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7 Conclusions From Samsung Unpacked 5

Samsung Gear Fit looks like the real deal... finally

Last years Samsung Galaxy Gear was embarrassing. In fact, it was one of those rare moments where a piece of technology made me really angry. It showed astonishing hubris on Samsungs part to release a product in such an unfit state. It was the kind of product I expect to see in hall Z at CES next to the iPhone cases and designer 3D glasses.


Samsung wasnt about to admit this mistake at MWC 2014, but in the Gear Fit it looks to have learnt most of the lessons. The key is that, unlike the Galaxy Gear, the Gear Fit has a clear purpose: its first and foremost a fitness tracker.

Moreover, its a fitness tracker that will actively monitor your pulse, not just the number of steps you take or stairs you climb. This makes it fundamentally more useful and more dynamic, providing useful data that can give you real insight rather than guestimations. The only caveat is whether its a little bulky for really serious fitness fanatics (our resident marathon runner Michael Sawh has doubts), but well have to wait to try one to decide on that.

S5s new camera features sound promising

Generally I spend most product launches huffing, puffing, groaning and generally getting irritated by the spin employed to sell really mundane features and ideas. "I want a phone that lets me communicate in my own unique way...." and other similar cringe enducing gurgles make me want to stick pencils in my ears and plead insanity to a court marshall. Samsung makes me huff and puff more than most.

But the section on the Galaxy S5s new AF system made me take notice. A combination of contrast and phase detection AF is a new one for smartphones, and any camera buff will tell you that the best cameras employ both to ensure fast and reliable focusing in all lighting conditions. Im intrigued to see how this system compares to the iPhone 5S, which remains one of the fastest and easiest to use smartphone cameras around. If Samsungs claimed 0.3 seconds focus time rings true it could be onto a winner, especially if it performs better in low light than rivals.

Good move, Samsung.