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By Samsung Newsroom
“Tizen is a homegrown platform that continues to evolve”
– Jeongsik Cheon, Visual Display Business, Samsung Electronics
Viewers around the world have come to expect more from their TVs. Today, people don’t just flip through channels but also use TVs to access streaming services, workout routines and social media. They even connect their home appliances to their TVs, expanding what used to be a viewing device into the centerpiece of a smart home ecosystem.
These new experiences require open collaboration with service providers and greater compatibility with a plethora of devices. So 10 years ago, Samsung’s Visual Display Business made the bold decision to forgo its tried-and-true closed operating system (OS) and create an open one. That open OS is Tizen.
▲ Since its launch in 2015, Tizen has become a dominant OS for smart TVs.
Hundreds of millions of TVs now feature Tizen, which is poised to bring more artificial intelligence (AI) features into the fold.
Five developers from Samsung Electronics’ Visual Display Business recently shared behind-the-scenes stories with Samsung Newsroom about how they revolutionized the TV experience. Kwangsub Byun, Jeongsik Cheon and Youngsoo Kang helped the transition to Tizen a decade ago. Sunyong Jung and Seoyoung Hwang currently fine-tune Tizen for Samsung’s TVs.
▲ (From left to right) Youngsoo Kang, Jeongsik Cheon, Kwangsub Byun, Sunyong Jung and Seoyoung Hwang
New Wine, New Wineskin
First deployed in 2011, Orsay was the stable, proven OS that Samsung used for its TVs. As a closed platform, Orsay followed the traditional TV model — focusing on effectively handling signals from each physical input with additional services largely depending on features planned, designed and programmed prior to shipment.
A closed operating system is completely owned and controlled by its primary developer testing, maintenance and quality management easier. But this very exclusivity makes it hard for external players to make contributions.
▲ The evolution of Samsung’s TV operating systems
In contrast, the source code in an open operating system is available to the public and can be more freely modified and distributed. This makes it easier to attract third-party developers as well as create and share development tools.
Tizen is an open platform, running on open-source software. This openness was the main reason Samsung decided to make the switch, explained Byun.
“The concept behind Tizen was to bring in various outside developers and expand the ecosystem,” he said. Rather than imagine and create each and every new TV experience, Samsung would commit to its philosophy of open collaboration.
▲ Youngsoo Kang explains the differences between Orsay and Tizen.
Another difference between the two operating systems is the mode of processing, Kang explained. Tizen is capable of carrying out multiple operations simultaneously, whereas Orsay only handled one task at a time.
Kang used a transportation analogy to explain the difference. Orsay is like a bus that many people share, even though each passenger has a different destination.
“Each person boards the bus with their luggage,” he said. “When one rider encounters a challenge, everyone on the bus is affected.”
Tizen, on the other hand, is more like a road that people travel on in their own vehicles.
“Everyone has their own ride,” Kang continued. “If one driver has a problem, it doesn’t affect the other drivers on the road. Each driver can solve their own problems.”
For a smart TV — which must be flexible enough to meet customers’ varied needs — he said Tizen’s multiprocessing capabilities make it a more efficient choice.
“I wondered why we had to take such a tough path when our TV business was doing well with Orsay. But looking back, Tizen was the right way.”
– Youngsoo Kang, Visual Display Business, Samsung Electronics
A Leap of Faith
Buy-in was one thing, but execution was another. A fundamental change such as an OS switch is no small endeavor. Tizen’s multiprocessing design presented several technical complications, and having to comply with open standards added to the challenge. The team was under significant pressure.
“We knew there would be no turning back,” said Byun. “And we were all in. We were going to apply Tizen to all our models, not just some of them.”
Compared to the development of Orsay, not only were processes such as coding, testing and quality checking totally altered, but the sheer number of people involved in the project increased as well. Many of them worked in different time zones.
Yet, there were also advantages to changing to an open-source platform. For one, the work proceeded faster with each step.
“When developing Orsay, developers had to generate lines of code one by one and wait for hours to run simulations,” he added. “Working overnight was a daily routine. We told each other that it was like working with a stone ax.”
With open-source modules and development tools to work with, building Tizen for Samsung TVs became a faster process.
▲ (From left) Orsay developers Youngsoo Kang, Jeongsik Cheon and Kwangsub Byun
To maximize the advantage of an open-source platform, the Tizen team focused on creating a streamlined environment for the developers, publishing the application programming interface (API) and using open standards.
The developers also made efforts to distribute software development kits (SDKs) while opening resources to make the architecture and licensing more accessible. As a result, Samsung Smart TV users now enjoy a wealth of external apps — such as Netflix, Spotify and Apple TV — in addition to Samsung’s own services.
“The transition to Tizen was like breaking out of our shells,” said Kang, one of the more senior developers. “Sometimes I wondered why we had to take such a tough path when our TV business was doing well with Orsay. But looking back, Tizen was the right way. Now, I’m ready for the next step.”
New Smart Experiences Through Tizen
With Tizen, Samsung expanded its sphere of expertise in TVs beyond hardware to software and greatly impacted the TV ecosystem. Tizen is considered the ideal operating system to advance the smart home concept, since it not only connects devices to each other but also gives users access to a broad range of interconnected services and content.
As of the end of 2023, Tizen powered 270 million Samsung Smart TVs — making it one of the most widely deployed operating systems in the TV industry. Given the positive feedback from the market, Jung couldn’t be more proud.
“Samsung TVs are structured very intuitively,” said Jung. “When you look at the menu, you immediately understand the whole interface. There are only a few buttons to press or movements to make to arrange the settings as you want. We’ve drastically reduced the number of steps required to make Tizen superior to other operating systems.”
▲ (From left) Tizen developers Sunyong Jung and Seoyoung Hwang
“Even though it’s an open-source platform, many advantages come from the fact that we developed it ourselves,” Jung continued. “We can freely try out new services and, when they’re ready, provide them right away. Samsung TV Plus is a great example of how we introduced a new streaming and video-on-demand service that’s streamlined with prior TV experiences that users are familiar with. We’re also receiving great feedback about the new Samsung Gaming Hub.”
Tizen has also made smart TV services an important revenue stream. Samsung TV Plus and Samsung Gaming Hub complement TV sales by generating profit after sales, Jung explained.
“We’re constantly making efforts to improve the platform and expand our lineup of licensed products to increase our market appeal,” he said.
“Tizen is a home-grown platform that continues to evolve,” agreed Cheon, who took part in the transition from Orsay to Tizen.
“I want to leave behind something meaningful to those who come after me.”
– Seoyoung Hwang, Visual Display Business, Samsung Electronics
Tizen as an AI Champion
▲ Seoyoung Hwang explains how Tizen will allow AI technology to shine.
AI is becoming the focus of increasing attention in the tech industry. Hwang points out that Tizen played a key role in equipping TVs with AI functions.
“Like upscaling, Samsung TVs have been using AI technology to improve picture and sound quality for many years,” she said. “The processing power and flexibility that Tizen provides is a big part of how that’s possible.”
Thanks to Tizen and some dramatic hardware upgrades, Samsung TVs now offer more AI features that holistically improve the user experience.
“2024 Samsung QLED 8K can recognize game genres and automatically set the best screen mode for a particular game,” she said. “The TV can also personalize content recommendations based on the user’s preferences.”
AI functions on the Tizen platform will soon become more advanced and further heighten the user experience, she added.
Since its launch, Tizen was a flexible operating system that supported various other form factors. For Samsung’s Visual Display Business, smart TVs and monitors, beam projectors and business-to-business signage products like The Wall add to the list of Tizen-powered devices. Jung says that newer devices, such as the AI companion Ballie, will also be equipped with Tizen.
“We can use the high-performance computing resources embedded in Ballie as an edge device to complement various in-home uses,” Hwang said. “This is an exemplary case of using AI technology through hyperconnectivity. To provide various AI services, we need platform technologies such as cloud, on-device and edge. I think the Tizen platform will play a pivotal role in this regard.”
Eyes Ahead to the Future of TV
Tizen was born from a bold decision Samsung made to provide the best experiences to its users. This paved the way for smart TVs. Now, Samsung continues to help foster the use of AI across various form factors.
▲ (From left to right) Youngsoo Kang, Sunyong Jung, Byun Kwangsub, Jeongsik Cheon and Seoyoung Hwang
When asked what Tizen meant to her, Hwang expressed respect for the developers at Samsung who took that initial leap of faith.
“Embedded in Tizen is the wisdom of my senior colleagues who paved the way,” she said. “I want to leave behind something meaningful to those who come after me as well.”
“I think of Tizen as a ladder to the future,” Jung added. “The possibilities are infinite.”
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[Interview] A Journey Into the Colorful World of Open Impressionism: Erin Hanson x Samsung Art StoreBy Samsung Newsroom
“I know my pieces are influencing AI models and millions of digital paintings. While I’m not sure where this trend will lead, I do know that original art created by humans will always be the basis of any technology in the future.”
– Erin Hanson, painter
Erin Hanson’s artistic journey is as vivid as the landscapes she paints. Drawing from the dramatic hues of Red Rock Canyon in Nevada and the Pacific coast, Hanson uses bold colors and textured brushstrokes in her signature style of “Open Impressionism.”
Through Samsung’s long-standing partnership with Saatchi Art, customers can access her unique works and access her colorful world on Samsung Art Store. Samsung Newsroom sat down with Hanson to discuss the scenery that inspires her and hear how technology is blurring boundaries in the art world by merging the physical with the digital.
▲ Erin Hanson
Letting Creativity Bloom
Q: Tell us a bit about your artistic journey. When did you begin painting?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to be an artist. I started with oil paintings when I was 8 years old and explored other mediums — but I was always drawn back to oils since that’s what the masters painted in. When I hold a brush full of buttery paint and breathe in the smell of oils, I feel directly connected to the great painters of the past.
Q: Please tell us more about Open Impressionism.
People kept telling me that my paintings were distinctive and instantly recognizable, so I formed the term Open Impressionism after I had crafted about 400 paintings in this unique style. My focus is on color, light and the feeling of being surrounded by beauty in the outdoors. I call my style “open” because my inspiration comes from open-air landscapes. I use the impasto technique and keep my impressionistic paintings highly textured without smearing or blending colors. Through decisive brushstrokes, I let the underpainting peek out to give my works the appearance of stained glass or a mosaic.
▲ Dawning Saguaro (2021)
Q: Your paintings often feature stunning natural landscapes. What are your favorite locations? How have they influenced your creative process?
My first muses were the rocky landscapes of Nevada and southern Utah — the saturated colors of the scenic desert gave me endless subject matter whenever I went rock climbing at Red Rock Canyon. I’ve now explored many national parks and monuments including Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Monument Valley, the Grand Canyon and Canyon de Chelly.
When I moved back to California, I started exploring Carmel and Mendocino on the Pacific coast. I fell in love with painting the vineyards, oak trees and rolling hills of California’s wine country. Yosemite and Lake Tahoe always draw me in with their dramatic colors and seasons.
“When I hold a brush full of buttery paint and breathe in the smell of oils, I feel directly connected to the great painters of the past.”
Framing Nature’s Beauty
Q: Your painting “Coastal Poppies II” is a favorite among users of The Frame. How did you translate this captivating piece for a digital platform?
“Coastal Poppies II” is inspired by one of my favorite coastal views in California, near Heart Castle and Big Sur. The painting brings me back to a time when the poppies were in full bloom, and I was standing alongside Highway 1 on the edge of the Pacific Coast — looking down into the rich aquamarine water with the salty ocean air blowing into my face. The contrast in colors and textures was so breathtaking that I completed four paintings in this series. The most recent was “Coastal Poppies IV” in 2022.
▲ Coastal Poppies II (2020)
“I formed the term Open Impressionism after I had crafted about 400 paintings in this unique style. My focus is on color, light and the feeling of being surrounded by beauty in the outdoors. I’ve [now] painted more than 3,000 oil pieces in [this] style”
Q: Can you share how you feel about your work being displayed on The Frame?
I like The Frame because the art is displayed on a wall, right where a real painting would hang. My fans and collectors can experience the brushstrokes and rhythms of texture within the painting which can be difficult to see on smaller displays.
I am also amazed at how well the Frame recreates the vibrant colors of my artwork. My impressionist paintings are all about color, and I love how the Frame captures the colors so accurately!
*Editor’s note: In 2024, The Frame became the first in the industry to earn the Pantone® Validated ArtfulColor certification. The Matte Display also minimizes light reflection to help viewers admire art under overhead room lights or even daylight.
Q: Out of all your pieces that users can display on The Frame, which are your top three picks?
My favorites are “Coastal Poppies II,” “Apple Blossoms” and “Cherry Blossoms.”
▲ Apple Blossoms (2023)
“Apple Blossoms” was inspired by a 30-year-old apple tree on my property. Since I moved up to the Willamette Valley in the Oregon wine country, I’ve been attracted to the four seasons in the Northwest.
▲ Cherry Blossom (2023)
“Cherry Blossom” captures a grove of blooming cherry trees near my gallery in McMinnville, Oregon. With pink cherry blossoms against a perfect blue sky, the painting is truly a harbinger of spring.
Q: “Apple Blossoms” will be part of Samsung Art Store’s April curated collection, “Spring in Bloom.” What can users expect?
The “Spring in Bloom” collection will capture everything there is to love about springtime. I live in Oregon, where spring arrives after a long, cold and wet winter. It feels like that moment in “The Wizard of Oz” when the world turns to technicolor — almost like someone flipped a switch one night, and the world is suddenly full of daffodils, mustard fields and flowering plum and cherry trees. I hope users get to experience that same kind of wonder and magic when they see this collection.
“My dream is to create an immersive Erin Hanson experience where people can step right into my paintings [in a digital environment] and be surrounded by moving pictures of my artwork”
Embracing Immersive Art Through Technology
Q: Can you share more about what drew you to work with Saatchi Art, a longtime partner of the Art Store?
Beyond showing its works on The Frame, Saatchi Art is the best online hub for showcasing original artwork. The art collection is well-curated, with, and there is an amazing variety of styles and mediums. The fact that there is something for everyone makes it a great way for collectors to find new artwork, again and again. I have been selling my work through Saatchi Art for over a decade now. The Saatchi team is always helpful and easy to work with.
Q: Traditional art galleries allow viewers to experience paintings in person and fully appreciate the texture, brushstrokes and scale. How do you think digital formats impact the way people engage with art?
I’ve painted more than 3,000 oil pieces in my Open Impressionism style — and truthfully, I struggled to find ways to share my work with fans and collectors. Although I have several coffee table books and many paper prints, the best way to share my collections is through digital formats.
For digital formats, we typically look for compositions that work well on a long, horizontal layout. To obtain such high-resolution images of my paintings, we use a large scanner in my gallery that takes up the entire room. The scanner photographs the paintings from above using five different light angles, so we can control the amount of shadow that is visible in the final images. This variation gives the illusion of three dimensions, so you can almost reach out and feel the brushstrokes.
In addition, we map my oil paintings to produce high-resolution, three-dimensional textured prints. They’re so lifelike that most people can’t tell the difference between the replica and the original.
My dream is to create an immersive Erin Hanson experience where people can step right into my paintings and be surrounded by moving pictures of my artwork. In a digital environment like this, visitors can appreciate a larger quantity of art than the dozen or so pieces they might see hanging in a gallery or festival setting.
Q: Do you see technology playing an increasingly significant role in the art world? If so, how do you anticipate this trend to unfold in the years to come?
I am sure technical innovators will continue to find new ways to create and share artwork. For example, bigger The Frame TVs would allow art lovers to display even larger works of art on their walls. I know my pieces are influencing AI models and millions of digital paintings. While I’m not sure where this trend will lead, I do know that original art created by humans will always be the basis of any technology in the future. A computer may be able to alter and combine different paintings to create a new piece, but the original images were all created by individual artists who viewed the world in their own distinct ways.
Q: Can you tell us about any upcoming projects?
This year, I am traveling to France to follow in the footsteps of the impressionists and visit all the famously painted locations in Paris, following the Seine to Arles and Le Havre in southern France. I will be visiting the windowsill where Van Gogh sat and painted “Starry Night” and exploring the gardens that Monet so famously painted. This has been a dream of mine for several years, and it is finally coming true. Afterward, I plan to create a collection of French-inspired works in homage to the 150th anniversary of the first impressionist exhibition.
The works from this collection, “Reflections of the Seine,” will be released in September. You can read more here: erinhanson.com/Event/ReflectionsoftheSeine.
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By Samsung Newsroom
▲ Invited guests gather around The Wall All-in-One to witness the unveiling of the 911 Carrera Panamericana Special
Samsung and Porsche recently hosted an exclusive event at the Porsche Center Santa Fe, Mexico City. The German luxury brand’s unveiling of the “911 Carrera Panamericana Special” was enhanced by The Wall All-in-One, a display that introduces high-resolution immersive viewing experiences in a customizable large format.
▲A feature video, displayed on The Wall All-in-One, depicts the first Porsche to finish the Panamericana Mexico
The 911 Carrera Panamericana Special, a unique car that recalls the historic achievement of the traditional endurance race and coincides with the 75th anniversary of Porsche sports cars. In an introductory film, guests were presented with a deep dive into the past and present of the car manufacturer, including the first Porsche to finish the legendary Panamericana Mexico race in 1952.
Samsung helped bring this story to life with The Wall. The Wall, with a modular design that is not limited by shape, proportion or size, can be adapted to various configurations such as Concave, Convex, S shape, Fascia or 90 °L type shapes. The bezel-less modules build a tailor-made display, expanding the screen to display extra-large life-like images.
▲The Wall, with its bezel-less modules, enables large formats without sacrificing picture quality
The Wall provides a true-to-life viewing experience that is unmatched in both size and picture quality using an array of cutting edge technologies:
a Neural Quantum Processor that analyzes and optimizes each image Black Seal technology, which offers levels of black tones that enable unparalleled contrast and immaculate detail Ultra Chroma technology, which produces vibrant colors a narrower color wavelength that results in greater color purity compared to conventional LED Displays
▲The newly unveiled 911 Carrera Panamericana Special
“For Samsung, it has been an honor to partner with Porsche in creating this event which showcases the highest quality image technology available in the Mexican market,” said Ana Laura Lira, director of B2B sales at Samsung Electronics Mexico. “The Wall is part of our new generation of screens which have made us national and international leaders in the sector with solutions that suit all needs.”
▲ Roberto Cortés, B2B Business Developer Manager, Jake Kim, B2B Business Manager, José Tarango, B2B Sales Head, Mauricio Cantu, General Manager at Porsche San Ángel / Santa Fe, Ana Lira B2B Director, Alan Godinez, B2B Presales Enginner, Omar Melendez MKT Manager at Porsche San Ángel / Santa Fe
Samsung Mexico continues to be an innovative subsidiary by creating a disruptive strategy for the placement of premium products such as The Wall, as well as generating strategic alliances with luxury brands such as Porsche to reach the most demanding markets that seek exclusivity and a high level of quality and design in all products.
To learn more about Samsung’s business solutions, visit: https://displaysolutions.samsung.com/main/index.
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By BGR
Mixed reality refers to computing experiences that involve augmented (AR) and virtual reality (VR). The most exciting mixed reality rumors in today’s tech landscape concern Apple. Its imminent AR/VR headset is expected to revolutionize this particular business. But Apple isn’t the only tech giant devising mixed reality devices. Samsung invited Google and Qualcomm to its Galaxy S23 Unpacked event on Wednesday to announce they’re working on a mixed reality platform of their own.
Qualcomm’s CEO Cristiano Amon and Google’s SVP of Android Hiroshi Lockheimer took the stage together with Samsung’s mobile division president TM Roh at the event. They discussed the hardware and software features that would power mixed reality experiences.
Amon mentioned the Snapdragon XR technology that will power Samsung products and Google experiences on mixed reality devices. “We’re working to create a new era of highly immersive digital experiences that blur the lins between our physical and digital worlds,” the CEO said.
“Google’s been investing for a long time across both experiences and technology in AR and VR,” Lockheimer said. “These technologies are integral to the new phase of computing as it can change the way we interact with people and information to get things done in the real world.”
“But delivering this next generation of experiences requires cutting-edge advanced hardware and software,” he continued. “That’s why our collaboration with Samsung and Qualcomm is so exciting.”
Apple mixed reality glasses render – side view. Image source: Ian Zelbo Lockheimer highlighted Google’s efforts to add AR experiences to Android. He said Google scaled ARCore to 1 billion Android devices. Moreover, Google supports AR search on YouTube, Google Maps, and Google Lens.
While all of that sounds exciting, the trio did not reveal any new device or a roadmap to launch one. Apple should to unveil its mixed reality headset this spring and launch it in stores by the end of the year.
Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm practically delivered a joint declaration that they want to work closely together to create gadgets that support mixed reality features. But there’s no telling how long it’ll take to see such a Samsung-branded mixed reality headset rocking Qualcomm tech and Google AR software in stores.
Also, let’s remember that Samsung manufactured smartphone-powered VR headsets before. But those gadgets weren’t exactly must-have products. The company stopped producing the Gear VR headset some six years ago.
That said, the more competition in the space, the more exciting the rollout of next-gen AR/VR headsets will be. Apple and Samsung aren’t the only tech companies developing such devices. Meta, Microsoft, Sony, and HTC are working on similar headsets or selling VR products already. The focus is more on VR content consumption than anything else when it comes to the commercially available headsets.
That’s why Apple’s upcoming $3,000 AR/VR headset is expected to change the paradigm. And many of Apple’s rivals might very well end up copying Apple’s AR/VR experience.
Apple’s one significant advantage over Samsung in this AR/VR headset race is that it controls everything. Apple makes its M-series chips that will power the AR/VR headset and creates the software for it. Samsung will need assistance from Qualcomm and Google for the critical hardware and software that will power its mixed reality headset.
Don't Miss: Samsung announces Galaxy S23 series with $799.99 starting price and 200MP cameraThe post Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm team up on mixed reality platform appeared first on BGR.
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By Samsung Newsroom
In the game world, we can become captain of a warship or the world’s fastest racer. Gamers enter their own unique virtual space via a screen. Samsung Odyssey Ark, the world’s first 55-inch 1000R curved gaming screen has introduced a new world for gamers.
How was this innovative gaming screen invented? To learn more about the entire development process from concept design to development and commercialization, Samsung Newsroom sat down with three experts who strived to create the masterpiece, Odyssey Ark: Hyun Mook Choi, who successfully turned his Odyssey Ark concept into the final product, Jisoo Kim, who worked on product design to give gamers the best gaming experience possible, and Kyuseong Lee, who designed various features to enhance game experience.
▲ (From left to right) Kyuseong Lee in Future Planning Group, Jisoo Kim in Design team, Hyun Mook Choi in Future Planning Group of Samsung’s Visual Display Business
The Start of Odyssey Ark: Offer “A Unique Gaming Space Where Gamers Can Stand Out”
Along with vertical Cockpit Mode, Odyssey Ark, the world’s first 55-inch 1000R curved gaming screen boasts an unrivalled, overwhelming presence. The completely new form factor came from the desire for space.
“I drafted the concept of Odyssey Ark thinking that everyone might have had a dream of creating their own arcade with their favorite game device.” Hyun Mook Choi, who first designed Odyssey Ark’s concept, recalled the time when he came up with the idea.
Jisoo Kim said the product design was inspired by his six-year-old boy making a fortress for his own space. He thought a flexible screen could satisfy gamers’ unique desire for their own space. They found common ground in space and refined the concept.
“In the early stages of design, we found through interviews that most game lovers wanted to have ‘a large screen that can wrap tightly around them,’” said Choi. “Gamers crave a special screen providing a great presence in their room and from that we set a goal of creating a product that gamers would want to show off.”
The difference of home gaming from home theater and home office is that it should offer “a fun escape from daily life” rather than blending in with it. “That is why we thought a rotating 55-inch 1000R curved gaming screen could mesmerize gamers with a completely different form factor,” said Kim. “Odyssey Ark was developed with a sophisticated and overwhelming design to make users feel that they can win with this gaming screen. Visual excitement was also added by allowing users to dynamically rotate the screen in any direction.”
“When devising the product plan, we paid attention to the fact that the gaming market is no longer about simply playing, but it has grown across the platform by absorbing every entertainment element, including visual aspects and increased interaction.” He proudly explained, “From the very beginning, Odyssey Ark was positioned as a ‘game changer’ to pioneer a new market.”
Built for Gaming! Back Story Behind Designing Convenient Features To Meet Individual Needs
Gamers have warmly welcomed Odyssey Ark because it seemed to read their mind. Kyuseong Lee, a gaming enthusiast and part of the Future Planning Group, joined the project and came up with ideas. “I first thought about what makes me feel uncomfortable during gameplay and made efforts to reflect the game pattern of players and their lifestyle types,” he said.
In combination with its incredible picture quality, the Odyssey Ark has become “a true gaming screen for gamers” with its analysis of gamers’ usage patterns and new gaming features, such as Flex Move Screen, Multi View and Ark Dial.
The most essential part in product development was the picture quality technology. “We adopted the same processor used in the best-quality TVs for gamers who spare no expense to play a game smoothly with incredible picture quality,” Lee said. Combined with 4K resolution, the huge display features the best gaming specifications with a 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time (GtG). In fact, it is the first 55-inch gaming screen that supports a 165Hz refresh rate.
Hyun Mook Choi, who designed Flex Move Screen, highlighted the purpose of product development saying, “Most gamers like multitasking, so they keep changing where to place the main monitor on their desk and adjust the screen size and ratio based on what to play.” Flex Move Screen allows users to choose a perfect screen size between 55- and 27-inches, as well as the screen ratio between 16:9, 21:9 and 32:9. In addition, it also helps users find the most comfortable posture by adjusting its screen position within a large, 55-inch screen.
Ark Dial, the exclusive controller for the Odyssey Ark, was designed for gamers who continuously adjust settings to save time and find shortcuts. Users can easily change the screen layout and setting with Ark Dial as well as quickly and simply control Multi View. “The internal test shows that Ark Dial drastically reduces the setting time from about one minute to five seconds,” said Kim. “For the Ark Dial test, we even rented acquaintances’ luxury vehicles and tested how smoothly it rotates and response time of the jog dial.”
In addition, the Odyssey Ark introduces overwhelmingly immersive sound with Dolby Atmos based on a 60W 2.2.2 channel and Sound Dome Tech. Choi got insight from reviews involving professional gamers, T1. “Contrary to our thoughts that all gamers would like to play a game wearing a headset, they prefer to use speakers. This clearly shows that a perfect sound direction and lifelike gaming sound effects are particularly important.” said Choi. “That is why the Odyssey Ark offers multi-channel speakers and additional woofer.”
Continuous Studies and Testing To Create Totally New Product Concept
Inventing a new product means continuous testing, experiments and studies. Moreover, strengthening the large screen’s usability on the desk was a daunting task. They adopted 1000R curvature to optimize the near-field viewing angle of the 55-inch display. A thin plate for the bottom part helps gamers efficiently use space even with the large screen.
Kim explored more than 500 videos on gaming room decorating and game-related documentaries to learn how gamers decorate and organize their space. “To develop an unprecedented 55-inch 1000R curved gaming screen, I watched videos that carry gamers’ daily life and analyzed their lifestyle,” he said.
Then, they created product mockups by using a form board and viewed the screens with projectors to find the perfect screen size and curvature as well as to realize the ambition of vertical Cockpit Mode.
Lee conducted a two-week review involving heavy gamers in the U.S. and studied every detail of gamers’ needs regarding features and interfaces. “During the four-day business trip I had to deal with real-time issues and responses day and night. But it was such a meaningful time that I even forgot how tired I was!” Lee said.
Any new feature requires significant time and effort as many people from different departments work together to verify UX, GUI, compatibility with conventional features and quality control. “I think it is the first project in which so many people from different departments joined together for a single product,” said Choi. “It is incredible that every single person actively participated in the project.”
Odyssey Ark Is Finally Here. So, What’s Next?
The Odyssey Ark surprised the world with its best-in-class gaming screen. But when asked about the next plan, every expert uniformly said, “This is only the beginning.” Lee said, “The ark is in the early stages. We will continue to update the product by reflecting gamers’ preferences.” Kim added, “I would like to overcome physical limits and create a better screen.” Choi shared his ambition saying, “We will do everything possible to allow users to seamlessly immerse themselves in any game with the Ark.” Going forward, the Odyssey Ark will continue to open new possibilities for gamers.
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