– Kyungah Park, M.D. (Department of Ophthalmology, Samsung Medical Center)

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

Screen 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.

Samsung Electronics Canada unveiled its 2023 lineup of Neo QLED 8K, Samsung OLED, sound devices and monitors as part of its global Unbox & Discover event. The brand showcased their latest innovations in smart connectivity, sustainability initiatives, premium viewing, and gaming experiences. This year’s lineup focuses on enhancing the user experience by making complex technologies more intuitive and seamlessly integrated into people’s lives, while delivering an impeccable picture and sound quality which consumers expect from Samsung screens.

“At Samsung, we understand that technology should empower and enhance people’s lives, not complicate them,” said Jong-Hee (JH) Han, Vice Chairman, CEO and Head of DX (Device eXperience) Division at Samsung Electronics. “By choosing Samsung, consumers can expect to experience an unparalleled level of wow factors, all while participating in eco-conscious practices for a sustainable future.”

Under the tagline “More Wow than Ever,” Samsung’s 2023 lineup is set to impress consumers. Samsung Canada is providing a recap of all the key announcements for those who have missed the livestream or simply want to revisit the announcements.

1 – Solutions for Your Tailormade Life: Five Foundations of SmartThings

In his opening remarks, JH Han underscored the company’s commitment to calm tech and innovation, providing consumers with the latest technologies that make life better. In particular, he introduced five core foundations of SmartThings, which aims to provide increased convenience when setting up a smart home.

• Instant Connection: SmartThings enables users to easily connect their devices in just one step, allowing them to enjoy the synergy when only Samsung devices are used.
• Automated Connection: SmartThings automatically connects Samsung devices[1], like TVs or smartphones with other Samsung devices such as the washers, dryers and refrigerators, eliminating the need for manual setup.
• Hub Everywhere: The IoT hub is built into various Samsung products, including Samsung Smart TVs, making IoT setup a breeze.
• Expansive Compatibility: SmartThings goes beyond just the Samsung ecosystem, enabling compatible devices from any brand to work seamlessly together thanks to the Home Connectivity Alliance and the international IoT communication standard, MATTER[2].
• Security: With CC EAL 6+ certification, the new Samsung Knox Vault hardware chip encrypts all information from connected devices, ensuring a high level of security and offering peace of mind for users.

Understanding consumers have diverse technology ecosystems in their homes, Samsung helped form the Home Connectivity Alliance so all users’ favourite devices can work together, regardless of brand. And in the name of true connectivity, Samsung is also paving the way for smarter homes with support for MATTER, an international IoT communication standard that involves more than 220 global companies.

Thanks to this collaborative mindset and these five foundations, users can build a network of connected devices that makes their home smarter and their lives easier.

2 – Putting People and Planet at the Centre: Sustainability and Relumino

Samsung is committed to delivering innovative calm tech and eco-conscious practices that make life easier and better for its users. At every stage of the product lifecycle, from product sourcing to production, distribution, use and recycling, Samsung is striving to put sustainability first, utilizing various technologies to create products that will contribute to building a better planet for future generations.  

• Samsung aims to lead the way with three innovative approaches to sustainability: Turning CO2 into recycled materials, using fewer materials, and upcycling products and packaging. Samsung’s 2023 TVs, monitors, and remote controls use recycled resin made of at least 50% recycled materials.[3] In addition, Samsung has made significant efforts to ensure it is offering sustainable packaging, from the box to all the wrapping inside.
• Samsung has also developed AI Energy Mode[4] that helps users monitor energy consumption and usage patterns, putting the users in control. AI Energy Mode feature even analyzes the content playing on the screen to reduce power consumption without distracting from the content.
• Samsung’s third generations SolarCell Remote is more compact. As it uses Samsung’s proprietary technology, is also free of licensing requirements, allowing any manufacturer to join Samsung on the journey in making the world a more eco-conscious place.

Samsung also underscored its commitment to creating a better, more inclusive viewing experience for all with its latest Relumino Mode. Relumino Mode is designed to help people with visual impairments watch content more easily and has been awarded with the 2023 CES Innovation Award.[5]

By choosing Samsung, users can enjoy cutting-edge technology and join Samsung as it works towards sustainable and inclusive practices that align with core values of ESG.

3 – More Choice with Premium Screens: Neo QLED 8K and Samsung OLED

At Unbox & Discover 2023, Samsung unveiled products and features designed to deliver innovative 8K experiences. The QN900C sits at the top of Samsung’s premium Neo QLED 8K lineup and is a standout model in the premium TV category. With groundbreaking technologies like Auto HDR Remastering and 8K AI upscaling[6], the QN900C is impressing industry experts and reviewers alike

From true-to-life picture quality to immersive audio, Samsung has once again set the bar high with its Neo QLED 8K. The company will also be adding a 98-inch model to its Neo QLED 8K lineup, providing immaculate colour reproduction and lifelike level of detail on a scale that offers a cinematic-like experience. It will offer upgraded sound with Dolby Atmos and Q-Symphony 3.0 to further envelope viewers in every single scene.

Additionally, Samsung spoke on its efforts in expanding the 8K ecosystem by working closely with various partners, including the 8K Association. Together, Samsung is introducing more ways to enjoy native 8K content.

Samsung also highlighted its 2023 Samsung OLED lineup, which offers immaculate colour accuracy through Neural Quantum Processor 4K’s perceptional colour mapping – making Samsung OLED the “World’s First Pantone-Validated HDR OLED.”[7]

In fact, Samsung OLED boasts true blacks and stunningly natural pictures with ideals contrast and colour expression. The S95C features Samsung’s signature Infinity One design, and the LaserSlim design of the S90C model adds a touch of sophisticated metal finish.

4 – Putting Gaming at the Forefront with Gaming TVs and Monitors

Premium screens, from Neo QLED 8K to OLED and beyond, not only bring video and photo content to life in ultra-high resolution but can also bring screen experiences like gaming to a whole new level. Gaming on a 98-inch Neo QLED 8K provides a superb level of immersive gameplay, from the large screen to high-performance graphic cards that support 8K resolution at a super fast pace.

For 2023, Samsung unveiled the Odyssey Neo G9, the world’s first dual UHD resolution monitor, and the Odyssey Ark, a 55-inch curved screen with a powerful sound system and multitasking capabilities. The new 2023 Odyssey models will be available in 2H in 57-inch Odyssey Neo G9 and the 49-inch Odyssey OLED G9, providing superb picture quality and user experience.

Incorporating valuable feedback from thousands of gamers, Samsung also upgraded its all-in-one gaming platform, the Gaming Hub[8]. The platform now includes partnerships with Amazon Luna, NVIDIA GeForce NOW, Utomik and Xbox, allowing gamers to play their favourite titles at high performance speeds directly from the cloud without a console or a PC.[9]

In addition to its advanced features for viewing experiences, the 2023 lineup also offers gamer-centric features such as Game Bar, which places gamer controls front and centre, together with Mini Map Zoom and Virtual Aim Point, which can make all the difference between winning and losing in competitive gameplay.[10]

The Samsung 2023 Neo QLED 8K TV is now available in Canada in two models, QN800C and QN900C, which are both offered in 65”, 75” and 85” sizes. The new 2023 OLED 4K Smart TV S95C is also now available in 77”, 55” and 65” sizes. To learn more about this year’s Samsung TV and monitor lineup, please visit https://www.samsung.com/ca/.

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[1] Available with SmartThings App on Android or iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection is required.

[2] SmartThings will support Matter and HCA in 2023. This will enable SmartThings users to add thousands of compatible devices seamlessly into their SmartThings Home Environment.

[3] Resin contains a minimum of 50% recycled content. (Environmental Claim Validation Procedure, UL 2809 5th Edition)

[4] Available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and Samsung account are required.

[5] Relumino Mode is applied for TV models QN80C, QN90C, QN800C, QN900C and works on sources provided through DTV and HDMI only.Samsung Relumino was a 2023 CES Innovation award honoree.

[6] 4K/8K AI Upscaling enhances content to near-4K/8K picture quality, as the case may be. Based on laboratory testing. Viewing experience may vary according to types of content and format. 4K/8K AI Upscaling may not apply to PC connection, and certain conditions of Game Mode.

[7] Pantone is a global authority in colour, providing a standardized system relied on by over 10 million designers and producers worldwide. Pantone Validated Approval Certificate for the product meeting the requirements of PANTONE® Validated as tested issued to Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. by Pantone on December 29, 2021.

[8] Gaming Hub is available in select countries and supported features, apps and games may vary by country. Accessing Gaming Hub is free of charge but additional gaming service(s) subscription may be required to access content offered by game-stream providers on the Gaming Hub platform.A separate, compatible controller may be required depending on the specific game in Gaming Hub.

[9] Samsung Gaming Hub availability may vary by region.

[10] Game Bar supports PC & console gaming only.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today shared its vision for a calmer connected world through cutting-edge technologies that enhance the lives of users by providing smarter and more intuitive experiences. Speaking at a press conference at CES® 2023, Samsung and its key partners came together to outline details about how they plan to build a better-connected world while contributing to a more sustainable future.

Jong-Hee (JH) Han, Vice Chairman, CEO and Head of the DX (Device eXperience) Division at Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. opened the company’s presence at CES by highlighting Samsung’s strategy to deliver on the promise of the connected experience across the key touchpoints in our lives – in our homes, cars, and at work – while also working to build a more sustainable future. The strategy outlined during the press conference focuses on the company’s aim to bring calm to our connected world so that devices and innovation can enable better, more personal, and more intuitive experiences. To do this, Samsung is focusing on seamlessly connecting devices and designing products to make the everyday use of technology more sustainable.

Jong-Hee (JH) Han, Vice Chairman, CEO and Head of the DX (Device eXperience) Division at Samsung Electronics, introduces the theme of “Bringing Calm to Our Connected World,” the aim of which is to make life easier by connecting technology seamlessly.

“We recognize our vision is a big one,” said Han. “It’s about solving real challenges today and understanding consumers’ future needs and aspirations. It will take time, innovation, and cooperation with partners worldwide. But we are committed to achieving it, and already getting started.”

Samsung Incorporates Sustainability at Every Level

Inhee Chung, Vice President of Corporate Sustainability Center at Samsung Electronics, outlines the company’s new environmental strategy for everyday sustainability.

To address our planet’s ongoing challenges, Samsung highlighted how it continues to prioritize the environment through a combination of sustainability targets, innovative product design, and strategic partnerships. As a result, by 2050, all of Samsung’s businesses will match their electricity needs with renewable energy and reach net zero carbon emissions.  In the nearer term, the DX Division will transition to 100 percent renewable energy by 2027 and achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030.

To further the company’s sustainability goals, Samsung outlined how Everyday Sustainability—building sustainability features into the company’s most popular products and services—will contribute to a better environment. This includes creating more sustainable products through innovative design in materials and energy efficiency.

“By building sustainability into the product experience, we, and the many people around the world who use our products, can contribute to a healthier planet,” said Inhee Chung, Vice President of Corporate Sustainability Center at Samsung. “As a result, some of our most popular products are now some of our most sustainable.”

Samsung announced that many of its TVs and smartphones use recycled materials, including recycled plastic from discarded finishing nets, while the company’s home appliances, memory and 5G radio network chipsets are contributing to energy savings for customers. In addition, Samsung’s connected services, such as SmartThings Energy and AI Energy Mode are also helping consumers to save energy and cut costs while lowering the overall climate impact.

Vincent Stanley, Director of Philosophy at Patagonia, highlights the company’s collaboration with Samsung to create a new wash cycle called Less Microfiber, a groundbreaking function that reduces microplastic release by 54% during a laundry cycle.

Samsung also shared the stage with Patagonia, a global leader in outdoor clothing, to discuss a partnership to combat the issue of microplastics – the tiny particles often found in clothes and released into oceans, lakes, and rivers through the laundry. Vincent Stanley, Director of Philosophy at Patagonia, spoke at the Samsung press conference about how the two companies have developed a new wash technology called the Less Microfibre Cycle, currently being incorporated into Samsung washing machines, which can reduce microplastic release by 54 percent[1] during a laundry cycle. Like the Less Microfibre Cycle, Samsung and Patagonia recently developed the new Less Microfibre which reduces microplastic discharge by preventing them from escaping into the ocean at the end of a wash cycle.

James Kwon, Product Manager, ENERGY STAR for Consumer Electronics at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), discusses Samsung’s efforts to increase energy savings throughout its products.

Meanwhile, James Kwon, Product Manager, ENERGY STAR for Consumer Electronics at the U.S.  Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that Samsung’s connected home experience with SmartThings is the first mass-market Smart Home Energy Management System to earn the prestigious ENERGY STAR SHEMS Certification. Samsung also continues to collaborate with diverse stakeholders in its sustainability efforts. For example, Samsung joined with the Carbon Trust and other technology leaders to develop the industry’s first specification for measuring, accounting for, and decarbonizing the emissions associated with connected devices when used by customers.

A Connected Home and Connected Life Built on Convenience

Jaeyeon Jung, Executive Vice President and Head of SmartThings, introduces Samsung’s SmartThings system that provides more efficient and intuitive personalized experiences by maximizing connected devices and home appliances.

Samsung detailed plans to fulfill the connected experience today and in the future. During the company’s press conference, Jaeyeon Jung, Executive Vice President and Head of SmartThings, highlighted how features like SmartThings Home Monitor and SmartThings Pet Care bring convenience to the connected experience by monitoring and sharing alerts for anything out of the ordinary – for people and pets. Prompted by Samsung Smart TV, these services are some of the many ways Samsung and the connected platform SmartThings are creating an even smarter home.

Alana Gomez-Solis, Corporate Communications Specialist at Samsung Electronics America, highlights how the many diverse features of SmartThings shape our daily lives.

A key part of this vision is increased interoperability, enabling consumers to connect more of their devices, whether they are Samsung’s or a partner’s compatible brand. As the industry looks to bring about a new level of compatibility through the Matter smart home standard, Samsung stated its commitment to this partnership philosophy. SmartThings was one of the first brands to adopt Matter, and Samsung is a founding member of the Home Connectivity Alliance (HCA).

Also, at the CES press conference, Samsung announced the latest smart home innovation, with the SmartThings Station – its first product to have Matter support built-in right from the beginning. It is a convenient, new way to kick-start SmartThings experiences at home and make it easier to interact with connected devices. SmartThings Station that can seamlessly transform the state of your home at the touch of a button[2].

Jasper Vervoort, Senior Vice President and General Manager at Philips Hue, presents the concept for a wholistic smart home experience, made possible through a growing technological ecosystem of various partnerships.

The focus on connected experiences also extended to unveiling new partnerships, including announcing an expanded collaboration with Philips Hue. Jasper Vervoort, Senior Vice President and General Manager at Philips Hue discussed a new way to sync the content from Samsung TVs with Philips Hue lighting through the Philips Hue Sync TV app, which can be downloaded from the app store on Samsung TVs. This is the first solution to sync lighting and content from Samsung TVs without additional hardware.

Shin Baik, Principal Engineer of Security Team, Mobile eXperience Business, shares the latest advancements in security and privacy with Knox Matrix, built on Samsung’s defense-grade security platform, to underscore the company’s commitment to keeping users’ data safe and secure.

With more devices connected now, Samsung also detailed how security and privacy innovations will be keys to building connected device ecosystems. The company is taking its device security experiences to the next level with its upcoming solution, Samsung Knox Matrix, which will conveniently and safely sync credentials across devices while at the same time continuing to protect sensitive information via multi-layered mutual monitoring enabled by private blockchain technology.

Marcus Futterlieb of HARMAN presents revamped in-vehicle experiences, including Ready Care that make driving safer and more comfortable using the latest technologies.

The connected experience is also extending to your commute. Marcus Futterlieb from Harman unveiled Samsung and Harman’s plans to inject a new level of intelligence, personalization, and convenience into the in-cabin experience (ICX). Central to this effort is Harman Ready Care which uses a machine learning algorithm to gather and process data from the car’s sensors to measure driver drowsiness and distraction, providing tailored interventions to mitigate risks and help improve the well-being of the driver.

A Vision for the Future

Sebastian Seung, President of Samsung Research, explains the future of SmartThings related to Spatial AI and how it will continue to enrich our interactions with technology in the future.

The company also showcased next-generation innovations and technologies using the latest artificial intelligence (AI). Experiences enabled by Spatial AI – like in the JetBot AI+ – are laying the groundwork for better in-home experiences specific to the dimensions and environment of your space.

Samsung also gave a preview of Relumino Mode, which will come to select 2023 Samsung Neo QLED 8K and 4K TVs this year to make content viewing possible for people with vision impairment. Relumino Mode highlights outlines and improves contrast and color so that content is clearer and easier to enjoy[3]. In addition, Samsung also displayed a new pair of Relumino glasses, which first debuted at CES 2018 as part of its startup acceleration program C-Lab project, as well as its mobile app to make the visual experience more enjoyable and personalized on every screen.

For more information, please visit samsung.com

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[1] Tested with 2kg load of 100% polyester hoodies, comparing Synthetics cycle on Samsung Conventional model of European washer WW4000T and the Less Microfiber cycle on WW7000B. The results may be different depending on the clothes and environment. Tested by the Ocean Wise Plastics Lab. [Can we add the date and name of the report and proper citation?]

[2] Available with SmartThings App on Android or iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection is required.

[3] Relumino Mode targets those who suffer from severe visual acuity loss (Source: WHO, World report on vision, 2019) and symptoms of blurry vision. Some features may be supported at a different time, and service availability may not be available at the time of purchase of this product. Relumino Mode is applied for TV models QN80C, QN90C, QN800C, QN900C and works on sources provided through DTV and HDMI only. The Mode does not work on other sources, OTTs, etc.