Samsung Galaxy Z Flip phones are being used by police in the US as bodycams

Samsung has teamed up with Visual Labs to customise the Galaxy Z Flip phones to cater to the police's needs.

The portable form factor of the Galaxy Z Flip devices make it a viable alternative to bodycams. (Image Source: Samsung)

Samsung seems to have found a new application for the Galaxy Z Flip phones as bodycams for police in the United States of America. In a recent blog post, the South Korean tech giant said that it is working with the Kimberling City Police and the Indian Point Police in Missouri to test its newest devices to “help them find efficiencies in their work through several methods,” which includes using these devices as body-worn cameras.

Samsung says the pilot program, which commenced two years ago to improve daily operations, was deemed by officers as successful approximately six months after using phones ranging from the Galaxy Z Flip3 to Galaxy Z Flip5 (review). The phone maker then broadened it to include the San Benito and the Craighead County Sheriff’s departments.

Samsung says the Galaxy Z Flip series phones are customised for police use. (Image Source: Samsung)

Also Read | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 vs Galaxy Z Flip 6: Which one should you go with?

To meet the requirements of police officers in the field, Samsung said it worked with Visual Labs, a company known for offering body camera solutions, which helped the South Korean company to customise the device by remapping the external volume button to start the body camera recordings in urgent situations without having to open the phone. The body camera functionality also automatically activates when police are involved in high speed chases or when they activate the emergency lights.

Samsung claims that in addition to a digital camera, the Galaxy Z Flip phones can also act as an audio recording device, GPS tracker as well as a communication device. While the company says Galaxy Z Flip series phones are suited for the job because of their durable build and high quality cameras, cameras and low light image quality have often been termed as inferior compared to other phones in the price bracket.

Loading Taboola...

Police personnel seen to control the situation during a massive protest over the statehood demand and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule, in Leh on Wednesday. (ANI Video Grab)

Statehood protest takes violent turn in Ladakh, BJP office set ablaze in Leh

India4 hr ago

Protests in Ladakh turned violent as students and youth organisations demanded statehood and Sixth Schedule status. Two elderly protesters fainted, prompting a shutdown call. A BJP office and security vehicle were set on fire. Activist Sonam Wangchuk urged for a peaceful approach. The demand for Sixth Schedule status is due to Ladakh's tribal-majority population and direct central administration.

View all shorts

Live Blog