As the release date approaches, the first (of many) commercials for the Samsung Galaxy S4 have emerged online.

Samsung is gearing up to release the Galaxy S4 in major markets from around the world at the end of April. To prepare the terrain for its new flagship, the Korean giant is investing huge amounts in marketing, with TV and online ads being one of the main areas of focus.

The first commercials for the Samsung Galaxy S4 have appeared today online. Focusing on the software features, three of the ads have been uploaded on Samsung’s Netherlands YouTube account. Unlike some of the Samsung ads from 2012, the clips focus exclusively on the features of the Galaxy S4, such as Sound & Shot, Group Play, and S Translator. Personally, I find this focus on product features (rather than jabs at competitors) refreshing. Check the three 30 second clips below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=UrHYGO7r1rI

A fourth commercial is seemingly addressed to the UK market. This one highlights the design and physical features of the Galaxy S4.

What do you make of these first Galaxy S4 ads? Effective? Inspiring? Or not so much?