The Gear S2 has become the darling of the smartwatch world, though the device is not without its critics. Samsung said in a recent interview that the Gear S2 is evolving and changing to meet the ever-growing needs of its consumers, becoming more attuned to customer needs over time.
The latest interview with Samsung User Experience Design Team VP Yoojin Hong tackles some deep questions about the Gear S2: everything from why Samsung chose a circular shape, to its Rotary UX design and rotating bezel, to the company’s own changes in order to best meet its customer desires. Finally, Samsung points out something that’s worth paying attention to: the Korean giant has the manpower and resources to craft every component of its devices, making a range of products as well as designing the hardware and software of the Gear S2 to give Samsung users a unique experience. The Gear S2′s rotating bezel and Rotary UX are two reasons we’d recommend the smartwatch over its predecessor.
Samsung has emerged in its position as the top Android OEM today by evolving and changing, with the company making improvements to Touchwiz by streamlining its software, eliminating its plastic build quality, and giving users more of a contemporary design in its Galaxy S6 series and Note 5. This year, the company improved upon nearly every area in which customers criticized Samsung’s 2015 devices to produce the finest devices the Android world has ever seen. As for the user experience with its latest smartwatch, Samsung has been steadily increasing the number of apps for its Tizen platform, providing replacement straps for Gear S2 customers, and giving non-Classic Gear S2 owners the ability to mix and match other 20mm wristbands with their wrist wearable. Finally, as a public sign of commitment to Samsung’s ability to evolve and change, the Korean giant has said that it is making strides to become more like a trendy startup rather than a traditionally boring corporation.
Samsung Electronics America, official mobile sponsor of the Sundance Film Festival, is sparking VR storytelling at the Samsung Studio, the go-to venue for filmmakers, content developers, industry influencers and more to connect, learn and share experiences, all through the lens of the latest Samsung products and services, including the new Samsung Gear VR, powered by Oculus.
“One of the biggest trends and themes for 2016 is virtual reality. At Samsung, we are making VR more accessible by partnering with the best in the industry to deliver a growing library of engaging, rich content for our Gear VR which is all made possible by our latest Galaxy devices,” said Marc Mathieu, chief marketing officer at Samsung Electronics America. “We are excited to engage with the creative community at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival to collaborate and amplify viewpoints, content and new technological advancements as we continue to cultivate development in the VR community.”
There are many opportunities for Festivalgoes to meet and interact at the Samsung Studio. Here is a sampling of what’s in store.
Unique programming at Samsung Studio
The team from Funny Or Die joins Samsung to debut the world premiere of the first-ever virtual reality comedy short, “Interrogation” featuring comedians Paul Scheer and Rob Huebel. Discussions will highlight how Gear VR is empowering comedic storytelling in new, immersive ways.
Samsung Studio will also treat Festivalgoers to interactive filmmaker panels with Deadline, BMI, Broadcast Music, Inc. and Funny Or Die, among other programming to be announced.
GONE Returns from Holiday Hiatus
At the 2016 Sundance Film Festival, Samsung, in collaboration with Skybound Entertainment and Wevr, will unveil the latest cluster of episodes from Samsung’s original thriller “GONE.” During December 2015, “GONE Episode #1: Pilgrim” quickly rose to be the number one most viewed piece of content on the service, with viewers quickly gravitating towards the “exploratory video” technology unique to the series.
Gear Indie Challenge Results
In an effort to nurture emerging and independent VR filmmakers, Samsung recently conducted the Gear Indie “There in 60 Seconds” contest, challenging filmmakers to transport viewers to a place that is special and unique in 60 seconds or less. At the 2016 Sundance Film Festival, details on the winning entries will be unveiled, with the winning content available to enjoy on Samsung Gear VR.
New Frontier Mobile VR Content Coming to Samsung Gear VR
Gear VR will be the way to watch the New Frontier Program’s Mobile VR content stemming from the 2016 Sundance Film Festival. Attendees will be able to experience the innovative works of ground-breaking artists who work in new media technology and get a glimpse of how the VR medium is used to immerse the viewer and take storytelling to a new dimension.
Living the Galaxy Life to the Fullest at Samsung Studio
At the Samsung Studio, Galaxy owners can enjoy premium services with the Gear S2 Concierge, offering priority restaurant reservations and complimentary Uber rides – all ordered from Samsung’s newest smartwatch, the Gear S2. Festivalgoers will also be able to use Samsung Pay – the official mobile payment of the 2016 Sundance Film Festival – at the Studio’s café, which will feature menu items from Salt Lake City’s own, “The Rose Establishment.”
More Information about Samsung at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival
Visitors to the Samsung Studio will have access to the Sundance Film Festival Selfie, and will experience the brand’s full range of product innovations including the Gear VR, Galaxy View, Galaxy S6 edge+, Galaxy Note5, Galaxy Tab S2, Gear S2, SUHD TVs and home appliances. The Samsung Studio will be located at 638 Park Avenue and will be open from January 22 – January 26, 2016.
For additional information and the full list of panel details, please visit the 2016 Sundance Film Festival schedule at sundance.org/festival.
What if Samsung releases a smartphone cover that allows you to add an S Pen to any upcoming flagship device? That would reduce the much beloved Note series to an accessory. That would be pretty absurd. Or would it?
Today, a patent published in South Korea shows us that Samsung is working towards that idea: an S View cover with an inbuilt S Pen, that allows you to turn any Galaxy device into a Note. Of course, there’s slightly more to a Note than the S Pen, such as a digitizer built into the display. The patent, unfortunately, does not mention any such details.
Still, it would not be entirely un-Samsung-like to release such a cover for those of you who enjoy fiddling with an S Pen, but without the burden of carrying a full sized Galaxy Note device around. Now, whether a cover like this will come with theGalaxy S7 or any of its variations is entirely uncertain.
A recently published list of accessories for that device mentions nothing that reminds us of what we are seeing here, so we won’t get our hopes up just yet.
It was only about two weeks ago that Samsung announced that pre-orders for the new Gear VR headsets were now open, interested customers could purchase the $99 virtual reality headset from Amazon and Best Buy aside from the company’s own website. It looks like the device is doing well for itself because it has already sold out online, both Amazon and Best Buy list the Gear VR as out of stock.
Best Buy listing for the Gear VR mentions that the device is “sold out online,” Amazon has plastered a similar “temporarily out of stock message” on its listing, adding that it will update customers when an estimated delivery date becomes known. Customers in the United States can still purchase one from Samsung’s website or even through T-Mobile later this week, it’s the only carrier in the country right now that’s going to sell the headset. A Samsung spokesperson has said that the company is “working hard to fulfill all orders as quickly as possible.”
Samsung Germany lists a delivery date of December 1, but given it has made anything official yet, we could be looking at tentative release dates that could change in the near future. In any case, consumers should be able to pick up the headset at least before the end of December. Of course, they will need a Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 edge, Galaxy S6 edge+ to be able to enter the world of virtual reality through the Gear VR; the Note 5 is supported as well, but that handset is not expected to be launched in the European region any time soon.
From the dawn of electronic music right up to the current digital DJing age of today, artists around the world have continuously sought out the best tools and equipment to fine-tune their skills and produce inventive tracks to excite music lovers everywhere. Samsung’s Soundcamp makes achieving these goals not only possible, but easy, too. And with the app’s new features and compatible third party apps, musicians—both amateurs and professionals—can play, compose, mix and “spin” right from the screen of their Samsung smart devices without any additional equipment.
Soundcamp, a mobile DAW and MIDI sequencer application, functions as an easy-to-use studio recording system that gives musicians access to an ensemble of built-in virtual instruments, including keyboards and drums, as well as an audio recorder equipped with sound effects. The app’s plug-in style, open-concept structure also gives users the option to connect to and record with various third-party music apps.
Tracks are then edited from the mobile workstation’s soundboard. Soundcamp’s well-organized and straightforward Multitrack View lets users record up to eight tracks in MIDI or stereo audio. In other words, they can add five additional components, such as Unique’s synth patches, even after recording their tunes on the drums, classic guitar and keyboard, to create a richer sound. For more advanced users, MIDI Editor View allows for PC-level MIDI editing. Likewise, Soundcamp’s Mixer View resembles the mixing consoles used in recording studios, so users can easily combine, route and change the level and dynamics of audio signals from one screen.
New Features for a New Sound
Nowadays, more and more people are opting to create their own music and DJing their own events. As such, Samsung has responded to the growing demand for professional grade music editing tools by adding two new features to Soundcamp, specifically in conjunction with the launch of the Galaxy S6 edge+ and Galaxy Note5, thus making it easier for musicians to achieve the sound they desire.
Looper, the first new feature, lets users create loops, short sections of tracks that have been edited to repeat seamlessly, which are commonly used in a number of genres, including hip hop, trip hop, techno and contemporary dub. Users can select from over 250 free, studio-quality audio loops from Loopmasters, the world’s leading producer of sample libraries; download a number of compatible, paid extension loop kits to create unique tracks in a variety of styles; or incorporate and mix their own sources.
The function utilizes an easy-to-use XY-pad with controllable effects that can be used to enhance live performances, while the Galaxy Gear app, when used in conjunction with the Gear S2, provides gestural control of the effects and loop arrangements. The end result is one that is sure to impress audiences, just as it did at IFA earlier this year, when DJ Raik showcased Looper. Check out his performance below.
Originally developed by experimental musicians, sampling is the act of taking a portion, or sample, of one sound recording and reusing it as an instrument or a sound recording in a different song or piece. The Sampler function allows for sound sample import, record and playback functions, converting any sound—including the human voice—into a custom instrument.
Along with the addition of the Sampler and Looper features, new third-party apps have been made compatible with Soundcamp for the Galaxy S6 edge+ and Note5. Among these are the Unique synthesizer and WOW2 filter by Sugar Bytes, as well as the Phase84 phase synthesizer by Retronyms and iLectric Piano and iGrand Piano by IK Multimedia.
In an age when just about anyone can be a run-of-the-mill digital DJ, Soundcamp offers all the tools an artist needs to unleash their creativity and create unconventional tracks that go above and beyond the expectations of the music world. Soundcamp is now available for the Galaxy S6 edge+, S6 edge, S6, S5, Note5, Note4, Note edge, Tab S2, S and Galaxy View. Download Soundcamp in Galaxy Apps or the Google Play store.
Often we’re more interested with what goes on behind the stage than on the stage itself. Indeed, a well-prepared production is a feast for the senses, but more often than not, the backstory or the making of an event equally piques our interests.
Market leaders in the smart technology sector also have their own subplots, the unrevealed stories behind what they make. The form and functions of a device, the trial and error journey to the finished product, those stories strike our curiosity and cause us to fall in love with the product all the more.
At last, the Galaxy Note5 and the Galaxy S6 edge+ are here. For now, many are still digesting the initial specifications and innovations of the much anticipated devices. But once this period of preliminary intrigue has subsided, more specific inquiries arise. The early adopters start to become accustomed to their devices but what experiences do they have? What stories can they tell? With new galaxies of possibilities now at our fingertips, we sat down with the designers of the Galaxy Note5 and the Galaxy S6 edge+ to hear their first-hand experiences.
Q: Thank you for meeting us. First, could you give us a brief overview of the new Galaxy Note5 and the Galaxy S6 edge+; how they were developed and how that progressed? The biggest change I see is the size. They have a 5.7-inch display screen with a bezel that is noticeably thinner.
A: Tablet-size devices (smart devices with 5-inch or larger screens) are a global trend. To appeal to this need, as well as adhere to the unique visual language of the entire Galaxy line was of utmost importance to us. Our visual theme for 2015 is a future-forward minimalist look and feel based on perfecting the relationship between design and technology, in short Minimal Futurism. Having said that, it was equally important to have each device stand out on its own, in line with this design approach. Both products retain a strong fluid contour from the curved glass to the body, and as you mentioned, we streamlined the device for a sleeker, more compact feel.
Q: Although the screen size is the same, both of these devices have their own unique feel. Could you tell us more about these two products?
A: The approach for both devices was to maintain the overall visual language, but to build on that foundation. The wider curved glass of the Galaxy S6 edge+ allows a more immersive, digital interactive experience. For those who use their devices for entertainment or multi-media will quickly warm to this new feature. The Galaxy Note5 however, takes on a more formal look. The curvature of the display continues on to the reverse side for a better grip, while the S-Pen is now metal to complement the device itself. Also, as soon as you pop out the S-Pen, you’ll immediately see it’s been totally re-designed to assist you in all your creative activities.
Q: The bezel on both devices are noticeably thinner, almost as if the frame has disappeared.
A: A thinner device is fast becoming the norm. The Galaxy S6 edge+ especially has curved glass that seemingly overlaps its surroundings. The original form is the same as the Galaxy S6, but now it has a slightly thinner top and bottom finish to make it look even slimmer than it already is.
Q: Black Sapphire, White Pearl, Gold Platinum, and now Silver Titanium have been added to the range of available colors. After actually seeing them, the colors are much deeper and richer than originally anticipated.
A: Yes, we’re excited about the range of colors with this lineup. Like the previous colors, this selection also has slight variations in hue and saturation according to how the light hits it. Giving it this richer look will appeal to urban city dwellers constantly interacting with their devices.
Q: The metal and glass combination was quite natural. It’s nice to see that look has been carried over to these new models as well.
A: When you handle the device, you feel the density of the lines and curves that join the glass and metal into a seamless whole. The device itself feels well-constructed and well-crafted. That’s the feeling we wanted to convey, a reliable device, exquisitely designed.
Q: Beyond the exterior, what other things should we know about the newest models?
A: There have been big and small changes to the user experience. Detailed changes have been made to elements of the screen. This is because the increased size meant that things needed to be organized and spaced differently. We’ve also adjusted the keyboards and loading bars, among other things. As minute as this may sound, we underwent many revisions on a millimeter scale moving elements around ever so slightly so that they are positioned perfectly for users. We’re confident that although you may not notice these changes at first, once you start getting accustomed to the new model, you’ll notice the difference.
Q: The biggest changes I can see are the icons. The icons seem to all have a shape that is between a circle and a square. Is there a reason for that?
A: Yes, we call them squarcles! Obviously a word combining circle and square, this unique shape for the container of each icon is unique to Samsung devices and maximizes the touch zone without increasing in size. It’s an intuitive yet innovative way to convey consistency in our user design.
Q: This was introduced at the launch of the new models, the S-Pen has a new innovation. You can use it to write down things even though the screen is off.
A: That’s the screen off memo feature, without turning on the screen you can use the S-Pen to write down quick ideas or thoughts. For this, we needed a smooth interactive function that would notify the user that the screen off memo feature was activated when detracting the pen from the holder. That’s because frankly, it’s not common to write or sketch on a blank dark screen without any indication of what you’re doing. A tiny ink “plop” will appear when you detach the pen signifying that the function has been activated, while other basic function icons will appear, only muted. Once you’ve finished and have saved the memo, the writing itself will shrink away leaving you with a blank screen.
Q: As cute as that seems, it’s an ingenious way of solving a difficult issue with visual interaction.
A: To get to this small interaction took us numerous other ideas and actions. This is a prime example of all the many visual interactions and well as iterations we went through to get to the device you hold in your hands.
Q: I’m curious to know how you maintained consistency among all those different kinds of visual interactions.
Like the screen off memo function, the overall concept was for the interactions to be fluid. Another example of this is the change in the Air Command interface; from a geometric, almost rigid feel to a rippling effect as the various icons plop out onto the screen.
With the Galaxy S6 edge+ visual interaction, you can share content and musings with close friends. The camera and emoticons in particular have a fluid responsiveness. Inertia, elasticity and flow are all natural movements we see that should look and feel natural when emulated on the screen. The actions themselves are calculated mathematically and applied to complex physics models, but for the users it’s a natural reaction that is accepted immediately.
Q: Anticipation is growing with each new launch of the Galaxy series. I guess you could say that excitement stems from the globally recognized quality of the devices and innovations. Now, with the Galaxy Note5 and the Galaxy S6 edge+ newly released, what could we expect next from the Galaxy series?
A: It was mentioned briefly when we were discussing visual interaction, but the design philosophy of Samsung Electronics is meaningful, human-centered design. The curved glass of the Galaxy S6 edge+ delivers a unique and limitless form of entertainment while the S-Pen of the Galaxy Note5 offers a highly specialized, yet creative workflow. All of our innovations start from the experience of our customers, satisfying the values and goals they deem most important. That is, as it’s always been, the direction forward for the Galaxy series of innovations. Ultimately, it’s not how high-tech it is, but how close it is to us and our everyday lives.
Thank you for the interview, we hope to talk again with newer Galaxy innovations and products.
For this Unpacked Event, Samsung focused on what makes its Galaxy devices stand out—and improved on them. The Galaxy S6 edge+ is obviously bigger than the S6 edge; what’s more important, though, is how this gorgeous smartphone also makes a big step forward both in terms of usability and sharing with people. For the Galaxy Note5, its new S Pen takes versatility to a completely new level.
Life on the Edge
It’s always good to celebrate the things that make us unique. Indeed, it’s these qualities that make life such a fascinating experience. When it comes to Samsung devices, without a doubt the most stand-out feature is the edge screen on the Galaxy S6 edge. This design has been so popular and innovative that Samsung has given the edge even more functionality—and given the phone a larger brother with the launch of the Galaxy S6 edge+.
When the Galaxy S6 edge launched earlier this year, it was heralded as a masterpiece. Its design was breathtaking, its functionality thrilling. But it was the edge user experience that separated it from the pack and that is where Samsung, as a constant innovator, has set a new standard for what a smartphone can do, and how we can use it. That’s why the Galaxy S6 edge+ is a natural progression, because if there’s one thing that Samsung is known for, it’s our dedication to offering our users a better, more complete experience.
Yes, the S6 edge+ is bigger than the S6 edge, which means you’ll have much more real estate on which to create and enjoy visual media. But that’s only the beginning. A whole host of new features makes best use of the edge functionality and can be found only on the Galaxy S6 edge+. They give users a whole suite of new ways to communicate and navigate the device. Firstly, you can now access your favorite apps on the edge display through Apps edge feature as well as your favorite contacts through the People edge. And you can put the edge handler wherever you want, on both sides of the edge display, even on the lock and home screens.
The Apps edge shows shortcuts for most frequently used apps, and you can directly launch each app from this edge screen. The People edge enables users to easily make a call, send a text message, or e-mail your top contacts. New additions to the People edge are Handwriting, Emoticon, and Poking functions. For Handwriting, you can scribble a note on photos already stored on your devices, or take a new picture with your camera for instant annotations. You can, of course, send a handwritten note also without a picture background—and the recipient can save this note to their phone, should they wish to.
One universal language we’ve all got used to when texting is the emoticon. Even if it’s just a simple smiley face, text-based communication has been brightened up thanks to these small symbols. On People edge, senders can choose and send plain and animated emoticons directly the edge, and recipients will see them at their end on their People edge screen.
Want a more tactile means of communication? Poking might be right up your street. There are three different types of poke on People edge: knocking, twinkling, and petals fluttering. Knocking is delivered to the receiver as a haptic and ripple effect, which can be used as a short, secret signal between users. For example, the sender and receiver could agree in advance that three knocks means “coffee break.” Twinkling and petal fluttering will show on the recipient’s device like a drawing by hand.
Ease of use and new ways of communicating with your closest friends and family will make the Galaxy S6 edge+ a stand-out smartphone in a crowded marketplace.
The Write Choice
The Samsung Galaxy Note is famous for its signature feature, the famous S Pen, and for the launch of the Galaxy Note5 it has been much improved. Moving through menus becomes a piece of cake and unlocks new functionalities.
Among the enhanced S Pen functions of the Galaxy Note5 is the new Air Command, with a simpler menu that is focused on the three key functions of the S Pen: Action memo, Smart select, and Screen Write. Air Command also gives access to the three most frequently used apps. Launching Air Command is easy: Simply tap the floating pen icon that automatically appears when you take out the S Pen or press the button on the S Pen itself.
Have you ever had to take multiple screenshots on your device, scrolling down page by page to see more? With Scroll Capture on the Galaxy Note5, you won’t have this hassle anymore. It’s possible to take a screen shot of a long page thanks to “Scroll capture”. Simply tap “Capture more,” and re-tap it until you select “Done”. After you’re done, you can annotate the captured image and then save or share it.
The S Pen also makes it possible to annotate PDFs, so when you’re out of office and need to review a file, you can make notes using the S Pen on your Galaxy Note5.
Samsung has also made it easier to take quick notes with the Galaxy Note5. There’s no need to unlock your device, because it can be a regular memo pad even when the screen is off. Take out the S Pen, and you can immediately start to write on your phone; the screen will still be black, but your writing will show in white.
Both the dual edge display on the Galaxy S6 edge+ and the Galaxy Note5’s S Pen are exclusive to Samsung. Yes, both devices are clearly intriguing; however, they also go the extra mile when it comes to user-friendly functionality.
Both smartphones are an evolution of previous Samsung products, but they show what’s at the core of Samsung innovation: constantly improving the user experience.
Samsung Electronics announced the global launch of the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+and Galaxy Note5. Both devices represent Samsung’s commitment to the big screen smartphone market, which Samsung boldly pioneered in 2011 with the original Galaxy Note.
The Galaxy S6 edge+ and Galaxy Note5 blend form and function with industry leading features, including: the best screen technology, the most advanced camera for high quality photos and videos, the latest fast wireless and wired charging, and an incredibly powerful processor. With increased 4GB RAM, both smartphones offer the most powerful capacity and processing power on the market, enabling users to enjoy more seamless multi-tasking, keep up with messages, post updates to social networks faster, and enjoy graphic-heavy games without suffering lag time.
With its curved 5.7-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED screen, the Galaxy S6 edge+ makes the edge experience even bigger to provide a more immersive multimedia experience. The newly-designed Galaxy Note5 provides an unmatched set of productivity tools such as SideSync, along with a much refined 5th generation S Pen capabilities to better serve the major multitasker.
Samsung Pay, Samsung’s simple, safe and virtually anywhere mobile payment service, will launch in Korea on August 20 and in the U.S. on September 28. Protected by Samsung KNOX, fingerprint verification and digital tokenization, Samsung Pay works with both MST (Magnetic Secure Transmission) and NFC (Near Field Communication) technologies, bringing consumers closer than ever to a world without wallets.
“At Samsung, we believed in the promise that large screen smartphones could actively address some major consumers pain points by providing users with a better viewing experience and more productivity on-the-go,” said JK Shin, CEO and President of IT & Mobile Division, Samsung Electronics. “With the launch of the Galaxy S6 edge+ and Note5, we’re reemphasizing our ongoing commitment to bold, fearless innovation that meets the needs of our consumers.”
Galaxy S6 edge+ Best for Multimedia Experience
Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ succeeded the unique and distinctive design of Galaxy S6 edge, and becomes even more elegant, understated, and finely crafted. It features the new ‘Apps edge’ for easy access to favorite apps, and enhanced ‘People edge’ for easy communications with preferred contacts. ‘Apps edge’ allows users to access their favorite apps by just swiping the edge display. ‘People edge’ helps users to connect their close contacts easily. From the edge screen, users can quickly find their pre-set contacts and send message or give a call directly.
Galaxy Note5 Perfect for Multi-taskers
The Galaxy Note5 is a stunning upgrade to Samsung’s flagship Galaxy Note line – more powerful and more personal than ever. Inspired by the design legacy of the Galaxy S6, it ergonomically fits in one hand with a narrower bezel and curved back. The flat screen is great to write on and the curved shape makes it easier to use the phone with one hand.
Engineered to help people get more done faster, the Galaxy Note5 includes all new S Pen that feels more solid and balanced in the user’s hand, offering improved writing capabilities and a variety of practical tools. A unique clicking mechanism offers a joyful experience of popping the S Pen out with just one quick click. Users can now quickly jot down ideas or information when the screen is off without even unlocking the phone. ‘Air Command’ feature gets more intuitive and practical as well; now the icon hovers for instant access to all of S Pen tools from any screen at any time. Users can also annotate on PDF files and capture lengthy web articles or long images at once via ‘Scroll capture.’
Powerful Core Galaxy Features
Both the Galaxy S6 edge+ and Note5 feature unprecedented multimedia capabilities with deeper screen contrast and details through Samsung’s industry-leading 5.7-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED display.
As social networking becomes more ubiquitous, consumers expect to share the moments of their lives through photos and video and Samsung is enabling that desire with improved video capabilities.
These include Steady Video, which provides Video Digital Image Stabilization on both the front and rear cameras for sharp, crisp video on-the-go, and Video Collage Mode, which allows users to record and edit short videos easily in various frames and effects. The Galaxy S6 edge+ and Note5 also feature 4K(UHD) video filming and Live Broadcast, which lets users instantly live streams Full HD video straight from the phone to any individual, group of contacts, or even the public through YouTube Live. Anyone who receives the YouTube link from a Galaxy S6 edge+ or Note5 user is able to enjoy live stream video from his or her smartphone, tablet, PC or Smart TV with YouTube connectivity.
Galaxy S6 edge+ and Galaxy Note5 users will also benefit from Samsung’s advanced camera system, including Quick Launch (double click the home button to launch the camera in less than one second*), Auto Real-time High Dynamic Range (HDR), and Smart Optical Image Stabilization(OIS) and brand-new filters.
The Galaxy S6 edge+ and Note5 feature Samsung’s fast wired and wireless charging technology and the embedded wireless charging technology is compatible with virtually any wireless pad available today. With wired charging, both devices can be fully charged in approximately 90 minutes, and through Samsung’s latest wireless charger, they can be fully charged in approximately 120 minutes.
Samsung’s newest devices are further upgraded to support SideSync, which offers both wireless and wired PC-smartphone integration for seamless connections across devices. Thanks to auto-detection and an ultra quick setup, users can instantly connect their Samsung device to their PC or tablet for easy access to files and data across all platforms and operating systems.
In addition, Samsung’s Galaxy S6 edge+ and Note5 features enhanced security features with KNOX Active Protection (built into devices / out of the box) and My KNOX (app with simple/fast setup) to further protect sensitive personal and work data.
The availability and launch timing of both products vary by markets and mobile carriers. Both devices are available globally starting from August, 2015. Both have 32GB or 64GB storage options available in White Pearl, Black Sapphire, Gold Platinum and Silver Titanium.
Samsung Electronics, unveiled that Samsung Pay, a secure and easy-to-use mobile payment service that can be used to make purchases nearly everywhere cards are accepted, will launch in Korea on August 20 and in the U.S. on September 28. Samsung plans to roll out the service in the U.K., Spain and China, as well.
Speaking at a Samsung event in New York where it unveiled its newest flagship devices – the Galaxy S6 edge+ and Galaxy Note5, JK Shin, CEO and Head of IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung Electronics said, “With the launches of these exciting new smartphones, we will open a new era of mobile payment. This is Samsung’s brave step forward to enhance our mobile experience. It is easy, safe, and most importantly, available virtually anywhere you can swipe a card, in most cases without new costs for merchants, from day one.”
Samsung Pay will be preloaded on select Galaxy S6 edge+ and Galaxy Note5 devices and a free software upgrade will be rolled out beginning mid-August, to enable Samsung Pay on Galaxy S6 and S6 edge devices in the U.S. and Korea. Select U.S. users of Galaxy S6, S6 edge, S6 edge+ and Note5 will be able to participate in a beta trial from August 25 ahead of the September 28 launch.
SIMPLE: To make a payment on Samsung Pay, users can simply swipe up, scan their fingerprint and pay.
SAFE: Samsung Pay uses tokenization, Samsung KNOX, and fingerprint authentication to provide secure payments and reduce the security risks inherent to plastic cards.
VIRTUALLY ANYWHERE: With Magnetic Secure Transmission (MST) and Near Field Communication (NFC) technologies, Samsung Pay works with most existing point-of-sale (POS) terminals. That means it’s the only mobile payment service that works virtually anywhere you can swipe your credit card or debit card.
“The future of mobile payments has arrived,” said InJong Rhee, EVP of Samsung Electronics, Global Head of Samsung Pay. “We are partnering with card networks, issuers and acquirers, and Samsung Pay will also be the first to support contactless payment for store-branded credit cards. The list of partners will only grow.”
Extensive Partnership Ecosystem
Samsung Pay continues to strategically expand its partnership ecosystem to provide greater flexibility, access, and choice for customers. Samsung anticipates working with payment networks such as, American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa, major banks including Bank of America, Chase, U.S. Bank and key financial partners including First Data, Synchrony Financial and TSYS to extend Samsung Pay to the U.S. Samsung anticipates working with all major Korean card companies including Samsung Card, Shinhan Card, KB Kookmin Card, Hyundai Card, Lotte Card, NH Nonghyup Card, BC Card, Hana Card, Woori Card and Citi Card.
“We leverage our unique technology and capabilities to provide our customers with seamless, differentiated experiences, giving them more flexibility and choice for how to pay,” said Tony Prentice, vice president of mobile payments at American Express. “As part of that strategy, we are excited to work with Samsung to offer Card Members a new, innovative way to pay in-store with an American Express Card on their Samsung devices.”
“Emerging technologies are impacting the way our nearly 18 million active mobile customers pay for everyday items, and we’re focused on delivering new solutions to help simplify their financial lives,” said Michelle Moore, head of digital banking at Bank of America. “Samsung Pay is a great example of this commitment, allowing customers to do more with their mobile devices and manage their finances when, where and how they want.”
“Samsung Pay will give our customers another convenient way to pay with their Chase cards,” said Gavin Michael, head of Digital for Chase.
“Discover’s focus on simplicity and versatility aligns with Samsung Pay’s innovative use of technology,” said Diane Offereins, Discover’s president of payment services. “Offering this new payment service continues to enhance the convenience and mobile experience we’re providing to our customers.”
“First Data is proud to collaborate with Samsung on the launch of Samsung Pay and we look forward to working together to bring a powerful solution to the marketplace,” said Barry McCarthy, Executive Vice President, Network and Security Solutions, First Data. “We have a history of driving innovation in payment technology through close collaboration with all parts of the payments ecosystem. Our work with Samsung, as well as our other partners in mobile payments, enables more powerful connections between merchants, issuers and consumers.”
“As consumers increasingly rely on their mobile devices in their everyday lives, MasterCard is pleased to partner with Samsung to bring Samsung Pay to our cardholders around the world. Using advanced tokenization technology from the MasterCard Digital Enablement Service, we’re delivering a digital payment experience that is both simple and secure, and includes all the benefits and guarantees of a MasterCard transaction,” said Cheryl Guerin, Group Executive, MasterCard.
Margaret Keane, president and CEO of Synchrony Financial (NYSE: SYF), the largest provider of private label credit cards in the U.S.[1], noted, “This is great news for our customers who will enjoy the benefits our cards offer when they choose to make easy and secure mobile payments with Samsung Pay. It is also important for many of our retail partners who can use their existing point of sale devices to deliver secure mobile payments and a seamless customer experience at more than 300,000 locations.” [1] Based on purchase volume and receivables according to issue number 1,062 of “The Nilson Report,” dated April 2015 (based on 2014 data).
“We expect the adoption of mobile payments to change the payments landscape,” said Gaylon Jowers, Jr., senior executive vice president, TSYS. “We are excited to be on the leading edge in collaboration with industry stalwarts like Samsung through technologies like Samsung Pay.”
“Being one of the first to offer our consumer and business customers Samsung Pay is a great example of our focus on Innovation at U.S. Bank and Elavon,” said Dominic Venturo, chief innovation officer at U.S. Bank. “U.S. Bank customers with qualifying credit or debit cards will be able to pay with their Samsung device using Samsung Pay; and our U.S. Bank and Elavon merchant customers will be able to accept the point of sale transactions right away. This is an important step in the continuous evolution of payments and consistent with providing our customers the ability to do business with us how, when and where they want.”
“Instantly on day one, because of MST technology, Samsung Pay will be accepted almost anywhere consumers can pay today,” said Jim McCarthy, Executive Vice President of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships at Visa. “We see this as a huge step forward for consumer choice and payment security.”