As many may already know, Samsung is in the process of beta-testing the Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow update for the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge on a limited number of devices in South Korea and the UK.
Given the broadth of the beta program, it's not surprising to see bits of information regarding the upcoming software update already starting to surface online, which allows us to keep tabs on the planned modifications. Interestingly, it looks like Samsung is going to limit the page scrolling speed in the upcoming update, for the better or worse.
Limiting the page scrolling speed is a trick that Apple has been using on its iPhone series for a few years now. Since the speed at which you can reach new elements on a page is lowered, the processor has more time to do the computing work required to display these elements, significantly reducing what users perceive as lags, stutters, or artifacts. The obvious downside of limiting the page scrolling speed is that users will have to put more energy in flexing their fingers before reaching the bottom of a very long page.
Publicis Said to Consider Bid for Control of Samsung Ad Agency - Bloomberg
Publicis Groupe SA is weighing a bid for a controlling stake in Samsung Group’s advertising agency Cheil Worldwide Inc., people with knowledge of the matter said.
The French company is considering a tender offer for about a 30 percent stake in Seoul-based Cheil Worldwide, which would make it the single largest shareholder, one of the people said. Any deal would probably see Samsung Group keep a significant holding in Cheil Worldwide, which has a market value of $1.9 billion, the person said, asking not to be identified as the information is private.
Publicis, which owns ad agencies including Leo Burnett and Saatchi & Saatchi, has struggled since a merger with Omnicom Group Inc. unraveled in May 2014. Last month, it lost most of the North American media business for Procter & Gamble Co., the world’s largest advertiser, as well as L’Oreal SA’s North American media planning and buying.
“Publicis has been distracted with acquisitions, while the main issue for them is defending and winning accounts,” Alex Wisch, an analyst with Bloomberg Intelligence, said by phone Wednesday. “It’s not the right timing or strategy at this stage.”
Consolidation Push
Shares of Publicis were little changed at 11:49 a.m. Wednesday in Paris. The benchmark CAC 40 index rose 1.7 percent.
The French company wants to structure the potential transaction to ensure Cheil Worldwide continues handling Samsung Group advertising, according to the people. Samsung Electronics Co., the maker of Galaxy smartphones, spent 2.73 trillion won ($2.3 billion) on advertising globally in the nine months through September 2015, according to a regulatory filing, which didn’t specify which agencies the expenditure benefited.
The deliberations are at an early stage, and Paris-based Publicis may decide against making an offer, the people said.
Cementing Control
Samsung Electronics and engineering affiliate Samsung C&T Corp. own about 25 percent of Cheil Worldwide, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Representatives for Publicis and Samsung Group declined to comment, while a spokeswoman for Cheil Worldwide said she’s not aware of the issue.
In September, Samsung Group completed a merger of its de-facto holding company Cheil Industries Inc. and Samsung C&T, with the merged entity keeping the Samsung C&T name. The deal helped the founding Lee family cement control by allowing the group to strengthen its cross-ownership structure since the merged affiliates had stakes in other companies.
Publicis unveiled a new management structure in December designed to drive revenue. That followed the company’s decision to cut its full-year sales forecast in October, saying it recorded no growth the month before as clients canceled and postponed campaigns.
One of the show's areas of interest was the Samsung Galaxy Studio's Gear VR Theater with 4D.
In a bid to strengthen its "innovation that matters" notion, Samsung Electronics showcased its integrated Internet of Things (IoT) solutions at the SmartThings open platform at the 2016 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which wrapped up in Las Vegas last week.
SmartThings is an open platform for smarthomes and the Internet of Things. Simply put, it allows users to monitor, control and secure their homes from anywhere.
The integrated IoT solutions across Samsung's dynamic product portfolio range from TVs and home appliances to mobile products.
"Samsung has continuously worked to help people live smarter lives, and this year we have taken a huge step forwards with our diverse, IoT-enabled products and services," said Tim Baxter, president and CEO of Samsung Electronics America.
Baxter noted that SmartThings, which is part of Samsung IoT eco system, has more than 20,000 developers working on the platform, and over 200 approved compatible SmartThing devices.
"All Samsung TVs will be ready for IoT by 2017," said Baxter, adding that the company aims to have all Samsung home appliances be IoT-ready by 2020. Samsung's 2016 SUHD TV is among the examples of the company's devices that have been developed under the IoT concept by developers from the SmartThings team.
During CES last week, Samsung organised a press conference from a stage enhanced by its own display technology, using a large 18.3x4.8m curved screen, which the company designed and built using its own LED signage, to deliver immersive and ultra-realistic images of its products.
A new category of IoT technology is its new Family Hub Refrigerator which helps families to connect, and provides new ways to manage, shop and prepare food.
The Samsung Family Hub fridge has 21.5-inch Full HD LCD touch-screen built into one of its doors, complete with an app you can use to order groceries online. Cameras on the inside will send a picture to your phone when you're out shopping. An app on the fridge for Samsung's SmartThings smarthome service will let you control your lights, your thermostat, and other connected products right from your refrigerator door.
Samsung has also partnered with MasterCard to offer a seamless online shopping experience through the Family Hub Refrigerator. Using the app on the refrigerator's touch-screen, consumers can easily find and purchase items from multiple retailers, directly from their kitchen, all finished with a single, simple checkout process. The Family Hub Refrigerator also enables the family to write notes, post photos, share calendars and artwork, right on the refrigerator's touch-screen, or using their smartphone if they are away.
At CES, Samsung also introduced its smartwatch Gear S2 with two new colour variants -- Rose Gold and Platinum. These new models reflect Samsung's commitment to bringing more choice to its consumers with new material varieties, providing users with diverse options to express and match their style while highlighting its circular design and advanced functionality.
Samsung revealed at the event that the iOS compatibility of Samsung Gear S2 smartwatch is undergoing development and we will see it later this year.
The Gear S2 will offer a secure mobile payments feature with Samsung Pay and is expanding its compatibility to devices running on iOS to extend accessibility to a wider range of mobile users.
For a more personal and customisable experience, Samsung has partnered with exclusive designers, such as Colombo, on premium watch straps for the Gear S2, and has introduced fun and creative watch faces including Peanuts characters and artwork from several artists.
Samsung also announced the availability of a wide selection of additional apps -- from eBay, ESPN, Uber, Voxer and more -- to both the Gear S2 and Gear S2 classic.
At CES, Samsung also unveiled a brand new mobile product category with the announcement of its Galaxy TabPro S, which combines Samsung's technology powered by the Microsoft Windows 10 operating system in a premium tablet. By integrating features of laptops and tablets, users now have access to full notebook PC functionality in a lightweight tablet for the most productive mobile experience.
The Galaxy TabPro S extends Samsung's advanced technology to the Windows operating system by providing the first Super AMOLED display for Windows, as well as other core features such as fast charging for up to 10.5 hours of battery life. For enhanced productivity, the Galaxy TabPro S is also compatible with a multiport adopter and Bluetooth Pen.
"This year we have taken a huge step forwards with our diverse, IoT-enabled products and services. We will continue to enhance consumers' quality of life by listening to their needs and strengthening our ecosystem with Quantum dot displays, the connected Family Hub Refrigerator, the Gear S2 smartwatch, and a large screen Windows tablet," said Baxter.
Smartphone wireless charging monitor, for any mobile device that supports the QI wireless charging standard.
Galaxy TabPro S 12-inch tablet combines mobility and productivity.
Gear S2 smartwatch has new designs, colours and watch faces.
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