‘Conviction and Commitment’ Hasn’t Wavered Behind Galaxy Fold, Says Samsung 

Samsung will announce an “updated launch schedule” for the Galaxy Fold “within the next few weeks,” said Robert Yi, head of investor relations, on a Q1 call Monday. Review samples of the foldable smartphone were damaged when “force” was applied to the exposed "top and bottom part of the hinge,” he said, repeating details Samsung shared April 22 when it postponed the April 26 launch indefinitely (see 1904220028). Yi shed no light on what Samsung is doing to fix the problem. “We have invested quite a long time and effort in order to develop the Galaxy Fold,” he said. “We believe that it is going to be the product that provides a differentiated premium experience to customers who want to have the latest technology and innovative experiences and that the Galaxy Fold will create a new category in smartphones.” Samsung’s “conviction and commitment behind that has not changed,” he said. Samsung in Q1 maintained top share globally in the premium TV category of sets priced higher than $2,500, said Kim Seog-gi, Samsung Visual Display vice president-sales and marketing. Samsung’s recent introduction of its QLED line of 8K TVs in 65- to 98-inch screen sizes is getting “favorable responses from the market,” said Kim. Samsung expects Q2 global TV market demand to “weaken slightly” due to unfavorable exchange rates in emerging markets and the “lack of global sporting events this year,” he said. The TV “is projected to grow slightly year-on-year” in 2019's second half, he said.