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Play Asset Delivery (PAD) enhances the gaming experience by offering the advantages of application bundles, which are packages that group all necessary resources for efficient delivery, making downloads faster and installations smoother for players. Android App Bundles (AAB) are a type of PAD, the modern way of building and publishing Android applications and games in Google Play Store. The Samsung Galaxy Store recently introduced the option to upload AAB files to Galaxy Store Seller Portal. However, AABs have some Google Play Store proprietary features that might make a game non-functional when it is uploaded to Galaxy Store. This article explores ways in which you can utilize PAD while ensuring your game remains compatible with Galaxy Store. Purpose PAD is a very useful feature that helps reduce the game's initial download size, as it downloads various game assets at runtime. There are multiple ways of using this feature in Unity games. However, certain PAD configurations may cause the game's assets to fail to load when the game is published to Galaxy Store. In this tutorial, you learn how to properly configure PAD and adjust Unity configurations accordingly, so your game can be successfully published to Galaxy Store. In the following sections, PAD functionalities are implemented in an existing coin collector game (referenced in the article Integrating Samsung IAP in Your Unity Game), demonstrating how to download and apply a new set of materials for the floor tile at runtime. Here, you also learn about the adjustments that are necessary for successfully publishing a game using PAD to Galaxy Store. Prerequisites To follow this tutorial, ensure that your setup has the following: Unity Game Engine version 2023.2 or above The "Addressables for Android" package for Unity A Google Play developer account A Galaxy Store Seller Portal commercial seller account A game created using Unity where you want to add the PAD features To implement PAD in your Unity game, you can use the "Addressables for Android" package. This is the easiest and most convenient way to implement PAD in a game. This package is only supported on Unity version 2023.2 or above. If your game is built using a previous version of Unity, please migrate your game to the Unity 2023.2 version first. PAD implementation considerations There are multitude of ways to implement PAD in games built with the Unity engine. However, the most common method for implementing PAD restricts the game to being publishable exclusively on the Google Play Store and does not provide any easy method of disabling PAD for uploading these games into other storefronts. For the best experience with your game, it is recommended to use PAD to bundle all game assets together. This approach ensures that all necessary resources are downloaded right away, preventing any missing assets which could affect the user experience. There are three types of asset packs that can be configured while using PAD: "Install Time," "Fast Follow," and "On Demand." Games that use the "Install Time" asset packs can be uploaded to Galaxy Store without any issues as these assets are installed together with the game and do not require any separate downloads. When Galaxy Store generates a universal APK from AAB files, the "Install Time" assets are directly included in the APK. Games that are designed to only use "On Demand" or "Fast Follow" asset packs do not allow downloading their assets when they are uploaded to a storefront that is not the Google Play Store. Thus, for any game that uses either the "On Demand" or "Fast Follow" asset pack delivery method, PAD must be disabled in order to upload the game to Galaxy Store. To ensure that your game's PAD functionality can be easily switched off and your game is successfully uploaded to Galaxy Store, the "Addressables for Android" package must be used to implement PAD. This article assumes that you have implemented PAD in your game using the "Addressables for Android" package and that you have also configured these two assets with the following configurations: A "Grass" asset pack set to be downloaded as a "Fast Follow" asset A "Ground" asset pack set to be downloaded as an "On Demand" asset In the next sections, you learn how to integrate PAD into your existing Unity game using the "Addressables for Android" package so that you can easily publish your game to Galaxy Store with minimal changes. Basic steps to implement PAD in your Unity game In this section, you learn how to configure your assets using PAD functionality that keeps your game compatible with both Google Play and Galaxy Store. In Unity, configure "Build Settings" to run the game on Android and generate the AAB: Click File > Build Settings and then select the Android tab. On the "Android" tab, select the Build App Bundle (Google Play) checkbox. Figure 1: Enabling the "Build App Bundle" option Install the "Addressables for Android" package from the Unity Package Manager. This additionally installs the "Addressables" package as a dependency. Initialize PAD. Go to Window > Asset Management > Addressables and click Init Play Asset Delivery. Figure 2: "Init Play Asset Delivery" option Configure the "Addressables Groups" for assets: Select Window > Asset Management > Addressables > Groups. Click New > Play Asset Delivery Assets. This creates a new group. Enter a descriptive name. For the purposes of this walkthrough, name one group "Grass" and then create another group and name it "Ground." Figure 3: Creating asset groups Assign the assets to the Addressables Group: Select the assets you want to assign to an Addressables Group and in the "Inspector" dialog box, tick the Addressable checkbox. The asset is converted into an "Addressable" and assigned to the default Addressables Group. Figure 4: Converting assets into Addressables Click the folder name in the "Group" field. In the example, the folder name is "Grass." Drag and drop the asset from the default group to the group of your choosing. For the purposes of this exercise, assign the grass material related assets to the "Grass" Addressables Group and ground material related assets to the "Ground" Addressables Group. Figure 5: Assigning assets to groups Configure the "Play Asset Delivery" schema for these addressable groups to add the PAD functionality to your game: Select any of the top-level Asset Group names in the "Addressables Groups" window to open the inspector window for that group. Scroll down in the "Inspector" window until you find the "Play Asset Delivery" schema. From the "Delivery Type" dropdown list, select Install Time, Fast Follow, or On Demand, based on your requirements. There is a demonstration below on how the game might behave on Galaxy Store when you choose the option "On Demand." For more information, see the Testing your PAD Enabled Game on the Play Store and Galaxy Store section. Figure 6: Selecting the delivery type for asset groups In the "Addressables Groups" dialog box, select Build > New Build > Play Asset Delivery. Now, the game's addressable-asset configuration is complete. Each asset assigned to an addressable group is packed into an asset pack for that group and the asset pack can be downloaded separately using PAD. Note that asset packs can only be downloaded separately from the Play Store if their delivery type is "On Demand" or "Fast Follow." Loading and using the addressable assets with AssetReference This section provides a script which details how to load the addressable assets that were implemented with PAD in the earlier sections. Your game is set up to load the addressable assets efficiently. If an asset has not been downloaded yet, the game automatically attempts to download it as an "On Demand" asset using PAD before it loads into the game. To complete this setup, use the AssetReference type in your game. This feature enables you to manage and edit addressable assets dynamically at runtime, which gives you more flexibility and control over the assets that your game uses. To use two game addressable assets in your script, follow these steps: Create two AssetReference instances for the floor types (grass and ground) that you added in the previous section. Add the SerializeField attribute to these AssetReference instances. This enables setting up the assets directly from the Unity editor: [SerializeField] AssetReference Grass_mat; [SerializeField] AssetReference Ground_mat; In the Unity editor, drag and drop the grass and ground assets into the fields in the GameObject script section. Now the AssetReferences specifically reference these two assets during runtime. Downloading assets during runtime is necessary for PAD. Use AsyncOperations to load these assets: Grass_mat.LoadAssetAsync<Material>().Completed += OnGrassAssetLoaded; Ground_mat.LoadAssetAsync<Material>().Completed += OnGroundAssetLoaded; The OnGrassAssetLoaded and OnGroundAssetLoaded handler functions are defined to use the loaded assets. The LoadAssetAsync method passes the asset using an AsyncOperationHandle, and from there you can access the asset itself using the AsyncOperationHandle.Result parameter. In this game, we are using PAD to load the grass and ground assets. Once they are successfully loaded, you can change the floor tile material using the following handler functions. In this example, after loading the grass and ground assets, you apply the material change to all the floor tiles in the level: void OnGroundAssetLoaded(AsyncOperationHandle<Material> handle) { groundMaterial = handle.Result; foreach (GameObject prefab in floorPrefabs) { prefab.GetComponent<MeshRenderer>().material = groundMaterial; } } Save the script and go back to the Unity editor. The new materials are loaded and applied to the floor tiles in the level. Testing your PAD-enabled game on the Play Store and Galaxy Store The game configuration for using addressable assets and PAD is complete. Before publishing your game, consider whether to use the "Split Application Binary" option. On the Android Player settings, expand "Publishing Settings," and scroll down to the "Split Application Binary" checkbox. This checkbox decides how Unity handles packaging when building the game. If this checkbox is checked, Unity splits the base game files from the asset files when building the AAB and enables you to configure each PAD feature in your game. In the images below, you can see what happens when you choose this option. If this option is unchecked, Unity always generates a singular archive file and disables PAD. This is the safest option for uploading your game to Galaxy Store, if your PAD configuration is using options that are not supported by Galaxy Store. Figure 7: "Split Application Binary" option To enable PAD, check the "Split Application Binary" option Build the game and upload the generated AAB file to both the Play Store and Galaxy Store to check how the game behaves in both stores. If the game assets load correctly in both stores, the PAD configuration was done correctly. Below is an example of what might happen if "On Demand" configuration is used instead. When the game is downloaded from the Play Store, Unity automatically downloads the "On Demand" assets. A notification for an "Additional file download" appears during the download process: Figure 8: Additional file download notification Once the download is complete, the downloaded asset is loaded in your game, replacing the previous assets. In this example game case, the old ground and grass materials are changed to the new textures configured in the previous section. Figure 9: Assets updated in the game However, when the same game AAB file is uploaded to Galaxy Store and a user downloads it from this store, the PAD assets are not downloaded. Thus, when the game tries to use these assets, they cannot be loaded into the game's memory and glitches might appear. While additional error checking can be done to avoid these glitches, the functionalities which require PAD assets still cannot be used. Internally, the game checks the installation source before trying to download the PAD assets and throws an error if the game is not installed from the Play Store. Figure 10: Issues might occur if a PAD-enabled game is uploaded to Galaxy Store Making the game compatible with Galaxy Store To upload your game to Galaxy Store, you can adjust the asset handling to be compatible with Galaxy Store. The best way to do this is by bundling the assets together with the base game, as explained in the previous sections. This method is highly recommended. This ensures that the required assets are always available with the game, as well as allowing you to change the assets during runtime, if necessary. Though this can increase the game download size and require you to upload a separate AAB file to Galaxy Store, the process ensures that the assets are always available with the game for full feature parity across all storefronts. To make your game build compatible with all storefronts, choose one of the following approaches. Option 1: Uncheck the "Split Application Binary" checkbox Go to Build Settings > Player Settings > Publishing Settings and uncheck the Split Application Binary checkbox. When you then compile the game, the new AAB file is compatible with Galaxy Store and all the game's functionalities remain intact. Figure 11: "Split Application Binary" unchecked option. With this option, the assets are packaged together with the game and no separate download is required. Option 2: Change delivery type to "Install Time" If you want to keep using PAD, you can achieve compatibility by changing all addressable asset groups' delivery type to "Install Time." Keep in mind that when choosing this option, all assets need to be changed to "Install Time" one by one, while the previous one is a one-click process. Unlike "On Demand" and "Fast Follow" asset packs, "Install Time" asset packs are included in the universal APK. Thus, the assets are downloaded together with the game and work as intended without causing errors. From the user's perspective, the main difference between "Install Time" and other PAD options is whether the assets are downloaded when the game is installed or later during gameplay. The initial download size is larger when the assets are packaged together with the game, but on the other hand, the user will not need to wait for the assets to download later during gameplay. This enables offline gameplay as well. Conclusion In this tutorial, you have learned how to configure a Unity game with PAD so that it can easily be published to Galaxy Store without requiring massive changes or breaking any compatibility. For more information, check out the "Addressables for Android" package documentation page Build content for Play Asset Delivery. 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Start Date Nov 21, 2024 - Nov 21, 2024 Location Online Samsung Developer Conference Korea 2024 (SDC24 Korea) will be held online on November 21st. Since its inception in 2014, SDC24 Korea has been emphasizing the importance of software by expanding from open source to all areas of software development. It's now celebrating its 11th anniversary. This year's SDC24 Korea features a variety of exciting events including keynote speeches from our CTO and other renowned speakers as well as more than 29 technical sessions. Furthermore, we are excited to share that SDC24 Korea will incorporate content from the recent SDC24 conference held in the US on October 3rd (US time), providing attendees with even more opportunities to learn, connect, and engage. Anyone can attend SDC24 Korea through pre-registration, and keynotes and major sessions will be announced on the SDC24 Korea website. For more information, please visit the SDC24 Korea website! Visit SDC24 Website View the full blog at its source

Samsung Electronics today announced that six Samsung Onyx cinema LED displays have been successfully installed at the Pathé Palace theater in Paris, France. Together with The Wall, an 8K screen installed in the lobby and Smart Signage around the cinema, Samsung displays will raise the bar on the entire moviegoing experience. Completely renovated over five years, the Pathé Palace is a one-of-a-kind venue known as much for its architecture by Renzo Piano as it is for the quality of its unique services. To deliver a premium cinema experience, Pathé Palace is using six Samsung Onyx screens: four 4K Onyx screens that measure over 10m wide and two 2K Onyx screens that measure 5m wide — all of which provide a new level of image quality to the audience. “These six cutting-edge Samsung Onyx LED screens juxtapose brilliantly against the historic cinema, blending the classic with the modern to give moviegoers a truly unique experience,” said Menno van den Berg, President, Samsung Electronics France. “The stunning visual quality that these displays provide will engage the audience on another level and do full justice to each filmmakers’ vision.” Samsung Onyx is the world’s first Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI)-certified cinema LED display for theatrical exhibition. The LED display provides exceptionally vivid color and detail-rich content, with a wide, vibrant color gamut providing consistent representation across the entire screen. Thanks to the self-lit LED Onyx screens, the HDR images they produce have clear blacks and contrasts. With luminance up to 300 nits, Onyx screens are more than six times brighter than typical film projectors. “Films are most powerful when they fully immerse us in their worlds, and technology plays a crucial role in that magic. Samsung Onyx screens elevate the theatrical experience with pristine blacks and exceptional clarity, making every frame feel startlingly real.” said Jacques Durand, Chief Information Officer, Pathé Group. Pathé Palace can also deliver exceptional 3D film experiences thanks to the 3D capabilities of the Onyx LED screens, which bring improved brightness and consistent color amplification for enhanced realism. When wearing active 3D glasses, a film’s subtitle text, images and even minor visual details gain unprecedented clarity, without shadowing and with less of the dizziness that can occur in traditional 3D movie theaters. Comprehensively Enhancing Pathé’s Operations Samsung has also installed The Wall (IWC model) in the main lobby of the Pathé Palace. Standing at 5.4m high and 9.6m wide, The Wall uses the MICRO AI Processor to analyze every second of footage instantly, upscaling up to 8K resolution and optimizing picture quality to have less visual noise. The Wall’s HDR technology makes the most out of color and highlights, enhancing contrast and making highlights look brighter. The screen uses MICRO LED technology, which individually controls pixels to provide precision and depth in the picture. In addition to the Onyx screens and The Wall, Samsung has equipped the cinema with its Smart Signage (QMC series) to display the theater schedules and movie trailers in the lobby, as well as in front of each theater room, bringing the posters to life with the over 1 billion colors available. At the entrance of each theater room, Samsung’s Stretched Display (SH37C model) greets moviegoers with a crisp, clean screen in a 16:4.5 ratio. The Pathé headquarters office has also recently installed about 200 5K ViewFinity S9 monitors and the boardroom takes advantage of the impressive size and video capabilities of The Wall (IWA model). Samsung Electronics has also previously equipped Pathé cinemas with its Onyx LED screens at Pathé Beaugrenelle in Paris and Pathé Bellecour in Lyon. This new installation at Pathé Palace represents a new milestone in the partnership between Samsung and Pathé, as they aim to continue innovating together in the future. View the full article

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Samsung Electronics today announced the launch of its Generative Wallpaper feature for the 2024 Neo QLED and QLED models, powered by Tizen OS. This new feature leverages AI to create custom 4K images that enhance the TV’s display, offering users a unique way to personalize their viewing experience. “Generative Wallpaper brings a new dimension of personalization to our customers’ screens, allowing them to customize their TVs in a way that truly reflects their style,” said Cheolgi Kim, Executive Vice President of the Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “As we continue to push the boundaries of AI technology, we look forward to transforming the home entertainment experience and evolving how users interact with their screens.” Through Generative Wallpaper, Samsung will deliver high-quality visuals that seamlessly integrate with home décor and creating a welcoming and immersive atmosphere. The feature will be available through Samsung’s Ambient Mode, which transforms the TV into a canvas for curated visuals, including useful information like weather updates, news and time. To access the feature, users can simply navigate to the ‘Ambient Mode’ menu, select the button and choose from themes such as ‘Happy Holiday’ or ‘Party.’ Samsung’s advanced AI then provides stunning 4K visuals that harmonize with the user’s home environment. Generative Wallpaper will debut this month in South Korea, North America and Europe, with a global rollout planned for 2025. View the full article

The 10th anniversary of the Samsung Developer Conference (SDC24) took place on October 3rd, 2024, at San Jose McEnery Convention Center in San Jose, California and online. Alongside other exciting activities and showcasing of the latest technological advances, Code Lab offered attendees the opportunity to engage in hands-on experiences and deep dive into the latest Samsung SDKs and tools. Code Lab allows tech enthusiasts and developers of all skill levels and interests to learn about the diverse world of Samsung development. This year's Code Lab covered a range of topics related to SmartThings, Samsung Health, Samsung Wallet, and Automotive. 1. SmartThings Participants actively engaged in creating a SmartThings Edge Driver for a smart device and resolved Edge Driver issues using the SmartThings Test Suite. They also designed their own SmartThings Find-compatible device. These activities are now available online for continued learning. Moreover, participants discovered how to use generative AI in routine generation and 3D object creation. Although exclusive to SDC24, these activities provided a glimpse of the upcoming generative AI feature in the SmartThings app. 2. Samsung Health The new Samsung Health Data SDK was presented to participants through two health-focused activities. The participants developed Android apps capable of gathering and analyzing data from the Samsung Health app and connected wearable devices, including step count and sleep patterns. Additionally, participants learned how to easily establish a health research platform utilizing the Samsung Health Research Stack, an open-source toolkit, allowing data collection from mobile and wearable devices and visualization through a web portal. 3. Samsung Wallet Participants were taught two methods to integrate the Samsung Pay payment system into services, including utilizing the Web Checkout SDK for websites and incorporating the Samsung Pay SDK Flutter Plugin for in-app payments within Flutter-based applications. They also acquired knowledge on maximizing the capabilities of Samsung Wallet, particularly learning how to utilize the Add to Samsung Wallet service to store digital assets like boarding passes, tickets, and coupons within the Samsung Wallet application. Furthermore, they learned how to add a button in websites or Android apps to authenticate users' identities using the ID information stored in the wallet app. 4. Automotive Participants had the opportunity to develop an in-vehicle app for Android Automotive OS (AAOS) using templates from AAOS and Ignite Store. The app incorporated payment processing functionality through the Ignite Payment SDK, powered by Samsung Checkout. With guidance from mentors at HARMAN International, a subsidiary of Samsung, participants gained valuable knowledge into app development specifically tailored for the automotive industry. This marked the first Code Lab activity focused on automotive applications. The Samsung Developer Conference promotes innovation and collaboration in the tech industry. By offering a wide variety of subjects in Code Lab, participants are given the necessary resources and expertise to expand the limits of what can be achieved within Samsung's ecosystem. Although SDC24 has concluded, the innovative spirit lives on! For those who missed out on the event or simply desire to explore additional activities, the Code Lab page offers endless possibilities accessible at any time, from any location. View the full blog at its source

Samsung Electronics added a new dimension to cinematic storytelling with The Wall Micro LED display at this year’s world famous Venice Biennale Art Festival. At the festival, The Wall Micro LED is showcasing director Marco Perego’s latest film Dovecote, starring Zoë Saldaña. Dovecote is a poignant film about a woman’s emotional journey as she leaves the prison and the deep bonds she formed with fellow inmates. The screenings, scheduled until the close of the festival on November 24, take place in a unique setting at the Vatican’s official pavilion located in the Giudecca women’s prison. This venue adds layers of emotional depth to the film as it is also where the piece was filmed, heightening the themes of freedom, belonging and resilience. ▲ The Giudecca Women’s Prison, the filming location and venue for the screening of Dovecote Unparalleled Visual Artistry With The Wall Renowned for its celebration of artistic expression, the Venice Biennale became a stage for technological innovation with Samsung Electronics’ involvement this year. Perego’s Dovecote demanded a display capable of capturing its emotional intricacies, including the strong bonds formed between the inmates and the isolation they endure. The superior color accuracy and contrast of The Wall made it the ideal choice. The collaboration between Perego and Samsung was a natural fit. Samsung Electronics provided advanced display technology and technical support from installation to execution, ensuring the visual depth intended by the director. Groundbreaking Micro LED Technology Elevates Visual Art to New Heights Samsung Electronics’ cutting-edge Micro LED technology was selected to showcase Perego’s Dovecote. The Wall’s 1.2mm pixel pitch IWA model was chosen for its ability to immerse viewers in the film’s delicate visual nuances. ▲ Film director Marco Perego viewing a screening of Dovecote With Samsung’s The Wall, Perego was able to realize his artistic vision, presenting his film with the superior display needed to convey the precise hues and contrasts achieved during the color grading process. The immersive experience enabled by Samsung’s display technology was key to the film’s success in captivating artists, curators and art enthusiasts worldwide. “The most important thing after you finish a film is how you show this film,” said Perego, following the premiere on August 17. “Thanks to the collaboration with Samsung, we were capable of really bringing out the right color and the right contrast to achieve the emotional impact I envisioned for the film.” The Wall’s Micro LED technology delivers deep blacks and amazing contrast, intensifying the emotional weight of each scene while fully immersing viewers in the film’s themes and the performances of Saldaña and the cast. ▲ Samsung Electronics team alongside director Marco Perego and actor Zoë Saldaña This collaboration stemmed from Samsung’s long-standing relationships with Hollywood industry professionals, including previous work with the Cinema LED Onyx. Originally shot at 23.98 frames per second in cinema color spaces, the teams worked together to seamlessly integrate Dovecote‘s cinematic elements with The Wall’s advanced display technology, pushing the boundaries of traditional screens. “The Wall’s Micro LED technology resulted in a collaboration that delivered a screening with all of the elements great for the art industry,” said Paul Maloney, Head of Hardware Tech Consulting, Europe Display Office, Samsung Electronics. “For Samsung, it has been an honor to have supported Marco Perego’s film and achieve the artistic vision he had imagined.” ▲ Director Marco Perego with Paul Maloney, Head of Hardware Tech Consulting, Europe Display Office, Samsung Electronics during the Dovecote screening “We are incredibly proud to contribute to this unique project,” said Ben Holmes, Director of Display Marketing, Europe Display Office, Samsung Electronics. “The Wall’s superior picture quality, coupled with its ability to bring out the minute details and vibrant colors, perfectly aligned with Marco Perego’s vision of creating an immersive experience to draw viewers into the themes of the film.” Empowering Creators with Cutting-Edge Display Technology Samsung continues to push the boundaries of display technology with The Wall, empowering creators in film and art. The Wall for Virtual Production (IVC model) is another prime example that enables companies and producers to innovate their productions. The ultra-large LED walls are created for virtual content, which seamlessly integrates real-time visual effects to reduce production time and costs. Samsung’s The Wall displays have been utilized by artists worldwide to bring their creative visions to life. For example, contemporary Korean art leader, the late Park Seo-Bo, showcased his masterpiece on The Wall All-in-One (IAB model) 146-inch 4K screen at New York’s Rockefeller Center. ▲ Park Seo-Bo’s “Écriture” series, digitally rendered on The Wall’s 146-inch 4K screen, at the “Origin, Emergence, Return” exhibition, Rockefeller Center, New York. Likewise, Dutch-American audiovisual artist 0010×0010 used The Wall All-in-One during an exhibition in Bangkok, Thailand, to explore the convergence of digital and physical worlds. These are just a few examples of how The Wall is helping to redefine the boundaries of modern art. Samsung Electronics’ participation at the 60th Venice Biennale is more than just a milestone in its support of the arts; it is a testament to the future of art and technology converging. By continuing to push the limits of display technology, Samsung opens new possibilities for creators across the globe, allowing them to tell their stories with unparalleled visual depth and clarity. View the full article

▲ Vincent van Gogh’s “The Starry Night” (detail) (1889) shown on The Frame by Samsung. Photo: Samsung Twenty-seven well-known artworks from MoMA’s collection, including those by artists Frida Kahlo, Henri Matisse and Georgia O’Keeffe, are available on the Samsung Art Store today, exclusively to The Frame by Samsung, a best-selling Lifestyle TV that doubles as a piece of art. When it’s on, use The Frame to watch your favorite movies and shows in brilliant 4K resolution. When it’s off, explore the Samsung Art Store to transform any space in your home with a vast catalog of artworks that are handpicked and curated from hundreds of institutions, artists and collectors around the world. MoMA was founded in 1929 by three progressive women who championed modern and contemporary art and wanted to establish a museum that could be a catalyst for experimentation, learning and creativity. In collaboration with MoMA, the Samsung Art Store includes highlights from MoMA’s collection that were selected by Daria Greene, Global Curator of the Samsung Art Store, to honor the institution’s history and vision, and includes Frida Kahlo’s “Fulang Chang and I” (1937), which is the first artwork by the legendary Mexican artist to arrive on the platform. ▲ Piet Mondrian’s “Trafalgar Square” (1939-43) shown on The Frame by Samsung. Photo: Samsung “MoMA is a place that fuels creativity, ignites minds and provides inspiration. Through our relationship with Samsung, we are broadening access to MoMA’s collection in a truly innovative way to millions of people,” said Robin Sayetta, Head of Business Development at The Museum of Modern Art. “We were purposeful in building this new digital collection and hope to enrich the lives of art enthusiasts with culture and history at an extraordinary scale.” ▲ A view of the fifth-floor collection galleries. Shown: Claude Monet. “Water Lilies.” 1914–26. Oil on canvas, three panels. Mrs. Simon Guggenheim Fund. © 2024 The Museum of Modern Art, New York. Photo: Noah Kalina Expanding Access to Art Through Innovation Included in the more than two dozen artworks from MoMA are celebrated works such as Vincent van Gogh’s “The Starry Night” (1889), Henri Rousseau’s “The Dream” (1910) and Georgia O’Keeffe’s “Evening Star III” (1917). This selection represents a diverse range of styles and points in time, offering something for every art lover and Samsung Art Store subscriber. ▲ A view of the fifth-floor collection galleries. Shown: Vincent van Gogh. “The Starry Night.” 1889. Oil on canvas. Acquired through the Lillie P. Bliss Bequest. © 2024 The Museum of Modern Art, New York. Photo: Noah Kalina “At Samsung, we strive to redefine the home entertainment experience through continual innovation. Our collaboration with MoMA allows us to bring culturally significant works into millions of homes, allowing people to engage with renowned art in a truly remarkable way,” said Sang Yoon Kim, EVP and General Manager of the North America Service Business at Samsung Electronics. “This endeavor exemplifies Samsung’s mission to use technology to deliver exceptional experiences into the everyday lives of consumers.” “For nearly 100 years, MoMA has been instrumental in expanding the reach and impact of Modern and Contemporary art, cementing its position as one of the most dynamic and diverse institutions globally. Through this collaboration, we are able to share works by incredible artists, including 20th century female trailblazers, on the Samsung Art Store,” adds Daria Greene, Global Curator of Samsung Art Store. ▲ Hannah Höch’s “Untitled (Dada)” (detail) (1922) shown on The Frame by Samsung. Photo: Samsung The Samsung Art Store is available only on The Frame, which has been refreshed in 2024 to deliver an even more complete artistic and aesthetic experience. That includes ArtfulColor validation from Pantone,1 the industry leading color experts. As the world’s first and only art TV to achieve this validation, The Frame delivers natural and realistic visuals that wouldn’t look out of place in a gallery. It hangs just like a picture flush against the wall and is available in class sizes ranging from 32 to 85 inches. The bezels2 can also be swapped out with various colors and designs, giving you more ways than ever to customize The Frame for your unique style and décor. The Frame also delivers value-add features that you can only find from Samsung — the #1 global TV brand for 18 years and counting.3 Samsung AI technology makes everything you watch look clearer and crisper, while you enjoy access to 2,700+ free channels, including 400+ Samsung TV Plus4 premium channels. You can also use your TV as your smart home hub and ensure your personal data is protected by Samsung Knox security. The Frame is available for purchase at MoMA Design Store at store.moma.org, Samsung.com and other select retailers. The Introduction of Highlights from MoMA’s Collection follows the Samsung Art Store’s relationships with world-class museums including The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Musée d’Orsay, and the release of several collections this year featuring René Magritte, Jean-Michel Basquiat and over 40 Marimekko artworks. Samsung remains committed to being the premier destination for experiencing a wide breadth of high-quality digital art. 1 Pantone company provides a universal language of color, called Pantone Matching System, that enables color-critical decisions through every stage of the workflow for brands and manufacturers. 2 Bezels sold separately. 3 Source: Omdia, Jan 2024. Results are not an endorsement of Samsung. Any reliance on these results is at the third party’s own risk. 4 Available for free on Samsung Smart TVs released after 2016, Galaxy devices, Smart Monitors, Family Hub refrigerators and the web. View the full article

Samsung Electronics today announced a new partnership with F45 Training1 — a leading global fitness community specializing in group workouts that are fast, fun and results-driven — to bring the brand’s functional training workouts to Samsung TV users via Samsung Daily+.2 The partnership with F45 Training will provide free access to a library of cardio, strength, hybrid and recovery workouts, which will grow over the coming months to include additional content, enhancing the at-home fitness experience for global users. “Our objective is to create a central hub that offers fun and unique workouts to help each of our users achieve their personal fitness goals,” said Demian Hyun, Vice President and Head of the Experience Planning Group of the Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “Partnering with F45 Training on Samsung Daily+ underscores our commitment to delivering digital health experiences and improving consumers’ well-being.” “For many, the idea of starting a fitness journey can feel overwhelming and intimidating, but that doesn’t mean people should miss out on the life changing benefits of working out,” said Tom Dowd, Chief Executive Officer for F45 Training. “Utilizing the power of technology through this new partnership with Samsung Electronics, users can experience F45 Training workouts from the comfort of their home, getting used to the class formats and building confidence to seamlessly transition to in-person training at one of our world-wide studio locations.” Since 2013, F45 Training has provided group workouts with innovative technology to an ever-growing community at the company’s studios, spanning 65 countries. F45 Training’s holistic approach to health and wellness has fostered community among its members by offering an engaging and supportive environment for all fitness levels. Through its efficient 45-minute sessions, F45 Training provides access to workouts that deliver results in a shorter amount of time, making it easy to fit exercise into even the busiest of schedules. “At F45 Training, innovation and technology are at the core of our brand. Our collaboration with Samsung to become the first fitness franchise offering our at-home, on-demand cardio, strength, hybrid and recovery workouts on the Samsung Daily+ platform exemplifies our commitment to staying ahead of the curve”, said Brian Killingsworth, Chief Marketing Officer, F45 Training. “This achievement highlights our relentless drive to integrate cutting-edge technology into our fitness experience, ensuring that F45 continues to lead the industry and redefine what’s possible in the world of fitness.” Led by a team of diverse athletes, all F45 workouts can be easily modified to fit a variety of needs, ensuring everyone can participate and reap the benefits of the training regardless of where they are in their fitness journey. Through Samsung’s new partnership with F45 Training, Samsung Daily+ app users can enjoy a number of key benefits afforded by F45’s unique workouts, including: Functional and Science-Backed Workouts: F45’s workouts improve everyday movements by incorporating exercises that mimic real-life activities. Developed with the latest exercise science, these sessions build lean muscle, enhance cardiovascular health and improve daily functionality. Variety of Workouts: The app offers four types of workouts: Hybrid, Cardio, Strength and Recovery. With access to on-demand training and a diverse workout library curated by F45’s Global Athletics Team, users can choose from a variety of workouts, ensuring their routines remain fresh, exciting and never repetitive. Community, Support and Motivation: The F45 Life area offers motivational content and links to nearby F45 studios, combining the ease of at-home workouts with the support and motivation of a global fitness community. The Samsung Daily+ lifestyle hub, powered by Samsung Tizen OS, delivers virtual health and wellness experiences with unmatched convenience and accessibility. Beyond F45 Training, Samsung Daily+ offers extensive health and wellness options through additional partners to provide users with many ways to support their individual fitness journey. Samsung Daily+ also provides personalized service and recommendations through apps like SmartThings, Samsung Health and Workspace. It allows users to manage daily activities easily with a single interface on Smart TVs and enjoy home fitness, telehealth services, video calls and more.3 For more information on Samsung Daily+, visit Samsung.com. About F45 Training F45 Training (“F45” or the “Company”) is a leading boutique fitness franchise platform operating the F45 Training, FS8, and VAURA brands. F45 Training is a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout that utilizes proprietary technology, including a proven fitness platform that leverages a rich content database of thousands of unique functional training movements that offer members new workout experiences each day. FS8 is a progressive new fitness concept that remixes the best elements of Pilates, tone, and yoga into a 3-in-1 low-impact, high-energy workout. VAURA is a sensory athletic reformer Pilates experience designed to energize every cell of your body. Additionally, recovery services are available at participating studios including state of the art sauna, cold plunges and percussion therapy. F45 Training is committed to supporting our expanding global franchise network in the high-growth boutique fitness category. Join the pinnacle of fitness franchising with three globally renowned concepts: F45 Training, the leading HIIT training chain worldwide, along with our distinctive Pilates brands, VAURA and FS8. Discover more at https://f45training.com, https://fs8.com and https://vaurapilates.com. 1 F45 Training app is available through Samsung Daily+ on all 2024 Samsung TV models: Neo QLED 8K, Neo QLED, OLED, UHD (above DU7000), and The Frame worldwide. TV model users can download the F45 Training app through the app store. The content is provided primarily in English and supported with subtitles. 2 A lifestyle content hub with curated apps and features designed to enrich your everyday life. 3 Its supported features and apps may vary depending on the country. View the full article

The Samsung Developer Conference 2024 (SDC24) kicked off on October 3 at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center in San Jose, California. SDC24 attendees engaged in intellectual exchange with one another and shared their visions for enhancing the lives and experiences of users. Samsung Newsroom captured some highlights from the event, which brought together developers and Samsung Electronics partners from around the world. Exploring Samsung’s AI Roadmap at Tech Session Tech Session at SDC24 became a platform for Samsung executives and employees to present the current state and future vision of Samsung’s AI innovations. This year, Tech Session was divided into five themes — Device AI, SmartThings, Responsible AI, Advanced Tech and Enterprise & Ecosystem. Each theme highlighted AI innovations spanning the entire product line including Galaxy AI, AI TVs and Bespoke AI appliances as well as the platforms that power these AI products. Discussions also touched on establishing a blueprint for enhanced security technologies. Among the innovations discussed that captivated attendees were the AI capabilities of Samsung TVs, which have been refined to more accurately recognize users and contexts for optimal viewing. Also on the agenda were Bespoke AI appliances equipped with Bixby to upgrade the smart home experience. . Additionally, the Samsung Health SDK Suite offered a glimpse into the future of digital health with its potential to transform the healthcare ecosystem. Transforming AI-Driven Communication and Exchange at Open Stage SDC24 featured diverse programs designed to foster communication and interaction among developers including Open Stage, where various external speakers shared their knowledge and industry expertise; a Q&A session with Tech Session speakers; and the Roundtable, discussion sessions for attendees to explore the exhibits and exchange ideas. Developer Tiffany Janzen, the founder of TiffinTech, spoke about the future of everyday life shaped by the convergence of AI and IoT during Open Stage. Meanwhile, Q&A session attendees participated in lively discussions and shared valuable insights. Experiencing AI-Powered Software Solutions at Tech Square Tech Square, an exhibition space showcasing Samsung’s latest innovations, provided participants with a firsthand look at the company’s cutting-edge software and AI-based services. Developers lined up to explore the latest AI features integrated into TVs, home appliances and more. The Generative Wallpaper feature on Samsung TVs as well as the Bespoke AI Family Hub in particular garnered a large amount of attention from developers. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, SmartThings evolved with AI to launch Home Insight and expand SmartThings Hub to a wider range of products. HARMAN, a Samsung subsidiary, made an appearance at the event as well. The company introduced technology aimed at helping developers enter the automotive app market and demonstrated its Ignite platform, offering a variety of in-vehicle experiences including automotive apps. Expanding Samsung’s Software Ecosystem With Partners Partner companies leading software and device innovation were also present at Tech Square. The Partnership Zone provided a comprehensive overview of their devices and solutions within the SmartThings and Samsung Health ecosystem. Attendees experienced different real-life scenarios with treadmills, blood pressure monitors, smart body scales and more for an up-close look at the future of personalized healthcare at home through the seamless integration of Samsung Health and SmartThings. Additionally, Samsung Wallet saw further advancements through collaborations with various partners, including smart key companies. For instance, the door lock functionality of SmartThings has been integrated into Samsung Wallet as a digital home key for improved convenience and usability. From mobile payment to storing digital IDs and event tickets, most of Samsung Wallet’s existing features were developed and launched in close collaboration with partner companies. Diving Into Samsung’s Software at Code Lab Featuring a total of 13 coding programs, Code Lab provided developers with hands-on coding experiences covering topics such as health, SmartThings, Samsung Wallet and automotive apps. After selecting their areas of interest, developers solved various software challenges under a time limit for an engaging and interactive experience. View the full article

Samsung Electronics showcased its vision and innovations in software, services and platforms during the Samsung Developer Conference 2024 (SDC24) on October 3 at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center in San Jose, California. Celebrating the tenth anniversary of Samsung Developer Conference, SDC24 welcomed approximately 3,000 developers, partners and media from around the world under the theme “AI for All — A Decade of Open Innovation and Beyond.” Samsung Newsroom attended SDC24 to observe the possibilities of a new future powered by AI. Personalized and Secure AI Experiences The event commenced with a keynote address by Jong-Hee (JH) Han, Vice Chairman, CEO and Head of Device eXperience (DX) Division at Samsung Electronics. During his speech, Han unveiled a vision of delivering more personalized and secure experiences through multi-device AI technology. “In the future, Samsung devices will recognize who is speaking and deliver a customized experience. What’s more, connected devices and sensors throughout the home will be able to recognize your location to provide another level of personalization,” he said. “As Samsung has the widest range of devices from mobile to TVs and home appliances, I believe we are best positioned to provide this customized AI experience.” ▲ Vice Chairman JH Han delivers his speech at SDC24. Daehyun Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of Global AI Center, Samsung Research, outlined the company’s AI research direction and security technology strategy. “We have more solutions that protect your privacy without compromising game-changing technology and experiences, for both on-device AI and cloud AI experiences,” he said. “Our generative AI for text, images and speech has come to life through work with our partners and plays a crucial role in shaping our vision for the future of AI.” ▲ EVP Daehyun Kim explains the intersection of AI and security. AI-Driven Innovations for Smarter Experiences Samsung is integrating AI across its portfolio to enhance customer experiences. The company announced plans to extend One UI beyond mobile devices to become the software experience for all Samsung consumer products. “As we want more people to benefit from AI experiences, we will be expanding a selection of these Galaxy AI experiences beyond our flagship devices into our A series and continue to bring Galaxy AI to the entire Galaxy ecosystem,” said Sally Hyesoon Jeong, Executive Vice President and Head of Framework R&D, Mobile eXperience (MX) Business. She also gave attendees a sneak peek into the forthcoming One UI 7. The beta version will be available to developers before the end of this year. “We’re exploring a brand new UX design,” Jeong added. “One UI 7 will bring a fresh new look to the entire interface.” ▲ EVP Sally Hyesoon Jeong previews One UI 7. “We’ve been working on new ways to integrate Bixby into our AI home to control appliances and improve experiences,” said Young Ah Lee, Vice President and Head of UX, Digital Appliances (DA) Business. “Our latest update for Bixby leverages AI technology to make your interactions with appliances as easy as talking to a friend.” ▲ VP Young Ah Lee discusses user experiences with Bespoke AI home appliances. Moon-soo Kim, Vice President and Head of Application S/W R&D, Visual Display (VD) Business, shared how the upgraded Bixby helps users find and enjoy tailored TV content with simple voice commands. Meanwhile, Samsung AI Cast allows AI-generated materials from mobile devices to be sent directly to Samsung TVs. “These kinds of interactions make Samsung TVs truly the best experience for AI interoperability,” he said. ▲ VP Moon-soo Kim highlights the new features of Samsung’s AI TVs. In January of this year, Samsung launched Samsung Visual eXperience Transformation (VXT) — a next-generation content management solution. Alex YW Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of Visual eXperience PM, Visual Display (VD) Business, showcased how users can create and organize B2B displays with AI and access a broad range of Pre-Integrated Repeatable Solutions from partners. “As we look ahead to the future of VXT, we’re continuing to find new ways to partner with developer communities,” he said. “Join us in shaping this new ecosystem and producing the world’s best apps and services on VXT.” ▲ EVP Alex YW Lee emphasizes the importance of AI in the B2B space. Platform Innovation and Responsible AI In addition, Samsung revealed the latest SmartThings updates that rely on open collaboration and AI to offer more personalized and seamless user experiences. “We just released Home Insight,” said Jaeyeon Jung, Executive Vice President and Head of SmartThings, Device Platform Center. “Designed to understand the way you live, it provides timely home reports and delivers recommendations tailored to your usage patterns, preferences and even the time of year.” ▲ EVP Jaeyeon Jung introduces the newest SmartThings services. Hobum Kwon, Vice President and Head of Platform, Samsung Research, highlighted how Tizen OS includes AI models powered by Samsung’s neural processing unit chips and offers improved connectivity with Galaxy devices. “Tizen’s clean software architecture ensures that Tizen devices receive OS upgrades for up to seven years,” he said. ▲ VP Hobum Kwon presents the newest features of Tizen OS. Platform innovation is propelled by advanced security technology. “Samsung is committed to advancing AI responsibly, and we have three core AI ethics principles — fairness, transparency and accountability — that guide everything we do,” said Shin Baik, Head of Security Assurance, Device Platform Center. “We believe that automating vulnerability detection is essential to keeping pace with this evolving threat landscape. This means that we use AI technology to conduct automated security checks on new products. You’ll see this first on Tizen products, and we’ll continue rolling this capability out across Samsung’s entire product and service portfolio.” ▲ Shin Baik, Head of Security Assurance, stresses the need for responsible AI innovation. Building Tomorrow With Developers and Partners Throughout the presentation, attendees witnessed Samsung’s latest software technologies and developer support initiatives. Samsung will continue growing its AI ecosystem through open collaboration with developers and partners to reinforce the company’s competitive edge in the AI era. ▲ Developers and partners watch the keynote at SDC24. View the full article

Samsung TV Plus1 is going all-in on one of the hottest content categories, with the arrival of nearly 4,000 hours of free-to-stream Korean shows and movies now available on-demand in the U.S. With audiences around the world falling in love with the exhilarating world of Korean culture and entertainment, Samsung TV Plus is proud to offer viewers access to premium titles across a variety of genres like K-Dramas, K-Crime, K-Thrillers and K-Romance, just to name a few. With the October 3rd arrival of new K-Content from Korea’s most acclaimed production companies CJ ENM and NEW ID and distribution company KT Alpha, Samsung TV Plus is now one of the largest providers of Korean scripted and unscripted TV series and movies in the U.S. ▲ Nearly 4,000 hours of free-to-stream Korean shows and movies are now available on-demand in the U.S. on Samsung TV Plus, the company’s FAST (Free Ad-supported Streaming TV) service. Endless Entertainment on the World’s #1 Smart TV The premium offering in the U.S. will bring monthly exclusives from CJ ENM with hit series like Voice 4 and Dark Hole, along with romance drama Doom at Your Service. The psychological thriller drama Beyond Evil distributed by NEW ID will also be arriving soon. Samsung TV Plus and CJ ENM have also teamed up to bring unscripted, never before seen programs to the U.S., which includes popular food entertainment shows such as The Genius Paik and Three Meals a Day, along with travel shows House on Wheels and Youn’s Kitchen. And for the movie enthusiasts, Samsung TV Plus is now home to NEW ID and KT Alpha’s largest K-Movie offering in the U.S., with hit titles like NEW ID’s award winning Korean films Burning, starring Steven Yeun of Beef and A Taxi Driver, starring Kang-ho Song of the award-winning global blockbuster, Parasite. Fans can also enjoy popular movies from KT Alpha such as Joint Security Area, Oh! Brothers, The President’s Last Bang, 26 Years. “K-Content is no longer niche — it’s one of the fastest growing and most watched categories globally, and Samsung TV Plus is uniquely positioned to deliver an unparalleled experience in this space with an endless offering of premium K-Content,” said Salek Brodsky, Senior Vice President & General Manager of Samsung TV Plus. “Our partnerships with the leading Korean production and distribution companies CJ ENM, NEW ID and KT Alpha came naturally, with Samsung TV Plus being the platform of choice to reach the largest audience possible, of both existing K-Fans and new viewers.” An Immersive Plunge Into a Galaxy of K-Content “As a leading entertainment company, CJ ENM offers the widest range of K-Content, from hit dramas and variety shows to K-Pop and globally acclaimed films. Through Samsung TV Plus, we are excited not only to bring our diverse content libraries to international audiences but also to explore new collaboration opportunities to further expand the impact of Korean entertainment.” added Seo Jang-ho, SVP of CJ ENM Content Business Division. How To Watch Samsung TV Plus offers the best of TV, all for free – and is available exclusively across the Samsung TV, Galaxy, Smart Monitor, and Family Hub lineups. This includes the 2024 Samsung Neo QLED 8K, Neo QLED 4K, OLED, and The Frame, which are designed with advanced AI2 that can upscale even your favorite older classics on Samsung TV Plus into stunning 4K and 8K quality. 1 Samsung TV Plus is the go-to service for free, premium entertainment that allows content owners and advertisers to engage consumers at scale. As a leader in free ad-supported TV (FAST) and video-on-demand (AVOD), Samsung TV Plus is the #1 free ad-supported app on Samsung Smart TVs, with nearly 3,000 ad-supported linear channels available globally in 27 countries across 630M active devices. Samsung TV Plus is accessible on 2016-2024 Samsung Smart TVs, Galaxy devices, Smart Monitors and Family Hub refrigerators. To learn more, visit samsungtvplus.com. 2 Uses AI-based formulas. View the full article

Samsung Electronics has partnered with the Musée d’Orsay to bring 25 iconic pieces of artwork from the Parisian museum’s collection into the homes of The Frame TV owners around the world. The masterpieces available for display include Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s “Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette,” Paul Cézanne’s “Mont Sainte-Victoire,” Vincent van Gogh’s “Starry Night,” Claude Monet’s “Blue Water Lilies,” Henri-Edmond Cross’ “The Evening Air” and Henri Rousseau’s “The Snake Charmer.” Available through Samsung Art Store, this selection offers a unique opportunity to experience the world’s largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art from the comfort of home. ▲ Samsung Electronics’ partnership with the Musée d’Orsay brings 25 iconic pieces of artwork, including Claude Monet’s “Poppy Field” (1873), into the homes of The Frame TV owners Launched in 2017 by Samsung in collaboration with Swiss designer Yves Béhar, The Frame redefines the role of a TV as the world’s largest TV art platform. With its silhouette reminiscent of a traditional painting, The Frame seamlessly blends into any interior and reflects Samsung’s goal of bringing art into modern homes. Through Samsung Art Store, users can access and explore more than 2,500 pieces from world-renowned museums and galleries including The Met, Van Gogh Museum, Tate and Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) — as well as iconic pieces from artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Salvador Dali and more. The Frame’s QLED 4K UHD glare-free matte display automatically adjusts brightness and colors for high-quality rendering at any time of day. Furthermore, The Frame’s reproduction of artwork is more realistic than ever with Pantone Validated colors. Users can choose from a wide range of frame sizes for a fully customizable experience, allowing The Frame TV to complement interior décor and elevate the ambiance of any room. ▲ Samsung Electronics’ partnership with the Musée d’Orsay brings 25 iconic pieces of artwork, including Vincent Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” (1888), into the homes of The Frame TV owners “We’re delighted to launch this collaboration and hope to enrich it further,” said Julia Beurton, Deputy CEO at the Orsay Museum. “Being able to enjoy carefully curated masterpieces from the museum’s outstanding collection at home is an invitation to bring a piece of Orsay’s beauty into one’s living room.” “We are proud to collaborate with the prestigious Musée d’Orsay to deliver a truly immersive artistic experience on The Frame TV,” said Guillaume Rault, Vice President of Samsung Electronics France. “Combining over eight years of partnerships with the world’s leading museums, our unrivaled expertise allows us to render the artworks’ beauty with absolute precision and care while adapting them to digital formats. Thanks to this exceptional collection, we’re bringing art directly into the homes of more than five million people around the world so that everyone can rediscover these masterpieces in a new light.” The Musée d’Orsay’s 25 featured masterpieces will be available on Samsung Art Store starting September 30. View the full article

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“Playing The First Descendant on the Odyssey monitor with HDR10+ GAMING allows you to experience the game’s vivid, high-quality graphics at their best” – Junhwan Kim, Lead programmer, Engine Program team, Nexon Games Game development is an art, and like any masterpiece, it requires the right tools. Nexon’s upcoming title, The First Descendant, is set to redefine the looter-shooter genre with its stunning visuals and immersive gameplay. At the heart of this development process is Samsung’s Odyssey OLED G8 — a monitor that not only displays these graphics but elevates them to a new level of realism. Join us as we dive into the behind-the-scenes journey with the developers at Nexon Games, who reveal how this cutting-edge display technology has helped bring their ambitious vision to life. From the precision of color to the speed of response, discover why the Odyssey OLED G8 is more than just a monitor — it’s a game-changer in the industry. Founded in 1994, Nexon has become a global leader in online gaming. Known for creating popular titles like MapleStory, Dungeon & Fighter and KartRider, Nexon continues to push boundaries in the gaming world. This year, the company introduced The First Descendant, a looter-shooter that attracted 260,000 concurrent players at launch. Nexon is focused on expanding its global reach and adapting to the fast-changing gaming industry. In 2021, Nexon completed the acquisition of Embark Studios AB, a company based in Stockholm, Sweden, developing multiple projects for global release. ▲ (From left) Lead Engine Programmer Junhwan Kim from the Engine Program team and Lead World Concept Artist Sinwook Wi, from the Environmental Concept Design team at Nexon Games, sat down with Samsung to talk about their latest project, The First Descendant and how the Odyssey OLED G8 played a role in its development. Q. Can you tell us about your role in developing The First Descendant and how you contributed to the game’s creation? Kim: I’m responsible for the game engine. I develop the software that integrates essential elements like graphics, sound and physics engines, make them work seamlessly together. Wi: I handle the environmental concept design. My role involves creating the overall concept of the game and designing the backgrounds and characters to fit within that environment. ▲ (From left) Gley, Blair and Enzo, key characters from Nexon’s looter-shooter game ‘The First Descendant’ (Image courtesy of Nexon) Q. What sets The First Descendant apart? What were some of the key innovations and design choices that defined your approach? Kim: The First Descendant is a looter shooter that blends third-person shooter (TPS) mechanics with role-playing game (RPG) elements. It features spectacular combat scenes, high-quality graphics and a rich loot system filled with powerful guns and gear. The core of the game lies in its storytelling, character development and the pursuit of the best weapons and equipment. A major focus for us was bringing the open world of The First Descendant to life through cutting-edge graphics. Using Unreal Engine 5, we leveraged Nanite to achieve highly detailed environments, allowing us to render complex landscapes and objects with incredible precision. This was crucial for creating an immersive open-world experience where players can explore vast and visually stunning environments. Lumen played a significant role as well, enabling real-time lighting that reacts dynamically to the game’s world and characters, further enhancing the realism of the gameplay. * Open World: A game design element that allows players to freely explore most areas with minimal restrictions. * Unreal Engine 5: A game engine developed by Epic Games, known for key features like Nanite, which efficiently handles high-capacity graphics, and Lumen, which enhances lighting effects. ▲ Junhwan works on the development of ‘The First Descendant’ using the Odyssey OLED G8. The Odyssey OLED G8 delivers superb graphics with its high resolution and color accuracy. Wi: The game is set in an apocalyptic world where factions — each with their own traditions — battle for survival. The story follows humanity’s fight against the Vulgus, invaders who nearly wiped out the human race. Players take on the role of descendants, embarking on a quest to find the Iron Heart, the ultimate weapon to end the war. On the design front, our goal was to create an apocalyptic world that felt rich and immersive while avoiding the overly dark and futuristic look often seen in similar settings. The environment itself is a key part of the storytelling. So, we integrated colorful, future-oriented designs for city of Albion to balance the grim atmosphere with a sense of hope. This approach doesn’t just end at the visual appeal but also helps the game engage players on an emotional level, too. ▲ Sinwook works on the design for the city of Albion, a key area in ‘The First Descendant,’ using the Odyssey OLED G8. The monitor’s consistent colors and detailed contrast has helped bring out the intricate design elements. Q. As a game developer, what do you consider the most important factors in creating a visually immersive gaming experience? Kim: A high-quality display is crucial to accurately present the game’s graphics and visuals. Today’s gaming standards demand seamless gameplay with vibrant graphics, high frame rates, detailed resolutions and minimal input lag. To fully experience these advancements, it’s crucial to use a gaming monitor with high resolution, a wide color gamut and fast response times. As part of our collaboration with Samsung, I received the Odyssey OLED G8 during the development of The First Descendant, and what stood out to me was the monitor’s awesome display quality — color accuracy, expressions and its quick response time. The monitor delivers colors and contrast with a high level of precision, which was crucial for developing the game. The 0.03ms (GTG) response time made a noticeable difference during our demonstrations as well.1 “[With the Odyssey OLED G8,] You get two distinct display experiences with a single monitor—16:9 for working and 21:9 for playing” – Wi Sinwook, Lead World Concept Artist, Environmental Concept Design team, Nexon Games Wi: As a World Concept Artist, I constantly ask myself, “How can I best convey the immersive universe to players?” I want players to experience every detail of the environments and even the subtle expressions of the characters as they were intended. For that, a display accurately reproduces colors and fine details is crucial. When players can see the subtle nuances in shading and the vibrant colors, it significantly enhances their immersion in the game. ▲ Sinwook builds out the background concept designs for ‘The First Descendant’ using the Odyssey OLED G8. Q. Other than picture quality, were there any other the Odyssey OLED G8 features that stood out when you were working on and demonstrating the game? Kim: The First Descendant is a multi-platform game, available on PC (Steam) and consoles. The fact that the Odyssey OLED G8 supports up to three external inputs,2 was especially helpful when we were testing across the different platforms. The sleek, metal design also saved space and complemented the game’s sci-fi aesthetic. ▲ Junhwan demonstrates the console version of ‘The First Descendant’ on the Odyssey OLED G8. The Odyssey OLED G8 offers enhanced convenience with 2 HDMI 2.1 ports, 1 DisplayPort 1.4 and a USB hub. Wi: Working on the design and demonstrating the game on the Odyssey OLED G8, I found the gameplay smoother and more comfortable compared to my previous monitor. The colors and contrast were balanced and accurate, even on the big screen. I also really appreciated the ability to switch the screen ratio between 16:9 and 21:9 with just a single setting change. Normally, I avoid wide monitors due to the viewing angle, but the Odyssey OLED G8 made it convenient to switch between ratios for different tasks — 16:9 for working and 21:9 for demonstrating the game. The big advantage is that you get two distinct display experiences with a single monitor. ▲ The Odyssey OLED G8’s Game Bar allows users to switch between 21:9 and 16:9 screen ratios, enabling them to enjoy games in their preferred ratio. “The fact that the Odyssey OLED G8 supports up to three external inputs, was especially helpful when we were testing across platforms like PCs and different consoles” – Junhwan Kim, Lead Programmer, Engine Program team, Nexon Games Q. What features of the Odyssey OLED G8 do you think will elevate the experience for The First Descendant players? Kim: The First Descendant is the world’s first HDR10+ GAMING title. We collaborated with Samsung to implement this technology in our game, optimizing peak brightness of the monitor and supporting standard HDR without the need for manual adjustments.3 Playing The First Descendant on the Odyssey monitor with HDR10+ GAMING allows you to experience the game’s vivid, high-quality graphics at their best. * HDR10+ GAMING: A gaming technology that enhances image quality by analyzing game content to enhance the depth of graphics and supporting features like response time and Auto HDR. ▲ The Odyssey OLED G8 supports HDR10+ GAMING, allowing gamers to enjoy an optimized HDR gaming experience without manual adjustments in supported titles. ‘The First Descendant’ is the first game to feature HDR10+ GAMING technology. Wi: Unlike my previous monitor, where colors near the edges tended to darken, the Odyssey OLED G8 maintained consistent brightness across the entire screen. The thin frame and bezel also made it easier to focus on the game. ▲ The Odyssey OLED G8’s slim metal design and Core Lighting+ on the back enhance user immersion and create a stylish gaming space. Kim: I also found the Game Bar feature to be helpful. When the Odyssey OLED G8 is connected to a PC or console, it automatically calls up the Game Bar. Selecting FPS mode in the Game Bar brightens dark areas in the game, giving you an advantage over hidden enemies. Also, the sound becomes richer, further enhancing the immersion. ▲ (Left) Default Game Bar settings without a selected genre, (Right) FPS genre selected in Game Bar. Q. Any final words for The First Descendant players? Kim: If you’re a fan of The First Descendant, or any third-person shooter (TPS) game with high-quality graphics, the Odyssey OLED G8 is an excellent choice. It has high refresh rate, wide color gamut and fast response time, which really enhance the gaming experience. Wi: I’ve always debated between choosing a monitor with high resolution and refresh rate for gameplay versus one with accurate colors and contrast for development. The Odyssey OLED G8 meets both needs perfectly, so I can confidently recommend it to any gamer…or developer! 1 Based on GtG measured under internal test conditions. Results may vary by content, monitor settings and the performance of the input source. 2 Supports 2 HDMI 2.1 cables, one Display Port 1.4 and three USB 3.0 ports (1 Up, 2 Down) 3 To use HDR10+ GAMING, the content must be HDR10+ GAMING compatible, and additional settings may need to be adjusted depending on the content. View the full article

Samsung Electronics America has secured #1 rankings in TVs for overall customer satisfaction and #1 in home appliance service experience for the second year in row in the 2024 American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI®) survey. Samsung TVs also achieved #1 in product quality, service quality and service experience.1 Samsung research shows that 90% of TV buyers and 94% of home appliance shoppers are more likely to choose a brand known for strong customer service2 — a trust that Samsung has built through consistent commitment to customer care. Building on this trust, Samsung is leading the way in designing AI-enabled products that enhance consumers’ lives, with the cutting-edge Samsung Care team ready to assist when the unexpected happens. “We’re proud to be consistently recognized by our customers in the ACSI survey, a testament to the improvements we have made to the end-to-end customer experience,” said Mark Williams, Vice President of Customer Care at Samsung Electronics America. “We know that when your TV or appliance isn’t working, you want it fixed quickly, the first time. That is why we’ve invested in AI and digital care innovations, best-in-class training, efficient parts distribution and expanding our Samsung Beyond Boundaries,3 program to provide more customers with quality care in the US.” Samsung TVs: Excellence in Picture and Sound Quality, Value and More Samsung received recognition from its customers across several categories for its cutting-edge TVs, powered by AI. This includes #1 rankings in overall quality, picture quality, and sound quality — a clear testament to our continued leadership and innovation. With AI at its core, the 2024 lineup delivers several value-add features that only Samsung can provide, demonstrated by a #1 ranking in value. This includes AI Upscaling,4 which can transform even lower-resolution content — like old movie classics — into stunning 4K and 8K, and Samsung Gaming Hub,5 letting you experience the best of gaming all in one place, no console required. With Tizen OS, you can stream all of your favorite video services and access Samsung TV Plus, which provides 2,700+ free channels, including 400+ premium channels — all for free. In a world that is more connected than ever before, Samsung TVs users can effortlessly enjoy entertainment knowing their devices are ranked #1 for connectivity. With seamless access to SmartThings, you can use your TVs as an IoT hub to easily connect and manage devices. Powered by Knox, only Samsung TVs deliver added peace of mind that your personal data is secured across your connected devices while you watch.6 Samsung TVs also earned #1 rankings for ease of use, exterior design and durability. From sustainability-forward packaging and improved energy efficiency to accessibility features — the TV lineup is intentionally designed to elevate your home entertainment experience. Samsung Home Appliances: Leading Customer Satisfaction Samsung achieved best-in-class rankings for refrigerators7 and washing machines, and leads in appliances with top scores for service experience, ease of arranging service, technician courtesy, helpfulness and timely repairs. These top rankings reflect the confidence consumers place in Samsung’s AI-enabled products to enhance and simplify their lives. Our latest AI-powered Bespoke appliances were designed to deliver enhanced performance, helping you do more with less effort. The Bespoke Refrigerator with AI Family Hub+ with AI Vision Inside recognizes 33 different food items as they’re added or removed from the fridge, using an internal camera and ‘Vision AI’ technology.8 The Bespoke AI Laundry Combo All-in-One takes the guesswork out of cycle selection by intelligently adjusting washing and drying time and energy.9 The AI Home touchscreen LCD Display simplifies cycle and setting selection while managing other connected Samsung devices. And with SmartThings, the #1 mobile app for appliances according to ACSI,10 AI-equipped devices seamlessly connect, offering smarter home management and easier control.11 Empowering Customers with Seamless, Next-Generation Care Samsung Care continuously invests in ways to give customers choices and easy options for high-quality, convenient care on their terms. Paving the way in next-generation care, Samsung has continued to invest in AI-powered tools to help Care experts resolve issues even faster. Interactive Voice Response (IVR) is one such tool, using AI12 to identify the customer’s intent, product, and issue, ensuring they are routed to the right agent with valuable insights before the call even begins. IVR can also text customers the two nearest Walk-In Service or Authorized Repair Centers based on their zip code and send a link to book an appointment, making the process even smoother. With connected solutions for home appliances, Samsung makes proactive and preventative care simple and accessible. For example, consumers can use the Home Care service in the SmartThings app, which uses AI to automatically detect and troubleshoot issues. If an error code appears, customers receive an alert with step-by-step instructions for a quick home fix. If further assistance is needed, they can chat with a care professional, schedule a repair with a Samsung-certified technician, or even order replacement parts, like water filters, directly through the app. Samsung provides 99.9%13 of the U.S. with convenient Care coverage for TVs and home appliances. Even in rural areas, people can access next-level care via Samsung Beyond Boundaries. Customers within a 4-hour radius of a Samsung Care Center can receive at-home repairs. Looking for more news or need additional support from the Samsung Care Team? Visit the Samsung Care YouTube Channel, check out the Samsung Members App and Samsung Communities or text us any time by messaging 1-800-SAMSUNG to start a conversation with a Samsung Care Pro. About the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI®) Survey The American Customer Satisfaction Index Survey (ACSI) is the nation’s only cross-industry measure of customer satisfaction. Since 1994, the survey has been recognized as a leader in analyzing consumer sentiment about the products and services used most often. The ACSI Index surveys customers on their own consumer electronics experiences and identifies industry leaders for excellence, based on customer feedback regarding service repair, product durability, and warranty coverage. Between July 2023 and June 2024, the ACSI Household Appliance and Electronics Study surveyed over 5,100 U.S. consumers who recently purchased appliances from leading manufacturers to evaluate the quality of their experiences in a variety of categories. Between July 2023 and June 2024, the ACSI TV Study surveyed over 6,000 U.S. consumers who recently purchased TVs from leading manufacturers to evaluate the quality of their experiences in a variety of categories. Source: 2024 ACSI® Surveys of customers rating their appliance manufacturer and TV manufacturer. ACSI and its logo are registered trademarks of the American Customer Satisfaction Index. For more about ACSI, visit www.theacsi.org. 1 Samsung tied with 1 other brands for service experience. 2 Samsung Electronics American Consumer Market Insights, Customer Care Foundational Learnings — March 2024 3 Coverage includes 99.9% of delivery zip codes (excluding P.O. box, APO/FPO/DPO) by our largest retailer; in-warranty service only. 4 Utilizes AI-based formulas. 5 Powered by Tizen, the Samsung Gaming Hub is an all-in-one game streaming discovery platform bridging hardware and software for a better player experience. Instantly play thousands of games from Xbox, NVIDIA GeForce NOW, Amazon Luna, Utomik, Antstream Arcade and Blacknut Cloud Gaming. The Samsung Gaming Hub is the new home for gaming and entertainment with Twitch, Spotify and YouTube Gaming integration that gives players easy access to enhance their experience. No storage limits, no downloads, no console or PC required – all players need is a Bluetooth-enabled gaming controller and internet connection to start playing. 6 Personal data includes input Pin codes and passwords, and IoT device information through the SmartThings app. The latest software update is required. 7 Samsung tied with 1 other refrigerator brand. 8 Available on RF23DB9900. As of March 2024, AI Vision Inside can recognize 33 food items like fresh fruits and veggies. Recognizable food items will be regularly added and updated. If the food is covered by hand and not recognizable, it may be listed as an unknown item, but the user can always revise the item title through the Family Hub or SmartThings. Wi-Fi connection and Samsung account required. 9 Messages with cycle suggestions are displayed on the control panel or a smartphone with the SmartThings app; available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required. Can be applied on Towels, AI Opti Wash & AI Optimal Dry, Heavy Duty, Super Speed, Small Load cycle only when the selected washing temperature is ‘hot’. Based on internal testing with IEC 8lb load except for Small Load cycle (IEC 4lb load). Results may vary depending on the actual usage conditions. 10 Samsung tied with one other mobile app for home appliances. 11 Available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required. 12 After IVR does the initial triage with the customer, AI analyzes the intent and passes info along to the Care agent to better address the need. IVR continuously learns and improves its accuracy over time, enabling our agents to support customers more quickly. 13 Coverage includes 99.9% of delivery zip codes (excluding P.O. box, APO/FPO/DPO) by our largest retailer; in-warranty service only. View the full article

Samsung Galaxy Fold devices have taken the mobile industry by storm, offering users a revolutionary way to interact with their applications. One of their key features is the rear display mode that enables users to continue their tasks seamlessly on the cover display while the main display remains turned off. Jetpack WindowManager has introduced APIs to enable this mode programmatically, and starting from One UI 6.0, developers can now utilize these APIs to integrate rear display mode into their applications, enhancing usability and maximizing the potential of foldable devices. In this blog post, we dive deeper into implementing Jetpack WindowManager's rear display mode in a camera application. By leveraging this mode, users can take selfies with superior image quality using the rear camera instead of the front camera. Join us as we explore the exciting possibilities of foldable technology and uncover how to optimize your applications for the Samsung Galaxy Fold. You can download the sample camera application here. CameraXApp.zip (623.3 KB) Sep 26, 2024 Step 1: Add the WindowManager library into the project WindowManager, a Jetpack library introduced by Google, supports rear display mode starting from version 1.2.0-beta03. To add the WindowManager library, go to Gradle Scripts > build.gradle (Module: app) and enter the following to the dependencies block: implementation "androidx.window:window:1.3.0" Step 2: Implement the WindowAreaSessionCallback interface in MainActivity.kt The WindowAreaSessionCallback interface updates an Activity about when the WindowAreaSession is started and ended. Using the onSessionStarted method, this interface provides the current WindowAreaSession as soon as a new window session is started. class MainActivity : AppCompatActivity() , WindowAreaSessionCallback { … override fun onSessionEnded(t: Throwable?) { if(t != null) { println("Something was broken: ${t.message}") } } override fun onSessionStarted(session: WindowAreaSession) { } } Step 3: Declare variables The WindowAreaController provides information about the moving windows between the cover display and the main display of the Galaxy Fold device. The WindowAreaSession interface provides an active window session in the onSessionStarted method. WindowAreaInfo represents the current state of a window area. It provides a token which is used later to activate rear display mode. WindowAreaCapability.Status represents the availability and capability status of the window area defined by the WindowAreaInfo object. We utilize this status to change the UI of our application. The status of the Galaxy Fold device can be one of the following: WINDOW_AREA_STATUS_ACTIVE: if the cover display is currently active. WINDOW_AREA_STATUS_AVAILABLE: if the cover display is available to be enabled. WINDOW_AREA_STATUS_UNAVAILABLE: if the cover display is currently not available to be enabled. WINDOW_AREA_STATUS_UNSUPPORTED: if the Galaxy Fold device is running on Android 13 or lower. private lateinit var windowAreaController: WindowAreaController private var windowAreaSession: WindowAreaSession? = null private var windowAreaInfo: WindowAreaInfo? = null private var capabilityStatus: WindowAreaCapability.Status = WindowAreaCapability.Status.WINDOW_AREA_STATUS_UNSUPPORTED private val operation = WindowAreaCapability.Operation.OPERATION_TRANSFER_ACTIVITY_TO_AREA Step 4: Create an instance of WindowAreaController in the onCreate method windowAreaController = WindowAreaController.getOrCreate() Step 5: Set up a flow to get information from WindowAreaController In the onCreate() method, add a lifecycle-aware coroutine to query the list of available WindowAreaInfo objects and their status. The coroutine executes each time the lifecycle starts. lifecycleScope.launch(Dispatchers.Main) { lifecycle.repeatOnLifecycle(Lifecycle.State.STARTED) { windowAreaController.windowAreaInfos .map { info -> info.firstOrNull { it.type == WindowAreaInfo.Type.TYPE_REAR_FACING } } .onEach { info -> windowAreaInfo = info } .map { it?.getCapability(operation)?.status ?: WindowAreaCapability.Status.WINDOW_AREA_STATUS_UNSUPPORTED } .distinctUntilChanged() .collect { capabilityStatus = it updateUI() } } } Step 6: Update the UI according to the device's WindowAreaCapability.Status private fun updateUI() { if(windowAreaSession != null) { viewBinding.switchScreenButton.isEnabled = true } else { when(capabilityStatus) { WindowAreaCapability.Status.WINDOW_AREA_STATUS_UNSUPPORTED -> { viewBinding.switchScreenButton.isEnabled = false Toast.makeText(baseContext, "RearDisplay is not supported on this device", Toast.LENGTH_SHORT).show() } WindowAreaCapability.Status.WINDOW_AREA_STATUS_UNAVAILABLE -> { viewBinding.switchScreenButton.isEnabled = false Toast.makeText(baseContext, "RearDisplay is not currently available", Toast.LENGTH_SHORT).show() } WindowAreaCapability.Status.WINDOW_AREA_STATUS_AVAILABLE -> { viewBinding.switchScreenButton.isEnabled = true } WindowAreaCapability.Status.WINDOW_AREA_STATUS_ACTIVE -> { viewBinding.switchScreenButton.isEnabled = true Toast.makeText(baseContext, "RearDisplay is currently active", Toast.LENGTH_SHORT).show() } else -> { viewBinding.switchScreenButton.isEnabled = false Toast.makeText(baseContext, "RearDisplay status is unknown", Toast.LENGTH_SHORT).show() } } } } Step 7: Toggle to rear display mode with WindowAreaController Close the session if it is already active, otherwise start a transfer session to move the MainActivity to the window area identified by the token. While activating rear display mode, the system creates a dialog to request the user’s permission to allow the application to switch screens. This dialog is not customizable. private fun toggleRearDisplayMode() { if(capabilityStatus == WindowAreaCapability.Status.WINDOW_AREA_STATUS_ACTIVE) { if(windowAreaSession == null) { windowAreaSession = windowAreaInfo?.getActiveSession( operation ) } windowAreaSession?.close() } else { windowAreaInfo?.token?.let { token -> windowAreaController.transferActivityToWindowArea( token = token, activity = this, executor = displayExecutor, windowAreaSessionCallback = this ) } } } Step 8: Start the camera preview Call startCamera() when onSessionStarted is triggered by the WindowAreaSessionCallback interface. override fun onSessionStarted(session: WindowAreaSession) { startCamera() } Step 9: Add a button and set a listener to it for activating rear display mode <Button android:id="@+id/switch_screen_button" android:layout_width="110dp" android:layout_height="110dp" android:layout_marginStart="50dp" android:elevation="2dp" android:text="@string/switch_screen" app:layout_constraintBottom_toBottomOf="parent" app:layout_constraintBottom_toTopOf="@+id/horizontal_baseline" app:layout_constraintStart_toEndOf="@id/vertical_centerline" /> viewBinding.switchScreenButton.setOnClickListener{ updateUI() toggleRearDisplayMode() } Incorporating rear display mode into your application can significantly enhance user experience by providing more intuitive control and greater flexibility. By following the outlined steps, you can create a more dynamic and user-friendly interface. As technology continues to evolve, staying ahead with features like rear display mode can set your application apart and offer users a seamless, professional-quality experience. To learn more about developing applications for Galaxy Foldable devices, visit: developer.samsung.com/galaxy-z. View the full blog at its source

Engagement Data to Guide Product Development What is SmartThings Analytics? With our recent update, once you become Works with SmartThings certified, you can use SmartThings Analytics to gather useful data about how your products are being used in the field with PII-safe engagement data. The best part: you can see information like the number of registered and active devices, where your customers are located, and the SmartThings Capabilities that are most commonly used — which helps inform how customers interact with your products. Leverage these insights to optimize your products and product roadmap. “In the past, we were unable to obtain engagement data after purchase, but now, the Analytics Dashboard has helped us create actionable insights.” Maude Shen, Software Product Manager, WiZ Connected Why Should Developers and Product Teams Use SmartThings Analytics? We are always looking for ways to better connect partners with our millions of users. We know that it can be difficult to collect user engagement data — especially for partners who manufacture Hub Connected devices. Last year, we announced our first version of Analytics, which included Registered and Active devices. After obtaining Works with SmartThings certification, partners can easily access SmartThings Analytics from the Console. Since receiving positive feedback on the first version of Analytics, we’ve continued to improve performance and expand the type of data partners can access. New this year, we are providing both country-level data and Capability level use. With Capability data, you can answer questions about the most commonly used features of your product, like “Are users actually changing the color of their lights?” Leverage these insights to drive better outcomes for your products and users, and optimize your products based on real user interactions. Key Features of SmartThings Analytics Real-world Usage Data: SmartThings Analytics makes it easy to know if your users are engaged with your products by providing real-world usage data, which we’ve built in a way that gives you actionable data while still protecting the privacy of users’ data. User-friendly Interface: With an intuitive and user-friendly interface, the Analytics tool ensures a seamless experience for product owners and developers of all levels. Multiple Ways to Gain Insights: Easily search by an individual product or your entire catalog, within one country or within a region. Or choose to go back as far as 7, 30, 90 days, or with a custom date range. Lastly, see which SmartThings "Capabilities" are being used — there are plenty of ways to get actionable engagement data to drive product decisions. Product Questions that SmartThings Analytics Answers Where am I getting most of my product sales? In which countries do I have the most active user base? What features / SmartThings Capabilities do my customers use the most? Which are used the least? How many active devices do I have compared to registered devices? How are the active devices and registered devices trending over time? Did device registrations go up after our recent marketing campaign? Or after the event where we showcased our brand? How to Get Started with SmartThings Analytics? Ready to view Analytics for your device(s)? Here's a quick resource guide to help you get started and show you the features: 1. Begin by Accessing Analytics Analytics is only available to partners who have Works with SmartThings (WWST) certified products. Visit the SmartThings Developer Console and navigate to the Analytics section, accessible at SmartThings Developer Console. Keep reading for a screen-by-screen walkthrough, or check out this video. If you have a WWST certified product(s) , but do not have access to the Console, email us at [email protected]. 2. Set Up Your Search Parameters With Analytics you can search by: Product(s): Search by one product or all to see a portfolio view of how your products are being used. Date: See the last 7, 30, or 90 days of data, or choose a custom data range. Location: View data by county or region. 3. View Data for Insights Registered Devices: View devices that are registered with SmartThings. Active Devices: View devices with an event or an online status in the last 24 hours. Devices may go from the inactive state to the active state and vice versa. Capabilities: See SmartThings Capabilities that are being used for your product or products. Get a glimpse of which capabilities are the most used. Geo Location: View by country or region. See where your products are being used by country or by region. Any of these fields can be made full screen or zoomed in on. The data can be also exported as a CSV. Our latest update with Analytics represents another avenue for providing more value for WWST Certified partners. Access to this variety of usage data is critical to understanding how your products are being used. Ready to gain more product insights? Navigate to Analytics in the Certification Console to see these insights and apply them to your product strategy. Want to integrate your device with SmartThings? Visit https://developer.smartthings.com to access tools like Edge Builder and Test Suite, and then leverage our Certification Console to get your device(s) certified. View the full blog at its source

Engagement Data to Guide Product Development What is SmartThings Analytics? With our recent update, once you become Works with SmartThings certified, you can use SmartThings Analytics to gather useful data about how your products are being used in the field with PII-safe engagement data. The best part: you can see information like the number of registered and active devices, where your customers are located, and the SmartThings Capabilities that are most commonly used — which helps inform how customers interact with your products. Leverage these insights to optimize your products and product roadmap. “In the past, we were unable to obtain engagement data after purchase, but now, the Analytics Dashboard has helped us create actionable insights.” Maude Shen, Software Product Manager, WiZ Connected Why Should Developers and Product Teams Use SmartThings Analytics? We are always looking for ways to better connect partners with our millions of users. We know that it can be difficult to collect user engagement data — especially for partners who manufacture Hub Connected devices. Last year, we announced our first version of Analytics, which included Registered and Active devices. After obtaining Works with SmartThings certification, partners can easily access SmartThings Analytics from the Console. Since receiving positive feedback on the first version of Analytics, we’ve continued to improve performance and expand the type of data partners can access. New this year, we are providing both country-level data and Capability level use. With Capability data, you can answer questions about the most commonly used features of your product, like “Are users actually changing the color of their lights?” Leverage these insights to drive better outcomes for your products and users, and optimize your products based on real user interactions. Key Features of SmartThings Analytics Real-world Usage Data: SmartThings Analytics makes it easy to know if your users are engaged with your products by providing real-world usage data, which we’ve built in a way that gives you actionable data while still protecting the privacy of users’ data. User-friendly Interface: With an intuitive and user-friendly interface, the Analytics tool ensures a seamless experience for product owners and developers of all levels. Multiple Ways to Gain Insights: Easily search by an individual product or your entire catalog, within one country or within a region. Or choose to go back as far as 7, 30, 90 days, or with a custom date range. Lastly, see which SmartThings "Capabilities" are being used — there are plenty of ways to get actionable engagement data to drive product decisions. Product Questions that SmartThings Analytics Answers Where am I getting most of my product sales? In which countries do I have the most active user base? What features / SmartThings Capabilities do my customers use the most? Which are used the least? How many active devices do I have compared to registered devices? How are the active devices and registered devices trending over time? Did device registrations go up after our recent marketing campaign? Or after the event where we showcased our brand? How to Get Started with SmartThings Analytics? Ready to view Analytics for your device(s)? Here's a quick resource guide to help you get started and show you the features: 1. Begin by Accessing Analytics Analytics is only available to partners who have Works with SmartThings (WWST) certified products. Visit the SmartThings Developer Console and navigate to the Analytics section, accessible at SmartThings Developer Console. Keep reading for a screen-by-screen walkthrough, or check out this video. If you have a WWST certified product(s) , but do not have access to the Console, email us at [email protected]. 2. Set Up Your Search Parameters With Analytics you can search by: Product(s): Search by one product or all to see a portfolio view of how your products are being used. Date: See the last 7, 30, or 90 days of data, or choose a custom data range. Location: View data by county or region. 3. View Data for Insights Registered Devices: View devices that are registered with SmartThings. Active Devices: View devices with an event or an online status in the last 24 hours. Devices may go from the inactive state to the active state and vice versa. Capabilities: See SmartThings Capabilities that are being used for your product or products. Get a glimpse of which capabilities are the most used. Geo Location: View by country or region. See where your products are being used by country or by region. Any of these fields can be made full screen or zoomed in on. The data can be also exported as a CSV. Our latest update with Analytics represents another avenue for providing more value for WWST Certified partners. Access to this variety of usage data is critical to understanding how your products are being used. Ready to gain more product insights? Navigate to Analytics in the Certification Console to see these insights and apply them to your product strategy. Want to integrate your device with SmartThings? Visit https://developer.smartthings.com to access tools like Edge Builder and Test Suite, and then leverage our Certification Console to get your device(s) certified. View the full blog at its source

“The Odyssey OLED G8 was incredibly helpful for discussions with the art team, allowing us to discuss colors and expressions in greater detail” – Hwang Junha, Dungeon Lead, ‘Solo Leveling:ARISE’ In the world of game production, transforming a popular story into an immersive, interactive experience is both a challenge and an art. Solo Leveling:ARISE,1 the first game adaptation of the Solo Leveling franchise—which has captivated millions with over 14.3 billion views globally—is a prime example of this transformation. As the gaming industry pushes the boundaries of visual storytelling, the technology behind the screen plays a crucial role in bringing these dynamic universes to life. To explore this fusion of creativity and technology, Samsung Newsroom spoke with the developers behind Solo Leveling:ARISE. They shared insights into how they captured the webtoon’s intense action and stylish visuals in the game, and how the Odyssey OLED G8 has been instrumental in this process. Founded in 2000, Netmarble has become a leader in Korea’s gaming industry, fueled by innovative strategies and strong partnerships with third-party studios. Since 2012, the company has made its mark in mobile gaming with popular titles like Modoo Marble, Seven Knights, and Solo Leveling:ARISE. Building on its success at home, Netmarble is now expanding its global reach, delivering engaging gaming experiences to players around the world. “[With the Odyssey OLED G8,] I could see attack animations more clearly, which helped me dodge more precisely. I also noticed effects and background details that I’d missed before.” Kim JaeSeong, Combat Balance Part, ‘Solo Leveling:ARISE’ ▲ (From left) Hwang Junha, Dungeon Lead, and Kim JaeSeong, Combat Balance Part, at Netmarble Neo, the developer of Netmarble’s ‘Solo Leveling:ARISE’ Q. What are your roles in developing Solo Leveling:ARISE? Junha: I’m responsible for creating the dungeons and monsters in Solo Leveling:ARISE. This includes designing the environments where battles take place and developing the monsters-players encounter. Essentially, I establish the game’s META to ensure players have a rewarding and engaging combat experience. * META: An acronym for “Most Effective Tactics Available,” representing the optimal strategies or approaches used by players in a game. JaeSeong: I’m in charge of combat balance. My role is to allow players to craft their own combat styles by combining various elements like weapons, skills, hunters, and shadows. Players will enjoy the combination-dependent controls and actions, as well as the variety of buffs and debuffs that grant characters and enemies, which further enhance their attacks to clear dungeons and tricky bosses. ▲ With the Odyssey OLED G8, JaeSeong reviews the dynamic environments and monster designs, ensuring that each battle scene delivers a visually stunning and immersive experience. Q. Can you give us an overview of Solo Leveling:ARISE? What was your main focus in developing the game? Junha: Solo Leveling:ARISE is an action RPG based on Solo Leveling, the popular webtoon. We strived to stay true to the original work while at the same time leveraging our expertise to enhance the experience with high-quality action scenes and cinematic cut scenes, immersing players in a way that only a game can. JaeSeong: Given the popularity of the original work, our goal was to faithfully capture each character’s unique combat style as depicted in the webtoon. In the game, we allow players to experiment with different skills and weapons. Additionally, we wanted to offer something special, so we included new, original content and behind-the-scenes stories that weren’t in the webtoon. This adds a fresh dimension to the game, enhancing the overall experience. ▲ (From left) Shadow Igris, hunters Cha Hae-In, Sung Jinwoo, Choi Jong-In and shadow Tusk in ‘Solo Leveling:ARISE’ (Image courtesy of Netmarble) Junha: For Solo Leveling:ARISE, we wanted fast-paced combat and the freedom to pursue a variety of fighting styles. The goal was to avoid a one-size-fits-all approach and enable players to adapt their strategies based on the boss or challenge they’re facing. JaeSeong: Our focus was on balancing the different characters, monsters, and dungeons to offer diverse combat experiences. For each character, we added specific skills and combos in addition to their unique abilities from the original series. The challenge was to maintain balance by tweaking attack ranges, damage rates, and speed to make combat more engaging, especially when playing as a team. Q. As a game developer, what do you think are the most important elements of the gaming environment for players? Did the Odyssey OLED G8 sufficiently deliver during development and playtesting? JaeSeong: In the RPG action game Solo Leveling:ARISE, players rely heavily on visual information like character movements and the detailed environments during combat. Therefore, having a display that can clearly present this information is crucial. A large monitor, in particular, enhances the visibility of character motions and provides a broader field of view, helping you catch every detail during intense battles. The Odyssey OLED G8’s wide screen and high resolution made it easy to catch even the smallest details in the game. This helps gamers play better, too. For instance, I could see attack animations more clearly, which helped me dodge more precisely. I also noticed effects and background details that I’d missed before. ▲ The monitor’s 4K OLED screen provides clear, vibrant visuals, allowing developers and the art team to fine-tune colors and expressions for smoother gameplay. Junha: An outstanding monitor like the Odyssey OLED G8 that has great contrast and vibrant colors can really bring out the game’s unique art style, whether you’re exploring gates or summoning shadows. The Odyssey OLED G8 proved its value in the game development process. The 4K OLED’s clear images and wide color gamut were incredibly helpful for discussions with the art team on character effects, allowing us to discuss colors and expressions in greater detail. Q. What other aspects are important for action-based RPGs? JaeSeong: A high refresh rate is key for smooth gameplay. It ensures that the screen transitions are seamless, without tearing or stuttering, which reduces eye strain and makes for a more fluid and enjoyable gaming experience. ▲ JaeSeong uses the Odyssey OLED G8 to monitor gameplay performance and fine-tunes combat mechanics, ensuring smooth and immersive action sequence. Junha: To fully experience the intense combat and character animations in Solo Leveling:ARISE, you need a monitor with fast response time and high resolution. The high refresh rate of the Odyssey OLED G8 made combat in Solo Leveling:ARISE feel seamless and smooth. Q. What features of the Odyssey OLED G8 would you recommend to Solo Leveling:ARISE players? Junha: The Odyssey OLED G8 has a lot going for it, but what really stood out to me was the OLED Glare-free feature. Other monitors that use anti-reflection films usually end up dulling colors. This monitor, on the other hand, reduces glare while keeping the image vibrant and clear. ▲ Junha gives an overview of how the game allows players to choose their own playstyle, enabling them to adapt strategies to different bosses and challenges. The OLED Glare-free feature reduces glare while maintaining vibrant and clear colors, ensuring an optimal experience without compromising image quality. Also, the Dynamic Black Equalizer feature really helps in dark dungeons, making hidden details easier to spot and enhancing the overall gaming experience. I highly recommend players take advantage of this feature to elevate their gaming experience and enjoy every detail. * OLED Glare-free: A UL-verified technology that reduces glare from external light sources and provides a screen that is 54% less glossy than conventional Anti-Reflection film.2 * Dynamic Black Equalizer: A feature that analyzes the brightness of game scenes and adjusts sharpness, saturation, and black details automatically, while improving visibility in dark areas, allowing for more detailed black levels. ▲ The Dynamic Black Equalizer enhances visibility in dark areas by automatically adjusting sharpness, saturation and black details for a more immersive gaming experience. JaeSeong: One feature I think players will find super useful is the Game Bar. By selecting the genre you’re playing, the Game Bar automatically optimizes picture quality and sound for that specific genre. According to the selected genre, the display’s brightness is adjusted for better visibility and it delivers richer sound, which really pulls you deeper into the game. ▲ The Game Bar optimizes picture quality and sound based on the selected genre, adjusting brightness and enhancing sound to create a more immersive gaming experience. Q. Any final thoughts for players enjoying Solo Leveling:ARISE? Junha: I hope you get to fully immerse yourself in the amazing art and combat of Solo Leveling:ARISE with a gaming monitor that supports a high refresh rate and resolution. The Odyssey OLED G8, with its 4K 240Hz display and fast response time, is an excellent choice for this game.3 JaeSeong: The Odyssey OLED G8’s gaming features make it a great pick for smooth, immersive gameplay. My advice is to experiment with different strategies and combat styles in Solo Leveling:ARISE, to find your own playstyle and really get the most out of the experience. 1 ⓒ DUBU (REDICE STUDIO), Chugong, h-goon 2018 / D&C MEDIA ⓒ Netmarble Corp. & Netmarble Neo Inc. All Rights Reserved. 2 Based on internal test results. 3 Refresh rate may vary based on the performance of the input source. View the full article

Samsung Electronics’ The Premiere is back and more powerful than ever, after revolutionizing the premium projector market with its 2020 debut. Apart from its celebrated home cinema capabilities, The Premiere lineup has been enhanced with an array of new lifestyle features to broaden functionality beyond mere video viewing. Samsung Newsroom met with developers Jaeyoung Park, Seonbin Jang and Jonguk Shin from the Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics to discuss The Premiere’s new features and next steps for the projector. ▲ (From left) Jaeyoung Park, Seonbin Jang and Jonguk Shin Ultra-Short Throw: Embracing a New Era of Home Cinema Within a year of its launch in 2020, The Premiere ascended to the top of the premium projector market in North America — achieving this feat by delivering an unparalleled home cinema experience to users. The true value of The Premiere’s home cinema features became evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. As more people stayed at home, the online streaming industry expanded and brought projectors into the spotlight. The ultra-short throw projector segment, a category that includes The Premiere, represented just 7.2%1 of the premium home cinema projector market in 2019. However, following the pandemic, this share grew to 22.5% by 2023. ▲ The Premiere 9 The Premiere’s biggest advantage lies in its convenience. Utilizing ultra-short throw technology with an aspherical mirror, the projector eliminates the need for ceiling mounts or a separate shelf to achieve an optimal projection distance. Users can simply place The Premiere directly in front of the desired wall, much like a TV, and screen adjustments can be made effortlessly via a remote control or mobile device. The Premiere 9 and The Premiere 7 are ideal for creating a personal movie theater, offering immersive screen sizes of up to 130 and 120 inches, respectively. Color Wheel: Rotates rapidly in sync with the video signal to ensure images display the correct colors. Typically features 3 to 8 color sections. Digital Micromirror Device (DMD): Precisely adjusts millions of tiny mirrors mounted on a microchip according to the video signal. This part is crucial in creating high image quality and resolution on projectors. Triple Laser Technology: Fires lasers of the three primary colors of light — red, green and blue — to produce bright, sharp images. Contributes to brighter projections by reducing light loss in steps such as the color wheel. Aspherical Mirror: Allows for ultra-short throw projection. Following numerous simulations, Samsung engineers came up with the optimal curvature and applied it to the new The Premiere projector. ▲ A simplified conceptualization of two major Digital Light Processing (DLP) beam projector types “The remarkable thing about ultra-short throw projectors is their ability to create a large screen with minimal space between the device and wall,” said Shin, who led development for The Premiere. “The Premiere 9, for instance, creates a 100-inch screen with just 9.4 inches of space between the wall and device.” ▲ The Premiere 9 can project screens up to 130 inches. (Note: Screen sizes in column A measured diagonally, not vertically) “Home cinema projectors are all about delivering the best possible screen experience within a given space.” – Jonguk Shin, Visual Display Business, Samsung Electronics Upgrading With a Focus on Lifestyle Following a successful debut, the team wanted more. They were resolute in transforming The Premiere into a comprehensive lifestyle product with value extending beyond home cinema. “Our goal was to offer a wider range of use for The Premiere users,” explained Jang, who led product planning for The Premiere. ▲ Customize your space and set the right mood by projecting photos, color effects, background scenes and themes on your wall with The Premiere. Custom Ambient, one of the newly added features, allows users to freely edit photos and videos through the SmartThings app on their smartphone and project them onto the wall. Users can even place widgets like a real-time clock onto the wall for everyday décor or use an animated effect like waves to make a splash during a party. “Custom Ambient draws inspiration from The Freestyle’s Ambient Mode which is frequently used to upload social media posts,” he continued. “With The Premiere, users can create their own personalized space, even when they’re not watching videos.” ▲ Jaeyoung Park discusses The Premiere’s new lifestyle features of The Premiere. Now with Samsung Gaming Hub installed, the projector’s entertainment capabilities have been significantly enhanced. Users can enjoy games from the cloud on the big screen without connecting a PC or gaming console. Of course, there are also plenty of HDMI slots (three) for those who want to connect PCs or gaming consoles, too. “I often play racing games with my kids at home, and The Premiere’s 100-inch screen is perfect for the four of us to play on via split-screen without feeling cramped,” said Park. ▲ There are notable aesthetic differences between the first (left in each picture) and new (right) versions of The Premiere. The 2024 version features a more compact front with a warmer shade of Kvadrat fabric to better match home décor. When turned off, The Premiere can also function as a smart speaker. “The Premiere 9 features a built-in 40W 2.2.2 channel up-firing speaker that delivers powerful sound,” he added. “The Premiere 9 features front-firing units like a soundbar along with ample space for audio to resonate for deeper, richer acoustics compared to other form factors. Bixby can help users to enjoy immersive audio without turning on the screen with voice commands to stream music or launch podcast apps.” Brighter With Advanced Laser Technology Unlike TVs in which users view light directly from the panel, projectors reflect light off the projection surface. As a result, the right components and software technology are necessary to achieving high image quality. Advanced laser technology also contributes to The Premiere’s large crystal-clear screen. The Premiere 9 utilizes triple laser technology, leveraging laser light sources from the three primary colors red, green and blue. In contrast, The Premiere 7 employs single laser technology with a blue light source, supporting a wider color gamut and higher color accuracy compared to lamp-based or LED projectors. The Premiere 9 and The Premiere 7 deliver up to 154% and 100% of the DCI-P32 color gamut, respectively, and both models support HDR10+ to ensure crisp, vibrant images even in bright environments. ▲ The Premiere 9 features triple laser technology for brighter, sharper images. Another key strength of The Premiere lineup is the abundant brightness offered. “The Premiere 9 delivers a peak brightness of up to 3,450 ISO lumens3 with triple laser technology, while The Premiere 7 offers up to 2,500 ISO lumens with single laser technology,” said Shin. “The higher maximum brightness provides clearer picture quality and a more comfortable viewing experience compared to previous models. The laser light source also boasts a long lifespan and consumes less power than traditional lamp-based projectors. In other words, maintenance costs may actually be lower.” Smarter, AI-Powered Home Cinema Despite its numerous usability features, the essence of The Premiere remains centered on watching videos. “In an internal survey of The Premiere users, 90% of respondents indicated that they purchased the device to watch movies,” said Jang. “Samsung’s robust hardware and AI technology, long recognized as No. 1 in TVs, have enhanced the picture and sound quality of The Premiere.” – Jaeyoung Park, Visual Display Business, Samsung Electronics To deliver a premium home cinema experience, the developers focused on elevating picture and sound quality. Automation through AI technology was key. With 4K AI Upscaling, The Premiere delivers vibrant 4K resolution and significant improvements in picture quality. The Vision Booster leverages a light sensor to automatically detect and adjust ambient brightness in real time and calibrate color and contrast using an algorithm for optimal picture quality. “The Premiere is smarter than ever before,” said Park. “Samsung’s robust hardware and AI technology, long recognized as No. 1 in TVs, have enhanced the picture and sound quality of The Premiere.” ▲ Jonguk Shin explains the advantages of ultra-short throw technology. While Samsung has retained the acclaimed built-in speakers from The Premiere’s predecessor, the 2024 lineup has introduced a variety of new AI features for audio as well. In addition to Dolby Atmos technology, an essential for immersive movie-watching, several AI-driven sound technologies have been incorporated including: Active Voice Amplifier (AVA) Pro, a feature that distinguishes voices from ambient noise and adjusts the voice volume accordingly. Object Tracking Sound (OTS), a feature that synchronizes sound with movements on screen. Adaptive Sound, a feature that automatically optimizes audio based on the surrounding environment. Additionally, Q-Symphony allows users to connect wireless speakers for a more holistic listening experience. ▲ The Premiere projectors feature a minimalist, warm white design with rounded edges and a premium fabric finish from Kvadrat, a Danish textile design company that seamlessly blends in with any home decor. In the back, there is a Digital Audio Out (Optical) port and three HDMI ports, a LAN port as well as ex-Link and IR ports for better remote control Transcending the Limits of Space for Immersion What started as a movie projector for theaters, the modern projector has thrived due to its unique ability to transcend space — overcoming the physical constraints of screen size and location. Now, the advent of ultra-short throw technology has significantly mitigated the issues of space and passer-by shadows traditionally associated with beam projectors. ▲ Seonbin Jang describes the appeal of projectors. As The Premiere continues to lead the way in the premium home projector market, what is next for this innovative device? “Our goal is to seamlessly integrate projector screens to more spaces, such as walls and ceilings in homes,” said Park. “The unique beauty of projectors is their ability to project beyond the physical confines of frame,” Jang reiterated. “In the future, we hope to evolve this into a spatial display that transcends the limitations of projection space — ultimately achieving a truly immersive screen experience, everywhere and anywhere.” “Home cinema projectors are all about delivering the best possible screen experience within a given space,” concluded Shin. “We are committed to overcoming physical constraints to maximize the consumer experience.” 1 Mainstream & High-end Home Cinema category, excluding China, based on revenue. <Projector Reports> by PMA Research, March 2023 2 The Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI) standard color gamut 3 Brightness level based on the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) View the full article

Samsung Electronics today announced that seven models1 in its 2024 Neo QLED and QLED lineup are the first in the industry to receive both the True Cinema Black and HDR Brightness Accuracy certifications from Verband Deutscher Elektrotechniker (VDE), a leading German electrical engineering certification institute. “Technology continues to advance, enabling us to deliver an unmatched cinematic experience right in our customers’ homes,” said Yongjae Kim, Executive Vice President and Deputy Head of R&D Team, Visual Display Business. “We are committed to setting the highest standards for picture quality in both high-resolution and big-screen TVs, and we are proud that our Neo QLED TVs have earned these industry-first certifications from VDE.” Bringing Film Colors to Life Six of Samsung’s 2024 Neo QLED 8K and 4K models, as well as one QLED 4K model, obtain industry’s first HDR Brightness Accuracy certification. This certification assures that these models accurately reproduce the brightness levels of HDR content, staying true to HDR standards and delivering picture quality that closely matches what the human eye perceives.2 HDR technology enhances both the bright and dark areas of an image, providing detailed and realistic visuals that bring films to life. Whether in a living room, bedroom, office or kitchen, Samsung’s Neo QLED and QLED TVs offer customers the opportunity to enjoy exceptional cinematic quality in any environment. Elevating the Home Viewing Experience These seven models in Samsung’s 2024 Neo QLED and QLED lineup have also set a new benchmark in home entertainment by becoming the first to earn the True Cinema Black certification,3 which highlights the exceptional local dimming performance. The TVs are capable of transforming wide aspect ratio films into a 4:3 format, fitting the screen precisely without any light blooming, thus preserving the cinematic integrity. The certification is based on strict evaluations of black levels in the Letterbox area of the screen, ensuring that these areas remain deep and immersive when viewing official footage from the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) — within the guidelines of the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA®). The superior local dimming performance eliminates unwanted light interference, allowing viewers to experience movies as they were intended, with deep blacks and vivid details, akin to a theater experience. Samsung’s commitment to innovation and quality has led to the development of TVs that meet the highest standards in the industry. With the True Cinema Black and HDR Brightness Accuracy certifications, the 2024 Neo QLED lineup are poised to deliver an unparalleled home viewing experience so users can enjoy world-class picture quality in any setting. 1 Neo QLED 8K (QN900D, QN800D, QN990C), Neo QLED 4K (QN95D, QN90D, QN87D/QN88D, QN85D), QLED(Q80D, Q80C). Applied models may vary by region. 2 HDR Brightness Accuracy is the cumulative change compared to the PQ standard within the range of 0 to 1,000 nits in HDR. 3 True Cinema Black is the average black level of the letterbox area of ​​HDR video using ASC footage. View the full article

On September 5, Samsung Electronics highlighted its vision of “AI for All” ahead of IFA 2024 — Europe’s largest consumer electronics trade show held from September 6-10 in Berlin, Germany. The press conference underscored Samsung’s commitment to democratizing AI as well as the transformative power of Galaxy AI with notable figures from Samsung and partner companies outlining how Samsung’s AI advancements are reshaping user experiences and contributing to a more sustainable and inclusive world. Below are visual assets from Samsung Electronics’ press conference at IFA 2024. AI for All: Like Sprinkling Magic Dust Into Everyday Life ▲Benjamin Braun, Chief Marketing Officer of Samsung Europe, opened the event by honoring IFA’s rich 100-year history. As part of the presentation, he showed a simulated video of Albert Einstein’s IFA 1930 keynote would look like using the power of Samsung’s different AI technologies, such as AI Upscaling, AI Active Voice Amplifier and Galaxy AI. ▲ “This year [Samsung] aim to have 200 million AI enabled devices,” said Benjamin Braun, Chief Marketing Officer of Samsung Europe. *separate images available below AI Meets World: More Inclusive and Sustainable ▲ Citing Samsung’s first Mobile AI Report, Dr. Chris Brauer, Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) at AI strategy, solutions and research firm Symmetry, said that “frequent mobile AI users are about 1.4 times more likely to report a high quality of life compared to those who rarely use it.” ▲ “AI Energy Mode in SmartThings Energy can save up to 70% of energy consumption in [Samsung] washing machines by using Ecobubble and AI Wash technologies,” said Katharina Mayer, Head of LifeStyle Lab Europe, Digital Appliances, Samsung Electronics. *separate images available below AI Meets You: More Productivity, Simplicity and Enjoyment ▲”Intel and Samsung have worked together for over 20 years,” said David Feng from Intel. “By combining the power of the newest Core Ultra processors with Samsung’s mobile leadership and our joint belief in an open ecosystem, the Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 unlocks the next level of cross-device AI experiences.” *separate images available below ▲”[The Galaxy Book4 Edge powered by Snapdragon X Elite] is built for AI, putting the world of intelligence at the heart of your PC,” said Nitin Kumar from Qualcomm *separate images available below ▲ (left) “[Our SmartThings ecosystem] can connect thousands of Samsung and non-Samsung devices and has over 350 million subscribers globally,” said Deborah Honig, VP of One Samsung at Samsung UK. “Now at IFA, we are introducing SmartThings Pro for the first time. A new platform to help businesses easily manage their connected devices and energy usage.” ▲ (right) “The only thing it doesn’t do is prepare the food for you,” Deborah Honig, VP of One Samsung at Samsung UK joked about the Samsung Food app. *separate images available below ▲”Our free Samsung Health app, [is] already used by over 64 million people worldwide,” said Stephanie Chosen, Brand & Product Marketing Manager at Samsung UK. ▲ “Samsung AI TV is set to become the hub of an AI-powered smart home system,” said Stephanie Chosen, Brand & Product Marketing Manager at Samsung UK. ▲ Benjamin Braun, CMO of Samsung Europe, announces the Music Frame WICKED Edition. ▲ Benjamin Braun, CMO of Samsung Europe, took a selfie with the crowd using Galaxy Z Flip6 and the gesture control on Galaxy Ring at the company’s press conference at IFA 2024. View the full article