Samsung said to complete Galaxy Fold smartphone redesign in time for holidays
- The Korean electronics giant aims to salvage its reputation after cancelling the April 26 launch of the US$1,980 device
Samsung Electronics has completed a two-month redesign of its Galaxy Fold to fix embarrassing screen failures that forced its delay, people familiar with the matter said, allowing the South Korean giant to debut its marquee smartphone in time for the crucial holiday season.
Korea’s biggest company is trying to move past yet another product faux pas. It has now stretched the protective film to wrap around the entire screen and flow into the outer bezels so it would be impossible to peel off by hand, said the people, who have seen the latest versions. It re-engineered the hinge, pushing it slightly upwards from the screen – it is now flush with the display – to help stretch the film further when the smartphone opens.
That tension makes the film feel harder and more a natural part of the device rather than a detachable accessory, they added. The consequent protrusion, almost imperceptible to the naked eye, may help reduce the chance of a crease developing in the middle of the screen over time, one of the people said.