Samsung made a few announcements at MWC 2015. The biggest begin the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge.
Samsung Galaxy S6 & S6 Edge
Both the Galaxy S6 and the S6 Edge have a 5.1-inch QHD display with resolution of 2560×1440. Both are Super AMOLED and have 577ppi. The S6 Edge has dual curved edges.
Both will be powered by a Octa-core Samsung Exynos processor.
It will be available in 32GB, 64GB or 128GB with no option for expandable storage, which is a first for Samsung.
The main camera is 16 megapixels, has OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), auto real-time HDR, low-light video, IR detect white balance and more.
The front-facing camera is a 5 megapixel camera.
The S6 has a non-removable 2550 mAh battery. While the S6 Edge has a slightly larger 2600 mAh battery which is also non-removable. Also the S6 and S6 Edge will have Qi wireless charging out of the box.
The S6 will available in black, white, gold and blue. While the S6 Edge will be available in black, white, gold and dark green.
Both the S6 and the S6 Edge will be available in April.
Note: Not all storage options and colours will be available everywhere.
New Samsung Gear VR
Samsung also announced a new version of the Gear VR. The new Gear VR will be compatible with the Galaxy S6 and the S6 Edge because the first one was only compatible with the Note 4.
The new version is 15% reduced in size which will help make the device more comfortable to wear.
Samsung did not give the exact availability or pricing of the new Gear VR. However, since the old one cost $199, the new one should be priced around there as well.
Samsung Pay
Alongside announcing some new hardware, Samsung also announced their new service called: Samsung Pay.
Essentially it is Samsung’s version of Apple Pay.
Samsung Pay will use technology from LoopPay (which is now owned by Samsung). This will allow Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge owners pay for items with just a tap of their phone.
Samsung Pay supports NFC payments but it also supports Magnetic Secure Transmission (MST) which essentially means that is will work at millions of retailers. Samsung says up to 30 million and there won’t be the need for additional hardware.
Samsung will start off with support from Visa, MasterCard. Then American Express and others to follow soon after.
Samsung Pay will roll out this summer in the United States and Korea with Europe, China and other countries to follow after.
Samsung & IKEA Partnership
Also announced today was a partnership with IKEA. Samsung and IKEA will work together to create furniture that incorporates wireless chargers (i.e wireless charging coils).
This would allow device owners to just place their device down with worrying about wires and still charging it.
In Samsung’s press release:
Today, consumers are demanding simple and efficient charging methods to make their lives easier and more convenient. IKEA is addressing this by building wireless charging technology directly into its home furnishings, effectively turning bedside tables, lamps and desks into charging spots,
Samsung has said that the new lineup of furniture will be available in North America and Europe starting in April.
TheCanadianTechie 