Samsung introduced their Galaxy Book line-up last year, to everyone’s delight and confusion. Samsung has pulled itself from the PC business for a long time now, and they announced that they are back in the Windows PC world in 2021, a time where the world is still deciding whether exposure to the sun is a good thing or not. At the same time, it is a very sensible move from Samsung.
Samsung’s position in the smartphone industry makes it a prime candidate to introduce new technologies and innovations in the space. As one of the largest electronics manufacturers in the world as well, they are perfectly positioned to introduce a wide range of electronic packages that can work and communicate with each other seamlessly; an ecosystem of sorts. After all, if Apple can do it without owning factories, why not Samsung? Hence, the Samsung Galaxy Book series in 2021; there is the Galaxy name, so we know they are supposed to work with the smartphones at least.
While most second-generation stuff are minor updates to the older devices, the latest generation of Galaxy Book devices that are showcased from Samsung’s MWC 2022 gambit are more than minor updates though. They maintain largely the same looks as before, so it is not a facelift. Yes, it also packs Intel’s latest 12th generation Core processors; that is a given update for 2022.
They introduced two new Galaxy Books for MWC 2022 though; three if you count the Galaxy Book2 Business. Let us stick to the stuff that ultimately gets to regular consumer’s hands though. They introduced a sort of convertible 2-in-1 Galaxy Book2 Pro 360, and a regular clamshell Galaxy Book2 Pro. Both are quite tantalizing for both Samsung Galaxy users and other Android device users.
Better Video Calls for Work
The Galaxy Book2 Pro series now has a Full HD 1080p webcam for better quality video calls. Still important for the current working from home practice. It also features a wider angle of capture, which allows you to get a bit closer to your laptop without looking overly creepy. It works with group calls too, of course. If not, the higher resolution might be useful for the “Auto Framing” function where the camera cleverly follows you in a call.
To ensure that you feel included and present in the call is also an excellent display. It is an AMOLED display that is supposedly brighter than before, meaning everything is a bit more vivid than before. The brilliant display is matched with equally impressive audio hardware in two AKG tuned, Dolby Atmos certified Smart Amp speakers. With bi-directional AI noise cancelling, video calls are crisp and clear, free from distractions.
Better for the Galaxy
The new Galaxy Book2 Pro series now comes with more integrated Galaxy Experience on it. What that means is that it gets some of the things that makes your Galaxy smartphones great, now optimised for Windows. One of them is the Galaxy Book Smart Switch.
Galaxy Book Smart Switch
You might be familiar with Smart Switch if you are a Samsung Galaxy smartphone user. It is one of Samsung’s most popular features especially when it comes to helping their customers transition from their older devices – be it another Galaxy device, other Android smartphones, and even Apple device. Now it comes to the Galaxy Book2 Pro series to help you transition from your old laptop. This is also the first time a PC maker allows users to completely duplicate data from one computer to a new one seamlessly. All you need to do is fire up Smart Switch on either the Galaxy Book2 Pro or the Galaxy Book2 Pro 360, connect it to your older laptop, and watch the progress bar go. It is just as simple as that, and we are excited to see it happen with our own eyes.
Work with Windows, or Your Phone, or even Other Galaxy Devices – One UI Book 4
The Samsung Galaxy and Microsoft Windows integration is much deeper in the Galaxy Book2 Pro. Your Galaxy Windows device now does Your Phone app with Samsung’s Galaxy smartphones much better now. Recent Apps now allow you to quickly check your smartphone and even pull up apps that you often use directly from the desktop.
Your Phone app, in nature, allows you to use your smartphone natively on Windows without you even touching your Galaxy device. You can make calls with the smartphone remotely, reply to messages on WhatsApp, or Telegram, or even emails on your smartphone via Windows. It is a one-stop-shop solution for controlling your smartphone from one device.
But the Galaxy One UI Book 4 is more than just a regular Your Phone companion app. If you own the new Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 series tablet, your Galaxy Book2 Pro’s keyboard and trackpad can be used for your tablet too. In that case, you can just leave your keyboard case at home and go with a more protective bumper case for your Galaxy Tablet.
Better Data Sharing
Quick Share on your Galaxy devices are some of the best data sharing features available on the devices. It allows you to quickly share out documents from one device to another without needing to go through the qualms of getting your devices paired first. The data transfer speeds are much faster than Bluetooth data sharing too, making your workflow more seamless.
Then there is Private Share, for when you are sharing more sensitive data with your colleagues or friends. No, do not use this for blackmailing people. It is designed for you to quickly share over files or photos with more security built in. Built on top of blockchain technology, you can even embed your files with functions like ”view-only” access by selected users. You can disable the files you share to be screen captured, have full control over who has access to the files, and even having a “self-destruct” timer for the files.
SmartThings – Samsung’s Integrated IoT
Of course, as per the name of the device, Samsung integrates SmartThings into the Galaxy Book2 Pro series. With Bixby, instead of Cortana, you can now control all sorts of stuff at home. You can turn on your TV, check the room temperature, tell your vacuum cleaner bot to start picking up the slack, check your security cams, and even control your lights via SmartThings Dashboard on your Windows PC and Bixby. If you are one of those that keeps misplacing your stuff at home, SmartThings Find can also help you find your keys, your smartphones, your Galaxy Buds, and whatever else you can attach your Galaxy Smart Tag (not to be confused with Malaysia’s SmartTag).
Better for the Planet
Additionally, Samsung has reiterated its commitment to their Galaxy for the Planet initiative very recently. In their recent Unpacked 2022 announcement, Samsung said that they are starting to make their stuff from eco-conscious materials like discarded fishing nets. The said material is being used in the Samsung Galaxy Book2 Pro series’ inner brackets and touchpad holders. To ensure that your Galaxy Book2 Pro series’ shelf-life is longer, new algorithm is introduced to regulate the battery charge and health to ensure that it lasts longer. The display is also a GREENGUARD certified AMOLED panel that is produced with more sustainable processes. Of course, you get your Samsung Galaxy Book2 Pro device in a recyclable paper boxes and mold trays that are also sourced from sustainable sources.
Price and Availability
Samsung’s Galaxy Book2 Pro is available in two flavours; a convertible and a regular clamshell, as mentioned. The Galaxy Book2 Pro 360 convertible will be available in Burgundy, Graphite, and Silver colour options. It will start their pre-order campaign on the 18th of March 2022 onward and ship on the 1st of April 2022 onward. The Galaxy Book2 Pro clamshell variant will be available for pre-order and ship on the same dates. You can opt for Graphite or Silver colour options. The convertible will retail at US$ 900 (MYR 3,782*) onward while the clamshell will set you back US$ 1,050 (MYR 4,413*) onward. These are details for its U.S. availability though, there are no mentions on its local (Malaysia and Southeast Asia) availability yet.
*Approximately based on conversion rate of US$ 1 = MYR 4.20 as of 28/02/2022 on xe.com