Samsung had its press event earlier today and involves almost all of its electronic divisions. The event covered appliances, televisions, and even notebooks. There is a ton of products that were announced by Samsung, so we’re going to break down all the products announced by the Korean company.
For 2016, Samsung continues to focus on the Internet of Things and the company’s own open IoT ecosystem. As such, Samsung will be launching a SmartThings Extend USB Adapter. This USB stick will allow users to use their 2016 SUHD TVs to control IoT features directly from their TVs via the SmartThings Platform. Samsung is pitching that the USB stick will allow the TV to control over 200 compatible devices, ranging from appliances to baby monitors. The device will be made available for free to anyone who purchase a Samsung SUHD TV this year.
Samsung will also be paying attention to the growth of the mobile sector by way of the “Samsung Galaxy Ecosystem”. This ecosystem will include devices such as the Galaxy-series of smartphones, the Tab series of tablets and the Gear S2. Some of the features that “Samsung Galaxy Ecosystem” includes the Gear VR and Samsung Pay. Speaking of which, Samsung Pay will be launching in Australia, Singapore and Brazil in addition to the United Kingdom, China and Spain.
For the virtual reality side of things, Samsung will be demo-ing Project Beyond on the CES showfloor. This device is the world’s first fully automated 360 degree professional VR camera that is meant to allow users to take advantage of Samsung’s Gear VR headset.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Samsung event if there were no mentions of televisions. For CES 2016, Samsung has brought their flagship 2016 SUHD TV models. The SUHD TVs for 2016, according to Samsung, is the world’s first bezel-less TV design and will come in 5 sizes, beginning at 49″ and ending at 88″. All of the SUHD TVs will come with Quantum Dot, which is a tiny semiconductor that is able to convert light into nearly any colour in the visible spectrum with very high efficiency, making the colours displayed on the screen much more vivid. These SUHD TVs will be powered by Tizen, making them Smart TVs as well.
On another note, if you prefer your Ultra HD movies to come in physical form, Samsung will be opening pre-orders for its own Ultra HD Blu-Ray player.
Moving on to appliances, Samsung has brand new washing machines and a refrigerator on display at Las Vegas. Remember that washing machine with the sink on top of it? Samsung has an update for it. The 2016 Samsung activewash washing machine now comes with a digital touchscreen at the middle of the lid and the sink is now wider than the first iteration.
The other washing machine showcased by Samsung is the AddWash, a front loading washing machine. The “gimmick” for this washing machine is that it allows you to pause the wash cycle, allowing you to add additional clothing into the washing machine without opening the front door of the machine. Samsung’s flagship AddWash model offers 5 cubic feet of capacity, the largest capacity frontload washer of its class.
Remember about Samsung’s IoT strategy? Samsung is bringing IoT to the kitchen by way of the Samsung refrigerator with a huge touchscreen that you have seen floating around on the net. Officially named the Family Hub Refrigerator, this fridge features a 21.5″ Full HD touchscreen that functions like any other smart device, allowing you to view photos, stream music, and use social media.
For the IoT side of things, Samsung is partnering up with MasterCard to give the Family Hub Refrigerator a program called “Groceries by MasterCard”, a shopping app that allows users to purchase groceries directly online and have it sent to their home. The app will also be available on the smartphone, tablet, and of course, the fridge.
The Gear S2 makes an appearance on stage as Samsung announces two new additions to the smartwatch line : The Gear S2 Classic. Coming in Gold and Platinum variants, the Gear S2 Classic features a classier design while still retaining all the features of the normal Gear S2. For iPhone users, Samsung has announced that the Gear S2 will be iOS compatible later this year.
Rounding up the press conference, Samsung debuts the latest entry into its Galaxy Tab series of tablets : The Galaxy TabProS. Being the first Samsung tablet to be powered by Windows 10 instead of Android, the TabProS will feature a 2160 x 1440 Super AMOLED display and 10.5 hours of battery life. Under the hood, the TabProS comes with an Intel Core M processor, 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Peripherals will also be available for the TabProS, with the first featured being the Type Cover-like detachable keyboard case.
