When Samsung revealed their two new Galaxy S6 devices, the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge models at the MWC, they were met with considerable optimism- finally an aluminum unibody construction and Gorilla 4 Glass replaced the plastic and faux leather. The Galaxy S6 Edge, though $100 more than the normal Galaxy S6, garnered much of the attention…after all, it is not every day that you see a dual-curved edge display. However, with all of the excitement over the looks, construction and beauty of the devices, their high-end specifications or power, and improved intuitiveness of the interface might have been overlooked. To help us refocus on these aspects, Samsung has produced another one of their famous infographics for us to explore the ‘Intuitiveness and Power’ in their new Galaxy S devices.
Samsung, along with a little ‘nudge’ from Google, has simplified its TouchWiz UI and is following Google’s new Material Design concept. It focuses on high priority information – what you need when you need it – and uses fewer symbols and more text for added clarity. This can be seen even in the camera area, where Samsung has redesigned the interface with labeled icons and offers a quick switch from Standard Mode and Pro Mode. In other words, all of the bells and whistles are still there, but only if you want to see them. Using Google’s Material Design has given the interface bright and simple coloring for certain functions – green for the Phone App, orange for the Contacts App, a medium blue for the Clock App, and so on – with clear and simple designs.
Samsung has also included their Smart Manager application – a collection of useful apps that most users download anyway to monitor and optimize their battery, storage, RAM and device security…but the Smart Manager is optimized by Samsung to work with your Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge. The new Galaxy S6’s also have the ability to download themes to further personalize your device – you want an Avengers, LEGO, Ugly Duckling, or Purple theme, those and a growing number are available for you. No special launcher is required – the icons, wallpaper, basic applications and other components are changed automatically when you apply one of the themes.
The Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge goes further with the added the beauty of dual edge display by also maximizing the display size with a thinner bezel. The curved edges of the display can serve several purposes, such as a “People Edge,” where you can keep track of up to five of your closest contacts. You will be alerted by receiving special notifications for these select friends or family members, and even have colors assigned to each one that will glow along the edge of the device if placed face down on your desk or table. Swiping at a tab near the top of the display will pull out your special contacts in order to access them quickly to make a call, send an email or shoot them a quick text message.
The edge can also be an Information Ticker by swiping the edge – you can have it show the weather, time, date and battery life on one ticker or use the edge as your nighttime clock and alarm. Samsung includes several tickers, but more will come as developers design new ones. The edge displays only show up on one side, however, the user gets to choose whether it is the right side (the default) or the left side, making it easier for left handed users to access the edge’s information. Check out the following Infographic and enjoy.