The Speedo On tracking app measures key swim metrics including lap count, lap time and stroke type to easily track and incorporate swim achievements into personal fitness goals. Paired with the two new devices, consumers have options for what works best to complement their activity needs in the water; Gear Sport is a sleek and stylish smartwatch with premium features while the Gear Fit2 Pro is an all-new ergonomic fitness band with continuous heart rate monitoring and GPS tracking. The data from Speedo On is also compatible with Samsung Health, Samsung’s comprehensive fitness tracking platform, to deliver a broader picture of health and wellness information.

The new Samsung Gear Fit2 Pro features the Speedo On swim tracking app pre-installed, which is powered by Speedo’s expertly developed algorithm for optimum accuracy and seamless data transfer into the Speedo On web-based platform. Developed for data-driven fitness swimmers, the interactive swim tracking platform acts as a comprehensive training partner. It offers analysis of your swims and tracks your progress against your fitness goals, along with additional training programs, tips and advice tailored to you – developed by some of the world’s best coaches and athletes. Speedo On, also gives swimming a social dimension, allowing you to follow other swimmers, take part in challenges and share achievements. On both the Samsung Gear Sport and Gear Fit2 Pro the Speedo On app enables swimmers to complete time trials and get their SWOLF score (a swim efficiency measure).

“Our Gear customers have been looking for more water-resistant products, and now with the Speedo partnership and the Gear Sport and Gear Fit2 Pro, we are delivering the best experience to meet their demands,” said Kiseon Kim, Vice President of Wearable Product Strategy Team at Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics. “As we look to meet the changing needs of consumers and their desire to track a range of activities and wellness factors – we are excited to bring these unique capabilities to consumers who love being in the water.”

“Speedo is committed to inspiring more people to get into the pool to achieve their fitness goals. Our collaboration with Samsung is the first of its kind and brings the very best of Samsung’s technological innovation together with Speedo’s swim expertise to provide fitness-focused swimmers with a completely new level of tracking,” said Rob Hicking, Brand Director at Speedo International. “We look forward to seeing what we can achieve together in the pool.”

About Speedo®

The world’s leading swimwear brand, Speedo is passionate about life in and around the water, creating revolutionary new technologies, designs and innovations and supporting swimming from grass-roots through to elite level.  In the 1920s Speedo made history with the Racerback: the world’s first non-wool suit. In 2008 Speedo redefined swimwear again with Fastskin LZR RACER – the fastest and most technologically advanced swimsuit ever created. In 2015, Speedo launched the Fastskin LZR Racer X, the first suit engineered to help swimmers feel their fastest. Its development was made possible through analyses of the physical and psychological aspects of competitive swimming with over 330 elite swimmers.  Speedo is owned by Speedo Holdings B.V and distributed in over 170 countries around the world; to find out more visit: www.speedo.com. SPEEDO, the ARROW device, FASTSKIN, AQUALAB, RACING SYSTEM, BIOFUSE, SPEEDO ENDURANCE, SCULPTURE and LZR RACER are registered trademarks of Speedo Holdings B.V. The LZR RACER suit has worldwide design rights and patents. The FASTSKIN³ cap, goggle and suit have worldwide design rights and patents pending. Speedo On is available on Android, iOS and web https://on.speedo.com.

About Speedo On

Speedo On is the new swim training platform from Speedo. Designed to improve the swimming experience and get more people swimming, more often. Users will be able to enjoy personalized recommendations to keep them on track towards their goals, motivated to carry on, and focusing on the best ways for them, personally, to be at their best.

Users will be able to:

• Set personal goals
• Share achievements with other swimmers
• Track their swims
• Analyze their swim fitness metrics
• Access workouts and training plans created by some of the world’s best coaches and athletes
• Consume content relevant to their personal goals and swimming performance
• Take part in challenges

Designers and mechanical R&D engineers at the Mobile Communications Business explain how the design of the Gear Fit2 originated, and how it was realized.

Q. What is the design concept of the Gear Fit2?

Jeff Jones: The original Gear Fit, with its thin, sleek look, was designed as a sports band. Then, with the Gear S2, we learned how to create a more premium wearable fit for everyday life.

We took the knowledge that we gained during these development processes and utilized it to create the product design of the Gear Fit2, merging the rectangular screen of the Gear Fit with the materials and design characteristics of the Gear S2. The final concept aimed to make the Gear Fit2 a device that is at once sporty and luxurious, and to fit naturally into Samsung’s wearable portfolio.

Q. What were the defining moments of the design process of the Gear Fit2?

Howard Nuk: There were many areas of focus during the design process because there were so many factors to consider.

First, we wanted the device to fit just about everyone, so we focused on the differences in people’s wrists, such as size variations, as well as their comfort level and desired point of contact when wearing something. As such, we spent a considerable amount of time determining the optimal curvature and size for the device.

We also wanted it to work with a vertical based UX. And we wanted to provide two side-by-side touch zones for usability. So we experimented with many different screen sizes and ratios until we found the ideal combination to meet our requirements. For example, we employed a 1:2 display aspect ratio on the Gear Fit2 so that its music player can display the skip forward and backward buttons in a horizontal line.

Q. Tell us a bit about how you selected the color, materials and finish (CMF) of the Gear Fit2.

Seounghyun Son: We selected colors—black, pink and blue—that are more “lifestyle” (as opposed to high-tech) so that the device could be worn in both fitness environments and everyday life. Overall, the colors are more subtle than bright, thus increasing the likelihood that someone would wear it all day. Additionally, we wanted to increase the appeal of the band by making it softer than the original Gear Fit and by using a 3-dimensional pattern rather than the 2-dimensional pattern of the Gear Fit.

Q. What are the main differences between the Gear Fit2 and the previous model in terms of mechanical features?

Hyunjun Kim: The Gear Fit2 differentiates itself with a premium, more refined design. We accomplished this by applying aluminum materials rather than plastic ones. To avoid discomfort, we worked hard to make it lightweight. Needless to say, applying metal to a wearable was no easy feat, even though Samsung has been incorporating it into its products, including its smartphone models, since last year.

We also included an improved clasp that uses a secure loop to prevent the device from falling off, and created both large and small variants to ensure that it will fit a wide variety of wrist sizes.

Youjung Song: As a sports band, waterproofness is one of the most fundamental features of the Gear Fit2. Since the device boasts a curved display and very thin bezels, we couldn’t use the materials and structures that are typically utilized to ensure waterproofness. So, we employed a special waterproofing material different from the one we used with the Gear Fit, to ensure IP68-level water and dust resistance. In fact, the material is the same one we used in the Galaxy S7 edge.

Q. What was your biggest focus in developing the main body of the Gear Fit2?

Hyunjun Kim: Because the Gear Fit2 is a wearable device, there was no right method for developing the body, since comfort is different for everyone. It was really challenging to create a design that the majority of people would feel comfortable wearing. So we focused on improving the quality of experience (QoE)—which is inevitably subjective—while being faithful to the basics to develop the product and maintain the design concept at the same time.

Youjung Song: To realize the refined design and useful features of the Gear Fit2, we used a wide variety of materials including curved glass, metal, plastic, silicon and urethane compound. Instead of carving the metallic part to create a curve, we applied the appropriate amount of pressure to bend it in the same curvature as the curved glass. This perfectly interlocked it with the main body and band, making the parts appear as a single object.

The fact that each material required different engineering processes made this a challenge.
Furthermore, we also had to find a way to ensure cost-efficient production to make the Gear Fit2 more affordable.

Q. What was the most difficult part of developing the main body of the Gear Fit2?

Youjung Song: Due to its shape, and the device’s small size, there wasn’t enough room to fit all the components inside. So, to make the most of the curved internal space, we applied some changes in its structure, such as splitting the mainboard into three parts. We even had to develop a tool called a “zig” to apply the right amount pressure on a curved surface—a technique we had never tried. We also produced some super-small components exclusively for the Gear Fit2. In particular, ensuring waterproofness required us to tap into different technologies and materials.

Hyunjun Kim: For me, the hardest part of developing the Gear Fit2 was creating its band. We had to find a way to satisfy people with wrists of all sizes and also consider numerous factors including how the ends of the band would be clasped together, whether the band needed an extra clasp to prevent it from falling off, ease of use and consumer feedback. Seeing as the Gear Fit2 is the first wristband design with a clasp, there was a mixed reaction to it.

Q. What makes the Gear Fit2 band so special?

Hyunjun Kim: The Gear Fit2 comes with softer band materials to provide a more comfortable fit than its predecessor and the Gear S2. The joint is certainly one of a kind, as it’s made from a special material with excellent durability to remain unchanged, even after thousands of rounds of clasps. Furthermore, clasping is easier. We also made improvements in the top color coating materials to provide an even better fit.

Seounghyun Son: We applied different patterns on the two sides of the band. On the outer side, we used a 3D pattern to add a touch of luxury, even though it doesn’t affect the usability of the device. We made the inner side of the band fast-drying so that it stays wearable, even when the device is exposed to water.

Q. What was your focus when designing the charging dock of the Gear Fit2?

Hyunjun Kim: There are actually two POGO pins on the charging dock so that the Gear Fit2 can charge upside down or right-side up. In addition, the dock has the same curvature as the Gear Fit2, and is equipped with magnets (which are also embedded in the Gear Fit2’s main body) to make charging an effortless task. Lastly, we continued to make micro adjustments on the dock to prevent corrosion in the case that your device is wet.

From left to right: Engineer Youjung Song, Senior Designer Seounghyun Son and Senior Engineer Hyunjun Kim

Note: Howard Nuk, VP of Samsung Design America, and Jeff Jones, Designer of Samsung Design America, contributed their opinions via email.

The Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge are designed to be water and dust resistant, so that it can join you wherever you go – through rain or shine. The new feature solves one of the biggest pain points of mobile devices, yet developing this innovative technology and applying it in a way that maintained Samsung’s design heritage was no easy feat.

Suk Chul Park and Jong Min Choi, senior engineers of the Mechanical R&D, Mobile Communications Business, explained what went into developing the device’s water and dust resistant feature, as well as the challenges and rewards that came along with the process.

(From left to right) SukChul Park and Jong Min Choi, senior engineers of the Mechanical R&D

Q. What differentiates a water and dust resistant phone from other devices on the market?

Jong Min Choi: Normally, when a mobile phone is exposed to water, the liquid leaks into the body, eroding its hardware and causing electrical shorts. These phones are designed with special materials or tapes that safeguard them when they are exposed to small amounts of water. However, these measures cannot protect them against larger quantities of water.

In contrast, water and dust resistant phones are equipped with a more advanced technology that prevents moisture from reaching their inner workings. This technology allows people to use the phone safely, even in very wet environments.

Q. What is most notable about the water and dust resistant features of the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge?

Suk Chul Park: Most other water and dust resistant phones come with bulky detachable covers or a clunky design, but the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge offer excellent protection without sacrificing the aesthetics of the phone.

To ensure exceptional water and dust resistance, we conducted rigorous experiments to find the right materials to seal the device’s USB port without using protective caps. We were looking to do this without compromising the devices’ compact look and feel.

It is definitely not easy to apply the water and dust resistant feature to s mass-produced flagship smartphone, but to design a metal-body phone without a cap was a huge challenge as well.

Q. What technology did you use to accomplish this?

Choi: To start, we looked at making potentially vulnerable parts more water and dust resistant. Non-corrodible materials like Nickel and Platinum were selected for frequently used parts such as an USB port or an earphone jack, not to harm the functionality.

Another point was to use special elastic material during assembly for sealing to block the moisture. When assembling individual parts like USB port, earphone jack or SIM card tray, there has to be a slight hiatus. Special silicon-type material is used to close that gap to prevent water from getting into the phone.

Q. What unique development challenges did you have to tackle when making the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge?

Choi: Finding the right liquid-sealing material was probably the biggest challenge. We needed a material that was fairly solid to repel water, but also flexible enough to function as a sealant.

We also needed it to be easily removable to allow people to make repairs to the device, and also to ensure it would not be affected by temperature and humidity changes. Finding the right materials involved a lot of trial and error.

Park: One of those efforts was to apply water and dust resistant feature within the limited bezel space in order to maintain its size.

In particular, the Galaxy S7 edge has an extremely narrow bezel and curved display which made it impossible to apply water protective tape around the edge. To maintain and highlight the curved display of the Galaxy S7 edge, a different approach was needed. The material and location of the water protective tape were changed and liquid sealing material was used for the curvy area and to connect the taped part. Also, curved display itself is made up with water resistant material.

Q. What did you need to do to enable functionality without negatively affecting the devices’ aesthetic appeal?

Park: Through our research, we were able to develop ultra-thin water protective tape that provides high levels of water and dust resistance. We also developed a special sealant that can protect against water in both flat and curvy parts of the devices.

Special connection technology was also used to seal the space between the device’s metal frame and plastic parts for the antenna placement, replacing the plastic resin method used in previous devices. We also used non-corrodible materials and an erosion-free coating to protect the exposed parts of the device from humidity.

Q. Is it possible to use the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge underwater? Can users take them to the waterpark or the beach?

Choi: It won’t present any problems if you use these devices under fresh water for a short time, but it is recommended that you do so according to the product specifications. In fact, the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge are certified with an IP68 rating, which is the highest rating available for water and dust resistance of electronic appliance. However, ratings do not guarantee a device’s performance beyond the specified depth of water, or in liquids other than water.

We would recommend against using the phones for longer periods of time under high-pressure water taps, or in the ocean or other saltwater environments.

Q. What was the most significant moment for you personally during the development process?

Park: In the very first water and dust resistance tests, we actually failed a lot more than we succeeded. People from just about every department watched our tests, so it was a bit embarrassing. Some were skeptical about applying water-resistant features to the phones, but we saw a lot of hope in the success cases, and soon began to weed out the problems one by one until we finally got to IP68 standard.

Choi: We conducted so many experiments with so many materials that I started to have dreams about testing the devices! Ensuring durability for a device as uniquely designed as the Galaxy S7 devices was obviously going to be tough, but everyone was excited about the challenge. When the phones were revealed to the public, it was rewarding for us to see such an enthusiastic response to their water and dust resistance.

Watch how Samsung conducted water and dust resistance tests on its newest Galaxy smartphones.