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Category: Smartphones & Gadgets

  • Samsung launches Galaxy S25 series; to be manufactured at Noida plant

    South Korean consumer electronics major Samsung, which on Wednesday launched its latest smartphone Galaxy S25 here, will also be manufactured at its Noida plant in India, said J B Park, President and CEO of Southwest Asia.

    Moreover, the Bengaluru-based R&D centre of Samsung, the biggest outside South Korea, has “contributed significantly” to developing the S25 series of Galaxy AI.

    The new flagship phone, which comes in three variants Galaxy S25 Ultra, Galaxy S25+ and Galaxy S25 — will help Samsung to strengthen its AI ecosystem in India.

    This will also help Samsung position itself in the super-premium smartphone segment, priced over USD 800 dollars, in the Indian market, where it is facing stiff competition from Apple.

    • Also read: Galaxy S25 launched: Samsung bets on Google’s AI and Qualcomm to revive sales

    The new phone has a customised Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform for Galaxy chipset, which delivers greater on-device processing power for its Galaxy AI and a superior camera range and control with Galaxy’s next-gen ProVisual, the South Korean Chaebol claimed.

    While speaking about Galaxy S25, Park said: “We will also manufacture the new Galaxy S25 series at our Noida plant in India.”

    “We are confident that Galaxy S25 will prove to be more popular than its S24 series,” he added.

    In S25, Samsung is upgrading AI features such as circle to search making it more helpful, fast and contextual.

    According to Park: “In fact, Indian consumers are the biggest users of Galaxy AI features such as circle to search and call assist.”

    Circle to search now quickly recognises phone numbers, emails and URLs on your screen, letting you call, email or visit a website with a single tap, the company claimed.

    Samsung, which starts the year with the launch of S25, expects 2025 to be a “bigger year” for the Indian smartphone industry, said Park in a media round table here.

    S25 Ultra comes with a 6.9-inch QHD+ (Quad HD+) display, and a 50MP Ultra-Wide Camera sensor, which has been upgraded from the previous 12MP.

    It has a 5,000 mAh battery and according to the Samsung Galaxy S25 series, the device uses a minimum of 50 per cent recycled cobalt for its battery.

    “Galaxy S25 will be the first Galaxy smartphone to feature batteries made with recycled cobalt sourced from previous Galaxy devices or the batteries discarded during the manufacturing process,” it said.

    Commenting on the development, Samsung Electronics President and Head of Mobile Experience Business TM Roh said: “Galaxy S25 series opens the door to an AI-integrated OS that fundamentally shifts how we use technology and how we live our lives.”

  • Interactive retail displays create stand-out customer experiences

    When shoppers enter brick-and-mortar stores, they expect their interactions to be even more fulfilling than online shopping. Interactive retail store displays provide the means to give them this engaging, personal and immersive shopping experience. New digital innovation options meet today’s shoppers’ evolving needs and inspire more purchases by reaching them at the right moment with the right message.

    It also taps strong consumer preferences for a human, in-person experience at retailers, even with the increasing integration of artificial intelligence. This is backed up by data from PwC that shows 46% of consumers value seeing and touching products, and 40% enjoy the instant gratification of an in-store purchase. Remarkably, the affinity grows with Gen Z, 60% of whom use stores for discovery and 56% for purchases.

    Seamlessness across all channels is another expectation that digital displays, kiosks and other technologies can help deliver. As a result, retailers who leverage them effectively can meet customers where they are with a multi-sensory, immersive shopping experience that feels both personal and easy. Here’s how.

    Seamless, immersive, interactive shopping experiences

    Brick-and-mortar stores remain vital for retail, but shoppers still want in-person shopping to be more like it is online: seamless, immersive and interactive. All three can be achieved when retailers leverage digital solutions, such as displays and kiosks, and those that do see significant benefits.

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    A great example is Good American, a size-inclusive and diverse fashion brand co-founded by Khloé Kardashian. Two Samsung LED Displays welcome customers in the entryway of the retail store location in Century City, Los Angeles, while a large-format display further inside the store showcases inventory. A 98-inch vertical display of Khloé offers a bit of spectacle and fun that works well on social media.

    The social media element is powerful, too. It encourages customers to interact with the display and share the experience with a potential pool of new customers. If a person has a lot of followers, the impact can be even greater on the bottom line. According to the 2024 Influencer Marketing Report by Sprout Social, 49% of all consumers are inspired by influencer posts to make daily, weekly or monthly purchases. As such, businesses that create dynamic, immersive experiences that appeal to social media may reap significant rewards.

    With an intuitive, all-in-one payment and ordering system, self-service kiosks can also make the shopper journey more seamless. Creating an “endless aisle,” retail devices like Samsung Windows All-In-One Kiosk allow customers to order products that aren’t currently on the shelf, and the same kiosk can be used for quick self-checkout and more.

    Curating customer journeys

    When it comes to customer journeys, personalization has become the credo, and retailers have every reason to recognize and act on that. In fact, according to a report by Deloitte, nearly 75% of consumers are not only more likely to buy products from brands that deliver personalization, but they’ll also spend 37% more. The same report showed tremendous gains for personalization leaders in revenue goals, customer loyalty and purchase frequency.

    Retail stores can implement interactive displays such as Samsung Interactive Display to customize and curate the in-person shopper journey. Linked to Bluetooth-based location services, the displays can greet customers with a personalized message when they enter the store, as well as provide user-friendly wayfinding — even step-by-step directions to a specific section of the store and certain products. Samsung’s QB13R-TM Series provides a 13-inch display, ideal for placing screens throughout a retail environment, while Samsung QMR-T Series allows stores to showcase the excitement of their brands on 32-inch, 43-inch or 55-inch displays.

    This becomes all the more effective with a robust content management system (CMS) like Samsung VXT. Not only does it provide the tools, templates and graphics to create dynamic content for displays, but also a streamlined, centralized management system to deliver the right message at the right time to the right people.

    Tech drives tangible experiences

    Customers who shop in-store rather than online seek enjoyment and convenience. Stores that use interactive retail displays, self-service kiosks, sensor technology and social media integrations can better engage with their customers. Guiding them through the store and informing them about the products they’re interested in, these display solutions allow brick-and-mortar stores to create a more fulfilling, memorable, and immersive retail experience that is as seamless as today’s consumers expect — online and in-person.

    Find everything you need to know about choosing your store’s LED displays for optimal viewing indoors and out in this free guide. Also learn more about how personalized journeys are changing the in-store retail experience.

  • Using built-in tools on the Samsung WAD Interactive Display

    Interactive displays make teaching and collaborating easy and fun. Whether you want to emphasize something, show a process, or lead a brainstorming session, Samsung WAD Interactive Display takes it to the next level. That’s thanks to a number of built-in tools that foster teamwork, creativity, and organization. Here’s how to make the most of these powerful tools in your EDLA-certified display to turn your classroom into a dynamic digital learning environment.

    Access writing tools

    Samsung WAD writing tools are user-friendly and intuitive. To access, tap the arrow icon near the bottom of the display. This brings up the writing toolbar, where you’ll see all the options. You can change your pen colors and use the highlighter tool to help students focus on the lesson’s most important details. If you make a mistake, no problem. You can erase the markup naturally with a swipe of your hand.

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    Keep students on track

    Progress often comes when everyone rows together at the same speed. Samsung WAD comes with a built-in timer and stopwatch to help manage student work. This might be used for time-sensitive experiments, setting a time limit on an activity, or creating an education relay. Simply tap the hourglass icon in the toolbar, enter the desired time limit, and press start. Or tap the watch icon for the stopwatch and press start.

    Elicit student input

    If you’re planning an interactive lesson, use the online tutoring app AirClass to display feedback, student responses and class polling results in real time. This helps you gauge whether students grasp the material and lets you adjust your lesson accordingly. Whether you’re quizzing students on new material or gathering their opinions, AirClass helps you determine what students are learning and where you may need to refocus your efforts.

    Spotlight details and information

    Another great feature is the spotlight tool. It lets you focus students’ attention on specific details within a larger illustration or diagram. This can help you explain complex ideas or guide students through a detailed analysis. Simply tap the icon in the toolbar and move the circle of light to the part of the screen where you want to put the spotlight. To return to the full image, tap the X icon.

    Read the definitive guide on interactive displays

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    Record for future student reference

    Any lessons presented on a Samsung WAD display can be saved for future use by teachers and students, thanks to the onboard recording tool. Use it to capture a lesson and save it for later use. If a student is absent, you’re running a flipped classroom or you want to save a student presentation to watch later, this tool is invaluable. To start, tap the record icon on the toolbar and then the red button in the center of the screen when ready to start. When you’re done, press the stop icon and save the file directly to the display, a thumb drive, or a cloud account.

    Empowering teachers and students

    Samsung WAD Interactive Display offers versatile, embedded tools designed to empower teachers. Whether you’re writing or annotating on the display, setting a timer, sharing a screen or recording a lesson, Samsung WAD gives you the tools to streamline your workflow and engage with your students creatively.

    Learn more about how an EDLA-certified interactive panel can transform the classroom. Watch this video to find out more about how Samsung WAD Interactive Display can enhance any lesson.

  • Investing in efficient retail operations with digital solutions

    To improve retail operations without increasing the workload for staff, many retailers are looking to technology tools like digital signage, self-service kiosks and interactive displays. With strategically placed digital displays, for example, retail operators can engage with consumers in new ways about products, educate them on the features and even provide self-checkout. This frees associates to take care of the more complicated tasks, like stocking inventory, organizing the store or assisting customers with more in-depth support.

    This is especially critical during the ongoing labor shortage, especially as the retail industry sees higher turnover rates than others. Smart retail technology and integrated IT solutions allow retailers to meet changing consumer expectations and level up operations. These solutions can upgrade the in-store shopping experience — making it more convenient and profitable.

    Let technology do the selling

    According to Capital One, shoppers still spend far more — around 85% of the total retail revenue — in brick-and-mortar stores than online websites. In fact, the numbers show that 45% of consumers shop primarily in person, and 72% do so every week. Retail technology offers a critical way to tap these preferences and profit more from them.

    How digitizing retail experiences boosts ROI

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    Self-service kiosks, tablets and LED displays don’t just serve these customers more efficiently, they provide them new ways to interact with products. Saatva, an online mattress retailer, uses two-sided displays to greet customers with customized messages as they enter the store. Next to each mattress, an interactive display educates guests about specific features and production processes.

    Batteries Plus, meanwhile, uses Samsung 4K UHD LED Displays behind their checkout area, where they act as “silent salespeople,” offering customers timely, location-specific messaging, such as promotions for relevant products triggered by real-time weather alerts. Besides freeing up associates for other more involved tasks, these screens act as a conversation starter for salespeople to talk to customers.

    Maintain inventory and streamline retail operations

    In today’s omnichannel shopping environment — where orders come from inside the store and online, as well as native apps and third-party shopping sites — retailers must maintain accurate inventory management. Digital displays can be used in both the front and back of the house to keep track of inventory, locate items or update out-of-stock SKUs, ensuring retailers always have the most up-to-date and accurate information as they assist customers.

    Samsung Kiosk, for example, can be programmed to mark out-of-stock items as unavailable and allow customers at self-checkout to order the product for home delivery. Samsung rugged tablets equipped with barcode scanning technology provide convenient handheld units for workers to take inventory and manage restocking. If a particular store is out of an item, associates can use their handheld devices to help shoppers locate the item at another nearby location. With the help of cloud-based software, such as Samsung VXT content management system (CMS), inventory is always up to date, as the store’s ordering system can connect to its vendor databases.

    Mitigate risks with IT experts

    Most retailers know they need to take advantage of digital technology but do not know where to start. Factor in staff shortages, and operators must get even more creative about maintaining efficient workflows, including the IT department that monitors their tech stack. The Samsung software integrated into the display can help manage IT by supporting and enabling custom content scheduling — all protected by Samsung Knox, a defense-grade mobile security platform. That’s a boon for smaller businesses and brands that may not have the budget for these.

    Samsung VXT CMS also extends a lifeline for time-strapped marketing managers and small teams without a dedicated IT department, as it routinely performs health checks on the equipment and software, alerting retailers to real-time issues.

    Innovating to retail productivity and success

    While online shopping is here to stay, brick-and-mortar retailers are leading the way when it comes to innovative, omnichannel strategies. Digital displays backed by a cloud-based CMS let retailers deliver customized content and self-service kiosks, even with limited staff and budget resources — and especially then.

    See how retail brands like Good American seamlessly bridge online and in-person commerce with Samsung displays and VXT software in this case study. Also learn more about how digital signage drives retail traffic and sales.

  • How to use Interpreter on the Galaxy Z Fold6 with Galaxy Buds3 Pro

    Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 makes a great travel companion, pairing super-intuitive AI features with cutting-edge hardware. Thanks to one of Samsung’s latest Galaxy AI* features, Interpreter, you can now communicate with colleagues worldwide — no matter their language. Let’s see how it works.

    First, set up Interpreter and download the language pack(s)

    Before getting started, make sure Interpreter is ready to go. To set it up:

    1. Swipe down from the top of your Galaxy Z Fold6 screen.
    2. Swipe down again.
    3. Then swipe left and locate [the ‘Interpreter’ icon].
    4. Launch Interpreter by tapping the icon.
    5. Next, tap [the ‘Three lines’ icon] to open Settings.
    6. Tap [the ‘Gear’ icon] to download Language packs.

    First, download your own language pack — “English [United States],” for example — and then the language in which you’ll be interacting — “Spanish [Spain]” or “French [France],” for example. Once these are downloaded, you’re ready to go.

    Real-time chat using Conversation mode

    Conversation mode makes speaking with locals as easy as saying, “Hola!” or “Bonjour!” Here’s how:

    1. Tap [the ‘Three lines’ icon], and select “Conversation” mode.
    2. For a dual-screen experience, tap “FlexMode.”
    3. Tap [the ‘Microphone’ icon] and speak your message — in English, for example.
    4. Interpreter then displays your original text in English and provides the translation onscreen.
    5. It also reads the translation aloud.

    When another person responds, Interpreter listens, records and instantly translates the speaker’s words visually and audibly.

    Conversation mode makes finding your way around new places and making new friends easy.

    Translate a presenter in Listening mode

    If you plan to enjoy a tour or presentation, Listening mode makes sure you never miss a word:

    1. Tap [the ‘Three lines’ icon] and select “Listening” mode.
    2. Select the speaker’s language.
    3. To start translating, tap [the ‘Microphone’ icon].
    4. Interpreter listens to the presenter and translates the speech in real time. Want to hear it without disturbing others around you? Just pop in your Galaxy Buds3 Pro, and you’ll be listening to your own personal AI translator.

    Take your Galaxy AI travel companions everywhere you go

    With Interpreter and Galaxy Buds3 Pro on the Galaxy Z Fold6, chatting with locals and enjoying guided tours while bridging the language barrier is a breeze. Whether traveling through a busy city or meandering around a quaint village, Galaxy AI ensures you’re never left without words.

    Ready to connect with others effortlessly in almost any language? Use Interpreter with Galaxy AI to chat, listen and translate — like a local.

    Learn more about how mobile AI is unfolding before our eyes. And sign up for a Samsung Business Account to get exclusive offers, including volume pricing discounts, on Galaxy Z Fold6 today.

    *Galaxy AI features by Samsung will be provided for free until the end of 2025 on supported Samsung Galaxy devices.

  • Jumpstart your 2025 New Year’s resolutions by taking full advantage of your workplace wellness benefits 

    As we kick off the new year, many of us start to think about our personal goals for 2025. Whether making New Year’s resolutions or just taking stock of progress on a personal journey, efforts to improve physical and mental well-being are frequently a top priority. Common wellness resolutions include plans to work out or meditate in the mornings, walk 10,000 steps daily, create a new sleep routine or train for a 5K on the weekends.

    Work-related challenges are barriers to personal well-being

    However, if you struggle to balance your personal goals with your workplace responsibilities, you are not alone. According to Deloitte, most employees (83%) and executives (74%) say they’re facing work-related obstacles when it comes to achieving their well-being goals. They cite a heavy workload or stressful job (30%) and limited time due to long work hours (27%) as the top two challenges. Considering that many of us spend nearly a quarter of our week at work, it is not surprising that our workday experience has a big impact on our personal wellness journey. For those working even longer hours like many banking and insurance employees, the time crunch can be even more significant.

    Most of us are not taking full advantage of workplace wellness benefits

    Companies are realizing this too. Investments in employee wellness programs have grown over the past decade. In industries like financial services, where some of the workforce challenges are well documented and employee retention is a key priority, there is likely support for your personal wellness journey included in your benefits package. However, research also shows that many of us are not fully taking advantage of these offerings. According to Gartner, Inc., although 80% of employees have access to fitness well-being offerings, only 32% use them.

    Workplace wellness tips for the new year

    This year can be different. As you think about your resolutions for 2025, review your workplace benefits and see if they can help you reach your goals. Maximizing wellness support through work and extending healthy habits into the workday are great ways to enhance your health journey.

    Here are some quick workplace wellness tips to consider as we head into a new year:

    • Set personal wellness goals: Think about personal health and wellness goals and identify habits that can support them both at home and at work. For example, if getting more physical movement into your day is important but your position requires long hours in front of a computer or on the road driving to client sites, perhaps there is a way to spend part of your day at a standing desk or to take a short walk break during lunch.
    • Leverage available resources: Review workplace benefits and see where they might align with wellness goals and associated habits. Many banking and insurance companies are creating more holistic wellness programs that include everything from fitness stipends to free counseling services and flexible work options. As organizations work to expand their portfolio or wellness benefits to help employees manage the stress that can accompany the often demanding financial services environment, there will likely be something for everyone.
    • Track your progress: For many of us, it can be highly motivating to see our progress against goals and celebrate big and small achievements throughout our journey. Wearables  can help you track and identify trends in the habits you identify as important. In fact, according to Deloitte’s Connected Consumer Survey, 69% percent of those who own smartwatches and fitness trackers say the devices improve their fitness, and 64% say they improve their health. Check to see if your company provides a fitness reimbursement to purchase  new technology, such as a smart watch or fitness ring, or replace an outdated one.
    • Participate actively: Consistency is essential. Regular participation maximizes benefits, whether attending workshops, participating in team fitness challenges or taking advantage of counseling services. Connecting with those who face the same workplace rigors is a great way to uncover new ways to balance your personal wellness goals with the realities of the workday. For example, team step challenges can bring together remote claims adjuster teams through motivating group chats and a virtual monthly awards celebration.
    • Integrate wellness into daily work routine: Within company policies, build in short daily wellness breaks to walk, stretch or meditate throughout the day. For instance, use your wearable device or mobile phone to set reminders to take a short stroll around the office or practice a few minutes of mindfulness.

    Whatever your goals are for 2025, don’t leave your workplace benefits on the table. By being proactive, consistent and engaged in the programs your company offers, you can maximize the value of your employee wellness program to make your New Year’s resolutions a reality and improve your well-being in the bank branch, on the road and at home.

    To learn more about Samsung wellness solutions, start here.

  • Experiential retail: What is it, and how is it changing the shopping experience?

    Retail isn’t solely transactional – it’s experiential, too.

    As sellers have embraced the experiential retail concept by offering hands-on, engaging moments, you’ll likely have experienced workshops, displays, events, entertainers, interactive kiosks and more on sales floors and in dining establishments. Why? These unique experiences can’t be replicated online, encouraging consumers to shop in person.

    A retail report predicts 2025 is the year retailers will prioritize experiential moments in their stores. A poll of 15,700 customers across 10 countries shows that 59% of consumers expect more than half of the retail stores they visit to provide enhanced shopping experiences. And they’re willing to pay for it, too. The majority (81%) of those surveyed will shell out extra cash at stores offering games and other creative activities.

    Gamify your brick-and-mortar retail space

    Retailers can implement gaming elements — including the option to win prizes, earn points, engage with others and more — to boost customer loyalty, shopping enjoyment and revenue, according to MarketScale.

    How digitizing retail experiences boosts ROI

    Explore customer behavior with and the operational benefits of a complete digital retail ecosystem.
    Download Now

    Gamification might be a rewards program that accrues cash-back rewards or points redeemable for merchandise and services. Some retailers may implement a prize wheel to spin or scratch-off tickets as a creative way to offer a percentage off your purchase rather than advertising a store-wide sale.

    Buona Beef, a restaurant chain in Chicago, updated its food ordering experience to offer convenience to its in-store customer base. By implementing touchscreen Samsung Kiosks in restaurants, hungry patrons can order and purchase food, access reward options and accumulate points in their My Buona Rewards loyalty program. This all-in-one solution not only informs customers quickly of their rewards status, which can help motivate upsells, but it also expedites the ordering process. Win-win!

    Personalize the in-store shopping retail experience

    Elevate your consumer experience by speaking directly to the shopper, thanks to data analytics and creative software.

    For example, when you scan a loyalty card or pull up a customer’s in-house charge account, you likely see their name on the POS screen. Use it. Thanking the customer by name for their transaction can make the moment more personal and memorable.

    Consider tailoring in-store displays to your target audience. Panico Salon in Ridgewood, New Jersey, personalizes its high-end customer journey with 40 large format displays (LFDs), including QBR Series and QB13R-TM Series UHD LED displays, to create awareness for its products and services. At each stylist’s station, an LED display showcases before and after photos of happy patrons, making the pampering session even more exciting and memorable.

    Or, personalize your clothing, cosmetics, eyeglasses (and more!) sales floor with a Samsung VXT visual merchandising display. Customers can approach them at leisure and use the touchscreen interface to select products that match their style and needs, virtually try them on, and even customize products to their liking before placing an order.

    Sensitize your sales floor and public spaces

    Tantalize consumers by appealing to their core senses through sound, scent, sight, touch and taste. Experiential retailers are implementing the following:

    • Ambient music creates a calm environment, encouraging lingering and longer shopping experiences.
    • Voiceovers can educate consumers about sales, new product offerings and loyalty programs.
    • Aromatherapy influences mood, such as relaxation in a spa or focus in a car dealership.
    • Touchable samples, including fabric swatches in a furniture store or dress shop, allow customers to physically experience the materials.
    • Food samples in a grocery store or deli-style eatery entice customers to try new products or encourage immediate purchases.

    When it comes to appealing to the senses of sight and sound, interactive displays can show consumers how they will look or feel by using the retailer’s products. This storytelling approach builds a deeper connection to the brand while informing the consumer in a new way.

    Clothing retailer Good American offers inclusive fashion for women wearing sizes 00 to 32. In the store’s Los Angeles location, a 55-inch large format Samsung Interactive Display showcases the company’s top-selling denim collection. Users can easily tap and scroll to effortlessly view the various fits and styles.

    Offer your customers memorable retail experiences

    Shoppers want more than racks and shelves to browse. Help them become part of your business and mission through interactive moments, fun rewards programs, educational displays, sensory experiences and interactions with friendly salespeople.

    Learn more about Samsung’s digital display options, including custom video walls, LED signage, interactive educational displays, and digital menu boards, and how they can enhance the brick-and-mortar shopping experience for your clientele.

  • How banks can help customers achieve financial wellness in the new year

    Each New Year, prioritizing one’s health ranks among the most popular resolutions. As we enter 2025, many are expanding their focus beyond physical fitness. This year, boosting financial fitness is becoming equally as important, with more people aiming to improve their financial well-being alongside their health goals.

    Financial wellness, or the journey to achieve good financial health, has become a trending topic in banking. That’s because more people say finances are the biggest stressor in their lives, negatively impacting their sleep, personal relationships, and mental and physical health, according to a PwC Employee Financial Wellness Survey.

    Consumers need more support to tackle their financial stress. Banks can provide this support through a range of products and services that build financial literacy and put their customers on the path to improved financial wellness in the New Year.

    Why financial wellness matters now more than ever

    Achieving financial wellness feels elusive for many people today for several reasons.

    Bank of America research indicates about 50% of consumers have used a credit card to cover an emergency expense they otherwise couldn’t afford, while 3 in 5 consumers have less than $10,000 in liquid savings.

    Current generations also may be falling behind. Gen Z, the oldest of whom are in their late 20s, focuses more on paying for current experiences than saving for the future. Today, only half of all children will earn more than their parents did. In 1940, 90% of children surpassed the economic success of their parents.

    These trends indicate people may require more help throughout their financial journey. Consumers need trusted sources who empower them with knowledge to make more informed financial decisions. Many people’s financial journey often starts when they open a bank account or get their first debit card, so banks are well-positioned to offer guidance that improves their financial well-being.

    Prioritizing customers’ financial wellness also benefits banks. Offering tools that address financial well-being can help build loyalty, reduce churn and boost lifetime value. Customers will be more likely to entrust the same bank to meet their future financial needs, such as getting a home or business loan or opening a college savings plan.

    By providing tailored financial solutions, banks can reduce barriers to financial wellness for their customers today and generate long-term value that pays dividends for their business in the coming years.

    Empowering customers with better financial wellness tools

    Banks can offer a range of financial tools that address customers’ financial stress, including:

    Digital tools

    Mobile technology has become deeply embedded in daily life across all generations. Banks can provide integrated tools in their mobile banking apps that deliver personalized budgeting and investment advice based on a customer’s transaction history, profile and long-term financial goals. These digital tools can incorporate real-time insights and built-in tracking mechanisms that help customers chart their progress and make informed financial decisions that move them closer to achieving financial wellness. 

    For younger generations, mobile platforms can provide learning resources and gamified savings programs, while older generations can benefit from user-friendly apps that help simplify banking, bill payments and investment or expense tracking. This accessibility helps bridge gaps in financial literacy, offering tailored solutions for individuals at every stage of life.

    Financial literacy programs

    Mobile technology has revolutionized financial literacy programs by making them more accessible and interactive. Through apps, online courses and digital tools, individuals can learn about budgeting, saving, investing and managing debt at their own pace, anytime and anywhere. Banks can use these digital tools to help consumers navigate challenging financial situations by offering on-demand webinars, newsletters and personalized emails. They can also partner with accredited organizations to offer financial counseling sessions.

    These resources can help customers learn about different financial topics, such as understanding their credit score, managing debt, or the difference between an individual retirement account (IRA) and 401(k). Banks can also offer education on savings plans such as tiered matching programs, where the percentage of matched contributions increases as customers save more consistently, or automated roundups that help customers save with little effort and gradually build their emergency fund or savings account for a future purchase, such as buying their first home. 

    The path to better financial health

    Achieving financial wellness is both a journey and a destination. Many people struggle because they don’t have the right tools, resources or guidance to navigate this journey effectively. However, banks can step in to help fill this gap and provide financial education, digital tools, relevant products and services, and meaningful insights to help consumers attain financial peace that contributes to a healthier mind, body and spirit.

    Learn more about the financial services industry and how Samsung solutions can help transform your business. Sign up for our newsletter, INSIGHTS: Banking, a monthly update from Samsung on banking and insurance trends and technology’s role in the financial services industry.

  • Frontgate brings visual designs to life with Samsung Interactive Displays

    Known for its handcrafted furniture, charming outdoor décor, and seasonal items, Frontgate was on a mission to expand its offerings while reducing the footprint of its retail spaces. Reimagining its brick-and-mortar stores involved choosing cutting-edge technology to help in-house designers work seamlessly with customers, curate the perfect combination of colors, fabrics, furniture, and décor, and ultimately show how each element will come together in the customer’s home.

    The idea behind the redesign was to operate more cost-efficiently while maximizing communications between guests and the brand. “We asked how we can be more mobile, connect with guests better, and make it easier to communicate,” said Nathan Myers, director of retail operations at Cornerstone Brands Inc., the holding company that supports Frontgate. A move toward mobile technology was one of the primary goals, including mobile point-of-sale (mPOS) devices and tablets that can easily cast to a larger screen. The test cases yielded helpful insights as the brand replaced a few larger stores with smaller footprints. “We’ve learned that you don’t need to have every item in store, as long as you can show customers everything in a compelling way — such as in a 3D walkthrough.”

    In the previous Frontgate Dallas location, designers worked with customers at desks in a large, open area of the warehouse-style store. “The customers would have to look over the designer’s shoulder to see the monitor,” recalled Jason Roso, general manager at the Dallas location. “It wasn’t always easy to help customers visualize designs and keep them engaged.”

    The design studio also often got lost in the expansive layout of the old store. Because they couldn’t see examples of designs without making an appointment and sitting down with a designer, customers were more likely to shop for products independently — without becoming aware of Frontgate’s free design services. Brand leaders began to brainstorm a new approach that would meet client expectations and help them feel more engaged and connected to the products they were seeking.

  • SMB owner of RE/MAX Metro bolsters curb appeal and client connection with Samsung displays and Smartify

    RE/MAX Metro, a prominent real estate firm owned by a small business owner and located in the bustling heart of downtown St. Petersburg, Florida, is ideally situated to capture the attention of foot traffic. The team sought to maximize the benefits of the single-owned franchise’s prime location and wanted a dynamic way to attract prospective home buyers, sellers and real estate agents. They knew digital signage was the answer.

    A St. Petersburg ordinance restricted businesses from placing signs on the sidewalk, so the RE/MAX Metro team used window displays for advertising, engaging the community and sharing critical information. However, the displays they installed were outdated and failed to live up to their expectations and the quality of the brand.

    “They always seemed to fall short,” said Marcus Martin, President Of Brokerage Services at RE/MAX Metro. “They were never really in line with the functionality and vision that we had for having displays in the first place.” For example, the displays only advertised on one side, missing a crucial opportunity to speak to people both inside and outside the office. RE/MAX Metro also struggled to update the screen’s content, finding it more time-consuming than expected.

    These limitations left RE/MAX Metro concerned about the displays’ impact on passersby and potential clients. “Presenting a strong first impression is important to us,” emphasized Martin. “It’s one of the ways we can distinguish ourselves.”

    RE/MAX Metro was also navigating a workplace transformation. With a team of 125 agents working in a hybrid environment, the organization wanted to maintain a strong sense of culture despite a reduced physical presence in the office. It sought an effective way to communicate important information, recognize achievements and celebrate milestones, such as realtors’ birthdays.

    With its office space becoming more fluid, RE/MAX Metro needed an equally flexible solution. Utilizing its office space as a workplace, training center, event space and client meeting hub, its signage had to be updated quickly to reflect different use cases and audiences.

    “It’s important for businesses to invest in digital technology, not only because it modernizes and sets the tone for the office, but it’s also very easy to create content and upload it and ensure that it’s personalized for your business and your clients’ needs,” explained Sara Grofcsik, executive director of U.S. sales at Samsung Electronics America.

    The agency understood that its displays reflect its brand. “We want to be on the cutting edge of technology because it sets the tone for our organization,” shared Martin. He knew it was time to update to premium, high-grade displays, but they can be expensive and the cost was prohibitive.