Report

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.
View the full article

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).
View the full article

View the full blog at its source

Samsung Electronics today announced SmartThings Pro and next-generation display technologies for its award-winning digital signage lineup. The announcement is part of the company’s participation at InfoComm, the largest professional audio-visual industry trade show in North America, held in Las Vegas from June 12 to 14.
 
At Booth W1225, Samsung will showcase SmartThings Pro, an evolution of SmartThings with business-focused capabilities; Samsung Color E-Paper, an ultra-low power, lightweight and slim digital paper display; exclusive new generative AI functions for the Interactive Whiteboard (WAD series); and the new Samsung Business TV BED series, a UHD TV with flexible functionality for businesses across different sectors. These solutions will be displayed throughout InfoComm, with Samsung providing demonstrations and educational sessions to highlight the products’ wide-ranging benefits.
 
“We are pleased to introduce a variety of new solutions, services and products at this year’s InfoComm,” said Hoon Chung, Executive Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “Building on our legacy of being ranked No.1 in signage sales for 15 consecutive years, we are using this event to showcase our latest solutions that cater to diverse business needs.”
 
 
SmartThings Pro Brings New Intelligence to Business Environments

 
SmartThings Pro extends Samsung’s hyper-connected smart home technology to business environments, enhancing sustainability, automating operations and improving the overall business experience. To better support business-to-business (B2B) customers, SmartThings Pro offers customizable Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) for seamless integration. It also features AI Energy Mode, an intelligent power saving technology that reduces energy consumption based on ambient brightness, content analysis and motion detection. This energy-saving algorithm is available for Samsung products connected to the SmartThings Pro ecosystem.
 
Additionally, SmartThings Pro enables users to check the connection status of various IoT devices through a user-friendly dashboard. This dashboard provides AI to analyze connected devices, helping users use their devices more efficiently and adopt energy-saving practices.
 

 
Beyond individual users, SmartThings Pro will also improve the general operations of connected devices in corporate environments, including SMART Signage, hospitality displays, air conditioning systems, digital appliances and much more. It also helps corporate clients manage various environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, lighting more effectively by linking various IoT products. It also integrates sensors like cameras to enhance monitoring and control capabilities. These features help users automate daily configurations and setups, resulting in more efficient and sustainable operations while reducing overall business costs.
 
Many of Samsung’s partners already plan to use the available APIs. Some of these partners include:
 
Cisco, which will demonstrate API integrations with Cisco video devices at InfoComm and show how to integrate them with Webex Control Hub for scaled deployments. Aqara, which will enhance the Smart Hotel experience through co-operating experiences. Quividi, which will build a retail analytics solution with its online data center, VidiCenter, leveraging its new partnership with Samsung.  
“We will further enhance Samsung’s IoT solutions for the B2B market through SmartThings Pro,” said Chanwoo Park, Executive Vice President at Samsung Electronics. “Our customized solutions strengthen display performance in apartment buildings, residential spaces, public facilities like schools and commercial spaces like retail, hotels and offices. SmartThings will not only improve performance for these operators, but it will reduce cost.”
 
 
Color E-Paper: Extremely Efficient, Lightweight and Slim Display for Businesses

 
Samsung will unveil its ultra-low power display, Samsung Color E-Paper (EMDX model), for the first time at InfoComm. Seamlessly blending digital ink with innovative full-color e-paper technology, this new signage can replace analog or paper promotional materials.
 
The new product offers a more eco-conscious alternative to traditional promotional methods while delivering the high-visibility signage businesses need. The Samsung Color E-Paper operates at 0.00W1 when displaying static image and consumes significantly less power than traditional digital signage when changing images. Additionally, managers can remotely control the Color E-Paper, setting schedules to save energy with automatic wake-up and sleep times.
 

 
The 32-inch screen is equipped with QHD (2,560 x 1,440) resolution and a 60,000-color gamut (six colors per pixel: red, yellow, green, blue, white and black). Weighing only 2.9kg and measuring 17.9mm in width,2 it can be seamlessly installed in various locations, such as walls, tables or even ceilings, without additional mounts. This flexibility allows businesses and advertisers to deploy the Color E-Paper in multiple locations to effectively engage audiences while reducing operational costs.
 
Samsung Color E-Paper includes a dedicated mobile app3 that allows users to easily create or change content. It also supports the Samsung VXT solution, enabling real-time monitoring and remote integrated management of multiple displays simultaneously. The VXT CMS Canvas also offers a variety of templates optimized for E-paper displays, making it easier to produce content across different verticals.
 
For charging and data transmission, the Color E-Paper features two USB-C type ports and supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It also includes 8GB of flash memory, an interchangeable bezel that allows users to change colors of the frame4 and VESA5 standard wall mount compatibility6 to provide users with enhanced connectivity, customization options and flexible mounting solutions.
 
The Color E-Paper panel utilizes the innovative E Ink Spectra 6 technology, a groundbreaking color solution designed for in-store advertising, indoor signage and replacing paper posters. It features an enhanced color spectrum and advanced color imaging algorithm to improve marketing and advertising performance.
 
“We’re excited to announce our partnership with Samsung to unveil the innovative 32-inch E Ink Spectra 6 for the signage market,” said Dr. FY Gan, President of E Ink Holdings. “This collaboration highlights our commitment to a brighter future with display solutions. By merging E Ink’s cutting-edge color e-Paper technology with Samsung’s signage expertise, we are poised to deliver low-power color displays that revolutionize digital promotion and communication, while enhancing sustainability strategies.”
 
 
Interactive Whiteboard: AI Capabilities Boost the Learning Experience

 
First announced at ISE,7 the Interactive Whiteboard (WAD series) will make a grand entrance at InfoComm, loaded with new features that include generative AI capabilities.
 
New AI-powered features include automatic transcriptions from spoken lessons and the ability to generate detailed class summaries that highlight key points and main topics. By analyzing the teacher’s voice transcription, the written material on the display and provided educational materials, it can also generate quizzes for students. It also uses machine learning to improve content accuracy and block inappropriate content.
 
Additionally, through a collaboration with educational technology company Merlyn Mind, the display will feature voice recognition technology optimized for educational environments. This will simplify control of the Interactive Display and help tailor its functionalities to align with school-specific curricula.
 
“We are delighted to collaborate with Samsung Electronics, a global leader in educational technology and innovation,” said Dr. Satya Nitta, the CEO of Merlyn Mind. “Samsung has a long history of bringing advanced technology to classrooms, starting with Chromebooks over a decade ago. Together, we will continue to integrate our purpose-built AI for education with Samsung’s solutions to create more engaging and effective learning environments.”
 
These capabilities will roll out for all three different-sized models later in the year, providing more convenient usability and a higher contextual learning environment.
 
 
Samsung Business TV BED: Exceptional Image Quality With Flexible Functionality

 
At InfoComm, Samsung will also showcase the Samsung Business TV BED series, offering UHD picture quality and flexible functionality. Available in a range of sizes8 – 43, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75 or 85 inches – the TV can fit into almost any space, making it an optimal choice to enhance both the style and functionality of various environments. This solution meets the needs of sectors including restaurant industry, education, small/home offices and other small businesses.
 

 
Launching globally in Q3,9 businesses can use the existing Samsung Business TV App available on Android or iOS devices to remotely manage, schedule and display customized content effortlessly. It also supports SmartThings Pro and Samsung VXT, meeting a wide variety of business needs and providing lifelike clarity through 4K image quality and smooth device management.
 
 
1 The power measurement is based on IEC 62301 standards. According to the standards, the value rounded to the second decimal place, and the average power below 0.005W is indicated as 0.00W.
2 Specifications based on internal testing pre-launch. Final specifications subject to change.
3 App is available on Android and iOS.
4 Bezel frame sold separately
5 Video Electronics Standards Association
6 Compatible with 200×200 VESA mount
7 Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) is a leading audiovisual (AV) and systems integration trade show in Europe.
8 Size availability varies by region.
9 Specific launch timing will vary by region.
View the full article

Samsung Electronics, a global leader in the display industry, has secured the top position in global sales of OLED monitors just one year after launching its first OLED model — the 34″ Odyssey OLED G8 (G85SB model), a gaming monitor.
 
According to the International Data Corporation (IDC), Samsung Electronics has taken the top position in the global OLED monitor market by capturing 34.7% of market share based on total revenue, and the top position in market share based on sales volume with 28.3% of OLED monitors sold in 2023.1
 
“The OLED monitor market is highly competitive, so reaching the top spot requires unparalleled innovation and product quality,” said Hoon Chung, Executive Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “This achievement speaks to our drive for excellence and understanding of consumer needs, the key factors in producing outstanding OLED monitors for performance-demanding gamers around the globe.”
 
Samsung has also maintained its leadership in the overall global gaming monitor market for the fifth consecutive year, recording a market share of 20.8% in terms of total revenue.2
 
Since entering the OLED market, Samsung has continued to innovate and receive praise for new monitors, including the Odyssey OLED G9 (G95SC model), which received widespread acclaim from experts and reviewers worldwide.

 
At CES 2024, Samsung announced an expansion of its OLED monitor lineup, unveiling three new products:
 
The Odyssey OLED G8 (G80SD model), with a 32” 4K UHD resolution, a 16:9 aspect ratio, 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time (GtG)3 The Odyssey OLED G6 (G60SD model), with a 27” QHD resolution, a 16:9 aspect ratio, 360Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time (GtG) An updated Odyssey OLED G9 (G95SD model), with 49” dual QHD resolution in a 32:9 aspect ratio, a 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time (GtG) and new features  
The new OLED offerings have impressed early reviewers, and have already won awards. At CES — the most powerful tech event in the world — the Odyssey OLED G9 was named a CES® 2024 Innovation Awards Honoree.4
 
Samsung will continue to diversify its gaming monitor lineup by introducing new Odyssey OLED models, each of which will leverage Samsung’s proprietary OLED technology. This innovation follows the success of the Odyssey Neo series with Quantum Mini LED technology, as well as the Odyssey Ark, which showcased a groundbreaking interface and form factor.
 
For more information on Samsung’s industry-leading monitor lineups, please visit www.samsung.com.
 

 

 
 
1 IDC Q4 2023 Worldwide Quarterly Gaming Tracker
2 IDC Q4 2023 Worldwide Quarterly Gaming Tracker, Gaming monitor classification is based on IDC criteria (over 144Hz since 2023 2Q, over 100Hz prior to that), Value Based.
3 Gray to gray, a unit of measurement for how long it takes for a pixel to go from one gray level to the next.
4 The CES Innovation Awards are based upon descriptive materials submitted to the judges. The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) did not verify the accuracy of any submission or of any claims made and did not test the item to which the award was given.
View the full article