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Explore the Latest in Mobile Technology and Convenience with the Samsung Galaxy S5

~Mom Central was invited to a preview event for the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S 5 and wearable products had the opportunity to experience the new devices. All opinions are our own.

We all know how much time we spend on our phones these days. They’ve become not only our mode of communication for calls and texts, but also an easy way to access the internet on the go, make purchases, connect with our friends and family and capture memories. The newly released Samsung Galaxy S5, provides even more functionality for users and offers the latest mobile technology and convenience, too.

I’ve been a fan of Samsung products for years, so I was excited to try out the latest phone in the Galaxy line. I’ve owned a Samsung Galaxy S2 and a Nexus phone, and initially started using Samsung phones because my carrier, T-Mobile, did not offer the Apple iPhone. These days, T-Mobile does offer that compatibility, but I have been so happy with my Android user experience that I have no intention of switching, especially after discovering just how user-friendly the new Samsung Galaxy S5 phone is. Not only does the phone come equipped with the standard Samsung features I have come to love such as a large, bright screen ideal for reading online documents and viewing videos. It also has the Swype texting feature that makes texting and emailing on my mobile phone so fast and convenient. In addition, this device takes the mobile experience to the next level with many new added benefits.

New features of the Samsung Galaxy S5

The Samsung Galaxy S5 also offers some exciting new features, such as a fingerprint sensor that unlocks the phone for added convenience and security. This phone is ideal for a busy woman on the go who is health-conscious, as the phone comes equipped with S Health. Consumers can access health info, track and map workouts and make and track healthier eating choices right on the Galaxy S5.

The Galaxy S5 also offers the first built-in heart rate monitor on a phone, which provides real time data before and after exercise by placing a finger on a sensor by the rear-facing camera. This is great for taking along on a run or bike ride as you will not be stuck carrying around additional devices to track your fitness progress! Not only can you map your run and check your heart rate, but also the S Health even helps you map out healthier eating choices by inputting the foods you’ve eaten and therefore your daily calories. With the Samsung Galaxy S5, you can even put in your current weight loss goals (such as a pound a week, etc.) and S Health will track your progress, factoring in your daily exercise, food consumed, and steps walked.

As so many parents are sharing technology with their kids, we appreciate that the Samsung Galaxy S5 offers a “Kids Mode,” which allows parents to control which apps their children have access to, so that we can ensure that our kids are using our phones for the right reasons! The phone also boasts a “private mode,” which serves as a personal storage area for confidential documents and files.

An upgraded camera

One of the features that blew me away with this phone was the quality of the camera. I have to admit that the camera on my Galaxy Nexus phone could use some improvements, especially when taking photos in situations with poor lighting. The camera on the Samsung Galaxy S5 is a significant upgrade to what I was used to with the Nexus, featuring a 16 megapixel rear-facing camera. It also offers a Phase Detection Auto Focus, a feature that is usually found in DSLR cameras that makes it easy to get the shot perfect the first time.

We tried out this feature and were so impressed that the camera was able to really focus in on the subject of the photo at hand. I own a Samsung WB250F wireless camera, which has an amazing zoom and built-in photo filters for creating unique, artistic shots. Like my Samsung camera, the phone offers a Best Face function where basically a shot is taken several times quickly. The phone’s technology identifies the best face of everyone in the group, so there’s no room for closed eyed selfies! The Studio function allows you to edit or add to photos you’ve taken on the phone, and edit or merge video footage.

Samsung wearables

If you’re not in the market for a new phone but are looking for another piece of awesome technology, you can consider the Samsung wearables including the Gear 2 watch and Gear Fit.

The Gear 2 design has been refreshed with interchangeable straps, compatible with standard 22mm pin watch bands to personalize the look.

The Gear 2 is the premium wearable with a 2 megapixel camera which has been moved from the strap to the face for a more sleek design, complementing the brushed metal finish. With the Gear, you can easily receive calls, texts, e-mail and app notifications from your wrist. It’s ideal if your cell phone is in the other room and you receive a call and don’t have to rush to the phone! You also can store and listen to your music on the watch. The Gear Fit offers some health monitoring capabilities, such as tracking your steps and monitors your heart rate on the go.

The Galaxy S5 is compatible with T-Mobile, AT&T, Sprint and Verizon Wireless carriers. For more information on the phone and the watch, visit the Galaxy 5S website.