San Francisco: Samsung unveiled Wednesday a smartphone that folds as well as opens 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 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 company representative Justin Denison at the event. The Fold’ will be available April 26 onwards in the market at a price of USD 1,980 (approx Rs 1,40,580), 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.
AFP