2015 has been a busy year for smartphone makers who are changing traditional patterns to keep ahead of the competition. Take the case of Samsung, which is reportedly moving away from its traditional production process, to gain an edge over its rivals.

According to a fresh report from Korea, Samsung will abandon its traditional "Waterfall" development process for the faster "Agile" process for its upcoming Galaxy S7. As a result, the smartphone will be developed as early as December 2015, SamMobile reports.

While getting the device ready by December does not translate to an immediate release this year, it is likely to benefit the Korean tech giant by scheduling the next major release sooner. Samsung usually launches new flagships in March, like it did with the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge earlier this year. The flagships hit the stores in most countries in April.

As a result of adapting the faster "Agile" process for Galaxy S7, SamMobile suggests the new timeline to be shorter by a month or two. If it goes as planned, then we might be able to see the Galaxy S7 as early as in January at the CES trade show.

Explaining the new development process, SamMobile said the "Agile methodology implies creating a project with simple beginnings and building it up by splitting development into modules, which are completed as fast as possible."

Under the process, Samsung tests the project and evaluates the changes every time a module is completed. This makes it easier for the company to integrate changes any time, without having to start all over again.

Samsung hasn't confirmed any changes, but the company is highlighting its upcoming Unpacked event, scheduled for 13 August. At the event, the tech giant is expected to unveil the Galaxy Note 5, Galaxy S6 Edge Plus and a new tablet. Hence, the excitement is swirled around the next-week's event.

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