Samsung Electronics presented a new foldable lineup, Kyunghyang Shinmun and United Daily News reported. The centerpiece is the Galaxy Z Fold8, whose biggest change is a wider unfolded aspect ratio, closer to 4:3.

The wider screen is pitched as better for documents and video, and especially for viewing two vertical social-media feeds side by side. Samsung also trimmed thickness and weight, stressing that folded it now feels close to an ordinary phone.

Five new products were shown in all, including three foldables, alongside an expanded wearables line that features the dive-capable Galaxy Watch Ultra2.

The most striking item was the first AI eyewear, 'Intelligent Eyewear.' Rather than lead with a display, Samsung chose to minimize any visible design difference from ordinary glasses, using voice recognition and a camera to read the situation and deliver information by ear.

The industry sees the launch as a pre-emptive move before a rival enters the foldable market: the company that opened the category is trying to widen its lead on two axes, screen format and wearables.

Price and durability remain the decisive questions for foldables. Unless consumer perceptions of crease, hinge life and repair costs improve, some argue the market's expansion has a ceiling.

Chinese-language manufacturers are also closing fast in foldables and smart glasses, which should make competition in Asia's second-half market considerably more crowded.