Pre-Orders Conducted in Korea and the US Sell Out Early, Setting Box Office Records
Samsung Electronics' portable projector 'The Freestyle,' which embodies innovative DNA, continues its 'sold-out streak' not only in Korea but also overseas. Despite its price exceeding 1 million won, new features and design are believed to have stimulated the purchasing psychology of consumers worldwide, including the MZ generation.
According to the industry on the 14th, about 1,000 units of the initial stock of The Freestyle were sold out on the first day of pre-order sales on the 11th. On Samsung's official website, Samsung.com (100 units) sold out in 40 minutes, and Musinsa (100 units) and 11st (350 units) also sold out within about an hour after sales began.
The second round of pre-order sales, which started on the 12th, is also successful. On Naver, 260 units were sold out, and among them, 100 units allocated to live commerce sold out in 5 minutes, prompting an urgent addition of 60 more units. Considering the continuous additional purchase inquiries from consumers by channel after the pre-order sales ended, it is expected that the hot atmosphere will continue even after the official launch at the end of this month.
The success was also confirmed overseas. The Freestyle pre-order sales held in North America for a week from the 4th saw 3,600 units sold out early, setting a sold-out record.
Debuting on the global stage through the keynote speech by Vice Chairman Han Jong-hee (Head of DX Division) at the world's largest home appliance and IT exhibition 'CES 2022' on the 4th, The Freestyle attracted intense attention from global consumers immediately after its unveiling. Samsung Electronics plans to continue the success by conducting sequential pre-order sales in other regions such as Europe, Latin America, and Southeast Asia starting next week.
Industry insiders evaluate that The Freestyle's form factor (appearance) and functions all stimulated the purchasing desire of the MZ generation. Although the launch price is somewhat high at 1.19 million won, consumers seeking new experiences eagerly opened their wallets. The prolonged COVID-19 pandemic increasing indoor activity time and the convenience of use in leisure activities such as camping also played a key role.
The Freestyle can freely rotate up to 180 degrees, allowing it to project a screen up to 100 inches (254 cm diagonal) on walls, ceilings, floors, or any space without restriction. It features a lightweight design of 830g and a minimal design that fits in one hand, making it easy to carry. It also adopts a C-type (USB-PD) power cable to enhance compatibility. When connected to an external battery of 50W/20V, it can be conveniently used not only indoors but also in outdoor activities such as camping. Various functions that automatically adjust the screen are also considered major advantages.
The Freestyle can use various domestic and international online video services (OTT) just like Samsung Smart TVs, and can also be used as a Bluetooth and artificial intelligence (AI) speaker mood light.
A Samsung Electronics official said, "Right after its first appearance during CES, it has been recognized for its innovation to the extent that it is called the smartphone of projectors, a product born for millennials," adding, "These innovations seem to have strongly appealed to consumers, leading to the early closure of pre-order sales."
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