Another Unpacked event is over, and Samsung Electronics has, once again, refreshed its foldable line-up.
While the introduction of the Galaxy Z Fold5 and Flip5 answers what the world's biggest mobile phone manufacturer has to now offer its consumers, beyond that are interesting points that would shape the company's future – and even the industry.
We take a look at some of the key takeaways from the event.
Foldable technology
Samsung is the undisputed leader in the foldable smartphone market, holding a 62 per cent market share, well ahead of second-placed Huawei Technologies with 16 per cent, the latest data from Counterpoint Research shows.
This gives the company a whole lot of cushion to fend off any challengers, at least in the foreseeable future.
However, the company is not resting on its laurels and says its employees “obsess over details in a never-ending pursuit of perfection”, mobile experience boss TM Roh said at the event.
Samsung has repeatedly said that it is continuing to develop “new experiences” for its devices, especially in its foldables segment, which it believes is the future of mobile communication.
Redesign long overdue?
Save for the Flex Hinge that lets the new Galaxy Z devices close without a gap and the Flip5's bigger cover screen, the basic aesthetics of both smartphones have virtually remained the same throughout their relatively short existence.
That being said, it feels as if a complete design overhaul is long overdue, and Samsung could have used the fifth year of the existence of foldables – somewhat a mini-anniversary – to do so. Instead, it chose to make token upgrades.
Samsung made the right decision to expand the Flip5 cover screen. Meanwhile, arguably the biggest design upgrade to the Fold was the use of an under-display camera within its inner screen, beginning with the Fold3.
Consumers may fall victim to, shall we say, visual fatigue, especially when the upgrades are minimal. The latest components, software and services are all well and good, but we cannot remove the fact that there are users that long for flair when holding a smartphone.
Even Apple has never waited that much: The longest period it took for an iPhone design refresh was four years, from 2013 to 2017, between the iPhone 6 and iPhone X.
And if rumours are true, that would be matched by the period between 2020's iPhone 12 and the coming iteration, presumably the iPhone 15, this September.
Should we expect a major redesign next year? We hope so. A slimmer device would be welcome.
New line-up
With another cycle passing – and with the above being said – we are, indeed, getting closer to new foldables from Samsung. It is not a matter of when, not if.
Remember, at the Consumer Electronics Show in January, Samsung teased some “wild” prototypes, including one with a rollable screen and another described as a “tri-fold”.
Now, there is no guarantee these prototypes will actually make it to the market, but their mere existence proves that we can look forward to them, in one form or another.
The question, as always, is when Samsung deems them ready for the market. There are, indeed, challenges when developing advanced devices. The more complicated and intricate they are, the more the time and investment required to guarantee their performance.
We could tell that Samsung will not be launching devices simply for the sake of launching them, given major product road maps take years.
Flagship stores
While that was technically not part of the event, The National was able to take a tour of Samsung's first flagship retail store in Seoul's city centre.
And it is a very nice place.
Samsung has big “flagship” stores all around the world but they are just that – to sell their products.
But this one in the Gangnam area is different. It is bright and lively, has a coffee shop, a play area, places to sit back and relax, exclusive items and even a display of vintage Samsung phones.
And with booths and other novelties across six floors, it looks like a mini mall that will keep you busy.
Samsung definitely needs more of these. They have a long way to match Apple's 526 stores globally, which are renowned for their design, but everything has to start somewhere.
Does the Galaxy Z series matter?
Yes. Samsung is betting all its chips on foldable technology, which they believe is the future. They sacrificed the Note, which lives on in the S series, dedicating an Unpacked event to the Galaxy Z foldables.
Its device experience team “plans to sustain solid profitability with new foldable smartphone and wearable launches”, the company said in its second-quarter earnings on Thursday.
Samsung does not break down device sales but what is certain is that the Galaxy S series remains its best-selling flagship. At this point, we can see the company putting in more resources to grow the Galaxy Z and with it, very potentially, the expansion of the entire foldables market.
Samsung may not have been the first to launch a foldable device but it is banking on its market leadership to grow this category – not only for its bottom line but also for its legacy. That is why it matters.
more from Janine di Giovanni
How Filipinos in the UAE invest
A recent survey of 10,000 Filipino expatriates in the UAE found that 82 per cent have plans to invest, primarily in property. This is significantly higher than the 2014 poll showing only two out of 10 Filipinos planned to invest.
Fifty-five percent said they plan to invest in property, according to the poll conducted by the New Perspective Media Group, organiser of the Philippine Property and Investment Exhibition. Acquiring a franchised business or starting up a small business was preferred by 25 per cent and 15 per cent said they will invest in mutual funds. The rest said they are keen to invest in insurance (3 per cent) and gold (2 per cent).
Of the 5,500 respondents who preferred property as their primary investment, 54 per cent said they plan to make the purchase within the next year. Manila was the top location, preferred by 53 per cent.
Eyasses squad
Charlie Preston (captain) – goal shooter/ goalkeeper (Dubai College)
Arushi Holt (vice-captain) – wing defence / centre (Jumeriah English Speaking School)
Olivia Petricola (vice-captain) – centre / wing attack (Dubai English Speaking College)
Isabel Affley – goalkeeper / goal defence (Dubai English Speaking College)
Jemma Eley – goal attack / wing attack (Dubai College)
Alana Farrell-Morton – centre / wing / defence / wing attack (Nord Anglia International School)
Molly Fuller – goal attack / wing attack (Dubai College)
Caitlin Gowdy – goal defence / wing defence (Dubai English Speaking College)
Noorulain Hussain – goal defence / wing defence (Dubai College)
Zahra Hussain-Gillani – goal defence / goalkeeper (British School Al Khubairat)
Claire Janssen – goal shooter / goal attack (Jumeriah English Speaking School)
Eliza Petricola – wing attack / centre (Dubai English Speaking College)
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
The specs
The specs: 2019 Audi Q8
Price, base: Dh315,000
Engine: 3.0-litre turbocharged V6
Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 340hp @ 3,500rpm
Torque: 500Nm @ 2,250rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 6.7L / 100km
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
PRO BASH
Thursday’s fixtures
6pm: Hyderabad Nawabs v Pakhtoon Warriors
10pm: Lahore Sikandars v Pakhtoon Blasters
Teams
Chennai Knights, Lahore Sikandars, Pakhtoon Blasters, Abu Dhabi Stars, Abu Dhabi Dragons, Pakhtoon Warriors and Hyderabad Nawabs.
Squad rules
All teams consist of 15-player squads that include those contracted in the diamond (3), platinum (2) and gold (2) categories, plus eight free to sign team members.
Tournament rules
The matches are of 25 over-a-side with an 8-over power play in which only two fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle. Teams play in a single round robin league followed by the semi-finals and final. The league toppers will feature in the semi-final eliminator.
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
ICC Awards for 2021
MEN
Cricketer of the Year – Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan)
T20 Cricketer of the Year – Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan)
ODI Cricketer of the Year – Babar Azam (Pakistan)
Test Cricketer of the Year – Joe Root (England)
WOMEN
Cricketer of the Year – Smriti Mandhana (India)
ODI Cricketer of the Year – Lizelle Lee (South Africa)
T20 Cricketer of the Year – Tammy Beaumont (England)
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
More coverage from the Future Forum
Moon Music
Artist: Coldplay
Label: Parlophone/Atlantic
Number of tracks: 10
Rating: 3/5
New schools in Dubai
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Company%20profile
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Match info
Liverpool 4
Salah (19'), Mane (45 2', 53'), Sturridge (87')
West Ham United 0
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The National in Davos
We are bringing you the inside story from the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos, a gathering of hundreds of world leaders, top executives and billionaires.
Skewed figures
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
Safety 'top priority' for rival hyperloop company
The chief operating officer of Hyperloop Transportation Technologies, Andres de Leon, said his company's hyperloop technology is “ready” and safe.
He said the company prioritised safety throughout its development and, last year, Munich Re, one of the world's largest reinsurance companies, announced it was ready to insure their technology.
“Our levitation, propulsion, and vacuum technology have all been developed [...] over several decades and have been deployed and tested at full scale,” he said in a statement to The National.
“Only once the system has been certified and approved will it move people,” he said.
HyperloopTT has begun designing and engineering processes for its Abu Dhabi projects and hopes to break ground soon.
With no delivery date yet announced, Mr de Leon said timelines had to be considered carefully, as government approval, permits, and regulations could create necessary delays.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
A list of the animal rescue organisations in the UAE
The specs
Engine: Dual 180kW and 300kW front and rear motors
Power: 480kW
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh359,900 ($98,000)
On sale: Now
Company%20profile%20
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