The Myth of Innovation: Unveiling the Truth Behind Folding Phones

Is the new Samsung Fold the Innovation we've been waiting for?

Not anytime soon and I'm a tech enthusiast as well. There's an old saying: “eventually, when you fold a piece of cardboard, paper, metal, and plastic back and forth a few times, something will break as they're not designed or made to do this.”

When the day arrives that they can find a way around this fundamental problem, then these devices may be worth considering. But right now, they are breaking in record numbers, and in some cases, the manufacturer is not honoring warranty claims citing “user-initiated physical damage.” Funny, right? But that's not what I see from the pictures and videos posted online.

Even more concerning is that there are currently no known service centers that can repair these new folding devices, as there is no availability of service parts. The flip-over laptops that come with similar features also suffer from the same issues.

Planned Obsolescence: A Deceptive Innovation Strategy

Folding phones aren't some sort of innovation; they are yet another example of planned obsolescence disguised in the form of innovation. It's funny how tech companies cleverly disguise their planned obsolescence strategy as features.

Flip-out and slide-out cameras, folding phones—notice something common in those so-called innovations? They all comprise of moving parts that are prone to wear and tear. But these kinds of developments aren't about setting new technological benchmarks; rather, they are designed to ensure that devices do not last long.

Manufacturers don't want their devices to last—quite the opposite. They want them to break soon, forcing consumers to purchase new devices and generating more revenue. To achieve this, they add more and more moving parts to their products, which are prone to wear and tear. These innovations are then advertised as state-of-the-art before the gullible consumers.

So, the ultimate result is a herd of consumer ‘sheep’ rushing to buy the product, believing they are acquiring a technological breakthrough.

Too bad the geeks and tech reviewers who call themselves experts are either paid or so gullible that they flush their common sense down the drain, calling these disguised planned obsolescence measures as innovative features.

Hidden Cost of Planned Obsolescence

Consider the cost of repairs and replacements. Brands like Samsung, while pushing these devices, are not providing adequate service and support, leading to higher hidden costs for users. The convenience of a foldable device is often outweighed by the constant worry of breaking it and the need to keep replacing it.

Moreover, the absence of user-friendly repair options is a significant issue. Many consumers find themselves stuck with no viable repair options, despite the product coming with a warranty claim due to internal damage.

Conclusion

The hype around folding phones has led consumers to believe in an innovation that is far from being a breakthrough. Instead, it represents a deliberate strategy by manufacturers to push users towards frequent replacement cycles, thereby ensuring continuous revenue streams.

As a responsible tech reviewer and consumer, it's essential to critically evaluate claims of innovation and question the real value they offer. Consumers should demand better support and service options, ensuring that their devices stand the test of time without breaking every few months.

Key Takeaways:

Planned obsolescence is a deceptive marketing strategy. Moving parts in so-called innovations often lead to frequent breakage. Technological breakthroughs should last longer than a few months.