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  • Apple to Unveil First Foldable iPhone as Sector Shipments Grow 30%

    Apple to Unveil First Foldable iPhone as Sector Shipments Grow 30%

    Apple is expected to unveil its maiden foldable iPhone at its Cupertino headquarters later on Wednesday, entering a product category where Asian rivals hold a combined 70 per cent share.

    Samsung leads the global foldable smartphone sector with a share of about 40 per cent, followed by Huawei with 30 per cent, according to research firm Counterpoint.

    The new handset is expected to adopt a wider passport-style aspect ratio geared toward video and media consumption, arriving as supply-chain advances make flexible displays more durable and less prone to creasing.

    Asian Rivals Defend Premium Dominance

    For Samsung and Huawei, Apple’s entry turns a high-margin hardware niche into an open battleground across Asian retail channels. Both manufacturers spent years refining flexible hardware, using early technical missteps to improve hinge durability and lock down premium market share in China, South Korea and Southeast Asia.

    Asian component suppliers and display manufacturers stand to gain volume as Apple scales production. The primary risk sits with Android hardware makers in the upper price tiers, who lose their sole hardware differentiator once iOS software is available on a flexible screen.

    The Long March from Early Hinges

    Chinese display maker Royole shipped the first commercial foldable device in 2018 with its outward-folding FlexPai. Samsung launched the US$2,000 Galaxy Fold in 2019, withdrawing initial review units to redesign the display before releasing refined models such as the Fold 8. Huawei followed with the Mate X in 2019, before pushing hardware boundaries further in September 2024 with a US$2,800 tri-fold model.

    Apple’s entry will surely increase competition at the premium end. However, foldables are still a very small part of the overall smartphone market, so there is room for the category to grow well beyond current volumes.

    Growth Divergence in Handset Shipments

    Foldable devices account for a single-digit percentage of total handset sales, constrained by high retail pricing and consumer doubts over long-term screen durability. Google entered the segment in 2023 with the US$1,799 Pixel Fold, while Microsoft discontinued its dual-screen Surface Duo line.

    Research firm IDC expects global foldable shipments to grow nearly 30 per cent this year, outpacing an estimated 1.4 per cent decline in standard smartphone sales as Apple unveils its device later on Wednesday.

  • HarmonyOS Hits 24 per Cent Share in China as Global Smartphone Sales Fall

    HarmonyOS Hits 24 per Cent Share in China as Global Smartphone Sales Fall

    Huawei’s HarmonyOS captured 24 per cent of China’s smartphone sales in the second quarter of 2026, squeezing Android down to 58 per cent. The domestic operating system expanded its footprint as overall worldwide smartphone shipments dropped 11 per cent year on year.

    Global handset demand contracted faster than the 4 per cent drop recorded in the first quarter, with the sharpest drops hitting budget and mid-tier devices across developing markets. Android felt the brunt of that pullback. Its worldwide sales share dropped four percentage points to 75 per cent, even with stronger sales from Samsung’s Galaxy S26 lineup.

    Shifts in Component Sourcing and Pricing

    Huawei insulated its handset business from rising component prices by sourcing more parts from domestic suppliers in mainland China. High demand for the Enjoy 90 Pro Max alongside steady sales of legacy models helped HarmonyOS reach a 5 per cent global volume share.

    Chinese Android manufacturers took a different path. Pinched by memory chip shortages and higher bill-of-materials expenses, brands scaled down their low-cost phone lineups to focus on higher-margin premium devices. That pivot opened room for Apple at the top end of the market.

    Apple Takes Record June Quarter Share

    Apple captured 20 per cent of worldwide sales during the three months ending June, its highest second-quarter share on record. Deliveries were anchored by the iPhone 17 family and the entry of the iPhone 17e, supported by trade-in programs and retail installment plans.

    In India, Android maintained a dominant 91 per cent volume share, leaving iOS with 9 per cent. In the United States, Apple took 51 per cent of sales against Android’s 49 per cent.

    For retailers and hardware distributors across Asia, the product mix is shifting upmarket as low-end volumes shrink. Brands are preparing their product allocations for the fourth-quarter holiday cycle, where component pricing will dictate whether entry-tier production rebounds or stays constrained.

  • TCL Sues Samsung in US Court over Alleged Mini LED Television Claims

    TCL Sues Samsung in US Court over Alleged Mini LED Television Claims

    Chinese electronics manufacturer TCL sued Samsung in Los Angeles federal court, accusing its South Korean competitor of falsely marketing standard screens as Mini LED televisions.

    The complaint targets Samsung’s M Model line, which launched in March at price points below TCL’s entry-level display range. TCL claims the rival sets contain conventional LED hardware rather than the smaller, high-contrast diodes required for true Mini LED performance.

    Dispute Over Screen Technology

    According to the filing, TCL held the lead in US Mini LED television sales between 2023 and 2025 after pricing its units below Samsung’s premium lines. TCL attorney R.C. Harlan stated that Samsung peddled a recycled product line as a supreme tier model to claw back retail buyers.

    Samsung rejected the claims on Tuesday. The company said it intends to vigorously defend itself in court and stands fully behind the accuracy of its product specifications.

    Fight for US Market Share

    Chinese display makers have steadily squeezed South Korean rivals by scaling up advanced panel manufacturing in mainland factories, driving down retail prices across Western markets. While Samsung built its dominance on premium OLED and Quantum Dot hardware, TCL used competitive Mini LED pricing to erode Samsung’s volume share in major retail chains.

    TCL is asking the court for an injunction to halt Samsung’s Mini LED marketing claims alongside unspecified monetary damages. The case now moves toward initial procedural hearings in the Central District of California.

  • Apple Leads Asian Smartphone Market as Xiaomi Expands Low-Cost Reach

    Apple Leads Asian Smartphone Market as Xiaomi Expands Low-Cost Reach

    Apple captured 21.16 per cent of Asia’s smartphone market through early 2026, leading an increasingly divided consumer hardware market across the region. Samsung held second place with 15.57 per cent, retaining its broader footprint after regaining leadership in Southeast Asia despite a 1 per cent dip in total regional shipments during 2025.

    Xiaomi secured third position across Asia with a 12.02 per cent market share, lifting its Southeast Asian shipments 4 per cent to 17 million units. Vivo and Oppo followed with 10.5 per cent and 9.8 per cent shares across Asia, while Huawei retained roughly 18 per cent of domestic shipments in mainland China.

    Social Commerce Alters Budget Device Distribution

    Digital storefronts and direct livestreams on platforms like TikTok have transformed low-cost distribution across developing markets. Xiaomi’s sub-brand POCO recorded its highest monthly volume in November 2025, moving units ranging from the $93 entry-level C71 to the $427 mid-range F7 model.

    Transsion captured 16 per cent of Southeast Asian shipments, supported by basic itel models priced below $30 that drove substantial volume in Vietnam and the Philippines. In Japan, domestic manufacturers Sony and Sharp maintained defensible positions in their home market alongside established flagship brands.

    Component Inflation Squeezes Entry-Level Margins

    Consumer demand in Asia now sits at two distinct poles: premium buyers paying top dollar for ecosystem flagships, and price-sensitive shoppers seeking maximum specifications under $100. While Apple and Samsung control the profitable high end, budget-focused manufacturers face immediate margin erosion from rising memory and storage component expenses.

    Hardware makers entering the second half of 2026 face higher bills of materials that directly threaten sub-$200 device margins. Brands operating in emerging Southeast Asian markets must decide whether to absorb these memory cost increases or risk raising retail price tags above critical affordability thresholds.

  • Asian Tech Giants Taiwan and South Korea Form AI Hardware Alliance Amid Surging Demand

    Asian Tech Giants Taiwan and South Korea Form AI Hardware Alliance Amid Surging Demand

    Long-standing technological competitors Taiwan and South Korea are joining forces to address the booming global demand for AI accelerators, the specialized hardware critical for training generative AI models. This alliance marks a significant shift from decades of intense rivalry to a necessary partnership in the digital age.

    The insatiable demand from tech giants for computing power has strained the capacity of key accelerator suppliers like Nvidia and AMD. Their products rely on an increasingly interconnected supply chain linking Taiwan and South Korea, making cooperation essential to meet the massive market need.

    Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang highlighted the urgency at Computex 2026 in Taipei, personally requesting more memory wafers from South Korean firm SK Hynix. This collaboration underscores that no single country can satisfy the current scale of AI infrastructure expansion alone.

    From Intense Competition to Interdependence

    For decades, South Korea and Taiwan fiercely competed for supremacy in technologies ranging from televisions and smartphones to memory chips. Both nations, former Japanese colonies, built their economies on exports, initially focusing on labor-intensive goods before advancing to electronics. This rivalry saw Taiwanese brands like Acer and Asus compete against South Korean giants Samsung and LG.

    South Korea often pulled ahead due to the integrated structure of its conglomerates, such as Samsung, which controlled multiple stages of the supply chain. A notable example involved Samsung reportedly aiming to dominate industries where Taiwanese firms competed, though Samsung denied such a specific ‘Kill Taiwan’ strategy.

    Taiwan’s strength, however, lay in its highly specialized contract manufacturing ecosystem. Unlike South Korea’s vertically integrated companies, Taiwan developed a dense network of firms each focusing on a narrow part of the manufacturing process. This specialization allowed for greater flexibility and adaptability, enabling enduring partnerships with global tech firms like Apple, which eventually made Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) its primary chip supplier over Samsung.

    Taiwan’s AI Hardware Dominance and Future Outlook

    In the current AI era, Taiwan’s multifaceted ecosystem has proven highly advantageous. Taiwanese companies now hold dominant positions in crucial niches, from power supplies to chip packaging and advanced cooling systems. This allows global customers to select and combine suppliers, maintaining production flexibility. Nomura’s May report ranked Taiwan first globally in AI hardware production, with its AI-related exports contributing to a 15-year high economic growth of 8.7% last year.

    This economic divergence saw Taiwan surpass South Korea in GDP per capita in 2025 for the first time in over two decades. However, this has not deepened the rivalry; instead, the AI boom has fostered greater interdependence. South Korea excels in High Bandwidth Memory (HBM), with SK Hynix and Samsung together accounting for approximately 80% of global HBM production. These critical memory components are then integrated with computing chips from Taiwan’s TSMC using advanced packaging techniques, a final step in creating AI accelerators.

    This dynamic has resulted in South Korea achieving a record trade surplus with Taiwan last year. The relationship is best described as a ‘frenemy’ dynamic, driven by the sheer scale of AI demand. Despite lingering competitive sentiments, the complementary strengths of Taiwan’s contract chipmaking dominance and South Korea’s memory market stronghold make them indispensable partners in powering the next wave of artificial intelligence.

  • Chip Squeeze Drives up Smartphone Prices in India, Boosting Apple and Samsung over Chinese Rivals

    Chip Squeeze Drives up Smartphone Prices in India, Boosting Apple and Samsung over Chinese Rivals

    Rising memory chip costs are significantly impacting India’s smartphone market, leading to a surge in average selling prices and a shift in consumer preferences. The average smartphone selling price in India has reached a record $315, marking a 14.4 percent increase from the previous year, according to recent market data.

    This price inflation is particularly affecting budget-focused Chinese smartphone brands, which have historically dominated the sub-$150 segment. As cheaper chips become scarce and more expensive, these companies are forced to raise their prices, diminishing their traditional value-for-money appeal. Conversely, premium and mid-range players such as Samsung and Apple are gaining market share, partly due to improved financing options that make their higher-priced devices more accessible to consumers.

    Chinese Brands Face Mounting Pressure

    Chinese smartphone makers, including Vivo, Oppo, Xiaomi, and Realme, experienced significant declines in shipments during the June quarter. Vivo’s shipments fell by 13.9 percent, Oppo by 8.5 percent, Xiaomi by 10 percent, and Realme by 14.2 percent year-on-year, according to IDC. Only OnePlus, which caters to a higher-end segment, saw a smaller decline of 2.5 percent.

    Industry experts indicate that the era of sub-$150 smartphones is effectively over in India. New Chinese models with similar features are now expected to cost between $200 and $250, a substantial increase from their previous pricing. This pricing pressure has already led to some budget brands raising smartphone prices by up to 40 percent.

    This development is crucial for RetailNews Asia readers, as India represents one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing consumer markets. The shift towards premiumisation, driven by supply chain economics, presents both challenges and opportunities for retailers and brands operating across Asia-Pacific. As affordability dynamics change, retailers may need to adapt their product assortments and financing solutions to cater to evolving consumer demand.

    Samsung And Apple Expand Their Foothold

    In contrast to the struggles faced by Chinese brands, Samsung and Apple have demonstrated resilience and growth. In the June quarter, Samsung’s shipments rose by 0.4 percent, and Apple’s by 0.7 percent. This enabled Samsung to narrow the gap with the leading player, Vivo, increasing its market share by nearly 200 basis points. Apple also saw its market share rise by 100 basis points in the same period.

    Samsung, with its diverse portfolio spanning from $200 to over $800, is intensely competing with Vivo in the $200-$300 segment. A key advantage for Samsung is its access to in-house memory chip supplies, which mitigates some of the cost pressures affecting competitors. Many Chinese firms rely on external suppliers like MediaTek, SK Hynix, and even Samsung for their chips, making them more vulnerable to price fluctuations.

    The global memory chip shortage, exacerbated by increased demand for AI and data center applications, has driven chip prices up fourfold since September 2025, with further increases anticipated. This trend is expected to continue pushing smartphone prices higher, accelerating the Indian market’s shift towards more premium products as financing options become more prevalent for expensive handsets.

  • TSMC’s AI Chip Capacity Challenges Offer Samsung A Pricing Advantage

    TSMC’s AI Chip Capacity Challenges Offer Samsung A Pricing Advantage

    Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), a global leader in chip manufacturing, is reportedly struggling with production constraints for its advanced AI chips. These bottlenecks are primarily linked to the intricate Chip-on-Wafer-on-Substrate (CoWoS) packaging technology, which is critical for high-performance computing components used in artificial intelligence.

    This production challenge at TSMC presents a strategic advantage for its main competitor, Samsung. With demand for AI chips surging and TSMC’s capacity limited, Samsung finds itself in a stronger position to negotiate higher prices for its competing memory products, particularly High Bandwidth Memory (HBM). HBM is a vital component often bundled with AI chips.

    Market Dynamics and Pricing Power

    The current situation highlights the intense competition and intricate supply chain dynamics within the semiconductor industry. As AI development accelerates, the ability to produce these complex chips and their associated components at scale becomes a major determinant of market leadership. TSMC’s temporary hurdles with CoWoS packaging could give Samsung a window to capture a larger share of the lucrative AI hardware market, at potentially more favourable pricing. This rivalry extends beyond just the foundry business into memory and packaging, where both companies are significant players.

    Implications for Asia’s Electronics Supply Chain

    For Asia’s electronics and consumer tech sectors, this dynamic is crucial. Many consumer devices, from smartphones to smart home hubs, increasingly rely on AI capabilities, which in turn depend on advanced chips and memory. A shift in pricing power or supply availability from major manufacturers like TSMC and Samsung can ripple through the entire supply chain, affecting component costs and product development timelines for brands across the region. RetailNews Asia tracks how such foundational shifts in manufacturing impact the availability and pricing of critical components for major electronics brands and, ultimately, the consumer market.

  • Misto Holdings Powers Rapid Expansion of JuunJ in Greater China with Samsung C&T Partnership

    Misto Holdings Powers Rapid Expansion of JuunJ in Greater China with Samsung C&T Partnership

    Misto Holdings is moving forward with the broadening of Korean designer brand JuunJ throughout Greater China. This expansive action comes on the heels of the premier flagship store’s grand opening in Beijing’s Sanlitun Taikoo Li on August 4th.

    A Robust Partnership

    The expansion is facilitated through a partnership between Misto and Samsung C&T Fashion Division, which is slated to manage JuunJ’s distribution across Greater China for the next decade through its subsidiaries in Shanghai and Hong Kong.

    The Beijing store marks the second location of JuunJ brought to life by Misto in the area, following the debut of another store in Chengdu Taikoo Li in Sichuan province just last month.

    Misto’s approach to this expansion is a comprehensive blend of physical retail, digital marketing, and localized brand management. They utilize their extensive experience in supporting Korean fashion brands in China to make this venture a success.

    Strengthening Presence

    “JuunJ is among the leading global designer brands of Samsung C&T Fashion Division, and our focus is on ensuring that its distinct brand value and creative identity reach consumers across Greater China,” shared a spokesperson for Misto Holdings. “In collaboration with Samsung C&T Fashion Division, we are committed to augmenting JuunJ’s regional presence while simultaneously broadening our collection of premium global fashion brands.”

    As Misto continues to leverage the solid momentum from a strong first quarter, this move comes at an opportune time. In May, the South Korean fashion and golf group reported an impressive revenue of KRW1.3 trillion (US$864.9 million), showing a 4.2% growth year on year, thanks to the significant demand for golf equipment and K-fashion brands.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the significance of Misto Holdings’ expansion?
    The expansion is a strategic move to broaden the Korean designer brand JuunJ’s presence throughout Greater China, utilizing a blend of physical and digital strategies.

    What role is Samsung C&T Fashion Division playing in this expansion?
    Samsung C&T Fashion Division is partnering with Misto Holdings to manage JuunJ’s distribution across Greater China through its subsidiaries in Shanghai and Hong Kong.

    How is Misto Holdings’ performance in the first quarter of the year?
    Misto Holdings reported solid first-quarter momentum with a revenue of KRW1.3 trillion (US$864.9 million), a 4.2% increase year on year, driven by the high demand for golf equipment and K-fashion brands.

  • Samsung’s Lee Family Wraps Up $7.95B Inheritance Tax Payment: Paves Way for Tech Investment Boom

    Samsung’s Lee Family Wraps Up $7.95B Inheritance Tax Payment: Paves Way for Tech Investment Boom

    The family of the late Chairman of the Samsung Group, Lee Kun-hee, is nearing the completion of a sizeable inheritance tax payment. The amount, approximately 12 trillion won ($7.95 billion USD), is expected to be settled later this month.

    Final Installment

    The heirs, including the Chairman’s widow Hong Ra-hee and their children Lee Jae-yong, Lee Boo-jin, and Lee Seo-hyun, will be making the sixth and concluding payment this month. This plan was initiated in 2021 after the Chairman’s passing in 2020.

    Estate Valuation

    Lee Kun-hee’s estate was estimated to be worth around 26 trillion won, comprising stocks, real estate, and art collections. Hong Ra-hee is shouldering the most significant proportion of the tax, around 3.1 trillion won. The children follow closely behind, each paying between 2.4 to 2.9 trillion won.

    Payment Strategies

    The family members navigated the tax payment through various strategies. Hong and her daughters allegedly sold shares in key Samsung affiliates like Samsung Electronics, Samsung SDS, and Samsung C&T. Hong also entered into a trust agreement earlier this year to sell 15 million Samsung Electronics in an apparent move to cover her portion of the tax.

    In contrast, Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong financed his share of the tax through dividends and personal loans. This approach is perceived as an attempt to maintain his influence over the group’s ownership structure, primarily centered on Samsung C&T.

    Investment Plans

    Over the past five years, the family is estimated to have received about 4 trillion won in dividends from affiliates following Lee Kun-hee’s death, and more than 6 trillion won when considering earlier dividends.

    With the tax nearly settled, the group is predicted to channel more investment into sectors like semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and biopharmaceuticals. The completion of the inheritance tax payments is significant as it coincides with improved earnings at Samsung Electronics and the resolution of legal risks.

    Questions & Answers

    What was the total worth of Lee Kun-hee’s estate?
    The estate, which comprised stocks, real estate, and art collections, was estimated to be worth around 26 trillion won.

    How did the Lee family manage to pay off the inheritance tax?
    The family used various strategies to pay the tax. This included selling shares in key Samsung affiliates and gaining dividends. Lee Jae-yong also utilized personal loans.

    What is the expected future investment direction of the Samsung Group?
    With the tax nearly settled, the Samsung Group is expected to increase investment in sectors like semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and biopharmaceuticals.

  • Oppo Outpaces Samsung: Next Flagship Phone May Introduce Game-Changing Qi2 Magnetic Wireless Charging

    Oppo Outpaces Samsung: Next Flagship Phone May Introduce Game-Changing Qi2 Magnetic Wireless Charging

    Wireless charging continues to be a topic of contention for modern smartphone users. The feature provides the convenience of powering up your device without the need for cables. However, past experiences have proven to be less than satisfactory. This started to shift with the introduction of Apple’s MagSafe, leading to the development of Qi2. The latter is anticipated to gain more widespread acceptance in the near future.

    Potential Adoption of Qi2 by Oppo

    The launch of the Oppo Find X10 series is anticipated to be months away, but initial whispers about the device have begun to circulate. Speculation suggests that the new smartphone may incorporate magnetic wireless charging. The exact features are not clear at this time, but there is a possibility that the device could support Qi2 upon its launch in the latter half of 2026.

    Assuming these rumors hold true, Oppo will be the first Chinese smartphone manufacturer to incorporate magnets into their device. This will enable the Find X10 series to be compatible with the magnetic accessories that are part of Apple’s MagSafe and Google’s Pixelsnap ecosystem. However, there is still uncertainty as to whether the devices will support the latest Qi2.2 standard.

    Missed Opportunity by Samsung

    Apple and Google are currently the only major brands that offer smartphones equipped with built-in magnets. Samsung had been rumored to include native Qi2 support in their upcoming flagship, the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Despite this, recent leaks of potential official cases for the device suggest that there will not be integrated magnets.

    Apple stands as a pioneer in terms of magnetic wireless charging, having introduced MagSafe with the iPhone 12 series. Google has followed suit, launching its Pixelsnap system with the Pixel 10 series. However, no other major brand currently supports built-in magnetic charging.

    Samsung’s Galaxy S25 series and the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Galaxy Z Flip 7, and Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE are all Qi2-Ready. This means that users can purchase a Qi2-Ready case for these devices and take advantage of the improved charging speeds provided by the magnets in the case.

    The Oppo Find X9 series, which includes the Find X9 Pro and the upcoming Find X9 Ultra, support wireless charging. However, they do not have magnets and are not Qi2-Ready. Despite this, the Find X9 Pro outperforms the wireless charging speeds of the Galaxy S25 by offering 50W wireless charging, as opposed to Samsung’s 15W.

    While Oppo is not available in the US, OnePlus, another brand under the same company, is sold stateside. If past trends hold, we may see features from the Find X series make their way to OnePlus devices. This could be a major selling point for a brand that has been struggling recently.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the expected feature of the Oppo Find X10 series?
    The Oppo Find X10 series may include magnetic wireless charging, potentially supporting Qi2.

    Which major brands currently offer smartphones with built-in magnets?
    Currently, only Apple and Google offer smartphones with built-in magnets.

    Do the Oppo Find X9 series devices support wireless charging?
    Yes, the Oppo Find X9 series devices do support wireless charging, but they do not have built-in magnets, nor are they Qi2-Ready.

  • Samsung Revamps Gaming Experience: Unveils Personalized Discovery and YouTube Integration in New Update

    Samsung Revamps Gaming Experience: Unveils Personalized Discovery and YouTube Integration in New Update

    Samsung Galaxy devices are set to experience a major enhancement to their Mobile Gaming Hub. The company is introducing a significant upgrade, which includes a more streamlined interface, personalised game suggestions, and integrated YouTube functionalities to help you uncover your next gaming addiction.

    A New Approach to Game Discovery

    Mobile game discovery, according to Samsung, has been a challenge. To address this, the company has initiated a major revamp of its Mobile Gaming Hub. The update, which will be rolled out globally to all Galaxy phones and tablets, aims to offer a more organised and personalised user experience.

    The revised interface will feature all games from the Galaxy Store in a single, consolidated library. The main highlight of the upgrade, however, lies in its personalised approach. The application will analyse your gaming habits to suggest games that align with your interests.

    An Integrated YouTube Experience

    The most noteworthy addition to the Mobile Gaming Hub is the direct integration of YouTube. Users can now view gameplays, walkthroughs, and creator content tailored to their gaming preferences directly within the hub, eliminating the need to switch between apps.

    This update is particularly significant for mobile gamers who often struggle to find quality games amidst a sea of “pay-to-win” clones. By curating content based on actual playing habits, Samsung aims to provide a more engaging user experience than Google Play or the App Store.

    Benefitting Gamers

    The updated Mobile Gaming Hub is designed for all Galaxy device owners who enjoy games, from casual puzzle players to competitive shooter enthusiasts. If the personalised recommendations function as expected, it could save gamers substantial time. The addition of video content is an attempt to keep users immersed in the platform, providing game guides and tips alongside the “Play” button.

    A Useful Gaming Launcher

    Pre-installed game launchers can often feel more like advertising billboards than useful tools. However, this update could shift that perception. The ability to view relevant YouTube guides next to the games they’re playing is a feature that could be appreciated by gamers of all levels.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the major update to the Mobile Gaming Hub on Samsung Galaxy devices?
    The update includes a streamlined interface, personalized game recommendations based on user’s play patterns, and integrated YouTube functionalities.

    Who is the updated Mobile Gaming Hub designed for?
    The update is designed for all Galaxy device owners who play games, ranging from casual puzzle players to competitive shooter fans.

    What makes the updated Mobile Gaming Hub unique?
    Its unique features include the direct integration of YouTube, allowing users to view gameplays and walkthroughs without switching apps. Additionally, the app personalizes game recommendations based on the user’s gaming habits.

  • Samsung and SKT Forge Ahead with Advanced AI-Driven 6G Tech: A New Era in Hyperconnected Telecommunications

    Samsung and SKT Forge Ahead with Advanced AI-Driven 6G Tech: A New Era in Hyperconnected Telecommunications

    Samsung Electronics and SK Telecom (SKT) have recently formalized their cooperation by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU). The partnership will focus on the development of crucial 6G technologies, with a special focus on artificial intelligence-based radio access network (AI-RAN) technology. The primary aim of the collaboration is to develop and test key technologies for the 6G era, including AI-based channel estimation, distributed multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission, AI-RAN-based schedulers, and core network architectures.

    Leading the Collaboration

    Samsung Research and SKT’s Network Technology Office will be spearheading the collaboration. AI-based channel estimation technology aims to improve network performance by predicting and correcting signal transmission instantaneously. This allows for quick and accurate data delivery in environments where radio waves face obstructions such as buildings or walls.

    Unlike traditional setups, where a single base station handles data processing, distributed MIMO technology enables multiple base stations or antennas to collaborate in the transmission and reception of data. This innovative approach ensures reliable, ultra-high-speed communication in both urban and rural settings.

    Improving Network Quality

    AI-RAN schedulers and AI-based core networks are crucial for data transmission optimization. They efficiently dictate when, where, and how to send data, ensuring efficient resource allocation even when numerous user devices are connected. These technologies are vital for enhancing network quality and facilitating automation in a future hyperconnected society.

    Under the partnership, Samsung Research will be concentrating on the development of AI-RAN technologies, including AI-based channel estimation models, schedulers, and distributed MIMO. Meanwhile, SKT will be responsible for providing data and setting up test infrastructure based on its nationwide network operations. The companies are also making collaborative efforts as members of the AI-RAN Alliance.

    Future Prospects

    JinGuk Jeong, Executive Vice President and Head of Advanced Communications Research Center (ACRC), Samsung Research at Samsung Electronics, has expressed optimism about the joint venture with SKT. He believes that this field-focused collaboration will enable them to verify the efficacy of AI-based wireless technologies in real-world settings and secure key AI-RAN technologies at an early stage.

    Takki Yu, Vice President of SK Telecom Network Technology Office, emphasized that the fusion of AI and wireless communications will be crucial to 6G competitiveness. Through their partnership with Samsung Electronics, they plan to secure world-class AI-RAN-based 6G technologies and lead the global 6G ecosystem.

    Since 2019, when it established the Advanced Communications Research Center (ACRC), Samsung has been proactively pursuing 6G research, publishing the 6G White Paper and 6G Spectrum White Paper, which outline its vision and direction for next-generation communications.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the main focus of the collaboration between Samsung Electronics and SK Telecom?
    The collaboration aims to develop and test key technologies for the 6G era, particularly artificial intelligence-based radio access network (AI-RAN) technology.

    Who will be leading this collaboration?
    Samsung Research and SKT’s Network Technology Office will be spearheading the partnership.

    What role does AI play in the development of 6G technologies?
    Artificial Intelligence is crucial in enhancing network quality, facilitating automation, and ensuring efficient resource allocation in a future hyperconnected society.

  • Samsung Set to Shake Up Personal Finance: Barclays Partnership Brings Samsung Credit Card to Compete with Apple

    Samsung Set to Shake Up Personal Finance: Barclays Partnership Brings Samsung Credit Card to Compete with Apple

    Samsung is reportedly preparing to launch a Samsung-branded credit card in the United States, in a strategic collaboration with Barclays that will capitalize on Visa’s extensive global payment network.

    Samsung Eyes U.S. Financial Sphere

    Samsung is reportedly planning to broaden its financial services portfolio in the U.S. market. A partnership with the British banking giant, Barclays, would provide a solid foundation for both companies to further penetrate the U.S. market. For Samsung, this means fostering increased loyalty within its client base; for Barclays, it opens up opportunities for greater lending scope.

    The formal announcement of the partnership is expected by the end of the year, with Visa being selected to manage the payment network.

    If successful, the Samsung credit card is unlikely to be a singular venture. It has been suggested that the credit card could be the cornerstone of a more expansive financial product offering, potentially involving a high-yield savings account, a digital prepaid account, and even a buy-now, pay-later option.

    Samsung’s Bid to Emulate Apple’s Success

    With this move, Samsung is evidently looking to replicate Apple’s successful foray into the U.S. financial sector. Apple has already established a strong foothold in the country with the Apple Card and Apple Pay, while Samsung’s financial tools have yet to achieve similar success.

    Samsung anticipates that by launching its own credit card, it can further solidify its ecosystem through Samsung Wallet. The card could provide cashback rewards that are directly deposited into users’ Samsung accounts, offering them an easy way to finance future purchases. This setup is expected to encourage users to remain within Samsung’s ecosystem, regardless of whether they’re purchasing a new Galaxy phone, a TV, or even a smart refrigerator.

    This strategy reflects the approach taken by Apple back in 2019 when it launched the Apple Card, in cooperation with Goldman Sachs and Mastercard. The card, which offers cashback benefits and interest-free financing for Apple products, has been successful in substantial growth of Apple’s financial presence.

    Broadening Samsung’s Ecosystem

    Samsung and Apple have been longstanding competitors in the smartphone market, but as hardware advancements slow down, the focus of competition is shifting towards ecosystem services. Financial products such as the prospective credit card could enable Samsung to fortify its relationship with U.S. consumers, thereby enhancing the relevance of Samsung Wallet.

    If Samsung’s plans come to fruition, it could be a significant step into the realm of personal finance. It’s clear that the ongoing rivalry with Apple is evolving, moving from a battle over pocket space to a contest for wallet share.

    Questions & Answers

    What is Samsung’s projected strategy for the U.S. financial market?
    Samsung reportedly plans to launch a Samsung-branded credit card, in partnership with Barclays and utilizing Visa’s global payment network, with potential future offerings including a high-yield savings account and a digital prepaid account.

    What is the aim of Samsung’s credit card venture?
    Samsung hopes to enhance customer loyalty and keep users within its ecosystem by offering incentives such as cashback rewards which can be easily used for future purchases.

    How does this move reflect the changing competition between Samsung and Apple?
    As hardware development slows, competition is shifting to ecosystem services. Both companies are expanding into the financial sector, with Samsung’s credit card venture marking a new stage in its rivalry with Apple.

  • VR is dead! And even Apple and Samsung can’t save it

    VR is dead! And even Apple and Samsung can’t save it

    My Decade-Long Journey with Virtual Reality

    Nearly a decade ago, I was struck by the potential of virtual reality (VR) technology when I had my first experience with an early prototype of the HTC Vive. The dynamics of VR were expected to dominate the tech industry and influence lifestyle on a global scale. However, the present scenario seems to paint a different picture with growing rumors of Apple’s plans to transform the Vision Pro headset into a lighter, more affordable, augmented reality system. This has made me question the success trajectory of VR, a technology that was expected to revolutionize our world.

    The Limitations of Virtual Reality

    As time went on, some of the issues that initially seemed like minor growing pains have turned out to be significant drawbacks. The most persistent of these is the discomfort associated with VR headsets. The first generation HTC Vive, weighing 470 grams, proved to be quite tiresome to use after just fifteen minutes. This discomfort has only increased with the Apple Vision Pro headset, which weighs between 600 and 650 grams. This weight does not include the additional 350 grams of the battery pack that’s meant to be carried in your pocket.

    Another deterring factor is motion sickness, commonly referred to as VR sickness, characterized by symptoms such as sweating and eye strain. Although one can adjust to these physical discomforts over time, the sense of disconnect from the real world remains a significant negative factor.

    The Challenge of Affordability

    The high cost of VR technology has been a significant barrier to its widespread adoption. The Apple Vision Pro comes with a hefty price tag of $3,500, whereas the HTC Vive retails for $799. These are not price points that would encourage mass adoption of the technology. To add to this, a report from analyst firm Omdia indicated a 10% decrease in sales of consumer VR headsets in 2024.

    Developers’ Skepticism Towards VR

    Interestingly, there’s a growing skepticism towards VR even among developers. A recent study found that only 13% of developers, who do not currently work in VR, envision shifting their focus to this technology in the next 5 years. This is not a promising figure for the future of VR. The software scene also seems to lack innovative advancements that could make VR indispensable.

    The Future: Augmented Reality?

    The Samsung Galaxy XR headset, which has been leaked extensively, shows the Korean company’s attempt to mainstream the headset Apple Vision Pro couldn’t. However, the Galaxy XR does not seem to offer anything significantly different. On the other hand, Augmented Reality (AR) seems to be making its mark by offering features that are more user-friendly and essential. AR glasses enhance users’ interaction with their environment without the physical discomforts associated with VR.

    Questions & Answers

    What is one of the biggest challenges VR technology faces?
    One of the biggest challenges VR technology faces is the physical discomfort users experience when using VR headsets for extended periods. This includes motion sickness and the heavy weight of the headsets.

    How has the cost of VR technology affected its adoption?
    The high cost of VR headsets has been a significant barrier to its widespread adoption. With price points in the hundreds or even thousands of dollars, many potential users are discouraged from purchasing these devices.

    What is the outlook for VR according to developers?
    A recent study showed that only 13% of developers who do not currently work in VR can see themselves shifting focus to this technology in the next 5 years, pointing to a bleak outlook for the future of VR.

  • Samsung Challenges Apple’s Dominance: Unveils Project Moohan, Its First XR Headset

    Samsung Challenges Apple’s Dominance: Unveils Project Moohan, Its First XR Headset

    Samsung has officially entered the extended reality (XR) market with the announcement of its “Worlds Wide Open” Virtual Galaxy Event. The event, which will live-stream on October 21st at 10 p.m. ET, will reveal “Project Moohan,” the company’s first XR headset.

    A New Entrant in the XR Arena

    Samsung’s “Project Moohan” is the first device to be officially unveiled as a product of the collaboration between Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm in the XR space. The headset is built on the new Android XR platform and marks the dawn of “multi-modal AI.” The design of the product has been kept under wraps until its official reveal at the event. To create excitement among customers, Samsung is offering a $100 reservation credit on its official website.

    Why This is a Significant Development

    The XR space has been primarily dominated by Apple’s expensive Vision Pro, which is priced at $3,499. However, due to its high cost and closed ecosystem, there has been a significant gap in the market for a rival product. The Samsung-Google-Qualcomm alliance is set to fill this gap, leading to a classic Android vs. iOS competition in spatial computing. The open platform of the new product encourages developers to create a variety of apps, potentially leading to faster innovation and increased consumer choice. For those seeking an alternative to Apple’s XR vision, Samsung’s “Project Moohan” could be the ideal solution.

    The Battle for the XR Market is On

    The launch of “Project Moohan” brings a much-needed heavyweight competitor to challenge Apple in the XR space and potentially drive down prices. While Apple’s Vision Pro is a remarkable piece of technology, its high price tag makes it inaccessible for most people. The alliance between the tech giants has the potential to offer a compelling alternative that is more affordable. The hope is that “Project Moohan” will be released at a more consumer-friendly price point. If Samsung can deliver a premium experience without the high cost, it could be the device that finally brings XR into the mainstream, promoting an open ecosystem over Apple’s polished, closed one.

    Questions & Answers

    What is “Project Moohan”?
    “Project Moohan” is Samsung’s first XR headset, unveiled at the “Worlds Wide Open” Virtual Galaxy Event.

    Who is involved in the creation of “Project Moohan”?
    The headset is a product of the collaboration between Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm.

    How does “Project Moohan” compare to Apple’s Vision Pro?
    Unlike the expensive and closed ecosystem of Apple’s Vision Pro, “Project Moohan” operates on an open platform, encouraging faster innovation and increased consumer choice due to its more affordable price point.