SEOUL — LG Electronics (LG) today opened the doors to its new Software Upgrade Center in South Korea, the first such facility aimed at providing customers worldwide with faster, timelier, smartphone operating system and software updates. Located in LG’s new research and development campus in Magok-dong, western Seoul, the Software Upgrade Center is just one of the ways LG is demonstrating its commitment to customers’ needs.
The Software Upgrade Center will not only be charged with developing and delivering regular OS updates for LG smartphones, it will also be responsible for ensuring a consistent user experience on LG devices by continuously testing the stability and compatibility between hardware and software after updates.
The creation of the center will enable LG to roll out OS updates faster in countries where LG smartphones are available to ensure that customers around the world receive the same level of quality service. One of the first initiatives of LG’s new Software Upgrade Center will be to roll out Android Oreo for the LG G6 later this month starting in Korea, followed by other key markets.
“Aligning after-sales support with customers’ needs is a top priority at LG,” said Mr. Jo Seong-jin, CEO of LG Electronics. “Stable and consistent upgrades will demonstrate to our customers that LG smartphones have long and reliable lifespans.”
LG’s Latest AI Premium Smartphone to be Revealed at Events in New York, Seoul
SEOUL —LG Electronics (LG) announced that it will formally unveil its premium LG G7ThinQ smartphone on May 2 in New York City and May 3 in Seoul. LG will host media events to introduce the LG G7ThinQ on May 2 (EDT) at the Metropolitan West in New York and on May 3 (KST) at I’PARK Mall in Seoul. This will be the first G series smartphone to adopt the ThinQ name, created to identify all of LG’s consumer electronics, home appliances and services that utilize artificial intelligence to deliver practical, consumer benefits.
The LG G7ThinQ is an evolution of the foundation laid by the LG V30SThinQ, the first LG smartphone to embrace AI as part of its core features. The V30SThinQ incorporated AI technologies that enhanced the most frequently used features including voice recognition and Vision AI to improve camera convenience. The LG G7ThinQ will offer improved interconnectivity with LG devices such as home appliances, TVs, and more.
“Now is the time when manufacturers have to pay close attention to what customers actually need and want for their smartphones,” said Hwang Jeong-hwan, president of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “With the LG G7ThinQ, LG is continuing to deliver on its promise to enhance core technologies to meet customers’ real life needs by incorporating AI technologies that are more than features, they are part of the user experience.”
Signature Kitchen Suite Pro Range Oven and LG CineBeam Laser 4K Projector Recognized for Industry-Leading DesignsRed Dot Award 2018 Best of the Best
SEOUL — LG Electronics received 21 honors at this year’s Red Dot Design Awards, one of the world’s top three design awards alongside iF Design Awards and IDEA (International Design Excellence Awards). Of the products recognized, two LG products shone the brightest with Best of the Best honors: the ultra premium built-in Signature Kitchen Suite Pro Range oven and the high-end LG CineBeam Laser 4K projector, which were judged among the best of 5,300 designs from 59 countries.
The design of the Signature Kitchen Suite Pro Range was recognized by the Red Dot judging committee for its ergonomic design details such as the control panel interface and comfortable handle. The oven evokes an era when cooking was a more central part of families’ lives and respected those preparing the meals. The first pro range on the market with built-in sous vide, induction and gas, the Wi-Fi enabled oven is powered by LG’s own SmartThinQ® Technology, a future-ready open platform that allows for convenient remote control operation with a free app available on both Android or iOS platforms.
LG’s other Best of the Best winner is one of the most unique home entertainment products on the market today. The LG CineBeam Laser 4K projector comes in a portable size and unique upright design that is only made possible by the mirrorless I-shaped engine which allows the projector to show perfect images whether it’s placed on the floor, mounted on the wall or hanging from the ceiling. The convenient carrying handle and Auto Cord feature makes the unit look absolutely sleek and clutter-free, prompting the judges to admire the product’s balance between esthetics and convenience and a “design unlike other projectors.”
LG received 19 other honors from Red Dot, which included many appliances such as the Signature Kitchen Suite Refrigerator, Code Zero R9 robot vacuum cleaner and air purifier. LG was also recognized for its home entertainment products, such as LG SIGNATURE OLED TV, industry-leading UltraWide monitors as well as its G6 and V30 flagship smartphones. More obscure but nevertheless eye-catching, LG’s Pra.L home skin care system and pastel-friendly Pocket Photo Printer were also included in the recognition.
“These honors reflect the wide recognition of LG’s distinctive competitiveness in design,” said Noh Chang-ho, head of corporate design at LG Electronics. “Our commitment is to continue focusing on the essence of LG products based on our in-depth understanding of customer demand.”
LG Electronics Inc. (LG) today announced its preliminary earnings results for the first quarter of 2018.
.
LG reported tentative consolidated revenues for the first quarter of 2018 at KRW 15.1 trillion with an operating profit of KRW 1.1 trillion, marking the highest first quarter revenues and operating profit in the history of the company. Sales are expected to be 3.2 percent higher than the same quarter the previous year with operating profit being up 20.2 percent year-on-year.
.
These figures are the tentative consolidated earnings based on K-IFRS provided as a service to investors prior to LG Electronics’ final earnings results including net profit. Details regarding each division which will be announced officially later this month.
Collaboration with BTS Comes as Group Hits New Milestone in the International Music Scene
SEOUL — LG Electronics (LG) is readying its most ambitious and wide-reaching outreach campaign to date, fronted by today’s hottest K-Pop boy band, BTS. Winner of the Top Social Artist of the Year at the 2017 Billboard Music Awards, South Korea’s most popular supergroup will star in a series of TV and social media campaigns for LG’s mobile products, beginning with the company’s upcoming flagship smartphone.
As the first K-pop artists to crack the Billboard Top 10 and perform at the American Music Awards, BTS has an immense following in major smartphone markets in the Americas, Europe and Asia. The video for the group’s most recent single, Mic Drop, surpassed 200 million views on March 22 (Korea Time), becoming the seventh music video by the boy band to achieve this milestone.
LG and BTS will collaborate on a diverse marketing campaign that reflects the uniquely colorful personalities of each of group’s seven members. The campaign will highlight the band’s talent, attitude and relationship with its fans, the very qualities that LG hopes to bring to its upcoming products starting this quarter.
“BTS achieved international superstardom through raw talent, innovation and authenticity even though many gave them little chance of real success,” says Kim Su-young, vice president and head of marketing for LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “These qualities make BTS a great match with our smartphone brand and we hope to be able to convey to the global audience that LG mobile devices are also about delivering bold innovation with a unique attitude.”
Samsung Electronics has been showcasing its portfolio of innovative display solutions at the Digital Signage Expo in Las Vegas in March. The company’s collection of cutting-edge solutions includes the latest digital signage products, industry-leading displays including the Samsung Flip and exciting new video conferencing solutions with HARMAN and Cisco. Samsung’s workplace solutions are designed to foster a creative, collaborative and productive business environment. The Samsung Flip is a perfect example of Samsung taking digital connectivity and collaboration to a new level by transforming the paper white board into a digital solution for businesses designing mobile workspaces.
The Samsung Flip display promotes more collaborative digital engagement by addressing some of the leading challenges businesses face when coordinating, facilitating and recapping meetings. The Samsung Flip gives users the familiar feel of writing, while also providing a noticeable upgrade on both analog boards and standard flip charts. Additional capabilities include the display’s ability to easily share and search content, allowing for multiple users to contribute at once and quickly transform any location into a huddle room with its wheel-based, portable stand.
By leveraging Samsung’s industry-leading professional displays and collaboration products from HARMAN, the Samsung-HARMAN Huddle Room Solutions take a modern twist on a huddle space. From reducing setup time and offering support for sharing materials with the advanced display technology, these meeting systems can address all needs for small and medium-sized collaboration sizes. Suitable for modern office style, it provides the best solution for BYOD meetings and comes with easy to use features including one-click Skype for Business. The huddle rooms are available in four different options, providing a range of functionality for any huddle room application, including: Huddle Standard Solution, Huddle Premium Solution, Huddle Enterprise Solution and Huddle Enterprise Plus Solution.
Visitors used the Cisco Spark Room solution to connect the Cisco Korea office and the exhibition hall in Las Vegas for video conferencing.
Samsung and Cisco have completed the HDMI-CEC compatibility test between Samsung’s QMH and QBH displays, and Cisco Spark Room Kit and Kit Plus. Now, Samsung UHD SMART Signage, QMH Series displays and the last firmware release of Tizen 3.0 can be seamlessly integrated with the Cisco Room Kit Series featuring non-touch and play synchronization for smooth user experience.
Combining Samsung’s dynamic displays with Cisco’s innovative video conferencing creates the ultimate Cisco meeting experience. It includes automatic recognition of devices, optimal Spark display configuration for video conferencing and automatic HDMI switching for incoming calls. Powered by stat of the art technology, it provides more advanced features including analytics and cloud service. The compatibility of Samsung displays and Cisco solutions create smart rooms for smart meetings with crisp images and clear connections.
Further, business managers can elevate the customer experience at their commercial locations by installing Samsung’s fine pixel pitch IF-H LED screens for an ideal combination of superior picture quality and intuitive usability. The IF Series combines Samsung’s leading video processing technologies with High Dynamic Range (HDR) picture refinement to add clarity and sophistication to featured content – all within a compact, easy-to-maintain design. In turn, indoor users can deliver more realistic and memorable content without incurring additional costs or added burden.
Back in February, Samsung unveiled its state-of the art display technologies including ‘The Wall’ and ‘3D Cinema LED’ at the ISE 2018. The company has shown continued commitment to setting new standards in the display market and will continue to make meaningful contributions as an industry leader.
Samsung Electronics designed its 2018 QLED TVs to help redefine ‘immersion’ as it relates to TVs. The devices feature a finely polished design that naturally blends in with its surroundings, fostering captivating viewing experiences when on, and enabling users to remain completely immersed in their daily activities when off.
Introducing the new, intricately refined QLED TV – a TV whose engrossing visuals and boundless, 360° design offer users the unprecedented experience of total immersion.
Eliminating Distractions
The 2018 QLED TVs’ clean-cut design enables users to be utterly immersed in their favorite content. Because convoluted cables are distracting, the TVs feature the One Invisible Connection, which combines the AV and power lines, along with the cables of peripheral devices (via the One Connect Box), into a single, transparent cable that eliminates visual distractions and keeps the area around the TV tidy. This first-of-its-kind innovation can also be extended up to 15 meters, so users may freely position their TV without worrying about its proximity to a power source.
QLED TV’s minimalist styling is bolstered by its No Gap Wall-mount, which allows the display’s sleek metal frame to be neatly and easily installed flush against the wall. Each TV is also compatible with an array of stylish stands. Designed to blend in with a wide range of living spaces, the stands ensure that the displays look stunning from any angle, and offer users the freedom to position their TV wherever suits their lifestyle.
Built to Blend In
* The image shown is for illustration purposes only. The details in the screen may differ from the actual product, and product specifications may vary depending on region and model.
When crafting the TVs, Samsung carefully contemplated a design that would gracefully harmonize with its surroundings even when the TV was turned off. This ultimately led the design team to develop QLED TV’s new Ambient Mode, which makes it seem as if the TV is projecting the wall behind it. This design element creates a sense of spatial consistency by enabling the TV screen to seamlessly blend in with the wall.
The SmartThings app features an array of built-in images to suit a wide range of living spaces, and also allows users to take a picture of their own wall to set as their Ambient Mode image. Useful day-to-day information, such as the time, weather or news, can also be also displayed in real time, and accessing the feature is simple, thanks to the addition of a dedicated Ambient Mode button on QLED TV’s One Remote Control.
In addition, thanks to Samsung’s energy-efficient technology, Ambient Mode is easy on electricity bills. When activated, the function consumes just 40 percent of the power used to watch TV. And because Samsung’s QLED technology is guaranteed to be burn-in free, users may enjoy the feature without worry.
Illuminating the Essence of the QLED TV Experience
*Onscreen images are not embedded in the product.
Samsung’s 2018 QLED TVs completely redefine the viewing experience. Rather than describing that experience with a plethora of words, Samsung has chosen to express the product’s concept with a variety of images.
Samsung has crafted Onscreen images that offer users unique visual encounters, taking ordinary things such as a flower, a butterfly or a feather, and transforming them to create visually extraordinary experiences. These visually rich Onscreen images showcase colorful splendor, effectively setting the stage for QLED TV’s vibrant images and exceptional picture quality.
As the new ‘face’ of Samsung’s 2018 QLED TVs, Onscreen images are both points of intersection between the user and the product, as well as channels through which Samsung conveys its design values of injecting the sheer joy of viewing into everyday life.
“The Key to Visual Communication is a Single Intuitive Process”
From AR Emoji to Super Slow-mo video to Live Translations to AKG-tuned stereo sound, Samsung’s Galaxy S9 and S9+ feature a raft of innovative technologiesdesigned to transform how users communicate with as well as share and experience the world.
Samsung Newsroom recently sat down with members of Samsung’s Global Product Planning Group – Nayoung Kim, Taihoon Kim, Joohyun Kim and Jonathan Min – who discussed the process of developing a device that’s more powerful, personal and in tune with how we use our smartphones today.
(From left) Taihoon Kim, Jonathan Min, Nayoung Kim and Joohyun Kim, of Samsung’s Global Product Planning Group, helped shape the Galaxy S9’s design.
Q. What inspired you to develop the Galaxy S9’s ‘visual communication’ features?
Nayoung Kim: Current mobile trends are being dictated by Generation Z, but they are very selective. In our research, we took a close look at how Generation Z are communicating, as well as what kind of apps and functionality they most enjoy. We eventually uncovered an increase in the use of visual forms of communication. For example, members of the social media generation will often use emoticons rather than texts, and they enjoy sharing fun images. So, to cater to this preference, we focused on adding new functionalities to the camera.
Q. Could you elaborate on the camera’s development process?
Nayoung Kim: When designing the camera, our team focused on three key points. It needed to be capable of recording dynamic video – the type of content that the younger generation loves to consume; it needed to be able to capture low-light photos, which should be a fundamental feature of any camera; and it needed to be easy to use and offer fun new features, like AR Emoji.
Taihoon Kim: The product development process for the Galaxy S9 was quite different from that of the previous years, as team members with different expertise strived to discover the visual experiences of everyday life through their own eyes, and how that might translate to camera functionality. These diverse insights enabled us to develop a camera catering to wide needs.
Q. How did you refine the Galaxy S9’s user experience?
Taihoon Kim: We focused on enhancing the End-to-End scenario of the user experience. For the camera, that involved ensuring easy-to-use Super Slow-mo video functionality, with immediately accessible videos that could be directly uploaded to social media through one intuitive process.
You see this sort of seamlessness with AR Emoji as well. Once you scan your face, you’re instantly given the option to customize your 3D avatar to your liking, and presented with 18 shareable GIFs encompassing a wide range of expressions.
Nayoung Kim: We tested the device’s usability extensively, and in various contexts, to ensure the processes were intuitive and organic, and could work across all aspects of daily life. As example, I brought a prototype of the phone with me when I went sledding with my children. The first-hand experience of recording a Super Slow-mo video of my children rocketing down the hill gave birth to the idea of an auto motion-detect function able to capture those sorts of fleeting moments.
Q. Which Galaxy S9 feature has received the biggest response from consumers?
Jonathan Min: We’ve found that users are very interested in the AR Emoji feature, which we first started working on in 2016. People are used to expressing themselves with emojis and stickers, but this feature allows them to create and express themselves through emojis that resemble their own faces, in a way that’s much more personal.
When we started it was new, so everything had to be built from the ground up, and it was difficult to predict consumers’ feedback. It was also our development team’s first time working on something like this, so it took a lot of trial and error to bring the function to life.
Nayoung Kim: Our most important goal is to provide users with new experiences by launching the product, enhancing it based on the market’s reactions, and continuing to develop innovative features. AR Emoji will continue to be enhanced in ways that reflect consumers’ needs.
Q. Do you have a favorite feature?
Jonathan Min: I personally use AR Emoji stickers the most, whenever I message my friends and family.
Taihoon Kim: I like the Super Slow-mo function the most. It’s not only great for capturing dynamic actions, but life’s little moments as well, such as the signature facial expression of your loved ones. And the Galaxy S9’s ability to display Super Slow-mo clips on the lock screen creates a touching way to enjoy videos of them.
Joohyun Kim: We redefined the design of the Infinity Display to make it even more beautiful and to minimize any ‘distracting’ elements. Subtle adjustments, such as ensuring that the iris scanner is hidden, and that the bezel and display are the same color, helped us deliver a display that makes it easy for viewers to immerse themselves in their favorite content.
Q. Going forward, how does Samsung plan to ensure that Galaxy smartphones remain among the most innovative in the market?
Taihoon Kim: It will be important to stay a step ahead in innovative features, as well as time them to the market appropriately to grab consumer attention. Consumers can experience visual communications features directly themselves, without an explanation. We plan to continue exploring dynamic visual features, given their unique appeal to the young generation of consumers, as well as integrate new technologies like AR (augmented reality) and AI (artificial intelligence) into our devices.
Nayoung Kim: The basic features of smartphones have been refined to the point that consumers are largely satisfied. What matters is not how diverse the offered features are, but whether the features offered to deliver a high level of satisfaction. At this point, we need to think about the next phase for smartphones, which will involve delivering innovations that really resonate with the new generation of users.
Joohyun Kim: Smartphones have become essential to daily life. As product planners, it’s our duty to constantly look for ways to improve on ‘basic’ features – those that we use every day – while also identifying brand new functions.
Company of disabled and non-disabled dancers perform onstage while amongst the audience were visually impaired people watching with the help of technology
Candoco Dance Company performs ‘Good Morning Everybody’ at the Arko Arts Theater in Daehangro, Seoul
Assisted by Relúmĭno, Samsung’s vision-enhancing app, people with visual impairments were able to see the finer details, taking in the movements and the facial expressions of a live performance, many for the first time.
Art and Technology Striving for Inclusion
As the world becomes increasingly fast-paced, everyone can feel that they are being left behind. The importance of accessibility and inclusion in both the arts and the field of technology has never felt more urgent.
Directed by acclaimed Korean choreographer Eun-Me Ahn, Candoco’s performance tackled the subject of inclusion and accessibility head-on. Dancing together, disabled and non-disabled performers prompted the audience to consider life’s daily ups and downs, and the process of all people – with and without disabilities – finding balance in a complex society.
Eun-Me Ahn explains the meaning behind ‘Good Morning, Everybody’, which evokes the moment early in the day when we greet each other.
By its nature, dance is a visual medium of art, limiting access for those with low vision. However, the team behind Relúmĭno saw an opportunity to extend the reach of ‘Good Morning Everybody’ and amplify its message by further increasing accessibility. They invited people with visual impairments from all walks of life to the theater to watch using Relúmĭno.
Users test and tune Relúmĭno with the developers before the performance.
Joining the Conversation
Even before the curtain rose, as Relúmĭno users tried on the VR headsets and adjusted the fit, excitement was buzzing around what they were about to see.
Anticipating the performance, Do-yeon Kwon, a young movie fan, shyly smiled and said, “I can see when I sit on the front row, but my neck hurts and it’s really uncomfortable. I think ‘Relúmĭno’ could be part of the solution.”
Audience member Do-yeon Kim is ready to “escape from the front rows of theaters.”
Afterwards, it was clear that the piece had taken on a special meaning for those who viewed it through Relúmĭno.
Min-sol Kim described how, in the past, she would have to re-watch performances online after seeing them live to catch every nuanced movement and subtle expression. After watching ‘Good Morning Everybody’, she expressed her emotions at seeing every detail she wanted to: “Right in the middle, when a dancer in a wheelchair got onto the ground using just his arms and delivered an emotional solo, I cried.”
“It was an unforgettable moment for me. I could actually enjoy the play in the same space as other people and feel what the dancer wanted to deliver there and then.” Min-sol Kim (right) tells Relúmĭno developer Yong-Nam Kim.
It was also a source of motivation for Gyu-cheol Shim, who suffers from macular degeneration but is himself overcoming the condition through performance and art.
Gyu-cheol Shim said: “Even now, I go back and forth through the realms of physical freedom and disability in dance and performance.”
Learning from the Experiences of Others
The developers were eager to talk to the audience and find out more about their experiences with Relúmĭno. Conversations like these inspire the team, helping them to appreciate the impact that the application has on its users.
“Those who use the device in their everyday lives give us the most ideas,” remarked team member Chan-won Lee. “They use it in ways that we could not even imagine.”
From left: Relúmĭno developers Chan-won Lee, Jung-hoon Cho and Yong-nam Kim.
Previously, insights from Young-suh Noh, for example, led to the development of a function which allowed the talented pianist to quickly switch between reading music and looking at the piano keys, greatly improving the speed at which he could read and learn new music.
Theater-goer Lim Sang-ja had tried the application before and was pleased with some changes made since the last time she used it: “the focus is fixed, so I feel more comfortable.”
Likewise, choreographer Ahn expressed her desire that we all learn from the Korea-U.K. collaboration and increase awareness of disability in the arts, saying: “Our collaboration proves that our perceptions are indeed changing.”
The stage is a place which is at once unique for each individual and inclusive of everyone, and where barriers are repeatedly broken. Just as Candoco Dance Company is bringing down the wall between disabilities and art through their performances, ‘Relúmĭno’ hopes to bring down the wall between people with visual impairments and live performance.
Hidden under the cover of today’s advanced mobile devices, there are innovative semiconductor and LED solutions built in to enable new features and technologies consumers are continuously seeking.
With its decades-long technology innovation and expertise, Samsung Electronics’ Device Solutions Division provides an extensive range of semiconductor and LED solutions to meet the ever-increasing requirements of the mobile industry. While not always visible to end users, Samsung’s component solutions have been utilized comprehensively to raise the level of what’s possible for mobile devices, and help enable a world of difference in performance and user experience.
Here, we go under the hood, to take a look at some of these solutions.
Leading-edge Processor and Memory Solutions for a Seamless User Experience One prime example of Samsung’s component innovation is the Exynos 9 Series 9810 processor, built upon the company’s latest 2nd generation 10-nanometer LPP process technology. The processor delivers powerful mobile computing performance with its 3rd generation CPU and seamless connectivity with a 6-mode/all network supporting 1.2Gbps DL 6CA Cat.18 LTE modem.
Working in tandem with the Exynos processor is the LPDDR4X memory chip, the industry’s most up-to-date mobile DRAM solution that provides breakthrough RAM performance and energy efficiency. Available in a compact package offering up to 8-gigabyte (GB) capacity, the LPDDR4X enables prompt multitasking and data processing for advanced mobile applications such as 4K UHD video recording and virtual computing.
Also, under today’s heavy multimedia and content use environment, users can safely store their valuable data on Samsung eUFS, an embedded high-speed mobile storage solution for flagship devices. Based on Samsung’s proprietary V-NAND technology, the eUFS features ultrafast data read and download speeds as well as abundant storage capacity as high as 512GB.
Enhanced Imaging and Video Features The Samsung ISOCELL Fast 2L3, a 3-stack fast readout image sensor with an embedded 2Gb LPDDR4 memory, enables significantly enhanced mobile imaging and video functionality with the ability to record at 960fps for brand new features like stunning slow-motion video shooting. Also among Samsung’s broad image sensor lineup is a front-facing ISOCELL Bright image sensor, which enables high-quality selfies on mobile devices even in very low light settings, using leading-edge pixel technologies.
In addition, Samsung’s Patterned Lens-Integrated Flash LED component, positioned next to the rear camera, enhances the quality of images even further with its high luminous intensity and uniformity.
Reinforced Security, Power and Touch Command Management Samsung continues to reinforce security, power, and touch command management on mobile devices through an array of component solutions. For example, its new iris sensor enables a fast yet highly secure option to unlock or authorize application access, and the touch controller enables instant feedback at the tap of one’s finger. Last but not the least, Samsung’s power management IC delivers a stable supply of power, supporting devices to perform with optimal energy efficiency.
As mobile devices continue to evolve, Samsung Electronics’ Device Solutions Division will remain committed to developing and providing its customers with semiconductor and LED technology with distinct value, and providing the best in performance, capacity, functionality and energy efficiency.
The Samsung Gear S2 blends style and substance to create a wearable that is at once distinctive and practical. First launched in 2015, the smartwatch is continuously evolving. As it does so, it has also incorporated several enhanced functions from Samsung’s latest smartwatches, reflecting the company’s unwavering commitment to refining the user experience of wearables. The Gear S2 will now become better than ever thanks to a new software update.
Let’s take a look at the features of the new update that will make the Gear S2 more convenient and even easier to use.
Clearer User Interface
At first sight, the user experience has undergone several noticeable changes. The update optimizes the icons and widgets for the Gear S series’ hallmark circular display. The new look of the user experience enhances the unified appearance of each screen, enabling the content to be viewed more easily.
(Left) App Shortcuts widget (Center and Right) Swipe down to view Quick Panel
Design is not only about form, so the device’s functions have also been carefully considered to increase usability. The new App Shortcuts widget now automatically places your most recent apps, but you can still manually select your favorites. Additionally, the Gear S2’s Quick Panel for fast settings such as display brightness, volume and airplane mode can now be viewed by swiping down from all screens – not just the watch face.
Personalized Training On Your Wrist
(Left) Samsung Health widget (Center) Multi-workout widget (Right) Inactivity Alert
With a smarter and even more intuitive Samsung Health, it’s easier to manage and track your activity. Health information, such as pace count and heart rate, are easier to read on the screen at a quick glance. What’s more, if you have a preferred type of regular exercise, you can get quicker access to it by setting it as a preset on the newly added Multi-workout widget. There are now additional Inactivity Alert’s options too, so you can stretch when it’s convenient to do so.
View on your Samsung Phone or TV and control with your Gear S2
When the Gear S2 is connected to Samsung Health on your smartphone, there are even more options to explore. The Weight Management feature, for instance, displays your daily exercise and caloric intake. In addition, as well as viewing your real-time heart rate, you can access and control exercise-related video content with your Gear S2, after connecting the device to a smartphone synced to your TV, to experience a professional fitness program at home.
Control for PowerPoint and Gear VR
(Left) Gear VR Controller (Right) PPT Controller
The updated Gear S2 is able to connect with even more of the hardware and software you already use and enjoy. For example, download the Gear VR Controller app and you will be able to manipulate the Gear VR with your Gear S2 as you interact with VR content.
For office workers who want to make the right impression with their presentations, the PPT Controller app allows them to control the display of PowerPoint slides – even offering a timer function – so they can ensure a slick presentation, without having to remember to bring a PowerPoint clicker.
Be Prepared, Whatever the Weather
(Left) Weather widget (Right) Detailed View of the day’s weather
Gear S2 wearers are unlikely to be caught out by unexpected change in the weather again, thanks to the simple – yet detailed – weather information they receive every morning on the Gear S2. The device provides useful forecast updates, so that users can prepare for whatever the weather may bring that day. The information includes daily highest and lowest temperatures, along with wind chill and temperature differences from the previous day. You can also look up sunrise and sunset hours, probability of rainfall, UV index and other various weather details to make sure you’re fully informed before you leave the house.
The Gear S2’s latest software update is available to download via the Samsung Gear app.
In an age where everything moves at lightning speed, it’s easy to miss some of life’s simplest pleasures. Whether you’re running to your next appointment, snapping another selfie or hurrying to get the kids off to school, it’s all about moving quickly and on to the next thing.
The Super Slow-mo video feature of the new Samsung Galaxy S9/S9+ allows people to discover the beauty and joy within even life’s most basic tasks just by slowing things down a few notches.
“My dog drinking water out of a bowl, me jumping into my pool at home or pouring sugar into a coffee [are things I’m capturing with my Galaxy S9],” says social media content creator Sam Evans, who is based in Australia.
He’s also finding the length of the Super Slow-mo videos to be ideal for posting on his social channels.
Sam was one of dozens of influencers who attended a launch event for the Samsung Galaxy S9/S9+ in Barcelona last month and was one of the first to try out the new slow-motion functionality. Whether it was a daring capture of a backflip mid-air or something as simple as recording snow falling, the results were stunning and showcased the funny, moving and often sweet-natured emotions we so often miss.
Dancer, rapper and producer Kenzoalvares and pro parkour athlete Bart van der Linden show off their mad Super Slow-mo skills with Glory Heavy Weight World champion Rico Verhoeven at an event in Barcelona.
Niklas Larsen, a Danish YouTube and Instagram influencer, is finding the humor in the most basic activities by slowing them down with his Galaxy S9+.
Niklas kicks up some Super Slow-mo action: Snow can actually be used for anything!
“I use the Super Slow-mo feature every day – my classmates are kind of tired of me because I want them to drop something [on the floor] or spit water…I am kind of addicted to how cool my shots can get!” he says.
The ability to capture intricate details is also important to landscape and nature photographer Mattias Nutt, who lives in Switzerland. The avid content creator utilizes both modes within the feature to get the exact result he’s looking for.
“With the Galaxy S9+ it’s possible to adjust the recording moment exactly. Also, the possibility to record about 20 sequences is a big advantage. The [ability to] switch between manual and auto function as slow-motion modes is a big plus,” says Mattias.
Samsung’s latest Super Slow-mo technology slows things down by 4x as much as before, capturing 960 frames per second (fps) up from 240fps – but the fun doesn’t stop there. You can also choose from a variety of music options to add to your video, including a favorite song from your personal collection. You can customize your clip even further by turning it into a GIF that you can save or share with three options: video on loop, in reverse or swing mode.
“I love capturing in Super Slow-mo some of my child’s reactions. Then I show it to him, and we are both delighted with the recording; I also used Super Slow-mo to shoot his first-ever skateboard ride,” said Romanian Instagram influencer Dana Rogoz.
The new functionality also serves another purpose for Dana, as she’s discovered how the feature can elevate and optimize her professional work.
What hidden moments will you capture from your everyday life with the Samsung Galaxy S9/9+ Super Slow-mo feature? There’s only one way to find out – so start shooting and see for yourself!
