Report

“Bringing innovative design projects to mass production is a multi-step process that involves iterative exploration and trial and error. The Music Frame project is the culmination of positive energy and passionate collaboration across our design, development and CX teams since the summer of 2021.”
— Chulyong Cho, Head of Design Team, Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics
 
 
Designing the Experiences of Tomorrow
Samsung Electronics is home to forward-looking departments seeking untapped opportunities. True to its name, the Visual Display Business’ Future Experience Design group actively develops concepts for user experiences that are missing in the market before turning those ideas into innovative products.
 
Launching a new product is no easy feat, however. There is a long journey ahead after proposing an initial concept — from designing for mass production and collaborating with other departments to enhancing marketability and perfecting the product’s technical aspects. Brought to fruition through unceasing passion and innovation, this is Music Frame and its design story.
 
* Content images have been simulated for illustrative purposes only and may differ from the actual product. Product specifications may vary by country, region and model.
 
 
Bringing Style to Spaces

 
 
Inspired by Your Lifestyle
Consumers are now opting to purchase products that seamlessly blend into their living spaces instead of ones that only offer functionality. To that end, Samsung has introduced a series of lifestyle TVs including The Serif, The Frame and The Sero. Since TVs are not in use most of the time, these products transition to Ambient or Art Mode to offer a tasteful design experience — rather than displaying a black screen.
 
Delivering audio in the form of a picture frame, Music Frame is an extension of this approach. Setting itself apart from conventional speakers designed mainly to amplify sound, Music Frame and its concept of lifestyle audio prioritize the user’s lifestyle and living space. Picture frames are a familiar furnishing that can be placed anywhere, reflecting each individual’s taste and personality based on the kind of art being displayed. Music Frame draws inspiration from ordinary picture frames, allowing users to listen to music as they appreciate their favorite pictures.
 
 
Breathing Life Into an Innovation
In collaboration with the development and CX teams, Samsung designers built and tested a working prototype that demonstrated high-quality sound. They received positive responses from users after extensive testing, which solidified their confidence in the product’s acoustic performance and overall concept. As a result, the initial design remained intact and went into mass production.
 
 
Bridging the Gap Between Decor and Audio

 
 
Sculpting Unseen Sound
Music Frame embodies audio, so Samsung couldn’t lose sight of how people enjoy listening to high-quality music. Given the product’s unique form factor compared to traditional, elongated soundbars, the designers worked closely with the sound development team to perfect acoustics from the get-go. Speakers commonly have fabric, grilles or other materials on the front to easily emit sound. Together with the sound development team, the designers found a way for Music Frame to amplify sound through a gap between the frame and panel — creating a design rarely seen in audio products. The result? A frame-shaped speaker that is not restricted by the material that covers the front side.
 
Due to the frame’s shape, the gap between the bezel and the panel was important since this portion produces high- and medium-pitched sounds. After countless tests to find the optimal sized gap, both in terms of design and sound quality, the team settled on a width of 9mm. The designers worked with developers to make sure the vibrations from the rear woofer speaker — responsible for the bass — would not create noise when the product is hung on a wall like a picture frame.
 

 
 
A Piece To Personalize Your Space
Just like a real frame, Music Frame allows users to swap the images inside for personal photos or works of art. Listening to music while looking at a framed photo of a precious memory or a piece of art adds new levels of depth to users’ experiences.
 
Samsung designers also considered users who might place the Music Frame on a table instead of hanging it on a wall. Meticulous refinements were made to the frame stand’s shape and angle to ensure it doesn’t look too prominent or cause reflections on the panel. Since the rear of the product is visible if placed on a table, the back was designed in a neat and minimal fashion.
 
 
Music Frame in Your Everyday

 
 
Your Life, in the Frame
If there’s a particular image users want to cherish, they can create their own art panel by uploading an image to a third-party website and placing an order.
 
Music Frame comes in a default black bezel, but users can purchase an additional white bezel to match their decor. They can fill their frames with stunning images to create a stylish space that is perfect for listening to music.
 
* Art panels are sold separately and customization availability may vary by region. White bezels are sold separately and will become available starting in the summer of 2024.
 

 
 
Fill Your Room With Rhythm
For more captivating TV viewing, users can utilize Q-Symphony for richer stereo sound by placing two Music Frames on either side of their TVs. For surround sound, users can place a soundbar in front of their TV and a Music Frame on the opposite wall to act as a rear speaker. With the SmartThings app, users can set the equalizer settings to their preferences. By fine-tuning the audio, users can enjoy more vibrant sound and immersive content.
 
* Q-Symphony using Music Frame is available only when connected to a 2024 Samsung TV (DU7000↑ & LS03D) or 2024 Samsung TV and 2024 Samsung Soundbar (Q700D↑, Ultra Slim, S-Series).
 

 
Looking forward to a future of new possibilities, Samsung designers will continue to develop products and designs that naturally blend into users’ lifestyles and living spaces.
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“Color” is more than just a design element. It is a profound language that bridges emotions and experiences, allowing artists to create evocative messages that resonate on a deeper level. It is a vital component in the toolkit of any creative professional. Accurate monitors like the ViewFinity S9 provide artists with the ability to see and express color accurately across various mediums, granting them total control over their artwork. This ensures that the final products are aligned with the artist’s original intent.
 
OIMU Studio, a design powerhouse in Korea, believes that design should act as a “connector.” Their work forges links between the values of the past and present, and between Eastern and Western traditions. Through various projects, including the renowned “Color,” “Nobang” and “Match” projects, OIMU provides these connections to their audience, blending cultural traditions and offering a fresh and modern perspective to elements of the past.
 
In this second installment of the ViewFinity S9 Story series, Samsung Newsroom sat down with Sohyun Shin of OIMU Studio to explore her inspirations and find out how ViewFinity S9 has become a vital tool in her artistic pursuit.
 
▲ Sohyun Shin, Founder and Chief Designer of OIMU
 
Established in 2015, OIMU is a lifestyle brand and design studio known for bridging cultural differences and reinterpreting nostalgic objects with a modern flair. Led by Sohyun Shin, the studio boasts with portfolio of projects that connect various traditional Korean elements with contemporary aesthetics.  

 
 
Q. Could you briefly introduce OIMU to our readers?
 
OIMU is a lifestyle brand and design studio, dedicated to celebrating and promoting the cultural values and traditions of Korea through design and content. We are involved in publishing, exhibitions and products as well. One of our most well-known work is the “Color” project, which created over 350 unique color names in Korean. We aim to reinterpret Korea’s rich cultural heritage through design.
 

 
 
Q. Can you tell us about your recent project using the ViewFinity S9?
 
The “Color” project began with a goal to develop unique color names, typically in foreign languages, in Korean. Recently, we made 100 color name cards for a brand exhibition. As these unique set of colors had precise CMYK values, it was important to express the colors as accurately as possible, to highlight those subtle and nuanced differences. The ViewFinity S9 monitor helped us match our print values to our digital designs, and we were able to prepare the final print as intended.
※ CMYK: A color model used in color printing with four ink plates: cyan, magenta, yellow and key (in many cases, black).
 
Outside of the “Color” project, we also work with many delicate illustrations, which can appear blurry and unclear at places like print shops with ordinary monitors. ViewFinity S9, in contrast, presented images with outstanding clarity, allowing us to confidently move on with the card designs. I recently underwent LASIK surgery to improve my eyesight. If prior monitors reminded me of my sight before LASIK, the ViewFinity S9 felt like seeing with improved vision after! It has undoubtedly been a transformative tool.
 

 
 
Q. What is the most important factor when selecting a monitor?
 
Much of OIMU’s work, like any design studio, require attention to details. So, high resolution is essential. High resolution monitors allow us to be more intuitive and help us work on intricate designs by showing the subtle differences in colors and details.
 
Data processing is key in ensuring that physical prints turn out high-quality. ViewFinity S9 significantly reduces the margin of error during this process. When comparing digital and physical prints, you’ll find them nearly identical. In essence, ViewFinity S9 helps us create higher quality designs.
 

 
 
Q. What are your favorite features of ViewFinity S9?
 
There were reflections when we were using ordinary monitors, forcing us to use blinds. With ViewFinity’s Matte Display, reflections are minimized and colors are accurate even in sunlight. Now, I can work while enjoying the view and natural light.
 
Our studio has many windows, so, monitor glare is unavoidable. I like to work with the view of nature.
 
ViewFinity S9 minimizes glares and reflections, so I can accurately check the colors even when it is bright outside.
 

 
 
Q. How else did ViewFinity S9 change your work environment?
 
Color temperature is another important aspect in our line of work. With ViewFinity’s Smart Calibration feature,1 we can calibrate precise onscreen colors without additional and often expensive equipment.
 
Also, ViewFinity S9 is great when I want to take a break from work, since I can watch my favorite shows on OTT streaming apps.2 I also just love this cute remote control.
 

 
 
Q. Would you recommend ViewFinity S9 to other designers?
 
Designers spend countless hours in front of monitors. To me, ViewFinity S9 stands as an optimal choice for both eye comfort and faithful expression of images and color. If you are a creative professional seeking a premium display, you won’t be disappointed with ViewFinity S9.
 
  
 
1 Smart Calibration enables users to conveniently customize the ViewFinity S9’s screen for precise settings — including color temperature, luminance, color space and gamma settings — using their smartphones, without expensive, complex calibration equipment. Available on Galaxy S10 or later, Galaxy Note10 or later, Galaxy Fold devices, Galaxy Flip devices, iPhone 11 or later and the second generation iPhone SE 2 or later. Latest version of the SmartThings app required.
2 App availability may vary by country and separate subscriptions may be required. Requires internet connection.
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Samsung Electronics today announced that Lucid Group, Inc., has installed The Wall at its design studio to enhance the collaborative design process for their future electric vehicle models. With cutting-edge MicroLED technology, The Wall offers exceptional visual capabilities, providing Lucid with additional tools to meet the surging demand for sustainable electric vehicles, while elevating the luxury experience for drivers.
 
“At Lucid, we’re on a mission to inspire the adoption of sustainable energy with a focus on the human experience. With The Wall, we’re able to take this mission to new heights,” said Jenny Ha, Exterior Design Manager at Lucid Motors. “While designing the Lucid Air Sapphire, from concept sketches all the way to final adjustments, Samsung enabled us to visualize the future of our vehicles in high resolution at all stages of development. No detail was left unnoticed, and we’re thrilled for our customers to experience the results of the new design process.”
 
“The Wall installation in the Lucid Motors design studio is another great example of how Samsung innovations are helping our partners and customers unlock their own exciting innovations to drive their business in exciting new ways,” said James Fishler, Senior Vice President of the Home Entertainment & Display Divisions at Samsung Electronics America. “Supporting Lucid in its mission to deliver sustainable luxury vehicles – and the stunning design of the new Lucid Sapphire made possible with our 255-inch class high resolution display — has been both inspiring and rewarding.”
 
▲ Simon Tovey, Exterior Design Director at Lucid Motors, and Jiyeon Jenny Ha, Exterior Design Manager, discuss the exterior design for the Lucid Air Sapphire using The Wall with MicroLED technology
 
 
High-Definition Image Quality Delivered at Full-Sized Scale for Seamless Collaboration
Powered by superior MicroLED technology, the 255-inch display empowers Lucid’s designers to view and review their designs in true-to-life color at a 1:1 scale. Not only does the true-life color produce a realistic rendering of the design, but the high-resolution display accurately reproduces the reflection of light off complex 3D surfaces.
 
The authentic image rendition allows for increased collaboration between engineering and design teams, resulting in accelerated decision making processes that save the company time and money.
 
▲ Simon Tovey, Exterior Design Director at Lucid Motors, reviews details of the Lucid Air Sapphire in front of The Wall with MicroLED technology
 
“The Wall has revolutionized the way our design and engineering teams work together,” added Ha. “With this technology, we can effortlessly visualize design data that incorporates engineering feedback and simulation results, allowing us to promptly assess the effects of any alteration on the overall design. In other words, development teams now operate more efficiently, and drivers can enjoy enhanced luxury aesthetics without compromising superior vehicle performance. It can be a tricky sweet spot to balance, but The Wall helps us pinpoint it seamlessly.”
 
▲ Jiyeon Jenny Ha, Exterior Design Manager at Lucid Motors, presents the design for Lucid Air Sapphire on The Wall with MicroLED technology
 
The Wall’s flexible-yet-compact design also saves valuable studio floor space at Lucid’s headquarters. This allows multidisciplinary teams to use the space for collaborative design workshops to perfectly refine every detail of the vehicles to deliver the premiere quality drivers deserve.
 
To learn more about how The Wall is revolutionizing automotive design, please visit: https://www.samsung.com/us/business/displays/direct-view-led/the-wall/.
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Samsung will unveil the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Flip 5 during an event in South Korea next month, which means the 2023 Samsung foldables will hit the stores earlier than they have in past years. Samsung has started feeling pressure from competitors as various companies brought Fold and Flip designs to international markets. Then there’s the Pixel Fold, which is even more important than all the foldables coming out of China. This will be the only foldable Android device to deliver a Google-optimized version of Android.
Leaks have shown that Samsung is ready to respond to the increased competition. Both the Fold 5 and Flip 5 will feature design changes that should alleviate some concerns. But you’ll have to wait for the Galaxy Z Fold 6 to get the design change you’ve been asking for: A better aspect ratio for the external display.
Recent leaks showed that Samsung has “fixed” one annoying Fold and Flip design compromise that has never been a problem for any of Samsung’s rivals. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Flip 5 will fold perfectly flat thanks to a new waterdrop hinge design. That means the annoying gap between the two phone halves of the screen will disappear.
Also, Samsung will increase the size of the Flip 5’s external display considerably to match similar models from Oppo and Motorola.
Since other vendors delivered these features before Samsung, it seems clear that Samsung didn’t care about changing the Fold and Flip designs too much in the previous years. Samsung was the dominant player in the foldable business in most markets. But there were no real alternatives until this year.
While Chinse vendors have eliminated the gap and enlarged the external display on Flip phones, those designs were not available in international markets. Samsung had nothing to worry about.
Google Pixel Fold folded (left) and unfolded (right). Image source: Google Chinese vendors and Google have also fixed an incredibly annoying Galaxy Z Fold design choice. Samsung’s external display is too tall, and the resulting aspect ratio isn’t great for using the phone while folded.
Most people will likely use foldable handsets when they’re closed more than when they’re open. You don’t need to unfold the handset for basic smartphone features. It’s only when you need enhanced multitasking or a tablet experience that you unfold the device.
Handsets like the Oppo Find N and Pixel Fold do not have the same problem. When folded, they look like regular phones, which is what Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold handsets should look like. Unfortunately, while the Fold 5 has no screen gap when folded, that tall aspect ratio is still a problem. If that’s not what you want from your Fold experience, you can buy something from the competition. Or wait for the Galaxy Z Fold 6.
Samsung leaker Ice Universe advised buyers a few days ago to skip the Fold 5 and wait for the Fold 6. Reacting to that remark, a different leaker said that the Fold 6 would bring a major design change in the aspect ratio of the external display. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 will be shorter or wider than the Fold 5, if Tech_Reve’s claim is accurate.
The leaker also said the Fold 6 would use the same image sensor as the Fold 5. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, however.
It’s unclear where Tech_Reve obtained this information. But the leaker said a few days ago that the Fold 5 might be slightly cheaper than the Fold 4. If you can deal with the weird aspect ratio, that might be a good reason to get it.
The Fold 5 should still be a great Android flagship, featuring high-end specs just like the Galaxy S23 series. Still, the handset will be more expensive than most traditional smartphones, even after a price cut.
Don't Miss: There’s nothing wrong with Nothing Phone (2)’s leaked priceThe post Galaxy Z Fold 5 won’t have the design change everyone wants, but the Fold 6 might appeared first on BGR.
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Samsung Electronics firmly believes in the power of technology to create a more inclusive world. When it comes to design, accessibility should be top of mind ensuring that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can fully enjoy the benefits of modern innovations. Traditional television can present challenges when accessing and comprehending visual content. However, through the use of visual aid features, Samsung is helping bridge the gap and providing an immersive and enjoyable viewing experience for all.
 
Relumino Mode, a viewing mode on select Samsung TVs, was designed to augment the visual capabilities of those with low vision, making it possible for anyone to engage with their favorite shows, movies and documentaries like never before. By highlighting specific parts of videos — such as contrast, color and sharpness — this feature makes it easier than ever to discern content on the TV screen.
 
To shed more light on this groundbreaking inclusive technology, Samsung Newsroom sat down with Dr. Kyungah Park and Jason (Jaeseong) Park from Visual Display Business, Samsung Electronics, to discuss everything from development to clinical trials.
 
▲ Jason Park (Samsung Electronics) and Kyungah Park, M.D. (Samsung Medical Center) discuss their journeys in creating and clinically testing Relumino Mode
 
 
Screens for All — Including People With Impaired Vision
Relumino, borrowed from Latin, means “to give back the light.” The idea is to restore vision as much as possible to people with impaired vision. Earlier this year at CES, Samsung introduced Relumino Mode on select Samsung TVs. This follows the wearable device “Relumino Glass” and the smartphone image processing software “Relumino App,” each revealed at CES in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Before that, Relumino was conceived in “C-Lab(Creative Lab),” Samsung Electronics’ in-house venture program. It has evolved and expanded ever since.
 
▲ Relumino Glass(left) and Relumino Mode for Samsung TVs(right)
 
“For several years, ‘Screens for All’ has been one of the key mottos for us. We’re working to further enhance TV accessibility and promote inclusion,” said Jason Park, who plans products and services for the Visual Display Business. “People with low vision are still a key demographic that need better TV viewing experiences.”
 
 
Innovation Rooted in the User’s Perspective
To develop Relumino Mode, planners and engineers met with a number of advisors who had visual impairments to understand their wants and needs.
 
▲ Jason Park, Visual Display Business, Samsung Electronics
 
“There’s an early experience that really changed my perspective,” shared Jason. “When we first met an advisor for Relumino Mode, I asked him to ‘Please come here and have a seat’ to which he replied, ‘Where is here?’ That was a hard and clear wake-up call for me. I was so embarrassed.” It was then that Jason realized that they were exploring a totally new territory and would have to first understand the way their users see the world.
 
▲ As part of the efforts to understand customers with visual impairments, Samsung engineers used special goggles to simulate blurry vision
 
Despite the decades of collective experience in enhancing TV picture quality, this particular project presented a unique challenge that none of the engineers had encountered before. Typically, their expertise lay in identifying even the slightest imperfections on the screen, but now they had to understand what it’s like as a user to have impaired vision. In addition to consulting advisors, the engineers utilized special goggles that simulated blurry vision, serving as a starting point for their exploration. Through a process of generating ideas, conducting trials and learning from mistakes, they eventually developed a solution that could be considered a genuinely effective viewing mode.
 
 
Clinical Trials and Direct Feedback
After initial research and development came trials on a larger scale. This is where Samsung Electronics decided to collaborate with Samsung Medical Center, one of South Korea’s most comprehensive medical facilities.
 
▲Dr. Kyungah Park, Department of Ophthalmology, Samsung Medical Center
 
“Clinical trials targeting people without disabilities are popular and recruiting subjects for these projects is relatively easy. Some even ask to join before we ask,” said Dr. Park. “But, that was not the case for the Relumino study. The pool was much more limited as we were more strict with our requirements — we targeted people who have lower vision than WHO’s vision impairment criteria.”
 
However, the people that Samsung contacted showed much passion for the project. “Many who joined the trials were very excited and didn’t mind traveling long distances for the study. Thanks to their support and encouragement, we were able to carry out the research,” Dr. Park added.
 
Four 55-inch Samsung QLED TVs were featured in the tests. One displayed the control image with no picture enhancements at all. The other three TVs showed the same content with Relumino Mode on high, medium and low. The TVs were installed on a meter away from each other onw a wall in a room with a specified amount of light.
 
The test was two-fold, with objective and subjective evaluations. A certified contrast sensitivity test was employed for the objective evaluation. For the subjective evaluations, participants were asked to examine a set of eight still images and two videos on each of the screens. Their satisfaction levels were measured on a scale of 0 to 10. Based on the results, researchers carried out additional interviews adjusting picture enhancement levels on the spot.
 
▲ A blurry vision goggle simulation of what Relumino Mode may look like to people with visual impairment
 
Relumino mode was well received by the group. One of the participants highly praised the technology, saying “I was thrilled to see the ball in a soccer match on screen. It can get frustrating if you can’t see the ball because of low vision, as you can imagine. Relumino Mode helped me see the ball clearly.”
 
“The subjects’ responses indicated the Mode’s subjective results while the contrast sensitivity testing showed its objective results. Both of these factors, combined, allowed us to find the optimal setting for a brilliant image on TV,” said Jason.
 
 
Screens for All, Today and Tomorrow
“While [the Relumino Mode] project focused on people with relatively severe visual impairment many people with slightly lighter symptoms still need help. I’d like to work on developing projects for them,” explained Dr. Park.
 
Jason shared a similar point of view, saying, “Samsung will continue to advance technology in the long term to provide personalized picture quality for people with vision impairment and let them enjoy TV comfortably.” Samsung remains committed to accessibility and strives to leverage its technologies to enable more people do what they enjoy.
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