The world's first 5G phone to be released in South Korea | Tech / Gadgets

SEOUL, April 5 – Samsung Electronics today announced the launch of the Galaxy S10 5G, the world's first smartphone with fifth-generation integrated communications technology, as South Korea seeks to strengthen the wireless communications system. transformation.

On Wednesday, the South became the first nation to commercially launch 5G services nationwide, with three ultra-fast live networks offering data rates that allow users to download entire movies in less than 10 minutes. a second.

A few hours later, US giant Verizon began offering commercial services in Chicago and Minneapolis, after rival AT & T put a 5G-based system at the disposal of selected users in some areas. from 12 cities in December.

The three South Korean mobile operators – SK Telecom, KT and LG Uplus – have organized launch events across Seoul for the Galaxy S10, whose base version costs 1.39 million won (4,994 RMB).

Interactive virtual reality screens and robot demonstrations were showcasing the capabilities of the latest version of mobile Internet streaming, and new users were excited about the possibilities, including live streaming of sports games and university lectures.

"I often watch videos, movies and lectures," said buyer, Shim Ji-hye, 38. "I hope faster speeds will help me manage my time better."

Another user said that he was particularly excited about virtual reality content, which includes games and even applications of "celebrity encounters in virtual reality," according to the country's mobile operators.

According to researcher Lee Sang-yoon, with the 5G software, VR content "can be read in real time, without delay … I can enjoy it faster and with more resolution."

Before the current launch of the Samsung phone, 5G service had been limited to a handful of specially selected users in South Korea.

The rival manufacturer LG is expected to launch its ThinQ V50, another 5G phone, in the south of the country later this month, while in the US, Verizon's network runs on Lenovo's Moto Z3 smartphone equipped of a special accessory.

The commercialization of 5G offers South Korea the opportunity to rely on this essential technology for the future development of devices such as autonomous vehicles and the Internet of Things.

According to London-based global system alliances, the London-based global mobile-based system is expected to yield about US $ 565 billion (RM 2.3 billion).

The implications of the new technology have put Washington in Beijing – whose firms dominate 5G technology – into an increasingly bitter stalemate.

The United States has asked its allies and major economies to avoid the Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei's 5G solutions, highlighting the security risks that technological backgrounds could give Beijing access to utilities connected to 5G and other components.

Chinese companies hold a total of 3,400 5G patents – more than a third, according to the IPlytics data analysis company – of which 1,529 were registered by Huawei.

South Korea comes next, with its companies holding 2,051 patents, while US companies have 1,368 patents.

Neither KT nor SK Telecom are using Huawei technology in their 5G networks, but it is a supplier of LG UPlus, the two companies told AFP. – AFP