Samsung to Steal Apple’s ‘Live Photos’ Feature for Upcoming Galaxy S7

Samsung to Steal Apple's ‘Live Photos’ Feature for Upcoming Galaxy S7
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We have already seen reports that a “3D Touch” feature will appear on the Galaxy S7, and now, the latest report regarding Samsung’s Galaxy S7 describes yet another iPhone 6s feature will allegedly be coming to Samsung’s flagship later this year: Live Photos.

Last year, Samsung did something a bit out of the ordinary and released an original flagship feature in the form of the wraparound “Edge” display, which appeared first on the Galaxy S6 Edge. The feature failed to live up to the hype, and it seems Samsung is back to poaching features from their arch-rival in Cupertino.

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Samsung is getting back to their roots as they plan to replicate Apple’s Live Photos. Reports indicate the feature will be called “Vivid Photo” or “Timeless Photo”, but either way the feature will be near identical to Live Photos with the exception of capturing audio.

Apparently the absence of audio is so photos will output as GIF images, which are easily shared since many third party apps and services already support the format such as FaceBook and Instagram. Therefore, the services will not need to make adjustments to support Samsung’s iteration of lifelike photos as was need when Apple introduced Live Photos. It is important to note that GIF images are low quality, especially compared to Apple’s Live Photos.

Samsung took a similar approach with Samsung Pay. Rather than creating a completely unique system, the company’s contactless payment service is compatible with already existing credit card swipe terminals using a new technology called Magnetic Secured Transmission, which creates a magnetic field that tricks the machine into thinking you are actually swiping a card.

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The recent report regarding Samsung’s “Live Photos” feature suggests the feature is still under development and may not make it into the Galaxy S7 at launch. In that case, the feature would have to be added via a software update after the launch.

So, where credit is due it should be given. Samsung has its share of original ideas that have been successful. For example, the company single handedly made bigger smartphone screens the norm starting with the original Galaxy Note. However, it seems that Samsung still can’t resist pulling ideas from Cupertino, especially when its own flop.

If you are an avid follower of tech news, you may be crying foul at the idea of giving Samsung a hard time about their rip-off of Apple’s Live Photos because, after all, HTC released a similar feature in their flagship device called HTC Zoe before Apple. However, there are some key differences.

Apple has made a living by innovating on unsuccessful, half-baked features and reimagining, polishing and perfecting a feature, which then becomes successful. Samsung, on the other hand, takes no risk by developing features found on Apple’s flagship devices, which have already proven to be successful.

Learn More: Samsung Announces iPhone Support for Gear S2 Smartwatch Lineup

So what do you guys think?
Is this another blatant Samsung rip-off or do the differences in the features give them a pass?
Let us know in the comments below!

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