South Korean phone maker Samsung says the smartphone ecosystem has already been transformed by "smart IoT-based devices", driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and the cloud platform, in line with Industrial Revolution 4.0.
Wichai Pornpratang, corporate vice-president for IT and mobile communication at Thai Samsung Electronics, said smartphones should no longer be called phones as they serve users in three core developments: the 4.5G mobile network, devices and digital content for applications.
In addition, smartphone users' behaviour is pushing the revolution, especially in Thailand, which was recently ranked No. 1 for most internet use globally, at five hours per day, mainly via mobile devices, Mr Wichai said.
"Smartphones operate as a centre that connects content from cloud platforms and is processed by AI technology before being sent back to devices as a service for users," he said.
To keep up with rapidly changing trends, Mr Wichai said smart device makers have to provide innovative technology with open-source platforms to help facilitate users' needs.
"When the imminent 5G technology is commercially launched, we may see many more useful functions for smart devices, driven by better efficiency and connectivity," he said.
Several Samsung smartphone models have already been employed as part of the hyper-connectivity function trend since last year, said Mr Wichai.
He said Samsung is focusing on providing innovative smartphones that are not only revolutionising the industry, but also providing customers with the devices that best fulfil their ever-changing lifestyles.
In the fourth quarter of last year, Samsung sold 74.1 million smartphone units globally.
Total smartphone sales last year reached 403.5 million units.
Yesterday, Samsung officially launched its latest Galaxy S9/S9+, which features the concept "The Camera. Reimagined."
The smartphone will be available on March 16.
The Galaxy S9 and S9+ is the latest flagship smartphone to have been redesigned with an innovative low light camera, personalised AR emoji and super slow-mo video capabilities.
The 64GB Galaxy S9 will sell for 27,900 baht. The 64GB Galaxy S9+ is priced at 31,900 baht, while the 128GB model costs 33,900.
The company said a highlight of the latest models is the low-light camera with dual aperture lens (F1.5/F2.4), adding it works like the human eye by automatically letting in more light when it's dark and less light when it's too bright.
