During this year's Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2017 event, Samsung announced new information regarding Galaxy S8. Apparently, the new flagship model will be equipped with headphones, the audio technology of which will be supplied by the recently bought company AKG, which falls under Harman International. Samsung gave this information immediately after introducing the new tablet Galaxy Book.
For those who don't know, Samsung acquired Harman International a few days ago for an astronomical sum of $8 billion. Several other parts fall under Harman, including AKG, for example.
Harman more than an audio manufacturer
Throughout its existence, Harman has not so much been associated with audio as with automobiles. Either way, this is Samsung's biggest acquisition ever, and it has really big ambitions. About 65 percent of Harman's sales -- totaling about $7 billion last year -- were in passenger car-related products. Among other things, Samsung added that Harman products, which include audio and car systems, are supplied in approximately 30 million cars worldwide.
In the field of cars, Samsung behind its competitors - Google (Android Car) a Apple (AppleCar) – really lags behind. This acquisition could help Samsung to be more competitive.
"Harman perfectly complements Samsung in terms of technology, products and solutions. Thanks to the joining of forces, we will once again be a bit stronger in the market for audio and car systems. Samsung is an ideal partner for Harman, and this transaction will offer truly tremendous benefits to our customers.”
