Model numbers corresponding with the rumored Samsung Galaxy S8 smartphone have now surfaced, further validating the smartphone could launch in the coming months. Tech informant Evan Blass recently reported that Samsung will release SM-G950 and SM-G955 devices, which will likely be called the Galaxy S8 and the Galaxy S8 Plus. Both devices are rumored to feature dual-edge displays, but one may be a standard slate size while the other could be a phablet.
Blass noted Samsung has skipped a number in its series, as the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge are have the model numbers SM-G930 and SM-G935. There is no indication on what this could mean. However, the informant did also mention a third model number, SM-N950, which could possibly be the Galaxy Note 8. Samsung is rumored to have ramped up development of future devices in the wake of the Galaxy Note 7 discontinuation.
Meanwhile, reports indicate the Galaxy S8 could feature a force touch mechanism, similar to Apple’s 3D Touch. Korean publication the Investor learned from several sources associated with Samsung that the manufacturer plans to include this feature on the upcoming smartphone.
The haptic feedback feature would allow users to apply different levels of pressure onto the Galaxy S8 screen to execute different functions.
The feature is technically included natively on Android Nougat, as of its Android 7.1 update. Called, App Shortcuts, users can long press app icons to get results different from opening the app, such as a preview of the app’s functionality. For example, a long press on the Twitter icon would give users option to immediately send a Tweet or direct message or to check their notifications without having to go into the full application.
The Huawei Mate S smartphone also features a Force Touch mechanism, which allows users to press certain parts of a screen as a shortcut to pulling up or closing an application.
Currently, some rumors suggest the Galaxy S8 may release earlier than usual while others suggest it may release later than usual, anywhere between January and April. Samsung has typically launched its S series smartphones in February, during the Mobile World Congress conference in Barcelona. However, there are also murmurs that Samsung may reveal information about the Galaxy S8 in January, during CES in Las Vegas.
