Friday, 14 March 2025
28.3 C
Singapore
34.9 C
Thailand
21.8 C
Indonesia
27.8 C
Philippines

Samsung promotes the Galaxy Z Flip as a valuable police bodycam

Samsung introduces the Galaxy Z Flip as a police bodycam, enhancing transparency and accountability with unique features tailored for law enforcement.

Samsung is changing its marketing strategy for the Galaxy Z Flip series. While you may be familiar with the company showcasing the phoneโ€™s features through trendy photo shoots and interpreter mode, Samsung is now focusing on a more severe application: law enforcement.

Pilot programme success

In a recent announcement on Samsungโ€™s newsroom, titled “Samsung Technology Is Helping Police Authorities Protect the Publicโ€™s Safety,” you learn about a unique pilot programme. Two police departments in Missouri tested the Galaxy Z Flip as a body-worn camera, marking the first time a foldable device has been used in this manner. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and accountability in policing. Eventually, two additional departments joined the programme.

Customisation for law enforcement

Samsung collaborated with Visual Labs, a leading provider of body camera solutions, to adapt the Z Flip for police use. These customisations included remapping the external volume button to start recording in urgent situations. Additionally, the phones are equipped to start recording during pursuits automatically or when a vehicleโ€™s emergency lights are activated, thanks to integration with dashcam systems. Visual Labs’ software also allows for immediate cloud uploads of video footage.

Samsungโ€™s blog post highlights several vital advantages of using the Galaxy Z Flip as a body camera:

  • Compact and foldable design: The phoneโ€™s small size and foldability make it easy to attach to police uniforms.
  • Enhanced evidence gathering: The Z Flip can clearly document arrests and other interactions, improving transparency.
  • Multifunctional device: In addition to video recording, the Z Flip can take crime scene photos, record audio for witness interviews, and track officersโ€™ locations via GPS.

This marks a significant departure from typical smartphone marketing, with Samsung emphasising the device’s practical, professional applications.

Expanding the reach

Samsungโ€™s initiative is expanding, with plans to extend these solutions to 25 metropolitan police departments across five states. This move reinforces Samsungโ€™s commitment to providing practical tools for law enforcement across the US. Visual Labs, on the other hand, has partnered with T-Mobile to supply Android smartphone bodycams to various law enforcement agencies.

Currently, Axon leads the body-worn camera market in the United States, followed by Motorola and other companies. These cameras are touted as essential tools for accountability and transparency in policing. However, as ProPublica and The New York Times reported last year, local policies often hinder the timely release of footage, undermining this promise.

With the introduction of the Galaxy Z Flip as a body camera, Samsung is setting a new precedent for smartphone use in law enforcement. The companyโ€™s efforts highlight the potential for mobile technology to play a crucial role in public safety.

Hot this week

Ethical considerations in deploying autonomous AI agents

Ethical deployment of autonomous AI requires addressing accountability, transparency, bias, and value alignment to ensure societal trust and responsible innovation.

Apple confirms delay for ‘more personalised’ Siri, likely arriving with iOS 19

Apple confirms delays for its "more personalised Siri" update, with features now expected in iOS 19. Smart home plans may also be affected.

OpenAI pushes for clear copyright rules in AI development

OpenAI urges the US government to protect AI training under "fair use," sparking debate over copyright laws and AI development.

Google enhances gaming experience with new developer tools and PC titles

Google unveils new developer tools, PC-optimised game titles, and custom controls, making mobile games more accessible on PC.

EduSpaze welcomes seven edtech startups in its 10th cohort to transform learning in Southeast Asia

EduSpaze welcomes seven edtech startups to its 10th cohort, focusing on AI-driven learning, job readiness, mental health, and workforce upskilling.

Blueskyโ€™s CEO trolls Mark Zuckerberg with a viral T-shirt that sells out in minutes

Blueskyโ€™s CEO Jay Graber trolled Mark Zuckerberg with a Latin T-shirt at SXSW, selling out replicas in 30 minutes. Here's why it struck a chord.

Oracle could be the leading choice to manage TikTok in the US

Oracle is reportedly the top choice to manage TikTokโ€™s US operations as ByteDance seeks a deal before the April deadline. Uncertainty remains.

Android introduces Auracast support for hearing aids in public audio broadcasts

Android 16 will add Auracast support, allowing hearing aids to connect directly to public audio broadcasts.

AI startup Sesame unveils base model for its voice assistant

AI startup Sesame has released CSM-1B, the base model behind its voice assistant Maya, raising concerns over voice cloning risks and safeguards.

Related Articles