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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.
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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.
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“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.
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Samsung Electronics today announced the launch of the Music Frame WICKED Edition, a customizable wireless speaker designed to seamlessly blend into any environment and enhance the home entertainment experience. This new edition, created in partnership with Universal Pictures’ spectacular film adaptation of the iconic stage musical (in cinemas November 22), brings a unique combination of art and technology to offer consumers a personalized and immersive audio experience.
 
“We created the Music Frame to give users a way to enjoy great quality music while making a style statement that enables them to truly make the technology their own,” said Cheolgi Kim, Executive Vice President of the Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “The Music Frame WICKED Edition is a unique way to celebrate a landmark cinematic release by combining stunning sound with an engaging backstory.”
 
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jon M. Chu (“Crazy Rich Asians,” “In the Heights”), Wicked is the untold story of the witches of Oz, starring Emmy-, Grammy- and Tony-winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo (“Harriet,” Broadway’s “The Color Purple”) as Elphaba, a young woman misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart.
 
 
Unlocking the Music Within Homes With “Wicked”
In collaboration with Wicked, the Music Frame WICKED Edition offers a unique combination of functionality and aesthetic appeal. This edition includes a Wicked edition Photo Frame with three photo cards featuring autographs and images of the film’s beloved characters, including one exclusive picture only available with the Samsung Music Frame WICKED Edition.
 

 
Further enhancing the experience, the WICKED Edition comes with a specially designed limited edition Wicked-themed bezel and customized Wicked-themed packaging, adding an extra touch of excitement and making the unboxing experience truly enchanting.
 
The Music Frame also comes fully customizable, allowing users to effortlessly match their home decor with photo frames and optional art panels. The sleek and slim design, combined with a discreet wall-mount bracket and slim power cable, ensures the Music Frame blends seamlessly into any environment.
 

Elevating Homes With Immersive Sound and Smart Features
With its rich, immersive sound, the Music Frame WICKED Edition enables users to transform their living space into a surround sound haven. Equipped with Dolby Atmos technology, it creates a multidimensional audio experience that brings every note and sound to life. The Music Frame can also work closely with other compatible Samsung screens and soundbars using the Q-Symphony feature, which offers a more immersive, three-dimensional sound experience.
 
Boasting two-channel 120W sound quality, the Music Frame WICKED Edition incorporates clear and powerful sound via SpaceFit Sound Pro for optimized audio based on the acoustics of a given room, as well as Adaptive Sound that adjusts audio settings based on content to deliver premium audio performance. These features ensure that the Music Frame WICKED Edition offers exceptional sound quality and versatility, making it a perfect addition to any home.
 
The built-in Alexa and Chromecast offer easy smart home integration with supported devices, while Airplay and Tap Sound provide seamless connectivity with Android and iOS devices. Versatile connectivity options — including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Optical — ensure the device meets all audio needs.
 
Available in North America starting from the end of October 2024, with a subsequent rollout to other regions, the Music Frame WICKED Edition will be sold through Samsung’s official online store and select retail locations. For more information, visit Samsung.com.
 
 
About Universal Pictures’ Wicked
After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen as a spectacular, generation-defining cinematic event this holiday season.
Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, Broadway’s The Color Purple) as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart.
The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Glinda’s unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba’s determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
The film also stars Oscar® winner Michelle Yeoh as Shiz University’s regal headmistress Madame Morrible; Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton, Fellow Travelers) as Fiyero, a roguish and carefree prince; Tony nominee Ethan Slater (Broadway’s Spongebob Squarepants, Fosse/Verdon) as Boq, an altruistic Munchkin student; Marissa Bode in her feature-film debut as Nessarose, Elphaba’s favored sister; and pop culture icon Jeff Goldblum as the legendary Wizard of Oz.
The cast of characters includes Pfannee and ShenShen, two conniving compatriots of Glinda played by Emmy nominee Bowen Yang (Saturday Night Live) and Bronwyn James (Harlots); a new character created for the film, Miss Coddle, played by Tony nominee Keala Settle (The Greatest Showman) and four-time Emmy winner Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones) as the voice of Dr. Dillamond.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights), Wicked is the first chapter of a two-part immersive, cultural celebration. Wicked Part Two is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on November 26, 2025.
Wicked is produced by Marc Platt (La La Land, The Little Mermaid), whose films, television shows and stage productions have earned a combined 46 Oscar® nominations, 58 Emmy nominations and 36 Tony nominations, and by multiple Tony winner David Stone (Kimberly Akimbo, Next to Normal), with whom Platt produced the blockbuster Wicked stage musical. The executive producers are David Nicksay, Stephen Schwartz and Jared LeBoff.
Based on the bestselling novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked is adapted for the screen by the stage production’s book writer Winnie Holzman and by legendary Grammy and Oscar® winning composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz. The Broadway stage musical is produced by Universal Stage Productions, Marc Platt, the Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone.
 
About Universal Pictures
Universal Pictures is a division of Universal Studios (www.universalstudios.com). Universal Studios is part of NBCUniversal. NBCUniversal is one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group and world-renowned theme parks. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.
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Samsung Electronics today announced the unveiling of its latest gaming monitors with a particular focus on the groundbreaking Odyssey 3D, which offers glasses-free 3D viewing, at Gamescom 2024 in Cologne, Germany.
 
Gamescom 2024, held from August 21 to 25, is the world’s largest gaming exhibition and features more than 1,400 exhibitors, including hardware, software and game content producers. Samsung will showcase its high-end gaming monitors — including the new Odyssey 3D and models from the Odyssey G6, G8 and G9 series — at its booth, which spans 800m2 and is the company’s largest and most immersive booth to date.
 
“We are thrilled to present our glasses-free 3D gaming monitor at Gamescom, the world’s largest gaming exhibition,” said Hoon Chung, Executive Vice President of Enterprise Business Team, Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “Samsung remains committed to leading the premium gaming monitor market by continuously developing cutting-edge technologies that enhance the gaming experience.”
 
 
Glasses-Free 3D Gaming With Odyssey 3D
The Odyssey 3D’s innovative light field display (LFD) technology creates lifelike 3D images from 2D content by using a lenticular lens1 on the front panel. Combined with Eye Tracking and View Mapping technology, Odyssey 3D ensures an optimized 3D experience without the need for separate 3D glasses. Eye Tracking monitors the movement of both eyes using a built-in stereo camera, while View Mapping continuously adjusts the image to enhance depth perception.
 
The Odyssey 3D can seamlessly switch between 2D and 3D modes based on the user’s preference. Offered in 27” and 37” sizes, it features a 4K resolution display, a rapid 1ms gray-to-gray (GTG) response time and a high refresh rate of 165Hz, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted gameplay without any afterimages or interruptions.
 
Additionally, the Odyssey 3D comes with an ergonomic design featuring a Height Adjustment Stand (HAS), tilt capabilities, FreeSync Premium, one DisplayPort 1.4 and two HDMI 2.1 ports. The monitor was honored with the Best of Innovation award in the Gaming & eSports category at CES 2024.
 
 
Gaming Experiences Available at Gamescom 2024

 
At Gamescom 2024, Samsung will offer an exclusive experience for attendees through partnerships with leading game developers. In the immersive Odyssey experience zone, visitors will be able to enjoy the latest Odyssey gaming monitor lineup, including the Odyssey OLED G8 with UHD resolution and a 240Hz refresh rate and the Odyssey OLED G6 with QHD resolution and a 360Hz refresh rate, as well as the 57″ dual UHD Odyssey Neo G9.
 
At the Samsung booth, visitors can also experience the following monitors paired with highly anticipated games for ultimate immersion:
 
Odyssey 3D: The Odyssey 3D will provide an unparalleled 3D environment for visitors to explore KRAFTON’s “inZOI,” a life simulation game that boasts its realistic graphics, offering a truly immersive gaming experience. This exclusive preview gives gamers a firsthand look at the next generation of gaming technology and innovation. Odyssey 3D’s fast response times and high refresh rates ensure smooth action, a deeply engaging narrative. Odyssey OLED G8: The rich colors and large display of the Odyssey OLED G8 elevate HoYoverse’s “Genshin Impact,” providing gamers with dynamic visuals and fluid gameplay that enhance the fast-paced action and storytelling. Odyssey Neo G9 & OLED G9: With a massive, ultra-wide screen and high-resolution display, the Odyssey Neo G9 and OLED G9 deliver an epic experience in Blizzard Entertainment’s ‘World of Warcraft: The War Within,” offering gamers an expansive field of view and crystal-clear details that make every new adventure feel truly immersive. World of Warcraft will be played by some of Europe’s top content creators. Fans will be able to play some of Blizzard’s other beloved games, including “Overwatch 2” and “Hearthstone.”  
Attendees will have the exclusive opportunity to enjoy these top-of-the-line gaming monitors by playing the highly anticipated titles mentioned — some of which will be available to play even before their official releases.
 
 
Expanding the 2024 Odyssey OLED Lineup
Samsung has announced the expansion of its highly acclaimed Odyssey OLED lineup, which features the introduction of three new models: the Odyssey OLED G95SD, G93SD and G85SD.2
 
The Odyssey OLED G9 series, including the G95SD and G93SD models, delivers an immersive experience with dual QHD (5,120 x 1,440) resolution, a 32:9 ultra-wide screen ratio, 1,800R curved design, Smart Hub,3 Gaming Hub,4 a 240Hz refresh rate and a 0.03ms gray-to-gray (GTG) response time. The 34” Odyssey OLED G8 (G85SD model) offers ultra-wide QHD (3,440 x 1,440) resolution, a 21:9 screen ratio, 1,800R curved design, Smart Hub, Gaming Hub, a 175Hz refresh rate and a 0.03ms GTG response time.
 
Building on the success of the Odyssey OLED G6 and G8 introduced in June, Samsung now offers OLED monitors ranging from 27” to 49” — including the new widescreen models — further diversifying its comprehensive OLED portfolio and providing a wider range of options for gamers.
 
The new Odyssey OLED models incorporate Samsung’s proprietary OLED Safeguard to prevent burn-ins and OLED Glare Free technology to minimize light reflection, ensuring a superior viewing experience. Additionally, the Odyssey OLED G9 (G95D model) was named a CES Innovation Award Honoree in Computer Peripherals & Accessories at CES 2024.
 
Samsung Electronics continues to lead the global gaming monitor market, holding the No.1 brand position for five consecutive years.5 The company also ranked in #1 in 2024 Q1 according to recent IDC data. In Q1 2024, Samsung captured a 20.6% global market share in this category and led the European gaming monitor market with a 24.2% share by revenue, according to International Data Corporation (IDC).

 
 
1 A lenticular lens is a special type of lens that directs different images to each eye, allowing you to see 3D visuals without needing special glasses.
2 These models will be available globally, including in North America, Europe and Australia, within this year. Launch schedules may vary by country.
3 Smart Hub is not available on the G93SD model.
4 Gaming Hub is not available on the G93SD model.
5 Source: IDC Q1 2024 Worldwide Quarterly Gaming Tracker
Gaming monitor classification is based on IDC criteria (over 144Hz since 2023 2Q, over 100Hz prior to that).
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