Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Galaxy Gear: watch connected Samsung made it a flop? - Le Nouvel Observateur

shows connected Samsung Galaxy Gear Is a dismal failure? A war of numbers ensued between the specialized site Business Korea and the South Korean giant. Behind this argument, there is the question of the future of connected objects.

“The latest technology from Samsung, the Galaxy Round curved smartphone and Galaxy Gear shows, failed to sell to consumers,” writes Business Korea.

80,000 or … 800.000 watches sold

Since the release of the Galaxy Round, November 10, “less than 100 units are sold per day” understands the Korean site citing industry sources. Regarding the Galaxy Gear, launched with great fanfare on September 25, sales were disappointing. “The sales have exceeded 50,000 units sold, with about 800 to 900 watches sold every day,” reveals Business Korea.

According

specialized site, Samsung has decided to increase the range of devices that can connect with the Galaxy Gear attempt to reinvigorate sales. The day of its release, the watch connected South Korean, sold 299 euros, was not compatible with the Galaxy Note 3. Today, it is possible to combine it with the Galaxy Round the Galaxy S4, the Galaxy S3. “But the market does not respond,” Business Korea continues.

“These products are considered product testing rather than revolutionary products,” said an industry source to the South Korean site. “Consumers and producers begin to take notice when the next Samsung models, planned for next year, come out.”

as recalled “20 minutes”, another bad news tarnish the “success” of the Galaxy Gear, “according to an internal memo from Best Buy American chain, 30% would bring the store to watch be reimbursed. “

Neither one nor two, Samsung denies Korea Business figures and release its own figures Reuters. And these are, unsurprisingly, very distant sales figures reported by Business Korea. A rare occurrence in the industry where these figures are confidential.

It would be more than 800,000 Galaxy Gear that would be sold in two months. According to Samsung, sales have exceeded expectations. “This is the best selling watch connected on the market … and we plan to expand its availability by adding new mobile devices compatible with the Gear,” says Samsung.


gadget or revolution?

As noted in the American magazine “Wired”, “it is unclear whether these figures refer to watches actually sold to consumers or simply shipped to distributors.” The difference is important and if Samsung later clarified that the figures referred to watches “shipped”, the result remains unclear.

“The Galaxy Gear is not a subject most people need,” writes Wired. “It’s not even a show that we want to keep on your wrist all day.” Although the full functionality is more advanced than any other smart watch, technology and uses the Galaxy Gear are not clearly defined. “A new gadget without a clear purpose is always difficult to sell”, says Wired.

agency that Jupiter Research estimates that portable computing market is expected to weigh 1.4 billion in 2014. The ABI Research predicted that the booming market: it could reach 485 million units sold per year by 2018. More broadly, the global watch market turns in excellent health. It should weigh $ 60 billion this year, including $ 1.5 billion in France for a sector where margins reach 60%! What do drool manufacturers.


The “so-called benefit” connected watches

traditional watch manufacturers display their skepticism about watches connected. “We always talk about the so-called advantage of these smartwatch wrist. But when you handle them, you actually request both hands. Conversely, with a mobile phone, either to read or send a message something, one hand is needed, “loose Nick Hayek, CEO of Swatch Group, the Swiss newspaper” Le Temps “.

“It is above all a matter of software. And I do not want software that makes us more dependent on some American and Chinese manufacturers,” he adds. For the owner of the first watchmakers in the world, interactive watches are interesting, but “if it is pure electronic objects needs to be recharged at night.”

shows connected appears as a real opportunity for builders. Danielle Levitas of IDC, also sees some interest for consumers who want to be connected, noting “it is less rude to look at his wrist that his smartphone out of his pocket.” But designers need to determine precisely what consumers want, including in terms of design to find the right size: large enough to be useful without seeming too bulky. The risk that the connected shows relegated to mere accessory or gadget.

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