Global electronics giant Samsung Monday launched a range of products, including three 4G-enabled smartphones, the world's first "convertible" refrigerator, televisions with technology where you can transfer mobile content, and a library of 2.5 lakh Indian songs and 1,500 movies.
Hyun Chil Hong, president and CEO of Samsung India Electronics, said India was one of the "fastest growing energies markets. I am impressed with the rich culture, diversity and hospitality of India, that I have never seen before".
"In 2015, we plan to introduce path-breaking technology across various categories of products, which will enhance consumer experience and strengthen our position in the market," he said at the Samsung South West Asia Forum 2015, attended by people from India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
The Galaxy A7, three 4G-enabled smartphones - Galaxy Grand Prime 4G, Galaxy Core Prime 4G and Galaxy J1 4G, the world's first "convertible" refrigerator where people can change the freezer into an extension of the fridge with the touch of a button, were launched.
Some of the other products included a Joy Smart TV with built-in wifi which lets consumers access the internet, new washing machines, air-conditioners, and microwave ovens.
Asim Warsi, vice president for marketing, mobile and IT at Samsung India, said: "We expect 4G technology to rise and push internet usage to an unprecedented level.
"Consumer demand is shifting towards devices that offer multi-tasking capabilities, 24x7 data connectivity with increased video consumption and real-time mobility which enable global interactions," he said.
The three 4G-enabled models will be available in India from the second week of March, at a starting price of Rs.9,900.
Samsung also announced the launch of the Galaxy A7, a smart phone with 6.3 mm width. It features a superior 5.5" display, and has a dual SIM capability. It is equipped with a 13 mega pixel rear camera and a 5 mega pixel front-facing camera.
It has various colour options like Pearl White, Midnight Black and Champagne Gold, for the personal style and preference of diverse users. The Galaxy A7 is priced at Rs.30,499 and will be available in India from Feb 16.
One of the interesting launches at the event was the "Club Samsung" store for Indian movies and music.
Rajeev Bhutani, director for sales at Samsung India, said the digital library will have a collection of 2.5 lakh Indian songs, including some from regional languages, and 1,500 Indian movies.
He also launched the Joy Smart TV that comes with built-in wifi which lets people access the internet and browse websites.
The officials, however, did not elaborate about the prices. They also skirted a query on how their company was responding to other phones and appliances that are cheaper and come with more or less similar technology.
Hong said India was one of the key markets for Samsung where it has emerged as the no.1 company across various product categories. In the past 20 years of its operation in India, Samsung has set up two manufacturing plants and three research and development facilities that employ nearly 45,000 people.
Samsung employs 307,000 people across 84 countries. Its annual sales are to the tune of $196 billion, the officials said.
"Samsung will continue to manufacture its products in India reinforcing its commitment to Make for India. In 2015, Samsung will continue to push technology boundaries and help consumers to create a better tomorrow," he said.
The company recently announced expansion of its mobile phone plant in Noida, abutting Delhi. A new phone Samsung Z1 will be manufactured at the Noida facility with most of the phone's software being developed at the Noida Research Centre.
(Prantick Majumder can be contacted at prantick.m@ians.in)
