Technology

Samsung to establish a research and development centre in Kenya

Electronics firm Samsung plans to establish a research and development centre focused on planning, design and development of electronics suited to the Kenyan market.

Samsung Deputy Managing Director Robert Ngeru said the centre will be operational by 2013 and is aimed at practical skills transfer to enable the local talent contribute to product innovation.

“Our aim is to promote co-operation, innovation and the exchange of new ideas in technology so that our products and technologies continue to respond to the felt needs and conditions of the continent,” said Mr Ngeru.

Mr Ngeru said the firm is using materials, components and solutions to meet the quality, protection and performance needs of the electronics operating in the continent.

“We have a visionary pillar of developing technology that is built in Africa, for Africa, by Africa to create sustainable opportunities that empower people to live their dreams,” added Mr Ngeru.

Samsung aims to post US$10 billion (Sh93 million) in revenue by 2015 in Sub-Saharan Africa with its consumer electronics and mobile products built for the market.

The firm is focusing on Africa’s top 10 economies, which together generate 79 per cent of the continen's wealth and house almost 47 pert cent of the population.

The firm has introduced into the local market television sets with built in power surge protectors. According to research by the firm, 1 out of every 4 faulty TVs in Africa is from power related issues.

The Samsung Surge Safe LCD/LED is designed to protect electronics from power surge of up to 500 voltage fluctuation.

“Now, you don't have to spend extra to buy devices such as UPS and stabilizer that you would under normal circumstances,” said Mr. Ngeru.

Consumers are also set to enjoy lower electricity bills due to Samsung’s 30 per cent power consumption saving for LED TV.

Samsung earlier in the year launched the triple protector technology for air conditioners to ensure durability, power surge protection and safeguarding against high temperatures and humidity.

The firm also introduced the Deep Foam washing machine with eco bubble technology that is 70 per cent energy efficient, Duracool refrigerators with cool pack that allows the refrigerators to stay cool without power, as well as dual-sim technology and long battery life phones with battery standby times of up to 25 days.

Duracool technology, which consists of a built-in stabilizer, coolpack, and energy saving LED lighting, has been applied to the new Samsung refrigerators.
Duracool is designed to run from 135V to 290V thus eliminating the need for a stabilizer. Unpredictable drops in voltage as well as power spikes are all covered by Duracool.

“Food can be preserved for longer hours even during power black outs. Duracool maintains 0 degrees for 3hours during power cuts while conventional refrigerators turn to positive degrees within 40 minutes while frozen food defrosts,” Mr Ngeru explained.