Samsung banks on biometrics and fitness to woo jaded consumers
Samsung has unveiled the next in line to be king of its Samsung Galaxy range of mobile phones, the S5, which it is seeking to differentiate from past models through the use of a finger print scanner and built-in heart rate monitor.
The biometric security feature first appeared on the iPhone 5S but will now be adopted by Samsung’s flagship, allowing owners to securely log-in to their device and even make PayPal payments with a single touch.
The device was launched at the Mobile World Congess event in Barcelona and, despite its high tech features, co-chief executive JK Shin told attendees that the S5 signalled Samsung was “going back to basics”.
Simon Stanford, vice president of IT and mobile division, Samsung Electronics UK and Ireland, added: “People want a smartphone that enhances and enables their mobile life. The Galaxy S5 represents just that, and we’re excited to see the response to our latest flagship smartphone device.”
A heart rate sensor is integrated just below the camera and can be used to monitor fitness and health in conjunction with the S Health 3 pedometer peripheral, and in addition to these eye-catching features the handset will also retail with the obligatory upgrade to its processor, camera, screen size and battery life – the latter boosted by a ‘black and white’ mode which disables all functionality save for calls and texts.
Despite runaway sales success of the S line analysts were disappointed by a slowdown in sales growth of the S4, with some consumers deterred by poor software and plastic construction.
UK consumers with around £550 to spare will be able to get their mitts on the gadget from April.
Also at Mobile World Congress, Samsung stamped its investment into wearable technology as the race with rivals continues and unveiled the Gear Fit smartband and two Gear smartwatches.