Latest news with #ZFold
Korea Herald
4 days ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
Samsung faces pricing dilemma in US amid Trump's 25% tariff plan
US President Donald Trump's latest announcement of a minimum 25 percent tariff on all smartphones manufactured overseas and imported into the US has sent ripples through the global tech sector, with Samsung Electronics bracing for potential fallout. A 25 percent tariff could raise retail prices of Galaxy smartphones by 30 to 40 percent in the US, significantly undermining Samsung's ability to generate the usual post-launch momentum, according to industry sources on Wednesday. Samsung produces about half of its smartphone volume in Vietnam. This includes a wide range of flagship devices — from the Galaxy S series and foldable Z Flip and Z Fold models to the more affordable Galaxy A series — many of which are exported directly to the US market. While Trump argues that American companies can avoid tariffs by shifting production to the US, sources say such a move is far from feasible for Samsung. High labor costs and lower operational efficiency make large-scale manufacturing in the US economically unviable. The most immediate concern is Samsung's upcoming foldable lineup, scheduled for launch in the second half of this year. If Trump's proposed tariffs are enforced, the Galaxy Fold series could face substantial import duties, directly affecting pricing strategies in North America — one of the world's most lucrative markets for premium smartphones. Apple continues to dominate the US smartphone market, maintaining a market share of 50 to 60 percent each quarter. This sustained dominance poses a challenge for competitors such as Samsung, which already struggles to gain significant ground and finds it difficult to compete on price alone. According to market research firm Counterpoint Research, Apple led the US smartphone market in the first quarter of this year with a 57.1 percent share, followed by Samsung at 26.5 percent. Motorola came in third with 4.2 percent. The pressure is compounded by a stark profitability gap. Samsung's smartphone division posted an operating profit margin of 9.1 percent, far below Apple's robust 31 percent. This means the tariff shock would hit Samsung harder, limiting its capacity to absorb the added costs. In a bid to protect its US market share, Samsung may consider offsetting the cost burden by slightly raising smartphone prices in other markets, including Korea. 'Samsung might avoid raising US prices too sharply to defend its market position and instead spread the cost across global markets,' said an industry source who requested anonymity. 'But that could trigger backlash from domestic consumers, who may question why they're being made to share the cost of a US-specific policy.' As of now, Samsung has not made an official comment regarding its pricing strategy or contingency plans in response to the tariff announcement. yeeun@
Tom's Guide
20-05-2025
- Tom's Guide
Titanium could be coming to Galaxy Z Fold 7 — here's how
Titanium is suddenly the latest go-to metal for phone makers, with the likes of Samsung and Apple using it to try and reduce the weight of their phones without compromising durability. But while that change is more about fashion, Samsung's upcoming foldables could utilize the metal in an interesting new way. According to a report from The Elec, Samsung is set to offer re-engineered hinges in the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy G Fold with — you guessed it — titanium. Or at least, the hinge backplate will apparently utilize the metal even if the hinge itself does not. If that sounds familiar it's because this particular rumor also popped up last year, in the run-up to the Galaxy Z Fold 6's launch. But that never happened, with Samsung instead releasing a foldable that stuck with the carbon fiber-reinforced plastic of previous generations. However the Galaxy Z Fold SE, which is said to be the template for the Z Fold 7, did make this change. So what are the benefits of building the hinge with titanium, you might ask? Well, the obvious benefit is that titanium is a lighter material than something like stainless steel but still maintains its durability. Similarly you need less of it, and The Elec claims that reducing thickness is the main reason behind the material change. It's also been suggested that titanium may not interfere with the foldable's digitizer layer, which is needed for stylus support. That was a problem with stainless steel, and the driving reason behind switching to CFRP in the first place. However, since the Z Fold SE lacked a digitizer layer, we haven't actually seen this in action yet. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. The Elec claims that Samsung has been working on a version of the Z Fold that offers stylus support without a digitizer layer. The Galaxy Z Flip series of phones, which don't support a stylus, have always stuck with the stainless steel plate. The Galaxy Z Flip 7 will apparently be no exception to that. The Elec claims that Samsung has been working on a version of the Z Fold that offers stylus support without a digitizer layer. Without it, the material in the backplate is of much less consequence. But sadly this new technology reportedly isn't ready to be released with either the Z Fold 7 or the G Fold. The other benefit to removing the digitizer layer, as we saw with the Z Fold SE, is that it would reduce the overall thickness of a folded Galaxy Z Fold by 0.6mm. Which isn't a lot, but it would add up when you combine it with other thickness-reducing measures. We'll likely find out more later this year, when Samsung unveils its latest series of foldable devices. Until then you can check out our official Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Samsung Galaxy G Fold hubs for all the latest news and rumors for both devices.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Yahoo
Apple: Don't Screw Up the iPhone Flip
Apple's foldable iPhone has been rumored for years. While we'd crossed our fingers to see it at last year's iPhone 16 launch, a foldable iPhone was nowhere to be seen. But the rumors persist, and it's increasingly likely that Apple will want to get in on the folding phone game at some point. Having tested, reviewed and photographed almost every foldable phone available since Samsung launched its first Z Fold back in 2019, I have some thoughts -- and words of caution -- for Apple as it gets closer to potentially unveiling a foldable iPhone. I've written before about why foldable phones have disappointed me and how Apple could be the company to give the category a boost. Because foldables really do need a boost. We've seen new foldables from Samsung, Google, Motorola, OnePlus and Xiaomi, but none of them have managed to get me especially excited. All those companies' new launches were just iterations of what they already had. Foldables are decent on the surface, but beyond the novelty of the bending display, they don't offer anything truly unique. The more Android companies that join the folding fray, the more concerned I've become that Apple could run into the same problem, with the iPhone Flip being a generic, redundant novelty. A foldable iPhone needs to be more than just a regular iPhone with a screen that can bend. Here's what Apple needs to do. Unfortunately, the foldable Android devices we've seen so far -- including the recent Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 -- are essentially just regular Android phones with flexible displays. The hardware is impressive, sure, but once you get over the novelty of a phone that bends in half it just becomes like any other phone. Except one you've paid a huge amount of money for. The problem is that while the folding hardware works well, the software is basically the same that you'd find on the non-folding versions of the phones. There are few adjustments for the larger displays in the core Android software and most third-party apps don't really take advantage of the format. As a result, I'm still waiting for that "oh wow" moment that makes me see the true value of a folding phone. I had hoped that Google, as the maker of Android, would develop more software features that would make full use of the folding format with its Pixel Fold range. I do like the most recent Pixel 9 Pro Fold and think it's probably one of the best foldables out there. But there's no question that it still feels more like an exercise in keeping pace with the competition rather than a genuine attempt to innovate. Apple's deep developer relationships will hopefully play right into its hands here, with productivity, entertainment and gaming app producers likely poised and ready to create killer apps that show why foldable phones truly are the next step in our phone's evolution. Even on the hardware side of things we're already seeing duplication in designs and form factors. Motorola's new Razr Plus is essentially the same as Samsung's Z Flip 6 and there's little to choose between the OnePlus Open, Google Pixel Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 6 beyond a few minor touches. Apple needs to avoid a folding iPhone that just looks like a clone of existing Android foldables. It needs to stand out and reinforce why Apple is the champion when it comes to product engineering. Let's not forget that Apple didn't invent the mobile phone, but its top-class designers and engineers created a product with the first iPhone that completely revolutionized what a phone could be. Apple has time on its side here; by being late to the party and not rushing in with a "me too!" product, it's been able to see the progression of foldables from Samsung's first Z Fold, through to the more advanced models we have today. It's given the company an opportunity to bide its time and learn from others' mistakes and hopefully put that same spark that made the original iPhone so transformative into its first foldable. A folding iPhone, if we ever get one, should be the showcase for what Apple can achieve with a phone. It needs to not just be cutting edge in terms of its design but also be packed with the latest, greatest tech the company has to offer elsewhere. That means it needs to be able to keep pace with the Pro models, not be a cut-down version that just happens to fold. We've seen this with many other foldables, including Samsung, which typically packs its folding phones -- especially the Z Flip line -- with lesser specs than you'd get from its top-end non-folding models. The result is that you're forced to pay top dollar for the bendable phone but still end up with lower performance than your friend who has a much cheaper phone than you. It's especially true with the cameras, with even Samsung's most expensive Z Fold 6 packing a camera setup that doesn't compete with the S25 Ultra. So you're left having to decide between the best camera performance or the best folding tech. Either way, you're having to make a compromise and that's not okay when you're spending well into four figures for the privilege. An Apple foldable needs to pack the same triple camera setup from the Pro line, along with ProRaw imaging and ProRes video capture. It needs to have the latest processor capable of handling anything you'll throw at it and it needs to be able to run Apple's new AI skills (Apple Intelligence) at least as well as any other phone the company makes. Such a device will cost a fortune, so Apple also needs a more affordable option that's aimed more towards those who simply want the fun of the hinge without all the bells and whistles. Why? Because it needs mass market appeal to get developers on board. A hyper-expensive elite iPhone Fold will have too few adopters early on, and so why would developers waste time dreaming up and producing apps for so few potential customers? On the other hand, just going for the cheap and fun model will make it seem like a toy. A gimmick that gets some headlines but isn't really for serious users. To truly dominate the market with developers on board, Apple will need to tackle both sides of the value equation.
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Yahoo
Samsung AI: 6 features that will boost your productivity
Samsung has been very stingy about hardware upgrades, so much so that it made upgrading to the next-gen flagship less interesting than it was historically. That only leaves AI to make up for it. But sometimes, these AI features can be overlooked and perceived as more like bells and whistles in a handset. As a result of this trend, we wanted to round up the more impressive Samsung AI features that help the user with everyday tasks while considering the powerful tools and indispensable resources it brings. Our list focuses on Samsung's AI offerings, old and new, including Gemini and Galaxy AI, accessed from the more recent top Samsung devices. One of the most remarkable features that Samsung users can access is live translations during calls. When you answer a call, you can enable the Live Translate feature using the Call Assist function. The AI detects the language used in the call or a text message, which also allows you to select the language. If you own a newer Z Fold or Z Flip, you can pair this feature with the Interpreter app, which lets you paste the contents into Samsung Notes for record purposes. Recently, it's become a convenient tool, especially when traveling in another country that doesn't speak your primary language. Voice Recorder is a Samsung in-house transcription tool. It works by using your device to save audio recordings, which lets you tap into the Galaxy AI to convert them into memos. It becomes beneficial for recording meetings and lectures (assuming the practice is allowed), saving you loads of time and effort from doing it by hand. Of course, if you prefer to transcribe them by hand, you can — but unfortunately, 40 minutes of talking could take hours due to all the pauses and rewinds needed. In addition to its transcription capabilities, Galaxy AI can translate the memo into another language, which can be handy when you're not fluent. Samsung also lets you take the memos you produce and place them directly into Samsung Notes. You can do this manually, or you can do it automatically by selecting the Summary option and then tapping Add to Samsung Notes. That allows you to share it as a voice file or text file. It's simple and doesn't require many steps, but the edit function is still there if you spot an error in your transcript. Samsung is reworking how widgets and notifications look in One UI 7. According to Samsung and our preview, the Now bar displays information such as live notifications, music, modes, and routines on the lock screen. The Now brief builds on this idea by letting you access personalized briefing cards as a widget. These cards contain personalized selected content based on the time of day, such as weather and smartwatch notifications. You can even receive recommendations on where to go or what to buy, depending on your actions. It's handy and personal, which is promising. When it comes to trying to be more productive with your health routine, you're going to want some help. Unfortunately, it's not always easy to schedule time with supportive communities to ensure you stay on track. This is where AI becomes a valuable asset. You can gain more from AI by using the Samsung Health app. Note that some of these features are only available for compatible Samsung Galaxy Watch and Ring users. Samsung Health's AI measures your Energy Score while generating insights and wellness tips. In summary, it gives you a snapshot of your overall physical and mental well-being and then advises you on improving yourself. It's helpful to learn more, especially when you're just starting a new fitness journey. Google's Circle to Search arrived for Samsung in January 2024 with the release of the Galaxy S24 series. Eventually, Samsung rolled this feature out to older flagships. It is a feature that lets you search for what's on your screen, including text, images, and even videos, and only requires drawing a circle using your finger or S Pen. What you can do with Circle to Search is endless; you can translate labels and even provide AI overviews on a topic you've searched. It's a smarter way of using Google Search, but much easier to access since it doesn't require you to leave your app or page. Circle to Search is a must-try for anyone wanting to learn more about their surroundings. When Samsung introduced Galaxy AI, we all thought it would be personalized enough to replace Bixby and be what Gemini was for Pixel phones. Instead, we got an AI assistant that felt more like a gimmick. Most of us didn't know what to do with it aside from using the Galaxy AI with other AI features, like Note Assist and Photo Assist, to enhance those experiences. It didn't feel too personal or advanced since there was no conversationalist search function or prompts unless you downloaded apps like Google Gemini or ChatGPT. That problem was solved when Google partnered with Samsung to bring Gemini over to Samsung. The problem is especially solved with the more recent Gemini Live feature, which takes the conversationalist approach a step further. Gemini Live allows natural integration, whether you want to talk to Gemini through the regular app or use the audio function as if you're talking directly. It's handy when trying to have a hands-free experience with the AI or trying to gain more context around your photos and videos. The feature is only available for the Galaxy S24 and S25 lineup (outside the Pixel 9 series). Even though most of us have used tech for years, we still don't always understand what to do with a new feature when it comes out. Other times, we struggle to justify why we need these features. Plus, when we mix AI with these features, everything becomes slightly messy and complicated. But we often come out feeling surprised by what it's capable of. So, if you're ever unsure how to use it, try it first. For example, the next time you're going out on vacation, try and see what Gemini can do to make it easier to plan — you may come out feeling surprised by its accomplishments.
Japan Times
30-01-2025
- Japan Times
Apple and SpaceX link up to support Starlink network on iPhones
Apple has been secretly working with SpaceX and T-Mobile to add support for the Starlink network in its latest iPhone software, providing an alternative to the company's in-house satellite-communication service. The companies have been testing iPhones with the Starlink service from Elon Musk's SpaceX, according to people with knowledge of the matter. In an under-the-radar move, the smartphone's latest software update — released Monday — now supports the technology. The tie-up comes as a surprise: T-Mobile has previously only specified Starlink as an option for Samsung phones, such as the Z Fold and S24 models. Apple, meanwhile, already provides a Globalstar offering that lets consumers send texts and contact emergency responders when out of cellular range.
