Samsung
Neither Samsung nor Google, Apple leads Japan’s smartphone market in Q4 2023: IDC
International Data Corporation (IDC) recently shared its new report which reveals Japan’s smartphone market share and year-over-year growth of Q4 2023. The data indicates that Apple continued to lead Japan’s smartphone market in Q4 2023, leaving behind all other brands including Samsung, Google, and more.
As per the information of IDC, Japan’s mobile phones market decreased by 3.5% YoY in Q4 2023 compared to the same period last year with a total of 8.3 million units concerning a 3.4% YoY shipment increase of iPhones and an 8.7% YoY decrease of Android-based devices.
Yes, in Q4 2023, Apple leads the smartphone market in Japan with strong demand for its iPhone 15 series. Sharp regained its second position with its affordable smartphones. Google had the biggest gain and continued on its strong growth revolution, while, Samsung was in fourth position with a 6.3% market share.
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Masafumi Inbe, Market Analyst, IDC Japan Said,
- “Japan has been a market where local vendors have been exceptionally strong. However, amid intensifying competition in the smartphone market, local vendors in Japan are gradually finding it difficult to compete with global vendors in terms of product development and competitiveness, including foldable smartphones and AI smartphones.
- In 2024, apart from Google which experienced rapid growth, other global vendors such as Lenovo, which acquired FCNT, and Xiaomi, will strengthen their presence in the Japan market. Meanwhile, local vendors will be compelled to reassess their positions in the domestic market,”
We’ve recently explored official design changes showcased by Samsung in One UI 7. During the event, Samsung’s Sally mentioned that the team is exploring a brand new UX design and preparing a fresh new look for the entire interface in One UI 7.
Samsung will open One UI 7 Beta for Developers by the end of this year. The final version is scheduled to be launched with new Galaxy S phones next year. The company has made a strategic change in software release time.
During SDC24, Samsung confirmed the integration of AI across its portfolio. It’s all aimed at enhancing customer experiences across products. All Samsung consumer products will be equipped with a unified One UI version next year.
“Samsung plans to extend One UI beyond mobile devices to become the software experience for all consumer products.” Sally during SDC24.
The Korean tech giant will continue to expand Galaxy AI features. Currently, most of the flagship features are limited to flagship models only. However, a selection of Galaxy AI experiences will be coming to A series devices.
The official showcased some changes in the upcoming Galaxy software. Samsung and Google working closely to offer epic experiences on Galaxies. A new design is officially confirmed, with many details were not shared at the event.
“We’re exploring a brand new UX design,” Jeong added. “One UI 7 will bring a fresh new look to the entire interface.”
At Code Lab, Samsung offered a Galaxy S24 Ultra running One UI 7. The software includes a revamped Quick and Notification Panel, enhanced Apps Screen and Recents, rounded UI components across the entire OS, and more.
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra is almost confirmed to feature satellite communication. Qualcomm and MediaTek are all set to debut their new processors this month. There’s big news for Samsung fans who are eagerly waiting for satellite SOS.
Recently, the Chinese Galaxy S25 series has passed 3C certification, featuring Satellite Communication. Among them, the SM-S9380 model, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, is marked as a satellite communication-supported smartphone.
It remains to be seen whether it will specifically use the BeiDou or TianTong system. The certification reveals that the satellite SOS technology might not be supported on the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25 Plus models.
3C also confirmed that the Galaxy S25 series will lack in box charger, with the cable included only. The S25 Plus and S25 Ultra could continue to offer 45W Super Fast charging technology, while the base variant could feature 25W speed.
Satellite SOS
It could be a paid feature after a limited period of complimentary availability. In case of emergency, you will be able to connect with rescue authorities even without network connectivity. Your phone will allow you to send SOS through satellite communication.
Google also debuted its satellite communication tech with Pixel 9 series. Verizon also confirmed to be working on the adoption of this futuristic SOS functionality. It could become a boon in case of emergency when you have no access to the network.
At present, Apple is the only international vendor that has brought satellite features to global models. Huawei devices also support emergency SMS through satellite, however, the availability is limited to certain models.
[Via]
Samsung showcased One UI 7 running on a Galaxy S24 Ultra at SDC24. The upcoming One UI 7 software features three core design elements: Simple, Impactful, and Emotive. These changes usher in a brand new interface for Galaxy devices, let’s explore.
Quick Settings:
One UI 7 debuts a brand new interface for your Galaxy’s Quick Settings.
It expands to a full page with a single swipe, with additional toggles that can be accessed through another swipe. In a major shift, the UI elements turned rounded in pill shape from the conventional squircle design.
Notification Panel:
Samsung has separated the Notification Panel from Quick Settings in One UI 7.
The new software will bring a separate Quick Settings and Notification Panel page. This section also displays notifications in large rounded pills matching the Quick Settings components. You can also see the brand new battery level pill at the top.
The down arrow will let you expand notification content along with in-app settings. At the bottom, you will have two options: Settings and Clear to access notification settings and clear all the notifications with a single tap.
Apps Screen:
Samsung worked much on improving accessibility on Galaxy devices.
The Apps Screen (AKA App Drawer) has re-placed the search bar from top to bottom. The hamburger button is also accompanied by the search bar so you can easily access the functionality to search for apps and services.
Icons:
App icons play a major role across the mobile operating system and One UI 7 has a major revamp.
Samsung’s next big update will redesign many One UI app icons. Whether it’s the icon of Camera, Contacts, Gallery, Internet, Phone, Settings, or Galaxy Store, all are getting redesigned in Android 15-based One UI 7 firmware.
Finder (Apps Screen):
Samsung is making the Finder function of Apps Screen more dynamic with One UI 7.
Triggering the Finder feature within the Apps Screen will expand the Keyboard by default. A dynamic pill will also be displayed to let you add Finder to the Quick Panel. You can also choose which apps to appear and prevent in Finder.
Recents:
Your Galaxy’s Android 15 update will have a cool new design for the Recent apps panel.
Good Lock allows the Recents section to be altered to look like iOS. You won’t need to manually modify the Recents screen in One UI 7. The software will bring a stack layout integrated with cool transitions to look eye-catching all the way.
Image: SamMobile
Animation Smoothness:
Don’t judge One UI 7 animations through the SDC model videos. Samsung confirmed One UI 7 Beta will arrive later this year and Stable next year. There’s a lot of work left which should also include the smoothness of animation.
Looking forward.
Via – SamMobile