Tag Archives: Samsung

Samsung Galaxy Ring-inspired luxury pajamas are the fashion statements no one expected

Posted on by

Smart rings offer an opportunity to free our wrists from bulky and sometimes gaudy smartwatches, becoming more fashionable alternatives to wearable tech. A ring itself can be considered a fashion item, part of one’s jewelry, but smart rings like the Samsung Galaxy Ring opt for more discreet and minimalist designs. The idea is for these devices to get out of your way and do their jobs in the background while you wear your more luxurious bracelets and watches on your wrist. That’s not stopping the tech giant from trying to build bridges with the fashion industry, and that has given birth to one of the oddest mashups between these two worlds: smart ring-inspired luxury sleepwear.

Designer: Samsung

It’s not the first time that the tech industry has tried to make its presence and products known in the fashion world. From “accessories” like the foldable Honor V Purse to the oddities like Microsoft’s annual ugly sweaters, there are numerous examples of phones and gadgets trying to look chic, one way or another. Smartwatches themselves are supposed to be fashionable, which is why luxury brands once tried to break into that nascent market.

This collaboration between Samsung and famed luxury fashion designer LaQuan Smith, however, is both unusual yet also thankfully not as in-your-face as previous works. This piece of fashion doesn’t flaunt the Galaxy Ring in any form, but it also makes it less evident how the two are related. At New York Fashion Week next month, LaQuan Smith will showcase his Spring/Summer ’25 Collection, including the Lucid Dream line of luxury sleepwear inspired by Samsung’s latest luxurious-looking wearable.

It’s admittedly difficult to immediately discern the connection between these two very unrelated things, and the explanation is also a bit of a stretch. In a nutshell, the fashionable two-piece pajamas can be used not only in bed but also during the day, transitioning from sleepwear to daywear without having to take anything off. This, according to Samsung, echoes the Galaxy Ring’s 24/7 usability, never taking it off unless to charge it after a few days.

Of course, LaQuan Smith himself wears a Galaxy Ring all day, or so the press release states, which includes during his sleeping hours. Sleep, according to the designer, is a critical factor not just in his wellness but also in his creativity, where many of his waking designs were inspired by dreams in his sleep. Whether that will immediately make you think of Galaxy Ring-inspired pajamas is left to your imagination, but those who want a piece of this limited edition fashion item will have to wait after the event to see when and where Samsung will sell them.

The post Samsung Galaxy Ring-inspired luxury pajamas are the fashion statements no one expected first appeared on Yanko Design.

Caviar Galaxy Z Flip 6 Elegance Edition Rides on the Latest Tennis Fashion Trend

Posted on by

There’s a reason why many people find fashion to be inscrutable, and not just the haute couture variety you see on runways. Fashion trends come and go, and sometimes they take inspiration from the most unexpected sources. One of the newest, for example, was spurred by the combination of the 2024 Paris Olympics, the film “Challengers” starring Zandaya, and the ongoing US Open tournament. Yes, this is the so-called “tennis core” fashion trend, and custom luxury phone maker Caviar is only too happy to jump on that bandwagon with extremely limited editions of the Galaxy Z Flip 6 that’s designed to show off your sports affinity, fashion tastes, and, of course, your affluence.

Designer: Caviar

Tennis core is simple to grasp yet hard to execute. As it revolves around the aesthetics of clothes worn in tennis matches, it has to strike a balance between being sporty and being casual. For Caviar, however, the trend is easy enough to interpret and implement, focusing on the visuals and forms most easily associated with the sport: the tennis ball.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 that’s part of this “Elegance” tennis core collection bears curved accents on its back that resemble the lines of a tennis ball, at least if you actually knew beforehand what the design is meant to represent. Depending on the color of the model, the accents can be covered in either pure 24-carat rose gold or 22-carat silver. Regardless of the color, however, both designs flaunt 16 22mm-diameter Swarovski crystals, because this wouldn’t be a Caviar phone if it didn’t have any.

The phones have colorways that are reminiscent of some of the popular colors for tennis courts. Emerald is probably the most familiar hue, with deep and rich greens that are not unlike the grassy type of some courts. Sapphire is perhaps a little less common but blue is used to give better contrast, especially considering a tennis ball is traditionally light green in color. Both models use premium Chevre leather, the very same kind used by luxury brand Hermes for its products.

It might not be as outlandish as Caviar’s other custom designs, but the Galaxy Z Flip 6 Elegance edition still fetches an extremely steep price starting at $8,777 for the 256GB Emerald model and $9,770 for the 256GB Sapphire variant. And in typical Caviar fashion, these phones will be made in a very limited run, only 99 pieces each, making sure that owning one earns you a spot not only among fashionistas but as a true tennis aficionado as well.

The post Caviar Galaxy Z Flip 6 Elegance Edition Rides on the Latest Tennis Fashion Trend first appeared on Yanko Design.

Galaxy Z Fold6 Ultra: Thinner Design vs. S Pen Support—What Matters Most Ahead of the Rumored September 25 Launch?

Posted on by

Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Z Fold6 “Slim” raises a new question about foldable smartphone design: What’s more important to you—a slimmer, more portable device or the continued support of the S Pen, a tool that has become synonymous with Samsung’s productivity-focused devices?

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 with case and stylus

Designer: Samsung

The rumored launch of the Galaxy Z Fold6 Slim in South Korea on September 25 suggests that Samsung is moving towards an ultra-thin design. At just over 10mm thick, this foldable could be the thinnest in Samsung’s lineup, prioritizing portability and ease of use. This shift, however, comes at the cost of a beloved feature: S Pen support. By opting for a slimmer profile, Samsung has reportedly removed the necessary film that allows the S Pen to function, leading to a significant trade-off between form and function.

Samsung Galaxy Fold6

The decision to slim down the Galaxy Z Fold6, potentially at the expense of the S Pen, raises a key question for users. The S Pen has been a defining feature for many Galaxy Fold users, offering precision and enhancing productivity, particularly for tasks like note-taking, sketching, and navigation. For professionals and creative users, the S Pen is an essential tool that significantly enhances the capabilities of their devices. Losing this feature could be a dealbreaker for those relying on the stylus for daily tasks.

On the other hand, a slimmer, more elegant device could appeal to users who prioritize portability and design. The rumored titanium frame, which could replace the aluminum used in previous models, contributes to a thinner profile while elevating the device’s durability and premium feel. The thinner form factor and lightweight design make it easier to carry and handle, addressing one of the main criticisms of foldable phones: their bulkiness.

But does the sleekness of a thinner device justify the loss of the S Pen? For some, the answer may be yes. A thinner device fits better into pockets and hands, making it more convenient for everyday use. Unlike the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which has an integrated slot for the S Pen, the Galaxy Fold series requires users to manage the S Pen separately, which can be cumbersome. Perhaps this is Samsung’s plan to gradually “weed” owners off the S Pen by not including it in their newer, slimmer foldable models. Personally, I feel that the stylus on a foldable phone feels as outdated as the physical keyboards on early smartphones. I rarely use the stylus anymore, and I’d much rather have a thinner, more lightweight device. The larger screens—6.5 inches externally and 8 inches internally—ensure that users still get an expansive display experience, even with the reduced thickness. This could appeal to a broader audience, especially those who might have hesitated to adopt a foldable phone due to concerns about size and weight.

Galaxy S24 Ultra with integrated stylus holder

However, the trade-off might not be worth it for users who have come to depend on the S Pen. The stylus adds a layer of functionality that a thinner device can’t replace. One particular feature I love about the S Pen on the S24 Ultra is the ability to take pictures—a convenient tool for solo content creators. I also track the stock market, and using the S Pen with Trading View for charting is amazing, so I would definitely miss the pen for that use case. Without the S Pen, tasks that require precision or creativity might become more cumbersome, detracting from the overall user experience.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6

What do you think, Yanko Design readers? Does the decision boil down to personal preference and priorities? If you value a sleek, portable device that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle, the Galaxy Z Fold6 Slim might be the perfect evolution of Samsung’s foldable lineup. However, if the S Pen is an indispensable tool in your arsenal, the standard Galaxy Z Fold6 or previous models might still hold more appeal. I find the “Slim” addition to the name rather silly, and I would bet money on Samsung going with “Galaxy Fold6 Ultra” over “Slim.” We’re still finalizing our review of the new Galaxy Fold6, so stay tuned for our thoughts.

The post Galaxy Z Fold6 Ultra: Thinner Design vs. S Pen Support—What Matters Most Ahead of the Rumored September 25 Launch? first appeared on Yanko Design.

Samsung Odyssey 3D offers a glasses-free 3D experience for gamers and creators

Posted on by

We live in a three-dimensional world and see in three dimensions, and yet the computers and mobile devices we use every day are confined to flat, 2D space. Mixed reality and spatial computing are trying to bridge that gap, but they still project flat virtual objects in the real world and, more importantly, require wearing goggles or headsets. In fact, most stereoscopic 3D experiences require some sort of eyewear, at the very least glasses that guide images to the correct eye. That is until monitor makers have gotten smarter and have started to implement 3D displays that don’t need glasses to work, like the new Samsung Odyssey 3D shown off at Gamescom 2024 this week.

Designer: Samsung

Our eyes see in 3D because they can view objects at two different angles due to the space between them. Stereoscopic 3D tries to mimic our innate binocular vision by projecting two different images, shifted slightly at an angle, which are then sent to the right or left eye as necessary. This re-direction requires polarizing filters to work, which is why people have to wear glasses when watching 3D movies. Impressive as the experience might be, it’s definitely inconvenient, especially for those that wear prescription glasses, and can’t be used for general-purpose computing, until now.

Image courtesy of SamMobile

The Samsung Odyssey 3D is the latest in a new breed of computer monitors that promise this same stereoscopic 3D experience without having to put anything in front of your eyes. The monitor has built-in stereo cameras that track the movement and position of each eye. View mapping creates two sets of images which are then displayed separately to each eye thanks to a lenticular lens on the front panel. It creates the same effect of seeing floating 3D images but without the hassle of glasses or headsets.

The monitor is primarily targeted at gamers, which is why it boasts features like 4K resolution, a fast 1m gray-to-gray response time, and a 165Hz refresh rate. Of course, the need to see 3D images as they truly are isn’t just limited to entertainment, since those creating assets for these games will also want to check if they’re 3D models are displaying correctly. Monitors like the Samsung Odyssey 3D will eventually become an invaluable tool for designers, artists, and content creators who might want to work in 3D space right from the start.

Of course, this glasses-free 3D monitor also functions as a 2D monitor, and you can seamlessly switch from one mode to another, depending on your use case. It also features an ergonomic Height Adjustment Stand, tilt capabilities, as well as HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 connectivity. Samsung hasn’t disclosed when the Samsung Odyssey 3D will launch and at what cost, but considering this monitor was first teased back in January at CES 2024, it probably shouldn’t be long now.

The post Samsung Odyssey 3D offers a glasses-free 3D experience for gamers and creators first appeared on Yanko Design.

How Samsung Galaxy Ring and Fold6 Unveiled My Snoring Secrets

Posted on by

Samsung’s snore-tracking feature on its sleep tracker caught me entirely off guard. This handy addition logs the start and end of every snoring session, giving a detailed look at our nighttime habits. To use it, all you need is your Samsung watch, band, or ring and your Samsung device on a stable surface near your head—like a nightstand with the bottom pointed toward you.

Designer: Samsung

I always swore up and down to my family that I didn’t snore. For 50 years, I held firm in my belief, insisting they must have been mistaken. Then, I checked Samsung’s Health app and heard the recording. It was a shocker, to say the least, a humbling moment that made me realize I was wrong all along. Despite sleeping well and rarely having trouble staying asleep, discovering that I snore has made me appreciate the benefits of tracking these nighttime sounds.

Why Track Snoring?

Snoring can indicate health issues like obstructive sleep apnea, where breathing stops and starts while you sleep. Understanding when and how often you snore can help determine if you need to consult with your doctor. Ignoring snoring could lead to fatigue, heart issues, and other health problems. Samsung’s snore-tracking feature helps catch potential health concerns early.

Sleeping with an anti-snoring mask

With AI, Samsung’s snore-tracking feature could become even more valuable. In the future, AI might analyze snoring patterns to identify trends and suggest when to consult a healthcare professional. You could receive personalized health insights directly on your phone, alerting you to potential issues before they become serious. AI could monitor changes in snoring frequency, duration, intensity, and patterns, offering a comprehensive view of your sleep health.

This technology might even predict when your snoring could worsen, allowing you to make proactive lifestyle changes. Samsung could one day provide actionable health advice, making it easier to manage your sleep health. This would make snore-tracking a crucial part of personal health monitoring.

Enhancing Sleep Quality and Personal Insight

Knowing your snoring patterns can improve your understanding of sleep quality. Snoring can disrupt sleep cycles, leading to feeling less rested and productive. By tracking these disturbances, you can identify triggers like alcohol, sleeping position, or stress and make changes to sleep better.

Samsung’s snore-tracking feature offers more than just numbers. It provides a personal snapshot of your sleep patterns. Whether you’re surprised to learn you snore or confirm what your partner has said, this feature gives you valuable insights into your health.

For me, realizing that I snore has changed my perspective on my sleep health. Knowing what’s happening while I sleep and having the tools to monitor it is reassuring. Samsung’s feature has made me more aware of my nighttime habits and encouraged me to be proactive about my health.

The snore-tracking feature is a valuable addition to the health tech market, offering more than just basic metrics like step counts or heart rate. It provides practical insights into your sleep health, making it useful for anyone interested in better understanding their sleep patterns. As technology evolves, it’s exciting to see how Samsung continues to enhance our well-being through innovations like these.

Samsung Galaxy Ring: My Favorite Sleep Tracker

The Samsung Galaxy Ring is my absolute favorite sleep tracker, especially for anyone who prefers not to wear a watch to bed. It offers comprehensive health tracking with a stylish design and a lightweight feel, making it almost unnoticeable during the night. The ring monitors sleep, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen, and skin temperature, providing detailed insights through the Samsung Health app. Its water-resistant design makes it safe for swimming and showering.

Samsung Galaxy Ring

However, the ring currently lacks iOS support, and a proper fit is crucial for accurate sensor readings. Despite these minor limitations, the Galaxy Ring blends style, comfort, and advanced health tracking, making it an essential part of my setup along with the Fold6. The Galaxy Ring is a top choice for anyone looking to track their health metrics discreetly and comfortably.

We’re still wrapping up our review of the Samsung Galaxy Fold6, so stay tuned for our full review.

The post How Samsung Galaxy Ring and Fold6 Unveiled My Snoring Secrets first appeared on Yanko Design.

Become a Samsung Olympic Games Pin Master and get a Galaxy Z Flip6

Posted on by

Aside from the actual sports events and the Olympians themselves, another popular activity in Paris during the Olympics is pin trading. You see the athletes and fans trying to get as many pins as they can, a practice that actually goes back to the 1924 Paris Olympics where it was a sign of international friendship. One of the games’ major sponsors, Samsung, is bringing a new spin to this tradition, and bringing prizes into the mix.

Designer: Samsung

The Samsung Olympic Games Pin Masters Challenge lets visitors in Paris get the chance to collect 16 specially created pins by playing different Galaxy AI-powered challenges at the Olympic™ rendezvous @ Samsung pop-up experiences all over the city. You can even get the chance to get the extremely rare Golden Pin in order to become an official Samsung Olympic Games Pin Master. If ever you’re in Paris, you have until September 8 to play this challenge.

The 16 pins were designed by French illustrator Jean André and they are actually made from recycled aluminum from old Galaxy smartphones. Eleven of these pins represent Olympic sports like breaking, skateboarding, sport climbing, and surfing, and four Paralympic sports – blind football, para athletics, wheelchair basketball, and wheelchair tennis. There are also four Special Pins that feature three-dimensional landmarks of the city. And then, there is that rare and elusive Golden Pin.

If you’re able to collect all 16 pins, you’ll get a new Galaxy Z Flip6 and a raffle entry to win a round-trip package for two to attend the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics. Several have already become Pin Masters, and it looks like most of them are kids. They’re the ones who probably enjoyed playing the challenges to get the pins. If I was there in Paris, I would probably be all over this challenge, even just for the pins.

The post Become a Samsung Olympic Games Pin Master and get a Galaxy Z Flip6 first appeared on Yanko Design.

Is Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro Worth It? In-Depth Review and User Experience

Posted on by

PROS:


  • Exceptional Audio Quality: The Buds 3 Pro delivers clear highs and deep bass, enhanced by features like 360 Audio for an immersive listening experience.

  • Advanced Noise Cancellation: Effective ANC, Adaptive Noise Control, and Ambient Sound modes provide a customizable listening experience that is ideal for various environments.

  • Seamless Samsung Integration: They integrate smoothly with Samsung devices, offering features like real-time translation and enhanced audio quality through the Scalable Codec.

  • Durability and Comfort: With an IP57 rating, the earbuds are water and dust-resistant. The ergonomic design ensures a comfortable fit during extended use.

CONS:


  • Awkward Case Design: The charging case requires twisting the earbuds into place, which can be inconvenient and lead to accidental drops.

  • Battery Life Limitations: Real-world usage shows shorter battery life than advertised, especially with all features enabled.

  • Feature Limitations Outside Samsung Devices: Some features are optimized for Samsung products, limiting the full benefits for users with non-Samsung devices.

RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

Galaxy Buds 3 Pro deliver stellar sound and noise cancellation, redefining what wireless earbuds can achieve in any environment.

Samsung’s Galaxy Buds3 Pro has made a strong entrance with its stylish stem design and practical features. These earbuds offer a powerful audio experience thanks to a dual-driver system that delivers clear highs and deep bass, making them perfect for music lovers. The ergonomic silicone tips ensure a snug fit, providing comfort during long listening sessions, and their IP57 rating adds protection against water and dust, making them great for active users.

Designer: Samsung

Packed with smart features, these buds include AI-powered sound adjustments that adapt to your environment, enhancing your listening experience. The real-time translation feature is a handy tool for travelers and language enthusiasts. While some features work best with Samsung’s latest devices, the Buds 3 Pro offers a strong mix of style, technology, and sound quality. Whether you’re on a call, streaming music, or navigating through your day, these earbuds are built to meet the needs of everyday life.

Design and Aesthetics

The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro embraces a design that marries functionality with elegance. The stem-style structure enhances usability and audio performance by incorporating advanced components like control sensors and batteries within the stems, contributing to superior sound quality and call clarity.

The customizable “blade lights” on the stems offer a neat and stylish feature, but they may not appeal to everyone looking for simplicity. While the lighting adds flair, my focus remains on sound quality, comfort, and overall performance. The lights are a nice touch but not a critical factor in choosing these earbuds.

The ergonomic design ensures a comfortable fit, with silicone tips that improve noise isolation and enhance sound quality. With an IP57 rating, these earbuds are reliable for various environments, whether you’re at the gym or exploring outdoors. We’ll explore the performance aspects further down, diving into how these features impact real-world use and contribute to the overall listening experience.

From a design perspective, there are limited ways to create Bluetooth headsets. They can fit directly in the ear or include a stem, as seen in the Buds3 Pro. This design is practical, enhancing usability by allowing better placement of components like microphones and batteries.

While the Buds 3 Pro’s design draws inspiration from other successful models, the inclusion of unique features like customizable lighting and advanced audio technology sets these earbuds apart. They offer a compelling combination of high performance and style, making them attractive for those who value both aesthetics and functionality in their wireless audio gear.

Ergonomics

From my perspective, the design of the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro case has its pros and cons. I like that the case is lightweight and features practical additions like a USB-C charging port and an LED indicator for charging status. The transparent lid is also a nice touch, allowing me to see the earbuds without opening the case.

However, inserting and removing the earbuds can be awkward. They require a specific twist to fit properly, which isn’t the most user-friendly experience, especially when I’m on the go. I’ve actually dropped the earbuds a couple of times, twice on an airplane while fumbling around in the dark. It’s definitely not ideal. This is an area where the design could use some improvement to make handling the earbuds more intuitive and prevent such mishaps.

The earbuds are offered in two colors, white and black, with small red and blue dots to help indicate the correct placement in the case. While this color coding is helpful, it doesn’t completely resolve the awkwardness of fitting the earbuds into the case.

One thing I wish was smaller is the case itself. While it’s compact enough to fit in the coin pocket of my jeans, similar to the AirPods Pro case, it does bulge out more than I’d like. A smaller case would be more convenient for carrying around when I’m out and about.

Despite these concerns, the overall design remains stylish, and the case complements the sleek look of the earbuds. It supports wireless charging, which is a plus, but streamlining the handling and size of the case would greatly enhance the overall experience.

Performance

The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro delivers exceptional audio quality, particularly when paired with newer Samsung devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 6 or S24 series. Featuring a two-way speaker system with a planar tweeter and dual amplifiers, these earbuds provide crisp, airy sound with robust bass. The 360 Audio feature enhances the soundstage, creating an immersive experience, although it can sometimes emphasize higher frequencies.

A key feature that enhances the audio experience is Samsung’s Scalable Codec. This codec adjusts the bit rate dynamically to ensure stable audio quality over Bluetooth connections. It provides near-lossless sound when the connection is strong, making it ideal for high-resolution audio playback on compatible Samsung devices.

The noise-canceling capabilities are impressive, offering Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Adaptive Noise Control, and Ambient Sound modes. ANC effectively reduces background noise, making it easier to enjoy music without distractions. Ambient mode is handy for staying aware of your surroundings while listening, and adaptive mode adjusts noise cancellation based on the environment. During my flight to Tokyo from Dallas and back, the active noise cancellation canceled out nearly all the humming from the engine, making the journey pleasant. Just note that for long-haul flights, you might need two pairs of earbuds. In my case, I had a pair of AirPods Pro to swap out. That said, I dare say the Buds3 Pro is competitive when it comes to sound quality and noise cancellation.

The sound quality of the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro truly shines across various musical genres. In “Hotel California” by the Eagles, the earbuds reproduce the intricate guitar work with remarkable clarity, allowing you to hear every detail as if you’re right there at the performance. The Buds3 Pro handles Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” with precision, capturing the sharpness and detail in his vocals and ensuring the instrumental elements are delivered with crystal clarity. When it comes to bass-heavy tracks like “Royals” by Lorde, the earbuds provide a strong yet balanced bass response that complements the vocals without overshadowing them. The complex musical arrangement in “Take Five” by The Dave Brubeck Quartet showcases the Buds3 Pro’s ability to maintain clarity and balance across a wide range of frequencies, with the piano and saxophone lines coming through with excellent definition and depth.

The Buds3 Pro excels in call quality as well. The triple-mic array ensures clear voice transmission even in noisy settings, while the transparency mode allows ambient noise to enter naturally during calls, enhancing the conversation experience.

Battery life is an area where expectations might differ. Samsung claims up to 6 hours of playback with ANC on and up to 30 hours with the charging case. However, real-world usage often shows battery life closer to 5 to 5.5 hours with ANC, 360 Audio, and high-resolution streaming enabled. Wireless charging and quick charging capabilities add convenience, but for extended listening sessions, having a backup or access to charging is advisable.

The Buds3 Pro also impresses with its sweat-proof performance. I’ve used them to mow the yard in 100-degree weather, and they remain in my ears exceptionally well without any issues with performance. Their IP57 rating ensures they can handle both sweat and dust, making them a reliable choice for outdoor activities and workouts.

Compared to the standard Galaxy Buds 3, the Buds 3 Pro offers enhanced audio quality, more advanced noise control options, and longer battery life. While the non-Pro model provides good sound and basic ANC, it lacks the Pro version’s premium features and audio experience.

Overall, the Buds3 Pro is impressive in performance, making it a top choice for anyone in search of high-quality wireless earbuds with a rich, immersive sound experience.

Sustainability

Samsung has integrated sustainability into the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro by using post-consumer materials in their construction, which helps reduce the environmental impact of new plastic production. The company is committed to increasing the use of recycled materials across its product line, aiming to incorporate them into every component by 2030 as part of its goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions.

The packaging for the Buds3 Pro is also made from recycled paper, which aligns with Samsung’s sustainability initiatives and helps further reduce waste. These efforts demonstrate Samsung’s dedication to creating products that combine advanced technology with environmental responsibility.

Value and Verdict

For anyone within the Samsung ecosystem, the Galaxy Buds3 Pro is an easy recommendation. These earbuds integrate seamlessly with a wide range of Samsung products, including smartphones like the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and S24 series and Samsung tablets, laptops, and other smart devices. They offer features like adaptive noise cancellation and enhanced audio quality through Samsung’s Scalable Codec, making them an ideal companion for any Samsung device. This integration allows for smooth transitions between devices and enhances the overall user experience, making the Buds3 Pro a perfect choice for those who rely on Samsung’s ecosystem for their tech needs.

Even if you’re not part of the Samsung ecosystem, the Buds3 Pro is worth considering. They are compatible with any Bluetooth-enabled device and deliver exceptional sound quality, noise cancellation, and a comfortable fit, making them a versatile choice for all users. I enjoy having them as part of my everyday gear, whether in my go-bag for travel or daily use. Their performance and reliability make them a great addition to any tech setup, offering high-quality audio and convenience wherever you go.

The post Is Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro Worth It? In-Depth Review and User Experience first appeared on Yanko Design.

Samsung unveils recycled Hershey’s-themed accessories for new Flip, Fold, and Galaxy watch

Posted on by

The loved chocolate company, Hershey’s, is a household name, but it contributed roughly 24,000 metric tons of waste in 2023. Through a collaborative and conscious effort, The Hershey Company is assisting Samsung develop custom accessories for its lineup of phones, watches, and earbuds. All of these are made from recycled material comprising Hershey’s plastic packaging waste that would otherwise end in landfills.

Interestingly, the collaborative accessories are part of the new Samsung Friends lineup. Samsung Friends is a lifestyle accessories wing of the South Korean tech giant, which aligns partnerships with different brands to create collaborative accessories through the uses of eco-friendly materials. It currently has 17 such collaborations – with Minions, Disney, Pokémon and more – to its credit and with accessories made using recycled material from Hershey’s confectionary packaging waste, it is making a new story.

Designer: Samsung x Hershey’s

Samsung Friends x Hershey’s collection was officially launched in South Korea on 29 July, 2024. Inspired by the packaging of Hershey’s Kisses, milk chocolate bars, and more; the 12 unique accessories include Galaxy Z Fold6, Galaxy Z Flip6, Galaxy Watch7 and Galaxy Buds3 series cases and bands.

There is no word on the pricing structure of the accessories, but Samsung Friends will allow customers to interact and customize their accessories in Hershey’s pop-up at Samsung’s Gangnam through 11 August, 2024. Customers can live experience the cases and bands made from 100% recycled material and also savor Hershey’s limited-edition chocolate beverages alongside.

Currently, the lineup of these Hershey’s-themed accessories is only available in South Korea, but the US release is likely in the near future. Tech company informs that the Samsung Friends x Hershey’s collection will also be made available in Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines soon.

The post Samsung unveils recycled Hershey’s-themed accessories for new Flip, Fold, and Galaxy watch first appeared on Yanko Design.

Samsung Galaxy Ring Review: A Stylish Wearable for Health-Conscious Individuals

Posted on by

PROS:


  • Elegant Design: Available in three stylish finishes, the ring is made from durable titanium.

  • Comfortable Wear: Lightweight at 2.3 to 3 grams, it’s almost unnoticeable throughout the day.

  • Comprehensive Health Tracking: Monitors sleep, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen, and skin temperature with detailed app insights.

  • Water-resistant: Safe for swimming and showering, rated up to 100 meters.

CONS:


  • No iOS Support: Some features require a Samsung phone, limiting compatibility.

  • Sizing Issues: An improper fit can affect sensor accuracy and comfort.

RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

The Samsung Galaxy Ring blends style, comfort, and advanced health tracking in one sleek package.

The Samsung Galaxy Ring introduces a fresh approach to wearable technology. This sleek device combines style and functionality, offering users comprehensive health tracking without the bulk of traditional wearables. It is priced at $400 and provides a unique value proposition for health-conscious users. Let’s dig into the design, ergonomics, performance, sustainability, and overall value of Samsung’s latest innovation.

Designer: Samsung

Aesthetics and Design

The Samsung Galaxy Ring impresses with its minimalist and elegant design. The ring is available in titanium black, titanium silver, and glossy titanium gold and caters to diverse style preferences. The concave shape enhances its aesthetic appeal and helps prevent scratches, ensuring durability. Constructed from high-grade titanium, the ring is resilient against daily wear and tear, promising longevity.

Galaxy Ring: available in titanium black, titanium silver, and glossy titanium gold.

Weighing between 2.3 to 3 grams, the Galaxy Ring feels almost weightless, making it comfortable for all-day wear. This is particularly beneficial for those sensitive to the weight of traditional wearables. The sleek profile ensures it doesn’t catch on clothing or other objects, adding to its practicality. I don’t mind wearing an Apple Watch to track my sleep and other health metrics at night, but I prefer to wear a nice timepiece during the day. Having the best of both worlds is obviously wearing a ring.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra and Ring

Samsung recommends wearing the Galaxy Watch in conjunction with the Ring since they determine which is more suitable for activities and could increase battery life. For me, on the other end of the extreme, I find myself going watchless – and I love the sense of freedom that the Galaxy Ring affords me that opportunity.

Samsung Galaxy Ring: Titanium Black Size 8

The charging case, reminiscent of those used for earbuds, adds a touch of elegance and practicality. It is designed to be compact and efficient, providing a secure place to store the ring when not in use and ensuring multiple charges without needing a constant power source.

Ergonomics

Comfort is a significant selling point for the Galaxy Ring. Its lightweight design ensures it remains unobtrusive, even for sensitive sleepers. The ring is available in various sizes, providing a snug fit that enhances its ability to track health metrics accurately. Users have noted the occasional distraction from the ring’s LEDs in dark environments, but this minor issue does not overshadow its overall comfort. The device is water-resistant, surviving hand washes and lotion exposure without losing functionality.

Galaxy Ring: Optical Bio-signal Sensor, Skin Temperature Sensor and Accelerometer

With Samsung’s Sizing Kit, finding the Galaxy Ring’s size is straightforward. Upon ordering, if you choose the option indicating you don’t know your size, Samsung will send you a sizing kit with nine sample rings in different sizes. This kit costs $10, which is credited towards your final purchase. The recommendation is to wear the sample ring for at least 24 hours to ensure it fits comfortably and accurately. This ensures that you select the best size for your needs before confirming your order.

I have been wearing the black titanium ring in a size eight on my pinkie finger. It is about a half size too big 70% of the time but fits well enough to get accurate readings. I have requested a size seven from Samsung to see if a tighter fit will change the readings and provide a more secure fit. As someone who doesn’t usually wear rings or jewelry, this has been a new experience for me.

Samsung Galaxy Ring and Fold6

Samsung shared that it doesn’t matter which finger or hand you wear the ring on as long as you avoid the thumb. However, wearing a ring that is too large can pose issues, such as slipping off in the shower or while swimming, and due to its loose fit, it can more easily get snagged on objects.

Performance

The Galaxy Ring excels in health tracking, offering detailed insights into sleep patterns, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen levels, and skin temperature. It synchronizes with the Samsung Health app, providing a user-friendly interface for viewing data. The ring generates an Energy Score, guiding users’ daily activity and recovery needs. This score is useful for understanding how well you’ve recovered overnight and what to expect from your day ahead.

Regarding sleep tracking, the Galaxy Ring offers impressive accuracy. It monitors different stages of sleep, providing detailed feedback on REM, light, and deep sleep cycles. The app offers helpful context, explaining the significance of each sleep stage and providing personalized tips for improvement. For those who struggle with sleep, these insights can be incredibly valuable. Despite some features requiring a Samsung phone, the ring’s sleep tracking and general activity monitoring performance is commendable, making it a reliable health companion.

The Galaxy Ring provides comprehensive metrics for analyzing a specific day’s tracking data using the Samsung Health app. For instance, my sleep score for one night was 49, categorized as “Needs attention,” with 3 hours and 52 minutes of sleep time. The ring detailed my physical recovery at 34% and mental recovery at 48%, based on the amount of time spent in different sleep stages, including REM and deep sleep. It also tracked my skin temperature, which ranged from 92.9 degrees Fahrenheit to 97.6 degrees Fahrenheit, and my blood oxygen levels, which dipped as low as 81%. Additionally, it logged 1 hour and 36 minutes of snoring. This level of detail helps users like me, who have unorthodox sleep schedules, understand and improve our sleep quality. However, it’s worth noting that the app does not factor in nap times, which is a limitation for those with irregular sleep patterns.

The Samsung Health app provides additional metrics, including stress levels. During a typical day, my stress level varied but remained within the app’s “normal” range, which helped me gauge my daily mental well-being. This feature, along with others like water intake, medication tracking, and cycle tracking, adds to the comprehensive health insights provided by the ring.

Activity tracking is effective, automatically logging steps, walks, and runs. The data presentation clearly shows metrics like distance traveled, calories burned, and average speed. Although some smartwatches offer extensive exercise options, the Galaxy Ring’s simplicity is part of its charm. The absence of a screen reinforces the ring’s “set and forget” philosophy, allowing you to focus on your day without constant notifications.

The battery life of the Galaxy Ring varies by size. The battery life is rated up to six days for a size eight ring. Larger sizes, like 12 and 13, can last up to seven days on a single charge. This variance ensures that larger-ring users can enjoy extended usage without frequent recharges. Something that I’m accustomed to doing with the Apple Watch is tossing it on the charger when I jump in the shower. I did that the first few days with the Galaxy Ring but then stopped. Now, I take it off before I take a shower. I suspect this is because the ring size is too big right now. I’m sure I won’t be taking it off as often once I go down a size. Additionally, I have noticed that hair products can get caught under the ring, which can block the sensors. To avoid this, I take it off and clean it regularly. This is something to note for those who frequently use hair products.

The Galaxy Ring is water-resistant up to 100 meters, which makes it safe to wear while swimming or in the shower, provided it fits securely.

Consistent with 10ATM water-resistance classification (up to 100m of water for up to 10 minutes) and IP68 rating (up to 6 feet of water for up to 30 minutes). Rinse residue / dry after wet.

Furthermore, the Galaxy Ring features the “Find My Ring” function through Samsung Find, which tracks the ring based on its last connected location. This feature is handy for those prone to misplacing small items, providing peace of mind and an easy way to locate the ring.

Sustainability

Samsung’s commitment to sustainability is evident in the Galaxy Ring’s design. Durable, scratch-resistant materials like titanium ensure a long product lifespan. Additionally, the ring’s charging case, reminiscent of those used for earbuds, is practical and eco-friendly. It offers multiple charges without a constant power source, reducing the overall environmental footprint.

Charging the Galaxy Ring is simple with its clear cover cradle. LED lights indicate the charging progress.

The ring’s battery life is impressive, lasting up to seven days on a single charge for larger sizes. This reduces the need for frequent recharging, contributing to a lower environmental impact. The charging case is designed to be compact and efficient, providing a secure place to store the ring when not used. While the Galaxy Ring does not boast any groundbreaking sustainability features, its durable build and efficient energy use contribute positively to reducing electronic waste.

Value / Verdict

At $400, the Samsung Galaxy Ring is positioned at the higher end of the market but does not require a subscription fee, adding to its long-term value. The initial cost might be a consideration for some, but the Galaxy Ring provides seamless connectivity and valuable health insights, especially for users integrated into the Samsung ecosystem. Its lightweight design and comprehensive health tracking make it ideal for those seeking a sophisticated and discreet wearable. For Samsung users, the Galaxy Ring offers insightful health data without the bulk of traditional wearables, making it an excellent addition to their suite of devices.

The post Samsung Galaxy Ring Review: A Stylish Wearable for Health-Conscious Individuals first appeared on Yanko Design.