Looking Back, Looking Forward: Samsung Convertible Products

It would have been impossible ten or fifteen years ago to imagine the technology we have today. Who could have imagined a tablet with a full-sized slide-out keyboard, capable of running an operating system like Microsoft Windows 7? If you think back, you may remember Samsung Electronics unveiling the first of its Windows 7 run Sliding Book, the Series 7 tablet, two years ago at CES 2011. Just a year later, at IFA 2012, Samsung introduced various models of Windows 8 convertible PCs, including its Cindy. And with the Samsung Premiere 2013 Galaxy & ATIV held in London today, we at Samsung Tomorrow thought it would be the perfect time to step back and look at how far Samsung’s line of convertible products have changed and developed. Join us for a quick trip down memory lane!

A Brief History of Samsung’s Convertible Mobiles

Samsung Electronics made a point of working to produce as many convertible type products as possible in a variety of industries. From 2005 to 2008, Samsung initiated projects to produce convertible mobiles.

At the time, these phones were cutting edge with unique features of a hinged keyboard that could rotate 180 degrees when opening and closing the phone. The other had the screen rotated along the XY surface of the phone, revealing the keyboard.

However, in 2009, Samsung began its first mass-production of a convertible mobile phone, Armani. This mobile phone had a horizontal QWERTY keyboard with a sliding feature, but with the added characteristic of a screen that stood at a fixed angle when it finished sliding out.

The Development of Samsung’s Convertible PCs

It’s easy to see how the evolution of our mobile phones influenced that of our PCs and tablets. In 2011 Samsung diversified its offerings by focusing on the PC industry and introducing its first Windows 7 Sliding Book, the Series 7 tablet, to the world.

The Series 7 tablet was Samsung’s first sliding PC tablet since the GALAXY Tab. This groundbreaking device was a Windows 7 series tablet when it was closed and a notebook when the attached QWERTY keyboard was slid open. Additionally, the tablet also featured a touchscreen. For those who were not sure whether they wanted a tablet or a netbook, this all-in-one package was the perfect choice.

A year after the CES 2011, Samsung introduced various Windows 8 series convertible PCs, including Cindy at IFA 2012. These included our ATIV Smart PC and ATIV Smart PC Pro. Each device featured a detachable keyboard-docking system that allows users to easily switch between a clamshell notebook PC and a tablet PC, allowing for great mobility with maximum productivity.

And today at Samsung Premiere 2013 GALAXY & ATIV, Samsung presented a new convertible tablet, the ATIV Q. This innovative tablet is unique not only because it is powered by Windows 8 but also due to its ability to run Android apps. This device was built with a people-centric mind, and users can manage their digital lives on their terms, flexibly, wherever they are regardless of their situation, space, or environment. Thanks to having the world’s highest resolution, it also provides users an optimized viewing experience even outdoors on the sunniest of days.

Looking back, it’s easy to see the development of Samsung’s convertible products in terms of both style and functionality. Technology has come so far in such a short period of time – it’s mind-boggling to think what might be in store in the next year, five years, or decade. Wherever technology goes, Samsung will be at the front of the pack, leading the revolution.