We first heard way back in early January that the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge could include an always-on display mode à la Google's Ambient Display. With two weeks until the grand unveiling at Mobile World Congress, a new trademark filing by Samsung for an 'Always On Display' feature throws a little more leverage behind the story.
Today, we got our first hands-on look at the Galaxy S7 from the back and design-wise, it's fairly safe to assume that neither the S7 and S7 edge will change a great deal from their respective predecessors. In order to keep fans interested, a bevy of tweaks will arrive under the hood, including a new 12-megapixel camera and customary processor bump.
There's been fairly little talk of the software, besides that both models will arrive with Android 6.0 Marshmallow off the bat. But last month, a report indicated that the S7 duo could include an always-on display, allowing users to glance at notifications and other info in a swift, convenient fashion.
The feature is said to be very light on battery use -- around one percent per hour -- which is good news regardless of the impressive-sounding battery retention rates of the S7 line. It's apparently not too dissimilar to Motorola's Active Display or Glance Screen feature of Nokia, and while it's no killer feature by any stretch, it'll be a useful one to have in the armory.
Motorola's Active Display feature
With the 'Always On Display' trademark having just been published through the USPTO, it seems like those earlier reports were correct. There's a chance that said feature is being preserved for another device at some point in the future, and isn't to be rolled out just yet. Having said that, the timing of the trademark filing is perfect with fortnight to go until Unpacked, and with Sammy looking to make a big impression as usual, we now fully expect that both devices will offer always-on display support from the off.
Ben Reid is known for his extensive coverage of mobile technology updates, product launches, and detailed reviews of the latest smartphones, helping tech enthusiasts stay ahead with timely and accurate information.
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