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Samsung wants to launch a foldable Galaxy Note in 2018
Samsung's much-rumored foldable smartphone has been in the pipeline since the company first debuted its flexible display prototype, Youm, in 2013. Now the Korean tech giant says the almost-mythical device could launch next year under its Galaxy Note brand. Emphasis on the "could", though, as Samsung president Koh Dong-jin has been sure to mention the hurdles that stand in the way. Speaking at a news conference announcing the Galaxy Note 8, he said of the foldable smartphone, "I can say our current goal is next year. When we can overcome some problems for sure, we will launch the product."
Samsung might have bendable, foldable smartphones ready for 2017
Bloomberg sources say that Samsung is thinking of introducing phones with bendable screens. In fact, Samsung said that it would have that technology ready by 2017 itself, just a few years ago at its investors conference. However, this goes some way to proving that Samsung has developed the tech enough to bring it to consumer product. A pair of devices will have flexible OLED screens, with one folding like a cosmetic compact and another that transforms from a 5-inch smartphone-sized screen to a display roughly eight inches large; so... a tablet.
Samsung's curvy Galaxy Note Edge reaches the US November 14th
If you've been jonesing to get Samsung's one-of-a-kind Galaxy Note Edge in the US, you now have a date to mark on your calendar. The bent-screen Android smartphone will be available in the US starting November 14th, with the five biggest carriers (AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon and US Cellular) all on tap either on the 14th or in the weeks afterward. You'll be paying an extravagant sum for that eye-catching display, however. Sprint is offering the Edge on a $35 per month payment plan ($840 total), while AT&T will sell it for $400 on contract, or an eye-watering $950 up front -- you'd better really, really like curved screens. Other carriers haven't divulged pricing just yet, but it's safe to say that they'll charge similar amounts. Who knew that the Galaxy Note 4 would seem like a bargain?
Samsung CEO promises to deliver devices with 'folding displays' in 2015
At Samsung's Analyst Day, alongside talking serious financial numbers, forward looking statements and such, the company has announced that it will bring fully-foldable screens to willing customers some time in 2015. The screen tech (which we've seen an incremental nudge towards with the Galaxy Round) could find its way into both typical smart devices like tablets and smartphones as well as wearables, which is something that Samsung has shown more than a passing interest in. In fact, Samsung Electronics CEO Kwon Oh Hyun, in the same statement, reiterated that there was still plenty of "room for improvement" on the Galaxy Gear. The company already posited some extra-malleable screens in its big CES press show back in January, where we snapped the above still from the concept-laden (Google Glass-baiting) video promo. We've embedded it in full, right after the break. Update: We've just added a pic below from Sammy Hub, which loosely outlines how Samsung will approach its display development. Starting next year and running into 2015, the company will focus on curved and bended displays, with an action-bubbled "technology barrier" overlapping with the introduction of foldable screens.
Samsung's curved smartphone gets pictured in leak (update: now official)
If you think there's something wrong with the image above, you wouldn't be alone -- but it is, in fact, what it's supposed to look like. As you can tell, this may very well be the first Samsung device that takes advantage of the Korean manufacturer's flexible screen, as shown to us by notorious leakster @evleaks. If this is accurate, it's quite a bit different than the prototype we originally saw at CES this past January, which featured a flat display that drooped off on one side and was designed to show a ticker-like notification bar. The image above also shows what appears to be a Korean version of the rumored device, but we don't know for sure if it'll ever see the light of day in other countries. This also indicates that an upcoming launch may very well be close at hand. We'll update our post with more pictures if or when they come in. Update: Another pic of the SM-G910S (the curved phone's rumored model number) has been added after the break. @evleaks has also mentioned that this is indeed going to be a Korean device. Update 2: It didn't take too long for the phone to become official as the Galaxy Round. Head here for the full rundown.
Samsung will announce a curved smartphone next month, but it won't be 'completely flexible'
In the midst of Samsung's global launch for its Note 3, the company is already thinking about its next big reveal. This time around, it'll involve a curved display. The unnamed device could appear in Korea next month, according to Reuters, although Yonhap News (through the wonders of Google Translate) was told to expect a new device announcement some time in Q4. In either case, it's soon. The last time we heard about Samsung's handheld flexible displays was back in CES in January, where a 5.5-inch prototype device named 'Youm' was revealed -- that's what you can see above. The prototype's screen stretched to the outer edges of the device and was able to display notifications along the side, although the handheld itself wasn't flexible. According to Park Sang-jin, CEO of Samsung SDI, the new device will use a similar OLED panel and will be curve-shaped ("not completely flexible"), which will "differentiate" the device from Samsung's existing smartphone family. We suspect it may arrive with that new camera sensor too.
Samsung's flexible display contest offers cash for device ideas, business plans
Samsung's been so busy getting its flexible displays (aka "Youm") consumer-ready, it's now got no clue what to actually do with them. As such, it's decided to pay others to be idea-men, launching the "Flexible Future Business Plan Competition" in the US. Starting August 29th and running to October 6th, the contest is calling for nifty gadget concepts that use one to 20 inches of flexible display at up to full HD resolution. They'll be judged on how important a flexible display is to the device, as well as design, practicality of hardware and business plan. The winner will receive $10k, with second and third place taking $5k and $2.5k, respectively. Samsung hopes you'll head to the source link for the full lowdown, because there are only so many bendy smartwatches one can sell before you need other gear to put wobbly panels in.
Samsung names flexible OLED display series 'Youm', shows new prototype handheld device
Samsung wasn't done with CES. During its second CES event, it just announced that it will brand its new series of flexible OLED displays Youm. Better still, the company brought on a handheld prototype that was all sorts of flexible. We then got a glimpse of a quick concept video where what appeared to be a phone proceeded to fold out to transform into a tablet. The prototype Youm device also had a screen that stretched beyond the front of the device, meaning that you'll be able to see notifications and widget content even when the device is laid down flat. Update: A glimpse of the video has posted to YouTube, check it out after the break.
