Samsung Galaxy S8 Launch Experience

Samsung Galaxy S8 Smartphone Rises from the Ashes

With the smoke having cleared in the aftermath of Samsung’s disastrous Note 7 launch, we traveled to New York City for the Galaxy Unpacked 2017 event. During what had become the industry’s worst kept secret, Samsung unveiled what has the potential to become one of the biggest mobile phone launches of 2017, the Galaxy S8 and S8+.

At first blush, they are beautiful both inside and out.

Samsung acknowledged that 2016 was an exceptionally challenging time for the company. Nevertheless, like many great companies facing adversity, it has picked itself up off the proverbial mat, dusted itself off and started anew with a renewed focus on three core development principles: quality, safety, and craftsmanship.

While our hands-on time with the new devices was limited, we can say without reservation that Samsung appears to have delivered on its promise. The Galaxy S8 and S8+ are jam-packed with so many exciting hardware upgrades and software advances that hardcore techies, including us, are going to be foaming at the mouth to get their hands on Samsung’s new flagship mobile phone.

Here’s a summary of everything we know so far:

Hardware Incredibly, the Samsung S8 is practically “all screen,” as the company reengineered and miniaturized its internals in order to eliminate excess bulk that resulted from the bezel that framed the previous display.
Without a doubt, the new Infinity Display offers spectacular clarity that lays the foundation for a new type of mobile experience that’s pushed ever further by several key hardware innovations:

• Best screen-to-phone ratio of any device Samsung has developed
• Home button embedded under the infinity display
• Half million pixels more pixels
• High dynamic range (HDR) playback for crystal clear video viewing
• Wireless charging—including a charger that props up the phone so you can charge and stream at the same time IP68 water and dust proofing
• Five color options—Midnight Black, Coral Blue, Maple Gold, Arctic Silver and Orchid Gray

Bixby The world of artificial intelligence got more crowded, and yet arguably more capable. Samsung introduced Bixby, its sophisticated and “context aware” virtual assistant. Bixby knows and understands what is displayed on the screen, which allows users to make a series of inquiries and ask follow-up questions. Impressively, Bixby will play along and understand what you’re asking and/or requesting.

For example, ask Bixby to “capture this and text it to Cindy,” and it will capture what’s on your screen and send via text to Cindy. Unlike other AIs, users won’t have to describe what “this” is, or manually open another app to send the message.

It’s worth noting that Bixby can also organize “cards” of important tasks and information to help you plan your day and is deeply integrated with Google Play Music.

Camera The Galaxy S8 and S8+’s camera leverages Bixby’s potential. As users take photos, Bixby can provide detailed information about the landmark, restaurant, shop, item and even languages found within the photo. Other notable camera upgrades include:

• Dual pixel sensor
• Multi-frame image processing stitches multiple shots together to create the ultimate image
• 8 megapixel sensor and smart focus on front-facing camera helps ensure that the camera intuitively focuses on faces.

Safety In addressing customer safety concerns, Samsung developed an 8-point battery safety check that’s well above the industry standard. The goal of course is to prevent any future battery failures and fires.

Software & Security While the Galaxy’s new larger and brighter display is impressive, Samsung made significant improvements to the phone’s silicon. Notably, the device has been upgraded with a 10-nanometer processor that turbo charges the S8 and S8+.

Samsung claims it’s the fastest device they’ve ever made.

The new Galaxy devices are equipped with biometric authentication to keep user data safer and more secure. Biometric authentication provides quick access via facial recognition, iris scanning as well as the fingerprint sensor. Additionally, the software features have been enhanced:

• Samsung Pay is expanding to online for quick, easy online shopping
• Samsung Pass allows users to log in to many websites or apps using biometric authentication
• Samsung Heath connects users with a doctor online within minutes
• Samsung DeX allows the phone to be connected via USB to a display and keyboard for a full HD 16:9 • computing
• experience; powered exclusively by your phone

Samsung Connect As a world class manufacturer, Samsung makes more than smartphones. Samsung Connect establishes an open communication channel that allows all Samsung Connect devices to work together and be controlled directly from by the S8.
A few practical applications of Samsung Connect might include:

• Checking inside the refrigerator from the app while grocery shopping
• Remotely accessing and turning on/off appliances and accessories
• Voice enabled control of home heating, cooling, lighting and security systems

Accessories On April 21st, the Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ and several quality accessories will become available. For example, BodyGuardz will have two unique case options, Ace Pro and Contact, ready to protect the device from both damage and shock, all without adding excessive bulk by utilizing pro-athlete impact technology.

In the weeks following launch, BodyGuardz will release a high-quality tempered glass screen protector, that’s been custom-designed to keep the Samsung Galaxy S8’s curved Infinity Display free from scratches and cracks.