Samsung Online Unpacked Event
New Laptop Models Unveiled
Windows-Android Collaboration
User Mobile App Integration
Connected with Smart Appliances
Also Functions as Smart Home Hub
[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] "While envisioning a new mobile computing experience, I asked myself why laptops couldn't become more like smartphones. The answer was the 'Galaxy experience' right in front of us."
On the 28th (Korean time), Samsung Electronics' Wireless Business Division Head (President) No Tae-moon revealed this while unveiling a new laptop product at the online 'Samsung Galaxy Unpacked' event. The Galaxy experience is closely linked to the expansion of the Galaxy ecosystem, which connects smartphones with tablet PCs, smart home appliances, and smart accessories.
At this event, the new laptop models 'Galaxy Book Pro' and 'Pro 360' were unveiled. This is the first time Samsung Electronics has held a standalone laptop Unpacked event. The Unpacked event, broadcast live worldwide for about 50 minutes, featured 11 speakers including President No.
Windows and Android United
What stood out in particular was the close collaboration between the Windows (laptop) and Android (smartphone) operating systems. To achieve this, Samsung Electronics worked closely with partners operating the Windows OS, such as Microsoft (MS). Among the 11 speakers, three were representatives from partner companies like MS and Intel. President No evaluated, "For the first time, Android and Windows have been perfectly merged."
The Galaxy ecosystem was also implemented in the Galaxy Book Pro. For example, the Galaxy Book Pro series allows up to five smartphone apps to run simultaneously through the integration of 'Link to Windows' and Microsoft's 'Your Phone' app. Users can make calls with friends while sending texts, check schedules on the calendar app, and enjoy games. Features like 'Quick Search,' 'Quick Share,' and 'Smart Switch' are also supported for the first time on a laptop.
The Galaxy Book Pro series is the first laptop to connect with smart home appliances. Through integration with the 'SmartThings' app, the laptop also serves as a smart home hub for the first time. Consumers can turn off lights or adjust the temperature inside their homes via the SmartThings app. Kitchen appliance control is also possible. Users can check the locations of Galaxy smartphones, tablets, wearables, and Galaxy SmartTags. In the future, the AI platform 'Bixby' will also be supported.
Samsung Electronics emphasizes the Galaxy ecosystem to compete with its smartphone industry rival, Apple. Apple has built its core competitiveness on a seamless experience encompassing iPhone, iPad, MacBook, and Apple Watch based on the iOS operating system. As Apple's seamless system has strengthened, its loyal customer base has also grown.
Hardware Innovation with 11.2mm Thickness
In addition to smartphone connectivity, it also boasts the powerful performance unique to PCs. The Galaxy Book Pro features a clamshell design but boasts the thinnest thickness ever. The 13.3-inch model is 11.2mm thick and weighs 868g. Charles McCarron, Samsung Electronics' Global Corporate Strategy Officer, explained, "The Galaxy Book Pro is the thinnest laptop in the Galaxy Book series, even thinner than a smartphone."
The Galaxy Book is the first to feature an AMOLED display and is equipped with an Intelligent Color Engine to enhance automatic color correction. It includes AKG speakers and supports 'Dolby Atmos.' It also supports 'Intelligent Noise Cancelling,' which removes unnecessary ambient noise. A USB-C type universal charger supporting 65W fast charging is provided to enhance portability and reduce waste output.
The growth of the global laptop market after the COVID-19 pandemic is also interpreted as a reason why Samsung Electronics is interested in the laptop market. Last year, the laptop market grew by 32%. Market research firm Canalys forecasted that global PC shipments would increase by 8% year-on-year to reach a total of 496.8 million units this year. In particular, laptops and tablet PCs are expected to grow by 9.4% and 8.3%, respectively, showing higher growth rates compared to desktops (4.4%).
Samsung Electronics will hold a pre-sale of the Galaxy Book Pro series for 12 days from the 29th of this month to the 10th of next month, ahead of the official launch on the 14th of next month. On the official website, the 'Living with Galaxy Book for a Month' program will also be offered, allowing customers to purchase the Galaxy Book Pro360 and Galaxy Book Pro and return them after one month of use. Additionally, the 'Galaxy Book Trade-in Program' will run concurrently, providing up to an additional 150,000 KRW compensation on top of the used purchase price when customers trade in their existing PCs after purchasing the product.
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