Two people who were familiar with Samsung Electronics Co. plans said the tech giant intended to release a new Galaxy smartphone model with a display that wraps around the edges of the unit. The sources said the new model, which Samsung plans to release next year, could allow phone owners to view their messages or even monitor stocks at a certain angle.
The sources, who asked not to be named as the matter was not for the public yet, also added that the Galaxy smartphone will be equipped with Samsung's upgraded mobile technology called Youm. Youm is already featured in the curved smartphone Galaxy Round.The sources also disclosed that the three-sided display could be used in the Note or S series of premium phones, or could be the first of many smartphones for a new line.
Although the sources did not divulge a timetable for the new Samsung smartphone model, one of the sources said the phone would be released in the second half of 2014.
When asked for comment about the new smartphone, spokeswoman Chenny Kim for Samsung refused to provide a comment.
According to Bloomberg, the succession of innovative devices was Samsung's strategy to compete with Apple in the race for the top in the luxury mobile market segment. Apple, in its part, was already developing iPhone designs that would include smartphones with ultra-sensitive sensors and curved glass, said another unnamed source on November 10.
CIMB Group Holdings Bhd Lee Do Hoon said over the phone to Bloomberg today, "Samsung is the dominant player. That gives it a competitive advantage over Apple in the race to make phones with bendable displays."
Samsung managed to close last month with a record earnings report for its third quarter. This was despite that sales of the Galaxy S4 had slowed down since its debut in April. Samsung's mobile unit contributed over 60% of the company's profits. The division posted an operating profit of KRW6.7 trillion. The record amount was credited to Samsung tapping to emerging markets that included India and China.
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