Galaxy S8 Guides

Galaxy S8 camera effects and camera decorations (stamps and stickers): access, download and manage them

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Galaxy S8 camera decorations (stamps, stickers and masks) are the new features of Galaxy S8 camera effects.

This guide explains the new features in Galaxy S8 camera effects, and shows you how to access, download, install, and manage Galaxy S8 camera effects and Galaxy S8 camera decorations in Galaxy S8 and S8+.

What are Galaxy S8 camera effects and camera decorations (stamps and stickers)?

Galaxy S8 and S8+ did not improve much in camera hardware as explained in Galaxy S8 specs page.

Instead, Samsung put most of the efforts to the software.

One of the most prominent new features in Galaxy S8 camera app is the new Galaxy S8 camera decorations, which allow you to add masks, stamps and stickers to the photos directly when they are taken.

Galaxy S8 camera effects, aka Galaxy S8 camera filters, are some software processing algorithms that alter photos in some special ways with special effects.

In some cases, Galaxy S8 camera effects can also mimic physic optical filters for cameras.

Galaxy S8 camera decorations are set of stamps, stickers and masks that can be added to photos automatically when they are taken.

Of course, both Galaxy S8 camera effects and Galaxy S8 camera decorations can be achieved with some photo editing apps.  For example, Adobe Photoshop in a PC, or Snapseed in a phone, can give you an edited photo with similar effects and results.

The advantage of using Galaxy S8 camera effects and camera decorations is that you get it when you taking the photo and you can share it immediately.

Most Galaxy S8 and S8+ owners simply do not want to spend time to edit photos.

How to access Galaxy S8 camera effects and camera decorations?

You can access Galaxy S8 camera effects and camera decorations in at least … Read the rest

How to use Galaxy S8 camera modes?

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Everything you need to know on using Galaxy S8 camera modes is explained: access, download, use and manage Galaxy S8 camera modes in Galaxy S8 and S8+.

This Galaxy S8 camera guide also shows you how to add Galaxy S8 camera modes to Home screen so that you can access them directly.

What are Galaxy S8 camera modes? Why you may need them?

By default, when you use Galaxy S8 camera app, you are in Auto mode (for rear camera) or Selfie mode (for front camera).

The default Galaxy S8 camera modes are usually good enough for most scenarios.

But sometimes, you may want to take photos for some special objects, e.g., fast moving objects in sports activities, or take photos with special features, e.g., panorama photo.

In these scenarios, you may have to use some special Galaxy S8 camera modes to get desired photos.

Galaxy S8 camera modes usually are some pre-defined camera settings for special occasions or for special objects.  They will help you get perfect pictures if used properly.

In addition, Galaxy S8 and S8+ also include a Pro mode which gives you very detailed control and allows you to save photos as RAW format for further adjustment.

How to access Galaxy S8 camera modes in Galaxy S8 and S8+?

As explained in this guide, there is no button for Galaxy S8 camera modes.

You have to access these camera modes in Galaxy S8 and S8+ with a touch screen gesture.

First, open camera app with any of the following methods:

… Read the rest

How to use Galaxy S8 camera timer in Galaxy S8 and S8+?

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Galaxy S8 camera timer gives you a few seconds delay in taking photos after you tap the shutter button or the floating camera button.

You can also take 3 photos automatically, instead of 1, in a row when camera timer reaches 0.

This Galaxy S8 camera guide shows you how to enable, set up and use Galaxy S8 camera timer in Galaxy S8 and S8+.

What is Galaxy S8 camera timer in Galaxy S8 and S8+?

Galaxy S8 camera timer, aka, camera delay timer, functions just like self timer in normal cameras.

It allows you to take photos automatically with Galaxy S8 or S8+ a few seconds (you set it) after you press the shutter button or the floating camera button.

Within these a few seconds, you can prepare yourself for the photo.

You may want to use Galaxy S8 camera timer:

  • when you want to include yourself in a group photo, but your arm is not long enough to cover all heads.
  • when you want to take a selfie without revealing that it is taken by yourself.

Please note, when Galaxy S8 camera timer is activated, you cannot use the burst mode in Galaxy S8 and S8+.

In addition, a few Galaxy S8 camera modes do not work with Galaxy S8 camera timer (read on)

How to enable and set Galaxy S8 camera timer in Galaxy S8 and S8+?

In previous generations of Galaxy phones, camera timer usually can be accessed as a quick settings icon in the camera preview screen.

But this changed in Galaxy S8 and S8+.

Galaxy S8 camera timer can only be enabled/disabled in camera settings.

To enable and set Galaxy S8 camera timer in Galaxy S8 and S8+, you may follow these steps.

Step 1: Start camera … Read the rest

Galaxy S8 camera settings

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Everything you need to know about Galaxy S8 camera settings are explained.

This Galaxy S8 camera guide explains to you when you need to use use Galaxy S8 camera settings, and the meanings of all entries in Galaxy S8 camera settings.

Why you need to understand Galaxy S8 camera settings?

Most of the time, you may find the default Galaxy S8 camera settings are sufficient. You can just use Auto mode with rear camera or selfie mode with front camera to capture desired photos.

You can also apply Galaxy S8 camera effects to any photos without accessing Galaxy S8 camera settings in Galaxy S8 and S8+.

But sooner or later, you will find you have to change some settings for the camera app in Galaxy S8 and S8+.

For example, when taking selfies, you may want to avoid the mirrored photo, and want to get the photo as previewed..

Or, you may want to use the timer for Galaxy S8 camera.

Or, you may want to use the floating camera button to take photos with Galaxy S8 camera app.

Or, you may want to enable Galaxy S8 camera quick launch to start camera app from any screen by pressing power button twice quickly.

Or, you may just want to change the photos size or photo aspect ratio.

Or,…

For any of these, you need to access and use Galaxy S8 camera settings.

In Galaxy S8 and S8+, Samsung moved some options from camera app interface to camera settings. For example, in previous Galaxy phones timer and photo size can be accessed from the camera interface instantly. But in S8, they can only be accessed in Galaxy S8 camera settings.

Actually, Samsung started this change in Android Nougat update for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S6.

How to access Galaxy S8

… Read the rest



How to use Galaxy S8 camera quick launch?

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You can use Galaxy S8 camera quick launch to open the camera app quickly from any screens.

As Galaxy S8 and S8+ removed the physical Home button, you now have to use power button for Galaxy S8 camera quick launch.

This Galaxy S8 camera guide shows you how to enable, disable and use Galaxy S8 camera quick launch.

What is Galaxy S8 camera quick launch?

There is no physical button for camera app in Galaxy S8 and S8+, as in many other Android phones.

The new physical button below volume rockers in Galaxy S8 and S8+ is for Samsung Bixby, not camera app.

But Samsung does offer a quick way for you to launcher camera app.

In Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, you can press Home button twice consecutively to launch camera app in Galaxy S7 or S7 edge as explained in this guide.

Now, Samsung replaced the physical Home button with software buttons in Galaxy S8 and S8+ as explained in this post.

So, power button was assigned for Galaxy S8 camera quick launch: press the power button twice quickly to launch camera app.

You can use Galaxy S8 camera quick launch to fire camera app at any time and from any screen.

You can start camera app almost instantly even when the screen is turned off and locked.

Please note, you can use camera app without unlocking the Galaxy S8 or S8+ (e.g., in lock screen), but you cannot access any photos taken or saved on the phone before the screen is locked.  This is a security measure to protect your private data in case your phone is lost or stolen.

Remember, you need to press the power button twice quickly. If you press power button too slow, you may … Read the rest

Galaxy S8 LED wallet cover guide

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Galaxy S8 LED wallet coverAs one of the official Samsung accessories for Galaxy S8 and S8+, Galaxy S8 LED wallet cover offers moderate protection for your phone and some unique features at the same time.

This Galaxy S8 LED wallet cover guide explains the unique features of the cover, how to use this cover, how to customize LED icons for individual contacts and apps, and the advantages and disadvantages of this cover, to help you decide whether this case (cover) is right for you.

Please note, Galaxy S8 LED wallet cover for S8 and S8+ are different in size.  The features of the two covers are identical although in this guide Galaxy S8 is used.

So you need to make sure you get the correct one (for S8 pr for S8+) when you order a Galaxy S8 LED wallet cover.

Unique features of Galaxy S8 LED wallet cover?

Samsung Galaxy S8 LED wallet cover is more than a smartphone cover.

There is an interior pocket that can store cards.  On the outside,  Galaxy S8 LED wallet cover can show your notifications with special LED icons.

Compared to other Galaxy S8 covers or cases, Galaxy S8 LED wallet cover offers some unique features including:

  • Notifying incoming calls, messages, time, battery charging, low battery alert, music playing.
  • Storing your cards.
  • Answering or rejecting calls by swiping on the cover without opening the cover.
  • Turning off alarms with a swipe on the cover without opening the cover.
  • Designating special LED icon for individual contacts so that you know who is calling you without opening the cover.
  • Designating special LED icon for individual apps so that you can know which app is sending notifications.
  • Creating your own LED icons with the LED icon editor.
  • Waking up Galaxy S8 screen when you opening the
… Read the rest

How to use Galaxy S8 floating camera button in Galaxy S8 and S8+?

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Galaxy S8 floating camera button was introduced in Galaxy S8 and S8+ when it is not convenient for your fingers to tap the camera (shutter) button.

The floating camera button offers an alternative location on the screen for you to tap to take photos.

This Galaxy S8 camera guide shows you how to enable the floating camera button in Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+, and how to move it around in the screen to relocate the Galaxy S8 floating camera button.

What is the Galaxy S8 floating camera button? and why you may need it?

Occasionally, you may find it is not convenient to reach the camera shutter button to take a photo.

You may want a hardware button or relocate the camera button to other locations in the screen.

Galaxy S8 or S8+, like other smartphones, does not offer a hardware camera button. The hardware button below volume key is for Samsung Bixby, not for camera.

But Samsung  did offer a new floating camera button, which can be placed anywhere in Galaxy S8 camera app interface, to help you in this situation.

The Galaxy S8 floating camera button is just a duplicate of the camera button with identical size and color as the camera shutter button.

You may want to use Galaxy S8 floating camera button when your fingers have some difficulties to reach the camera button.

How to enable Galaxy S8 floating camera button?

By default, Galaxy S8 floating camera button is NOT enabled in any Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+.

You need to enable it if you want to use the floating camera button in Galaxy S8 or S8+.

To enable Galaxy S8 floating camera button, you can tap settings icon in Galaxy S8 camera preview screen as shown below to access Galaxy S8 … Read the rest

Galaxy S8 touchscreen gestures

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You use Galaxy S8 or S8+ through the touchscreen most of the time. So, it is important to know how to use Galaxy S8 touchscreen gestures and how to control the touchscreen.

This Galaxy S8 how-to guide explains to you the 7 Galaxy S8 touchscreen gestures and when you need to use them.

Galaxy S8 touchscreen gestures are similar to other Android phones. So, this guide applies to not only other Samsung phones, but also other Android phones.

What are the 7 Galaxy S8 touchscreen gestures?

Although Samsung Bixby and Google Assistant offer some alternative ways to control and access Galaxy S8 and S8+, most owners prefer touchscreen gestures.

Once you get used to Galaxy S8 touchscreen gestures, you will find these gestures are the most efficient way to control and use the phone.

Like other Android phones, there are 7 Galaxy S8 touchscreen gestures:

  • Tapping
  • Long tapping (tapping and holding)
  • Dragging
  • Double tapping
  • Swiping
  • Spreading
  • Pinching

Please note, although touchscreen gestures are more or less universal in all Android phones, the functions of the same gesture in different apps and different phones can be different. Some apps and some phones may offer additional features to a touchscreen gesture.

Tapping

When you tap the touchscreen (as shown below), Galaxy S8  will respond to the touchscreen gestures depending on the items being tapped, for example:

  • when you tap the navigation buttons, you will be directed to different destination: previous screen or exit the app (Back button), recent apps screen (Recents button), or Galaxy S8 home screen (Home button).
  • when you tap an app icon in Galaxy S8 home screen or apps screen, the app will be started.
  • when you tap a menu item inside an app, you will access the corresponding item inside the app.
  • when
… Read the rest



How to use Galaxy S8 camera app?

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Samsung used a new Galaxy S8 camera app in Galaxy S8 and S8+ with an revamped interface, Bixby vision integration, and supports for more gestures.

The interface of Galaxy S8 camera app interface looks similar to that in Galaxy S7 with Android Nougat update.

This Galaxy S8 camera guide will explain to you how to use Galaxy S8 camera app, and how to use touchscreen gestures in Galaxy S8 camera app in Galaxy S8 and S8+.

Galaxy S8 camera app preview screen

When you launch Galaxy S8 camera app in Galaxy S8 or S8+, you will first get the Galaxy S8 camera preview screen as shown below.

Please note, you can use Galaxy S8 camera quick launch to get this interface directly without tapping the camera app icon.

Galaxy S8 camera preview screen is the centralized interface for using the camera in Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+.

1.  Shutter button

Tap the shutter button (marked as 1 in the screenshot below) to take a picture.

Please note, in Galaxy S8 camera, you can also enable a floating shutter button in addition to this fixed button.

You can also slide (right and left)  the shutter button to zoom in and out.

2. Video recording button

You can start to record a video by tapping the video recording button (marked as 2 in the screenshot below)

Once the recording starts, you can pause or stop.

You can also take photos when recording.

3. Gallery shortcut button

You can access Gallery app directly by tapping this Gallery app shortcut button (marked as 3 in the screenshot below).

By default, the thumbnail of the latest photo will be shown in the preview screen.

Galaxy S8 camera app preview screen

4. Animated filters button

Galaxy S8 camera app allows you to choose from 34 stickers and 50 stamps for your … Read the rest

Galaxy S8 layout and Galaxy S8+ layout

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Galaxy S8 layout (and Galaxy S8+ layout) guide shows you the location and explains the functions of the buttons, cameras, sensors, ports, SIM card slot, NFC antenna and other components in Galaxy S8 and S8+.

You should spend a few mins to familiarize yourself with Galaxy S8 layout when you get the phone so that you can use Galaxy S8 and S8+ properly and effectively.

Please note, as explained in Galaxy S8 specs and Galaxy S8+ specs, the only difference between Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ is the size of the two phones (Galaxy S8+ is bigger with a bigger battery).

The layout of Galaxy S8 is identical to Galaxy S8+ layout.

Galaxy S8 layout: front view

The front view of Galaxy S8 layout is illustrated below.

Screen and edge screen

Samsung touts the infinity display as one of the major new design features of Galaxy S8 and S8+. This is evidenced by the front view of Galaxy S8 and S8+.

About 85% of the Galaxy S8 and S8+ front is occupied by the screen.

Because curved screen is used in Galaxy S8 (and S8+), edge screens can be found in both sides.

Galaxy S8 layout and Galaxy S8+ layout

Hardware buttons

Power key is still in the right side and volume keys in the left in the front view of Galaxy S8 layout. If you have problems to power on Galaxy S8 or S8+, you may check this guide.

A new Bixby button was added below volume button.

If you often hit the Bixby button inadvertently, you may disable the Bixby button in Galaxy S8 and S8+.

Navigation buttons

There are no capacitive buttons in Galaxy S8 and S8+.

The back and recent buttons are software based as shown above. You can re-order Galaxy S8 navigation buttons.

Home button is embedded … Read the rest

Top 8 missing features of Galaxy S8 and S8+ that may annoy you

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Top 8 missing features of Galaxy S8 and S8+ that may annoy youThere are some missing features of Galaxy S8 that may annoy you, although Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ are surely one of the hottest flagship smartphones in 2017 based on specs and new features.

Actually, the sales number of Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ will surely beat all other Android phones. But this does not mean Galaxy S8 and S8+ are perfect  or the best.

You may notice that some important features are missing in Galaxy S8 and S8+.  These missing features of Galaxy S8 may be relevant to some users.

So, we hope this list of the top 8 missing features of Galaxy S8 and S8+ can help you make the decision before pre-ordering the phone.

#1 of top 8 missing features of Galaxy S8: smaller battery

As a reaction to the failure of Galaxy Note 7 battery, Samsung is extremely careful with Galaxy S8 and S8+ battery.

They apparently did not push the design and engineering limit for a bigger battery for S8 and S8+. And if Galaxy S8 battery fails again, Samsung will probably be in the death spiral in smartphone market.

The result is the smaller battery.

It is so small that you should concern about the battery life, although Samsung claimed similar battery life as Galaxy S7.

As a comparison, the 5.8-inch Galaxy S8 has a 3000mAh battery, whose capacity is identical to that of the 5.1-inch Galaxy S7.

And the 6.2-inch Galaxy S8+ has a 3500mAh battery, which is even smaller than that (3600mAh) in the 5.5-inch Galaxy S7 edge.

The new 10nm processor may help save some battery. But the screen, which is bigger now, usually is the major battery drainer. There are no new technologies in the Super AMOLED screen for battery saving.

So, … Read the rest