SAN FRANCISCO, Feb 21, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Samsung on Wednesday unveiled a
smartphone that folds open to be a tablet, becoming the first major
manufacturer to offer the feature as it strives to stoke excitement in a
slumping market.
The South Korean giant also appeared to get the jump on rivals by
announcing the first smartphone for fifth-generation — or 5G — wireless
networks, while stepping up its efforts in artificial intelligence and
wearables.
The Galaxy Fold, unveiled at a San Francisco event, serves as a smartphone
with a 4.6-inch display and opens like a book to become a 7.3-inch tablet.
“We are giving you a device that doesn’t just define a new category, it
defies category,” said Samsung’s Justin Denison at the event.
The Fold will be available April 26 starting at $1,980, the company said.
The launch comes as the smartphone market experiences its worst-ever
decline with consumers keeping devices longer and waiting for new
innovations.
Samsung made the announcement on the home turf of rival Apple, with the two
giants battling in the premium segment of the market.
Denison touted the Fold as “a one of a kind luxury device” and boasted that
it lets three apps operate simultaneously on its large screen.
“You can watch a YouTube video of Hawaii; text your friend about it, and
browse travel options all at the same time,” Denison said while showing off
the device.
Samsung also announced new Galaxy S10 models, upgrading its current line of
flagship handsets to include a 5G device.
Rivals are expected to make 5G smartphone announcements at next week’s
Mobile World Congress.
“We are pushing beyond the limits of today’s technology to inspire a new
generation of smartphones and recharge growth for our industry,” said DJ Koh,
head of mobile communications at Samsung Electronics.
“For those who say everything possible has already been done, I say open
your mind and get ready for the dawn of a new mobile era. Buckle your
seatbelt, the future is about to begin.”
– Unfolding future –
He said the Galaxy Fold was designed “for those that want to experience
what a premium foldable device can do, beyond the limitations of a
traditional smartphone.”
Analyst Bob O’Donnell of Technalysis Research said on Twitter: “As
expected, it’s not cheap, but the #GalaxyFold will still be THE device for
gadget lovers.”
The S10 handsets, coming in four versions, will offer rich color displays,
longer battery life and sophisticated cameras.
They will feature AI-enhanced software and wireless charging capabilities
that allow Galaxy smartphones to be used as charging pads to power up other
devices.
No price or release date was announced for the S10 5G version. Other
options include the S10e starting at $749, and the largest version, the S10
Plus, at $999 — which will be available March 8.
“Samsung launched a halo product, the Fold, along with multiple still
expensive but more affordable and more traditional Galaxy S smartphones,”
said Techsponential analyst Avi Greengart.
“They are trying to ensure that they have something exciting for early
adopters, and at the same time have a refreshed line-up of phones people
actually buy.”
Earlier this year at the Consumer Electronics Show, Chinese startup Royole
showed off what it claimed was the first foldable smartphone, which can fit
into a pocket but unfold into a full-sized tablet computer. It is available
in China and the US for some $1,300.
Greengart and other analysts did not expect foldable or 5G smartphones to
be mass-market successes this year, reasoning that apps, software, and
networks were not yet in place to support wide adoption.
– AI and wearables –
Samsung also announced that its digital assistant Bixby will be available
in new languages — British English, German, Italian and Spanish — in
addition to the already available US English, Korean and Mandarin Chinese.
The move helps Samsung step up efforts in the rapidly growing field of
voice-based artificial intelligence dominated by Amazon’s Alexa and Google
Assistant.
“We are strongly committed to our AI business, and continuously expanding
Bixby’s intelligence capabilities to provide more users with the best
possible AI experience,” said Eui-Suk Chung, Samsung’s head of software and
AI.
The company also introduced a new lineup of wearable tech devices including
its Galaxy Watch Active smartwatch, Galaxy Fit trackers and its cord-free
earbuds, called Galaxy Buds.
The smartwatch will support apps designed to monitor blood pressure and
stress indicators and is designed to detect a variety of workouts including
running, biking and rowing.
“Consumers are increasingly putting their overall well-being at the center
of their lifestyle decisions, and they’re looking for wearables that make it
easier to get active and stay balanced every day,” said Koh.
Samsung is opening three US retail stores to promote its Galaxy line of
smartphones, stepping up competition with Apple.