Heart and brain health are two key areas of global healthcare innovation, where our groundbreaking advancements are shaping the future of preventative care.

Our wearable technology will soon enable early detection and monitoring of Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction (LVSD), a serious cardiovascular condition responsible for approximately 50% of all heart failure cases and is more fatal than some cancers. Similarly, we are advancing brain-computer interface (BCI) technologies by overcoming the limitations of bulky devices to unlock immense potential in mental health management and productivity.

World-First LVSD Detection Through Smart Watch

Heart failure stands out as one of the most fatal cardiovascular diseases, with a 5-year survival rate of only 50% following diagnosis. As a result, early detection of LVSD is critical, as timely diagnosis along with medication and lifestyle adjustments, can significantly reduce hospitalization and lower the risk of death.

Samsung has overcome this limitation by introducing AI algorithms that were developed in collaboration with Medical AI, a leading Korean medical device company specializing in AI-based ECG technology. These algorithms were developed based on Medical AI’s in-house algorithm for the 12-lead ECG analysis, which is already deployed across over 100 major hospitals in Korea and used for over 120,000 patients on a monthly basis, bringing clinically proven, real-word reliability that led to securing regulatory approval from South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) as the first smart watch to gain LVSD detection capabilities.

This technology not only enables early screening for asymptomatic individuals but also aims to reduce the surging healthcare costs associated with heart failure by promoting early diagnosis and timely treatment.¹ Furthermore, this product aligns with global healthcare priorities, including personalized patient care, proactive health management, lowering healthcare burdens, and advancing the application of AI in medicine.

Advancing Brain-Computer Interface Technology in a Wearable

Our commitment to collaboration extends beyond heart health innovation. Much like the groundbreaking work with Medical AI on LVSD detection, we recently partnered with Hanyang University’s Department of Biomedical Engineering to develop an around-the-ear electroencephalogram(EEG) prototype device, advancing brain-computer interface (BCI) technology with unmatched wearability and precision.

Engineered to overcome limitations of traditional EEG systems, the Ear-EEG offers a sleek, ergonomic design that allows seamless brainwave monitoring outside laboratory settings. Designed to capture high-quality signals with strategically placed electrodes around the ear, the research prototype delivered strong real-world application potential:

• Drowsiness Detection: It accurately detected the onset of drowsiness in real-time, showcasing its potential to enhance learning efficiency and support focus in education and beyond.
• Video Preference Analysis: Using artificial intelligence to analyze brainwaves, the device identified participants’ personal video preferences with 92.86% accuracy, pointing to potential applications in neuromarketing and entertainment.

This research was recently featured in the Volume 25, Issue 18 of the IEEE Sensors Journal, where it was selected as the sole feature article, further solidifying Samsung’s leadership in wearable sensor innovation.

“This study is a prime example of academia-industry collaboration being recognized internationally for its scholarly significance,” said Professor Chang-Hwan Im of Hanyang University. “The technology we developed is not limited to education and marketing but has the potential to expand into diverse fields such as entertainment and mental health management.”

Collaborating for a Smarter, Healthier Future

Through relentless focus on innovation, rigorous research, and ongoing partnerships with world-class experts and institutions, Samsung is redefining the future of healthcare by delivering technologies that are personalized, connected, and more accessible than ever.

Looking ahead, Samsung is poised to redefine the future of healthcare by delivering technologies that are personalized, connected, and accessible to everyone. Through relentless innovation and strategic collaboration, Samsung continues to simplify the wellness journey, offering users the tools they need to proactively manage their health and embrace smarter, healthier lifestyles. This commitment ensures that Samsung’s solutions not only meet the needs of today’s users but also push the boundaries of what’s possible in tomorrow’s healthcare landscape.

¹ Not intended for use in detection, diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Intended for general wellness and fitness purposes only. Please consult a medical professional for advice.

Research published by Samsung, in partnership with Mindlab International, reveals that watching television content on an UHD TV is 38 percent more immersive than watching on Full HD.

The neuropsychological study – ‘Screen Sensation: The Ultra HD Effect’ – examined the physiological affects of watching UHD TV versus Full HD TV, in order to highlight the technological advancements of the Samsung SUHD TV range. Full HD (also known as 1080p), has over five times as much picture information as standard definition TV, and Ultra high definition (UHD) televisions are capable of displaying pictures with four times the detail of Full HD. The participants, aged 18-65, had electrodes attached to their scalps and were monitored via electroencephalography (EEG), electrodermal activity (EDA) and heart rate. The subjects watched footage from leading content streaming service Netflix and a European high profile football match, all in UHD and HD. To ensure impartiality, the brand of TV was concealed during the study.

[Samsung compares the body’s physiological response to watching Netflix (Chef’s Table) on a Samsung SUHD television, in comparison to Full High Definition TV.]

The results proved overwhelmingly that UHD TV was more ‘immersive’ than Full HD TV due to a combination of increased approach motivation (a measure associated with being attracted towards something), visual processing and beta power (a measure associated with active thinking or concentration). Immersion is highly increased during experiences like riding a roller coaster, buying a new product or going out on a good date. The fact that watching Samsung SUHD TV increases immersion suggests that it offers a more positive and rich viewer engagement than watching content on a Full HD screen.

The results will also please armchair football commentators, who will be able to feel more like a referee on the pitch, never missing an offside position again. Participants experienced 62 percent higher levels of visual processing when watching football on UHD TV, meaning that the brain is using more of its capacity to process visual information. In turn this mental function delivers a more detailed and richer representation of what’s really happening on the pitch.

During the study, subjects felt 25 percent more ‘in the moment’ when watching something for the first time on the Samsung SUHD TV. Subjects felt more ready to react to what was on the screen, more focused, attentive and concentrated – perfect for action film fans, who want their viewing experience heightened.

[Subjects watch Netflix (Sense8 and Chef’s Table) while being tested by Mindlab International for Samsung’s ‘Screen Sensation: The Ultra HD Effect’ study to examine the body’s physiological response to watching TV in Ultra HD, compared to Full HD.]

Neuropsychologist Dr. David Lewis, Chairman of Mindlab International says: “Ultra High Definition TV is a quantum leap in terms of viewing experience – this has been proved by the research we carried out for Samsung. It’s incredible how advancements in technology can create these significant physiological responses and is changing the way we experience content and entertainment.”

Other findings include:

• Participants were significantly more drawn towards content on UHD screens compared to Full HD screens (20 percent difference) – creating a positive emotional reaction
• When watching clips for the second or third time, people watching on UHD screens were more drawn to them than those watching them on HD screens (29 percent difference)

Michael Zoeller, Vice President, European Head of Visual Display at Samsung said: “From global sporting events, to highly anticipated TV series, to blockbuster films, people want to experience the huge variety of premium TV content available on bigger, brighter, crystal clear screens. Samsung is at the very forefront of evolving TV technology, offering the most breath-taking viewing experience possible, in the comfort of people’s homes. This research underlines the power of watching premium quality content on a technologically advanced television, like a Samsung SUHD TV.”

Neil Hunt, Chief Product Officer at Netflix said: “Ultra High Definition is challenging people’s expectations on the quality of television and our own programming is reflecting the leaps forward in picture quality, depth, detail and colour. The reality of TV is becoming sharper, making entertainment more immersive and enjoyable.”

Samsung’s revolutionary Curved SUHD TVs offer the finest UHD picture quality, depth and detail a UHD screen can offer. Ground breaking Nano Crystal Technology creates outstandingly precise, rich colours and brightness, and flat images come to life making entertainment more immersive and enjoyable.