The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 launched at IFA Berlin yesterday was accompanied by a variant in the form of the Galaxy Note Edge. The smartphone has a curved edge on one side, which gives it a thin screen that is separate from the main display and offers some features of its own. Ignoring questions about whether the Edge is actually a worthwhile addition, here's what the screen brings to the phone.
Camera
When you're using the camera, the shutter button and some other settings options will show up on the edge screen. This means that the entire main display becomes free of any buttons, giving more space to see what you're clicking. This seems quite useful.
Notifications
Imagine you have a flip case on your phone, or have kept it aside. You don't have to pull down from the top for the notification bar or actually flip the cover. The Edge screen will show notifications like missed calls, text messages etc. Also, you can read your texts directly on this screen, instead of turning the phone on.
Modes
If you've set your phone on power saving mode or are using some other app, they will often show up on the edge screen. Also, the edge screen lets the phone act as somewhat of a night stand, displaying the time and alarm when you're in bed.
Apps
The edge screen will also show you a list of apps that it is compatible with. This includes things like showing sports scores, music navigation and many others.
Developers
While the Galaxy Note Edge may not look like a big innovation, the Edge screen does present a lot of options for developers to play around with. If Samsung collborates well with developers, this screen could turn out to be truly a useful addition.