Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced its all-new Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6, along with Galaxy Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pro at the Unpacked event in Paris (All photos: Patrick Goh/The Edge Malaysia)
What more can a gadget do to evolve into an intuitive partner that understands and anticipates your needs? At the Galaxy Unpacked event that took place on July 10 in Paris, Samsung Electronics Co Ltd — despite the rising cost of materials — hopes to woo hesitant buyers to consider its newly launched Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6.
Not all phone makers have the financial clout to hold off price increases but the South Korean conglomerate seems to be banking on its artificial intelligence technology, or Galaxy AI, rolled out earlier this year. Devices can become extensions of yourself, the brand seems to imply. After all, it has dreamt up a digital assistant that will learn your habits and routines to offer a deeply personalised experience.
Before we get down to brass tacks, it is worth noting that Samsung’s continued innovation of foldables has engendered the slimmest and lightest Galaxy Z series. Optimised for portability, the symmetrical design with a straight edge provides a sleek finish while a new cover screen ratio on the Z Fold 6 provides a more natural bar-type viewing outcome. If durability was a concern in your previous purchase, rest assured that the enhanced dual rail hinge structure is now supported by a strengthened folding edge to efficiently distribute the shock of external impacts. The gadgets are also equipped with enhanced Armor Aluminum 2 and Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® 2, making this the sturdiest Galaxy Z series yet.
The fold, behold
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Expect productivity to improve — pardon the pun — twofold with the Note Assist function, which offers translation, summaries, and auto-formatting for simple and easy meeting notes. Those working in the creative field, especially writers, will delight in a new transcript feature that enables translation and summarising of voice recordings directly in Notes. Need to draft a formal resignation letter or a heartfelt love confession? The newly added Composer tool generates suggested text based on simple keywords or, for social media in particular, creates a copy that reflects your tone by analysing previous posts. An updated Sketch to Image enables the creation of more sophisticated art pieces by generating image options when you simply sketch or draw on the photos in the Gallery or Note screen.
Staying informed no longer requires launching a multitude of tabs. The latest Google Gemini app, fully integrated with the Galaxy Z series, conjures up your own AI-powered assistant with just a simple tap. Bring it up to the screen by saying “Hey Google”, and it will gladly offer you its services, from booking your next hotel stay to looking up a detailed profile of a slew of new K-pop bands you just discovered while watching them on the Z Fold 6’s large screen. Curious about the emerging artist who may succeed global sensation BTS? The Circle to Search will identify the singer and offer instant search results.
The new Galaxy AI also trots out a new feature that will be a boon to frequent holidaymakers and business travellers. Through a unique dual system, the Interpreter has a conversation mode that enables both parties to conveniently view translations on the main and cover screens for more natural interactions. Switch to one-way translation if you need to focus during a lecture or presentation. Live Translate, which translates phone calls directly on your device in real time, is also now being extended beyond Samsung’s own native calling app to a selection of popular third-party options.
Polished portability
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The 3.4-inch Super AMOLED FlexWindow 18 in the Galaxy Z Flip 6 has been improved yet again, enabling AI-assisted functions without even needing to open the device. Make the most out of your pocket-sized helper: Suggested replies analyse your latest messages to craft a tailored response; FlexWindow provides access to Samsung Health updates as well as allows you to select the next track on your music widget; and FlexCam continues to offer the most versatile camera experience and new creative options. Running between your device and your photography spot is a hassle no more, as the Auto Zoom automatically finds the best framing for your shot by detecting the subject.
Shutterbugs can also revel in the new 50MP Wide and 12MP Ultra-wide sensors. The former supports 2x optical zoom for noise-free photos, while the latter capitalises on AI zoom for an advanced shooting experience up to 10x. Nightography, enhanced with video HDR that permits brilliant videos to be captured even in dim lighting, is now available in-app on Instagram.
Loyal listener
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No longer just a tool for passive listening, today’s multifaceted earbuds have become sophisticated companions, thanks to the integration of AI. Traditional earbuds often fall short in dynamically adjusting to different listening environments, such as a noisy train station or a quiet library. The microphones in the new Galaxy Buds 3 series detect both internal and external sound in real time to enhance sound and Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) quality through Adaptive EQ and Adaptive ANC. If music is playing, your earbuds will constantly collect and identify surrounding sound and automatically adjust the optimal level of noise without manual adjustment through Adaptive Noise Control, Siren Detect, and Voice Detect.
Apart from boasting a snug fit, the latest Buds 3s have been equipped with an ultra-sleek and modern style complemented with Blade Lights. Control the device by simply pinching or swiping up or down on the blade. For those who prefer an immersive sound, opt for the in-canal Buds Pro 3. Otherwise, the regular Buds 3 with an open concept will suit anyone who prefers to use it comfortably for an extended period.
A leap in the realm of personal audio devices, The Buds 3 Pro promises a premium audio experience, thanks to the enhanced two-way speakers with a planar tweeter for sophisticated, precise high-range sound production, and Dual Amplifiers for a crystal-clear delivery on the move. Enjoy every decibel in clarity, as it was intended, with an auditory output that supports a doubled sampling rate with SSC codec.
The Galaxy Buds3 series is now able to restore the original voice of the speaker in various noise environments while also providing a rich and natural call — similar to the high-quality versions found on smartphones — with the Super-Wideband 34 Call feature.
The Galaxy Z Fold 6, Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy Buds 3 series will be available for pre-order starting today with general availability starting July 24, 2024. See more here.
