As scheduled, Samsung at Unpacked 2016 event on August 2nd officially took the wraps of the much awaited and leaked next-generation Galaxy Note smartphone. Dubbed as Samsung Galaxy Note 6, oh sorry it's called the Samsung Galaxy Note 7, the device packs in flagship specs and comes with unique features including Iris scanning.
Samsung has made the numbering of Galaxy Note series in-line with the flagship Galaxy S series, that is the reason why 6th gen Note is called the Galaxy Note 7.
The new Galaxy Note device has many major improvements over its predecessor. We will be talking about each of them in detail in a short while.
According to Samsung, the Galaxy Note 7 will be available in-stores starting August 19th with pre-orders live in many countries. Surprisingly, the smartphone is already available for purchase in Dubai. The new Note 7 will be offered in Gold Platinum, Silver Titanium and Black Onyx colors, along with a new Blue Coral option.
As an introductory offer, Samsung is offering a free Gear Fit 2 or a 256GB microSD card on purchase of Galaxy Note 7 for limited time. When it comes to accessories, new S View Standing Cover, Clear View cover, Keyboard cover, Leather cover, LED view cover, Lens cover, Clear cover and an IP68 water resistant Backpack cover will be available to complement the Galaxy Note 7.
Talking about the device in detail, the Galaxy Note 7 features a large-screen with unique front-to-back symmetrical dual-edge curve. The curved screen on the Note 7 adds the powerful Edge Panel which is exclusive to Galaxy Edge devices, for one-tap user access to applications, news and functions.
For durability, the Note 7 is equipped with Corning Glass Glass 5 protection (first of its kind), both on front and the back. Also, the device display comes with HDR support, enabling a cinema-like experience including brighter colors and a deeper black.
Two key features of Note 7 are the newly improved S Pen and Iris scanning for heightened security and privacy.
According to Samsung, the S Pen has been enhanced on the Note 7 and is more than just a writing tool. It is the gateway to getting more work done efficiently and accurately and now writes with ease and precision.
S Pen
The tip of the S-Pen on Note 5 was 1.6mm, which is now shrunk to smaller 0.7mm tip and improved pressure sensitivity to provide a real pen-like experience. The S-Pen of Galaxy Note 7 is IP68 water resistant, providing users jot down their thoughts without interruption, even when the screen gets wet.
Some of the S-Pen specific features include, ability to write or take a note without unlocking the screen by using Screen Off memo and simply pinning the memo to the Always On Display. Another useful feature is Smart Select, which gives users the ability to easily create and share GIF animations by selecting specific area of the screen, for maximum of 15 seconds.
In addition, we get Magnify and Translate features, that enable users to zoom in on the screen up to 300% or convert languages with a simple hover of the S Pen. Samsung Notes app is now a one stop shop for all S Pen features allowing users to convey handwritten notes, draw, or edit memos.
Iris Scanner
Along with fingerprint scanner, Samsung has also included first of its kind iris scanning technology on the Galaxy Note 7. This tech was rumored for years and is finally included in the phone. It works by flashing an IR pulse with the notification LED and watching for the reflection using a dedicated secondary camera.
Respecting privacy, Samsung has included a new feature called Secure Folder that uses iris scanning to open. It is a separate folder that adds an extra layer of authentication to keep private and personal information safe. The same tech can now be used to authenticate secure purchases made on Samsung Pay.
Samsung has revealed that both iris and fingerprint scanner will be made available to developers through Samsung Pass for bringing secured authentication to more apps and services.
To be updated...