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Samsung smart windshield system aims to make riding safer.

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If you were to create a list of most important things for a biker, a waterproof camera or phone would be up there in that list. Of course getting the world’s best android phone which just happens to be water resistant is a complete bonus. But that is exactly what Samsung Malaysia has just introduced in the form of the Galaxy S7 Edge.

Samsung says the new S7 Edge is equally beautiful to look at as it is to hold in your hand, and there is no reason to think otherwise because it truly is a beautiful phone from all angles. It fits perfectly into your palms because of its curved edges, it is seriously thin which is great for riders because it can fit almost anywhere in your riding jacket.

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Though it has received rave reviews, the new Galaxy S7 Edge would feel familiar to some, specifically owners of the previous S6 Edge. But familiarity is where it ends because a lot about the phone is better, a lot better – the camera is better, the battery lasts longer, it feels better, it is just better in every single way. So much better that some online sources are already calling it the “Phone of the Year”, and it is only March mind you.

The S7 Edge is made of metal and glass and has a unique curved display. But one of the most significant physical changes is the camera module that now sits flush with the body of the S7 Edge while the S6 Edge features a protruding module. This is great for when you want to lay the phone flat on a table and type out a message, the phone will not rock from side to side as you type out your business.

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The screen on the S7 Edge measures 5.5-inches, which is the same size as the one of the iPhone 6 Plus. Except that the 6 Plus is a bigger phone than the S7 Edge, which is great news for bikers who don’t want to compromise on screen size but yet do not want to carry around such a large phone like the 6 Plus. In fact the 6 Plus looks dated, brick sized as compared to the sleeker and lighter S7 Edge.

And the best part is the fact that the S7 Edge is now IP68 rated for water-resistance. What that means is that the phone is able to withstand up to a meter of water for up to 30 minutes. Great news for bikers who leave their phone exposed on handle-mounts, in the pocket of their jeans or in their jackets. It will be able to handle rain, no problem.

As for the screen, Samsung again has the competition beat with its Super AMOLED technology. It is no secret that AMOLED screens offer more beautiful display than their LCD counterparts, but the 534 pixels per inch density of the S7 Edge displays crisp clear images, good enough to be used in publications and on websites likes Bikes Republic (test shot below and above).

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Battery life has also been improved over the S6 Edge; the new S7 Edge packs a 3,600 mAh battery as compared to the 2.600 mAh battery of the S6 Edge.

Of course, no phone review is complete without touching on the camera, but you wouldn’t expect the S7 Edge to be any lesser. The new phone has fewer pixels than most of the competition, but produces better quality pictures and videos. The S7 Edge has been engineered to produce better low-light performance, and Samsung has incorporated a new technology called Dual Pixels, and it works to improve the auto-focus of the camera, for those quick selfies when you spot a beautiful landscape.

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The camera also offers you different modes, i.e., a Pro mode that adjusts the focus points, manual ISO and white balance, and the ‘Live Broadcast’ option lets you upload videos directly to Youtube for the world to watch.

So that is that for our quick review of the new Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge. For the next few weeks we will be posting pictures exclusively shot on the S7 Edge on all our reviews and such so watch this space as we bring you details from the Best Phone for Bikers – the Samsung S7 Edge.

  • New device connects to the OBD II port in a car.
  • Allows drivers to track driving style.
  • Allows mechanics to suggest repairs or schedule routine maintenance programs.
  • Connects to loved ones in the case of an accident.
  • Kept secure by military grade software security.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd is offering drivers a new group-breaking solution to have their car connected to the internet, and have the car engage with its owners.

Called the Samsung Connect Auto, the new device plugs directly into the OBD II port underneath the steering wheel.

Once installed, the device uses real time updates, and alerts users to help improve driving behaviour, including increased fuel efficiency. The device also offers wi-fi connection to keep all passengers online while on the move.

The wi-fi connection and the overall system is kept secure with Samsung KNOX – the Korean company’s home-grown, market-leading, defense-grade mobile security platform.

The Samsung Connect Auto offers the mass market an affordable connected car solution that places safety and security first while enriching in-car and out-of-car experience. Leading car makers like Porsche, Mercedes, Audi, BMW all offer a connected car experience, but the mid and lower segment have yet to offer such an experience to its drivers.

There is also no news on whether the system will work with motorcycles.

Samsung Connect Auto will initially be available in the US with Malaysia being in the pipeline for a later introduction.

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How does it work?

Security is provided by KNOX security while interoperability is made possible by the Tizen OS. KNOX provides hardware and software security, including the applications. Prioritising security is what differentiates the Samsung Connect Auto from competitor products.

Software developers and auto engineers can further leverage on Tizen with Samsung’s Software Development Kit (SDK) to further evolve additional services. For example, drivers can leverage on a virtual mechanic that intelligently checks your car status from the on-board diagnostic port to recommend maintenance and repair services offered by a specialised network. This should enable quick notification of performance, and help reduce repair cost.

In the US, drivers can leverage on the ‘Usage-Based Insurance’ (UBI) feature by opting to share their vehicle data to receive valuable insurance offerings for safe and economical drivers.

For companies whose staff are constantly on the road with company cars, the system is able to log journeys and automatically generate an email report to help track expenses while travelling for work.

In an event of an accident, the device is able to notify the driver’s contacts and accident concierge services are provided. A ‘Find My Car’ app also helps locate your car in real-time using LTE and GPS.

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