Samsung is changing its marketing strategy for the Galaxy Z Flip series. While you may be familiar with the company showcasing the phone’s features through trendy photo shoots and interpreter mode, Samsung is now focusing on a more severe application: law enforcement.
Pilot programme success
In a recent announcement on Samsung’s newsroom, titled “Samsung Technology Is Helping Police Authorities Protect the Public’s Safety,” you learn about a unique pilot programme. Two police departments in Missouri tested the Galaxy Z Flip as a body-worn camera, marking the first time a foldable device has been used in this manner. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and accountability in policing. Eventually, two additional departments joined the programme.
Customisation for law enforcement
Samsung collaborated with Visual Labs, a leading provider of body camera solutions, to adapt the Z Flip for police use. These customisations included remapping the external volume button to start recording in urgent situations. Additionally, the phones are equipped to start recording during pursuits automatically or when a vehicle’s emergency lights are activated, thanks to integration with dashcam systems. Visual Labs’ software also allows for immediate cloud uploads of video footage.
Samsung’s blog post highlights several vital advantages of using the Galaxy Z Flip as a body camera:
- Compact and foldable design: The phone’s small size and foldability make it easy to attach to police uniforms.
- Enhanced evidence gathering: The Z Flip can clearly document arrests and other interactions, improving transparency.
- Multifunctional device: In addition to video recording, the Z Flip can take crime scene photos, record audio for witness interviews, and track officers’ locations via GPS.
This marks a significant departure from typical smartphone marketing, with Samsung emphasising the device’s practical, professional applications.
Expanding the reach
Samsung’s initiative is expanding, with plans to extend these solutions to 25 metropolitan police departments across five states. This move reinforces Samsung’s commitment to providing practical tools for law enforcement across the US. Visual Labs, on the other hand, has partnered with T-Mobile to supply Android smartphone bodycams to various law enforcement agencies.
Currently, Axon leads the body-worn camera market in the United States, followed by Motorola and other companies. These cameras are touted as essential tools for accountability and transparency in policing. However, as ProPublica and The New York Times reported last year, local policies often hinder the timely release of footage, undermining this promise.
With the introduction of the Galaxy Z Flip as a body camera, Samsung is setting a new precedent for smartphone use in law enforcement. The company’s efforts highlight the potential for mobile technology to play a crucial role in public safety.