Last we heard, there were reports that Samsung
showcased its foldable display phone - rumored to be called Galaxy X - to a
selected few back in January at this year's CES show. Now, the company's CEO DJ
Koh has provided a little more info on the project.
In an interview after unveiling the hot new Galaxy
S9 series smartphones, the executive said they are working to ensure that the
handset isn't just a gimmick. "I need complete confidence that we're
delivering the best user experience when we're launching a new category,"
he said.
Koh didn't offer any details on the device's launch
time frame, and also refused to offer more info on the phone, saying he'll do
that when time comes to show off the handset. During the interview, he also
revealed the Bixby-powered smart speaker will arrive "later this
year."
Samsung just launched its Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus, but
mobile CEO DJ Koh dropped a few bread crumbs of a trail to what's to come.
While Koh was mum on details about the company's
foldable phone project, he said in an interview with CNET on the sidelines of
the launch event that the company is making progress on the device, rumored to
be called the Galaxy X. But he's focused on ensuring that this isn't just a
gimmick.
"I need complete confidence that we're
delivering the best user experience when we're launching a new category,"
Koh said.
When the time comes to show off the device, Koh said
he'll be open about the new product.
But when asked whether he can say whether the
foldable phone would launch this year, he responded with a sly smile,
"Sometimes I do not listen. My ear is not so good."
It's getting more and more difficult for handset
makers to make huge design changes in their devices. Instead, most of the
changes are coming through software and services updates or new technology
under the hood, like the S9's improved camera. A foldable phone would be a huge
leap in device design. While it's unlikely to be the device most consumers
would opt for, it could get people excited about phones again.
The smartphone market has been slowing down of late.
Sales actually fell for the first time ever in the fourth quarter, according to
Gartner. It's become harder for handset vendors to make huge changes in their
devices and differentiate from one another. Prices for the latest and greatest
phones have actually increased at the same time US carriers have gotten rid of
subsidies. All of that's meant people are waiting longer to upgrade.
