Samsung flagship phones may come with Harman audio on board starting 2018

During a press conference in Seoul earlier today, the chief of Samsung's automotive division, Park Jong-hwan, hinted not-so-subtly that the company's flagship Galaxy S line may adopt Harman's high-end audio technologies starting 2018:

“If we are to adopt Harman’s high-end audio technology for the Galaxy S series phone, the first model could come in 2018,” said Mr. Jong-hwan.

Harman International Industries is well-known for its high-end audio systems, but is one of the biggest providers of connected products for automakers. While Samsung currently expresses no interest in building cars, the company has confirmed its intentions to dabble in IoT (Internet of Things) networking via Harman's connected car solutions business.

According to Samsung, Harman will not be absorbed into the company's supply chain system of affiliates, but will rather remain independent after the acquisition is finalized.

Harman International Industries is a multinational brand that markets its products under more than twenty brands, including AKG, Studer, and JBL. Its audio tech has been implemented in the HTC One M8 special Harmon Kardon edition, as well as in the recent JBL SoundBoost Moto Mod add-on.

source: TheInvestor