Samsung Electronics announced last Friday the fourth generation Galaxy S, the Galaxy S4.

Samsung says "the Galaxy S4 was developed to redefine the way we live and to maximise our fulfilment of life."

The new version of the Galaxy has a larger screen size and battery, minimised bezel; housed in a lighter (130g) and slimmer (136.6 x 69.8 x 7.9 mm) shape.

The Samsung S4 also uses polycarbonate; a durable, scratch-resistant yet lightweight material and is available in two colour options - Black Mist and White Frost. More colour options will be available later in the year, according to Samsung.

“With the GALAXY S4, Samsung is again going to enhance the way we live,” said Jaspreet Singh, Business Leader - Handheld Products at Samsung Electronics Ghana.

“All the innovative features of GALAXY S4 were developed based on the insights and needs we found from our consumers all around the world. Following the successful GALAXY S series, this phone is yet another great proof point of people-inspired innovation. At Samsung we’ll never stop pursuing innovation conceived by people so we can inspire them in return.”

Camera & other functions

Equipped with a 13-megapixel rear camera and a two-megapixel front camera the GALAXY S4 boasts a Dual Camera function that allows both rear and front cameras to take simultaneous photos and videos. Users can also choose from a variety of frame effects which blend the two pictures naturally and also adjust the size of the small picture inside the big one. The Dual Video function enables you to make and receive group video calls with friends and family.

The Galaxy also has a Group Play function, you can enjoy music, photos and games with those around you without even requiring a Wi-Fi AP or cellular signal. This innovative feature enables users to connect directly with others to share, play and co-create content and entertainment instantly. Its ‘Share Music’ option allows users to have the same song playing on multiple phones in sync to create the best party atmosphere.

The GALAXY S4 also supports HSPA+42 Mbps which means wherever you are in the world, you can rely on perfect connectivity. A LTE version, which will be launched later this year, will support up to Hexa-band which allows it to function in all LTE coverage areas as well as enabling global LTE roaming.

‘Samsung Smart Pause’ also enables you to control the screen by where you look. When you are watching a video, the video pauses when you look away then it starts right up again when you are back. ‘Samsung Smart Scroll’ allows you to scroll the browser or emails up and down without touching the screen. It detects your eyes and recognises movement of your wrist and then scroll the pages up or down accordingly.

‘Air View’ allows users to hover with their fingers to preview the content of an email, S Planner, image gallery or video without having to open it. You can even see a magnified view on the Internet browser, or a phone number saved in the speed dial on the keypad. With ‘Air Gesture’, you can change the music track, scroll up and down a web page, or accept a call with a wave of your hand.

With ‘S VoiceTM Drive’ you can activate commands via voice control for optimisation when driving. Once connected with a car Bluetooth, the phone automatically turns into driving mode converting text to speech so you can easily and safely check messages with no need to- look at the screen.

'Optical Reader’ makes life yet more effortless, by automatically recognising text, a business card or QR code information, and providing useful functions such as translation, call, text message and search.

Samsung says the S4 empowers your life by keeping you up-to-date with health and wellbeing information using the new ‘S Health’ software. The combination of sensors built within the device systematically and automatically monitors your health, surroundings and so much more to help improve your quality of life. Also, users can easily check their health conditions using food diary, exercise diary and sleep monitor to stay fit and healthy, however certain functions are enabled by specific accessories.

To further protect your wellbeing, ‘Samsung Adapt Display’ provides an optimal viewing experience, customised for each type of application, and ‘Samsung Adapt Sound’ offers an optimal level and type of sound, personalised for each user, to make the most out of life.