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Introducing the groundbreaking Privacy Display technology, a game-changer in screen privacy that surpasses traditional third-party screen protectors. This innovative feature not only integrates privacy at the hardware level but also allows users to activate it selectively, offering unprecedented control over what remains visible on their screens.
The technology works by manipulating how each pixel emits light, utilizing fewer pixels and strategically blocking light between them to restrict side views. While not completely obscuring the screen from all angles, it significantly limits visibility from the sides. The closer someone is to viewing the screen head-on, the more they can see, but this advancement marks a significant step forward in safeguarding screen privacy.
One of the most notable aspects is its flexibility, as users can enable the feature for specific apps or even particular parts of the screen. This means notifications can be kept confidential, and sensitive apps like banking or email can be automatically shielded from prying eyes when in use.
In today’s announcement, Samsung also unveiled new artificial intelligence enhancements in its latest phones. However, the company appears to be shifting from emphasizing AI as a standalone component to integrating it seamlessly into everyday use, enhancing the overall user experience.
Samsung’s Global CEO, TM Roh, emphasized this approach by stating, “We believe AI should be a reliable part of daily life, designed to function consistently for everyone without requiring specialized knowledge.”
“With the Galaxy S26 series, we focused on making AI feel effortless, working quietly in the background so people can focus on what matters.”
There will be three S26 phones this year; last year’s fourth device, the Edge, which was the ultra-thin model, has been dropped, perhaps thanks to a lack of demand in the market. Instead, the company is focussed on its core, the S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra, with the premium Ultra model likely to make up far more than 50 per cent of their sales.
It’s only the S26 Ultra model which features the new privacy screen, while across all three models there are many tweaks and improvements, not least the horizontal lock feature, which allows your video recording to stay stable and level even if the phone is twisted upside down.
In a time of rising interest rates and cost of living pressures, both Samsung and their telco partners will be hoping for some forgiveness from buyers with outright prices rising year on year.
The entry-level S26 is $1549, up from $1399 for the S25. The S26+ is also $150 more than its predecessor while the S26 Ultra is just $50 more than last year’s model.
All three go on sale on March 11, with pre-orders starting today. Samsung will also be hoping their subscription program “New Galaxy Club” might appeal to those who upgrade frequently, offering a $14 per month program to get device repair guarantees, and a guaranteed 50 per cent value back when you upgrade a year later.
Trevor Long travelled to San Francisco as a guest of Samsung.
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