Customize Galaxy S7 Edge Edge Display - A How-To Guide
The Utility of Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge’s Curved Display
The curved side panels found on the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, often perceived as merely aesthetic, are in reality a remarkably functional and adaptable asset.
This feature demonstrates greater practicality on the Edge models compared to devices with traditional, flat screens. The curved edges remain unobtrusive until actively utilized by the user.
Customization and Added Features
The capacity for personalization within this side panel area further enhances its value. Samsung has integrated several beneficial adjustments and functionalities to maximize its utility.
These enhancements provide users with a customizable experience, going beyond simple visual appeal. The side panels offer a unique way to interact with the device.
Ultimately, the curved display isn’t just a design choice; it’s a thoughtfully implemented feature that adds a layer of convenience to the Galaxy S7 Edge experience.
Key Capabilities of the Edge Screen
The Edge screen provides users with a versatile experience, functioning primarily in three distinct ways:
- Panel: A sliding interface accessible from the phone’s edge delivers swift access to customized applications, shortcuts, information streams, and other user-defined content.
- Feeds: This feature enables users to view notifications and crucial data without fully activating the screen, achieved through a simple swipe along the Edge.
- Lighting: When a new notification arrives while the phone is placed face down, the Edge Display illuminates to alert the user.
Each of these functionalities can be activated or deactivated independently, and each possesses its own unique configuration options. Access to the central Edge screen settings is gained through the Settings menu, which can be opened by pulling down the notification shade and selecting the settings cog icon.
Scroll down within the Settings menu until you locate the “Edge screen” option. Select this to proceed.
Within this menu, you have the ability to enable or disable each feature individually. For instance, if you find the Edge Panel useful but do not require the Lighting feature, you can simply deactivate it.
To control a feature, tap on its corresponding entry and then utilize the On/Off slider to toggle its status.
Further customization options and advanced settings for each Edge function are also located within this menu.
Personalizing Your Edge Panel Experience
Among the features available on the Edge Display, the Panels functionality is particularly versatile. This convenient side bar remains discreetly hidden until needed, yet provides quick access to numerous shortcuts and pieces of information with a simple swipe from the screen's edge.
Navigate to the “Edge panels” option within the settings menu (Settings > Edge screen) to begin customization.
The Panels menu allows you to select which panels are displayed, adjust their size, and modify their transparency. You can also control the position of the panel handle.
To adjust the handle’s position or transparency, select “Edge panel handle settings” located at the bottom of the screen. This provides complete control over the handle’s appearance and location. Should you prefer the handle on the left instead of the right, simply move it. Increasing the transparency can make the handle nearly invisible. While visibility is helpful during initial use, it can be fully concealed once you become familiar with its location. This is a beneficial feature for a cleaner look.
Returning to the main Panels menu, you can begin configuring the available options. A wide range of choices are offered, including Apps, Tasks, People, Yahoo! Sports, Weather, My Places, Yahoo! Finance, Yahoo! News, Internet, S Planner, and Quick Tools. Each panel can be enabled or disabled using the checkbox provided.
Furthermore, most panels offer additional customization options accessible by tapping the pencil icon. Experiment with these settings to discover the full potential of the Edge Panel functionality.
If a desired feature is not included in the standard panel offerings, it may be available for download from third-party sources. To access these downloads, select the “Download” button at the top of the Panels menu. This will redirect you to the Galaxy Apps store’s Edge Panels section, which contains a substantial number of additional options.
With sufficient exploration, the Edge Panel can be tailored to meet your specific needs and preferences.
Personalizing Your Edge Feed Experience
Similar to the customization options available for Edge Panels, the Edge Feed is also fully configurable. Initially, a selection of default feeds are provided, including Briefing, Yahoo! News, Sports, Finance, and S Health. These options can be enabled or disabled using the corresponding checkboxes.
Individual feeds can also be tailored to your preferences by utilizing the pencil icon. This process mirrors the customization procedure for Edge Panels, offering a familiar and intuitive experience.
A dedicated Download section exists within the Edge Feed settings. However, at the time of this writing, the selection of additional feeds available for download is limited to just two options.
Understanding the Limited Download Options
This scarcity of downloadable feeds is understandable, given the core functionality already provided by Samsung. The existing default feeds effectively cover a broad range of commonly desired information.
Therefore, while the Download section offers potential for expansion, the pre-installed Edge Feeds already provide a comprehensive and useful set of information sources.
Personalizing Edge Lighting on Your Device
The Lighting function represents the most straightforward aspect of the Edge Screen capabilities, functioning simply as an illumination effect. Activation is easy; just place your phone with the screen facing downwards when it's not actively in use. As notifications arrive, the Edge screen will illuminate. Its operation is minimal – a simple on/off toggle at the top controls its functionality.
A useful “Quick reply” option is also available. When receiving a call and unable to answer immediately, place your finger on the heart rate sensor located on the phone’s rear panel (adjacent to the camera). This will automatically decline the call and dispatch a pre-defined message.
Customizing Quick Reply Messages
The standard message reads, “Sorry, I can’t talk right now. Call back later.” However, this message is fully customizable, allowing you to specify any text you prefer to send.
Some criticism has been directed towards the Edge Display, and while certain features may appear unnecessary – potentially representing Samsung’s attempt to address a non-existent issue – the Edge Panel proves to be a remarkably efficient tool once acclimated to. It is, without question, the most valuable component of the Edge Screen.
- The Edge Panel significantly streamlines access to frequently used apps and contacts.
- Its intuitive design enhances user productivity.
- Customization options allow for a tailored experience.
Ultimately, the Edge Display, and particularly the Edge Panel, offers a unique and beneficial user experience. It’s a feature that, despite initial skepticism, can become integral to daily smartphone usage.