[In-Depth Look] Samsung DeX Combines the Versatility of a Smartphone with the Productivity of Desktop
Samsung DeX is a new service that lets users use their smartphone like a desktop by providing a seamless, secure mobile to PC transition. Currently compatible with Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+*, Samsung DeX provides an Android-based, desktop-like experience that enables users to seamlessly access mobile apps, edit documents and browse the web. Furthermore, its optimized interface allows users to easily multitask, watch videos in resizable windows, reply to messages via a task bar and more, directly from their smartphone on a larger display using a keyboard and mouse.
A Convenient Mobile Desktop Experience
To get started with Samsung DeX, users simply need to connect the DeX Station, Samsung’s branded docking station, to any FHD (16:9 ratio) supported display with an HDMI port; connect any Bluetooth-enabled, USB or RF-type keyboard and mouse to their phone; connect the DeX Station with a Samsung branded fast charger; and dock their Galaxy S8 in the DeX Station. Once connected, their mobile phone will switch to Samsung DeX mode.
The Samsung DeX interface is easily navigable and consistent with most desktops, as it supports keyboard and mouse gestures such as shortcuts, scrolling and drag and drop. Furthermore, with the ability to quickly shift between applications and adjust application window size with ease, users can see a range of contents all at once and multitask with efficiency.
Meanwhile, the Samsung DeX Home Screen’s Task Bar allows users to see which applications are currently running, while pop-up notifications on the bottom right of the screen notify the user of incoming messages and calls without blocking the screen.
Optimized for Productivity
Samsung DeX’s intuitive applications and services help to maximize productivity by allowing people to work more efficiently whenever and wherever they want.
For example, four Samsung applications are equipped with enhanced features that work in Samsung DeX. Samsung Internet, Samsung’s native browser app, lets users launch the desktop version of websites in multiple windows simultaneously, while MyFiles allows convenient dragging and dropping of files and documents from one folder to another. Gallery makes it easier to browse images with a mouse and keyboard and Samsung e-mail facilitates digital correspondence by letting users easily attach files by dragging and dropping them to the email composer.
Key collaborations with Microsoft and Adobe provide Samsung DeX compatibility with Microsoft Office applications like Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and Adobe mobile apps including the Adobe Acrobat Reader and Lightroom mobile apps. These applications provide desktop-like functionality and a user interface previously unavailable from a smartphone.
Whether making side-by-side price comparisons on shopping websites, editing photos while browsing images in Gallery or chatting with a colleague while editing a presentation, Samsung DeX enables an easier, faster and smarter way to get things done.
A Mobile Workspace Solution
Because the data from their smartphone is only displayed on the monitor, and not transferred from the mobile device, enterprise users can rest assured knowing their information is safe when using Samsung DeX. Furthermore, while connected to the DeX Station, the smartphone continues to be secured by the Samsung Knox security platform, which provides protection against potential threats.
Samsung DeX also allows mobile workers and business professionals to remotely and securely access virtual apps and desktops through partner solutions including Citrix, VMware and Amazon Web Services, whose apps are optimized for Samsung DeX with keyboard and mouse interactions, full screen mode and resizable window capabilities.
The DeX Station contains an HDMI port, two USB 2.0 ports, an Ethernet port, USB type-C power-in and a cooling fan. Additionally, Samsung DeX utilizes Adaptive Fast Charging (AFC) technology to charge the smartphone while in DeX mode.
Samsung DeX will be available globally at the launch of the Galaxy S8 and S8+.
* Compatibility will be expanded to support other devices in the future.
