Samsung unveils new Galaxy S8 and S8+ (PHOTOS)

Mar 30 2017, 2:31 am

Samsung announced the latest in their mobile device lineup – the Galaxy S8 and S8+ – to a cheering crowd at David Geffen Hall today in New York.

“It has been a challenging year for Samsung,” DJ Koh, President of Samsung Mobile Communications Business, said to begin the announcement, a nod to the infamously combustable Galaxy Note 7.

However, Koh assured the crowd (and those live-streaming the announcement at home) that the company has a new commitment to safety, quality, and craftsmanship.

“We put the Galaxy S8 through our toughest safety testing ever. Quality and safety remains our top priority,” Koh said.

“The Galaxy S8 is our testament to regaining your trust by redefining what’s possible in safety and marks a new milestone in Samsung’s smartphone legacy.”

Infinity screen

The new Samsung S8 features an “infinity screen” that wraps around the edges of the phone, allowing for a large display (5.8″ on S8 and 6.2″ on S8+) while still remaining a slim, comfortable shape. 

The screen has also been pulled down over the home button, increasing the height of the display, with a pressure sensitive button hidden underneath.

Security

One of the most innovative additions to the S8 is the iris scanner. You read that right, the phone is capable of scanning your eye to unlock, so there’s no more fumbling around on the fingerprint scanner with rain-soaked thumbs – all you need is a look.

There is still the option of using a fingerprint scanner, though that is delegated to the back of the phone.

Bixby

Another new feature is the introduction of Samsung’s Bixby, a personalized assistant that helps you through voice commands. Bixby also includes image recognition technology, which means it can search a product that you’d like to purchase simply by taking a picture.

Image: Samsung

The Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ will be available on April 21, though pre-orders begin today, and include a Gear VR headset with controller.

The phones come in Midnight Black or Orchid Grey, with a suggested retail launch price of $1,034.99 for the S8 and $1,114.99 for the S8+.

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