Google, Samsung cancel phone launch event out of respect for Steve Jobs
Google and Samsung have canceled an event planned for next week where the companies were supposed to announce the first smartphone based on Android "Ice Cream Sandwich," a move reportedly made in response to the death of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs.
The two companies are said to have rescheduled the event out of respect for Jobs, sources told Ina Fried of All Things D. The companies were originally scheduled to show off the next version of Google's Android operating system, dubbed Ice Cream Sandwich, along with a new "Nexus" smartphone built by Samsung on Tuesday.
"Sources said the companies just felt it was the wrong time to hold a launch event, as the world continues mourning Jobs, who died on Wednesday," Fried wrote.
Samsung and Google earlier on Friday issued a joint statement stating they would postpone the "Samsung Mobile Unpacked" event during the CTIA trade show in San Diego, Calif. "Under the current circumstances, both parties have agreed that this is not the appropriate time for the announcement of a new product," the press release vaguely said.
The move by Samsung and Apple is particularly interesting because Apple has not changed its plans to launch the iPhone 4S next week. The company began taking preorders earlier Friday for the handset's Oct. 14 launch.
Both Google and Samsung have paid their respects to Jobs since he died after a long bout with cancer on Wednesday at the age of 56. Google's executive chairman, Eric Schmidt, formerly served as a member on Apple's board of directors.
Teasers for the now-postponed event have teased that the companies will show off "something big." Reports have indicated the new handset will sport a curved screen with a 4.65-inch display, and will be the first handset to run Android 4.0.
The two companies are said to have rescheduled the event out of respect for Jobs, sources told Ina Fried of All Things D. The companies were originally scheduled to show off the next version of Google's Android operating system, dubbed Ice Cream Sandwich, along with a new "Nexus" smartphone built by Samsung on Tuesday.
"Sources said the companies just felt it was the wrong time to hold a launch event, as the world continues mourning Jobs, who died on Wednesday," Fried wrote.
Samsung and Google earlier on Friday issued a joint statement stating they would postpone the "Samsung Mobile Unpacked" event during the CTIA trade show in San Diego, Calif. "Under the current circumstances, both parties have agreed that this is not the appropriate time for the announcement of a new product," the press release vaguely said.
The move by Samsung and Apple is particularly interesting because Apple has not changed its plans to launch the iPhone 4S next week. The company began taking preorders earlier Friday for the handset's Oct. 14 launch.
Both Google and Samsung have paid their respects to Jobs since he died after a long bout with cancer on Wednesday at the age of 56. Google's executive chairman, Eric Schmidt, formerly served as a member on Apple's board of directors.
Teasers for the now-postponed event have teased that the companies will show off "something big." Reports have indicated the new handset will sport a curved screen with a 4.65-inch display, and will be the first handset to run Android 4.0.
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Samsung and Google earlier on Friday issued a joint statement stating they would postpone the "Samsung Mobile Unpacked" event during the CTIA trade show in San Diego, Calif. "Under the current circumstances, both parties have agreed that this is not the appropriate time for the announcement of a new product," the press release vaguely said.
This is very fishy.
Companies are supposed to behave in a way that increases shareholder value. Business is a fast moving world. Ford isn't going to delay their model year because the Toyota CEO passes away.
My hunch is that there is nothing wrong with the Samsung handset hardware, but that there may be some issues with the Android OS, either from a stability perspective or possibly a lack of features which became more glaringly apparent after final details of iOS 5 were unveiled (specifically Siri Assistant).
They're still going to participate in the tradeshow. Apple doesn't participate at tradeshows, and both these companies know that Apple can hold a random press event with a week's notice. And frankly, I don't know how much press would be accorded to something like this Google-Samsung event anyhow. It's not like you see people lining up around the block waiting for the next Android handset.
That's about as much class as one can show in this type of business. Then again this is just my 2 cents.
Though I'm sure I'll get knocked for not slamming them or cursing them. Then again who cares...
There are many reasons that could contribute to the decision...
But, let's just say that common courtesy and common sense ruled the day.
Well done Google and Samsung!
This is very fishy.
Companies are supposed to behave in a way that increases shareholder value. Business is a fast moving world. Ford isn't going to delay their model year because the Toyota CEO passes away.
yea stick to your textbook rationale.
This is very fishy.
Companies are supposed to behave in a way that increases shareholder value. Business is a fast moving world. Ford isn't going to delay their model year because the Toyota CEO passes away.
Agreed.
All this anthropomorphizing of corporations is bizarre. Corporations don't do things out of "respect". They do things to make money.
For whatever reason, delaying the launch is calculated to yield a greater profit than going forward as planned. Maybe the PR value of appearing respectful, maybe to polish the software, maybe to garner more headlines, whatever.
Agreed.
All this anthropomorphizing of corporations is bizarre. Corporations don't do things out of "respect". They do things to make money.
For whatever reason, delaying the launch is calculated to yield a greater profit than going forward as planned. Maybe the PR value of appearing respectful, maybe to polish the software, maybe to garner more headlines, whatever.
True, corporations don't, but maybe the people who run them do.
And an event that's still a week away? Odd.
Maybe the Ice Cream is still a little soft....
Or, more likely, they don't want to be seen as attempting to trash Steve and his creations so close to his death.
Whatever it is, there's a business decision behind it.
I am inclined to believe it is what they say it is...
There are many reasons that could contribute to the decision...
But, let's just say that common courtesy and common sense ruled the day.
Well done Google and Samsung!
1) I don't buy it. I'd say the most likely answer is that there are continued issues with ICS that are causing delays and they are using Steve Jobs death to save face. If that is the case that then is despicable, though not out of character for both Samsung and Google.
2) Apple isn't pushing back it's iOS 5.0 or iPhone 4S launch because of Steve Jobs's death, so why would Samsung or Google delay?
True, corporations don't, but maybe the people who run them do.
Yes... When someone as accomplished and renowned as Steve dies at such a young age, It makes each of us think, if just for a moment:
"There, but for the grace of God, go I".
1) I don't buy it. I'd say the most likely answer is that there are continued issues with ICS that are causing delays and they are using Steve Jobs death to save face.
Possibly, though they do claim that the release date of the device won't be affected. FWIW the video of ICS that leaked today looks okay: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=DvsXyeY0HVE
Yes... When someone as accomplished and renowned as Steve dies at such a young age, It makes each of us think, if just for a moment:
"There, but for the grace of God, go I".
Yes, and some of the posts in thread (and others) make it clear that a lot of people here that Google and Apple, as well as the people at both companies, literally hate each other, which is ridiculous...
The real reason is Apple showed the 4S and gave more details about iOS 5. Now Google and Samsung are frantically trying to clone the 4S and iOS 5 and are delaying just like they copy everything else Apple does. Same story, different day
Exactly- wait til they unveil "our New Nexus running Suri!"