Samsung announced the Galaxy Round with curved screen

[Sylon]

Not sure if Samsung is releasing a phone the public never asked for, or if they are releasing a phone the public didn't know they wanted. I'm pretty sure they are trying to figure that out and this is nothing more than an experiment. They wouldn't do this with a flagship unless having a curved screen was something the public really wanted. Being that they just launched a curved TV, they probably figured "why not a phone?"

 

[daveathall]

If one likes it, buy it, if one doesn't like it, don't buy it, no harm done.

 

[MRU]

So Korea doesn't have any genuine consumer interests?

Funny how no one seems to remember the fat iPod Nano and its hideous design when things like this come up. Or Apple's 600 dollar iPod color which was a trsy bed for the iPod Video.

The point I was making is that both LG & Samsung, both South Korean, both launching similar variations of handsets right at the same time - both in very limited quantities, expensively priced out of the range of most consumers and in only what appears to be one territory.

That to me sounds like they are releasing a product because they can, because it is good PR / Marketing rather than serving a consumer 'demand'.

So stop twisting what I was saying as a bash, it's not. It's merely an observation. end of....

 

[Dontazemebro]

So you're comparing new models of one phone to umpteen variations of another phone, many of which are variations that serve a niche market. Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note are useful variations on a product line IMO. Galaxy Zoom, Galaxy Beam and now Galaxy Curve are extremely niche products that probably should never have left the R&D lab. I saw the video on the Galaxy Curve that says you just rock the phone forward to get notifications, time etc. and then when it rocks back the screen goes dark. Big deal. I can push the sleep/wake button on my iPhone today and do the exact same thing. Don't need a curved display for that.

Oh and Galaxy Active? Why do consumes need an S4 and an Active? Why not combine them into one device?

You don't need it but whose to say that kid living 5 blocks down from you hasn't been waiting for the perfect phablet to slip into his skinny jeans.

This is not the Stalin regime, choice is a good thing.

 

[mattopotamus]

So you're comparing new models of one phone to umpteen variations of another phone, many of which are variations that serve a niche market. Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note are useful variations on a product line IMO. Galaxy Zoom, Galaxy Beam and now Galaxy Curve are extremely niche products that probably should never have left the R&D lab. I saw the video on the Galaxy Curve that says you just rock the phone forward to get notifications, time etc. and then when it rocks back the screen goes dark. Big deal. I can push the sleep/wake button on my iPhone today and do the exact same thing. Don't need a curved display for that.

Oh and Galaxy Active? Why do consumes need an S4 and an Active? Why not combine them into one device?

I think I can answer that. The Active is not quite the spec beast the s4 is and that is b.c they needed to shave cost somewhere. If they combined the two into one phone they would probably have to charge more than the average consumer would be willing to pay.

 

[onthecouchagain]

Couch, you are reading to much into what I said. It isn't one product that has turned my off to Samsung. They are moving towards their own ecosystem, and only Samsung stuff will work with Samsung products. This curved screen phone is fine. I don't care for it, not gonna buy it, couldn't give a crap if anyone does. I will not play in a walled garden.
If you want specifics, look no further than Keis (god awful piece of software), the gear watch (only working with the Galaxy Note 3 and don't think that wasn't intentional), proprietary DHL 9-pinned TV out (requiring their specific adaptor), Tizen (don't think for one second that Samsung won't make this their go-to OS), and so on.
Good for them in attempting to create their own ecosystem, but they have slowly lost my business in their attempt to mimic Apple.

Oh. I don't know how I didn't gather any of that from your post:

Somehow I don't see this as a legit photo. This makes zero sense. If you place it on a flat surface, it'll have tendency to rock back and forth and be impossible to touch the screen properly. It won't fit in a pocket very nicely. Trying to put a screen protector on that would be an exercise in futility! (Can you imagine trying to squeegy that!)

Sorry, but I can't see this as real. On the flip side, why the hell didn't they use this for their watch! Make the screen 2" wide and 1.5" high that curves around the wrist. Similar to those fake images we have seen of that clear iWatch.

Sorry Samsung, but you are losing my business.

But okay.

----------

Rogifan, what precisely is wrong with choice?

Did you read anything that I or tbargys wrote in this thread? Care to respond?

Genuinely curious to hear your answer.

Here are the two posts in question:

https://forums.macrumors.com/posts/18108801/

https://forums.macrumors.com/posts/18109454/

And I said it best here:

Some see this as "throwing everything on the wall to see what sticks," but I see it as fearlessly testing, experimenting, and trying new (and sometimes exciting) things. Don't you think that it's amazing that even though not every one of their things are a hit, they have the resources to be able to spread themselves so wide for experimentation? Isn't that good for the consumers? We don't lose anything. We don't have to buy everything they "sling." But when they do get a hit, we benefit from it. Look at the Note series. How many people here -- myself included -- scoffed at the ridiculousness of a 5+ inch phone with the outdated stylus?

Samsung is actually GREAT for the industry. It needs someone like Samsung that'll dare to push things in multiple directions, even if they're ultimately wrong.

 

[kdarling]

Can someone explain to me the fascination of the curved glass... It's just dumb IMO.

In no particular order, there are some advantages to curved:

• Fits the hand better
  
  
• Fits the 3D sweep of a thumb better
  
  
• Less linear width for a thumb to stretch
  
  
• Fits some pockets better

It can also be seen as a showcase of technology that will one day be commonplace.

And, of course, simply because they can . Similar to the all LiquidMetal chassis luxury smartphone that Samsung made back around 2006 (before Apple bought up all the rights so nobody else could use it any more).

 

[Technarchy]

About as useful as Air View...as in not useful at all.

Wouldn't even remotely consider buying one.

 

[Tinmania]

In no particular order, there are some advantages to curved:

• Fits the hand better
  
  
• Fits the 3D sweep of a thumb better
  
  
• Less linear width for a thumb to stretch
  
  
• Fits some pockets better

It can also be seen as a showcase of technology that will one day be commonplace.

And, of course, simply because they can . Similar to the all LiquidMetal chassis luxury smartphone that Samsung made back around 2006 (before Apple bought up all the rights so nobody else could use it any more).

And depending upon how it lands, the curved glass could be more resistant to breaking.



Michael

 

[Aye]

Image

Deserves to be in every page of this thread.

 

[jrswizzle]

I personally couldn't care less if they mass produced this phone or not.....at some point though you have to think adding more and more devices to their product line will cause issues.....a company can only handle so much.

On the other hand, I find it hilarious that Samsung releasing a phone with no discernible benefit with a form factor that doesn't solve any problem consumers are having is somehow laudable....somehow, producing some random piece of technology isn't "resting on their laurels" simply because its different.

How about, instead of spewing out all kinds of worthless nonsense, Samsung make headway in their software.....which is absolute garbage. This is a great example of the whole "jack of all trades, master of none". They are so consumed at making the next great marketing hype, they ignore the real problems their devices have.....

Luckily, there are enough choices out there from OEMs not spewing out dozens of new devices per year with ridiculous form factors and little to no real applications or benefits....

 

[coldjeanzzz]

Has Samsung ever made a decent looking smartphone? Everything they do in the mobile world is just so hideous

 

[jrswizzle]

Has Samsung ever made a decent looking handset? Everything they do in the mobile world is just so hideous

Aside from the camera bulge, I actually quite like the hardware of the GS4. Software wise, its a complete mess. But the hardware is nice. I was actually a little surprised at how much I liked it.

----------

Actually, you know what pisses me off most about all these variants Samsung produces?

Its that they are either too stupid or don't care to take the time to figure out how to COMBINE some of these into one awesome device....

I would have loved an S4 active. But its bulkier, has a slower processor, worse camera etc....

Instead of spending all this time on producing variant after variant (choice for the sake of choice). Why not FIGURE out how to combine a few of the USEFUL variants into one great smartphone?

 

[TheHateMachine]

The buttmad is strong here... never thought I would need to use that word on MR but the sheer amount of hate in the first couple of pages is fairly high and that is the best word I can use to describe it.

This must have started out in a different sub forum and moved here.

 

[onthecouchagain]

I personally couldn't care less if they mass produced this phone or not.....at some point though you have to think adding more and more devices to their product line will cause issues.....a company can only handle so much.

On the other hand, I find it hilarious that Samsung releasing a phone with no discernible benefit with a form factor that doesn't solve any problem consumers are having is somehow laudable....somehow, producing some random piece of technology isn't "resting on their laurels" simply because its different.

How about, instead of spewing out all kinds of worthless nonsense, Samsung make headway in their software.....which is absolute garbage. This is a great example of the whole "jack of all trades, master of none". They are so consumed at making the next great marketing hype, they ignore the real problems their devices have.....

Luckily, there are enough choices out there from OEMs not spewing out dozens of new devices per year with ridiculous form factors and little to no real applications or benefits....

Again, let's talk specifics Jr, cause this seems to really bother you and I still don't fully understand your sentiment. Given your past history with Samsung where you've more or less admitted you dislike Samsung just cause, I have to wonder if it's that rearing it's ugly head again or if you actually have an actual concern.

What is the issue and how is Samsung hurting you exactly (or consumers in general) by producing a more diverse portfolio of products? What does this have to do with their software, which I myself am not a fan of. You don't think they're working to improve TouchWiz? Do you think they pulled every single one of their software engineers off adding to and/or improving TouchWiz to design this one curved/flexible device?

Seriously, what is exactly this issue you keep alluding to? Last time I asked relating to this, I got an incomplete answer. I'm left still trying to understand it:

I don't agree that your last statement is 100% true. Do I have any specific evidence? Not at this time....just don't feel it always holds true.

Just an opinion.

I'm not saying you're wrong. I'm simply saying I don't see any evidence of an issue here. Samsung has their problems and shortcomings, no doubt, but offering an increasingly diverse portfolio of devices that are geared toward specific niches, markets, consumers, users is not one of them. I get you prefer Apple's, in my opinion, too limited portfolio where lack of options is construed as very "focused" and "getting it right," (which is true most of the time), but this model clearly isn't the one and only way to do things, to be successful, or to make money. Look at car makers (one of probably many examples); they often design and build cars for specific niches and markets too based on country, income, class, etc.

Again, if Samsung can do this, that is, if they have the resources, why shouldn't they? Even if it's purely a marketing stunt or purely to show the world they can, if they can, why shouldn't they? It gets people talking, it's marketing, it's publicity, it's showing your competition (namely LG in Korea) that they are ahead, it's sending a message, it's many things. You've never ever heard of companies doing this? Besides, how are you so sure there isn't a market in Korea where this device is being released in that does want curved displays? I'm not so sure there are, but I'm also not knocking Samsung for trying it.

It's very curious why you have a problem with this often used business model. I have to mention this again:

Some see this as "throwing everything on the wall to see what sticks," but I see it as fearlessly testing, experimenting, and trying new (and sometimes exciting) things. Don't you think that it's amazing that even though not every one of their things are a hit, they have the resources to be able to spread themselves so wide for experimentation? Isn't that good for the consumers? We don't lose anything. We don't have to buy everything they "sling." But when they do get a hit, we benefit from it. Look at the Note series. How many people here -- myself included -- scoffed at the ridiculousness of a 5+ inch phone with the outdated stylus?

Samsung is actually GREAT for the industry. It needs someone like Samsung that'll dare to push things in multiple directions, even if they're ultimately wrong.

The day they can't or don't have the resources to do this, would be a sad day for the industry. This is true of any company, not just Samsung. Companies like Blackberry and HTC wish they had this sort of flexibility and resource.

So again, just trying to understand what specific problem you have with Samsung's business model that apparently affects you so directly. You briefly mention TouchWiz -- can they not work on TouchWiz and also work on putting out new and different devices? They're a pretty big company, no? It makes me wonder if you're just jealous -- maybe that's not the right word? -- or resentful or something about Samsung.

----------

Aside from the camera bulge, I actually quite like the hardware of the GS4. Software wise, its a complete mess. But the hardware is nice. I was actually a little surprised at how much I liked it.

----------

Actually, you know what pisses me off most about all these variants Samsung produces?

Its that they are either too stupid or don't care to take the time to figure out how to COMBINE some of these into one awesome device....

I would have loved an S4 active. But its bulkier, has a slower processor, worse camera etc....

Instead of spending all this time on producing variant after variant (choice for the sake of choice). Why not FIGURE out how to combine a few of the USEFUL variants into one great smartphone?

So, let us know the day Apple combines all these features (and ones that are still missing from today's latest iPhone) into one package.

 

[jrswizzle]

Again, let's talk specifics Jr, cause this seems to really bother you and I still don't fully understand your sentiment. Given your past history with Samsung where you've more or less admitted you dislike Samsung just cause, I have to wonder if it's that rearing it's ugly head again or if you actually have an actual concern.

What is the issue and how is Samsung hurting you exactly (or consumers in general) by producing a more diverse portfolio of products? What does this have to do with their software, which I myself am not a fan of. You don't think they're working to improve TouchWiz? Do you think they pulled every single one of their software engineers off adding to and/or improving TouchWiz to design this one curved/flexible device?

Seriously, what is exactly this issue you keep alluding to? Last time I asked relating to this, I got an incomplete answer. I'm left still trying to understand it:





I'm not saying you're wrong. I'm simply saying I don't see any evidence of an issue here. Samsung has their problems and shortcomings, no doubt, but offering an increasingly diverse portfolio of devices that are geared toward specific niches, markets, consumers, users is not one of them. I get you prefer Apple's, in my opinion, too limited portfolio where lack of options is construed as very "focused" and "getting it right," (which is true most of the time), but this model clearly isn't the one and only way to do things, to be successful, or to make money. Look at car makers (one of probably many examples); they often design and build cars for specific niches and markets too based on country, income, class, etc.

Again, if Samsung can do this, that is, if they have the resources, why shouldn't they? Even if it's purely a marketing stunt or purely to show the world they can, if they can, why shouldn't they? It gets people talking, it's marketing, it's publicity, it's showing your competition (namely LG in Korea) that they are ahead, it's sending a message, it's many things. You've never ever heard of companies doing this? Besides, how are you so sure there isn't a market in Korea where this device is being released in that does want curved displays? I'm not so sure there are, but I'm also not knocking Samsung for trying it.

It's very curious why you have a problem with this often used business model. I have to mention this again:



The day they can't or don't have the resources to do this, would be a sad day for the industry. This is true of any company, not just Samsung. Companies like Blackberry and HTC wish they had this sort of flexibility and resource.

So again, just trying to understand what specific problem you have with Samsung's business model that apparently affects you so directly. You briefly mention TouchWiz -- can they not work on TouchWiz and also work on putting out new and different devices? They're a pretty big company, no?

You're making it sound like I'm taking some absolute, "all or nothing" approach.

I'm simply stating that, as each new variant is produced with the same crappy software, it gets a little irritating.

Read further down. I actually found a way to explain that middle quote from the other thread. Instead of spewing out variant after variant, why not try to combine a few of the really USEFUL ones into one AMAZING phone? Is it too hard?

Like I said above, Samsung isn't working to create the best smartphone possible. They are working to create the next hype product. The next "big thing".

I know they're a big company. But Apple collapsed by trying to do too much a little while back. Eventually you can't just keep creating variant upon variant and expect that you can market some odd "cool" new feature that ultimately doesn't add any benefit.

If I'm right, Samsung will feel it eventually. They're phones won't sell as well and they'll have to make a choice. Perhaps that time is coming sooner than later? The GS4 hasn't blown everyone away, sales-wise, like they claimed - and now the rumors of an early GS5 release are circulating. True or not, they'd be better served, IMO to simply focus on making the best smartphone possible. And they can do that without releasing every idea they have to the public.....in fact, I'd better they'd be better at it because they wouldn't be distracted by the countless others they're producing.

Even a company as big as Samsung has a finite limit on productivity. Too many projects, too many products and the whole starts to suffer. Give me a GS5 with top of the line specs in a waterproof/dustproof casing with noticible improvements in TouchWiz and software and I'd be a much happier Samsung customer.

You forget, I decided to put aside those reservations and biases about Samsung to actually try a GS4 out - and I do like it. I'm just still not a fan of their process because I feel like the GS4 could be quite a bit better in certain areas. And then I see all these variants - some with idiotic main features, but some with truly useful stuff and wonder "Why couldn't they put that in my GS4?"

It's not "more choice" to me....just more compromises. Now I have to decide which feature I want most, because I can't have all of them.....I can't have a complete package. Apple may not throw all kinds of features into their phones - there are some I really would like. But many of that is made up in the polish and efficiency of what they do include.

Admittedly, much of this is software based and I'm aware I could bypass a lot with ROMs and rooting and such....but that's not my thing.

Anyhow.....I'm sure that was a rambling mess....

----------

So, let us know the day Apple combines all these features (and ones that are still missing from today's latest iPhone) into one package.

Lol - it always comes down to this right? It's always gotta be about the fanboy war.....

It's also funny that you seem to think I'm genuinely personally affected. It seems like you think someone at Samsung did something to one of my family members....

Nah, I just don't care for their business practices for the reasons outlined. Obviously, I don't feel strongly enough to boycott their products or anything. GS4 in my hand, Samsung TV on my wall.....

For the same reasons you critique Apple, I'm critiquing Samsung here. They could be better. With all those resources, they could figure out how to merge some of these useful variants together.

Again - I want them to make the BEST smartphone they can make. Not take all their ideas and create 20 variants each based on a different idea.....

Maybe they will - maybe, for some reason, 2013 was the year of experimentation and next year we'll see a GS5 with a beastly camera, sleek profile, top of the line SoC, waterproofing and dustproofing.....etc.

 

[onthecouchagain]

You're making it sound like I'm taking some absolute, "all or nothing" approach.

I'm simply stating that, as each new variant is produced with the same crappy software, it gets a little irritating.

Read further down. I actually found a way to explain that middle quote from the other thread. Instead of spewing out variant after variant, why not try to combine a few of the really USEFUL ones into one AMAZING phone? Is it too hard?

Like I said above, Samsung isn't working to create the best smartphone possible. They are working to create the next hype product. The next "big thing".

I know they're a big company. But Apple collapsed by trying to do too much a little while back. Eventually you can't just keep creating variant upon variant and expect that you can market some odd "cool" new feature that ultimately doesn't add any benefit.

If I'm right, Samsung will feel it eventually. They're phones won't sell as well and they'll have to make a choice. Perhaps that time is coming sooner than later? The GS4 hasn't blown everyone away, sales-wise, like they claimed - and now the rumors of an early GS5 release are circulating. True or not, they'd be better served, IMO to simply focus on making the best smartphone possible. And they can do that without releasing every idea they have to the public.....in fact, I'd better they'd be better at it because they wouldn't be distracted by the countless others they're producing.

Even a company as big as Samsung has a finite limit on productivity. Too many projects, too many products and the whole starts to suffer. Give me a GS5 with top of the line specs in a waterproof/dustproof casing with noticible improvements in TouchWiz and software and I'd be a much happier Samsung customer.

You forget, I decided to put aside those reservations and biases about Samsung to actually try a GS4 out - and I do like it. I'm just still not a fan of their process because I feel like the GS4 could be quite a bit better in certain areas. And then I see all these variants - some with idiotic main features, but some with truly useful stuff and wonder "Why couldn't they put that in my GS4?"

It's not "more choice" to me....just more compromises. Now I have to decide which feature I want most, because I can't have all of them.....I can't have a complete package. Apple may not throw all kinds of features into their phones - there are some I really would like. But many of that is made up in the polish and efficiency of what they do include.

Admittedly, much of this is software based and I'm aware I could bypass a lot with ROMs and rooting and such....but that's not my thing.

Anyhow.....I'm sure that was a rambling mess....

I agree, a company can only spread themselves so thin, and it'll be up to Samsung to manage that. For now, S4 sales or not, they seem to be able to, or they wouldn't put out a device like this (again, how do you know it won't sell well in the only market it's being released in?). HTC decided to limit their production and become more focused on few products -- that's not working out for them. How are you so sure that's the model Samsung should take as well? If anything, their success these past few years would prove otherwise.

Any company will eventually fall and/or level out after such a quick rise. How are you so sure -- and more importantly, where is the evidence? -- that it's because they're diversifying their line up? I'm asking genuinely. Like I said, I'm no business expert and if you can show me proof that links the two, I will say, right you are. You're going by conjecture and speculation... and by your preferred business model because of Apple (again, I have to point out HTC).

Lastly, where is this same sentiment for Apple to put out a "whole package" in one device? Where is your demand for Apple to put out waterproofing/dustproofing? Youre demand for Samsung just doesn't seem fair when you can turn around and find it perfectly okay for Apple to release an arguably very limited device. They haven't even offered a larger than 4" display, much less waterproofing/dustproofing. Where is the same level of "passion" for Apple to do this? And as you already know, at the very least, Samsung offers the choice for those who really need waterproofing, etc., in the Active. And a recent rumor says the S5 may offer waterproofing and dustproofing itself. Where are the rumors like this for the iPhone 6? The most anticipated thing of that device is the redesign and larger screen.

 

[tbayrgs]

Has Samsung ever made a decent looking smartphone? Everything they do in the mobile world is just so hideous

Well, it's not a smartphone but the new Note 10.1 is quite nice--much improved over their recent offerings, IMO.

 

[onthecouchagain]

For the same reasons you critique Apple, I'm critiquing Samsung here. They could be better. With all those resources, they could figure out how to merge some of these useful variants together.

Again - I want them to make the BEST smartphone they can make. Not take all their ideas and create 20 variants each based on a different idea.....

Maybe they will - maybe, for some reason, 2013 was the year of experimentation and next year we'll see a GS5 with a beastly camera, sleek profile, top of the line SoC, waterproofing and dustproofing.....etc.

Sure. No one -- certainly not I -- is stopping you from criticizing Samsung. There's plenty to criticize them on and I myself partake in this. I'm merely trying to understand why and how their business model affects you so negatively. Again, show me evidence that links their diversifying portfolio is the root cause of their problems with, say, TouchWiz. I just don't get where you're drawing that link.

----------

Jr, I have no bone to pick with you, and, I think, I've been fairly respectful in these past few exchanges. I'm genuinely curious to understand your thought process here. That is all.

 

[jrswizzle]

I agree, a company can only spread themselves so thin, and it'll be up to Samsung to manage that. For now, S4 sales or not, they seem to be able to, or they wouldn't. HTC decided to limit their production and become more focused on few products -- that's not working out for them. How are you so sure that's the model Samsung should take as well? If anything, their success these past few years would prove otherwise.

Samsung and HTC were in two completely different states before this year began. HTC was in trouble BEFORE focusing production (likely due to not enough focus) and simply couldn't recover.

Being an One owner, wouldn't you say they produced the better overall smartphone of the two? That's my point. I'm not 100% sure of any of this....I never claimed to have all the answers or facts. Just stating the possibilities....

Any company will eventually fall and/or level out after such a quick rise. How are you so sure -- and more importantly, where is the evidence? -- that it's because they're diversifying their line up? I'm asking genuinely. Like I said, I'm no business expert and if you can show me proof that links the two, I will say, right you are. You're going by conjecture and speculation... and by your preferred business model because of Apple (again, I have to point out HTC).

I'm NOT "so sure". All I did was point out facts and the possibilities that might be inferred from those facts. Again, Apple has nothing to do with what I'm saying here. The fact you keep wanting to drag them into this betrays your somewhat "trollish" post strategy.

Lastly, where is this same sentiment for Apple to put out a "whole package" in one device? Where is your demand for Apple to put out waterproofing/dustproofing? Youre demand for Samsung just doesn't seem fair when you can turn around and find it perfectly okay for Apple to release an arguably very limited device. They haven't even offered a larger than 4" display, much less waterproofing/dustproofing. Where is the same level of "passion" for Apple to do this? And as you already know, at the very least, Samsung offers the choice for those who really need waterproofing, etc., in the Active. And a recent rumor says the S5 may offer waterproofing and dustproofing itself. Where are the rumors like this for the iPhone 6? The most anticipated thing of that device is the redesign and larger screen.

Again - this isn't a thread about Apple. Why do you constantly have to deflect to them? Why must you try to start this fanboy war? Nothing I'm saying has anything to do with Apple. I'm simply stating my opinions, based on my experience with the GS4, the rumors surrounding GS4 sales slumps and all the variants that exist. That is all.

Perhaps I feel Apple produces a more polished product overall and can live with the lack of these features. Apple also doesn't produce variant after variant with these features.

My only point: Samsung produces variant after variant, offering consumers more "choices" which really are simply compromises and each is lacking something another variant has.

Why can't Samsung simply released THEIR BEST SMARTPHONE?

Why 15 variants that all have flaws? Why not take the best ideas they have and make a killer phone?

Why can't you answer these questions? Instead of deflecting to Apple, how about trying to address the points I make. If you can't, simply admit it and we can move on.

----------

Sure. No one -- certainly not I -- is stopping you from criticizing Samsung. There's plenty to criticize them on and I myself partake in this. I'm merely trying to understand why and how their business model affects you so negatively. Again, show me evidence that links their diversifying portfolio is the root cause of their problems with, say, TouchWiz. I just don't get where you're drawing that link.

----------

Jr, I have no bone to pick with you, and, I think, I've been fairly respectful in these past few exchanges. I'm genuinely curious to understand your thought process here. That is all.

I don't see why you're assuming there's something more that's affecting me? It's simply the idea that as a consumer, I buy a Samsung smartphone that isn't the best Samsung can produce. Even though it's their "flagship".

That's all. And I'm not saying my opinions and claims are fact. I'm simply saying that, as they release all these variants with all these "ideas", TouchWiz remains the same crap it has been. That's all I have to go on - what I see as a consumer.

Do you really not get this?

Let's say this:

I'm a chef. I make some killer gourmet meals. I invite you over for dinner one night to cook a meal. You've seen people talk about how great my rosemary fingerling potatoes are, how juicy and tender my steak is, how wonderfully I prepare my vegatable medley. Yet, when you sit down to eat, you get a plate with all of these together, but the steak is a bit dry and potatoes aren't soft enough.

You're upset because you've seen and heard what I can do with individual dishes. But when they are all put together, none of the foods comes out as well.

That's kinda the feeling I get as a Samsung consumer. I see all these ideas (some stupid, some great), but when it comes time to buy a smartphone, I have to pick. I can't have the full meal.

Why can't Samsung just make the BEST smartphone they can make?

 

[onthecouchagain]

Samsung and HTC were in two completely different states before this year began. HTC was in trouble BEFORE focusing production (likely due to not enough focus) and simply couldn't recover.

Being an One owner, wouldn't you say they produced the better overall smartphone of the two? That's my point. I'm not 100% sure of any of this....I never claimed to have all the answers or facts. Just stating the possibilities....



I'm NOT "so sure". All I did was point out facts and the possibilities that might be inferred from those facts. Again, Apple has nothing to do with what I'm saying here. The fact you keep wanting to drag them into this betrays your somewhat "trollish" post strategy.



Again - this isn't a thread about Apple. Why do you constantly have to deflect to them? Why must you try to start this fanboy war? Nothing I'm saying has anything to do with Apple. I'm simply stating my opinions, based on my experience with the GS4, the rumors surrounding GS4 sales slumps and all the variants that exist. That is all.

Perhaps I feel Apple produces a more polished product overall and can live with the lack of these features. Apple also doesn't produce variant after variant with these features.

My only point: Samsung produces variant after variant, offering consumers more "choices" which really are simply compromises and each is lacking something another variant has.

Why can't Samsung simply released THEIR BEST SMARTPHONE?

Why 15 variants that all have flaws? Why not take the best ideas they have and make a killer phone?

Why can't you answer these questions? Instead of deflecting to Apple, how about trying to address the points I make. If you can't, simply admit it and we can move on.

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I don't see why you're assuming there's something more that's affecting me? It's simply the idea that as a consumer, I buy a Samsung smartphone that isn't the best Samsung can produce. Even though it's their "flagship".

That's all. And I'm not saying my opinions and claims are fact. I'm simply saying that, as they release all these variants with all these "ideas", TouchWiz remains the same crap it has been. That's all I have to go on - what I see as a consumer.

Do you really not get this?

Let's say this:

I'm a chef. I make some killer gourmet meals. I invite you over for dinner one night to cook a meal. You've seen people talk about how great my rosemary fingerling potatoes are, how juicy and tender my steak is, how wonderfully I prepare my vegatable medley. Yet, when you sit down to eat, you get a plate with all of these together, but the steak is a bit dry and potatoes aren't soft enough.

You're upset because you've seen and heard what I can do with individual dishes. But when they are all put together, none of the foods comes out as well.

That's kinda the feeling I get as a Samsung consumer. I see all these ideas (some stupid, some great), but when it comes time to buy a smartphone, I have to pick. I can't have the full meal.

Why can't Samsung just make the BEST smartphone they can make?

I'm not sure your analogy is serving the purpose you think it's serving. Why are the potatoes soft if everyone is saying it's good? Why is the famous steak dry if it's so famous?

And more importantly, how does this link to, in your example, a chef that offers too many different dishes? I'm sorry. I just don't get the analogy -- I sort of get it, but I don't think it's servicing you the way you want it to.

As for the second part of your analogy (the "full meal"), I'm one person and can only eat one meal at a time. Your analogy might be more apt if you were a chef cooking for many people with different tastes. Then, perhaps, you'd see why variety might be advantageous.

Anyway, kind of weird analogy in general.

Back to the point, so you're saying you have no link or evidence that points to Samsung's issues being related to their continued diversity of smartphones/devices. And it also has nothing to do with Apple despite you having clearly said you prefer Apple's model and you keep referring to Apple's model (focus on less devices) even if you're not explicitly saying Apple in your posts.

Okay, I guess.

 

[jrswizzle]

I'm not sure your analogy is serving the purpose you think it's serving. Why are the potatoes soft if everyone is saying it's good? Why is the famous steak dry if it's so famous?

And more importantly, how does this link to, in your example, a chef that offers too many different dishes? I'm sorry. I just don't get the analogy -- I sort of get it, but I don't think it's servicing you the way you want it to.

As for the second part of your analogy (the "full meal"), I'm one person and can only eat one meal at a time. Your analogy might be more apt if you were a chef cooking for many people with different tastes. Then, perhaps, you'd see why variety might be advantageous.

Anyway, kind of weird analogy in general.

Point being - we've seen what Samsung can do, and while some of the variants are dumb, some are truly useful. Yet their flagship gets released with a few of these ideas missing. Or the variants aren't quite as good in areas as the flagship.

That was where the analogy was going.

That's my point. You're getting too hung up on the actual act of diversifying. I don't care about that, I simply care about how it affects me as a consumer.

And as a consumer, I'm forced to choose between compromises. There isn't ONE Samsung phone that is truly their best. That's what I want. I you want 15 phones that all have great ideas, but are each lacking in some area (that one of the other variants excels in), good for you I guess.....

Stop picking bits and pieces of my posts to respond to....you've avoided the main points and questions this whole time....

 

[onthecouchagain]

Why can't Samsung just make the BEST smartphone they can make?

How am I supposed to know? I don't like their products, so I don't buy them, but never for a moment do I say they can't continue to diversify their line up or somehow think that in doing so is the root cause and/or direct link -- as you say -- for them not putting out their "best smartphone they can make".

Again, just trying to understand what your specific issues are with this particular phone they just put out in Korea, and more interestingly, how it links to their issues with the S4 or TouchWiz or whatever else you have a problem with them with. I'm just asking the questions, but not getting the answers.

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Being an One owner, wouldn't you say they produced the better overall smartphone of the two? That's my point. I'm not 100% sure of any of this....I never claimed to have all the answers or facts. Just stating the possibilities....

Yes, and that's why I bought the HTC One. (Which, btw, I'm ready to dump for a Nexus 5 -- what's that say?).

But again, I'm not the one saying that somehow, this new device they put out, is the reason why the S4 is lacking what it's lacking. You are saying that, and I'm simply asking how you're so sure of this or what's leading to that link? You first mentioned TouchWiz, and I asked, how does this device affect the sloppiness of TW? You didn't really answer it. Then you talked about waterproofing and dustproofing, etc. Okay, great, I'm all for Samsung eventually adding these features into their flagship -- sounds great, but how are you so sure the S4 didn't get this because of this curved device? Or even because of the Active? How are you so sure there weren't compromises they couldn't accept for the S4 if it had to add waterproofing/dustproofing back when they were designing it in 2012?

And you keep saying I shouldn't mention Apple, but honestly, considering you only make these demands of Samsung, I have to. You don't want me to use Apple? Okay, where are your demands for HTC or Motorola to do this? Or even LG in the Nexus 5? You seem tempted to go right back to the 5S in other threads, but didn't make a single mention of it lacking waterproofing or dustproofing. Not one that I can recall.

 

[jrswizzle]

How am I supposed to know? I don't like their products, so I don't buy them, but never for a moment do I say they can't continue to diversify their line up or somehow think that in doing so is the root cause and/or direct link -- as you say -- for them not putting out their "best smartphone they can make".

Again, just trying to understand what your specific issues are with this particular phone they just put out in Korea, and more interestingly, how it links to their issues with the S4 or TouchWiz or whatever else you have a problem with them with. I'm just asking the questions, but not getting the answers.

I've stated it pretty clearly, though you insist on muddying the issues with absolute responses about claims I'm not making.

Stop assuming, here it is:

This phone represents yet another Galaxy variant. While I don't think this particular idea (curved glass in this form) is useful, I DO think some of the variants have genuinely useful features.

So my question is - why do they continue to release VARIANTS, based on some new idea, but crippled everywhere else instead of taking these ideas, doing internal testing and releasing a smartphone with ALL of their BEST ideas.

If you can't understand this, I'm not sure how else to put it. Again - you may be fine with new variants that showcase a new idea, but are crippled devices in other areas, but I'm not. You see choices. I see more compromises. I see a business plan that centers around marketing hype.

Its the idea that "the next big thing" is somehow better than "the most complete thing".

To take a page out of your book, if Apple released one iPhone with a great camera but slower internals, a second iPhone with fast internals but a somewhat fragile housing, a third iPhone with a waterproof/durable and sleek housing but poor camera you'd be all over them for "holding back on features" or "trying to gouge customers".

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And you keep saying I shouldn't mention Apple, but honestly, considering you only make these demands of Samsung, I have to. You don't want me to use Apple? Okay, where are your demands for HTC or Motorola to do this? Or even LG in the Nexus 5? You seem tempted to go right back to the 5S in other threads, but didn't make a single mention of it lacking waterproofing or dustproofing. Not one that I can recall.

Because this isn't a thread about any of those companies.....its about Samsung.

Apple also doesn't currently have a waterproof phone on the market. So there's not compromises because the option doesn't exist. Of course, I would love from them to make the iPhone waterproof, dustproof, scratchproof, improve the camera, add quick reply, better email attachments, offer a larger size etc....

But that's not what this thread is about. It's about Samsung. You seem to be trying to create DIRECT links between the things I'm saying. You're taking all this way too literally. See the above post. That is ALL I'm saying - you assume at your own risk.

 

[onthecouchagain]

I've stated it pretty clearly, though you insist on muddying the issues with absolute responses about claims I'm not making.

Stop assuming, here it is:

This phone represents yet another Galaxy variant. While I don't think this particular idea (curved glass in this form) is useful, I DO think some of the variants have genuinely useful features.

So my question is - why do they continue to release VARIANTS, based on some new idea, but crippled everywhere else instead of taking these ideas, doing internal testing and releasing a smartphone with ALL of their BEST ideas.

If you can't understand this, I'm not sure how else to put it. Again - you may be fine with new variants that showcase a new idea, but are crippled devices in other areas, but I'm not. You see choices. I see more compromises. I see a business plan that centers around marketing hype.

Its the idea that "the next big thing" is somehow better than "the most complete thing".

To take a page out of your book, if Apple released one iPhone with a great camera but slower internals, a second iPhone with fast internals but a somewhat fragile housing, a third iPhone with a waterproof/durable and sleek housing but poor camera you'd be all over them for "holding back on features" or "trying to gouge customers".

I get you, but I think you're making an incredibly difficult demand of Samsung (it begs the question, where is this same demand for any other phone maker?).

You want a super phone, and maybe the technology just isn't there yet? Hey, I'd love for all that too, but maybe there are compromises not worth making. Look at the Sony Xperia Z and Z1. You got your waterproofing and dust proofing there. Have you seen how large those devices are? How thick? Have you seen the screen quality or lack thereof? Are these worth the tradeoffs? Maybe. It's up to the consume to decide. At least they can decide if they want/need to.

Your last analogy just isn't apt. Why would a better camera slow down the internals? What would the compromise there be? With water/dust proofing, there are compromises with the build and the ports (needing to be covered) etc. Those are compromises that may not be worth it in their flagship phone. Those are compromises that are made only for niche markets (those that are "Active" that need a phone that is waterproofed, etc.). Not everyone needs it.

Why would fast internals result in fragile casing? I don't get your analogy.

I'm all for a complete super phone. That day may become based on technology and trends, etc, but you're making these demands and claiming Samsung isn't doing it because of all the other devices they're putting out. You're drawing a non-sequitur by somehow implying that they're directly related and linked. I'm asking you for evidence for this and all you can offer is that it's sort of a gut feeling. And because they're not putting out this complete phone, you're criticizing their business model. Maybe putting all these features into one phone would cost too much for the end consumer. Have you seen Sony Xperia Z1 unlock prices?

Maybe many things, but for sure, you don't know that their diverse lineup is the root cause of their issues or "incompleteness" of their phone.

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Apple also doesn't currently have a waterproof phone on the market. So there's not compromises because the option doesn't exist.

And this is okay?

So, wait, let me really try to understand this... Samsung releases variant phones for niche markets that are for specific people with specific needs of different features, and they should be penalized for it because they didn't include it in one package? Instead of lauded for trying to address different markets? You can't appreciate what they're doing for those people who need a waterproof phone? You can't appreciate that at least they offer that option?

But if another company, say Apple, doesn't do this, then they're somehow "off limits" and you can't point out that they're not putting out all these features into one device. In fact, this is the preferred method because it's more focused.

Your bias is... uncomprehensible.

Again, it's saying something about Samsung's flagship is if the next thing we're expecting is waterproofing/dustproofing... versus... the next thing we're expecting from the iPhone is, for the love of god, a larger screen.