News
Samsung drops massive SmartThings update with AI Home Insight feature
Samsung just dropped a bold new SmartThings update, with he latest version adding a new AI-powered Home Insight feature. Samsung says the platform has upgraded with a new app home page, replacing Favorites.
The new SmartThings app homepage is designed to adapt to users’ lifestyles. The service will offer tailored features, which simplify home management and improve automation such as controlling lights, managing appliances, or creating custom routines.
Samsung SmartThings users can receive real-time summaries of their home’s status through the AI-enabled Home Insight feature. It will also present suggestions for necessary actions, achieved by analyzing various data sources, including:
- User lifestyle patterns
- Device usage history
- Home and device status
- Daily weather
- Indoor temperature
For instance, if a device is left on while no one is home, SmartThings will recommend turning it off to conserve energy. Another notification could include changes in indoor temperature or humidity that deviate from the usual levels, which will prompt suggestions to adjust devices for optimal comfort.
Samsung has also updated the SmartThings to function even better with ecosystem devices. The expanded device card now allows users to access key functions without navigating to the devices’ detail page.
- Available through the Device Control panel on Galaxy devices — as well as from the new Map View and the new SmartThings app on the Tab S10 Plus and Tab S10 Ultra.
Home Insight Widget
Samsung brought a Home Insight Widget to Galaxy Tab S10+/Ultra. It offers immediate access to SmartThings, transforming the tablet into a personalized home dashboard.
The major update to the SmartThings UX on Windows brings a panel-style interface. Key features include support for camera streaming and phone-finding functionality.
Additionally, users can instantly control important functions such as temperature while receiving doorbell notifications with a live streaming view that allows them to see who’s at the door.
- Supported on PCs running Windows OS 10 20 H1 and more recent models.
News
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G launched in the Philippines: Specs, Price and Availability
Samsung launched Galaxy A16 and A16 5G in the Philippines. It follows the recent debut in the United Kingdom after a handful of more markets. The devices come with decent specs and features at an affordable price tag.
The new Samsung Galaxy A16 5G and LTE will be available in the Philippines at ₱13,990 and ₱9,990, respectively. The 5G variant is available for purchase, starting today, while you have to wait til December 3rd to own the LTE-only model.
Display
Samsung’s new Galaxy A16 phones sport a 6.7-inch FHD+ sAMOLED display. The Super AMOLED screen provides scenes with true-to-life colors and sharp clarity, making the display ideal for watching videos, gaming, or browsing.
Camera
The phones have a triple camera setup, featuring a 50MP main sensor accompanied by a 5MP ultra-wide and 2MP macro lens. Its front camera has a 13-megapixel resolution, unlocking a decent selfie-snapping experience.
Processor, Battery & Charging
Samsung’s A16 phones pack MediaTek chipsets, with the 5G model bringing Dimensity 6300 and 4G using Helio G99. Both models equip robust 5000mAh battery with 25W fast charging capability for all-day long performance.
Design
The new Galaxy A15 5G/LTE comes with immersive visuals, sleek designs, and secure, reliable experiences. The smartphones adopt Samsung’s signature design, featuring refined, rounded corners and a linear camera lens layout.
The Galaxy A16 series also introduces an improved, sleeker design, with a thinner body measuring just 7.9mm—down from 8.4mm in last year’s A15 series. The streamlined bezels further emphasize the AMOLED display.
Apart from this, the Key Island design offers a sleek look and feel. It also contributes to an easy and intuitive grip on the device, making it comfortable to hold. Previously, the Key Island was only available on Galaxy A55 and A35 models.
Colors
Available in a range of colorways, the Galaxy A16 5G offers Blue Black, and Gold. The Galaxy A16 LTE on the other hand comes in Black, Grey, and an online exclusive color — Light Green, giving users plenty of stylish options.
Software
Boots Android 14-based One UI 6.1, eligible for 6 generations of major Android and 6 years of regular security patches.
News
Samsung research reveals accessibility crisis in UK tech market
A recent Samsung study shows that the lack of accessibility in design is excluding millions of consumers from products, services, and experiences in the UK. It’s a wake-up call for brands operating in the United Kingdom to revisit the design approach.
Samsung and OnePoll surveyed 1,000 adults with invisible and visible disabilities (accessibility issues) in the UK. The study reveals that over 68% of survey participants have felt excluded from products or services due to accessibility issues.
Key takeaways:
- 55% of respondents don’t believe mainstream brands are invested enough in making products that cater to individual needs.
- 54% don’t think companies understand which accessibility features are important for consumers with disabilities.
- 80% claim major brands could be missing out on millions by not thinking about inclusive design for consumers with disabilities.
- 72% of consumers surveyed have abandoned a purchase due to a product’s lack of accessibility.
- 56% are willing to pay more if they find a fully accessible product.
The Korean tech giant highlighted that UK tech brands are missing a trick here. The spending power of disabled people and their households – known as the purple pound – is estimated to be worth a staggering £274 billion a year.
Samsung continuously works on enhancing accessibility across its products. From mobile devices to smart TVs and shopping apps to services, all are optimized for people with disability. This user-centric approach inspires many brands out there.
Galaxy phones feature useful and intelligent accessibility features. Samsung also brought universal gestures to Galaxy smartwatches. The brand-new Galaxy Ring is the latest example of Samsung’s commitment to accessibility.
News
Samsung Daily+ Hub now offers free workouts on 2024 TVs
Samsung has collaborated with F45 Training to offer free access to a variety of workouts on 2024 Samsung Smart TVs through the Samsung Daily+ lifestyle hub. The company aims to make it easier for people to enjoy all types of content on their TVs, whether it’s movies, games, or fitness routines.
This partnership lets users enjoy a wide range of on-demand fitness classes, including cardio, strength, hybrid, and recovery workouts, all from the comfort of their homes.
F45 Training is a leading global fitness community known for its 45-minute group workouts that combine functional exercises to improve everyday movement. Now, with this new integration, users can access F45’s workout library directly on their Samsung TV, which makes it easier to stay active and fit without leaving home.
The Samsung Daily+ platform, powered by Tizen OS, gives users access to more than just fitness content. It also connects to apps like Samsung Health, SmartThings, and Workspace to help users manage their daily activities all in one place.
F45’s workouts are designed for all fitness levels to offer flexibility with different types of exercises. Whether you want to improve your strength, boost your cardio, or focus on recovery, there’s something for everyone.
In addition, the F45 community offers motivational content to keep users inspired and connected. More workouts will be added to the Samsung Daily+ platform in the coming months.
Samsung Health Monitor app ends support for Android 11 and older phones this December