MWC 2015: Samsung unleashes Galaxy S6, other goodies

• Two new ‘redefined’ smartphones, plus related services
• More partners sign on with Samsung Pay

SAMSUNG Electronics Co Ltd has announced its redefined smartphones, the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge, which it claimed create a new standard for design, craftsmanship and performance, as well as a host of other devices and strategic partnerships.
 
“With the all new Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge, Samsung is offering what’s next in mobility, along with a new standard to drive the global mobile agenda,” said J.K. Shin, chief executive officer and head of the IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung.
 
“With a reimagined design, robust partner network and novel services, the Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge offer users the ultimate experience in smartphone options,” Shin said at the Mobile World Congress (MWC 2015) in Barcelona.
 
The Galaxy S6 edge comes with the world’s first curved display on both sides. Its glass body, made from Corning Gorilla Glass 4, is available in an array of colourful jewel tones, including White Pearl, Black Sapphire, Gold Platinum, Blue Topaz and Green Emerald.
 
Both are equipped with front and rear cameras. The 1.9 lenses and high resolution sensors on both front (5MP) and rear (16MP) cameras provide the most superior image quality in a smartphone, even in the dark, Samsung claimed.
 
In addition, Auto Real-time High Dynamic Range (HDR), Smart Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) and IR Detect White Balance provide advanced light sensitivities and crisp camera solutions.
 
A new ‘Quick Launch’ feature give users fast, direct access to the camera from any screen in just 0.7 seconds by simply double-clicking the home key button.
 
With fully embedded WPC and PMA certified wireless charging technology, the Galaxy S6 (pic) and Galaxy S6 edge are setting a new industry standard for universal wireless charging, Samsung claimed.
 
The devices work with any wireless pad available in the market that supports WPC and PMA standards.
 
The world’s first 14nm (nanometre) mobile processor with 64-bit platform, new LPDDR4 memory system and UFS 2.0 flash memory provides higher performance and enhanced memory speed with lower power consumption.
 
In addition, the 5.1-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED screen offers users the highest pixel density of 577ppi. Enhanced outdoor visibility with a brighter display (600cd/mm) lets consumers experience content without compromise – anywhere, at any time, the company declared.
 
The Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge will be available selected countries starting from April 10, with 32/ 64/ 128GB storage options available. Full details are available at www.samsungmobilepress.com.
 
More Samsung Pay partners
 
Earlier at MWC 2015, the company unveiled its Samsung Pay mobile payment service, with MasterCard on board. On March 1, it announced it has also partnered with Visa.
 
Additionally, Samsung said it is working hard to expand the partnership ecosystem for Samsung Pay with key financial partners globally, including American Express, Bank of America, Citi, JPMorgan Chase, and US Bank, to provide greater flexibility, access, and choice for customers while enabling a simple and secure payment experience.
 
To date, mobile wallets have had extremely low acceptance with merchants utilising conventional magstripe terminals. With Samsung Pay, consumers can use their mobile devices to pay at existing point-of-sale terminals.
 
To achieve this, Samsung leverages both Near Field Communication (NFC) and a new proprietary technology called Magnetic Secure Transmission (MST) to make mobile payments more accessible to merchants and consumers, it claimed.
 
Gear VR gears up

Samsung also announced its latest Gear VR Innovator Edition, fully optimised and compatible with the Galaxy S6 and S6 edge.
 
The Samsung Gear VR Innovator Edition powered by Oculus gives more users the opportunity to enjoy Samsung’s unrivaled, fully immersive and cinematic virtual reality experience, with improved viewing as well as a more comfortable design, the company claimed.
 
The Gear VR Innovator Edition lets users engage with high resolution movies, TV shows, VOD (video on demand) services and photos like never before. With reduced pixilation and a wide field-of-view, users receive a better virtual reality experience with longer lasting usage time.
 
It can now be powered with its USB port for extended usage time, and VR (Virtual Reality) content is available for download via the Oculus Store.
 
Related Stories:
 
Pressure mounts on Samsung as competitors up ante
 
MasterCard gets on board Samsung Pay
 
Samsung at CES: Diversification the key to growth
 
 
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