Samsung introduced the next generation of their Galaxy S phone, the Galaxy S5 during the Samsung 'Unpacked' event at the Mobile World Congress conference in Barcelona Spain yesterday.   Sporting a slight update to the design of the S4 with a new dimpled finish as well as chrome colored edging it will come in 4 colors, black white, gold and blue.  The S5 will of course include both upgraded internals and some new features when compared to the S4. 

Perhaps most notable in the new features department are the inclusion of a heart rate monitor and fingerprint scanner that will allow both unlocking of the phone as well as Paypal functionality in addition to the heart rate monitor function.  The specs of the Galaxy S5 also get a boost with the screen now coming in at 5.1 inches and sporting the same FHD 1920 x 1080 resolution as well as a new Snapdragon 801 processor running at 2.5GHz which is a nice bump from the 1.9GHz of the current model.  Other specs include a new 16MP front camera with new multiplane focusing, 2.1MP front camera, 2,800 mAh removable battery, 2GB of RAM, 16/32GB internal memory expandable up to 64GB with a microSD card, USB 3.0, NFC, 4G LTE, IP67 Dust and water Resistance and more.   Full press release below.

Samsung Brings Next Generation Galaxy S Smartphone and New Gear Wearables to U.S. in April

Galaxy S 5 Enhances Everyday Experiences Through New, Meaningful Innovations

DALLAS, February 24, 2014 – Expanding on its best-selling smartphone line, Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC (Samsung Mobile) is introducing the Galaxy S® 5 with new experiences, industry leading technology and meaningful innovations that consumers care about most. Samsung has also refined its wearables line with three new Gear designs that will change the way consumers connect while making it more personalized than ever before.

The Galaxy S 5, Gear 2, Gear 2 Neo and Gear Fit will be available to U.S. consumers this spring across various channels. AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, MetroPCS and U.S. Cellular will carry the Galaxy S 5. Samsung Experience Shops in Best Buy, as well as Amazon, Costco, RadioShack, Sam’s Club, Target and Walmart will also carry the Galaxy S 5. Gear 2, Gear Neo 2 and Gear Fit will be available through carrier and retail channels, including the Samsung Experience Shops in Best Buy.

The Galaxy S 5 delivers unrivaled experiences on a brilliant 5.1-inch display, powered by technology that enables amazing new camera experiences, lightning fast data connections, and health and wellness monitoring. Building on the innovation of Galaxy Gear, Samsung’s first wearable device, Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo each bring new and refined features based on consumer feedback. Gear Fit was designed with health and wellness in mind, so users can stay connected while maintaining their active lifestyle†.

“Samsung continues to lead and define the direction of mobile technology with unmatched innovation,” said Gregory Lee, president and CEO of Samsung Telecommunications America and Samsung Electronics North America Headquarters. “We listened to consumers and the Galaxy S 5 and new Gears bring enhancements that give consumers meaningful and inspiring experiences they can use every day.”

The Galaxy S 5 Makes Everyday Better

The Galaxy S 5 introduces new features, designed with the consumer in mind, to deliver experiences that improve everyday life.  The Galaxy S 5 delivers a viewing experience with an adaptive Full HD Super AMOLED® display with rich colors, darker blacks and faster response times for clearer high speed content. Wide viewing angles and crisp HD video on the bright bold display that adapts to bright outdoor sunlight or indoor ambient lighting means the best seat in the house anytime, anywhere.

The new camera features and simplified controls, paired with the 16 megapixel rear facing camera elevate the photo-taking experience.

New Galaxy S 5 camera features are intuitive and responsive for high-quality photos:

·         Phase Detection Auto Focus: Advanced auto focus speeds for capturing a shot quickly – first smartphone with phase detection auto focus, a feature usually found in DSLR cameras
·         Real-Time HDR: High Dynamic Range (HDR) preview mode makes it easier to choose when to use HDR – like trying to photograph a beautiful sunset. It also enables users to capture HDR photos or videos with no shutter lag or post-processing.
·         Selective Focus Mode: Blur images near or far for a creative, one-of-a-kind shot
·         Shot and More Mode: The camera chooses and recommends  Drama Shot, Best Photo, Best Face or Eraser shot after the picture is taken to create the best photo
·         Studio: Add effects to photos and edit movies with a complete suite of editing tools within the Gallery
With S Health™ consumers can access health info, track and map workouts and make and track healthier eating choices right on the Galaxy S 5.The Galaxy S 5 has the world’s first built-in heart rate monitor (HRM) which provides real time data before and after exercise by placing a finger on a sensor by the rear-facing camera.

Key platform components of S Health include:

·         Nutrition: Meal tracking and planning with nutritional information·         Fitness: HRM, exercise log, mapped runs and location tracking
The Galaxy S 5 is packed with leading technology enhancements, including Quick Connect,which locates the nearest devices to share content, files, or your screen through Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi® or Wi-Fi Direct™. A built-in fingerprint sensor unlocks and locks the Galaxy S 5 and provides secure password protection to use PayPal for secure payments. The Galaxy S 5 also supports the latest mobile wallets, including Isis (a consortium among various carrier partners) and Google Wallet™.

The Galaxy S 5 uses the latest technology for the fastest browsing, streaming, and downloads, whether you’re at home or on the go.

•         4G LTE Bands: Extensive support of U.S. carrier LTE bands and optimized to take advantage of the latest 4G LTE technology on all carrier networks, which means faster data download speeds and better coverage than ever before

•         Faster Wi-Fi:  First smartphone with 802.11ac Wi-Fi with MIMO support provides up to twice the download speeds for faster browsing and streaming

More Connected, Less Distracted

The second generation of Gear offers a refined look and customizable experience with a trio of options to suit a range of consumer preferences: Gear 2, Gear 2 Neo and Gear Fit.

With an extended S Health experience, the new Gear devices can serve as a personal trainer functioning as a pedometer, HRM and calories burned tracker.

Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo

The Galaxy Gear design has been refreshed with the Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo featuring interchangeable straps, compatible with standard 22mm pin watch bands to personalize. The Gear 2 is the premium wearable with a 2 megapixel camera which has been moved from the strap to the face for a more sleek design, complementing the brushed metal finish. The Gear 2 Neo has a polycarbonate finish. The home key on the Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo is positioned on the front of the face for convenient access.

New Gear offerings allow consumers to access and customize their experience, quickly receiving and responding to a call, text, e-mail or app notification right from your wrist. New shortcuts and additional app support make the device experience easier to navigate and take action. Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo have 1.63 inch Super AMOLED displays and even allow voice calls and text messaging, right from your wrist.

Music is truly on the go with the music app on Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo – transfer, store and shuffle through songs even when away from your phone. Pair the devices with Bluetooth headphones to enjoy favorite songs while on the go.

Gear Fit

With a 1.84 inch curved Super AMOLED display and interchangeable band, Gear Fit has an athletic design that’s functional whether active or asleep. The Gear Fit tracks your steps, monitors your heart rate on the go, and provides notifications of incoming calls, texts and emails.

The Galaxy S 5 will be available in Charcoal Black and Shimmery White. Galaxy S 5 accessories will include a Wallet Case, S View Flip Cover, and Wireless Charging Covers and Wireless Charging S View Flip Covers in an array of colors.

The Gear 2 comes in the following color combinations: Titan Silver face with Black strap, Titan Silver face with a Wild Orange strap and a Gold Brown face with Brown strap. The Gear 2 Neo comes in Black, Wild Orange and Mocha Gray. Gear Fit comes with a Black band with additional Wild Orange and Mocha Gray band color options.

For more information, please visit www.samsungmobileuspress.com. To register for more information about the Galaxy S 5, please visit www.samsung.com/us/gs5.

† This device, S Health, and related software is not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease

 This device has not been authorized as required by the rules of the Federal Communications Commission. This device is not, and may not be, offered for sale or lease, or sold or leased, until authorization is obtained.

About Samsung Telecommunications America

Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC, (Samsung Mobile) a Dallas-based subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., researches, develops and markets wireless handsets, wireless infrastructure and other telecommunications products throughout North America. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.