On Sept. 3, Samsung took over New York at an undisclosed location to present an evolved look at their latest mobile devices. I was able to participate in the unpacking of the Galaxy Note 4, the Galaxy Note Edge, and the unveiling of Samsung’s virtual reality unit — the Samsung Gear.
Upon my arrival, the word around the area was that Samsung had a powerful new experience to show off. Visuals already showed off an evolved S Pen and the masses were murmuring that they were going to beat Apple to the punch with a few new items. After a lengthy wait, the company showed off that they were indeed doubling down on their big phones (better known as ‘phablets’), clever design, and that the world could get their hands on two new versions of its popular Note series.
Before digging into that though, I have to say there were some things that I was
disappointed in. First, Samsung trotted another version of their smart watch and it wasn’t impressive. Clunky and full of a whole lot of apps that people won’t really use, Samsung’s attempt will be thwarted whenever Apple decides to show off their debut smart watch. What is really cool is that the South Korean company is releasing two new versions of its popular Note series.Now in its fourth installment, the Galaxy Note 4 is slimmed down from its bulky predecessor. Equally cool is that the Galaxy Note Edge will provide phablet fans with an innovative way to access information and engage with their mobile device. Available this coming fall, Samsung uniquely curved design allows quick access to frequently used apps, alerts and device functionality–even when the cover is closed–and all with the swipe of a thumb. It was cool to be able to stream videos on YouTube and still be able to navigate the phone without interrupting the clip.
Plus with colors such as “Charcoal Black,” “Frost White,” “Bronze Gold,” and “Blossom Pink,” users will be able to showcase their own style when the phablet hits select markets starting in October.
Check out more about my experience on the next page …
After the unpacking, we were treated to hands-on time with all the devices on the ground floor. One of their more electrifying announcement came in the form of Samsung’s attempt at virtual reality. Dubbed Samsung Gear, the VR device was created in partnership with Oculus VR and has inaugural partners such as Marvel and Legendary Pictures. The purpose and focus of the unique development is to establish themselves as a “virtual cinema” and an entertainment hub.
My time with the Gear was spent experiencing a demo journeying into outer space. While I took a tour of the Milky Way galaxy, the Gear, using a Samsung mobile device as the input
screen, still was jittery and not as HD as Oculus’ competitor, Sony’s Project Morpheus. I didn’t feel disoriented or dizzy while looking 360 degrees at the environment around me. For now, people who are interested in getting something gimmicky and fun will look out for this when it becomes available.Before I sat down to experience the Gear demo, I rushed over to check out the Galaxy Note 4. As someone who has already experienced the Note 3, I wanted to know what the differences were with the upgrade. With a Quad HD Super AMOLED display that’s improved in resolution, you’d be surprise to learn that the screen size is still the same as the Note 3. There’s a multi-window that takes advantage of the large screen size and the phablet’s camera has been beefed up to a mighty 16 megapixels.
The Note 4’s S Pen has been dramatically evolved to serve as the definitive tool to be used for the phablet. Samsung promises that it will be a more authentic pen experience, with a more natural brush stroke that will make users feel like they are writing on paper. For new Samsung users, like myself, the Air Command functionality has been toned-down to be more user-friendly. Image Clip, Screen Write, Action Memo and more will allow people to create and collect content with ease.
With a style that would look cramped if it were to be seen on an iPhone, Samsung has delivered in a few departments and shown that they were doing other things before Apple did. Whether or not that will mean anything to consumers when the next wave of the Smart Device Wars begins, we shall surely see, and once it goes down you’ll be the first to know.
See for yourself what the Galaxy Note 4 is all about in the video below: