Samsung is making moves to ensure that its products stay safe and protected from viruses amid the novel coronavirus pandemic. The brand recently announced a UV Sterilizer disinfection device for smartphones and other frequently handled products. The device uses UV-C radiation to sterilize products up to 99 percent in about 10 minutes.
The device is compatible with the Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G and the Galaxy Fold while folded, as well as the Galaxy Buds and Galaxy Buds + wireless headphones, and the Galaxy Watch wearable. It also doubles as a wireless charger with a 10-watt Qi-standard wireless charging system within the container.
The UV Sterilizer can also disinfect virtually anything that can fit inside the 22.8 x 12.8 x 4.9 cm unit, including masks, keys, or sunglasses. Samsung promises that the sterilization process is safe for human handling and that the device has an automatic shutdown mechanism when its lid is open.
Currently, the device is available only in Thailand for 1,590 baht (about $50 USD). There is no word on additional availability for the sterilizer.
Samsung Antimicrobial Coating
Meanwhile, reports also indicate that Samsung has trademarked an “Antimicrobial Coating” for use on smartphones and tablet accessories. LetsGoDigital discovered the trademark, which was filed June 30 for countries including Spain, Italy, Switzerland, and the U.K. Pundits expect the brand may soon release protective cases and covers treated with this coasting.
LetsGoDigital noted that research has already been done indicating the effectiveness of antimicrobial coatings. According to a study by the University of Arizona (UA), treatment surfaced can irradicate virus particles by 90-percent within 10 minutes and by 99.9-percent within two hours. Overall, the coating can protect against coronavirus for up to 90 days.
While there currently is no word on when products or accessories with Antimicrobial Coating may become available, many also note that the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 series is set to launch in August. Those devices, include a Galaxy Note 20, Galaxy Note 20 Plus, and the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. Samsung is also expected to announce the Galaxy Fold 2 and Galaxy Z Flip 5G at its launch event, which will be hosted as live-stream only due to the pandemic.
If announced, newly produced models of the Galaxy S20 series, which released in early 2020, as well as the original Galaxy Fold and Galaxy Z Flip may also get accessories with antimicrobial treatments.
