[Elsha]

Samsung Electronics' new CEO reiterates need to strengthen software division

-- CEO tells staff Samsung needs to strengthen dominance to secure "an absolute lead"

SEOUL--Samsung Electronics Co.'s new chief executive on Monday reiterated the need for the company to beef up its software competence in order to maintain its leading position in the technology industry.

Over the past year, Samsung has emphasized the need to focus on strengthening its proprietary software to help drive smartphone sales, and estimates by analysts show Samsung surpassed Apple Inc. (AAPL) in the first quarter to become the world's biggest seller of smartphones.

"A particular focus must be given to serving new customer experience and value by strengthening soft capabilities in software, user experience, design, and solutions," Kwon Oh-hyun said in his inaugural speech.

The new CEO didn't disclose how much Samsung aims to spend on strengthening its software division, but his message to boost its relatively weak software arm is in line with the former CEO's stance.

The need to boost proprietary software took on new urgency after Google Inc. (GOOG), maker of the Android operating system, announced its plan to acquire Motorola Mobility Holdings Inc. (MMI).