tech2 News StaffAug 25, 2014 11:15:01 IST
The ice-bucket challenge that started with an aim to spread awareness about ALS - a neurodegenerative disease - is now being used as a marketing shot for Samsung to boast the Galaxy S5's water-resistant capabilities.
In its latest dig at its rivals, Samsung has posted a video of the Galaxy S5 taking the ice-bucket challenge and then challenging the iPhone 5s, HTC One M8 and Nokia Lumia 930 to do the same. It's not surprising that Samsung has chosen to nominate only those phones that are not water-resistant, as there's no mention of Sony's Z series smartphones that are also one of Samsung's competitors.
We are used to Samsung's sardonic marketing style, whether it's taking its wall-hugger posters to major airports or mocking the iPhone's screen size and features. But Samsung may have gone too far this time, risking its own reputation.
Though it's a clever way to showcase its abilities, seems like Samsung has missed the point that the ice-bucket challenge is meant for a bigger cause and not for self-publicity. The video has drawn both appreciation for its creativity as well as criticism for Samsung's insensitivity. Here are some posts buzzing over Twitter:
Wonder whether Samsung actually donated anything to charity, or whether they just cashed in on the ice bucket thing.. http://t.co/m2LL2dnoQj
— Alex Dobie (@alexdobie) August 22, 2014
Just stop, Samsung. Stop. http://t.co/p68acQ1tJ1
— TechCrunch (@TechCrunch) August 24, 2014
No One Nominated The Galaxy S5 For The Ice Bucket Challenge, Samsung http://t.co/TWlpH65GpJ by @mjburnsy — TechCrunch (@TechCrunch) August 22, 2014
Samsung turns the #IceBucketChallenge into a smartphone ad, challenges Apple, HTC, Nokia http://t.co/TuK59ou8lE
— Ad Age (@adage) August 22, 2014
"Samsung couldn't resist turning the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge into an ad" disgusting http://t.co/nI54FWEdEP — Steve Riggins (@steveriggins) August 22, 2014
The video makes no mention whether it has made a donation to the cause, however, Samsung has encouraged donations on its Twitter page.
We're calling out all of our followers for the #ALS #IceBucketChallenge Donate here http://t.co/JRB8w9ZFyb @MNDAssoc http://t.co/hRms2F8XX2
— Samsung Mobile UK (@SamsungMobileUK) August 22, 2014
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