Galaxy Note 7 launched with an iris scanner

Samsung has launched the Galaxy Note 7, its latest waterproof, curved smartphone with an iris scanner.
The Korean smartphone manufacturer has already started pre-booking in the UAE, with a token price of Dh500. Its starting price might be around Dh3,000 in the country, sources told Khaleej Times.
The UAE is expected to be among the select countries where the device will be available from August 19. The regional launch of the new device is scheduled on August 9 in Dubai. The Note 7 blends many of the features from last year's Note 5, with the design and waterproofing of this year's excellent S7 Edge.
"The Galaxy Note7 combines productivity and entertainment, and strong security features. Powering a robust ecosystem, it is the ideal device for those who want to achieve more in life," said DJ Koh, president of Mobile Communications Business at Samsung Electronics. "Life moves faster than ever now so we created the Galaxy Note7 to move with users - helping them get things done more easily wherever, whenever."
However, this year's approach is a little different; inside, the Note 7 is virtually indistinguishable from the S7 or S7 Edge. It has the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor, same 4GB of RAM, same quick charging and quick wireless charging, and same 12-megapixel camera with f/1.7 lens and optical stabilization as the S7 series.
The Note 7 is similarly water resistant (rated to IP68 specifications) and has support for microSD cards, both of which were not present in last year's Note 5. The Note 7 has 64GB of internal storage, compared to the S7's 32GB, and its battery has been increased to 3,500mAh over the Note 5's 3,000mAh cell.
The dual-curved display is a first for the Note line, and Samsung says it allows the phone to be 2.2mm narrower than the Note 5, while still having the same size display. The curvature of the screen is different from the S7 Edge in that it allows for more flat surface area. The Note 7 also moves to USB Type-C charging, a first for Samsung devices. Since the specs are largely the same between the Note 7 and the S7 series, Samsung is differentiating its larger flagship with features. The Note 7 has a new iris scanner that joins the familiar fingerprint ?scanner and lets you unlock your ?phone with your eyes. Samsung says the iris scanner is more ? secure than a fingerprint scanner.
Galaxy Note 7 S Pen
The enhanced Galaxy Note7 S Pen is more than just a writing tool - it is the gateway to getting more done efficiently and accurately. Users can bring ideas to life the moment inspiration strikes without unlocking the screen by using Screen off memo and simply pinning the memo to the Always On Display. The S Pen also gives users the ability to easily create and share GIF animations with Smart Select, and new Air Command functions, including Magnify and Translate, enable users to zoom in on the screen or convert languages by simply hovering.
The new S Pen writes with ease and precision. The smaller 0.7mm tip and improved pressure sensitivity provides a real pen-like experience. With the peace of mind that IP68 water resistant provides, the Galaxy Note7 S Pen lets users jot down their thoughts without interruption, even when the screen gets wet.
- abdulbasit@khaleejtimes.com