But what exactly does it take to plan a product like Samsung’s latest smartphone? BJ Kang and Cue Kim, of Samsung Electronics’ Global Product Planning Group, Mobile Communications Business, sat down with Samsung Newsroom to explain.

Cue Kim (left) and BJ Kang, of the Galaxy Note8’s planning team.

Q. Was the planning process for the Galaxy Note8 different from those of previous products?

Kang: Following the Galaxy Note7 incident, Samsung Mobile Communications Business, which had been moving forward so quickly, had the chance to reflect on the core benefits that Note users require of their device. When the time came to design the next model, we made it our priority to reward our loyal users with our most innovative Note yet.

Therefore, the product planning process for the Galaxy Note8 was far more intense than ever before. We also extended the assessment period to ensure maximum safety, and our designated task force carefully evaluated the product by means of the 8-Point Battery Safety Check.

Q. Did you also prioritize that approach – contemplating core benefits – when determining the Galaxy Note8’s new features?

Kim: Absolutely. Whereas before, we took a more ‘big picture’ approach when considering which features to add or innovations to apply, with the Galaxy Note8, we really wanted to hone in on the needs of our users.

To help ensure that consumers are getting what they want from their smartphone, Samsung utilizes qualitative and quantitative research methods such as surveys and interviews to better understand how Note users use their device and what they want from it. For the Galaxy Note8, we decided to focus on enhancing the camera, the S Pen and the large display because our research, going back to the release of the first Note, in 2011, has consistently indicated that these are the features that users love the most.

Q. What is the most important thing to consider when choosing new features to add to a Note device?

Kang: Our top priority is the needs of the consumer. We generally develop and refine a new technology over the course of a few years before implementing it into a product. During that time, we closely observe consumer needs and consider whether or not the new technology is capable of meeting them. When the timing is right, we apply the technology.

Take the Note8’s dual camera as an example. We’ve been developing this technology for quite some time, refining features like Live focus, which lets you snap beautiful bokeh shots that make your subject stand out, and Dual Capture, which simultaneously captures your subject and its surroundings in a separate image. Of course, fundamentally, a dual camera should not only offer crisp close-up images but steady ones as well, which is why we placed particular emphasis on incorporating seamless optical image stabilization (OIS) technology into both cameras.

By the time we’d advanced this technology to a point where it met our stringent standards, the timing was perfect to add it to the Galaxy Note8.

Q. Who are your target consumers?

Kim: When we originally launched the Galaxy Note series, we had a feeling that business professionals would love it. More recently, the devices’ primary user group has expanded to include just about anyone who values productivity, entertainment and creativity. Millennials in particular are drawn to the Note, as they enjoy its communication customization tools and high-performance camera.

Q. In your opinion, which features make the Note popular with business professionals?

Kang: Many of the features of the Galaxy Note8 are useful for business professionals! For instance, the Note’s large display enhances productivity and multitasking, while the new App Pair feature lets users launch two designated apps at once from a single icon. We’ve noticed that these users tend to love the Screen off memo feature the most. This allows them to scribble down up to 100 editable pages of meeting minutes or lecture notes right onto the screen, even when it’s off.

Q. Samsung Note users are known to be particularly loyal to the brand. How have they responded to the Galaxy Note8?

Kim: We already knew that the Note series had a loyal fan base, but the initial reactions to the Galaxy Note8, which were even stronger than those of the Galaxy Note7, made that fact even clearer.

Samsung actually invited a number of Note users to the Galaxy Note8 launch event in New York in August, which was essentially dedicated to the loyal fanbase. For me personally, it was extremely touching and motivating to see how passionate Note users are about the product. I was so happy to see that all of the hard work we had put into planning a product that Note users would love had paid off.

Q. What’s next for the Note series’ planning team?

Kang: Usually, when one project comes to an end, we have a small break before moving on to the next. But this time, we’re not taking any breaks, even though the Galaxy Note8 product planning process was so challenging.

We are already considering how to approach the development of the next Note by evaluating the latest model and looking for ways to improve upon signature features like the S Pen. We will continue to keep users’ needs as our number one priority, and will innovate accordingly.

This was no small endeavor. It required the concerted efforts of thousands of experts from inside and outside the company, as well as the construction of new facilities and the creation of reimagined, redesigned testing procedures.

Four months ago, Samsung executives, leaders of our Battery Advisory Group, and outside analysts met with a reporter from the MIT Technology Review to speak candidly about Samsung’s new testing regime, 8-Point Battery Safety check and overall safety and quality strategy.

We did this for three reasons. First, we wanted to present our testing processes and best practices to the rest of the field. We believe it is our responsibility to share our learnings with the industry.

Second, we wanted to catalyze a change within the industry. As changing consumer demands intersect with evolutions in technology, we know that innovations in process must keep pace with innovations in products. By sharing the steps we’ve taken, and the lessons we’ve learned, Samsung can inspire new thinking, unlock new insights, and push the entire industry forward.

The final reason we wanted to open our process up to the public is because, as a company, we believe that reflection and learning are integral to innovation.

Reading the MIT Technology Review article, you’ll find details that, until now, were only available if you stepped onto the factory floor—for instance, some tests are intentionally destructive, so Samsung loses 3% of its monthly battery inventory to testing. At the same time, you also will see how our process is built to provide as much data as possible about the process itself so we can continue to learn and improve. In fact, every single battery has an individual QR code, so we can gather unique information about each test, and then adjust and fine tune our procedures.

Samsung is committed to opening up its process, and sharing what it has learned with the public. And as you’ll see, Samsung’s dedication to safety and quality informs everything we do. We know that trust must be earned, and re-earned, with action—every single day. As we look ahead, we will strive to raise the bar for the industry, while we continue to deliver experiences that empower and inspire our consumers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Component Assembly

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

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

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

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

Charge and Discharge Test

Disassembling Test

Production Process

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

ΔOCV Test

TVOC Test

Completed Device

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

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

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

Charge and Discharge Test

Accelerated Usage Test

Samsung Electronics Argentina unveiled to the public the first Samsung Safety Truck, a technology for trucks which seeks to prevent road accidents inovertaking situations on roads.

Thanks to the partnership between Samsung Electronics Argentina and its partners Leo Burnett Argentina, advertising agency with global reach, Ingemática, Argentine business dedicated to creating tech solutions, Helvetica SA, a national company dedicated to trailer engineering and construction, and Volvo Trucks Argentina, one of the leading truck manufacturers worldwide, the first Samsung Safety Truck was finally able to be developed and brought to reality.

Samsung aims to improve people’s lives by developing technologies that enable them to interact with products in new and exciting ways. The Samsung Safety Truck is a clear example of this constant innovation. The development of the project from its inception was conducted entirely in Argentina and drew attention from around the world. In Cannes Lions 2015, world’s most prestigious advertising festival, Samsung Safety Truck was awarded with a Titanium Lion, along with three gold and another three silver awards. Samsung also won in the Clio awards, with two gold Clios in digital and out of home categories, as well as three silver Clios in the Direct, Engagement / Experience and Innovation categories. It was also selected as one of the ‘25 best inventions of 2015’ by Time magazine.

Samsung Safety Truck leverages two built-in front cameras and a specially-designed Ingematica transportation software platform to capture and transmit a picture of the road ahead, enabling trailing vehicles to evaluate more accurately passing potential and make more informed driving decisions. Each picture is made available to nearby drivers through a high-quality display composed of four Samsung OH46D video walls. Designed to be dustproof and waterproof, the OHD Series video walls are IP56 certified for superior performance against even the most challenging environmental conditions, ensuring a clear picture regardless of the road or weather.

“Samsung is always looking for opportunities to apply technology in innovative ways to improve people’s lives. Leveraging our experience as the world leader in display technology, along with Leo Burnett, we came up with the idea of the Samsung Safety Truck, an invention that we believe will change the history of road safety,” said Sang Jik Lee, President of Samsung Electronics Argentina.

“In Leo Burnett Argentina we always try to think of ideas that are able to positively impact the lives of people. With the Samsung Safety Truck, we have taken a step further. Not only can it improve our lives, but it can also save them,” said Fernando Bellotti, President of Leo Burnett Argentina and Regional Creative Director for Latin America.

“Since the beginning of this project, Ingemática was involved in developing this innovative idea, seeking to give life to what at first seemed impossible and is now a reality. We are convinced that it will help save lives on the roads of our country and as an Argentine company, we are proud to have been able to develop a global solution locally,” said Alejandro Muther, President of Ingemática.

“Helvética has over 110 years of history in the Argentine market. Throughout our history, we have always been pioneers in bringing innovation efficiency in the cargo transportation industry. Upon learning of this idea, we immediately contributed both the trailer and the know-how of our engineering team to achieve the adaptations the equipment required for the incorporation of this new technology,” said Raul Corna, President of Helvetica SA.

“Safety is a basic principle in any project of Volvo Trucks and it’s what keeps the group active in their effort to develop innovative technologies that completely eliminate the risk of accidents. Under this premise, Volvo Trucks Argentina wanted to participate in the Samsung Safety Truck project to further promote reflections on a more secure future for both the truck driver and everyone else,“ mentionedValere Lourme Manager of Marketing and Communications at Volvo Trucks.

The official launch was sponsored by Garbarino, one of the most important retail companies in Argentina, as well as Visuar and Mirgor, both Argentine companies dedicated to the production and commercialization of electronic products, with factories in different parts of the country. The official launch took place in the iconic racing circuit “Roberto José Mouras” and was attended by domestic and international media as well as distinguished business leaders. During the course of the event, attendees could enjoy the materialization of this new technology through product demonstrations and demo drives.

The Samsung Safety Truck will be running for a year.

Product Specs:

Samsung OH46D display

Volvo Truck FH

• 13 litres Engine / 6 cylinder
• Torc and power in the range of economy
• Automated I-Shift Box
• Engine brake VEB 510 hp
• Globetrotter cab
• Sun roof + emergency exit
• Complete security package
• Connectivity + fleet management system
• Blind Spot Control System (LCS)
• Assistance to Stay in Lane (LKS)
• Driver Alert Support (DAS)
• ACC (Auto Pilot. Intelligent) + Emergency braking
• Cab Designed as survival Module
• FUPS: Front anti intrusion system
• Airbag
• integrated seat belts
• Unparalleled Visibility
• ABS, EBS, ESP, VEB Brakes
• LED rear lights with Emergency Brake Warning

Samsung Electronics, a leading provider of mobile broadband networking solutions, selected by South Korean operator, SK Telecom, to provide South Korea’s first dedicated and independent network to meet the unique needs of railway safety and operation personnel. With newly adopted LTE network, workforces in the field and the operators in the control center can communicate using multimedia services. Fire departments and police forces will be informed immediately when there is an accident within the metro thanks to the compatibility between the LTE-railways and Korean nationwide public safety network.

The network, which will represent the first implementation of Samsung’s LTE-Railway (LTE-R) solution, will cover the entirety of Busan Metro Line 1, and is specifically designed to ensure seamless communication throughout the line. Samsung will provide its industry-recognized Evolved Packet Core, Home Subscriber Server and a dense array of remote radio units along the length of the metro line ensuring 100% coverage and consistent, reliable performance with high data capacity. In order to minimize interference and facilitate a reliable wireless connection, each train will also be outfitted with a series of receiver modules to relay connectivity between the network’s radio nodes and user devices on-board each car.

Busan Metro Line 1 is 41km from end to end, and is composed of both above ground and underground sections along diverse terrain including urban and rural environments. This introduces several important challenges as a result of varying propagation characteristics throughout the line, along with a critical need to effectively mitigate interference between adjacent cells and ensure perfect handover success rates. Samsung will leverage its extensive experience with heterogeneous network deployments to provide unparalleled reliability and performance.

Scheduled to begin next year, the deployment will be the first railway dedicated LTE network in South Korea demonstrating the suitability and superior capability of LTE for unique ‘public safety’-type networks; Samsung will continue to explore expansion opportunities on other metro lines and nationwide public-safety networks that are closely related to LTE-R.