Samsung's mobile chief, T.M. Roh, has officially confirmed the company's foray into the world of foldable tablets and laptops.
Roh's revelation comes hot on the heels of Samsung's recent product launch event, where the tech giant unleashed an impressive array of seven new products, including two foldable phones, two smartwatches, and three tablets.
Samsung Confirms Upcoming Foldable Tablets
Roh tells The Independent in an interview that foldable devices have been a focal point for Samsung, and this announcement sheds light on the company's ambition to sell 1.8 million foldable devices in Europe this year.
Meanwhile, the cumulative global sales could potentially hit a staggering 30 million. This statistic underscores the fast-growing niche that foldables occupy, with Samsung leading the charge.
A Growing Family of Samsung Foldables
However, the revelation does not stop at smartphones. Roh firmly states, "Foldables will expand to other categories like the tablet and PC and continue to develop after."
The vision of a foldable tablet might sound like science fiction, but Roh envisions this innovation as a natural extension of human behavior.
"People open up a book to read and open up a notebook to write something," he explains. This familiarity with folding movements, coupled with the need for portability and protection, is the driving force behind Samsung's investment in foldable tablets and laptops.
What the Foldable Tablet Holds
Roh's insights are reinforced by Samsung's patent for a "Galaxy Z Fold Tab," a multi-folding tablet concept showcasing displays capable of bending both in and outwards.
While many patented ideas never see the light of day, the fact that Samsung is openly pursuing this path indicates a serious commitment to making the foldable tablet a reality.
The journey, however, is not without its challenges. Roh emphasizes the importance of maintaining device characteristics in each category.
For a tablet, this means achieving a balance between size and portability. Roh notes that the recently launched Samsung Galaxy S9 Tab Ultra, with its 14.6-inch display, sets a new standard for premium tablets. The foldable tablet must inherit this thin, light, yet robust design ethos.
Speculations
According to Android Authority, various rumors about a Samsung foldable tablet have already surfaced prior to this announcement, with some claiming it will be released with the Galaxy Tab S9 series (which did not happen) and others citing a Samsung patent for a foldable tablet called the "Galaxy Z Fold Tab."
What to Expect
Roh predicts that the smartphone's unique ability to provide instant information anytime anywhere, will ensure its continued prominence.
The rise of new companion devices will not diminish the smartphone's role; instead, it will spur the creation of seamless connectivity and interaction between devices.
As Samsung pioneers the future of technology, Roh offers a glimpse into the company's motivation-consumer needs and technological advancement.
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