Samsung enhances AI capabilities in its foldable phones, introduces advanced health monitoring features in smartwatch and smart ring.
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| An attendee films Samsung Electronics' new Galaxy Z Fold 6 during its unveiling ceremony in Seoul, South Korea, July 8, 2024. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji |
Samsung Electronics introduced its newest foldable smartphones today, featuring a lighter and slimmer design for its most expensive flagship model and enhanced AI capabilities, as it seeks to strengthen its position in the premium market and compete with Apple’s dominance.
Samsung is introducing more advanced health monitoring
capabilities to stimulate demand for accessories like its smartwatch and a
novel ring designed for simple health monitoring and screen control.
In 2019, the world’s largest smartphone manufacturer
pioneered the foldable segment. However, Samsung’s market share in foldable
phone shipments declined from 81% in 2022 to 63% in 2023 due to increased
competition, as reported by data provider Canalys.
In response, Samsung has strategically designed the Galaxy Z
Fold 6 to be its lightest and slimmest iteration yet, aiming to capture the
attention of potential customers. Simultaneously, the clamshell Galaxy Z Flip 6
boasts an enhanced battery life, a higher resolution camera, and a novel vapor
chamber, effectively addressing customer concerns identified through
comprehensive interviews.
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| An attendee films Samsung Electronics' Galaxy Smart Ring during its unveiling ceremony in Seoul, South Korea, July 8, 2024. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji |
On Wednesday, our organization established the pricing for the Z Flip 6 at $1,099.99, and the Z Fold 6 starting at $1,899.99. This represents a modest price increase of $100 compared to the previous year's models, despite significant increases in material costs. Notably, we maintained the launch prices for three consecutive years prior to this adjustment.
Samsung introduces innovative AI capabilities, including a “listening
mode” that enables real-time voice interpretation when paired with Galaxy Buds
earphones. Additionally, Samsung collaborated with Alphabet’s Google to develop
new AI search functionalities, such as displaying step-by-step solutions for
math problems when they are highlighted on the screen.
The Galaxy Watch product line has been enhanced with a range
of new health-related features. These include the integration of novel sensors
and a 3-nanometer chip, which offers a three-fold improvement in application
booting and processing efficiency compared to the previous model.
This device has received approval from the U.S. Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) as a sleep apnea monitoring device. Additionally, it
offers measurements of functional threshold power (FTP), a crucial metric for
cycling enthusiasts, and even gauges advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), a
biomarker associated with diabetes.
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| An attendee films Samsung Electronics' Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra during its unveiling ceremony in Seoul, South Korea, July 8, 2024. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji |
Samsung’s strategic investment in health monitoring technology reaches its pinnacle with the introduction of the Galaxy Ring, a meticulously crafted product that represents years of dedicated research and development.
At a price point of $399, this device weighs a mere 3 grams
(0.1 ounces) or less, making it suitable for wear in the shower or while
swimming. It continuously monitors heart rate and stress levels, and can also
be used to control a Samsung phone’s camera or alarm.
"Bringing AI-powered health and fitness features to
wearables will be important to differentiate" Samsung from other
smartwatch vendors, and is "core to attracting brand switchers in the
premium segment," said Jack Leathem, Research Analyst at Canalys.
The products will be available In South Korea, North
America, and Europe from July 24.