Samsung has used the IFA electronics trade show in Berlin to announce two new mobile devices and a virtual reality headset.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 is the latest version of the company’s stylus-controlled phone/tablet hybrid. It’s equipped with a 5.7-inch Quad HD (2560 x 1440 pixel) display, a 16 megapixel rear-facing camera and a 3.7 megapixel wide-angle front-facing camera.
Features include multiple microphones for better noise cancellation and selective playback of individual voices when recording a group conversation.
There was another addition to the ‘Galaxy Note’ range: the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge. It’s fractionally smaller, with a 5.6-inch screen, but is notable for having a screen that curves around the edge. This enables users to touch a shortcut icon for apps, alerts and other functions, even when the cover is closed.
Both handsets run Android v4.4. The Galaxy Note 4 will be available from next month, while the Galaxy Note Edge will go on sale later this year.
A new accessory for the Note 4, the Samsung Gear VR Innovator Edition, was announced at the same time. This is a headset that uses the Galaxy Note 4 in conjunction with Oculus technology to create a virtual reality experience without needing a dedicated electronic device.
It’s described as a beta version of the product; availability is expected by the end of 2014. A collection of 360-degree videos and 3D movie trailers from will be pre-loaded on a memory card with the VR headset.
JK Shin, President and CEO of IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung Electronics, said ““The Samsung Gear VR goes far beyond expectations of how mobile technology can be used to consume content, and is a powerful representation of the progressive innovation of the Gear series. We are pleased to have partnered with Oculus VR to bring this incredibly immersive mobile content experience to consumers.”
[Oculus VR blog]