Samsung looks to acquisitions to better take on Apple, Google

Samsung Electronics is on the lookout for mobile-software companies it can acquire to strengthen the content it offers customers beyond what's available on its popular mobile devices such as the Galaxy series of smartphones and tablets.

Reuters reported Thursday that the Korean electronics giant will be buying its way into a better competitive position with Apple, Google, and Amazon in the digital-content space, particularly in the music market, which is worth nearly $9 billion.

"The message we're getting from the top is to raise software compatibility, and buy rather than build, if needed," Kang Tae-jin, senior vice president of Samsung's Media Solution Center, told the news agency.

"Our focus on software is primarily aimed at driving hardware sales, rather than making money. We have a full range of handsets in so many countries and, to better market our products, we thought it's better to start our own software business," Kang added.

In May, Samsung bought mSpot, a U.S. mobile company, to boost its cloud-based entertainment services -- including music, video, and radio -- offered on its devices. It subsequently built its own Music Hub service to compete against Google Android's Music Player, Apple's iTunes, and Amazon's Cloud Player, the report noted.

"We want to grow the Music Hub to rank in the world's top four services within three years in both revenue and subscriber numbers. And to shorten the time, we're ready to do more acquisitions, if needed," Kang said, though he declined to name potential targets.

He added that the mobile business is doing really well for Samsung and this means it has "deep pockets" for future purchases.

The executive also said while pre-installing Music Hub service on Galaxy devices is powerful, it's not enough. As such, Samsung will be more aggressive in promotional efforts, including monthlong free trials and giveaway albums for users.

"We're preparing new services for launch early next year. With these offerings, people will start to think Samsung is good in software too," Kang said.

Jessica Kwee, research analyst at Canalys, told ZDNet Asia the decision for Samsung to build up its software portfolio was a "necessary move," since it needs to differentiate itself from competitors beyond hardware.

"With content, it can lock up its customers further [though] making content such as music available in all countries is not that easy," Kwee added.

This story originally appeared at ZDNet Asia under the headline "Samsung to buy its way to software goodness."