people room to explore. At Samsung, people are at the heart of everything we do. We’re constantly listening to you to ensure that any new device and experience we create really brings meaningful innovations. We want to enrich everyone’s life, not just the lives of a select few. From epic cameras and vivid, immersive viewing experiences to long-lasting batteries and strong security, we’re focusing on what really matters to you.

As we explore new ways to empower you, we often venture into uncharted territory. That’s how we ended up creating a brand-new category with the launch of the Galaxy Fold. And we didn’t stop there. We kept improving the category with our second generation of foldables, the Galaxy Z Fold2 and the Galaxy Z Flip, with more screen and more of the features you now know and love. I’m excited to say our third generation of foldable devices will open up amazing new multitasking capabilities and enhanced durability for even more people around the world.

Samsung Is Bringing More People Into the Fold

This will be especially important as the world leap frogs into new frontiers of connectivity that demand open ecosystems and reliable mobile experiences. At Samsung, “open” and “secure” are never mutually exclusive. In fact, our collaborations with trusted industry leaders like Google and Microsoft are why we are able to deliver mobile technology that is secure and optimized for today’s rapidly evolving and interconnected world. We constantly work with key partners to create cutting-edge security solutions that keep your devices and data safe every step of the way. This allows us to give you even more control over your apps, data and privacy, so you can curate your own experience — with total peace of mind.

Collaboration enables us to build mobile experiences that make your life easier and better. It fueled the development of a new unified wearable platform, which we built jointly with Google. On top of your favorite Galaxy apps like Samsung Health and SmartThings, there will be so many others in the new Google Play Store. Furthermore, our One UI Watch user interface is deeply integrated with our other Galaxy devices and provides consistent connectivity between your Galaxy Watch and Galaxy smartphone.

We are also working with Google to enrich our foldable ecosystems with popular apps and services. For our third generation of Galaxy Z phones, we have lined up even more partner apps that make the most of the versatile fold-out format. From hands-free optimized video calling with Google Duo and watching videos in Flex mode on YouTube to multitasking in Microsoft Teams, our foldable ecosystem will offer a wealth of seamless and optimized experiences.

A New Chapter in Smartphone Innovation Is Here

The upcoming Galaxy Z Fold combines the very best that smartphones and tablets offer and delivers completely new ways of working, connecting and creating, while the upcoming Z Flip exhibits an even more refined style, armed with more durable, stronger materials. I firmly believe these devices will answer the call for the versatile mobile technology we need as we navigate the open road ahead.

We are out to set new heights and open up a whole new world of exciting experiences for even more people. I hope you’ll join us as we debut our next Galaxy Z family and share some foldable surprises — including the first-ever S Pen designed specifically for foldable phones. Instead of unveiling a new Galaxy Note this time around, we will further broaden beloved Note features to more Samsung Galaxy devices. In the meantime, mark your calendars and tune in to our Unpacked event on August 11 to see what unfolds.

“To unlock the full potential of these wearables, we’re leveraging our long legacy of mobile innovations and our partnerships with trusted industry leaders who have grown with us in our open ecosystem,” said Patrick Chomet, EVP and Head of Customer Experience Office, Mobile Communications Business at Samsung Electronics. “Through these efforts, we will enrich our smartwatch experience and convenience of the Galaxy ecosystem for our consumers.”

One UI Watch together with the new unified platform will create an entirely new Galaxy Watch experience. As part of the new experience, once you install watch-compatible apps on your smartphone, they will be swiftly downloaded onto your smartwatch. If you’ve customized your clock app on your phone to show the time in different cities around the globe, this will be automatically reflected on your watch as well. And if you block calls and messages from your watch, they will now be blocked on your smartphone, too.

The unified platform will open up new features and integrations with popular third-party apps available to download from Google Play directly on your Galaxy Watch. So, whether you’re a sports and fitness fanatic who wants to get more out of apps like Adidas Running, GOLFBUDDY Smart Caddie, Strava and Swim.com, a wellness seeker who wants to live a more balanced lifestyle with apps like Calm or Sleep Cycle, a music lover who revels in discovering new artists on Spotify and YouTube Music, or an intrepid explorer ready to roam with Google Maps—there’s something for everyone, thanks to a diverse range of partners.

“Samsung and Google have a long history of collaboration and whenever we’ve worked together, the experience for our consumers has been dramatically better for everyone,” said Sameer Samat, Vice President of Product Management, Android and Wear, Google. “That certainly holds true for this new, unified platform, which will be rolling out for the first time on Samsung’s new Galaxy Watch. In collaboration with Samsung, we’re thrilled to bring longer battery life, faster performance, and a wide range of apps, including many from Google to a whole new wearable experience.”

In addition, Samsung will bring an improved watch face design tool, making it easier than ever for designers to create new watch faces. Later this year, Android developers will be able to unleash their creativity and release fun, new designs that will be added to Samsung’s ever-growing collection of watch faces to give consumers even more options for customizing their smartwatches to suit their mood, activity and personality.

The new Galaxy Watch will be the first-ever device to feature One UI Watch and the new, unified platform, which is scheduled to be announced at Samsung’s Unpacked event later this summer. Stay tuned for the new Galaxy Watch and much more.

For more information about Samsung, visit Samsung Newsroom, Samsung Mobile Press or Samsung.com.

“Samsung is committed to helping our enterprise customers modernize their business for the digital age with an industry-leading offering that includes customizable hardware, easy-to-manage software and end-to-end security,” said KC Choi, EVP and Head of Global Mobile B2B Team, Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics. “By joining the Android Enterprise Recommended program, we are making it even easier for enterprise customers to build a mobile experience that protects employees, keeps them engaged and enhances operational efficiency by meeting and exceeding Google’s standards for security, productivity and flexibility.”

Longstanding Partnership Between Samsung and Google

Since the very beginning, Samsung and Google have worked closely together to provide enterprises with the best and most secure mobile experience possible. The two companies joined forces nearly a decade ago to address the most pressing challenges businesses are facing today: maintaining productivity, protecting the workforce and offering flexibility.

Specifically, over the past two years, Samsung and Google have partnered to:

• Harmonize Android Enterprise and Samsung’s Knox Platform for Enterprise to offer a seamless experience for Android customers who were also looking for Samsung’s advanced capabilities in security and device management.

• Synchronize our mobile device enrollment services (Android zero-touch enrollment and Knox Mobile Enrollment) to offer enterprise customers a variety of services that help streamline the employee onboarding experience and re-deployment of devices.

“We are excited to welcome Samsung Galaxy smartphones and tablets to the Android Enterprise Recommended program building upon our longstanding partnership to deliver great mobile experiences to businesses,” said David Still, Managing Director of Android Enterprise, Google. “Samsung’s participation in the program ensures Google’s customers have access to devices that offer outstanding security, efficiency and productivity and we look forward to working together more in the future.”

Read more about this in the Android Enterprise blog here.

Samsung’s Relentless Commitment to Enterprise Customers

Samsung has a proven track record in delivering mobile-first enterprise solutions that help companies prepare for the business of tomorrow including Galaxy Enterprise Editions, ruggedized smartphones and tablets, cutting-edge security solutions, flexible configuration and deployment options, and innovative lifecycle management services.

Samsung is constantly innovating to offer the best solutions possible for enterprise customers, even beyond the requirements set out by the Android Enterprise Recommended program, as part of its Samsung Knox Suite, which offers exemplary industry-leading security and management features such as:

• Advanced security features, such as Dual-layered Data-At-Rest encryption, Real-time Kernel Protection, Defeat Exploit, and Sensitive Data Protection to protect our enterprise customers from emerging threats;

• Authority for IT administrators to tailor or configure Samsung devices to their specific needs right out of the box and manage them from a central location by establishing a wide range of IT policies;

• And a system for IT administrators to easily manage their employees’ operating systems and software updates remotely to make sure the latest OS versions and security patches, once tested, are readily available for all employees.

“SAP was one of the first companies to understand the positive impact mobile technology can have on improving the productivity and overall wellbeing of our employees,” said Christian Lohde, Head of Android Experience at SAP SE. Samsung’s mobile enterprise solutions allowed us to work within the constructs of our infrastructure to easily integrate devices and ensure our business is always up and running. Their inclusion in the Android Enterprise Recommended program is further proof of the benefits Samsung can bring to enterprise businesses.”

“Centrica relies on its mobile workforce to provide the best experience possible for our customers,” said Andy Warren, Head of Mobile Telecommunications at Centrica. “Samsung has ensured our mobile fleet stays online and is protected against the latest threats impacting business today and we look forward to welcoming more Samsung products after their inclusion in the Android Enterprise Recommended program.”

What This Means for Galaxy Users

Select Galaxy devices running Android 11 and above, such as the S20, Note20, Tab S7|S7+, and ruggedized devices including the XCover Pro will become a part of the Android Enterprise Recommended program. This provides customers with even more options that meet Google’s standard requirements and ensures consistent device performance and user experience for businesses. Together, Google and Samsung will continue to push boundaries and deliver the best experiences possible in order to help enterprise customers everywhere achieve their digital transformation goals.

“For the past 10 years, the Samsung-Google partnership has been the driving force behind so many of this industry’s most important innovations,” said Dr. TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics at Galaxy Unpacked 2020. “Now, as we start a new decade, our partnership is more important than ever, as we work together to pioneer a new generation of breakthrough mobile experiences.”

The recent updates for YouTube are just one milestone in the developments the two companies have brought to Samsung’s flagship and foldable devices. Thanks to the partnership, Galaxy users get an optimized experience for the most popular Google apps, such as Google Maps and Google Play Store, and enjoy greater reliability, app continuity, and security. Last year, Samsung and Google ushered in a new mobile era by creating a seamless foldable experience for the Galaxy Fold. Here is a closer look at some of the latest ways Samsung and Google are delivering a more valuable Android experience on Galaxy devices.

A New Experience for YouTube with Flex Mode

With Galaxy Z Flip’s unique folding system, you can set your Galaxy Z Flip on the table and watch your favorite YouTube channel hands-free. And now, this hands-free experience is taken up to the next level with Flex mode compatibility. When you enjoy YouTube with your Galaxy Z Flip hands-free, the display evenly splits into two 4-inch screens. While watching a video on the top half of the display, you can use the bottom half to search for other videos, read descriptions and write comments with no distractions.

Unfolded / Half-Folded

The Flex mode-optimized YouTube app also ensures that no matter what the aspect ratio of the video you are watching, you can view in comfort by adjusting the way the video fits in the top half of the screen. Square and vertical videos will nearly fill the entire space, while 16:9 videos will adjust to the center. But Flex mode compatibility with YouTube was more than just a simple user experience upgrade.

Working together, Samsung and Google’s engineers redesigned the app from the operating system level. This included integration of the Android Support Library, making it easier to bring Flex mode to more third-party services. Through the collaboration, Samsung has worked closely with the Android developer community to drive innovation for foldable devices. Galaxy Z Flip users can download the Flex mode-optimized YouTube app from the Google Play Store starting from April 22¹ and enjoy the enhanced features that come with the latest update.

Galaxy users can also get up to 4 months of free YouTube Premium and enjoy benefits such as ad-free viewing, offline play, and background play.²

Beyond the latest YouTube updates, Samsung and Google have been working on several other innovations for Galaxy devices.

The Best Features Coming to Galaxy Devices  

To start, Samsung is bringing support for Google’s Rich Communication Services (RCS) to Galaxy smartphones to make your conversations more seamless.³ The two companies have been working since 2018 to bring the features to Samsung devices.⁴

The Samsung Messages app with RCS allows users to do more, including chat over both Wi-Fi and mobile data, send and receive high-resolution photos and videos, receive read receipts, and create feature-rich group chats. The Messages app is also available on desktop, making it easy to transition seamlessly from mobile to PC.

In addition to the RCS integration, Samsung kicked off 2020 by offering out-of-the-box integration for Google Duo on both the Galaxy S20 and the Galaxy Z Flip. Not only does Google Duo offer high-quality, high-speed video calling, it also allows up to 12 people to join a single video conference. On the Galaxy Z Flip, users can enjoy the app in Flex mode, where video chats appear on the top half, while call controls appear on the bottom half. Collaborations with Google are also bringing more interesting features to Galaxy devices.

With the ability to transcribe and caption media in real-time with incredible accuracy, Live Caption is one of the most exciting features on the Galaxy S20. Leveraging Google’s AI, Live Caption can produce captions for any audio or visual content, including YouTube videos, podcasts, and videos you and your friends have recorded. Developed in collaboration with the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, Live Caption is particularly helpful if you have hearing loss or are in an environment in which you don’t want to increase the volume. Users can toggle the feature on under either the Accessibility or Sound options in the device’s Settings menu.

As a result of the ongoing partnership with Google, Samsung is bringing monthly and quarterly security updates to Galaxy devices to further enhance user confidence and ensure the safety and security of their data. These include Google’s patches for Android, and Samsung’s patches for vulnerabilities and exposures.

“It’s been amazing to see Samsung continuously push the limits of what’s possible in mobile on the Android platform,” said Hiroshi Lockheimer at Galaxy Unpacked 2020, SVP of Platforms and Ecosystems at Google. “Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue to work together to build the next wave of helpful, mobile innovation.”

In the year ahead, Samsung will continue to work closely with Google to pioneer the next wave of mobile innovations that will change the way we communicate with the world.

* User interface shown in images is only a mock rendering. Actual user interface is subject to change.

¹ Update release date may vary by market and carrier.

² Availability dependent upon market. Galaxy S20 5G series, the Galaxy Z Flip and the Galaxy Fold are eligible for up to 4 months and all other mobile devices, including the A series, are eligible for up to 2 months.

³ Availability of Samsung Message app with RCS capabilities vary by market, device and carrier.

⁴ Samsung and Google Collaborate on RCS Messaging for Android

To learn more about the Galaxy Fold and how it establishes an all-new user-experience platform, Samsung Newsroom spoke with Jisun Park, Vice President of Strategic Partner R&D Group, and Sally Jeong, Vice President of Framework R&D Group at Samsung Electronics’ Mobile Division.

(From left) Jisun Park, Vice President of Samsung Electronics’ Strategic Partner R&D Group, and Sally Jeong, Vice President of Samsung Electronics’ Framework R&D Group

Bigger is Better

The Galaxy Fold’s spacious, 7.3-inch Infinity Flex Display is proof of the old adage that “bigger is better.”

As Jeong explained, one of the biggest realizations that the Galaxy Fold’s development team came to when testing the device was just how transformative a foldable device can have on the mobile experience.

“Before the development of the Galaxy Fold, I had a smartphone and a tablet, but the combination of the two created an entirely new experience,” said Jeong. “The larger screen completely changed things like watching movies, checking email and catching up on the news, to the point that I could no longer be satisfied with a smaller screen.”

Park also discussed the experience of using the Galaxy Fold, remarking that it is not only the presence of the big screen that makes the new device special, but the ways in which it has been optimized according to its shape and size.

“With the Galaxy Fold, it’s not just that the screen is bigger, but that the device has been optimized for two-handed use. One example is that the split keyboard feature allows the user to type comfortably when they are holding the wider device in two hands. What’s more, the camera button changes position fluidly when the phone is switched from portrait to landscape mode, and the home key can be aligned to either side of the screen so that the user doesn’t have to reposition their hand to reach it.”

With the Galaxy Fold’s official launch on September 6^th in Korea, users can now experience firsthand what makes the device such a game changer.

A Multitasking Machine

Unfolding the Galaxy Fold’s Infinity Flex Display opens up a world of possibility in terms of multitasking. This is possible thanks to innovations like App Continuity and Multi-Active Window, which make it easy for users to take full advantage of the Galaxy Fold’s versatility.

According to Park, Samsung had been prioritizing enabling users to launch and utilize up to three apps simultaneously since the earliest stages of the Galaxy Fold’s development. Multi-Active Window makes this possible, allowing users to take their multitasking, entertainment and content consumption to the next level.

When gaming, for example, Multi-Active Window enables users to launch an app like YouTube and simultaneously watch walkthrough videos of the game while they’re playing. It also makes balancing multiple tasks, including messaging friends, browsing the web and viewing multimedia, a breeze.

A Bold Vision

The Galaxy Fold is a bold device with a bold vision for the future of the smartphone. It’s a vision that’s built on hardware and apps that power richer content consumption, superior multitasking, and that opens the door for users to enjoy new mobile experiences.

To help carry out that vision, Samsung’s developers have been working closely with Google and other major partners to enrich the Galaxy Fold’s ecosystem with popular apps and services available today. And their efforts have paid off. The development team has optimized hundreds of the most frequently used apps for the Galaxy Fold – including popular apps like YouTube, Facebook and Microsoft Office.

Both Jeong and Park described Samsung’s partnership with Google as key to establishing a smooth and efficient app-optimization process for the Galaxy Fold. “We formed a collaborative taskforce with Google at the very beginning of the development process,” said Jeong, “and we’ve been building this foldable ecosystem together ever since.”

They pointed to the Galaxy Fold’s App Continuity feature as a notable example of this collaboration. Realizing this feature, which enables apps to seamlessly transition between the cover and main displays when users open and close the device, required Samsung’s developers to completely rethink conventional app operations. The challenge was the fact that the Galaxy Fold not only has two screens, but that the aspect ratios of the screens are so drastically different. What’s more, developers needed to create a seamless transition where the user opens their device, and the app they were using on the front screen transitions in its optimized form to the larger screen without stopping or restarting. Fortunately, the development team were up to the task.

Another challenge that the team faced stemmed from Android’s traditional method of managing multiple apps. As Park explained, “With ‘standard’ Android, once two apps are activated, one of them is inevitably stopped.” To solve this issue, Jeong said, the team collaborated with Google to build an all-new multi-window system that was optimized for the Galaxy Fold’s larger screen.

Assisting Developers

With each component of the Galaxy Fold’s foldable UI in place, Samsung and Google started developing the framework necessary for developers to test and optimize their apps for this new device.

Test labs were set up in Korea, the U.S. and China to offer Android developers a chance to familiarize themselves with the device’s foldable UI and update their apps. To open the door for more developers to innovate within this foldable ecosystem, Samsung released a number of easily accessible online resources, including a ‘remote test lab,’ which was supported by Google, and allows developers to test-run apps on their PC using a virtual Galaxy Fold device, and an emulator.

Together, these resources offer developers the tools they need to optimize their apps for the interface of the future. And according to Park, plenty of developers have already jumped on board.

“Our partners and developers have shown tremendous interest in developing apps for the new form factor,” said Park. “We plan to expand our test labs soon to create more opportunities for developers to enrich the Galaxy Fold’s ecosystem with dynamic apps.”

The Future for Foldable

Several of the innovations created during the development process, including App Continuity and Multi-Active Window, have not only made the Galaxy Fold’s user experience more seamless and intuitive; they’ve also set a standard for foldable phones to follow.

As a result of Samsung’s close collaboration with Google, beginning with Android’s newest version, Android 10, both of the aforementioned innovations will be included as standard features for foldable phones. “When Android 10 rolls out and becomes the new standard for Android devices,” Jeong explained, “it will lead more developers to keep foldable-phone users in mind when developing apps.”

Ongoing partnerships with Google and major app developers will help Samsung enrich the Galaxy Fold’s app ecosystem with even more dynamic services – services that will only get better with the latest 5G network.

“The combination of the Galaxy Fold’s large display and 5G’s rapid speeds will revolutionize how we utilize everyday apps and enjoy a wide range of content,” said Park. “That also includes services like 4K streaming, which means that, for instance, users will be able to comfortably view multiple video streams at the same time on their Galaxy Fold’s spacious display.”

Jeong notes that the development process to optimize apps is happening quickly. She remarks that this “rapid optimization” is accelerating the company’s ability to bring a well-rounded foldable experience to users.

If an app has not yet been optimized for the Galaxy Fold, she continued, the smartphone’s built-in app-optimizing technology will help ensure that content is displayed in a way that makes full use of the device’s large display and foldable form. “With a tap of a button, the device automatically converts the app’s size and ratio to fit the display, so users don’t experience any discomfort.”

As Park noted, through app optimization, extensive testing, and by the forging of exciting partnerships, Samsung is “laying the foundation for a seamless and diverse foldable ecosystem – with the Galaxy Fold leading the industry forward.”

“Our ultimate goal is to inspire users with a new and innovative mobile experience,” added Jeong. “Going forward, we will continue to support the development of apps that leverage the foldable UX in incredible ways, and power all-new experiences within this growing ecosystem.”

To learn more about how the Galaxy Fold came to be and the powerful effect it is set to have on consumers’ lives, Samsung Newsroom sat down with Eui-Suk Chung, Executive Vice President and Head of Software and Artificial Intelligence at Samsung’s Mobile Communications Business during the MWC19 in Barcelona.

Q. The potential Galaxy Fold has for the way we use our smartphones is immense. What motivated such a development?

“Our understanding of consumer needs – in particular, demand for a larger device screen that is comfortable to hold – led us to create this revolutionary device. Samsung had already pioneered category-defining innovation with the Galaxy Note series, the ‘phablet’ hybrid, but we had noticed that a demand for even larger screens to keep up with content consumption has still not wavered. We debuted the prototypes of a flexible display technology in 2011, but it took another eight years to develop the technology to deliver this product in a truly meaningful way for users as a direct response to the way people are currently using their phones.”

Q. Which is?

“In brief, all the time and for all things. With the Galaxy Fold, we are bringing greater device mobility, an expanded screen and a versatile camera into one device that can slip into your pocket. Galaxy Fold is for those who want it all on a bigger screen, but without the bulk – a ‘phone plus more’.”

Q. So what can users expect from the Galaxy Fold?  

“Galaxy Fold provides a completely new way for consumers to use a smartphone and get the best out of both of the worlds it draws upon, smartphone and tablet. It is a compact device that unfolds to reveal Samsung’s largest-ever mobile display, optimized for the Android ecosystem and applications on it.

The Galaxy Fold’s software was designed to provide streamlined usage for various scenarios. When the user folds it, they can take a quick look at smartphone notifications and other essentials. Then, when it is unfolded, the user can use the larger immersive display for higher quality viewing on the apps they require and in-depth multitasking.”

Eui-Suk Chung, EVP and Head of Software and AI at Samsung’s Mobile Communications Business

Q. Can you expand on the Galaxy Fold’s multitasking capabilities?

“With the Galaxy Fold’s Multi-Active Window, the multitasking possibilities are virtually endless. For example, a user can open up to three apps simultaneously on the main display to surf, text, share and watch without missing a beat. We developed this main display to allow multitasking with three apps because users can already use two at once, if they wish, on existing smartphones. The Galaxy Fold provides the best possible experience of three apps at once, all in a very comfortable way.

The Fold also makes app usability even easier – the app in use on the cover display with automatically transfer back to the main display when the device is opened, and then transition seamlessly back to the cover display when closed. Users will find that the experience of shifting from the cover to the main display and vice versa is, thanks to the inward fold, as satisfying, as natural and as easy as reading a book.”

Q. Do all apps support App Continuity and Multi-Active Window?

“The Galaxy Fold features UX functionality unlike other devices thanks to the partnerships we have with Google and app developers in the Android developer community. We worked very closely with Google on developing app-compatible software to the end of creating not just a Samsung proprietary solution, but general Android solutions.

We continue to work with the Android developer community to ensure apps are optimized for the Galaxy Fold and that user experience only continues to improve. Support for App Continuity and Multi-Active Window will vary based on the application and the developer’s adherence with Google policies and guidelines.

As more apps are developed to be compatible with foldable-specific features, Samsung will continue to provide the best possible experience for apps not yet optimized for a foldable device thanks to the Galaxy Fold’s app compatibility software.”

Q. What has this collaborative development process been like?

“We wanted to ensure that users’ favorite apps and services were optimized for the Galaxy Fold’s unique UX. Working closely with our partners, we set up a test lab so that we could directly engage and work with top companies to bring the best services to our foldable smartphone. In particular, Samsung and Google have a rich history of close collaboration, and our work together on this foldable device is another example of that.”

Q. Finally, could you elaborate more on the experience of developing a foldable mobile device?

“The making of a foldable smartphone was a large undertaking – from creating materials and methods to overcoming mechanical challenges. From the start, we were focused on achieving the best user experience. All the new elements we had to create – hardware, software, app compatibility – are all layers that have come together to form a device with optimum usability at its core.

We also broke barriers to create the Galaxy Fold. It features a UX functionality unlike other devices made possible by our app developer and Google partnerships.

We are proud to have introduced Samsung’s first-ever foldable smartphone, and we are excited about what’s next – from ‘foldable’ to ‘roll-able’ and even to ‘stretch-able’. New device designs that can be folded in multiple ways are no longer beyond the realm of possibility and Samsung is ready to usher in these options and create meaningful experiences for consumers that help them do more of what they love.”

Stay tuned to Samsung Newsroom for the latest on the Galaxy Fold and other Samsung devices.

Working together, Google and Samsung will ensure that their messaging clients, Android Messages and Samsung Messages, work seamlessly with each company’s RCS technology, including cloud and business messaging platforms. To date, Google and Samsung have collaborated to introduce RCS to select Samsung devices; as part of this expanded collaboration, Samsung will work to bring these RCS features to existing mobile phones^* beginning with the Galaxy S8 and S8+. New Samsung Galaxy smartphones will also natively support RCS messaging^**, starting with those on a set of carriers that have or will soon launch RCS. This means that consumers and brands will be able to enjoy richer chats with both Android Messages and Samsung Messages users.

“At Samsung, we adhere to a model of open collaboration to bring premium experiences to our customers across products,” said Patrick Chomet, EVP and Head of Product & Services Innovation Team, Mobile Communications Business at Samsung Electronics. “By furthering our robust partnership with Google, we will bring a richer messaging experience to our customers, letting them seamlessly chat with their friends and family across messaging platforms. This collaboration will help further the industry’s momentum toward advanced messaging and global RCS coverage.”

“We’ve been working with the mobile industry to upgrade the messaging experience on Android with RCS,” said Anil Sabharwal, Vice President for Communications Products and Photos at Google. “Samsung has been a major contributor to this initiative, and our partnership will further advance our shared vision of a substantially improved messaging experience on Android for users, brands and the broader Android ecosystem.”

As a further benefit of this expanded partnership, developers and brands that create RCS Business Messaging experiences (based on GSMA Universal Profile 2.0) using the Google or Samsung Messaging-as-a-Platform (MaaP) services will be able to reach both Android Messages and Samsung Messages users, bringing richer business messaging to many more users.

This collaboration further accelerates the adoption and availability of RCS globally, enabling an enhanced messaging experience across the entire Android ecosystem.

^*Will include Samsung Galaxy S8, S8+, S8 Active, S9, S9+, Note8, Note9, and select A and J series running Android 9.0 or later. Subject to carrier and market availability.

^**RCS capabilities will be available for select Galaxy smartphones on carriers that support RCS.

About Google

Google’s mission is to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful. Through products and platforms like Search, Maps, Gmail, Android, Google Play, Chrome and YouTube, Google plays a meaningful role in the daily lives of billions of people and has become one of the most widely-known companies in the world. Google is a subsidiary of Alphabet.

Samsung Electronics America, Inc. today announced the Samsung Chromebook Plus and Chromebook Pro, the latest generation of its Chromebooks that pairs the power and productivity of a laptop with the flexibility and versatility of a tablet. Samsung and Google partnered to design this next generation Chromebook, which is born at the intersection of hardware and software innovation. The Samsung Chromebook Plus and Chromebook Pro are designed for Google Play so you can use all the apps you love in addition to movies, books and music. The new Samsung Chromebooks also offer a 360-degree rotating touchscreen, quad HD screen, built-in digitized pen and new lightweight metal design.

“Since launching our first Chromebook over five years ago, we have continued to improve the product, developing a computer that not only fits into consumers’ lifestyles, but makes their lives easier, more mobile and more productive,” said Alanna Cotton, vice president of product marketing at Samsung Electronics America. “With the Chromebook Plus and Pro, we’re partnering with Google to pair a sleek design with supreme flexibility, encouraging users to experience more with Google Play and Android apps, while continuing to provide simplicity, top-rated security and shareability inherent in Chromebooks.”

Flexibility

The Chromebook Plus and Pro are designed to be flexible – allowing the user to transform the Chromebook on demand. It is built with a 360-degree rotating touchscreen performing both as a notebook, and an ultra-mobile premium tablet.

For the first time in the Chromebook lineup the Chromebook Plus and Pro come with a built-in pen, which is embedded on the side of the device for secure storage and easy access. The pen takes convenience to another level with tablet-like benefits, such as the ability to effortlessly take notes and capture on-screen content. The pen is ready to use out of the box with pre-installed Google Keep for notetaking and Samsung ArtCanvas for drawing. The newly developed pen has a 0.7mm pen tip and pressure sensitivity for precise screen capturing.

With a sleek, lightweight design, the Chromebook Plus and Pro is a computer people will be proud to own. The high-quality hardware is slim, designed to fit right into consumers’ bags, so it’s easy to carry wherever the day takes them. Additionally, an integrated full-size keyboard and trackpad allows users to write and play from anywhere.

Experience More

The new Chromebook isn’t just a laptop, or tablet – it’s a connection to a world of experience including apps, games and media, all through the Google Play Store. Delivering a stunning, immersive Quad HD 2400×1600 resolution display made of durable Gorilla Glass 3, with a 3:2 aspect ratio– users can game, work or binge-watch on Samsung’s best Chromebook screen.

The Chromebook Plus and Pro have upgraded its ports, and now includes two USB-C ports for enhanced connectivity and 4k video streaming, producing high quality video and gaming from the Chromebook on connected 4k displays.

Cutting-edge Software, Enhanced Productivity

The Chromebook Plus and Pro are for the user that wants to do more, create more and get more done all while staying connected. The new Chromebooks deliver a powerful multitasking multi-window experience allowing users to browse on Chrome, work in Google Drive and chat easily with friends on Google Hangouts.

The Chromebook Plus and Chromebook Pro also allows users the ability to access apps, work on documents or listen to a playlist while offline. Additionally, traditional Chromebook features like built-in anti-virus and automatic updates remain.

The new Chromebooks have 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage* and feature batteries that last up to 8 hours**, as well as an enhanced battery life extender to lengthen productivity time. Samsung Chromebook Plus will feature an ARM processor starting at $449 and will be available at major retailers, including Best Buy, in February. The Chromebook Pro will be powered by an Intel® Core m3 processor, designed for fast, responsive performance and will be available later this Spring. Both devices will come with the Google Play Store (Beta) pre-installed.

Samsung will debut Chromebook Plus and Chromebook Pro at CES 2017’s regular exhibition hours, from January 5-8 at the Booth #15006, in LVCC, Level 1, Central Hall.

*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.

*Portion of memory occupied by existing content

** Battery life is based on internal testing conducted by Samsung. Results may differ by usage pattern

Source: US Newsroom