At Samsung Unpacked in New York today, where it launched the Galaxy S8 flagship smartphone, Samsung also had something else up its sleeve. The surprise was Samsung DeX – a solution that gives you a desktop-like experience right from your Galaxy S8.
It’s a great pitch for business users, mobile professionals, or simply those who want to be productive. There’s no need to carry multiple computing devices.
If it reminds you of Microsoft’s Continuum, Ubuntu or maybe the Android-based RemixOS, you’re not wrong at all. Samsung DeX operates on the same premise, and offers a similar value proposition.
Samsung DeX has a redesigned Android UI, optimised for use with a keyboard and mouse. It includes multiple resizable windows, contextual menus, and even a desktop version Web browser.
Samsung has also inked partnerships with Microsoft and Adobe to ensure compatibility with Microsoft Office and Adobe mobile apps. Apps like Adobe Acrobat Reader mobile and Lightroom Mobile work without a hitch.
If you need access to Windows OS-based apps, Samsung DeX allows you to remotely and securely access virtual desktops, too. For instance, Citrix, VMWare and AWS.
The DeX Station is the hub that connects your smartphone to a monitor and other input devices like keyboard and mouse. Simply insert your smartphone into the DeX Station.
The hub gives you two USB 2.0 ports, Ethernet, USB Type-C power-in and a cooling fan. It also features Adaptive Fast Charging tech to charge up your Galaxy device when connected.
The DeX Station will be available globally with the Galaxy S8 and may be packaged as a bundle, depending on region.
No pricing has been indicated yet for this peripheral.
