DaDa... my comment was really to those who think Samsung (or other co's) couldn't compete in the gaming console line. The feature of the Giz product that interested me was the low cost GPS. Reviews weren't so good though . If Giz was able to introduce it...I think it's a matter of time before someone else either with the Giz team or on their own, with deeper pockets, and more production expertise really perfects it. Samsung could be the one.
Samsung is into every nook and cranny of electronics. They make tv's, radios, TV's, PC monitors, hard drives, memory, mp3 players, etc. They're a very reputable company, but outside of tv's (for the most part) they're a component manufacturer. In other words, you don't hear about all the components they make that go into other goods. For example, thousands of Dell monitors used daily were made by Samsung. For a gaming platform, the most important thing is probably what games and gaming companies do you have the backing of. Without that, you're not going to be much of a player, no matter how sweet the hardware.
How long ago was that? Samsung DLP's are among the best you'll find and for a while were way ahead of the pack in terms of technology.
Samsung has, in the past, manufactured products that excel in certain vertical industries (such as TV's/displays and specific consumer electronics, such as DVD players/recorders). In other industries, Samsung has built products which are relatively average. Their product pricing and marketing, however, is always very aggressive (even in retrospect to the already-aggressive electonics industry). Because their products are either average and well-priced, or excelling and well-priced, they have found stable success in the electronics industry. (think to yourself: "how often do I hear about a Samsing product that is overpriced, regardless of whether it is a high-end device or a piece of junk?). You ask about what public reaction would be if Samsung produced a GPS/MP3/Movies/Gaming product.... Applying my statement from above: I believe that, if Samsung were to build/sell such a product, they would ensure that it was at least of average competence compared to competition. And they would absolutely ensure that it would be priced/marketed very aggressively. Their logo has reputation and stability behind it and they know and rely on this fact to build product partners (improving the product) and to achieve global marketing. In short: At their worst, Samsung would produce an average product that would be very well priced and marketed. At their best, Samsung sould produce a cutting-edge product that would be very well priced and marketed. Because of this, Samsung is a very, very dangerous competitor. Of course, you didn't say anything about competing with them. Your question could either be interpreted as 'Gizmondo may have to compete with Samsung' or as 'Gizmondo may be bought out by Samsung' Now, the question that we all feel compelled to ask is: which one was the intention behind your question?
And, regarding their cash position. As would be expected by a large conglomerates, they have a lot of cash. That doesn't mean they aren't thirfty, though. As with many manufacturers, they realize that their best model for profit in the electronics industry is to focus cash primarily into R&D, and build the cheapest labor pool they can find (children in Asian factories). See, now here's a good example. I would surmise that Samsung realizes that they have not built a name in the gaming market, and people like Mr.Brightside would be skeptical about buying their product. So they would probably try to market to him more aggressively from a price-based angle, forcing him to think: "wow. their price is so much less than the competition, and since I know that the product will at worst be mediocre, I think I might give it a shot. After all, it is a Samsung product."
I'm down with Samsung.. are some of you knocking samsung cells sure it wasnt a Sanyo? I'm not a fan of Sanyo..
When you posted this I thought to myself how often do I ever think about Samsung....and the answer was never...and then my wife calls and I pick up my cell phone and see the darn thing is made by Samsung. I'm pretty happy with it, but there are some things I wish I could change about it, just little things. Guess its the German in me.
The best thing to answer the cash question, is look at their annual report, which is on their website: 2004 Annual report As far as my old companies experience I had with them, they were several million dollar account and had very little issues with them, when it comes to paying invoices, etc.... dealing with them, and others in that industry can be tough at times, but nothing out of the ordinary. As to your first question about using Samsung as a marketing arm for your device, I can't really answer that, however it is a name that people will recognize and may be more willing to purchase for that reason. I apologize if I wasn't of much help, but if you have any other questions, feel free to ask.........
I never said that we would use them as a marketing arm....... I just wondered what experience people had with them or their products. You can infer whatever you like. DD
I have a samsung 19' crt monitor and a 30 inch ws hdtv samsung television and i am extremely pleased with both. They make some of the best tv and monitors i've seen. I've worked at circuit city and their tvs were among the best and their prices are very good and a good value. i have yet to have any problems with them, i do need to call samsung tech sometime soon regarding a minor issue with the tv but i would go with samsung given the chance
Just run a FCF (free cash flow) analysis on them. It's a snap: FCFF = EBIT(1-Tc) + Depreciation - CapEx - NWC Jumping ship so soon?
My wife's Samsung phone had great reception in area where the towers where not supposed to reach, but that's about my only experience with them... That, and I pass their building up here from time to time.
