Samsung Electronics, reeling from an explosive couple of months, seems to be on a massive acquisition spree. The Korean giant has today announced that it has acquired Canada-based Rich Communications Services(RCS) services firm NewNet Communication Technologies. The financial details of the transaction haven’t been disclosed but NewNet will continue to operate as a separate entity.
With this acquisition, Samsung is looking to pave way for the introduction of rich and advanced cross-platform messaging experiences. It is planning to use the robust technologies developed by NewNet to offer interoperable server solutions for mobile operators that don’t already have their own RCS infrastructure.
This acquisition is a critical milestone not just for Samsung but also for the communications industry. The acquisition reinforces Samsung’s commitment to RCS as mobile networks transition to IP-based networks and services,
reads the official press release.
This year is coming to an end and it shows us that tech behemoths are now laying immense focus on messaging features to woo customers. On one hand, where Apple introduced a slew of new features such as handwriting, digital touch, and hidden ink to the iMessage app, its arch-rival Google debuted its cross-platform messaging app Allo. This messaging client from Google brought along with it some fun, quirky features and stickers and a uber-smart virtual ‘Assistant.’ It has recently also taken this much-needed step and introduced RCS capabilities in its Messenger application.
Thus, Samsung is also planning to jump in with a competitive messaging app of its own. The company is looking to introduce messaging features such as like high-quality voice calls, group calls, video calls, file sharing and more in an exclusive app on its devices. This will also pit it against other widely popular clients like WhatsApp, Messenger, LINE, Viber and numerous others.
Prior to this, Samsung has acquired audio and connected car parts maker Harman for a massive $8 billion a couple days ago. This move from the company will not only bolster the connected car team but will also enable Samsung to take help from a team of 8,000 developers and designers to built its IoT product ecosystem.
The Korean giant might have failed on the smartphone front this year, thanks to the Galaxy Note 7, but it is now planning to rehabilitate its brand image with its upcoming phone — Galaxy S8. The advanced messaging tech combined with the recent acquisition of the next-gen AI platform Viv, which will be integrated into the software, could give Samsung the much-needed for its next smartphone release.
The Galaxy S8 is expected to debut sometime around March next year. It will reportedly pack in a larger phablet-sized screen as compared to previous iterations. Samsung is looking to compensate for the loss of the Note 7 with the launch of a 6.2-inch bezel-less phone, lacking the prominent home button. It is also said to follow in the footsteps of Apple and get rid of the 3.5mm headphone jack in this iteration of their Galaxy S series lineup.
