The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 gets its first software update, which will allow users to check the time, notifications and calendar even in standby mode.
The software update for the Galaxy Note 7 brings the Always On Display (AOD) feature that Samsung has been working on for about three years now. The feature was first introduced in the Galaxy S7 and the Galaxy S7 edge.
"Always On Display of the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge allows users to check the time and date with ease, and also keep an eye on missed calls and message alerts, even when the phone is not in use and just on standby. And, with its variety of clocks, calendars and themes, the AOD even offers customization options," says Samsung.
The smartphone maker says that it wanted to develop the feature for two main user needs: first, for checking information quickly and, second, to differentiate Samsung device owners from others.
Samsung suggests that it considered various factors for developing AOD, but power consumption was the most significant aspect that the company focused upon.
Samsung says that because black pixels on the screen are completely turned off, AOD consumes minimal power. However, other components of the device such as the Application Processor (AP), Display Driver IC (DDI) and several other sensors will continue to consume power.
Nevertheless, the AOD feature on the Galaxy Note 7 has improved significantly as it brings along a number of widgets that a user can control via settings.
Music lovers will also enjoy the AOD on the latest Samsung phablet as the feature shows the title of the song that is being played on the handset without unlocking the mobile phone. The feature currently supports Galaxy Note 7's default music app. However, third-party app support means popular music streaming services such as Spotify may update their app to benefit from AOD.
Samsung is the top smartphone vendor in the world based on shipments. The company launches a huge number of devices each year, but it still faces stiff competition from rivals such as Apple, LG and more.
Samsung's move to improve AOD and expand its availability to other devices reflects the company's effort to continuously offer new and impressive features to its customers.
The Galaxy Note 7 is only the third Galaxy device after Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge that supports AOD. Other Samsung phone owners may hope the feature will be rolled out to their devices in the near term.
