The IT Nerd

Reading Week and Family Day are more than a break from routine; they’re a moment when students reset, families reconnect, and shared spaces (and screens) get a lot more use. From catching up on coursework to movie nights and low-key productivity, Samsung Galaxy devices are designed to flex with real life during time off together. 

Whether your readers are heading home for Reading Week or planning a cozy Family Day weekend, here are a few Samsung Galaxy devices that fit naturally into this mid-winter pause: 

• For Shared Study & Everyday Use: Galaxy Tab A11+ 
  The Galaxy Tab A11 is a go-to device for households balancing schoolwork, entertainment and everyday tasks. Its large display makes it easy for students to review notes or stream lectures during the day, then switch to reading, gaming or family movie nights in the evening, all at a value-friendly price point ideal for shared use. 
• For Immersive Learning & Downtime: Galaxy Tab S11 
  For families or students looking for a more premium tablet experience, the Galaxy Tab S11 offers a powerful screen for studying, creative projects and streaming. Galaxy AI tools like Circle to Search make it easy to move between learning and discovery, whether you’re prepping for exams or planning your next break. 
• For Productivity Between Classes: Galaxy Book4 Edge 
  Reading Week often doubles as a productivity reset. The Galaxy Book4 delivers lightweight performance for students tackling assignments, virtual meetings or creative projects, whether at home, on campus or at the kitchen table alongside family. 
• For Shared Entertainment Moments: Galaxy Z Fold7  
  From movie marathons to background music while studying or hosting Family Day get-togethers, the Galaxy Z Fold7 elevates shared entertainment with rich sound that brings everyone into the moment. 

All products are available for purchase at Samsung.com/ca.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, there’s growing interest in design-forward gifts that add lasting value to the home, rather than novelty items tied to a single moment. 

Samsung has few lifestyle-focused products that are a natural fit for Valentine’s Day gift guides centered on home, design, or everyday living , each standing on its own as a long-term upgrade. 

The Frame TV 

• Designed to look like art when not in use, blending seamlessly into living spaces 
• Access to the Samsung Art Store, allowing the screen to double as a rotating gallery 
• A strong option for those who value design as much as technology 

Music Frame Speaker 

• A picture-frame-inspired speaker that complements interior décor 
• Delivers rich sound without the look of traditional audio equipment 
• Works well in living rooms, bedrooms, or smaller spaces where aesthetics matter 

The Moving Style 

• A movable, height-adjustable screen designed for flexibility around the home 
• Easy to reposition between rooms, making it ideal for casual viewing, workouts, or shared spaces 
• Combines portability with a clean, modern design 

Each one offers a more thoughtful alternative to traditional Valentine’s Day gifts, prioritizing design, everyday use, and longevity over seasonal novelty. 

You can find out more details at Samsung.ca

With the Super Bowl around the corner, Samsung is sharing some products that could elevate hosting for everyone!

For the busy host – With the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra, hosting doesn’t have to mean missing a single play or the halftime show. Thanks to seamless multitasking across apps, you can stream the game, follow a recipe, and prep crowd-pleasing snacks all at once, all on an immersive 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display that keeps everything front and center.

For the hardcore fan – Between the edge-of-your-seat gameplay and Bad Bunny’s highly anticipated performance, it’s bound to be a heart-pounding night. The Galaxy Watch8 or Galaxy Ring lets fans track exactly how intense the action gets, bringing a new layer of insight to game day excitement.

For those on-the-go – Super Bowl Sunday is a full-day event. Whether you’re running out to grab pizza during halftime or stepping away briefly, Galaxy Buds3 FE with ANC ensure you don’t miss a moment, keeping the game’s energy with you wherever you are.

For the Instagrammers – Game day moments deserve instant replays. With Galaxy S25 Ultra’s pro-grade camera and AI-powered editing, fans can capture touchdown celebrations, halftime reactions, and snack spreads, then share everything on social before the next drive even starts.

Have a look at samsung.ca for more ideas.

The Galaxy Tab S11 series continues to stand out as one of Samsung’s most powerful productivity-focused tablets, especially for users who want advanced multitasking and AI tools on a larger screen? 

Designed to handle demanding workflows, the Galaxy Tab S11 combines flagship performance, enhanced Samsung DeX, and Galaxy AI features that feel genuinely useful for work, study, and creative projects. 

Here’s what sets the Galaxy Tab S11 apart: 

Performance built for multitasking 
Powered by a 3nm processor and optimized for large-screen workflows, Galaxy Tab S11 delivers fast, smooth performance whether users are running multiple apps, editing content, or working across displays using Samsung DeX. 

A smarter way to work with Galaxy AI 
Galaxy AI features are optimized for the tablet’s larger display, allowing users to summarize documents, refine writing, and turn rough sketches into polished visuals without interrupting their workflow. With Gemini Live, users can even interact with on-screen content in real time, making research, studying, and content review faster and more intuitive. 

Enhanced productivity with Samsung DeX and S Pen 
Upgraded Samsung DeX enables extended dual-screen setups and multiple customizable workspaces, while the redesigned S Pen offers improved control and comfort for notetaking, editing, and creative work. Together, they help transform the Galaxy Tab S11 into a true laptop alternative, wherever work happens. 

Built to be thin, light, and powerful, the Galaxy Tab S11 is designed for users who want serious productivity without sacrificing portability. 

Check out Samsung.ca for more info.

Samsung Electronics Canada Inc. has announced the launch of the 2025/2026 Solve for Tomorrow Contest, a nationwide initiative challenging Canadian students in grades 6 –12 to use STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) to develop real-world solutions that make a meaningful impact in their communities. 

Canadian youth are eager to develop STEM skills, yet classrooms are not resourced to support in a meaningful way. Solve for Tomorrow aims to address this gap by creating hands-on, applied experiences that help students develop the skills they need for the future. 

State of STEM in Canada: Data Snapshot 

• 98 per cent of Canadians say it is important for youth to develop STEM skills 
• Only 40 per cent believe schools have the resources to prepare students for STEM careers, with nearly two in three expressing that schools are not well equipped with the tools needed 
• 90 per cent say hands on experiences spark student interest in STEM* 

Now in its 11th year, Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow offers a unique opportunity for youth to engage further with STEM concepts. The contest has reached over 40,000 students across Canada and contributed more than one million dollars in technology and grants to empower future leaders through innovation. 

Even as career pathways expand, many young people face hard limits on access. 40 per cent of Canadians feel schools are not well equipped to provide youth with the tools and knowledge needed for future careers, while 47 per cent of Canadians point to the cost of higher education as the biggest barrier to pursuing STEM studies.* Concerns around confidence, inclusivity, and equitable access compound the challenge, narrowing the number of students who feel able to participate in these fast-growing fields. 

Solve for Tomorrow encourages students to explore STEM in new ways by offering a challenge that sparks creativity and real-world problem-solving.  

Canadians are calling for applied STEM and AI education that connects classrooms with real-world problem solving. 89 per cent of Canadians support partnerships that make STEM education more practical, and many see them as essential preparation for future careers.* 

Designed to put a spotlight on STEM, the Solve for Tomorrow contest will help do the following: 

• Integrate STEM with practical real-world applicability, helping to create long-term educational impact 
• Inspire diverse student participation, helping to highlight opportunity gaps in STEM education 
• Accelerate community-led problem solving, challenging students to turn local insights into broader solutions 

Key Highlights  

The annual competition is designed to foster STEM-based innovation to solve real-world problems. 

• Who: Canadian students in grades 6-12 (teachers submit applications on their behalf). 
• When: Teachers can register their teams’ interest and learn more about the program, with opportunities for early recognition and prizes, through submitting via this link. The official submission period for student-written applications will open on January 12, 2026.  

Prizes:   

• Eight finalist schools will each receive a $5,000 E-Voucher (taxes not included) that they can use towards the purchase of Samsung technology.  
• The top three winning schools will be awarded a $50,000 (first place), $20,000 (second place), and $10,000 (third place) E-Voucher (taxes not included) that they can use towards the purchase of Samsung technology. An additional $5,000 will be given to the Fan Favourite winner.  

*Disclaimer:  
Based on a 2025 randomized quantitative online survey conducted by Edelman Public Relations Worldwide Canada Inc. of 1,510 individuals across Canada comprised of adults who are 18+, 390 parents of children under the age of 18, and 259 elementary school educators/professionals. 

Valentine’s Day is more than one moment; it’s the connections that shape everyday life. From late-night calls to shared playlists and weekend adventures, Samsung Galaxy devices are designed to help people stay connected, capture memories and keep life in sync long after February 14.

Whether your readers are shopping early for a partner or looking for something they can enjoy with their Galantines, here are some Valentine’s Day gift ideas from Samsung for everyone: 

• For the Everyday Love Story: Galaxy S25 FE 
  The Galaxy S25 FE makes it easy to capture and share everyday moments. With Galaxy AI features like Circle to Search and intuitive photo editing, it helps partners stay organized, connected and present, all in a sleek, thoughtfully designed device. 
• For Shared Wellness Goals: Galaxy Watch8 Series and Galaxy Ring 
  The Galaxy Watch8 Series and Galaxy Ring support healthier routines built together, with advanced sleep tracking, wellness insights and fitness monitoring. They’re meaningful gifts for couples or friends prioritizing well-being.. 
• For Shared Soundtracks: Galaxy Buds3 Series 
  From favourite playlists to workouts and travel, the Galaxy Buds3 Series delivers immersive sound with active noise cancelling and seamless Galaxy connectivity. Features like Live Translate and Interpreter add extra value for those on the go. 
• For Cozy Nights In: Galaxy Tab A11+ and Galaxy Tab S11 
  The Galaxy Tab A11+ and Galaxy Tab S11 are ideal for winding down together. With large displays and Galaxy AI tools like Circle to Search, they’re perfect for streaming, planning trips, browsing or getting creative at home. 
• For the Productivity-Focused Person: Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Book4 Edge 
  Perfect for couples and friends who create and collaborate, the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Book4 Edge combine power and flexibility. The Z Fold7’s expansive screen, Galaxy AI multitasking tools and Samsung DeX mode keep you productive anywhere, while the Galaxy Book4 Edge delivers AI-driven performance for work, streaming and planning together at home or on the go. 

All products are available for purchase at Samsung.com/ca.

Samsung Canada has officially added Galaxy A17 5G to the latest Galaxy A series smartphone lineup. Designed for users who want a reliable and accessible device without sacrificing self-expression, Galaxy A17 5G delivers the core features people rely on. It brings together powerful performance, intuitive AI tools, a vibrant display, and a versatile camera system in a refined design. From staying connected and capturing moments to creating and sharing social content, it supports how people use their phones every day.

Awesome AI for Awesome Living

With the introduction of Galaxy A17 5G to the Galaxy A series lineup, Samsung expands its Awesome Intelligence to more users, bringing a range of AI-powered features designed to make mobile experiences more accessible, creative and productive. Features like Circle to Search and Gemini help simplify everyday tasks so you can spend more time on what matters.

See something you like? Just Circle to Search on Galaxy A17 5G to instantly learn more about what’s on your screen, from sneakers you spot online to décor inspiration or travel ideas, without leaving the app.

Galaxy A17 5G also helps you keep up with life using Gemini and Seamless Action Across Apps. Planning a get-together, organizing a trip, or finding the perfect gift? With a single voice command, AI can search for ideas, add events to your calendar and send messages, making everyday planning faster and easier.

Memories Made Picture Perfect

Capture every angle in stunning clarity with Galaxy A17 5G’s versatile triple-camera system. From group photos and street shots to close-ups and everyday details, the Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to create content worth sharing.

The 50MP main camera, supported by a 5MP ultra-wide and 2MP macro lens, lets you capture wide scenes and close-up moments with equal clarity. With Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), photos and videos stay smoother and sharper, even when you’re on the move.

Your Content, Super Smooth

Stream your favourite movies, scroll social feeds or video chat with friends on Galaxy A17 5G’s crystal-clear 6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display. Designed to pull you in with bright, vivid details, the screen brings your content to life for everything from watching shows to browsing recipes and staying connected.

With its thin and lightweight design, the Galaxy A17 5G is comfortable to hold and easy to carry, making it perfect for everyday entertainment wherever life takes you.

Reliable Performance Designed to Last

Supercharge Your Day: Never slow down with a phone that charges fast. Power through your day with a reliable 5,000mAh battery and Super Fast Charging, so you can focus more on what you’re doing and less on your battery percentage. As you head out for the night, commute through the day or move between plans, the Galaxy A17 5G supports quick recharging to help keep you connected.

Need More Storage?: Store more and worry less with generous internal storage and up to 2TB of expandable storage. The Galaxy A17 5G gives you all the space you need for photos, videos, apps and memories, and then some. Keep your favourite moments, social content and important files easily accessible whenever you need them, without the need to constantly delete photos, videos or apps to make room.

Awesome Perks, Built In

Your Galaxy Comes with a Digital Wallet: Pay with a tap and store compatible cards and memberships in one place with Samsung Wallet. Say goodbye to bulky pockets and enjoy secure, convenient and everyday payments right from your phone, with added peace of mind thanks to Samsung Knox protection.

The Best of TV. All for Free. All on Your Phone: Galaxy A17 5G comes with Samsung TV Plus⁸, giving you access to live TV channels and thousands of movies and shows on demand, all at zero cost. Enjoy awesome entertainment anytime, anywhere, right on your phone.

Availability

Galaxy A17 5G is now available in Canada in Black, with an MSRP of $269.99, through Samsung.com/ca and select carrier and retail partners.

As Boxing Week nears, I’m sharing some deals from Samsung that you can shop for before and after the holidays alike. This is a good time to pick up a few favourites at a lower price while they last:

For the full list of current Samsung deals check out Samsung.com/ca.

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold7 recently unlocked a major upgrade: seamless integration of Nano Banana and VEO3 AI features. The addition of these features brings an entirely new level of intelligence, personalization, and creative capability to the foldable experience.

With this collaboration, users get:

• Video generation from text or images with VEO3
• New generative features that let users create, edit, and transform content with Nano Banana
• Smarter, faster on-device assistance with Google Gemini optimized for the Z Fold7’s dual-screen workflow.

Together, these features turn the Galaxy Z Fold7 into an ideal tool for content creators, multi-taskers and creatives alike.

Recent national polling commissioned by Samsung Canada shows what many viewers are already feeling: Canadians are drowning in streaming options.

• 65% say they feel overwhelmed by the number of platforms
• Nearly half (49%) wish their TV would “do the searching” for them

The result is a growing wave of streaming fatigue, choice paralysis over where to find shows, what’s available on which service, and how to avoid endless scrolling.

You can read the results of the poll here: https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/survey-uncovers-canada-s-homebody-economy-boom-living-rooms-are-the-new-hotspot-885903795.html

As part of looking into how Canadians are adapting to this cluttered viewing landscape, Samsung recently rolled out Vision AI Companion, a new conversational-AI interface for its 2025 smart-TV lineup. Instead of manually searching platform by platform, viewers can ask questions like:

• “What should I watch tonight?”
• “Where is this show streaming?”
• “Who is this actor?”

The TV then delivers visualized, personalized responses, melding content discovery, info and context in one place. It’s part of a broader shift in how AI is beginning to reshape the home-viewing experience moving from search to conversation.