Samsung Readies Partners for New Hybrid, Foldable Tablet-Smartphone
…and 24×7 support that includes break-fix,” Coleman said. “And then in partnering with the carriers and becoming a variety of master agent, there’s a spirit of cooperation because the carriers want to extend their reach as well and provide more B-to-B-specific services and functions and these partners can help them do that.”
Steve Shaffer, CEO of IT services provider Zunesis, which deploys mobile networks and devices from Apple, Samsung and others for commercial customers, believes a market will emerge for the Fold. “I think it’s super cool, and the $2,000 price doesn’t scare me,” Shaffer said. “It’s a fascinating device and people will like the fact that it can run multiple applications simultaneously.”
New Phones Sport Higher Speed Connections
While the new Galaxy Fold looks at new usage scenarios, the new Galaxy 10 portfolio also include some novel features, including the ability to charge other phones and peripherals such as earbuds, improved cameras and a touch-sensor on the front screen for authentication. While such features are welcome, they don’t typically drive upgrades.
The most likely feature that will compel upgrades are support for higher speed networks. In the U.S., the major carriers including AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint will have the new Galaxy 10, a larger Galaxy 10+ and a lower-cost Galaxy 10e on March 8. Samsung said Verizon will have an initial exclusive on the new Galaxy 10 5G phone, slated for release before the end of June, though other carriers later this summer.
