Samsung Elec CEO bows in apology for GOS throttling that dominated shareholders’ mtg

[Photo by Press Corp.]

Samsung Electronics executives apologized for the controversy over game optimizing service (GOS) installed in latest flagship smartphone series Galaxy S22 at the general shareholders meeting, which overwhelmed the company’s outlines for addressing impending challenges from protracted Russia's war with Ukraine.

“Once again, we sincerely apologize to shareholders and customers for the inconvenience and disappointment caused by GOS,” said Han Jong-hee, Samsung Electronics vice chairman and chief executive officer heading the DX (Device eXperience) division as he bowed deeply to the disgruntled group of shareholders on Wednesday.

GOS, a software pre-installed in Galaxy S22 series, is designed to optimize the performance of CPU and GPU by preventing excess heating when playing a game for a long time, according to the company. Instead of enhancing the phone’s strongest feature, it acted more as throttler.

GOS is also fitted into other Galaxy smartphones, but users have been able to disable the function through bypass app. But in the latest Galaxy S22 series, GOS was made mandatory without any bypass option. The software throttling other apps has angered customers who had paid big bucks for a high-performance smartphone.

The company recently began rolling out GOS updates to allow customers disable the app.

“We will pay better heed to customers’ voice not to repeat causing such issues.” Han said.

[Photo by Press Corp.]

On corporate front, DX division, which was launched last year by incorporating phone and home appliance businesses, is to be nurtured to provide growth for the future under three key strategies of building innovative customer experience based on multi-devices, solidifying leadership in high-end segment, and strengthening growth momentum, according to Han.

Digital Solutions division, housing memory chip and foundry businesses, is to continue bold capital investments to sustain market leadership, said President and CEO Kyung Kye-hyun, leading the division. He projected the global semiconductor market to grow 9 percent on year to top $600 billion this year and vowed to hold the lead.

Regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Han said shipment into Russia has been suspended for the present time. The company is closely monitoring economic sanctions against Russia to minimize any negative impacts on its business in the region, said Han, adding that the company has decided to donate $6 million to help Ukraine refugees with a plan to review additional support measures.

Regarding mega merger and acquisition deal that Han previously hinted to come around January this year, he said the company is still actively exploring various opportunities, but cannot be specified and shared for the time being due to escalating uncertainties at home and abroad.

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