Samsung didn’t just unveil the Galaxy S8 and S8+ at its #UnboxYourPhone event; we take a dive in with the new Gear 360, Gear VR, and more!
While Samsung’s newly announced Galaxy S8 and S8+ duo continue to steal headlines, the hot flagship duo wasn’t the only thing announced by the South Korean company at its #UnboxYourPhone event.
Between new advancements made in the realm of the 360 cam, Gear VR and more, Samsung has entered 2017 with a total assault on the market – one which puts its flagship smartphones at the center of an expanding product ecosystem.
Read: Hands-on Preview: This is the Samsung Galaxy S8
Direct from the reveal of the Galaxy S8 and S8 + in Johannesburg, let’s dive in and explore what Samsung released in addition to its new smartphones!
Want a PC? Get DeX
Microsoft managed to garner some enthusiasm for its dying Windows 10 Mobile range with the revelation of Continuum, a software feature which allowed Windows smartphones like the Lumia 950 and 950 XL to act as budget desktop PCs when attached to a dock, keyboard, and monitor.
Samsung has had the same idea, and the newest product to emerge from its skunkworks is DeX; a high-quality docking system which can be used to transform a Galaxy S8 or S8+ into an Android-based desktop PC.
DeX will be able to use a lightweight version of popular programs such as Microsoft Office and Adobe Reader, and bears one HDMI output, two USB Type-A ports, a USB Type-C port, and an Ethernet port. We’re awaiting word as to whether the product will arrive in South Africa.
Eye see you: a new Gear 360
Samsung’s eyeball-shaped Gear 360 was one of the earliest 360-degree cams available on the market, next to the LG 360 CAM. While the original arrived with a small tripod, Samsung has reworked the device to function more amicably on-the-go.
The major improvement you’ll likely notice is that the Gear 360 now arrives with a grip for capturing proceedings from above, and further includes improved stitching capabilities and the ability to live stream to Facebook or YouTube.
The company confirmed that the new Gear 360 will work with a plethora of handsets, including the Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+, Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 Edge, Galaxy Note 5, Galaxy S6 Edge+, Galaxy S6 Edge, Galaxy S6, Galaxy A5 (2017) and Galaxy A7 (2017).
Gear VR in motion
Gear VR headsets have proved popular for their Oculus-powered gaming and content experiences, not to mention the fact that the headset has frequently been bundled with Galaxy smartphones since its inception.
The Gear VR now supports a motion-sensitive Bluetooth controller, bringing it in-line with other popular headsets, such as the Oculus Rift or the HTC Vive.
The Gear VR has further been adjusted to fit Samsung’s (now) wider devices, and is expected to ship earlier than the Galaxy S8 or the S8 +.
HomeKit not good enough? Get Samsung Connect Home
While Samsung produces legions of appliances ranging from microwaves to fridges, it hasn’t truly explored the concept of connecting these devices together.
That is, up until now; at its #UnboxYourPhone event, Samsung debuted Connect Home; a trio of three devices that, through mesh networking, can be used to control both Samsung and third-party services from a singular smartphone app.
The firm didn’t elaborate further on the price or availability of the kit, though we can’t wait to put it to good use at home in South Africa.
Last but not least: AKG!
While Apple has been quick to toot its own horn with the revelation of AirPods, Samsung hasn’t (until now) been in a position to retaliate.
While the company does produce its own headsets in the form of the Level series, the company elected to go a step further; consumers who purchase a new Galaxy S8 or S8+ headset will be rewarded with a bundled set of AKG in-ear headphones, which will normally retail for $99.
Watch: Samsung Africa Forum: What’s in store for Samsung in 2017?
Have your say!
What new Samsung product are you most looking forward to using out in the wild? Be sure to let us know your opinion in the comments below!
Follow Bryan Smith on Twitter: @bryansmithSA
