Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 among range of devices launched at Unpacked
Samsung on Wednesday unveiled an upgraded version of its folding smartphone along with other devices looking to jump-start sales of devices in market hit hard by the global pandemic.
The Galaxy Z Fold2 was one of several new devices announced at a livestreamed event by the South Korean electronics giant, which recently lost the most notable position in the smartphone market to China-based Huawei.
Samsung also unveiled two versions of its oversized smartphone, the Galaxy Note20 and Galaxy Note20 Ultra, upgraded tablets called Tab S7 and S7+, a fresh Galaxy Watch3 smartwatch and its own ergonomic wireless earbuds called Galaxy Buds Live.
“Nothing you've seen prior have we relied on technology like we are today. It’s how exactly we are staying linked as we navigate the extraordinary challenges faced all over the world,” said TM Roh, head of mobile communications at Samsung Electronics.
“Technology must make life easier, no more complex. That’s why we've introduced five new power devices. Alone, these devices are powerful tools that will help you maximize work and play.”
Samsung in the second quarter saw smartphone sales slip 29 percent compared with this past year, according to analyze firm IDC, as the South Korean firm lost the most notable position to Huawei in a slumping global market.
Total smartphone sales were down 16 percent in the quarter, according to IDC, as consumers pulled back the face of a pandemic-induced economic crisis.
Sweeping the fold
The Galaxy Z Fold2, the second-generation Fold, serves as a premium smartphone while closed, then opens to supply a far more tablet-like sized screen for immersive viewing, the presentation showed.
Samsung executives said they upgraded the hinge, including adding a “sweeper” to eliminate pocket debris, in order to avoid problems familiar with the first Fold phone.
Fold2 was “completely re-engineered for greater durability,” according to Samsung.
Pricing and availability for the new-generation folding phone had not been disclosed, with an increase of details promised for early September.
The upgraded folding device offers “the energy and screen size of a tablet,” with a cover screen of 6.2 inches (15.7 centimeters) and a primary screen of 7.6 inches.
The Galaxy Note20 will be accessible later this month in america starting at $999.99.
Connecting to Xbox
Samsung and Microsoft teamed up to sync the Xbox cloud gaming service south Korean company’s mobile devices.
“Our vision for gaming is to empower every player on the globe to play the games you want, with the people you want, across your entire devices,” said Xbox team head Phil Spencer.
“Our partnership with Samsung is a crucial step of progress for gaming.”
The Samsung launch follows the release of budget-priced smartphones from Apple and Google starting under $400 offering an alternative solution to high-end devices.
Apple’s flagship iPhone 12 is likely to launch later this season.
Samsung also took aim at Apple’s popular smartwatch and wireless ear buds with updated offerings of its.
Health features such as for example electrocardiograms are being added in a fresh Galaxy Watch3 to be accessible starting Thursday with a starting price of $400.
Galaxy Buds Live may also available this week, priced at $170.
