To help catch you up on some of the biggest announcements from Samsung’s jam-packed year, we proudly present our top 15 stories of 2020. Click on the thumbnails in the image below to read them for yourself, and read on to learn more about what made each one so meaningful.

Samsung Newsroom’s Top Stories of 2020

Mobile

• 
  The History of the S Pen
  
• 
  Galaxy Buds Live Design Int.
  
• 
  Hideaway Hinge Design Article
  

TV ∙ Home Appliances

• 
  Big-Screen Chronicles
  
• 
  Lifestyle Appliances Editorial
  
• 
  Clothing Care with AirDresser
  

Semiconductors

• 
  Image Sensor Editorial
  
• 
  Samsung’s Carbon Trust Cert.
  
• 
  New Memory Material Discovery
  

Technology

• 
  What’s Next in Comm. Tech
  
• 
  Samsung AI Forum 2020 Recap
  
• 
  Holographic Display Interview
  

Corporate News

• 
  Empowering Future Generations
  
• 
  Advancing Ed. During Pandemic
  
• 
  Designing a Sustainable Future
  

Once again, some of the most popular content featured in the Newsroom this year discussed exciting additions to the Galaxy family. An article highlighting the history of the S Pen, along with enhancements that were made for the Galaxy Note20, showcased how Samsung made one of the Note series’ most powerful features even more so. An interview with the team that perfected the design of the Galaxy Buds Live demonstrated the lengths Samsung went to ensure that its newest earbuds would offer an exceptionally comfortable fit. We also published an in-depth series on the Galaxy Z Flip’s Hideaway Hinge and the groundbreaking technologies that make it work.

Samsung’s TVs and appliances were also prominently featured. Our ‘Big-Screen Chronicles’ series walked readers through the ins and outs of selecting the perfect TV, and outlined steps Samsung has taken to foster next-level viewing experiences. An enlightening editorial from Samsung Electronics’ Head of Digital Appliances offered insight into how Samsung’s lifestyle-focused approach to home appliance design has evolved in response to the pandemic, while a feature on the Samsung AirDresser highlighted the device’s comprehensive take on clothing care.

Standout articles in the semiconductor category include an editorial on developing image sensors that capture more detail than the human eye, and an announcement that Samsung’s efforts to reduce the environmental impact of its memory solutions resulted in a total of nine Samsung memory products receiving Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) labels from the U.K.-based Carbon Trust. We also posted a story on the Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology’s (SAIT) groundbreaking discovery of a material that could be game-changing for semiconductor designs.

There were also several articles that highlighted technologies that have the power to shape the future of tech. Our ‘What’s Next in Communications Technology?’ series collected insights from experts whose work has the potential to transform communication as we know it, while our recap of Samsung’s 2020 AI Forum highlighted some of the biggest topics in AI research today. One of our most engaging articles illuminated SAIT researchers’ efforts to usher in a new era of immersive holographic displays.

Last but certainly not least, some of the most meaningful content that was featured in the Newsroom spotlighted Samsung’s commitments to sustainability and corporate citizenship. Click on the links above to learn more about how Samsung technologies are empowering young people to achieve their full potential – even in the face of a global pandemic – and how the company’s commitment to sustainable design will help create a brighter future for us all.

The global market for large screen televisions is on a surge. According to global market research firm Omdia, global shipments of TVs with displays over 75-inches are expected to increase by 17% compared to 2019 and 8K TVs are set to increase by 110% this year as well.

Given the market demands, Samsung is doubling down on its efforts to give consumers large screen TVs that not only offer the best picture quality but also the best sound experiences.

At the heart of that is Samsung’s AI Quantum Processor.

The AI Quantum Processor is a high-performing chip developed using Samsung’s proprietary technologies that can process complex algorithms quickly using machine learning-based upscaling. That gives consumers the ability to stream 8K content in real-time paired with dynamic, location-based acoustics.

Samsung is peeling back the secrets of the AI Quantum Processor to share on how it brings these experiences together to get better resolution, better sound and better picture integrity.

One of the leading questions consumers continue to ask about large screen TVs is how to watch ultra HD content in 8K resolution given that it isn’t widely available yet. That’s where Samsung’s AI upscaling technology comes in.

Today, the technology transforms not only 4K content into 8K, but it also works for lower-resolution SD, HD and FHD-quality content as well. The AI Quantum Processor 8K combines the advantages of existing machine learning capabilities with new deep learning technologies to analyze and deliver content at some of the most granular levels possible.

This hybrid approach helps to remove unnecessary noise and creates life-like textures and smooth edges on upscaled 8K content that only Samsung can deliver. It also adjusts content brightness and darkness levels according to the light and living room conditions the display is set up in.

AI Quantum Sound for the Most Suitable Audio Experiences

Adding a truly effective audio experience to high-quality picture quality serves to bring about an even deeper sense of immersion to viewers. Samsung’s AI Quantum Sound, bolstered by artificial intelligence, provides a listening experience similar to that of a movie theater right in your living room.

Samsung’s new innovative sound technology Object Tracking Sound+ follows movement on-screen to match the direction of the sound to the action. The technology recognized and analyzes the recorded audio synced to the content in real-time and evenly distributes the audio tracks to the six speakers embedded in the TV.

And due in part to the Active Voice Amplifier (AVA), users will never miss a word of dialogue, regardless of what is happening around the TV. The feature monitors the sound environment so that if there is noise louder than the TV’s audio, it will increase the volume of just the dialogue audio so as not to overwhelm users while ensuring no word goes unheard. Also, sound will be delivered seamlessly thanks to real-time deep learning audio separation technology, high-performance NPU (Neural Processing Unit).

AI Streaming for Minimal Data Loss

Thanks to the widespread use of the Over the Top (OTT) streaming services, more and more users are taking advantage of their large screen TVs and stream 8K content. However, existing network infrastructures cannot always guarantee image quality that meets users’ high-resolution expectations. This is why at the Samsung Developers’ Conference in 2019, Samsung introduced its AI Scalenet technology, designed to overcome these infrastructure limitations and support effective 8K streaming and low-latency livestreaming.

AI Scalenet is a CES 2020 Innovation Award-winning AI codec technology that generates resolutions four times higher than conventional technologies without any change to the network infrastructure. It minimizes the data loss that may occur during the compression and playing of videos through deep learning technologies, meaning users can enjoy 8K-quality content regardless of their network infrastructure. Even during peak usage, AI Scalenet dramatically improves image quality and content speed according to the network status and reduces picture breaking and ambient noise.

These days, more content than ever can be enjoyed on our TVs, meaning that the expectation for immersive viewing experiences in the home has increased, too. Samsung plans to continue to use a range of innovative technologies, starting with artificial intelligence, to bring the best experience 8K content and audio experiences to living rooms across the world.

The TV you own should always be closely related with your lifestyle and aesthetic choices, because everyone enjoys their TV experiences more when their device’s design, as well as the content they watch, reflects their tastes.

In order to help you discover which TV suits you best, Samsung Global Newsroom has put together a quiz to point you in the direction of the most suitable TV for you and your lifestyle.

From vast streaming services to cinematic video games, there’s never been more incredible content waiting at our fingertips – and there’s never been more reason to experience that content on a big-screen TV.

Considering that you can reasonably expect most TVs to last anywhere from 5 to 10 years, when you shop for your next TV, you’ll want to be sure that you’ll be happy with your purchase for the long haul. As time goes by, many consumers report that they regret not buying a bigger screen TV. Today’s consumers want a bigger, more immersive picture. Which may explain why, according to recent consumer segmentation research conducted by Samsung Electronics, consumers rank screen size as a major reason to upgrade to a new TV, and why this year, experts predict that sales of 75-inch and larger TVs will increase by 17 percent, and sales of 8K TVs will increase by 110 percent.¹

The benefits of buying a big-screen TV are as clear as the spacious displays’ immersive images. Let’s take a closer look at some of those benefits now.

1. Next-Level Realism

It may sound simple, but it’s true: the bigger your TV’s screen, the easier it is to appreciate its picture quality.

The key lies in the balance between size and resolution – the total number of pixels a TV’s screen contains. The bigger the TV, the more important its resolution becomes. An ultra-high-resolution TV like Samsung’s QLED 8K packs a whopping 33 million pixels into its screen. Such high resolution makes pixels imperceptible on a big-screen TV – amplifying your immersion by offering you a bigger, more realistic picture.

With this in mind, it’s easy to see why consumers consistently rate screen size as one of the most important factors affecting their TV purchasing decisions, just as it’s easy to see how a big, high-resolution screen takes everything from watching films to gaming to the next level.

2. Watching Movies

Enjoy a theater experience from the comfort of your living room.

A big-screen, high-resolution TV is ideal for enjoying films at the level of detail they were meant to be viewed. This includes both 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray movies, as well as content from an ever-growing list of streaming services. Special effects look more spectacular, and cinematic moments become that much more so.

3. Gaming

Today’s video game consoles are exceptionally powerful, and capable of supporting incredibly rich and detailed gameplay. When paired with a big-screen TV, the on-screen action becomes even more immersive. Samsung’s QLED TVs offer next-level gaming with Auto Game Mode, a built-in function that automatically analyzes connected gaming devices and optimizes TV settings to make gameplay as detailed, smooth, and realistic as possible.

4. Watching Sports

When watching sports, a big-screen TV transforms your couch into the best seat in the house. The ability to see more of the action in greater detail makes you feel like you’re there, cheering on your favorite team.

5. Enjoying Edutainment

One of the biggest trends in TVs today has been the rise of edutainment. With so many students studying from home in recent months, TVs have emerged as valuable tools for sparking young ones’ curiosity. A big-screen TV offers a larger window for exploring a wide range of exciting subjects.

Samsung’s QLED TVs – part of the company’s wide-ranging Smart TV portfolio – offer entertainment for all ages. They make everything from web browsing to recording shows simple and convenient, and feature an intuitive Universal Guide, which offers users custom recommendations based on their viewing history.

Things to Consider

If you’re thinking of upgrading to a big-screen TV, here are a few points to consider before making your purchase.

» Get a Sense of Its Size

If you’re unsure how a big-screen TV would look in your home, here’s a handy idea: try using painter’s tape to create an outline of the TV size you’re thinking of buying on your wall for reference. You can also refer to the GIF above to see just how easily a 75- or 85-inch TV can fit into your living room.

» Remember That Immersion Is Key

When buying a big-screen TV, make sure that the display you choose will offer you the most immersive experience possible.

Samsung’s QLED 8K TVs combine a high resolution with cutting-edge innovations like the 8K Quantum Processor to offer users the ultimate in terms of both image quality and in-home entertainment. They’re available to explore at www.samsung.com/tvs/, where you can also find information on the company’s complete range of Smart TV offerings, including QLED 4K.

Click here to learn more about how Samsung’s latest TVs offer users a viewing experience unlike any other.

¹ Market research firm OMDIA has predicted that shipments of 75-inch and larger TVs will reach 4.92 million units in 2020 – a 17% increase over last year (4.21 million). Sales of 8K TVs are predicted to increase from 119,000 units in 2019 to 250,000 units in 2020.

Considering that you can reasonably expect most TVs to last anywhere from 5 to 10 years, when you shop for your next TV, you’ll want to be sure that you’ll be happy with your purchase for the long haul. Today’s consumers want a bigger, more immersive picture. Which may explain why this year experts predict that sales of 75-inch and larger TVs will increase by 17 percent, and sales of 8K TVs will increase by 110 percent in the global TV market.¹

Not only has Samsung worked hard to develop bigger and bigger screens, the company has also been focused on enhancing its TVs’ design to provide the best possible viewing experiences. “Samsung’s QLED 8K 2020 TVs allow users to focus solely on watching and listening for total immersion,” explained product designer Seungho Lee. “With these innovative screens, we reduced bezel sizes so as to make use of 99% of the display space and break down the boundaries of TV displays for optimized viewing.”

Take a look at the images below to learn more about the QLED 8K 2020 range and Samsung’s big-screen TV design journey.

¹ Market research firm OMDIA has predicted that shipments of 75-inch and larger TVs will reach 4.92 million units in 2020 – a 17% increase over last year (4.21 million). Sales of 8K TVs are predicted to increase from 119,000 units in 2019 to 250,000 units in 2020.