Samsung is introducing two new tablets centered not only around productivity but also incorporates the foundations of its Galaxy model devices. Soon to hit store shelves will be the Galaxy Tab S3 along with the 10.6-inch and 12-inch Galaxy Book detachable tablet. However, the company has declined to share when pre-orders will begin, the price, and eventual availability.
"What we've learned is more is better," said Samsung's senior manager, product marketing Hassan Anjum. "Consumers want to be able to do more with tablets. We're seeing the rise of the category of 2-in-1 detachable tablets…There are a lot of tablets out there, but we're seeing a shift in preference to do more in productivity. Entertainment is table stakes."
While the Galaxy Tab S3 and Galaxy Books are all focused around productivity, there are some noticeable key differences. The former is Android-based, while the latter uses Windows. Both devices come with a keyboard and an S-Pen, which bears some similarities to the Microsoft Surface Book and the Samsung Chromebook Pro. But in the end, Samsung said it wants its products to be about giving choices to consumers.
Meet the Galaxy Tab S3
Above: The Samsung Galaxy Tab S3.
Image Credit: Ken Yeung/VentureBeat
The Galaxy Tab S3 is the latest in a series of tablets that goes as far back as 2014. For the first time, the device has a glass backing with metal frame design for the Tab S lineup, inheriting the Galaxy design identity. It has a 9.7-inch Super AMOLED display providing 2048×1536 screen resolution, 13 megapixel camera in the bank with a 5 megapixel one on the front, 32GB of storage with an expandable microSD port of up to 256BB, 4GB of RAM, and a 6,000 mAH battery that can be rapidly charged using a supported USB cable.
While it does provide capabilities around bolstering productivity, Samsung believes the Tab S3 can provide a new level of "immersive entertainment experience." It comes with Android 7.0 Nougat pre-installed and is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor and support for the Vulkan Games API. And no matter if you're playing a racing game, watching Netflix, or listening to music, the Tab S3 has quad speakers tuned by AKG by Harman with auto-calibration to adjust the sound based on how you're holding the tablet.
Above: Samsung Galaxy Tab S3
Image Credit: Ken Yeung/VentureBeat
"This is going to be the first tablet that provides a [high-definition range]-ready screen made possible by the processor, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 and by partners that are announcing HDR streaming capabilities in 2017," Anjum stated.
Unlike the Tab S2, this new version only comes in one model that has LTE and Wi-Fi connectivity — Samsung declined to specify possible carriers. And as mentioned earlier, the Tab S3 comes equipped with a Pogo pin keyboard, a feature carried over from the Galaxy TabPro S device that launched last year.
Samsung has also included the game launcher that appeared within the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge so you can share your game play, view the scoreboard, and more. Anjum explained that this was "something that was very important to include."
Introducing the Galaxy Book
Above: The 10.6-inch and 12-inch Samsung Galaxy Book.
Image Credit: Ken Yeung/VentureBeat
As for the Samsung Galaxy Book, this device is being described as the "next generation of PC-like performance" and comes in two versions: 10.6-inches and 12-inches. Each one is different in configuration with the latter being thinner (7.4mm versus 8.9mm) because of the screen — the 12-inch features Super AMOLED (3:2 full high-definition 2160×1440, 216 pixels per inch) while the 10.6-inch has TFTLCD (1920×1280, 218 pixels per inch). Both will weigh 754 grams and come equipped with the latest Intel Kaby Lake processor to provide laptop-like performance.
Anjum described the Galaxy Book as "exceptionally thin and lightweight for easy portability. It offers enhanced usability with a versatile 2-in-1 form factor to easily switch from notebook to easel to tablet."
Other differences between the 10.6-inch and 12-inch versions include the camera — the former only has a 5 megapixel lens on the front, while the latter has that plus a 13 megapixel lens in the back. Additionally, the 10.6-inch model comes equipped with 4GB of RAM and 64GB or 128GB of storage with expandable memory up to 256GB. The 12-inch Galaxy Book has either 4GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of SSD storage, but also with an expandable memory slot.
The device comes with Windows 10 pre-installed and like the Tab S3 also uses a detachable Pogo pin keyboard that you won't have to charge separately and will be included with the Galaxy Book. However, third-party Bluetooth keyboards are compatible with the Galaxy Book.
Above: Samsung 10.6-inch Galaxy Book.
Image Credit: Ken Yeung/VentureBeat
Samsung has built in a 30.4W battery into the 10.6-inch version that will provide a 10 hour charge, while the 12-inch one contains a 39.04W battery that's estimated to last 10.5 hours. Both also support fast charging.
The processor is also different for the 10.6 and 12-inch Galaxy Books, respectively. The former uses an 8th generation Intel Core m3 2.6GHz dual core processor while the latter has a 7th generation Intel i5 dual core 3.1 GHz processor.
With respective to connectivity, Samsung revealed the 12-inch device has LTE and Wi-Fi support, but said the 10.6-inch was still to be determined.
"This is a truly distinguished device," Anjum boasted. "We're the first to introduce Super AMOLED in Windows, first to have an S Pen solution for Windows. We have the fast charge battery in here, the Kaybe Lake processor is something we're happy about. We're in a really distinguished space. That's something consumers really appreciate."
The S Pen returnsOne of the things that stood out with the Galaxy smartphones is the S Pen, a digital instrument that was once refreshed for the Note7 and has once again been reimagined, this time for both the Galaxy Tab S3 and Book. It comes in the box with each device and you will never have to charge it.
Above: Samsung's S7 pen for the Galaxy Tab S3 and Galaxy Book.
Image Credit: Ken Yeung/VentureBeat
It has a 0.7mm tip which is the same size as the one with the Note7 — approximately the size of a ballpoint pen — and is also made out of rubber. "Against the screen it feels like you're writing on paper," Anjum said. Just like on the smartphone, the company also included the pertinent S Pen features including air command, PDF annotation, a drawing tool, being able to create animated GIFs, screen off memo composing, and the ability to take screenshots. Palm rejection technology is included so it knows to prevent stray marks from sources other than the pen when touching the screen.
The form factor of the S Pen has been modified so that it doesn't roll over and includes a clip that you can attach to other things.
In another first, tilt-like recognition is possible to offer additional creative freedom to users. But tilt functionality is currently only supported through Adobe's suite of products, but additional partners could be added in the future. "This is the only pen that has tilt-like recognition for Windows," Anjum claimed. "No other accessory can make that claim."
Above: Samsung's new S Pen supports tilt functionality.
Image Credit: Ken Yeung/VentureBeat
Samsung Flow includedIn 2014, Samsung introduced its take on Apple's Continuity service it called Flow. Through it, you can transfer files and app activity between various ecosystem devices, such as the phone, TV, computer, and, of course, tablets. Both the Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 and Galaxy Book support this feature, meaning that you can auto-tether your device, receive push and phone notifications, share content, respond to native apps, text messages, and emails in a streamlined fashion.
Anjum shared that Samsung has integrated Flow with some third-party apps, including WhatsApp, Kakao, Viber, and SMS. What's more, if you receive a phone call through your Tab S3 or Galaxy Book, you'll be able to answer it through your mobile device.
As for any artificial intelligence features on these devices such as inclusion of Google Assistant or Viv technology, Samsung declined to comment.
"Our new tablet portfolio is built with premium technology that delivers a productive and versatile experience to consumers, designed for users at home, work, or on the go," remarked Samsung Electronics' president of mobile communications business DJ Koh in a statement.
Above: Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 and Galaxy Book spec sheet.
Image Credit: Screenshot
Source: Samsung introduces the Galaxy Tab S3 and Galaxy Book detachable tablets
Comments
Post a Comment