CES: Samsung focus on SmartTV with IoT, Game Network, and Soundbar

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Samsung Electronics Introduces Advanced Smart TV User Experience

Samsung Electronics unveiled a new Samsung Smart TV user experience with the refreshed ‘Smart Hub’ user interface and new Samsung Smart Control remote. These Smart TV enhancements provide consumers with easy access to all their favorite content, all in one place and with a single remote control.

“The world of TV is constantly changing, with more choices and more connected devices than ever before, so we have made it easier for people to discover and watch the content they want, when they want” said Won Jin Lee, Executive Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “In 2016, Samsung’s Smart Hub and Smart Control remote are providing the most streamlined, convenient and intuitive TV user experience. Together, they offer the choices and performance consumers expect from today’s home entertainment technology.”

Smart Hub: All Of Your Entertainment, All In One Place

The new Smart Hub interface represents a shift away from multiple content sources and devices, to one integrated content and services platform. Consumers will now be able to switch seamlessly between linear content, OTT content as well as other connected devices, including videogame consoles or Blu-ray players. With the refreshed interface, consumers can search through popular titles to find what they want to watch or play. This eliminates the barrier between sources and devices connected to a TV, allowing consumers to access what they really want to watch more easily and quickly. Consumers can also customize their own Smart Hub interface by arranging their favorite content and entertainment selections right on their home screen.

Samsung Smart Control Remote: A Single Control For Your TV-Connected Devices

The Samsung Smart Control remote serves as a single control unit for nearly all devices connected to a Samsung Smart TV, eliminating the need for multiple remote controls. For a TV with more than three external devices connected, on average, the Smart Control remote will consolidate multiple remote controls into one, seamless device. Built upon the Tizen platform, the new Smart Control remote provides quicker and more streamlined access to entertainment, thanks to its automatic source recognition. The Smart Control remote will immediately recognize set-top-boxes, OTT boxes, Blu-ray players, game consoles as well as other connected devices. This provides consumers the one tool they need to control their entire home entertainment system.
Samsung Customer Experience Lab: In Search of What Users Really Want

Samsung’s new Smart TV with enhanced Smart Hub interface was developed in part by the Samsung Customer Experience lab in Silicon Valley. “We wanted to offer consumers a new type of experience, integrating live TV with streaming services and other content sources,” said Chris Turkstra, Vice President of the Lab. “No longer will you need to keep track of several remotes to control individual devices. All you need is one Samsung Smart TV.”


Samsung is currenty reviewing its new Samrtphone app for better Smart TV Connectivity, running in Beta.

Samsung Electronics launched its new Samsung Smart View app, currently available on select Samsung Smart TV models in beta format. The full version is scheduled to be released in early 2016. The new software, which allows users to conveniently share personal content with Samsung Smart TVs, integrates versions 1.0 and 2.0 and improves connection reliability, as well as expanding device compatibility.

The new Samsung Smart View app enables a wider range of devices to connect to Samsung Smart TVs, even beyond Samsung’s own Galaxy devices, for which the service was originally designed. As a result, Smart View now supports Android, iOS and Windows PCs, enabling users to transfer their own pictures, music and video content from their devices to their Samsung Smart TV.

Smart View can also now be used on a wider range of Samsung’s Smart TVs, from the 2011 models up to the latest 2015 SUHD line up.* The full version will also support the new SUHD TVs of 2016.

Once a device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as a Smart TV, consumers can immediately use the Smart View service simply by choosing which TV set to connect with. At the push of a button, this intuitive, newly designed app can instantly transfer content stored on mobile devices and PCs to TVs. Consumers can also use multiple functions simultaneously, and access other apps on their mobile devices without affecting the sharing function. For example, consumers can browse the internet on their smartphone, while watching a movie via Smart View on their Samsung Smart TV.

Consumers can install the updated Samsung Smart View app on their mobile device from the Google Play, App Store and also onto their Windows PC** by visiting www.samsung.com/smartview. Once installed, users can enjoy a range of Smart View features, including the ability to create playlists for music, video and photos, easily switch between these content types and instantly share content with any Samsung Smart TV on the same Wi-Fi network.

Currently, a survey is in progress at www.surveymonkey.com/r/smart-view to collect consumers’ feedback on the Smart View beta service.

For more information on the Samsung Smart TV lineup, Samsung Smart View application or upcoming announcements, visit the official website at www.samsung.com/smartview and Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com.

*List of Supported Devices

Samsung Smart TV

2011 LED D7000 and above, PDP D8000 and above.
2012 LED ES7500 and above, PDP E8000 and above.
2013 LED F4500 and above (except F9000 and above), PDP F5500 and above.
2014 H4500, H5500 and above (except H6003/H6103/H6153/H6201/H6203).
2015 J4500, J5500 and above (except J6203).
Please note supported TV models may vary by region.

Mobile

Android OS 4.1 and above.
iOS 7.0 and above
Please refer to the app description in your preferred app store for a list of supported devices and models.

PC
OS Windows 7, 8, 8.1 (32/64 bit supported)
CPU Intel Pentium 1.8GHz processor or above (Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0GHz higher recommended)
RAM 2GB (recommended)
VGA 1024 x 768, 32bit or above

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Samsung Electronics’ New Smart TV Won CES Best of Innovation Award for Accessibility

Samsung Electronics announced it has won a CES 2016 Best of Innovation Award in the Accessible Tech category for one of its new Smart TVs, which will be revealed in full at CES in Las Vegas, on January 5th, 2016. Held annually, the CES Innovation Awards honor outstanding design and engineering in consumer technology, with the winning products displayed for everyone to experience at the Innovation Awards Showcase, live at CES.

“Designing a television that offers the best possible picture quality and is accessible for all our customers is something we aim to achieve with all our SUHD and Smart TV models,” said John Ryu, Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “We are proud to have our Smart TV recognized for offering best in class accessibility by the CES Innovation Awards. We will continue to introduce new ways that allow all consumers to enjoy the best TV viewing experience possible.”

Voice Guidance: A More Convenient User Experience

Samsung’s Voice Guidance feature makes a range of TV functions easier to use, including setup, web browsing and other steps typically only shown on screen. Using their normal conversational voice, people can easily interact with the TV, for example to record upcoming programs and manage various Smart TV applications, as well as to request information such as show times and program titles.

Amplify and Clear Voice: Improving Sound Clarity

The Amplify function of Samsung Smart TV can enhance high-frequency sounds to further improve sound clarity. Another Clear Voice function makes spoken dialogue easier to hear by adjusting frequency of the voices in the TV.

New Graphical User Interface: Enhanced Readability

New Smart TV’s graphical user interface offers better overall on-screen readability with twice the contrast of previous models.

Good Design is Accessible Design
Samsung’s drive to constantly develop its TV technology with advanced yet intuitive functionality and new accessibility features, helps provide an improved TV viewing experience for all consumers. Voice Guidance, Amplify and Clear Voice functions are also designed to be simple and easy for everyone to use.

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Samsung Electronics announced that its entire 2016 Smart TV line-up will be Internet of Things (IoT) ready and connected with the SmartThings platform. SmartThings is an open platform that allows users to connect, manage and control smart devices and IoT services.

Among the 2016 Smart TVs, all Samsung’s 2016 SUHD TVs will apply IoT hub technology, allowing the TV itself to act as the controller for the entire smart home. Samsung developed its own IoT hub technology with SmartThings for 2016 SUHD TVs.

SUHD TVs can connect with and control Samsung devices and SmartThings sensors, as well as more than 200 other SmartThings compatible devices. These include everything from connected lights and locks to thermostats and cameras, from a wide range of high quality third party manufacturers. For the full support of connectivity with SmartThings compatible devices, SmartThings Extend USB adaptor is required.

At CES 2016, Samsung will showcase the future of TV and demonstrate how Samsung’s Smart TVs are at the center of the expanding IoT ecosystem.

“The 2016 line-up of Smart TVs will offer consumers new possibilities and cement Samsung’s market leading position, as the first company to launch IoT ready TVs.” said Hyun Suk Kim, President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics.

“With Samsung Smart TVs working with the SmartThings technology, we have an opportunity to reach millions of households,” said Alex Hawkinson, CEO and Co-founder of SmartThings. “Applying this technology into current household devices is a major step forwards that will make it much easier for everyone to experience the benefits of a smart home.”

SmartThings allows consumers to access all of their smart devices directly from their smartphone and SUHD TV, rather than having to control individual devices with a multitude of separate apps. With the SmartThings application, people can easily connect and manage all of their smart home devices and services through a single, simple user interface.

With an outdoor camera connected to their Samsung Smart TV, customers can check when visitors arrive and choose to open their front door, directly from their sofa. Motion sensor alerts can also pop-up directly on the TV screen, if movement outside the home is picked up, providing more security and peace of mind, whether at home or away.

The SmartThings application’s Cinema Mood also makes it easier than ever to create the perfect home theater environment. It enables consumers to automatically adjust everything from ambient lighting to surround sound, so they can instantly provide the optimal movie viewing experience.

While each 2016 SUHD TV will be enabled with this SmartThings technology, the functionality will be activated regionally as SmartThings expands its platform availability.

To find out more about SmartThings uses and compatible devices, please visit www.smartthings.com.

[donaldk]

Samsung Electronics announces GAIA, a Powerful Smart TV Security Solution for 2016 and Beyond

Samsung Electronics announced GAIA, a powerful and comprehensive three-layer security solution for its entire 2016 line up of Tizen-based Smart TVs. The service will give consumers protection across all areas of the Smart TV ecosystem, including services, software and hardware security.

“Protecting consumers’ personal information is of the utmost importance to Samsung, both in terms of the company’s values and what’s needed for the continued growth and success of the IoT ecosystem,” said Hyun Suk Kim, President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “GAIA is a security solution that will give Samsung customers security and peace of mind now and in the future.”

GAIA protects consumer’s personal data in three ways. Firstly it has Secure Zone, a virtual barrier that creates a secure space and protects the core service operations. A Secure Keypad/Number Pad – the virtual data input mechanism seen on a TV, is used to safeguard consumers’ personal information such as credit card and password.

Secondly, GAIA encrypts important data transmitted between the TV and IoT service servers. GAIA’s built-in anti-malware system detects and blocks any unauthorized programs that may be used for hacking from running or making changes to key part of the Smart TV’s OS.

Thirdly, Security level is also strengthened in terms of hardware. By dividing the Tizen OS into two parts including the main and the security space, data for each space is secured separately. Also, public key used for verifying personal information is included in the hardware chip.

Samsung views 2016 as the year the TV will become the center for Internet of Things (IoT) extensions in the home. As well as being equipped with GAIA, all 2016 Samsung SUHD TVs will be IoT hub technology enabled, allowing the TV itself to act as the controller for the entire home IoT service.

[donaldk]

Samsung Electronics Announces the Upgraded Game Service for Its Smart TVs

Samsung Electronics announced that it will bring a broad lineup of more than 400 streaming games and 100 downloadable games to 2016 Samsung Smart TVs. Consumers will be able to experience the most realistic gaming environments available on TV, not least because of the lineup’s exceptional picture quality and large screen sizes.

Samsung will showcase the upgraded game service at CES 2016, enabling download and streaming games through 2016 Samsung Smart TVs. Recent additions include Assassin’s Creed III, Batman: Arkham Origins, and The LEGO Movie Videogame from PlayStation™Now, will be available for gamers to stream games directly through their Samsung Smart TVs. The games available through the service will range from action, sports and racing to role playing game (RPG), first person shooter (FPS) and board games.

The addition of so many game titles will enhance Samsung’s Smart TV GAMES offering even further; so far, its service is being used by gamers in 43 countries, with a record of boasting 4.5 million monthly users – directly reflecting the increasing popularity of gaming in recent years.

The PlayStation™Now service will also be improved in 2016. This service is available in the U.S. and Canada, and offers subscribers nearly 300 games, including recently added titles. Popular PlayStation 3 games such as Mortal Kombat, The Last of Us: Left Behind, God of War III, BioShock 2 and Borderlands 2 will also be included.

GameFly, one of the leading game streaming service that is currently available in 21 countries, from Brazil through Mexico, U.S. and Canada to Mainland Europe and Scandinavia, will have more than 100 console-game titles available on the 2016 Samsung Smart TV.

In addition to a massive expansion in streaming options, Samsung Smart TV users can also download over 100 games to play, including Revolt3, Deer Hunter, Eternity Warriors 3 and more.

“Samsung’s 2016 Smart TV lineup is a direct response to the expectation of consumers that their TVs should be more than just a device on which to watch content,” said Youngchan Kim, Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “The new Smart TV gaming service is just one feature of a TV that offers all-round entertainment. Our game offering will continue to expand, as Samsung partners with publishers of popular games.”

PlayStation™Now
*To use the 7-Day FREE Trial, you need a free PlayStation®Network account, PlayStation Now compatible device, such as a select 2016 Samsung Smart TV, DualShock® 4 controller and a 5Mbs or greater broadband Internet connection. You also need to accept the PlayStation Network Terms of Service. Service availability and performance may vary by area or other factors. This 7-Day Free Trial gives you full access to the PlayStation Now game subscription catalog. At the end of the 7-day trial period, your PlayStation Now 1-Month Subscription will automatically begin and you will be billed $19.99 each month. You need a credit card or alternate payment method associated with your PlayStation Network account.

[donaldk]

Samsung to Reveal Groundbreaking New Soundbar at CES 2016

Samsung Electronics, the leader in home entertainment, announced its new portfolio of audio products, including a groundbreaking new Soundbar featuring Dolby Atmos® technology, and enhancements to its Wireless Audio 360 audio series.



The new Samsung audio product roster is designed to deliver spectacular sound for a truly next-generation experience. CES 2016 attendees can hear Samsung’s new audio lineup for themselves, and see many more innovative home entertainment products at the Samsung Booth, #11906 in Central Hall.

“Our 2016 lineup of audio products offers the most immersive sound ever experienced in the home,” said John JY Kim, Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “Samsung’s new Soundbar with Dolby Atmos® technology, delivers the ultimate in cinematic home entertainment, especially when paired with Samsung’s new SUHD TVs.”


Samsung & Dolby Atmos®: 3D Moving Audio, with Breathtaking Realism

Samsung’s new HW-K950 Soundbar is the company’s first to feature Dolby Atmos® technology, and the industry’s first soundbar package to include two Dolby Atmos®-enabled wireless rear speakers. The complete HW-K950 package delivers incredible 5.1.4-channel sound. At just 2.1” high, the HW-K950’s slim and sleek design uses three forward-facing and two upwards-facing speakers to produce a rich, full sound that is big enough to fill the room, yet detailed enough to deliver realistic, cinematic sounds, from an arrow shooting across the room to a hummingbird flying overhead. The Soundbar also connects wirelessly to the subwoofer and rear speaker units, for a practical and seamless solution in any living room. This also means that ceiling-fitted speakers are not required for moving, 3D audio.

“Dolby Atmos® has received overwhelming support from major studios and continues to expand into other form factors, including the new Samsung HW-K950 Soundbar, which allows more consumers to bring an unrivaled sound experience into their homes,“ said Doug Darrow, Senior Vice President, Dolby Laboratories. “Consumers can experience sound that comes alive from all directions, including overhead, to fill their home theaters with astonishing clarity, power, detail and depth.”

Colorful Additions to Samsung’s Award Winning Wireless Audio 360 Series

Building on its Wireless Audio 360 series, Samsung showcased a variety of new colors and patterns for the audios, designed to complement the décor of any room and bring audio content throughout the home. With proprietary Ring Radiator technology, the audio can be placed anywhere and still fill the room with vibrant, yet balanced sound.

Samsung also makes it easier than ever for customers to control their music simply and easily with the speakers’ touch-enabled, intuitive tap and swipe interface. Consumers have even greater control with new apps for the Gear S2 and Gear S smartwatches, and an improved Samsung Multiroom App for smartphones and tablets. The Wireless Audio 360 Series also offers new smart home functionality, including audible notifications and home cinema settings.

The R5 model of the Wireless Audio 360 series has also been recognized as an honoree in the CES 2016 Innovation Awards. Samsung will continue to build on its market leadership position and develop more state-of-the-art home audio products at the company’s Audio Innovation Lab in Valencia, California.