Samsung Electronics designed the Galaxy Watch with a focus on delivering the level of ease and intuitiveness that makes a smart device truly and unequivocally smart. Recently, Samsung Newsroom spoke with members of the new smartwatch’s development team—product planner Myung-hwan Lee and hardware developer Joo-ho Lee—who discussed how they designed some of the Galaxy Watch’s most convenient and intuitive features.

(From left) Hardware developer Joo-ho Lee and product planner Myung-hwan Lee, of Samsung Electronics’ Mobile Communications Business.

Myung-hwan Lee began by outlining the Galaxy Watch team’s goal of designing “a product that virtually anyone could use without difficulty.” He pointed to the device’s ability to automatically detect and log certain exercises—such as runs, walks and cycling sessions—as an example of its ease of use¹.

The Galaxy Watch utilizes its heart-rate sensor and accelerometer to measure users’ sleep² patterns when they wear the device to bed, and classifies sleep quality in four categories.

The smartwatch incorporates insights it gains from analyzing users’ sleep into the briefings that it automatically sends them every morning and night. The morning briefing displays sleep quality, as well as useful contextual information such as the weather forecast and the user’s schedule. The evening briefing reminds users of any pending events on their schedule, includes a summary of their level of activity for that day, and also displays the next day’s forecast.

Myung-hwan explained how, to help make the briefing function as convenient as possible, the team designed it to notify users at optimal times. This means that once the Galaxy Watch has analyzed the user’s sleep and wake-up patterns, it automatically issues the morning and evening briefings before they typically go to bed, and just after they normally wake up.

The App Shortcuts widget is another particularly useful example of the Galaxy Watch’s ‘smart’ automation. This clever feature automatically analyzes the user’s location and the time of day and presents them with shortcuts to frequently accessed apps that they might need.

To illustrate its convenience, Myung-hwan described how the widget makes it easier for users to streamline their commute. “When it’s time to go to work,” he explained, “the Galaxy Watch will place a public transportation app in the App Shortcuts widget if that’s the app that the user uses most when he or she goes to the office.”

The Galaxy Watch’s App Shortcuts widget takes the time and the user’s location into account and automatically presents them with the apps that they use most often under those conditions.

The Galaxy Watch’s robust set of intuitive features is complemented by a likewise robust design. As hardware developer Joo-ho Lee described, Samsung designed the device to be exceptionally durable, and subjected it to extensive real-world tests to ensure that it would offer users as much utility as possible.

Joo-ho emphasized that durability is a key focus when designing smartwatches, as they’re meant to be worn all day and therefore need to be able to stand up to the elements. “As part of the development process, we conducted tests related to users’ allergies, external shocks, extreme temperatures, and various other elements,” he said. “We’re also proud to report that the Galaxy Watch has been certified to U.S. Department of Defense standards for military (MIL STD 810G) use.”

Of course, as Joo-ho noted, proper evaluation of a device’s durability requires taking it out of the lab and into real environments. “For example,” he explained, “to test the Galaxy Watch’s exercise-tracking function, we actually ran sprints at a park during what ended up being Korea’s hottest summer on record.”

The Galaxy Watch is more than simply an efficient and durable smartwatch. As its name indicates, it also allows users to enjoy seamlessly connected experiences across the huge ecosystem of devices that share the ‘Galaxy’ name. The smartwatch enables users to not only manage IoT devices, but also access convenient services such as Samsung Health, Samsung Pay (NFC only)³, Samsung Flow, Samsung Knox, Bixby and more, simply by lifting their wrist.

As Myung-hwan noted, the development team continues to identify innovative ways to take Galaxy Watch users’ experience to the next level.

“We are continuing our all-out efforts to redefine the user experience for wearable devices,” he explained. “We are constantly cooperating with partners to identify ways to improve the device and make it more useful to users, and we plan to develop a variety of convenience-focused apps in the future.”

¹ The device automatically records six types of movements, including walks, runs and cycling sessions. It’s currently capable of tracking a total of 39 exercises and activities, including Pilates, lunges, squats, swims and hikes.

² Sleep management function should not be used for medical purposes.

³ Service availability may vary by country.

Launched last year and preloaded on Samsung’s newly unveiled Galaxy Book and Galaxy Tab S3 tablets, Samsung Flow is an app that allows users to synchronize their tablet with their smartphone in convenient, productivity-boosting ways. The app’s latest update, slated for release in April, expands its compatibility to include even more devices, allowing more users to simplify their always-connected lifestyles.

More Convenient Connections

Samsung Flow allows users to seamlessly manage data and messages between their Galaxy smartphone and tablet, helping them enjoy new levels of convenience and mobility.

When the devices are synchronized, users may unlock their tablet using their phone’s fingerprint sensor, manage smartphone notifications directly from their tablet, start a browsing session on one device and easily continue on the other, effortlessly transfer content between the two devices, and automatically connect their tablet to their phone’s mobile hotspot.

The app’s upcoming update will expand its compatibility from Galaxy S6 and newer devices to all Galaxy smartphones*. In addition, with the update, Samsung Flow will function on all Galaxy and Windows 10 tablets and PCs.

Simple Setup and Sign-Ins

Pairing devices is easy. Simply download the Samsung Flow app from the Google Play or Galaxy Apps store, activate Samsung Flow on both devices, and follow the application’s on-screen instructions.

After the devices have been successfully paired, users are asked to register a PIN and scan their fingerprint with their smartphone. This simple and secure layer of biometric authentication allows users to unlock and access both synchronized devices at once, helping them streamline how they manage the technology they rely on throughout their day.

Easy Alerts and Data Transfers

Samsung Flow also supports simple syncing of notifications between connected smartphones and tablets, alerting you of any missed calls and allowing you to comfortably manage messages from either device.

When working on your tablet, with Samsung Flow, you’ll be notified instantly of all incoming messages and will be able to type a quick response directly onto the device. No stopping to fumble for your phone, and no wasting time.

Speaking of saving time, Samsung Flow also supports speedy and reliable data transfers via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Users can share photos, videos and hefty documents cord and hassle free, and pause and continue browsing sessions on whichever device is more convenient. Additionally, when Wi-Fi is spotty, the app allows you to seamlessly connect your tablet to your phone’s mobile hotspot, so you’ll never be out of the loop.

Optimized for mobility and convenience, Samsung Flow’s latest update empowers more users to streamline their digital lives.

* Compatible with devices running Android OS Marshmallow (6.0) or newer and Windows 10 Creators Update or newer.

Designed and engineered in close collaboration, Samsung and Microsoft are excited to introduce the new Galaxy Book, a new premium 2-in-1 device designed with the mobile enterprise customer in mind. Built on the Microsoft Windows 10 platform, the Samsung Galaxy Book provides easy access to the full Microsoft Office experience in an ultra-portable 2-in-1 design that delivers unmatched productivity for the professional on-the-go.

Available in 10.6-inch and 12-inch models, the Samsung Galaxy Book is lightweight with ultimate portability that is easy to take with you no matter where you’re headed. The Galaxy Book brings the best in enterprise-grade performance with a 7^th Generation Intel® Core i5 processor Dual Core 3.1GHz for the 12-inch and an Intel® Core m3 processor, Dual core 2.6GHz for the 10.6-inch.

Creating seamless experiences that allow simple and secure communication between devices is a key component to a successful mobile transformation. Samsung improved Samsung Flow with Microsoft on the Galaxy Book. Samsung Flow allows customers to sync their Galaxy smartphone with the Galaxy Book for convenient login and Wi-Fi connection through the smartphone’s mobile hotspot when a data connection is not available. The Samsung Flow app communicates with Windows Hello for simple, secure login and notification display directly from your smartphone.

“We believe collaboration with key partners like Microsoft is essential for innovation, as it shares our vision for building excellence in mobile productivity,” said Jeeho Baek, Senior Vice President of B2B Product Management Group, Mobile Communications at Samsung Electronics. “Enterprise mobility allows businesses to expand the boundaries with which they operate and workers to gain flexibility in how they work. Together with Microsoft, we hope to further solve the challenges our customers face by creating flexible and secure technology.”

“Microsoft and Samsung are working together to deliver innovative mobile experiences that help organizations with digital transformation, and the Samsung Galaxy Book is a great example of that focus in action,” said Peter Han, Vice President, Partner Devices and Solutions, Microsoft. “Samsung’s new Galaxy Book lights up digital capabilities of Windows 10, such as Windows Ink, that empower employees to achieve more by working in a more intelligent, portable and secure way.”

With this partnership, Samsung and Microsoft are placing the needs of their customers at the top of their priorities. In addition to bringing a new device and software solution, the companies have aligned their worldwide marketing, partner and sales programs to deliver a positive go to market experience for its customers.

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

Optimized for Efficiency

The Galaxy Book is available in 10.6- and 12-inch variations and features a premium, full-metal design that’s thin and lightweight. This makes the device highly portable, and equally suitable for getting work done in the boardroom and on the road.

Available in black or white, the included keyboard cover is a delight to work with, and comes complete with a large touchpad that offers plenty of room to comfortably maneuver through files or tabs. The curved, island-style keys are well spaced to reduce typos, and feature an adjustable backlight* to allow users working late to burn the midnight oil comfortably.

Furthermore, the cover’s ability to prop up the screen at various angles makes it easy to set the Galaxy Book down and get to work anywhere. Each of the three orientation modes – ‘PC’, ‘Easel’ and ‘Note’ – was designed to deliver optimal comfort and usability.

PC-Level Performance

Both Galaxy Book editions are powered by seventh-generation Intel® Core processors that provide premium, PC-level performance. The 10.6-inch edition comes equipped with 4GB of RAM and a choice of 64GB or 128GB of storage, while the 12-inch model is available in a choice of either 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, or a generous 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage capacity. Both models allow users to add additional storage via microSD card.

In addition, the 12-inch Galaxy Book’s vibrant Super AMOLED display and the 10.6-inch edition’s TFT screen both support 4K video playback and provide ample room to scan documents on the go or binge a favorite TV show. Their long-lasting batteries charge fast, providing up to 10 hours of power for the 10.6-inch model and up to 10.5 hours for the 12-inch, giving users more freedom to be productive and enjoy their content uninterrupted.

Handy S Pen Integration

One of the Galaxy Book’s most efficient and fun features is its new, multifunctional S Pen, which helps users adopt a more convenient and hands-on approach to their work.

Samsung’s S Pens offer a best-in-class digital writing experience that allows users to enjoy greater productivity and exercise their creativity. The Galaxy Book’s S Pen is the most accurate yet, facilitating precise notes and detailed drawings thanks to its fine, 0.7mm tip, industry-leading sensitivity – recognizing 4,096 levels of pressure – and ability to vary the thickness of its strokes depending on the angle at which it’s tilted. Moreover, the S Pen does not require a battery to function.

The Galaxy Book also features support for the S Pen’s PDF Annotation function, to help users get more work done on the go, and Adobe Photoshop, to allow creative professionals to enjoy the device’s advanced mobile productivity as well. The S Pen’s stroke-width adjusting ‘Tilt’ function is particularly handy when fine-tuning images with the professional software, making it easier for users to enhance depth and detail.

Other handy S Pen tools include Samsung Notes, which consolidates the S Pen’s notetaking, drawing and image-management capabilities in one simple application, as well as Air Command functions such as Smart Select, which now lets users create, save and share their own animated GIFs.

Streamlined Security and Connectivity

Both Galaxy Book models are additionally available in LTE-compatible versions, to cater to always-connected lifestyles, and may be easily integrated into a user’s personal device ecosystem via Samsung Flow. This versatile app allows users to easily sync content and alerts between their Galaxy smartphone and tablet, and even lets them set up secure hotspots and unlock their tablet via their smartphone’s fingerprint sensor.

Transfers between the connected devices are seamless, and enable users to stay up to date without sacrificing data security or efficiency. This means that with Samsung Flow, a user editing a file on the Galaxy Book will receive notifications from their smartphone directly on their tablet and will be able to quickly reply using the Galaxy Book’s keyboard, without missing a beat.

Combining powerful, PC-level performance with the signature convenience of the S Pen, Samsung’s Galaxy Book 2-in-1 device is less of a tablet and more of a highly portable personal computer.

*This feature is exclusive to the Galaxy Book’s 12-inch model.