Samsung Galaxy S8 Release Date 2017: Specs Include Updated App Icons And Launcher

A new leak shows what the Galaxy S8 launcher will look like. SamMobile shared screen cap images, supposedly from a Galaxy S8 handset, which show updated icons. The images were discovered in Samsung’s Smart Switch application, which allows users to transfer data to a new Galaxy device, according to the tech blog.

Stock and Samsung proprietary app icons in particular, such as the caller app, browser and S-Health icons, have a artistic, partially drawn look. Even the weather widget on the home screen, has a similar deconstructed design.

The Samsung Galaxy S8 is less than two weeks away from being announced and most specs and features for the device have been revealed through leaks and rumors.

Several leaks have shown what the device’s exterior will look like, showcasing its display with no home button and thin bezels. Some leaks have also showcased new software features, such as Samsung DeX, a program intended to allow users to transfer their smartphone desktop to a computer desktop. The feature is similar to Windows Continuum.

Additionally, the smartphone is expected to feature software-based, on screen navigation buttons, to align with Samsung’s design revamp for the Galaxy S8. Older Galaxy models feature capacitive buttons located within the bottom bezel.

The Galaxy S8 is expected to run Android Nougat and will likely get version 7.1.1 of the latest software. Samsung is currently updating older handsets, such as the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S6 to Android Nougat, but these devices have received the original Android 7.0 Nougat version software. Samsung’s updated launcher will likely also stand to differentiate between the Galaxy S8 and older Galaxy devices.