LAST Thursday, the Spanish Court Hotel in New Kingston played host as Samsung Electronics, Latin America launched ‘the next big thing’ in Jamaica — the fifth generation of its renowned Galaxy S series. Members of the media and specially invited guests were treated to one-on-one interaction with the new gadgets, a highly entertaining programme, fabulous décor by Black Ink and tasty eateries courtesy of sponsors. The gadgets on show were the Galaxy S5, the Gear 2 Neo and fit smart watches. Taking much of the DNA of the Galaxy S4, the S5 comes with improved features that will extend and enrich the Samsung brand in Jamaica.

What is new?

One of the biggest improvements and greatest attractions on the Galaxy S5 is the camera quality. Still maintaining its thin frame, the galaxy features a 16-megapixel camera, and offers superior camera functionality, with High Dynamic Range (HDR) plus the world’s fastest auto focus speed (up to 0.3 seconds) and a more accurate light sensor. The video camera records 4k quality and has been improved with the high dynamic range (HDR) mode to capture low-light situations in bright and crisp colours.

In terms of connectivity, the Galaxy S5 offers the most advanced Long Term Evolution (LTE) — a type of broadband wireless connectivity option — experience and Wi-Fi performance available to date. If you are one seeking an even faster connection to the Internet, the S5 now features Download Booster, an innovative Wi-Fi technology for boosting data speed by bonding Wi-Fi and LTE simultaneously.

With summer so close and more people seemingly riding the ‘healthy wagon’, Samsung certainly capitalised on a global trend with this feature. Users of the device will now be able to know their heart rate while they exercise, as well as monitoring their workout intensity and the calories they burned. This is all done through the new Galaxy S5 and the Gear Fit with an integrated heart rate monitor.

The Gear Fit smart watches also provides instant notifications from Galaxy smartphones such as incoming calls, e-mails, SMS, alarm, S-planner, and third party apps. Therefore, while on the move with their smartphone, individuals can still stay connected through the smart watches worn on the wrist.

Battery life gets better with Galaxy S5. The battery performance manager allows the phone to stay on with only 10 per cent battery power for up to 24 hours – and thanks to the built-in energy-saving system, it’s possible to have 10 hours of web browsing and 12 hours video playback while battery is low.

For the trendy and fashionable, the gear fit comes with changeable straps in Black, Orange and Mocha Grey. The Galaxy S5 contoured shape comes in charcoal black, shimmery white, electric blue and copper gold to complement the style of the individual consumer.

With much more features to explore, teenAGE endorses the Galaxy S5 and smart watches. You can now visit the Samsung Experience Store in Tropical Plaza or Montego Bay Shopping Centre for purchase of these new devices. Also check out LIME and Digicel for respective deals.