Samsung is set to unveil its first FOLDABLE smartphone: Firm's president says the 'holy grai

Samsung is set to unveil its first FOLDABLE smartphone: Firm's president says the 'holy grail' of handsets could be available next year

By SHIVALI BEST FOR MAILONLINE, Sept. 12, 2017

• Koh Dong-jin, president of Samsung Electronics was speaking in Seoul today

• He said Samsung is setting its eyes on 2018 to release a foldable smartphone

• The firm is also working on an AI-enabled speaker similar to Amazon Echo

In the hope of getting one step ahead of its rivals, Samsung has announced that it aims to launch a foldable smartphone next year under its Galaxy Note brand.

Koh Dong-jin, president of mobile business at Samsung Electronics, said the company is setting its eyes on 2018 to release the 'the holy grail' of smartphones with a bendable display.

But he highlighted there are several hurdles it has to overcome, leaving room to push back the release if those problems are not solved.

In the hope of getting one step ahead of its rivals, Samsung has announced that it aims to launch a foldable smartphone next year under its Galaxy Note brand. Pictured is a screenshot from a conceptual video produced in 2015 showing what the device may look like

Mr Dong-jin revealed Samsung's ambitious plans during a media day for Galaxy Note 8 in Seoul today.

He said: 'As the head of the business, I can say our current goal is next year.

'When we can overcome some problems for sure, we will launch the product.'

He did not elaborate what the problems are, but analysts said mass-producing a foldable phone with top tech features and a thin body will take time.

When Samsung will release its first foldable phone has been a perennial question in the market since Samsung first showcased a flexible display prototype called Youm in 2013.

For at least the past two years, there have been rumours that Samsung is close to showing off its first smartphones that can be folded.

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SAMSUNG'S PLANS

When Samsung will release its first foldable phone has been a perennial question in the market since Samsung first showcased a flexible display prototype called Youm in 2013.

For at least the past two years, there have been rumours that Samsung is close to showing off its first smartphones that can be folded.

The company is also working with auto-systems maker Harman to develop an AI-enabled speaker that users can speak to in order to play music and conduct other tasks.

It is not clear when Samsung's voice-controlled speaker, which will likely use the South Korean company's Bixby voice assistant, will be unveiled.

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When Samsung will release its first foldable phone has been a perennial question in the market. Pictured is a bendable screen revealed by Samsung in 2015.

Mr Dong-jin also said the company is working with auto-systems maker Harman to develop an artificial intelligence-enabled speaker that users can speak to in order to play music and conduct other tasks.

Samsung acquired the Stamford-based company last year as part of its plans to expand in the emerging market for connected cars.

Amazon and Google already have those always-on voice-controlled speakers in the market while Apple's Homepod is due to go on sale later this year.

It is not clear when Samsung's voice-controlled speaker, which will likely use the South Korean company's Bixby voice assistant, will be unveiled.

Mr Dong-jin did not say when it will hit the market.

Samsung's mobile president said market response to the Note 8 beat its expectations even though its price was more expensive than past models and even as the Note brand's reputation took a hit from its previous model, the disgraced Note 7 phone that was recalled twice and discontinued after it spontaneously overheated or caught fire.

Koh Dong-jin, president of mobile business at Samsung Electronics, said the company is setting its eyes on 2018 to release a smartphone with a bendable display.

Samsung received more than a half million pre-orders - 650,000 units - for the Note 8 in South Korea before its Friday launch, Mr Dong-jin said.

The Note 8 has been the most expensive smartphone Samsung has released.

Its price starts at 1.1 million won ($969/£733) in South Korea and $930 in the US.

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