The CEO of Samsung Electronics personally took responsibility for the Galaxy Fold debacle. However, he promises his company is fixing the problems that delayed the launch of its first folding-screen handset, and still intends to release it.
Many of the Galaxy Fold units loaned to the press to write reviews failed almost immediately, and the company had to postpone the debut. Months later, there’s still no launch date for this cutting-edge device.
“It was embarrassing. I pushed it through before it was ready,” said CEO DJ Koh, according to The Independent. “I do admit I missed something on the foldable phone, but we are in the process of recovery.”
Samsung’s reach exceeded its grasp
Samsung says it’s pushing the boundaries with its mobile products, and that can bring problems. Stephanie Choi, the company’s new global marketing head for its mobile division, said “We make what can’t be made, and do what can’t be done. This [delayed release] is unfortunately sometimes part of this process.”
But this Korean mega-company seems intent on fixing the Galaxy Fold. “At the moment, more than 2,000 devices are being tested right now in all aspects,” said CEO Koh. “We defined all the issues. Some issues we didn’t even think about, but, thanks to our reviewers, mass volume testing is ongoing.”
Looking ahead, Samsung is supposedly working on the next iteration — larger, with S Pen stylus support. Perhaps it will be dubbed the Samsung Galaxy Fold Note. It’s rumored to be out before the end of this year or early next.
Flexible screens might be the future. Maybe.
Chinese rival Huawei also unveiled a phone with flexible display, and also delayed the launch.
Apple is surely paying close attention. Patent filings indicate it’s considering foldable handsets, but this company rarely pushes the envelope with untried features. A folding iPhone will only be out when, and if, CEO Tim Cook is confident the device and the market are ready.
Google is also prototyping various designs as it considers its options.
