Samsung has reportedly come up with a clever way to make the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge a big success at launch. The company is expected to open preorders on Feb. 21 and include a free Gear VR (virtual reality) headset with preorders for a limited time.
How do you entice consumers to purchase your latest and greatest smartphone even if they're quite happy with the handset they own? Samsung has devised a plan that is sure to make many smartphone owners choose the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge over rival devices.
Virtual reality is shaping up to be the next big thing in consumer electronics and many of the largest players in the smartphone world have already embraced the technology and have either incorporated it into their lineup like Samsung, or are planning to. Apple CEO Tim Cook recently hinted that Apple believes "virtual reality is really cool" during its most recent record-breaking earnings call as it also revealed the iPhone maker would see it first ever decline of its smartphone since 2007. The statement, in typical Apple form, appeared to back up reports that the company has a secret team of hundreds working on the device and a nod to investors that it had more killer products in its pipeline.
Google is widely expected to throw its name into the VR ring with a customized version of its Android OS, which will be used by licensees to easily offer VR support.
Samsung was the first high profile smartphone maker to jump on the VR bandwagon and most recently released its latest Gear VR Innovator Edition in November, which retails for $99 and requires use of one of the company's Galaxy smartphones.
The Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge are going to be announced on Feb. 21 and are expected to be released worldwide on March 11. The pair offer several improvements over last year's Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge; most notably the microSD expansion slot has returned and a recent Zauba listing virtually confirmed that the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge will feature waterproof cases.
A new report claims Samsung will try to ensure that sales of the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge are a huge hit before they even land in customer's hands.
The source claims this offer is currently only confirmed for Netherlands so far but the company is known to bring offers that are proven to increase smartphone sales. It has previously given customers free wireless charging pads with the purchase of a Galaxy S6, S6 Edge, Note 5, or Galaxy S6 Edge+ in many of its biggest markets, including the U.S.
