Samsung at IFA introduced the latest in its Note Series - The Galaxy Note 4 - and showcases next generation curved display with the Galaxy Note Edge. The company is also partnering with Facebook's Oculus on the Gear VR wearable device.
The Galaxy Note 4 features a 5.7-inch Quad HD (2560x1440) Super AMOLED display, which reproduces images with deep contrast, better viewing angles, and response times as fast as a millionth of a second. Due to its large screen, the refined Multi Window feature allows for easier multi-tasking. Users can choose how they access their applications with full, split or pop-up screens, and change the size and positioning of apps on the screen with a swipe.
The phablet is equipped with a 16 megapixel rear-facing camera featuring a Smart Optical Image Stabilizer that counter-balances camera shake and automatically extends exposure time in dark settings. In addition, a 3.7 megapixel front-facing camera with f1.9 offers a default 90 degree shooting angle and up to 120 degree wide angle.
With the Fast Charging feature and Ultra Power Saving Mode, the Galaxy Note 4 charges faster. The Galaxy Note 4 comes equipped with multiple microphones and an improved speaker phone for better noise cancellation when speaking in loud environments. A built-in Voice Recorder offers eight different directional voice tagging and a selective playback capability that allows users to isolate and listen to specific voices in a group conversation.
The Galaxy Note 4 also offers an improved Fingerprint Scanner, to secure personal data and the first UV sensor in a mobile device.
The Galaxy Note 4's S Pen has been specifically evolved to serve as the primary tool that users go to for common, everyday mobile device use. This new S Pen offers a more natural brush effect that emulates writing on paper with a fountain or calligraphy pen. The S Pen also introduces a more user-friendly Air Command functionality along with other features such as Action Memo, Screen Write, Image Clip and Smart Select that allows users to create and collect content with ease. A new Smart Select feature enables users to piece together content from different origins, and share it with ease.
The Galaxy Note 4 also provides users with a choice of multiple note-taking methods integrated with Samsung?s S Note application that allows everyday tasks to get done faster. In addition to typing and writing, the Snap Note feature allows users to take a picture of their notes on a paper or a classroom board, and then quickly convert to an S Note. They can also further unleash their creativity by jotting down their thoughts quickly with Voice Memo.
And as it was expectedafter the release of the Galaxy Alpha smarthone in Korea, the Galaxy Note 4 introduces a new sleek Galaxy design language. The device features a metal frame with curvature that blends with the device display. It comes with a 2.5D glass screen for extra protection and a soft-textured back cover.
In addition, Samsung is partnering with venerable pen-maker Mont Blanc on two custom styluses for the Galaxy Note 4. The "Pix" and the "e-Starwalker" are done in Mont Blanc's classic style, for users who might want a better-looking, more substantial input pen. The company also revealed two flip covers for the Note 4, the "Extreme" in a threaded fabric that mirrors Samung's Galaxy S5 "band-aid" design, and the "Soft Grain" with a classic leather look.
The Galaxy Note Edge provides users with a new way to access information, engage with their mobile device, and express their personality and tastes. It's actually the first a smartphone with a curved display that wrapped around its sides. Besides that, the Galaxy Note Edge is, in almost every respect, a Note 4. The primary difference, obviously, is the 5.6-inch Quad HD+ bent display, and any variance in hardware here is to account for the phone's unique design: It's 3.8mm wider and 2.2mm shorter than the Note 4, and comes with a smaller 3,000mAh battery.
The edge display isn't just a pretty face. The Galaxy Note Edge's curved Edge screen provides quick access to frequently used apps, alerts and device functionality - even when the cover is closed - all with the swipe of a thumb. Users can also receive notifications directly on the Edge Screen while watching videos without disturbing their viewing. I n fact, this extra space in the right side of the device serves many different purposes, and once developers have access to the SDK, there will be plenty more ways to take advantage of it. The UI of the bar is straightforward and basic, since there isn't much you can do with a narrow strip of display space. Often, what's shown here will depend on the app you're currently using. For instance, in the camera or watching videos, this strip becomes a sidebar containing all of your shortcuts and settings so they don't take up other screen space or get in the way.
The Galaxy Note 4 will be available in "Charcoal Black," "Frost White," "Bronze Gold," and "Blossom Pink" in global markets starting in October and the Galaxy Note Edge will be available in "Charcoal Black" and "Frost White" in select markets through Samsung?s retail channels, e-commerce and carriers later this year.
| |
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 |
Samsung Galaxy Note 4 |
Samsung Galaxy Note Edge |
| SoC |
2.26 GHz Snapdragon 800 |
2.7 GHz Snapdragon 805 |
2.7 GHz Snapdragon 805 |
| RAM/NAND |
3 GB LPDDR3, 32/64GB NAND + microSD |
3GB LPDDR3, 32GB NAND + microSD |
3 GB LPDDR3, 32/64GB NAND + microSD |
| Display |
5.7-inch 1080p Super AMOLED |
5.7-inch 1440p Super AMOLED |
5.6-inch 1440p+160 Super AMOLED |
| Network |
2G / 3G / 4G LTE (Qualcomm MDM9x25 IP block UE Category 4 LTE) |
2G / 3G / 4G LTE (Qualcomm MDM9x35 UE Category 6 LTE) |
2G / 3G / 4G LTE (Qualcomm MDM9x35 IP block UE Category 6 LTE) |
| Dimensions |
151.2 x 79.2 x 8.3mm, 168 grams |
153.5 x 78.6 x 8.5 mm, 176 grams |
151.3 x 82.4 x 8.3mm, 174 grams |
| Camera |
13MP (4128 x 3096) Rear Facing, 1/3.06" CMOS size (Sony IMX135), 2.1MP FFC
|
16MP (4128 x 3096) Rear Facing w/ OIS, 1/2.6" CMOS size (Sony IMX240), F/2.0, 3.7MP FFC w/ F/1.9 aperture |
16MP (4128 x 3096) Rear Facing w/ OIS, 1/2.6" CMOS size (Sony IMX240), F/2.0, 3.7MP FFC w/ F/1.9 aperture |
| Battery |
3200 mAh, 3.8V, 12.1 Whr |
3220 mAh, 3.85V, 12.397 Whr |
3000 mAh, 3.85V, 11.55 Whr |
| OS |
Android 4.4.2 with TouchWiz UX |
Android 4.4.4 with TouchWiz UX |
Android 4.4.4 with TouchWiz UX |
| Connectivity |
802.11a/b/g/n/ac + BT 4.0, USB3.0, GPS/GNSS, MHL, DLNA, NFC |
802.11a/b/g/n/ac + BT 4.1, USB2.0, GPS/GNSS, MHL, DLNA, NFC |
802.11a/b/g/n/ac + BT 4.1, USB2.0, GPS/GNSS, MHL, DLNA, NFC |
| Size |
MicroSIM |
MicroSIM |
MicroSIM |
Samsung also today introduced the next generation in wearable technology, the Samsung Gear VR Innovator Edition. Powered by Oculus technology, the Samsung Gear VR delivers a new way to experience and consume mobile content.
The result of a partnership with Oculus, a Facebook company, the Samsung Gear VR is actually an add-on to the new Samsung Galaxy Note 4. It is using the phone?s GPU/CPU to power the device and the Quad HD low-persistence 5.7 inch 1440p AMOLED screen as the display. One of the best aspects of mobile VR is the easy-to-use experience: you connect the Note 4 to the headset, you put it on, and you?re in. Users can That level of accessibility, combined with Oculus software to launch and transition between VR applications without taking the headset off, really makes the experience great.
The Gear VR?s initial release is an 'Innovator Edition'. It?s an early-access, beta-version of the device for developers and enthusiasts rather than a final consumer product.
The Gear VR is powered by the new Oculus Mobile SDK, and also uses variations of the Oculus Tracker and firmware built into the headset for accurate, ultra low-latency 3DOF tracking. It?s impossible to deliver a high quality mobile experience without this kind of deep end-to-end hardware, software, and firmware optimization.
The Innovator Edition is also launching with four new experiences built by Oculus: Oculus Home, Oculus Cinema, Oculus 360 Videos and Oculus 360 Photos.
- Oculus Home is a simple interface for connecting to the Oculus Store, where you can discover, download, and launch VR content.
- Oculus Cinema is a virtual movie theater, where you can playback your favorite 2D and 3D movies in a variety of theater environments.
- Oculus 360 Videos and Oculus 360 Photos are experiences that allow you to playback panoramic content in VR.
Built with soft cushioning and lightweight materials, Samsung Gear VR is comfortable to wear. It is completely wireless, so users can be fully engaged in virtual worlds without being tethered to a computer. Samsung sys thet there will be a robust selection of optimized virtual reality content from a top-tier creators, including of films, games, 360 degree videos, and educational/experiential content.
The Samsung Gear VR will be available in Frost White through the Samsung online channel and selectively by carriers this year.
Specifications for Samsung Gear VR Innovator Edition
Gear VR |
Optical Lens |
96˚ Field of View |
Sensor |
Accelerator, Gyrometer, Magnetic, Proximity |
Motion to Photon Latency |
< 20ms |
Focal Adjustment |
Covers Nearsighted / Farsighted Eyes |
Interpupillary Distance
Coverage |
55 ~ 71 mm |
Physical User Interface |
Touch Pad, Back Button, Volume Key |
Connection |
microUSB 1.1 connection to the Galaxy Note 4 |
Dimension (Headset) |
198(W) x 116(L) x 90(H)mm |
Contents |
Available through Oculus Store |
microSD Card(16GB) in-box: A collection of 360-degree videos and 3D movie trailers from major studios will be pre-loaded. |
As part of the Marvel's Avengers: Age
of Ultron partnership with Samsung, Gear VR users will gain exclusive
access to Tony Stark's Lab inside the all new Avengers Tower. |
IMAX offers samples
of Hollywood and documentary films in a virtual theatre with Samsung
Gear VR the next best thing to a live IMAX experience. |
DreamWorks VR from
DreamWorks Animation allows Samsung Gear VR users to interact and laugh
with DreamWorks characters and content in a whole new way like never
before. |
Legendary's Pacific Rim Jaeger Pilot is an immersive content experience that puts viewers at center of the action with Samsung Gear VR. |
Cirque du Soleil Media presents a 360 live-action 3D VR experience, featuring an act from Zarkana filmed by Felix & Paul Studios for Samsung Gear VR. |
M-GO Advanced, a new
paradigm for digital video virtual reality applications, offers an
unmatched interactive search and discovery of the latest premium movie
and TV show content with Samsung Gear VR. |
Vevo offers more
than 100,000 HD music videos, live concert events and original
programming that can be enjoyed in an immersive, full-screen theater
experience on Samsung Gear VR. |
Protocol Zero (working title) from DENA enables
Samsung Gear VR players to infiltrate enemy grounds undetected in
blackout conditions with hi-tech optics including night vision, X-ray
vision, and thermal vision. |
Galaxy Note 4 |
Display |
5.7 inch (143.9mm) Quad HD Super AMOLED (2560 x 1440) |
Camera (Pass-Through) |
High Frame Rate Preview (60fps) |
Audio |
3D Spatial Sound on Samsung VR Player for VR Gallery contents (Earphone needed) |