Title: Uncovering the Truth: Samsung S Pen and Gestures - A Misunderstood Relationship
Samsung's latest flagship, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, has slimmed down, but at a cost. The iconic S Pen, a staple in the Ultra series, has lost its Bluetooth capabilities. Samsung claims that nobody was using these features, so they were eliminated entirely from the lineup.
Air Actions, a feature introduced with the Galaxy Note 10 five years ago, is no more. This unique feature allowed users to control the screen with the stylus from a distance, acting as a remote or a wand. You could manipulate the interface with air gestures, browse photos, switch pages, or even use as a slideshow remote.
If you own a WearOS smartwatch, you can still use the camera shutter shortcut, which Samsung still supports. The popular open-palm hand gesture for initiating a countdown for selfies remains, popularized by both Samsung and Google.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra's S Pen retains its primary functions. It continues to draw, take notes, and interact with the interface. Customize the Air Command menu to select your favorite features. The Screen off memo captures fleeting thoughts instantly with the stylus. Even an extra S Pen is an option for double the stylus power.
Dropping the Bluetooth chip helps the S25 Ultra shed some grams, allowing Samsung to boast about the device's chassis thinness. The handy tracking feature, ensuring you don't leave your S Pen behind, remains intact.
Cutting Bluetooth capabilities might reduce costs, enhance battery life, or free up space for better components. Alternatives like Wacom or Adonit styluses offer alternatives for users missing the lost features.
In conclusion, whereas the removal of Bluetooth capabilities and Air Actions limits some features, the core functionalities for note-taking and drawing remain intact. Users relying on these advanced functions may explore alternative styluses or devices.
The tech industry is constantly evolving, and the future of Samsung's technology might see a focus on enhancing the primary functions of the S Pen. Despite the elimination of Bluetooth capabilities in the S25 Ultra, the S Pen continues to excel in drawing, note-taking, and interacting with the interface.
With the Bluetooth feature gone, users may need to consider alternative styluses from companies like Wacom or Adonit to regain lost functionalities, such as controlling the screen with air gestures.