JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, 05 September 2018 – The way we experience the world around us has changed drastically in recent years. We are no longer confined to our physical spaces. For businesses this is a game changer. Virtual reality (VR) has created opportunities to connect with customers in a whole new space. Literally.

The fact is, any technology that allows you to significantly improve the quality of experience for your customers and employees is always going to mean big improvements for a business. It’s time to free our minds from the physical shackles of our body and boldly go where few have been before. The uptake of VR in business is set to surpass its leisure applications in the years to come, for obvious reasons. VR makes business sense. And the applications are seemingly endless.

Samsung introduced Gear VR nearly three years ago. The potential for businesses has already been proven. Today, its rapidly expanding ecosystem features more than 1,000 apps and 10,000 high-quality videos through the premium 360-degree immersive Samsung VR service and noteworthy collaborations with top content creators and media brands.

VR transforms training

VR offers the potential to immerse ourselves in any scenario for training purposes. The traditional workshop in a dull, lifeless room can be easily swapped for the ‘real’ thing. Employees can be tested in environments and situations their brain believes to be true. Want to trial run a salesman’s meeting with a potential customer in another country? No problem. They can be there and back, ready for evaluation in an hour. In healthcare, surgeons can make life and death decisions in simulated training environments. Even teachers can test their nerves against a class of unruly kids in a virtual classroom.

It’s all in the design

Designers and architects have latched onto VR faster than a Millennial onto a hipster trend. Entire building floors can be created, navigated and tested before a single brick has been laid. Architects can stride confidently into a client’s boardroom to present finished concepts. VR has even taken aircraft design to new heights. Boeing and Airbus already use simulated digital spaces to test new features and models.

“VR ignores the limits of past, future, place or person. It can create a realm designed purely for business objectives,” says Justin Hume, Chief Marketing Officer for Samsung South Africa.

Customers love VR

As both marketing and customer service tools, VR opens new possibilities for promoting products and services. We’ll one day talk about physical showrooms the way we talk about landlines – still useful but hardly necessary. Test driving that new car while waiting for the roast to cook will be as commonplace as telling your Smartphone to wake you up in the morning. Real showrooms will still be a part of the marketing landscape for some time to come, but the opportunity to get a feel for a product without leaving the living room will be hard to resist.

VR is the future, the past and the present

The technology will continue to improve, bringing our virtual worlds into our real ones. Businesses that are ahead of the curve will capitalise on a world that doesn’t even exist. That’s a virtual certainty.

Celebrating its 58th year, the Clio Awards is one of the top three advertising award festivals along with the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity and the New York Festival. It is judged by an international panel of advertising professionals and showcases work that pushes the boundaries and establishes new precedents.

The commercial tells a story about an ostrich who learns to fly after donning a Samsung Gear VR headset and launching a virtual flight simulator. The campaign taps into the basic human urge to push beyond what is normal and demonstrates the company’s commitment to providing products and services that allow people to break boundaries and do the incredible.

“The Ostrich, which has now won awards at both the Cannes Lions and the Clio Awards, is an emotional piece that conveys Samsung’s commitment to defying barriers and making the impossible, possible,” said Justin Hume, Marketing Director at Samsung South Africa.

In June of this year, ‘Ostrich’ took home three gold awards at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity under the film craft category for best direction, animation, and visual effects. This golden hat-trick was complemented by four additional silver and bronze awards, bringing the final tally to seven awards at Cannes.

“As a customer-centric brand, we continue to focus our efforts on creating real value for consumers by enabling them to do the impossible and this commercial is a great example of this,” concludes Hume.

Today’s technology is advancing faster than most people can decipher logic from hogwash in the previous sentence. With Samsung’s new offering, you don’t need to understand any of the complicated terminology offered up be tech geeks. Bixby is a recently launched, highly intelligent virtual assistant for  smartphones,, which offers a new way to interact with your phone. Its smart interface makes engaging with your device, services and apps more intuitive and seamless. Simply put, Bixby will be there for you at 2 o’clock in the morning when neither of your friends are up for a two and half hour telephone conversation.

Here are ten things you don’t (and need to) know about Bixby.

1. Bixby is gender neutral. Bixby can be modified to speak in either a female or male voice. (Like Ironman you can have your own F.R.I.D.A.Y or Jarvis)
2. Bixby is customisable, meaning you can switch off your phone’s alarm in the morning, have the weather for your city read back to you, and have a recipient of your choosing receive a warm and fuzzy good morning text, simply by using a voice short cut like “good morning Bixby.”
3. Bixby understands the way you actually converse without having to resort to that robotic-speak. It even understands cross-application commands.

For example, you could ask Bixby to “send the picture just taken to Mom,” Bixby will know which photo you are referring to and will text it to your mom.

4. Bixby is no quitter. Even when Bixby does not understand the request, instead of giving up, Bixby will ask for more information to be able to complete a task.
5. With comprehensive functionality, Bixby lets you switch from voice command to touch, vision, text and back to voice. In other words, if you don’t want Bixby talking back to you, you can use the app or touch to perform the same tasks. Should you opt for the voice function, you can have Bixby type out an email by simply by dictating it. Bixby can even read it back to you, and if you feel edits should be done, Bixby can edit it for you.
6. Bixby doesn’t forget. Bixby Voice records all of the questions you ask, along with all the answers that it has delivered in response. You can then look back at something you’ve asked in the past. You can pull up these archives from within the Bixby app.
7. Bixby Vision allows you to translate texts, search for images in the way your camera sees images (similar to Google reverse search) and shop for those items.
8. Bixby pays attention. It learns your daily patterns, speech type and preferences to improve and give you better results.
9. Bixby can handle complicated tasks like opening an app in split-screen view, rotating misaligned photos, reminding you where you parked, playing videos on a nearby TV, and composing emails. It can even gather all the photos you took last week into a new album labelled “Vacation” and share it with your friends.
10. Bixby can perform two-step actions like, “Call an Uber and text the details to my mother” or “Open Instagram and post my most recent photo.”

Already Bixby has over 10 million users world-wide and that number is set to grow exponentially when Samsung integrates Bixby into its other smart appliances like TV’s and web operating fridges.

Whether you have a walkable IoT, a PhD in IT or simply use your device as a mobile office, Bixby is here to make your life easier in the process.

Changes for a more Consistent Brand Experience

Previous Samsung Wearable packages were great at portraying unique characteristics and strengths of different product categories, but had difficulty conveying the overarching impression of the brand. We analysed countless competitor products and interviewed package and retail experts to create an all-encompassing brand experience through the package. Through this process, we set our design goal of creating a packaging system that exudes the exhaustive aura of a brand and enhances the details of the overall experience that covers the journey from opening the package to holding the product in your hand.

Concept that Ties Categories Together

Precious

Even if you are purchasing a product for yourself, a nicely packaged product that feels like a gift offers a whole new level of precious sentiment. The Samsung Mobile Wearable package acts as its own salesman when displayed on a showcase. The ‘Precious’ concept reflects this idea and provides a modern interpretation of the ‘premium gift’ keyword. From the moment users open the upper box, they are greeted with a ‘Welcome Door’ that creates anticipation for what’s to come. Furthermore, the inbox items, such as the manual and cables, are neatly assembled to express delicate care toward users.

360° Consideration

“To attract human attention your packaging needs to achieve a fine balance between vibrancy, uniqueness and simplicity.” – Kate Nightingale, Consumer Psychologist and Founder of Style Psychology

The package is designed under the umbrella of the ‘360° Consideration’ concept, which organically connects different aspects of a package that each contain unique information. The design is systemically considerate of users and maintains a fine balance between text and images on all six sides of the box, which prevents an overload of information within a single element of the package. The compartments of the package flow seamlessly while also being exclusive, which enables the product to become a natural eye-catcher and an impressionable storyteller that tells a tale which goes beyond basic spec details.

Message that is Formed through Depth in Detail

A package can create a powerful message when all its elements, from materials to colour, font, photography, graphics, constitution, and more, form a harmonious and meticulously detailed ensemble. The Samsung Wearable package design enhances its consistency with depth in detail to more effectively communicate the product’s language to its users.

Attractive and Powerful Images

The product images used for the package were all taken in an authentic viewpoint that has the product facing to the front. The crisp and clean background that extends behind the product and the soft light that permeates into the product radiate a confident and modern impact. For products like the Gear Fit2 Pro, where it is important to properly show the band colour, the images are rotated so that users can properly see the colour of the band from the front of the package.

Systematic Transmission of Information

Key information such as product and brand names are always placed in the same location of the package, so that all categories maintain consistency. Additional information such as the USP, icons, and product descriptions were positioned in order of importance in areas that are easily seen by the user so that all information can be systemically and properly disclosed to the user.

Colour that Represents the Brand

The number of colours used in the package is limited to four colours, excluding the colours in the product image. The proportion of colours used is carefully determined by its purpose. The Premium Black colour that appears universally among Samsung brand products blankets the entire package. The Samsung Accent Blue, used as the Signature Accent, is applied minimally throughout the package – just enough to indicate the mood of the brand. White and light-grey are used for typography to immaculately organize product information.

Patterns that Capture the Sentiments of a Product

Patterns differ from product to product, so each pattern is designed to serve as a metaphor of the product’s specific qualities to evoke sentimental resonance. The Gear 360 features a photograph that boasts 360-degree photography, the Gear VR provides a multidimensional view, and the Gear Fit2 Pro shows an image that displays heart rate to exemplify the product.

Intuitive Icon Graphics

The Samsung Wearable package has been produced in two forms and two sizes, which upholds coherence of the brand when displayed. Even when the volume of the package must be larger to accommodate additional accessories, the z-axis of the package is enlarged instead of the x-axis or the y-axis so that the product is always displayed in a constant size when viewed from the front.

Most people understand the excitement of encountering the packing of a product they love. At times, the packaging of a product can induce a sensation that is as potent as, if not stronger, than the sensation that comes from the product itself. The purpose of packaging has transcended beyond its previous role of simply wrapping up or protecting the product, and has gained its own meaning. Rui Brits, Senior Manager of Product Marketing at Samsung South Africa say, “The Samsung Wearable package design has come to redefine the identity and role of the package.”

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Worldwide Olympic Partner in the Wireless Communications Equipment category, announced a new Olympic initiative seeking to unite the world through inspiration and the power of connection during the Lillehammer 2016 Youth Olympic Games. As a global leader in mobile technologies, Samsung is committed to enhancing the Olympic Movement through innovative products and providing athletes and fans around the globe with memorable one-of-a-kind experiences.
 

With a series of event activations and unique programming, the Samsung Galaxy Studios will make the Lillehammer 2016 Youth Olympic Games inspiring and unforgettable throughout the city and Olympic venues. Leading up to the tournament, Samsung will spread the spirit of the games to young fans through a marketing campaign, “The Only Way to Know.” The initiative will be brought to life through an integrated, cross-platform marketing approach including a wide variety of on-site activations as well as digital and traditional assets.
 

“We understand that the challenges facing today’s youth can be daunting and we are committed to providing opportunities and programmes designed to inspire them along the way to never lose sight of their hopes and dreams,” said Michelle Potgieter, Director of Corporate Marketing and Communications at Samsung Electronics SA. “Samsung is proud to spread the Youth Olympic Games spirit both in Lillehammer and around the globe and create new experiences designed to reach them through our state-of-the-art technology and riveting VR content.”
 

For the Lillehammer Youth Olympic Games, Samsung and the International Olympic Committee will partner to deliver the first ever Olympic content in Virtual Reality. The action will also be real for fans watching remotely, with Samsung offering the opportunity to tune into the VR Live Streaming of the Opening Ceremony via Samsung mobile device, feeling the energy of the crowd as the athletes enter the stadium.
 

“Samsung is a longstanding Worldwide Olympic Partner that is dedicated to empowering fans, both during the Olympic Games and Youth Olympic Games, through groundbreaking technologies and breakthrough experiences,” said Timo Lumme, IOC TMS Managing Director. “We are honoured to partner with them on this first-of-its-kind VR live streaming offering, just one of the ways that we can ensure boundaries of what is possible for both youths on the ground and those watching remotely.”
 

Samsung will further maximise the excitement of the Lillehammer 2016 Youth Olympic Games by utilising its latest technology with highly-engaging experiences, including:
 

Feeling the Passion of the Sports: The Gear VR Experience
 

To celebrate the opening night of the 2016 Youth Olympic Games on February 12, the Samsung Galaxy Studio in Lillehammer and other select locations will provide unparalleled experiences through VR Live Streaming and allow users to feel fully immersed in the Opening Ceremony. By simply pairing the Galaxy smartphones with Samsung Gear VR, the first-ever live streaming will showcase immersive angles of the Olympic torch lighting, Parade of Nations and other Ceremony events. In addition, daily VR highlights will feature a variety of winter sports, including speed skating, snowboarding, figure skating, ski jumping and more. This diverse and exhilarating content will be available to the public following the event.
 

From February 11 – 21, three Samsung Galaxy Studios – the VR Bus, VR Monument and the VR Station – will be set up in various locations around Lillehammer to provide a variety of immersive, never-before-felt experiences for youths, spectators and athletes. Visitors will have exposure to Samsung mobile products including the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+, Galaxy S6 edge and Galaxy S6 and be given the opportunity to try a winter sport through immersive VR experiences with Gear VR. A unique 4D VR offering will be available at the VR Station, where studio visitors can sit in theatre-like chairs and feel the excitement of ski jumping, stepping outside of comfort zones to experience something they never would’ve dreamed possible.
 

Capturing the Dreams of Young Athletes with Technology
 

Youth Olympic Games hopefuls, including Norwegian Vebjørn Hegdal, will be featured in the TV/ digital commercial “The Only Way to Know,” dedicated to telling the story of youths who battle through constraints both in life and in sport. Through Samsung Galaxy, youths are encouraged to forge their own path and share their journey on social media with the campaign #THEONLYWAYTOKNOW.
 

Additional digital and social content will be provided throughout the Lillehammer Games by 47 IOC Young Ambassadors representing 39 different countries around the world. The Young Ambassadors programme, which is entering its fourth Youth Olympic Games cycle, encourages youths to be curious and stay active through sports. As part of the programme, the youth ambassadors are featured interacting with Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ to share self-expression and stay connected throughout their stories of inspiring bravery in sports and in life.
 

For more information on this press release and Samsung’s latest products, please visit www.samsungmobilepress.com or https://news.samsung.com/global/samsung-encourages-young-fans-to-pursue-passion-for-sports-and-life-during-lillehammer-2016-winter-youth-olympic-games
 

Lillehammer 2016 Winter Youth Olympic Games will be held February12 – 21, 2016 in Lillehammer, Norway.