NewsBizkoot.com

Category: Smartphones & Gadgets

  • How to use Circle to Search with Google on Galaxy Z Fold6

    icon of a clockBy:

    Ever find yourself needing more information about a product or service or reading a sign in an unfamiliar language? Circle to Search with Google makes getting the information you need much simpler.

    Circle to Search with Google, featured on Samsung’s latest Galaxy AI* mobile devices, is a unique, user-friendly way to search the internet quickly and easily. Look up something while viewing social media, learn more about a picture or video, or browse web content. Now, you don’t even need to type it into your device. Instead, use your finger. Simply press and hold the home button, circle or highlight the object — image or text — then tap it to launch a search. Circle to Search with Google is a faster, smarter way to explore. Here’s how to use it.

    Find the location behind stunning photos and videos

    Did you spot an incredible location in someone else’s picture or video? Now, you can use Circle to Search with Google to find its real-world counterpart. Using your Galaxy Z Fold6:

    1. Save the image, then open it on-screen.
    2. Long press on the screen to freeze the image.
    3. Use your finger to circle the object.
    4. Tap “Find it” to pull up search results showing possible locations.
    5. Swipe up on the preview to browse location options until you find a match.
    6. Tap a result to learn more or add it to a map.

    Shop special offers

    Find out about offers on the latest Samsung technology.


    see deals

    Speak to a solutions expert

    Get expert advice from a solutions consultant.


    Talk to an expert

    Use the camera to explore in real time

    Circle to Search with Google makes a great travel companion and navigator. If you’re out on a job and curious to learn more about a place, try this:

    1. Open your Galaxy Z Fold6 camera and frame the scene.
    2. Long press to capture it.
    3. Circle the area or place with your finger.
    4. Tap “Find it” to generate options.
    5. Swipe up on the preview to scroll through the results.
    6. Tap on one to see more information.

    Interpret another language

    Traveling for work is always an adventure. But what if you’re having trouble understanding a sign, label or menu written in the local tongue? Circle to Search with Google makes translating text a breeze, helping you convert written content into familiar terms. Here’s how:

    1. Focus your Galaxy Z Fold6 camera on the text you wish to translate.
    2. Long press to capture the image.
    3. Tap “Interpreter” [‘Interpret’ button icon].
    4. Using your finger, circle the text you’d like to understand.
    5. Tap “Find it” to bring up results in your preferred language.
    6. Swipe up on the preview and scroll.
    7. Click on a match to learn more.

    What’s the best phone for your business?

    Discover the smartphone most tailored to your business needs.
    Download Now

    A convenient new way to explore, right at your fingertips

    Galaxy Z Fold6 lets you broaden your search capabilities as wide as your business needs to go. Whether you’re navigating your surroundings, trying to translate a foreign language, or just browsing for something online, Circle to Search with Google has you covered.

    Wherever you are, whatever you see — just circle, search and find it!

    Learn more about how mobile AI is unfolding before our eyes. 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.

  • 4 ways SSDs can reduce enterprise costs

    icon of a clockBy:

    For modern organizations, storage isn’t just an investment, it’s a business driver, supporting critical capabilities that create and use more data than ever. However, today’s enterprise SSDs can not only capture and serve up mountains of data at higher speeds than ever, they can also deliver tremendous ROI, lowering costs while improving business outcomes.

    Here are 4 key ways SSDs can drive enterprise costs down while giving your organization a boost across multiple workflows.

    1. Enhanced performance

    The leap from HDDs to SSDs brought exponentially greater speeds, with SSDs performing up to 35 times faster than older, spinning disk technology. Today’s PCIe 4.0 drives leave even yesterday’s top performers in the dust. Each generation of the PCIe standard doubles the throughput, so PCIe 4.0 NVMe drives, like the Samsung PM9A3, can hit random write speeds of up to 200,000 IOPS and random read speeds of up to 1,100,000 IOPS.

    Faster performance by the SSDs in your server rooms and data centers means that systems become more responsive: application load times shrink while data access is quicker than ever. These outcomes can limit costs by increasing efficiency, minimizing delays, and potentially eliminating the need to add more servers and other infrastructure.

    2. Reduced energy needs

    SSDs draw significantly less power than HDDs. The mechanical nature of HDDs, with their spinning platters and moving arms, requires more energy to operate and creates more heat to control. This delivers multiple benefits. Lower power requirements from SSDs mean a smaller electricity bill. Also, cooling requirements can be greatly reduced, saving on additional power needs and costs.

    This is why Samsung’s data center SSDs are designed for exceptional power efficiency and lower heat generation. The PM9A3 (U.2 form factor) with 960 GB to 7.68 TB capacity draws up to 11 watts for active reads, up to 13.5 watts for active writes and up to 3.5 watts at idle. For data centers and server rooms using SATA drives, Samsung’s 2.5-inch PM893 with 7.68 TB capacity uses just 2.1 watts for active reads, 3.2 watts for active writes and 1.5 watts at idle. No matter which interface you require, Samsung SSDs can help reduce power consumption and heat, with the potential for significant savings.

    3. Optimized space usage

    Rising real estate and construction costs mean space is always at a premium. Using higher capacity SSDs in a variety of form factors enables enterprises to maximize the rack density. Thanks to innovations such as vertical NAND (V-NAND), introduced commercially by Samsung in 2014, more storage can fit in less space while keeping power consumption low. V-NAND density has increased dramatically since that first generation, growing from its original 32 layers of flash memory chips to 176 layers today1 — 5.5 times the density, with greater reliability than older NAND memory.

    This means you can potentially fit an additional server per rack, since both the space and power requirements won’t exceed the rack’s limits. On a macro scale, this also reduces the need to grow your facility’s footprint while keeping overall power and cooling needs under control.

    4. Minimize downtime and maintenance costs

    SSDs are much more reliable than spinning platter HDDs, so they can reduce downtime costs while helping keep employees more productive. Also, since SSDs have zero moving parts, they require less maintenance, which saves significant time for IT staff.

    Some SSDs are even designed to ensure greater dependability and resilience. The PM9A3 enterprise SSD has reliability features built in, including enterprise power loss protection, which prevents data loss in case of unexpected power outages or shutdowns. This can not only get your data center back up faster after a power-related incident, but your organization can also protect against the long-term economic impact of lost or corrupted data.

    As organizations ramp up new, data-intensive capabilities, from analyzing massive amounts of customer and supplier data to adding AI-powered tools into critical workflows, faster, more efficient storage with higher capacities is crucial to productivity and efficiency. Samsung SSDs are built to deliver the power modern businesses demand while helping to deliver a lower total cost of ownership (TCO) — enabling enterprises to scale, adapt and respond to new challenges and opportunities more effectively than ever before.

    Discover more about Samsung’s full range of high-performance, cost-effective SSDs for your enterprise. 

      1In the Samsung 990 PRO SSD

  • The privacy-personalization paradox: How financial services companies can use data responsibly to improve customer experiences

    icon of a clockBy:

    Growing digitization across the financial services sector has led to a proliferation of data that can be used to personalize customer experiences. In the banking sector alone, Statista forecasts the number of U.S. digital banking users will reach 216.8 million by 2025.

    This is highly useful for financial services companies, as more and more customers are demanding tailored experiences across omnichannel touchpoints. Over half (54%) of U.S. consumers want personalization from their financial services provider, and the same survey found that 48% would give their financial services provider access to more data if they knew it would result in a better customer experience.

    However, while data can help provide visibility into how consumers are interacting with financial services, it can also increase risk if not secured properly. Companies need a comprehensive data security solution that allows them to leverage insights with confidence while still protecting customer privacy and complying with federal and industry regulations.

    Key challenges impacting data security for financial services today

    According to Imperva, financial services accounted for 28% of all cyber attacks in 2023 — making it the most targeted sector by cyber criminals. This is largely due to the valuable consumer and financial data these companies hold.

    Cyber attacks can be costly, both from a financial and productivity perspective. The average data breach costs $4.88 million, and 70% of organizations report significant or very significant disruption to business operations due to a breach. Organizations also have to consider the impact that a data breach can have on their reputation.

    An Ernst & Young survey found that confidence in how a financial organization protects customer data is the leading driver of financial trust — even above the quality of an organization’s products and services. The same survey found that 37% of consumers consider a FinTech firm their most trusted financial brand, compared to 33% of consumers who name banks and 12% who name wealth management firms.

    In response to the rise in high-profile attacks, government and other regulatory entities have increased compliance pressure on the financial services sector. For example, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently announced amendments to Regulation S-P that tighten the rules around data breach disclosures. Under these new amendments, financial institutions must establish a written incident response program that includes measures to detect, respond to and recover from the unauthorized access or use of customer information. If a breach occurs, companies must notify the affected parties within 30 days.

    If organizations are to continue leveraging insights to deliver more personalized customer experiences, they need a better way to secure data wherever it lives.

    Protect customer data at the device level with deep data insights

    One area of data security for financial services companies to consider is at the device level. Financial institutions are increasingly providing employees with mobile devices to attract and retain top talent. Known as a choose-your-own-device (CYOD) program, this model also frees employees to interact with customers from anywhere—whether in the field as an insurance claims adjuster or on the floor of a branch bank.

    However, employee devices like smartphones and tablets represent a significant risk area for financial services companies if not properly secured. More than half (54%) of organizations have experienced a data breach due to unauthorized access to enterprise-owned mobile devices. To combat this risk, internal security teams must go beyond mobile device management (MDM) to understand how employee devices—as well as the applications and data that live on those devices—are being used.

    By layering tools for device operational data collection and analysis on top of their existing device or endpoint management solutions, financial institutions can uncover valuable insights for improving the management, productivity and lifecycle of employee devices. For example, security teams can track vulnerabilities across different device models in the fleet to understand which devices are at risk and which are protected by security patches. Teams can also gain visibility into whether a device has ever installed unauthorized software; view activity logs to monitor user behavior; set up email alerts that are triggered when a device meets certain conditions set by IT; and track the last-known locations of devices in the event they are lost or become inactive while in the field.

    Ultimately, financial services organizations must align with growing customer demand for personalized digital services. Combining robust device management with a comprehensive business intelligence solution delivers multilayered protection for critical customer and financial data while also enabling employees to meet customers wherever they are.

    To learn more about how Samsung can help enhance customer and employee experiences with secure mobile devices, visit our financial services solutions page.

  • How self-service technology is reinventing customer service

    icon of a clockBy:

    Today, self-service is woven into the fabric of daily life for consumers, be it at the supermarket, quick-service restaurant (QSR), bank, museum or sports arena. The reasons are many, but all start with enhancing the customer experience. Self-service kiosks allow consumers to avoid long checkout lines and speed up purchases. The technology also improves order accuracy and enables personalized services.

    For businesses, the benefits of self-service kiosks include flexibility of use, larger basket sizes, cost savings and improved efficiency. That makes self-service technology an increasingly important part of digital transformation and a way to meet the growing customer demand for convenience and personalization.

    As a result, self-service solutions like Samsung Kiosk can play a key role in driving business profitability to consumer satisfaction. Here’s how.

    Consumers prefer self-service experiences

    Consumers are used to self-service experiences now — and many prefer it. In fact, 84% of Americans like using self-service kiosks, and 66% would choose kiosks over a human-run checkout, according to a 2024 survey by PlayUSA. The reasons are revealing, too. Of the 1,001 people surveyed, 71% said self-service kiosks and mobile apps offer faster checkouts than human-run checkouts, and 60% use self-service kiosks and mobile apps, so they don’t have to talk to people.

    Self-service technology improves personalization, too, further aligning with consumer trends. For example, diners at QSRs can browse and order from a self-service kiosk at their own pace without the pressure of an employee waiting for their order. Self-service kiosks at restaurants and retail stores also allow customers to access their loyalty program, so they can view and redeem rewards and earn points directly through the kiosk interface. At hotels, a self-service kiosk can greet guests in their native language, check them in, and suggest hotel amenities, such as room service, fitness centers, and poolside cabanas.

    The treasure trove of data these self-service solutions harvest can strengthen this personalization even more by targeting promotions and adjusting operations according to individual consumer preferences — increasing the success of an upsell and return on investment.

    Who can benefit from a self-service kiosk?

    One of the chief features of Samsung Kiosk is its flexibility, which allows it to be used in various industries.

    Restaurant kiosk systems

    Kiosks can solve a variety of challenges for restaurants. Not only do they address the problem of waiting in line, but they can also increase profits. Kiosks never forget to upsell or promote new menu items and limited-time offers, which can boost basket sizes. They can also tie into the menu board, making it easy to daypart and update content on the fly.

    In arenas and sports complexes, guests can order and pay from a kiosk in the food court and then walk to the restaurant stall to pick up their food. And in a company cafeteria or break room, diners can scan their food items and be on their way.

    Hospitality self-check-in

    If you’ve ever tried to check in to a busy hotel or resort, you know it can take a while — even if you’re part of the loyalty program. Kiosks allow guests to check in with ease after a long flight or drive, often when it’s most appreciated.

    Just like in restaurants, there is a huge opportunity for upsells here. If given the opportunity to check in at their leisure, guests might add spa services, breakfast, activities or room upgrades. Kiosks can also assist guests with concierge-related queries such as nearby restaurants, activities and landmarks, boosting partnerships between hotels and local businesses.

    Retail kiosks

    Self-service technology can be a lifesaver for busy retail outlets. Not only does it allow shoppers to skip long lines in favor of quickly checking themselves out, but a kiosk ups the ante on omnichannel shopping and digital-out-of-home advertising. With kiosks, customers can locate products within the store, find product pricing, compare similar models and even order products to be delivered to their homes. If a size or model requested is unavailable, kiosks can help locate a nearby store that has the item in stock.

    How digitizing retail experiences boosts ROI

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

    Kiosks can be especially useful at micro markets — unmanned retail spaces that offer grab-and-go food and convenience items. At these establishments, customers simply take what they need and pay at the kiosk. In more traditional retail settings, kiosks allow humans to do what they do best: interact with other people. Rather than replacing human workers, kiosks free up time for employees to greet shoppers, stock shelves or personally assist customers.

    EV charging stations

    As electric vehicles (EVs) become more common, EV charging stations are popping up at restaurants, retail centers, rest stops, hotels and supermarkets. Not only are they helpful for travelers, but they can also be a profit center for brands. Kiosks allow customers to fuel up quickly and easily, and the ad revenue pays for the hardware over time.

    An all-in-one self-service solution

    Samsung Kiosk is a sleek, intuitive and easy-to-install self-service solution that allows brands to get in on the self-service game immediately. The latest version by Samsung launched with Windows OS for ultimate flexibility, and it can work out of the box with many of the major point-of-sale providers. Its 24-inch touchscreen boasts a shatter-resistant film and an antimicrobial coating that helps inhibit bacterial growth, both of which keep customers — and the units — safe.

    Samsung Kiosks can be configured in standing, wall-mounted, and countertop layouts, making them well-suited to the majority of store configurations and layouts. They include a speaker, terminal, and printer and come programmed with credit card processing capabilities right out of the box, which saves on installation fees. Samsung Kiosks can also be managed remotely, allowing operators to troubleshoot and resolve issues from anywhere in the world.

    The modern customer experience

    Whether shopping in-store or online, today’s consumers want convenience, ease of use and personalization. Samsung Kiosk meets all these needs, while also addressing operational challenges and providing a modern consumer experience.

    Learn more about why self-service kiosks are a necessity for restaurants. Also, see how Samsung Kiosk raised the game for one Chicago restaurant.

  • Securing the present and future of wearables in the workplace

    icon of a clockBy:

    Smartwatches have gone from somewhat of a splurge to quite common or perhaps even essential, with various studies showing that anywhere from roughly a quarter to nearly half of Americans now own one.

    From tracking steps and workouts to staying connected on the go, people of all ages and fitness levels can benefit from the convenience and sense of wellness that a smartwatch provides. Wearables are entering the workplace to help power employee wellness programs that promote work-life balance.

    All sounds great, right? There’s just one concern to address, and it’s an important one: enterprise security. As more devices are added to a company’s network, IT teams need to be able to manage and monitor those devices in tune with the rest of the company’s technology infrastructure. Recognizing both the need and the challenge, Samsung announced in August 2024 that its Knox Manage solution now works with Samsung’s latest wearables, including Galaxy Watch7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra featuring Galaxy AI.*

    What is Samsung Knox?

    Samsung Knox is a defense-grade mobile security platform built directly into Samsung devices, providing protection at both the hardware and software levels. Knox delivers multi-layered security to safeguard sensitive business and personal data, starting with the secure boot process and continuing through encryption, app management, secure access, and more.

    Shop special offers

    Find out about offers on the latest Samsung technology.


    see deals

    Speak to a solutions expert

    Get expert advice from a solutions consultant.


    Talk to an expert

    Knox includes a full suite of solutions that cover a device’s entire lifecycle. For example, Knox Vault helps isolate critical data, while Knox E-FOTA enables seamless, controlled firmware updates. There’s also Knox Mobile Enrollment, which makes mass deployment more streamlined and secure, and Knox Manage, which we’ll discuss in the next section. Samsung Knox provides a wide range of robust security controls.

    What is Knox Manage?

    Knox Manage is Samsung’s enterprise mobility management (EMM) solution designed to give IT administrators granular control over their organizations’ mobile devices. It enables remote management, allowing IT teams to monitor and enforce policies across various devices, including smartphones, tablets and wearables. Centralized control helps keep devices secure, compliant with company standards, and functioning optimally without requiring physical access.

    Knox Manage simplifies complex tasks like remote app installation, wiping devices and applying updates. The platform integrates with existing systems, providing flexibility for businesses using third-party mobile device management solutions and allowing them to oversee large deployments seamlessly. Businesses can maintain high levels of security, even in environments where personal and work data live on the same device.

    How does Knox Manage work for the future of wearables in the workplace?

    With Knox Manage, wearables can integrate seamlessly into a company’s mobile ecosystem, allowing IT administrators to monitor and enforce security policies on each device remotely.

    Once a compatible Galaxy wearable is enrolled in Knox Manage, the administrator can configure settings, deploy apps, and control features from a centralized console. This includes restricting certain apps, managing Wi-Fi and Bluetooth access, or even wiping data if a device is lost or compromised. The game-changer, though, is the ability to separate work and personal data so that sensitive corporate information stays secure even if employees use their smartwatches for personal purposes.

    Knox Manage also supports real-time monitoring of devices, giving admins insight into how each wearable is being used and whether policies are being adhered to. With regular security updates and support for remote firmware management, smartwatches are no longer low-hanging entry points for cyberattacks. Instead, they become secure, integrated tools within the broader business environment.

    Connected. Empowered. Protected.

    Galaxy Watch7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra each bring so many benefits to the workplace. Galaxy Watch7 has a sleek design for everyday use, combining AI-powered health tracking and productivity tools that seamlessly integrate into anyone’s day-to-day routine. It’s a great choice for employees who want a reliable wearable throughout their workday.

    Galaxy Watch Ultra adds advanced features for more demanding workouts and environments. Its rugged build helps it handle tougher conditions, while the extensive health metrics — including VO2 max and advanced recovery tracking — cater to more fitness-focused users. It also has extended battery life, up to 100 hours of typical use on a single charge, and can even be used in standalone mode (no need for a companion phone).

    Both watches, now supported by Knox Manage, help companies encourage employee wellness and enable mobile productivity, without compromising security. Everyone’s happy — and healthy.

    Learn more about the present and future of wearables in the workplace and how you can take your health tracking to the next level. If you’re not currently an Android or Galaxy user, make sure to try Galaxy for Work on your current device today.

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

  • Disrupting finance: The gig economy’s radical reboot of banking and business

    icon of a clockBy:

    From rideshare drivers to virtual assistants, millions of people earn a living through gig work. There are currently 64 million gig workers in the U.S., according to Upwork, a freelance marketplace. These individuals comprised 38% of the workforce and contributed nearly $1.3 trillion to the economy in 2023.

    While the gig economy is booming, and expected to grow 19% annually from 2024 -2031, traditional financial services haven’t yet caught up to meet the needs of this growing population. Gig workers — who basically run their own entrepreneurial enterprises — shouldn’t have to rely on personal banking accounts alone to manage their income. Whether it’s expanding access to credit or offering flexible payment solutions, banks can empower gig workers with better financial tools to maintain their livelihoods.

    Navigating the gig economy: Current financial challenges for gig workers

    Gig workers often face challenges in accessing traditional financial resources that full-time employees typically enjoy. As self-employed individuals, they may struggle to demonstrate a stable income. Their earnings can fluctuate significantly from week to week, complicating budgeting and making it hard to determine if they will have enough to cover both business and personal expenses.

    According to a report by Rollee on the gig economy equality gap, 45% of gig workers say their finances are fair, and 19% say their finances are poor. The study also found gig workers have trouble accessing credit. Roughly 6 in 10 have been denied loans despite having a good credit score, and a majority have had to apply to at least three lenders before they were approved.

    Individuals who earn most of their income through gig work are also responsible for covering their retirement and insurance needs. A World Bank study found that nearly half didn’t have a retirement account, while separate research finds many are underinsured because they can’t afford health or business insurance.

    Many gig workers are first-time entrepreneurs who could greatly benefit from financial education and literacy tools. These resources can help them manage taxes, handle fluctuating income and plan for retirement effectively.

    Nearly 4 in 10 gig workers have considered going back to traditional employment just to gain access to financial services. Many also rely on non-banking payment apps to manage their income, indicating that banks aren’t fully meeting their needs. To better serve gig workers, banks could improve their offerings by providing tailored financial tools and integrating with gig payment platforms, giving these workers greater visibility and resources to manage their finances.

    Banks can offer a range of customized financial products to meet gig workers where they are and help them grow their businesses.

    Propelling the gig economy: How banks can financially empower workers

    Gig workers often have variable incomes, so they could benefit from real-time payment solutions that help them access their earnings faster rather than relying on the traditional weekly or bi-weekly payroll cycles.

    Banks can also provide tools that help with tax management, such as built-in business banking account calculators that provide an estimated quarterly tax payment based on a gig worker’s earnings. They could partner with third-party providers, such as accounting and bookkeeping platforms, to deliver a one-stop solution for gig workers’ financial needs. This can help gig workers streamline their tax reporting and filing process every year.

    Additionally, banks can address the needs of gig workers by providing not just software solutions, but also hardware solutions. With new account sign-ups, they could issue a device preloaded with their app and financial education tools. These devices can help banks enhance financial literacy for gig workers while providing an easy way to communicate. They can send push notifications about new offers, financial planning reminders or payment updates.

    To expand financial access for gig workers, banks may need to rethink the approach to credit decisions. Gig workers often have fluctuating incomes, which most lenders view as a greater risk than traditional W-2 employees. In fact, 36% of financial institutions surveyed by Rollee said they are more likely to approve an application from a traditionally employed worker than a gig worker because they have greater income transparency and employment data. However, banks need to weigh other variables as part of the lending process, such as how long a worker has been in business, income consistency, how well they manage expenses and cash outflow vs. inflow. Banks may also factor in personal savings and assets that demonstrate financial stability.

    Like other professionals, gig workers care about protecting their financial futures. Banks can address these concerns by offering customized savings, retirement tools and insurance packages. Products and features such as high-yield savings accounts, flexible health insurance plans, and self-directed IRAs with targeted sign-up incentives, bonuses, and lower balance threshold requirements to help workers avoid monthly maintenance fees are all valuable. Low-cost or disability and liability insurance options and affordable retirement and life insurance bundles, such as a universal life policy with a cash value component, can also provide much-needed financial protection for gig workers.

    Supporting workers with tailored financial solutions

    Gig workers contribute so much to the economy, and there’s more banks can do to support this vital part of the nation’s workforce. Whether it’s providing user-friendly tax and expense management tools or expanding access to credit lines and business loans, banks can grow their customer base by offering financial solutions tailored to the needs of these modern-day entrepreneurs.

    Learn more about the financial services industry and how Samsung solutions can help here.

    Sign up for our newsletter, INSIGHTS: Banking, a monthly update on banking trends and technology’s role in the financial services industry.

  • Untether teachers from the front of the room with collaborative technology

    icon of a clockBy:

    Today’s students are digital natives who want engaging, interactive classroom experiences. They do not want to sit passively at their desks while teachers lecture in front of the class.

    To teach students more effectively, many schools and districts are modernizing their classrooms by equipping teachers with education technology, notebook computers, Wi-Fi access and other digital classroom tools, such as digital displays or interactive whiteboards.

    They are livening up their classrooms with multimedia lessons and enhancing student engagement through active learning activities. For example, educators can use laptops to show a video on the large classroom TV display or roam around the classroom and do small-group instruction.

    As most schools provide students with laptops, educators can take advantage of this by encouraging students to use them for independent learning or collaborating on group projects. After school, students can turn in assignments or ask questions through an online learning management system (LMS), and teachers can review the work and respond from their laptops.

    A survey by the American Federation of Teachers shows a whopping 97% of teachers use laptops, and 83% use them daily. It’s clear teachers have fully embraced educational technology for communication, planning, preparation, and instruction. Meanwhile, 74% of parents say educational technology has positively impacted their children’s learning, and 86% support the continued integration of technology in their children’s education.

    A teacher’s laptop is a central tool for modern education, and it should be thin, lightweight, and have a long battery life to support their teaching needs. A flexible tablet form factor also enables them to walk around the classroom and continue to teach.

    A two-in-one device — a laptop that doubles as a tablet, such as Samsung’s Galaxy Book4 360 — provides the flexibility and versatility teachers need.

    What is Galaxy Book4 360, and why is it ideal for education?

    Galaxy Book4 360, part of Samsung’s Galaxy Book4 Series, gives teachers a fully functional laptop and tablet, so they get the best of both worlds in one device. A 360-degree hinge enables faculty to convert the device from a laptop to a tablet — and back again.

    Shop special offers

    Find out about offers on the latest Samsung technology.


    see deals

    Speak to a solutions expert

    Get expert advice from a solutions consultant.


    Talk to an expert

    The mobile device, which runs the latest Windows 11 operating system, features a fast Intel Core i5/i7 processor, a 15.6-inch screen, 16GB of RAM and 256GB/512GB of SSD storage.

    It’s fast and powerful enough for teachers’ needs inside and outside the classroom. The laptop allows teachers to design and build lessons and multitask outside the classroom. Inside the classroom, they can quickly access and simultaneously run multiple educational apps and websites without system lags or slowdown in performance.

    The 15.6-inch Super AMOLED (1920 x 1080) display provides rich, colorful visuals. With the touchscreen display and a Samsung S Pen (not included but optional), teachers can jot down ideas or make annotations on the screen.

    Galaxy Book4 360 also features a high-resolution, 1080p wide-angle webcam with a high-quality microphone and AI noise cancellation, so teachers can record short video lectures and upload them to the LMS for students to review.

    Similarly, they can use the webcam to record class sessions and upload them to the LMS, so students who missed class or want to review lessons can watch them online.

    The laptop’s keyboard also includes a Microsoft Copilot key, allowing teachers to chat with the AI assistant to boost their productivity.

    3 key features Galaxy Book4 360 provides educators

    Here are three more key features Galaxy Book4 360 provides educators:

    1. Wireless casting

    Teachers can wirelessly share their laptop screens to large digital displays or interactive whiteboards from anywhere in their classrooms.

    Transform the educational experience

    Get your free guide to using and managing Chromebooks in K-12 schools.
    Download Now

    Teachers can show videos or presentations or have students attend a virtual field trip. They can also have guest speakers speak to students from anywhere in the world through a videoconference. In this scenario, teachers can mirror their laptop screen onto a TV for students to view the guest speaker while positioning the laptop’s webcam to allow the speaker to see the class.

    Teachers can also use their finger or S Pen to write on the Galaxy Book4 360’s touchscreen and project the content onto the classroom display, allowing them to annotate websites or graphics in real time.

    Using Samsung’s Screen Share app, teachers have the option of simply sharing their laptop screen directly to student devices in the classroom.

    2. Portable, thin and compact

    Galaxy Book4 360 is designed for mobility. Teachers can use it as a laptop on the teacher’s desk, then turn the device into a tablet and walk around the class, either for small-group or whole-group instruction.

    The two-in-one device is extremely thin and light — 13.7mm and only 3.2 pounds — making it easy for faculty members to roam around the room and teach.

    3. Long battery life and fast charging

    Galaxy Book4 360’s battery lasts up to 22 hours so teachers can teach and work all day on a single charge. But if the battery runs low, teachers can use a compact charger to charge the laptop up to 39% in just 30 minutes.

    Modernizing classrooms with Galaxy Book4 360

    Schools and districts are investing in educational technology to transform classroom instruction, prepare students for their future, and teach them technology and other important skills, such as critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration.

    With laptops and other digital tools, teachers can adopt a blended learning approach that goes beyond traditional lectures, incorporating multimedia activities and collaborative small-group projects.

    Two-in-one laptops like Samsung Galaxy Book4 360 enable teachers to create a dynamic, agile classroom experience and keep students active, interested and engaged in learning.

    Learn more about Samsung’s education technology, including interactive whiteboards. And learn how to create engaging and inclusive learning environments with interactive technology.

  • The benefits of using a uniform set of devices for SMBs

    Picture an employee in the marketing department of a small to medium-sized business (SMB) who uses their Galaxy S24 Ultra to film a customer testimonial at an industry conference. They can polish the clip using AI-powered editing tools directly on their mobile device.

    Back at the office, they use Link to Windows to share the file to their Galaxy Book4 Ultra where they continue working on it, using Second Monitor to turn Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra’s larger display into a second screen. As they do so, a colleague calls. Continuity features on Galaxy S24 Ultra and Tab S9 Ultra, like Multi-Control, allow them to manage their mobile device using their tablet, and Galaxy Buds2 Pro Easy Pair and Auto Switch features help ensure a seamless conversation across devices. Meanwhile, with the S Pen, the employee can take notes on their tablet or mobile device.

    A unified set of tools is a productivity game-changer

    Many professionals share the experience of receiving necessary devices such as laptops or mobile phones on their first day to excel in their new roles. Nowadays, these tools not only support employees’ performance in the office but also enable them to work efficiently from any location.

    With 62% of companies offering some form of flexible work1, including remote or hybrid for eligible positions, and economic pressures making productivity more critical than ever before, business leaders need to provide mobile devices that operate as cohesively as the team members who use them.

    With that in mind, the latest Samsung Galaxy family — including Galaxy S24 Ultra, Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, Galaxy Book4 Ultra and Galaxy Buds2 Pro — can help local businesses address some of their most critical challenges.

    What a connected mobile device experience means for employees

    There are unique productivity benefits to using a uniform set of devices. When your Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra syncs with your Galaxy S24 Ultra phone — which syncs with your Buds — continuity is created, and pain points are addressed through seamless integration across multiple devices.

    Shop special offers

    Find out about offers on the latest Samsung technology.


    see deals

    Speak to a solutions expert

    Get expert advice from a solutions consultant.


    Talk to an expert

    In short, when every mobile device issued by the SMB comes from Samsung, staff members enjoy a consistent connection known as the Galaxy Connected Experience. This simplifies employees’ lives and increases their productivity and job satisfaction because they can easily use Quick Share to share images and documents across devices rather than constantly emailing themselves, losing access to files or sharing the wrong version. With Second Screen, employees can use their tablets to expand the display of their Galaxy Book4 Ultra when working from a remote location such as a hotel, airport or coffee shop.  Further, they can begin a phone call, and continue it seamlessly on their laptop with Voice Call Continuity — without any disruption to the clear call quality they’re experiencing on their Galaxy Buds.

    A connected experience also means employees can switch from one device to another based on what’s ideal for their current task, as it’s easy to connect data across devices with Link to Windows. For example, start creating a presentation on your Galaxy Book4 Ultra and then continue editing it on the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. When mobile devices don’t have this kind of connected experience, workflows are interrupted, and productivity is hampered. If you’re connecting devices to present information or complete an assignment, devices that fail to connect easily can cause employees to lose valuable time and get frustrated.

    This is no small challenge when you consider the fact that 61% of small businesses have job vacancies they’ve found hard to fill in the past 12 months.2 Nearly half of local businesses also say they’ve experienced difficulties with employee retention. Offering a uniform set of devices helps position you as an employer of choice, where team members are provisioned with productivity tools that can give them the best experience possible.

    Doing more with AI

    The connected Galaxy experience also allows employees to leverage Galaxy AI* across devices. Galaxy AI is a suite of on-device and cloud-based AI features that unleash creativity, increase productivity and unlock communication.

    Circle to Search with Google, for example, allows a user to simply circle an image on their phone screen and gather more information about a product, location or other topic. Instead of hiring a professional photographer to take pictures for your website or sales collateral, an employee can quickly create professional images at a fraction of the cost. With Photo Assist, they simply open the picture in the Gallery and get AI-powered recommendations for how to improve it with just a few taps.

    Employees can take notes, during internal or customer-facing meetings, on their smartphones and then access the data on their tablets or laptops where they use Note Assist to help them save time. Note Assist will capture the key insights from a meeting and summarize the notes into bullet points and follow-up actions. These are just a few features that elevate productivity and help teams get more done with connected devices.

    What a connected experience means for security

    As a small business owner, you want to make sure your devices are not only connected but also secure. That’s where Samsung Knox security platform comes in. From design to manufacturing to deployment, Knox is integrated from the chip level through the hardware and software. With built-in integrity checks, files and applications are encrypted independently by default, protecting your device and data even when using public Wi-Fi. Samsung’s Knox security platform doesn’t just stop there — it’s always developing new security measures to keep your device safe. In fact, your small business will benefit from the open collaboration and flexibility.

    Choose the right phone for your growing business

    Get your free guide to matching the right smartphone with your business and employee needs.
    Download Now

    There’s also Knox Manage, which provides a single cloud-based platform for remote tracking, troubleshooting and setting up event-based policy enforcement. Part of the Knox suite, it’s a cloud-based enterprise mobility management (EMM) solution that enables SMB leaders to easily manage and secure their entire fleet of mobile devices, ensuring data safety and compliance. With Knox Manage, easily set up a Work Profile that keeps company data safeguarded, as it’s walled off from the personal information on the device.

    And equally impressive is Knox Vault, which safeguards passwords, biometrics, and other sensitive data using a hardened, isolated security processor. Plus, with features like Secure Folder and Dual Encryption, you can add even more protection. In addition, when using Galaxy AI, you can ensure data sovereignty by running it on-device only, giving complete control over your data. This means that your data never leaves the device, ensuring maximum privacy and security. What’s more, Samsung provides consistent security and operating system (OS) updates for up to seven years, providing peace of mind knowing that your devices will remain protected for years to come.

    Choose the right phone for your growing business

    A uniform set of tools could also be defined as maintaining a consistent standard of excellence in terms of features that help employees work smarter with business apps they know and love. The Galaxy S24 Ultra, Galaxy Book4 Ultra and Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, for instance, feature integrations with critical business applications like Microsoft Office or Google Workspace. Knowing everyone is working with the same tools, can keep employees on the same page, even if they’re decentralized.

    Given that work now happens both inside the office and well beyond it, IT and employees don’t want to worry about whether they face different levels of risk based on the mobile device they’re using. The Galaxy family overcomes that not only with Knox and Knox Manage but also features like Privacy Dashboard, which keeps user information, such as locations, calendars and photos, safe.

    With a uniform set of Galaxy devices, SMBs can provide consistent customer and employee experiences. And how fast they grow with these devices will help differentiate them from other businesses.

    To stay updated and ready to buy when the latest Galaxy devices are available and enjoy exclusive volume pricing, bulk trade-in discounts, free shipping and more, including 50% off Samsung Care+ and a free case, create a Samsung Business Account.

    1 https://www.forbes.com/sites/karadennison/2024/01/24/how-the-flexible–remote-work-debate-will-carry-into-2024/?sh=62dab6e94693

    2 https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/bizwomen/news/latest-news/2024/05/small-businesses-retention-hiring-pay-challenges.html?page=all

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

  • Rethinking customer care: What banks can learn from the retail industry

    icon of a clockBy:

    As consumers have grown accustomed to great digital experiences while shopping online and in person, they have come to expect them everywhere they do business — including with banks.

    Deloitte has found that customers want their bank interactions to be as sophisticated, immediate and personalized as their experiences are with other businesses. However, 94% of banks cannot yet meet this expectation.

    Retailers have elevated the customer experience (CX), particularly in the areas of personalization in banking and customer-centric approaches to service. Here’s how banks can earn increased brand loyalty in banking by learning from some of the retail industry’s CX successes.

    Personalization in banking enables a great CX

    Banking customers see personalization as essential to a high-quality customer experience. A recent Q2-Harris Poll Report found that 74% of respondents across generations want more personalization in banking, and 66% of them are comfortable with financial institutions using their data to personalize experiences. However, only 22% said it regularly feels like their financial institutions anticipate their needs.

    Retailers analyze customer data to understand their individual customers’ preferences better and, from there, create customized offers and experiences to match. Mobile apps that bridge the digital and physical experiences are particularly effective where this is concerned.

    For example, Target allows customers to build their own shopping lists inside the Target app, view what’s in stock at their local store, and even locate the items they want in advance. Once in the store, they can scan a barcode to take advantage of app-exclusive coupons if they participate in the retailer’s rewards program. The Starbucks mobile app gives customers personalized recommendations for food and drinks based on what’s available at their local store, what’s most popular in their community, how the weather is trending and even the time of day.

    A bank could leverage its mobile app similarly at its branch locations. For example, the bank could allow customers to check in from their phones upon arrival, join a virtual queue with live information on estimated wait times, and even begin processes like setting up a checking account on their own before meeting with a banker.

    With smart self-service tools streamlining the retail banking experience in this way, customers are more likely to feel like their time and attention are being valued when they visit a branch location in person — something Gen Z customers would especially appreciate. The Q2 report notes that 65% of Zoomers prefer opening an account in person, compared to 58% of millennials, Gen Xers and baby boomers.

    Blending the physical and digital experiences for better customer care

    Retailers are creating “stores of the future” that blend advanced technology like interactive displays and self-service kiosks with data-driven insights to elevate the customer experience even further. Customers can walk up to displays for real-time information on where to quickly locate the item they’re looking for and use a self-checkout terminal to complete their purchase. Bank branches could apply similar concepts to deliver a better retail banking experience.

    For example, a customer walking into a branch can use the bank’s mobile app to check in and confirm the reason for their visit. If their need is simple, they can be directed to a self-service kiosk. If the customer requires more in-depth assistance, a banker can receive an alert on their smartwatch or tablet, walk up to the front reception area and greet the customer by name. This can help decrease wait times for customers, which provides a more positive customer experience and can even improve a bank’s net promoter score (NPS). To ensure proper security, the banker can scan the customer’s ID on a tablet to verify their identity. These are just a few ways banks can thoughtfully use technology to enhance customer care at key moments during a branch visit.

    A stellar CX inspires brand loyalty in banking

    Consumer technology trends are shaping expectations for the customer experience across multiple industries, including the financial sector. Having grown accustomed to the speed and convenience of digital innovation in retail, banking customers want to see the same kinds of advancements from their banks. By embracing personalization in banking and leveraging customer data to deliver better service, banks can earn increased customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.

    Discover how Samsung’s financial services solutions open the door to customer-centric innovation.

    Sign up for our newsletter, INSIGHTS: Banking, a monthly update from Samsung on banking trends and technology’s role in the financial services industry.

  • Revolutionizing stadium operations: Unlocking efficiency with cutting-edge digital solutions

    icon of a clockBy:

    An efficient stadium makes it enjoyable for fans and the front office alike. But keeping a venue running like clockwork while entertaining tens of thousands of visitors requires a holistic operational ecosystem, where each link in the chain supports the next. What may sound like a logistical headache can become a smooth, stress-free experience that requires minimal effort for maximum efficiency.

    Through the integration of advanced technology, today’s stadiums can ease operations by providing venue operators with site-wide visibility, clearer communication with visitors, and more effective staff management. In fact, smart stadium technology can transform the entire fan experience, making the event more memorable and appealing for return visits. Here’s how.

    Crowd management solutions

    As venues become more digital, many stadiums’ operations have evolved to include LED displays for informative signage and wayfinding. Samsung’s vivid, eye-catching screens clearly communicate what visitors need to keep traffic flowing. This applies to both foot and car traffic, as large outdoor displays can direct cars to parking lots and drop-off points, helping to reduce congestion and confusion.

    Drive revenue by surpassing venue expectations



    Explore digital opportunities to deliver more immersive experiences and increase fan loyalty.
    Download Now

    When a venue has connected technology, sensors placed at entry points and key areas can monitor crowd data and communicate with backend software to automatically inform fans of estimated wait times. The screens can also direct crowds to the shortest lines, which can help reduce bottlenecks and speed up traffic in the stadium. That’s especially important at arrival, as event venues can present crowded entrances and long lines.

    Interactive touchscreen displays give venue operators more opportunities to streamline visitor entry. For example, Samsung Kiosks placed at security checkpoints can scan digital and physical tickets for an efficient entrance. The frictionless process also lessens the need for staff at every gate, allowing more strategic placement of human resources. Furthermore, increasing throughput enhances safety and security by reducing crowding at hotspots.

    Inside the stadium, a network of displays throughout the concourses directs fans to their seats, the restrooms, and the nearest food and beverage options. Thanks to a faster entry process, fans have more time to enjoy amenities within the venue, increasing event day revenue.

    Behind the concessions counter, large Samsung LCD video walls can clearly advertise menus, so customers can read at a distance, not just when they get near the counter. Digital menu boards can also help fans in the queue make their selections before reaching the counter, again, speeding traffic. Self-service kiosks for ordering can make it go even faster. During game breaks or event intermissions, screens can also direct customers with preordered concession items to the correct pickup location.

    Exit strategy

    Crowd flow is easier to manage before the event starts as fan arrival is staggered over several hours. The real challenge comes at the end of the event when everyone in the stadium leaves simultaneously. Operations and security teams can alleviate this stress with digital signage by diverting fans from pinch points to other exits.

    Wayfinding digital signage throughout the venue might also encourage fans to stick around after the event, whether for a special deal at the team store or live entertainment in the promenades. This more flexible approach staggers traffic flow out of the stadium and adds to fan satisfaction by offering unique, in-person experiences they can’t get at home.

    Action, not reaction

    In an emergency situation, venues with the right technology can respond with crucial speed. An intuitive, connected system for operations and security teams enables them to make instant, data-driven decisions, relayed via venue-wide displays for maximum visibility. In addition, should a fan fall ill during an event, operators can use individual displays to draw a direct line to first responders. In the event of an evacuation, high-resolution digital signage makes it easy for operations teams to quickly display protocols and safely direct crowd flow out of the venue.

    In less extreme cases, such as inclement weather that could delay the event, preparation is key. Venue managers can use signage-integrated data analytics to prescribe plans of action ahead of time rather than having to respond reactively. They can also take advantage of deploying dynamic content using a feature-rich content management platform to keep restless waiting fans entertained.

    On a fully connected IPTV platform, which functions like a stadium OS, operators can unite all their individual systems — venue ticketing, security, inventory, logistics, fan appreciation and even the game data feed — into a single multipurpose solution. In a connected system, all the previously separate elements can communicate with each other, giving venue operators unprecedented and fully consolidated visibility.

    Making the in-person experience essential

    From entry to exit, digital displays combine with integrated data to deliver streamlined operations, helping to ensure security and safety throughout an event venue. Simultaneously, venue operators can use the displays’ advanced operational intelligence to keep visitors as informed as they are entertained. That’s important because, with increasing competition from home entertainment, the decision to travel to the stadium or watch from home becomes harder. Having state-of-the-art digital technology to enhance the efficiency of event operations will help entice more fans to embrace the in-person game day experience.

    Discover new ways venues are driving revenue and fan loyalty through smart technology in this free white paper. Also, learn why flexibility in entertainment venues has become more important than ever.