14 DAY TRIAL // Samsung and Facebook have a long history together, even though not as long as HTC. However, the latest collaboration between the two companies, which has seen the South Korean giant launching the Gear VR headset based on Oculus technology, seems to have paved the way to new business plans.
There have been quite a few attempts to create a smartphone that would focus on Facebook’s services, but none of the devices proved popular among addicts.
In fact, both HTC ChaCha and HTC First smartphones failed to achieve decent sales numbers, which is why they were quickly forgotten.
However, the illusion of a popular Facebook phone that could bring lots of money in revenue prowls another important handset maker, other than HTC.
9to5Google cites a few Korean media sources that claim Samsung and Facebook are now in talks to release a new smartphone that’s should focus on offering a deep Facebook experience.
The Facebook phone made by Samsung should come with at least a few innovations, otherwise it will surely be doomed to fail just like the previous smartphones before it.
Korea Herald reports that Facebook’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently attended a meeting in Seoul, South Korea, in order to discuss the possibility of a new smartphone made by Samsung.
Zuckerberg was joined by Samsung Electronics VC Lee Jay-yong, Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg, Samsung Mobile’s chief Shin Jong-kyun and other executives from both companies.
Discussions between the two companies may be in the final stages
This would be the third meeting between Facebook and Samsung officials this year, which proves the companies certainly have plans to launch something together.
Although Korean media claims that during this meeting Samsung and Facebook officials basically discussed the final details for a Facebook-centric phone, it will probably take some time until either of the companies announces something in this regard.
The discussions may not be limited to a new smartphone, as the companies have proven in the last few years that they can work together on various projects.
Even though Samsung is looking to cut its losses and regain some of the market share lost in China and other emerging markets, the South Korean company doesn’t have an easy job convincing customers a Facebook-oriented smartphone is the way to go.
If these speculations prove to be true, then it remains to be seen how Samsung will be able to differentiate the Facebook phone from other smartphones, aside from the exclusive apps and services provided. Would you be willing to buy a Samsung-made Facebook phone?