Samsung Introduces Digital Whiteboard

Category: Technology/Innovations

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. (someone’s/something’s) take on (something) / teɪk ɒn / (idiom) – version or interpretation
    Example:

    She came out with her take on the well-known dish by adding unique ingredients.


  2. engagement / ɛnˈgeɪdʒ mənt / (n) – the state of being involved
    Example:

    The HR team is trying to improve employee engagement through different office activities.


  3. annotation / ˌæn əˈteɪ ʃən / (n) – a note that explains part of a text
    Example:

    Please see the annotations below to understand the text better.


  4. tweak / twik / (v) – to make adjustments or changes
    Example:

    We decided to tweak some parts of the timeline because of changes in the deadline.


  5. catch the eye of / kætʃ ði aɪ uhv / (idiom) – to get the attention or interest of someone
    Example:

    Companies try to catch the eye of consumers through unique marketing strategies.


Article

Read the text below.

Tech giant Samsung has recently announced its take on the traditional whiteboard: the Samsung Flip WM55H.


The company unveiled its new innovation in a recently concluded gadget show and cited it as part of its vision for the “Workplace of the Future.”


Samsung asserted that they want to address certain challenges that arise in meetings, such as lack of engagement among participants and lost ideas. As a result, the Samsung Flip borrowed elements from the conventional flip chart and whiteboard and integrated them into a digital tool that enables its users to complete more collaborative tasks.


According to its press release, the Samsung Flip encourages collaboration by means of multiple-user engagement. Participants are able to input their own ideas and scribble annotations on the screen simultaneously, and they also have the freedom to tweak their own writing style, size, and color.


Because the device also allows screen-sharing, the content is viewable across different platforms such as PCs, laptops, and smartphones. Everything that is written or drawn on the Samsung Flip is stored in a database for future use.


The Samsung Flip is not the only new tech innovation to watch out for. The International Consumer Electronics Show, where it was introduced, also featured different kinds of gadgets that may catch the eye of some tech enthusiasts.


Among the highlights are Honda’s new concept robots, which include a companion robot that can display human-like emotional abilities such as compassion and understanding. Another is the Vuzix Blade, a pair of smart glasses that act like a fully functional computer. It can give directions and other information when connected to Alexa, Amazon’s voice-activated assistant.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

• What are the possible challenges that might come with the Samsung Flip? Discuss.
• Do you think that the features of the Samsung Flip would work for you? Why or why not?

Discussion B

• What activities do you prefer doing without the help of technology (e.g. reading, writing)? Why?
• If you could only use one technological device for the rest of your life, what would it be? Explain.