Samsung launches ‘Focus’ productivity app, plans support for 3rd party devices

Earlier this year, reports indicated that Samsung would release a productivity app called Focus alongside the Galaxy Note 6. Turns out, the Note 6 really is the Note 7 and the productivity app didn’t launch alongside Samsung’s latest app, but that part about Focus is true.

Focus’ focal point is the enterprise crowd, as the app is optimized for Exchange ActiveSync (EAS). But the productivity app will also suppport IMPA/POP3 servers to a limited degree.

Features exclusive to EAS users include direct push sync and the ability to sync events, contacts, tasks, memos. That list also includes global address lists.
Universally supported features include a unified search tool, grouping for related items and the ability to import events and tasks from emails to plop them down on the app’s calendar.

If you don’t work for a company that uses an Exchange server, you can still sign up for an EAS account and connect to a host of server. Those include Google, Outlook, Hotmail, Groupwise, Zimbra and a whole host of other.

Focus is compatible with any Samsung device running Android 6.0 Marshmallow and later. However, Samsung says it has a plan in place to eventually support outsiders. The app supports Exchange Server 2003 service pack 2 and later.

If Focus has caught your attention but you’re hesitant to step away from BlackBerry’s secure infrastructure, Samsung assures you your data is safe with it and the app. The app doesn’t have it own server. And Samsung says asserts that it never accesses its users’ data.