Source – in.mashable.com
Internal Discontent Over Design Imitations
Samsung’s executive chairman, Lee Jae-yong, has reportedly voiced dissatisfaction with the company’s mobile division following widespread criticism of its latest product designs. According to a report from Korean news outlet Ajunews, Lee Jae-Yong intervened after online and media backlash accused Samsung of replicating Apple’s design aesthetics in its new devices.
The criticism intensified after Samsung’s recent Galaxy Unpacked event, where the company unveiled its latest offerings: the Galaxy Watch Ultra smartwatch and the Galaxy Buds 3 series. The designs of these products drew comparisons to Apple’s popular devices, sparking discontent among tech reviewers and consumers alike.
Chairman’s Demand for Reassessment
Lee Jae-yong is said to have instructed Samsung’s Mobile Experience (MX) division to reevaluate its design strategy in light of the negative feedback. Insiders revealed that Lee’s dissatisfaction stemmed from concerns about the perceived similarities between Samsung’s new products and Apple’s designs, which were highlighted during the event. The internal atmosphere at Samsung MX reportedly grew tense as the chairman’s intervention led to unspecified actions against the division’s leadership and staff.
Public and Media Reactions
The Galaxy Unpacked event, initially anticipated with excitement, faced a wave of negative reactions. Critics, including popular tech reviewers, quickly condemned the new products for their resemblance to Apple’s offerings. “Today was a huge L for Samsung,” said Quinn Nelson of Snazzy Labs, a well-known tech review channel on YouTube, referring to the Galaxy Watch Ultra as a “shameless copy” of Apple’s design. Andrew O’Hara of Apple Insider echoed similar sentiments, calling Samsung’s new products “boring” and a significant departure from its innovative past.
The criticism extended beyond online platforms, reaching reporters at a media briefing at Samsung’s flagship store in Seoul. According to Ajunews, these reporters frequently discussed how the new devices bore a striking resemblance to Apple’s products.
Impact and Future Prospects
The backlash is likely to influence the design direction of Samsung’s future products. Reviews of the Galaxy Watch Ultra and the Galaxy Buds 3 series have highlighted their similarity to Apple’s designs, with headlines from Bloomberg and The Verge reflecting disappointment in Samsung’s approach. The Verge’s review notably criticized Samsung for appearing to follow rather than innovate, suggesting a lack of originality in the new product line.
As Samsung faces the repercussions of these design criticisms, the company is expected to make adjustments to ensure that future iterations of its Galaxy Ultra smartwatch and earbuds stand out from its competitors. Until then, Samsung will continue to address the ongoing allegations of design imitation.
