Re-Imagining Street Art

Samsung invited over 80 journalists, influencers and partners to the celebratory opening of the exhibition at the pop-up gallery of famous New York street artist ELLE, one of the top street artists in the world. Facilitated by AR, ELLE’s works extended beyond the walls they lay, with visitors able to walk right through the art. Samsung installed Galaxy S9+ smartphones with the specially-designed “re:imagine street ARt app” in the gallery for users to experience the fascinating combination of urban art and augmented reality. Additionally, Samsung lifestyle TV The Frame provided detailed displays of ELLE’s collages.

“We created ‘re:imagine street ARt’ so that everybody can experience Samsung technology in new and exciting ways. Here in Berlin, we’re showing that technology is not only about consumption and lifestyle, but also about culture and creativity. Using our mobile devices, we make a colorful world accessible which wouldn’t be possible without this technology” said Martin Börner, Deputy President at Samsung Electronics GmbH.

Captivating Visitors

Tim Renner, an author and renowned music producer as well as former Secretary for Cultural Affairs of the city of Berlin, was the host of the evening. Together with 3D motion designer Robert Werner, he discussed with the audience how the digital world can transform classic art forms. Artists Pichiavo, Mario Mankey, Tape That and exhibition partner The Dixons were also in attendance.

Guests were impressed with the digital edge Samsung brought to the street artists’ work. “The Art Labs offer a new approach to art and allow the visitor to perceive both the space and the surroundings. It is a forward-looking concept for immersing oneself in the art world with the help of VR. The possibility to move around in the art environment and to engage with it in a playful way inspired me,” said Instagrammer Michael Koller (herr_pola_roid).

Street Art and AR Take Berlin

Passers-by could also discover further Street Art and AR combinations outside of gallery. ELLE and Innerfields had designed large Samsung murals in the city center of Berlin, which would animate as soon as visitors pointed their smartphone camera and the “re:imagine street ARt” app at them. Moreover, famous Berlin sights such as the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag building, the Victory Column and the Berlin Cathedral could be experienced in full interactive “Street ARt” splendor with the help of the app. “It’s exciting to see the new perspectives opened up by the interplay of technology and art,” said Melina Grundmann from media company Deutsche Welle.

More information about the artists and their works is available at: http://www.reimagine-streetart.de

Left to right: Alexander Warr (Time Frame), Irem Deniz Akcam (Sphere), Matthew Cockeril (Kinetic Decor), Gerard Puxhe (Architectural Extension), Jianshi Wu (Bird Clock)

Samsung Electronics has teamed up with leading design and architectural magazine Dezeen in a competition to find the next graphic imagery for the QLED TV’s ‘Ambient Mode.’ Open to designers and creatives worldwide, the judges invited shortlisted entrants to the final round of the competition at IFA, with the grand prize winner announced on August 31 in Berlin. The competition saw a myriad of entries from all over the globe, but only five were invited to IFA to showcase their designs in full.

Ambient Mode is the innovative feature of 2018 QLED TVs that transforms the traditionally black display of the ‘off’ screen into a dynamic, animated interior design feature. Ambient Mode can mimic the appearance of the wall it sits on while also conveying chosen imagery or information, such as the time or the weather.

The judges of this contest to find the next Ambient Mode design, including esteemed designer Neville Brody and Serif TV designer Erwan Bourollec, and Dontae Lee, Head of Samsung’s Corporate Design Center, were looking for designs that fit Ambient Mode’s mission to echo its environment and blend seamlessly into the aesthetic of user’s homes. “We weren’t looking for a design that was going to dominate or be too overpowering,” noted judge Neville Brody (pictured below). “The most important feature for us was whether or not the design could really make any environment warm and relaxing, just like Ambient Mode has been designed to do.”

The competition elicited a diverse and exciting range of creative responses to Ambient Mode. “The great thing about all the designs is the potential they all had to be completely customizable,” elaborated Brody. “From the objects or animals involved to the background design, all had the potential to be as personal to users as possible.” Choosing a winner from the five dynamic shortlisted designs was no easy feat, but it was Swift Creatives’ design that “offered a level of detail you could get involved in, but at the same time stayed there as a very natural part of the environment,” explained Brody.

The judging panel believe that with these new designs, the QLED TVs and Ambient Mode offer users even more options to personalize and enhance not just their screens, but their living spaces, too.  “Samsung TVs today are truly beautiful,” affirmed Brody. “They are moving the display screen away from being just a piece of technology and towards something that fits more seamlessly into people’s lives. It is a tremendous opportunity for creatives and consumers alike.”

UK-based Swift Creatives, the team behind winning design ‘Kinetic Decor’, was inspired by the family connotation of the mobile design as well as their Scandinavian roots. “Our design taps into the fundamental Scandinavian pleasures associated with everyday living and the simple comfort of relaxing at home with friends, using technology to support, not intrude on, this experience,” said Matthew Cockeril (pictured above).

Take a look at the five shortlisted designs in full below.

“Kinetic Decor”, Swift Creatives, UK

This ‘mobile’ concept relies on light cues and motion sensors to determine the activity of the chosen objects or animals (completely customizable) on screen. Regarding the challenges of designing for Ambient Mode, Swift Creatives team noted that “treading the fine line between representing something physical and something digital – key to the Ambient Mode offering – required careful thought and conceptualization.”

“Sphere”, Doisign, Turkey

This ‘digital world’ design allows users to catch a glimpse of what is going on in the outside world of their friends and family around the world with this social media and local data powered cut-out design. “Our design has transformed the TV into a personal assistant by harnessing the QLED’s AI and IoT capabilities. The immediate personalized home interface Ambient Mode offers allows users to take their home to a new interaction level.”

“Bird Clock”, Jianshi Wu and Yitan Sun, USA

This whimsical concept showcases the time of day to users through the gentle flutter of birds; the number of birds on each level represents a different digit of the time, and background coloration showcases the time of day. “We wanted our design to make the act of checking the time on a device less of a mindless errand. It embraces how new technology like Ambient Mode can encourage new ways to interact with technology.”

“Time Frame”, Alex Warr and Zach Walters, USA

This design provides a portal into a desired location, be it your current one or somewhere further afield, with the shape of the portal’s frame adjusting to subtly indicate the time of day as a clock would. “Time Frame is a dynamic window, enhancing the user’s space by creating a virtual connection to another environment; it is designed to enhance and expand the possibilities of a user’s space.”

“Architectural Extension”, Gerard Puxhe, UK

This concept expands upon the design of a user’s existing furniture and interior aesthetic, taking on a ‘box’ shape that blends in with the room’s surroundings, while decorative elements subtly reflect live weather and time information. “With ‘Architectural Extension’, I aim to integrate the digital and the physical world in a believable way.”

Samsung Electronics and Dezeen, a leading design and architectural magazine based in the UK, announced the grand prize winner of the co-hosted ‘Dezeen x Samsung Ambient Mode Design Competition’ at IFA 2018 on August 31. “Kinetic Decor,” designed by Matthew Cockeril, Stephen Waller and Peter Hälldahl of UK and Denmark-based Swift Creatives, was honored with the grand prize and €8,000 prize money for best demonstrating how the Ambient Mode feature in Samsung’s QLED TV transforms the TV into something meaningful, even when switched off.

The Dezeen x Samsung Ambient Mode Design Competition, held from June 25 to August 3, focused on the evolving usability of the Ambient Mode, a new feature on Samsung’s QLED TV which blends the TV into the living room and the surrounding space by mimicking the wall’s color and displaying desired content and information such as the news, weather, photos and music. To enter the competition, entrants submitted their best Ambient Mode designs using static or animated images.

“Now in its second consecutive year, the Dezeen x Samsung Ambient Mode Design Competition provides the perfect opportunity to honor leading designers from around the world while acquiring graphic designs that reflect the premium quality of our TVs,” said Jongsuk Chu, Senior Vice President of the Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “The opportunities to increase the usability of the QLED TV’s Ambient Mode is endless. The designs are reflections of how we imagine the Ambient Mode – as a feature that enriches the everyday lifestyles of our consumers across the world.”

The contest awarded €29,500 in total prize money, reflecting Samsung’s ambition to celebrate talented designers and acquire premium concept and design quality from all around the world. The judging panel this year included esteemed designers, Neville Brody and Erwan Bouroullec, who selected the winner based on a complex set of criteria – a full understanding of the Ambient Mode, as well as overall design, originality, usability and seamlessness with the surrounding space and user lifestyle.

The winning design “Kinetic Decor” is a digital re-staging of the ‘mobile’ concept, with the live movements of the design’s fish becoming more animated as a room’s lighting increases or a user approaches. The submission especially received high marks for its connectivity with Ambient Mode content that is already available today.

“Our design aims to bring calm and a beautifully dynamic structure into the living space,” said Swift Creatives team member, Matthew Cockeril. “We were motivated to apply because of the unique way Samsung’s display technology supports designs that are responsive and sensitive to the people within the space it sits.”

Alongside the grand prize winner, four finalists were shortlisted with their designs exhibited as special displays within the Samsung Electronics booth at IFA 2018. The designs include “Time Frame,” displaying the outside scenery on the TV; “Bird Clock,” picturing birds sitting on a power line to indicate time; “Architectural Extension,” a virtual space like the balcony that creates the illusion of extended space; and “Sphere,” displaying graphics of the Earth’s rotation matched with relevant content and data, including photos, news and friends’ social media posts.

To extend the ecosystem of Ambient Mode, Samsung Electronics will roll out a Software Development Kit (SDK) in beta version later this year.

From August 31 to September 1, Samsung’s “Perfect Reality” campaign placed a series of attention-grabbing advertisements at three Berlin landmarks: the Berlin Congress Center, the Weinmeister station, and RAW-Gelände, a cultural center.  The unique ads spotlighted QLED 8K’s industry-leading picture quality with captivating scenes centered around the themes of sport, food, and sci-fi.

Utilizing real-life models and objects to encapsulate the “Perfect Reality” that QLED 8K, with its ultra-high resolution and image-optimizing technologies, is capable of providing, the intricate and arresting scenes caused many a passerby to come in for a closer look. Clips of the public’s reactions to the ads were shared on various social media channels by Germany’s most popular influencers, including renowned photographers and YouTubers.  

QLED 8K is currently being showcased at Samsung’s IFA 2018 booth, located on the second floor of CityCube Berlin.

QLED 8K’s “Perfect Reality” campaign placed eye-catching ads at a total of three Berlin landmarks, including the famous Berlin Congress Center.

At Weinmeister station, passersby take a second to admire the campaign’s intricate setups, which utilized actual models and objects to showcase QLED 8K’s industry-leading picture quality.

Visitors to RAW-Gelände draw closer to the strikingly detailed scene of two travelers in space, one of three ads designed to encapsulate QLED 8K’s “Perfect Reality”.

Intelligent Recommendations for Chefs

Chef Davide Oldani was in charge of the appetizer while Chef Michel Troisgros provided the main dish and dessert. In order to decide what to prepare, the chefs used the View Inside function on the Family Hub to look at ingredients without having to open the refrigerator.

The chefs then reached out to the audience for a volunteer to take a look at the Smart Recipe offerings of the Family Hub with them. Smart Recipe is a novel intelligent function that recommends menu options for you based on the shelf life of the ingredients stored within, accommodating its suggestions to users’ tastes and preferences. Chef Troisgros (pictured above) praised its resourcefulness, noting that the strategic nature of the Smart Recipe function meant that no ingredient would be wasted.

Chef Troisgros confessed to the audience that the Family Hub was his personal favorite feature for its aesthetic quality, intelligent suggestions and the usability of the screen – perfect for messy cooking sessions.

With the volunteer having reviewed the screen and expressed their preference for something with passion fruit, Chef Troisgros announced that he would create a Swiss meringue dessert with a passion fruit filling arranged in the shape of a sunflower, “inspired by the expansive sunflower fields of my home in France.”

When it was his turn to use the Family Hub, Chef Troisgros told the audience: “the ‘window’ function of the Family Hub is perfect for getting the most out of your food. Eliminating the need to open the fridge door frequently, ingredients inside are kept fresh and at their best for longer.” The View Inside function even lists the expiration dates of the products, ensuring your ingredients are prepared when at their best.

Chef Oldani then utilized the Family Hub’s Smart Recipe function to settle on a unique bruschetta appetizer, regaling the audience with the fascinating story behind the evolution of the bruschetta recipe and even providing guests with a special Italian tomato water taster. Chef Troisgros then decided on a dynamic recipe of his own for the main course, ‘Le Jaune Ivre de Rouge’; a baked potato with egg yolk and parma ham in a red wine sauce.

Precise Cooking for Any Recipe

As the chefs got down to cooking, the audience was amazed when both of the chefs were able to cook their dishes, with different cooking times and temperatures, simultaneously with the Dual Cook Flex Oven. Chef Troisgros made the point that the Dual Flex makes the cooking process so much less stressful; “with many dishes to prepare at once, it can be stressful to know when and what to do. But at least with appliances like the Dual Flex, people can be more confident with the assistance these smart features provide.”

In addition to this helpful dual function, Chef Troisgros informed that audience that the Dual Cook Flex Oven automatically maintains the temperatures of both its compartments to ensure each dish is cooked to perfection, a feature critical to food preparation.

As the chefs moved along to the stovetop cooker, the audience watched in awe when, as Chef Oldani switched on the hob on, the hood automatically activated and the Virtual Flame function lit up. Virtual Flame, which glows just like a real flame to alert users to the heat of the cooker, is particularly useful in a family home to keep children away from open flames. Chef Oldani was quick to inform the audience that this feature was his favorite; “Chefs can get a feel for the temperature of the appliance and also stay safe in a busy kitchen.”

Premium Design, Smart Function

The built-in smart kitchen that was used during the cooking show is a collaboration between Samsung and German premium furniture company Nolte, with Samsung’s latest smart appliances fitting seamlessly into the luxurious design and décor of Nolte’s signature kitchen furnishings. The sleek design and sophisticated layout of the cooking space attracted many guests’ attention.

This year’s Samsung’s built-in kitchen booth was also designed with other luxury furniture brands including Italy’s LUBE, which are shown in the ‘Premium Kitchen Zone’ alongside Nolte products, and at luxury built-in brand ‘Dacor Zone’, attendees are able to peruse some of these innovative designs. The IFA kitchen is a testament to how Samsung smart kitchen appliances with AI and IoT can harmonize seamlessly with kitchen furnishings. Samsung has also collaborated with renowned brands including Scavolini and Veneta Cucine, and participated at exhibitions like EuroCucina to strengthen its commitment to building world-class premium appliances.

The smart kitchen zone was enhanced by luxury built-in kitchen appliance brand Dacor for a seamless finish incorporating the premium smart appliances into the kitchen space fluidly.

Having finished their meals, audience members expressed their wonder at the delicate tastes of each course, all cooked to perfection with Samsung’s intelligent kitchen appliances. Audience member Michael Wasiau especially appreciated the experimental nature of Chef Oldani’s bruschetta course, made with such simple ingredients as discovered in the Family Hub fridge.

Audience members Michael Wasiau and Thea Frosshoph

Other audience members found the cooking show informative, as it highlighted the practice usage features like Smart Recipe can offer; “I usually check myself what’s in the fridge to see what I can make,” said Thea Frosshoph. “So, when cooking, besides getting creative myself and thinking ‘okay, what am I going to make today?’ I can find some cooking inspiration with what’s available.”

The audience left the cooking show inspired to make their own meals effortlessly with the help of the Samsung smart appliance ecosystem. “We are focused on bringing kitchens to life with smart technology that simplifies everything and creates new lifestyle opportunities,” affirms BK Kang, Executive Vice President of Digital Appliance Business at Samsung.

From left: Chef Davide Oldani, BK Kang, Chef Michel Troisgros and presenter Louise Houghton

Spanning TVs, air conditioners, kitchen appliances, lighting and more, the company’s latest smart innovations offer a level of convenience and seamlessness that only Samsung, with its deep know-how in these and other product categories, including chipsets and smartphones, can deliver.

Each device is available now, and connected by the company’s new Group Control by Automation technology, which allows users to comfortably manage a wide array of IoT devices at once. Each also offers a level of personalization that can help users streamline everything from managing household chores to enjoying their favorite entertainment.

Check out the video below for a glimpse at how Samsung’s innovative technologies are helping usher in the next era of connected living.

# Appliances That Spring Into Action as Soon as You Come Home

Samsung’s Group Control by Automation technology compatible appliances to essentially function on their own, automatically getting to work as soon as a user enters or leaves their home.

The technology, which is available in over 370 SmartThings-compatible devices, registers when users enter or exit their home via GPS signals from their mobile device, and utilizes advanced AI to analyze usage patterns for connected appliances.

The system may be configured to automatically turn on a household’s TVs, air conditioner, robot vacuum cleaner, lights or appliances in accordance with users’ preferences, which means that users no longer need to manually turn on each appliance they wish to use whenever they come home. As soon as you walk through the door, the system will activate and optimize the devices you use so you won’t have to.

# Designed to Cater to Multiple Users

The system enables a household’s appliances to automatically adjust their settings based on each member of the family’s usage patterns.

This means that, for example, when a student comes home from school each day, the settings for the air conditioner, TV and lighting will automatically adjust to suit their preferences, and reconfigure again once her parents get home from work. So whereas when the student gets home, the air conditioner is automatically set to 25°C and the TV switches to a kids’ channel, when her parents get back, the temperature adjusts to their preferred setting, and the TV flips to whichever channel they typically tune into at that time.

If the parents have set an appliance, such as a robot vacuum cleaner, to switch on as soon as they get home, it will activate automatically —although Group Control by Automation-connected devices support voice commands as well.

In addition, if there are two users in the house and one goes outside, the connected appliances’ settings will adjust based on the preferences of the user who stayed in. The system also removes the need to worry about accidentally leaving a device running when you leave home, as the appliances’ GPS tracking function enables them to automatically shut off or switch to standby mode as soon as you walk out the door.

# AI + IoT = More Ways to Streamline Your Day

Enhancing Samsung’s IoT technology and artificial intelligence unlocks convenient ways for users to simplify a wide range of household tasks.

For example, if, after a hard day’s work, you’re not sure what you’d like to watch on TV, the AI technology can recommend a channel based on the type of content your household typically views at that time, so you can sit back and focus on relaxing.

When it’s time to get dinner started, a simple press of the voice command button on your TV’s remote control will allow you to streamline dinner prep by asking the TV to display the contents of your connected fridge. You can even issue voice commands to find items in the refrigerator, browse recipes, check the oven’s cooking progress, and more.

Samsung Electronics is showcasing a new level of AI-powered convenience at IFA 2018 with its Group Control by Automation technology, which is not only capable of recognizing users and automatically controlling home appliances, but also analyzes users’ usage patterns and provides suggestions to help them streamline various tasks.

For the third and final in the Online Docent series, Samsung invites you to tour the very latest in mobile technology, straight from the CityCube Berlin exhibition center. Read on for a virtual guide of the Mobile zone, where the Galaxy Note9 is on full display along with the Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Tab S4 and other latest Samsung mobile devices in a variety of exciting and hands-on experiential booths.

Throngs of visitors to Samsung Town crowd into the venue’s Mobile zone, which offers hands-on looks at the company’s latest mobile innovations.

The Mobile zone offers fun for all ages, with plenty of opportunities to play with Samsung’s newest smartphones, tablets, wearables and more.

Galaxy Note9 – The New Super Powerful Note

The Mobile zone tour begins with booths presenting a full overview of the latest in the Galaxy Note series, demonstrating its enhancements designed to provide users with “the highest perfection.” The Galaxy Note9 has been designed to offer the speed, power and performance that today’s users want and need. Users can spend all day with their phone in hand without having to worry about battery life, thanks to the Galaxy Note9’s 4,000mAh battery¹. The Galaxy Note9 also offers users more space to complete tasks efficiently and effectively, with 128GB/512GB of internal storage². Furthermore, a slimmer cut and symmetrical curves accompanied by its 6.4-inch display, the Galaxy Note9 matched with AKG built-in stereo speakers provides the most immersive experience yet.

Since its launch along with the original Galaxy Note in 2011, the S Pen has provided innovative ways and exciting to users to communicate and streamline their Note experience. For its latest iteration, Samsung understood that users needed their S Pen to be able to do more than personalize their writing, drawing or ‘Screen-off’ memo drafting needs; and so, the S Pen now comes with an integrated Bluetooth Low-Energy module so that users can remotely control their device from a distance. The remote-control aspect allows users to take selfies remotely at the click of a button. Users can also use it as a convenient clicker with Samsung DeX, for remote, seamless presentation slide control.

At the S Pen Galaxy Photo Booth, visitors can experiment with the S Pen’s new remote capabilities – by just pressing a button on the S Pen, visitors are able to take a selfie, even when the phone is about 10 meters away from them.

At the S Pen Live Message Relay booth, visitors are experiencing more of the S Pen’s advanced features. Attendees can create their very own AR Emoji on the Galaxy Note9 and use the S Pen to add personalized Live Messages, drawings and more effects. These can be shared with other attendees through the screen at the event.

The Echoverse booth features special lighting and mirror effects, providing an exciting space for visitors to design a Live Message with the S Pen before taking a selfie and sharing the unique results.

Next up on the tour, the Camera Experience booths are demonstrating to visitors how the advanced camera in the Galaxy Note9 can help them take their best photos yet – effortlessly. Brand new intelligent functions, Scene Optimizer and Flaw Detection, do the work for you in capturing the perfect picture. The Galaxy Note9’s camera also features support for Samsung’s recently introduced Super Slow-mo function and AR Emojis that are more expressive than ever, so that you’ll never run out of fun ways to communicate with friends.

This interactive booth allows visitors to explore how groundbreaking the Super Slow-mo function of the Note9 can be. Attendees can choose an RC Car from the extensive line-up on offer, race them using the Note9 and utilize Super Slow-mo to fully capture and enjoy the dynamic scene.

Galaxy Watch – Heritage Design, Lifestyle Function

The Galaxy Note9’s wider ecosystem, powered by SmartThings, allows users centralized, easy control of their Samsung devices. The improved Galaxy Watch maintains its classic real watch design, but now comes with maximized battery life⁴ and LTE connectivity to allow integration across your devices, even when away from your Galaxy smartphone. The Galaxy Watch is the perfect lifestyle tool, introducing innovative tools to track your stress levels and sleep cycles⁵, providing an informative morning/evening debrief, and the ‘My Day’ watch face allows you quick access to the next 10 hours of your schedule.

At the Galaxy Watch Experience booth, users are learning how the Galaxy Watch has also become the ultimate fitness tool. Swim-ready with 5ATM support⁶, it has 39 exercise types for you to choose from and the device can detect the 6 most common exercise types automatically. Available in two sizes, the Galaxy Watch is the perfect complement to your daily activities, whatever your lifestyle type. And with a wide variety of straps to choose from, including the 25 especially stylish options from Samsung and Braloba that are currently on display in Samsung’s booth, it’s easy to customize your Galaxy Watch with a look that suits your style.

Attendees get hands-on with the new Galaxy Watch

IFA visitors challenge themselves as well as other attendees with the connectivity and support of the Galaxy Watch in the trampoline section of the Fitness experiential booth.

In addition to offering users tools to help them take charge of their health and fitness, the Galaxy Watch features a wide variety of strap options that allow users to customize their watch with a look that suits their style.

Collaboration Galaxy and Art

In the center of the Mobile zone, this year’s IFA presentation features Samsung’s latest creative collaboration with British pop artist Sam Cox, more commonly known as Mr. Doodle. The Mr. Doodle Façade Wall serves as a centerpiece, showcasing the full immersive quality of the bezel-less Galaxy Note9 screen as phones come together to display Mr. Doodle’s quirky and imaginative style in impressive ‘infinity’ style.

Samsung Electronics and Sam Cox (aka “Mr. Doodle”) have come together to showcase a special collaboration of technology and art. This side of the display wall utilizes The Frame, the Galaxy Note9 and the Galaxy Tab S4 so that visitors can fully enjoy the eye-catching nature of Mr. Doodle’s work as a media art.

IFA visitors use the Galaxy Note9 to snap a fun selfie in front of the Mobile zone’s “Mr. Doodle x Galaxy” digital mural.

Using the Galaxy Tab S4 and its refined S Pen, Mr. Doodle decorates a photo of a guest with his trademark quirky illustrations, creating a truly unforgettable souvenir.

Full VR Immersion

VR gaming has never been so exciting. At the 4D Experience booth, visitors can take part in an interactive 4D racing game with a car simulator. Also at the Galaxy Shoot-out VR, pairs of guests wearing Galaxy Note9-equipped Gear VRs, gloves and foot sensors can battle it out in a one-on-one soccer penalty shoot-out. Enthusiastic participants can even check the scoreboard afterwards to see how they ranked.

Enthusiastic attendees take part in the Galaxy Shoot-out VR – just one of the Mobile zone’s many fun activities.

Guests wearing Samsung HMD Odyssey headsets strap in for an exhilarating ride in the booth’s “Racing VR” VR simulator.

Thank you for following the IFA 2018 Online Docent series, presented to you live from IFA in Berlin. Stay tuned to the Newsroom for further information on the very latest Samsung products designed to help you do what you can’t.

¹Estimated against the usage profile of an average/typical user. Independently assessed by Strategy Analytics between 11-24 July 2018 in Santa Monica, CA, U.S. and Milton Keynes, U.K. with pre-release versions of SM-N960 (128GB). Actual battery life may vary.
²512GB internal memory as standard. 512GB models available in select countries. Up to 512GB additional storage with external SD card (sold separately).
³The Dual Aperture supports F1.5 mode and F2.4 mode. Dual Aperture is installed on the rear wide-camera.
⁴Battery life varies by device and usage: Galaxy Watch 46mm (80+ hours with typical usage; up to 168 hours with low usage) and Galaxy Watch 42mm (45+ hours with typical usage; up to 120 hours with low usage). The actual time of battery life may vary depending on the network connection, component, setting, signal strength, noise and many other elements.
⁵Measured value is not appropriate for medical use.
⁶Galaxy Watch has an ISO 22810:2010 certification for wristwatches for 5 ATM rating of 50 meters (165 feet) under defined conditions of pressure, time, velocity and temperature. This means that both devices are safe to wear while walking in the rain or showering and may be used for shallow-water activities like swimming in a pool or the ocean. However, Galaxy Watch should not be used for scuba diving, water skiing, or other activities involving sudden temperature changes, high-velocity water activities or submersion below shallow depth. Rinse in fresh water and dry after use in sea water.

Thanks to the development of smart technology, the era of simply pressing a few buttons on a home appliance and having that be that is long gone. Smart personal assistants, powered by AI (artificial intelligence) and IoT (the Internet of Things), have become an integral part of our daily lives – two-thirds of Europeans state that this smart technology would help make their lives easier and more enjoyable*. Recognizing this, Samsung is committed to delivering AI-based solutions at home that can learn from user behavior to provide personalized recommendations. The seamless integration of these intelligent home appliances promises to open consumers’ minds to the full potential of smart innovation in their lives.

Transforming the Home Life: Laundromat Lab with QuickDrive

The tour begins in the Laundromat Lab, which showcases the latest of Samsung’s laundry innovations, the QuickDrive washing machine. Launched here at IFA just last year, the QuickDrive washer is already paving the way and has notably transformed people’s home lives for the better. QuickDrive achieved the highest growth among the top 10 brands in the European washing machine market** in the first half of this year compared to same period of 2017.

QuickDrive can wash clothes in half the time of conventional machines without compromising on washing performance, freeing up consumers’ time. The QuickDrive washer includes the unique Q-Drum, which features a drum and a backplate that rotate independently so that loads are moved dynamically in opposite directions – resulting in a full clean.

In order to best control each and every wash cycle, Samsung has integrated three key smart functions into QuickDrive machines through its AI-powered laundry care solution “Q-rator” for more intelligent and personalized control over laundry cycles. Firstly, the Laundry Recipe function recommends the best cycle to you based on the fabric and color of the specific load you select. Secondly, Laundry Planner allows you to designate a desired wash end time which the machine will automatically work back from, minimizing the time you spend on washing clothes and allowing you to stop and start laundry according to your schedule. Thirdly, HomeCare Wizard monitors the machine itself to provide diagnostic feedback on the machine’s cycle, energy and use pattern data – so that this is one less thing for you to have think about. More intelligent than ever, QuickDrive can even detect when your washing detergent will run out, and will automatically order more on a contract basis.

Home appliances have never been more helpful or easy to navigate, and according to recent surveys, consumer feedback shows that their lives are truly being transformed by the new ‘QuickDrive approach’ to doing laundry. On top of this, it has garnered a slew of recognition from leading industry peers, with the 2018 Which? Awards announcing Samsung as the leading Large Appliance brand and KBIS awarding QuickDrive the ‘Best of KBIS’ award for its leading innovation in Smart Home Technology.

Home Bistro Assistant: Dual Cook Flex Oven

Moving across to the Cooking section of the Cooking zone, visitors are getting to know Samsung’s industry-leading Dual Cook Flex Oven, in which consumers can cook several dishes simultaneously at different temperatures and cooking times. The freedom that this offers users is no small feat – Samsung has created an oven that allows you to take advantage of the dual cook feature with ease, with the specially designed oven door allowing you the flexibility to either cook two different dishes at once or use the entire oven for one dish with a larger cooking space.

Visitors to the Zone are being treated to demonstrations of the SmartThings app. With the Cooking Guide feature, the Dual Cook Flex Oven offers the most appropriate oven settings based on the ingredients of the dish you are preparing. Whether you are baking a cake or cooking a lasagna, Cooking Guide can suggest the best oven mode, temperature and time for optimum results.  The oven’s intelligent features can even go one step beyond this, as well, featuring the capacity to save preferred recipe settings and notes using My Recipe and Scrapbook for even smoother cooking experiences. Perusing the Dual Cook Flex Oven’s handy intelligent settings, you can get a real sense of the convenience these smart features offer – along with providing the ultimate in cooking personalization.

The Center of Home Communication: Family Hub

This part of the tour ends in the Smart Kitchen booth, which is showcasing the latest version of the innovative Family Hub fridge. The kitchen has become the epicenter of a global shift in how people utilize their home spaces. Recent studies show that almost half (46%) of Europeans now spend most of their leisure time in the kitchen*. As a result, Samsung Electronics has broadened the scope of its products for the kitchen, the center of everyday home life, through this year’s more evolved Family Hub.

The Family Hub has been designed with the understanding that convenience and personalization in food preparation is a priority for families, and so the Meal Planner capabilities suggest recipes based on your family’s food preferences, dietary restrictions and even food expiration dates for convenient weekly and monthly tailored meal plans – based on the ingredients already stored in the fridge and users’ taste. Visitors can get a feeling for just how hands-on this smart appliance is by interacting with the Family Hub’s dedicated touch-screen tablet.

With Bixby and Voice ID, the 2018 Family Hub does more than just react intelligently, and IFA attendees are experiencing the tailored responses Family Hub and Bixby can provide. Family Hub can recognize individual voices and match them to each family member’s profile. Users can start off their day just by asking “Hi Bixby, what’s new today?” and full, personalized information relevant to that user will appear instantly.

Family Hub not only offers you a personalized experience with just the one device, but thanks to SmartThings, consumers can also enjoy a connected living experience across Samsung appliances as well as other devices. You can control your robot vacuum cleaner, washing machine, and even your air conditioner, all from the Hub’s screen. With features such as this, Samsung and Family Hub endeavor to build technology geared towards making a real difference in consumers’ everyday home lives.

Stay tuned for further installments in this series exploring more of Samsung’s IFA 2018 booths and find out more about different ways Samsung Electronics is making the everyday more innovative.

* Samsung’s European Kitchen Trends report surveyed 13,185 adults (18+) across 11 European countries in an online study to explore the changing role of the kitchen and how technology is shaping the way we interact with our kitchens. Fieldwork was undertaken in March 2018, and all figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. 

** 22 European markets

Samsung Electronics is committed to developing products that suit consumers’ changing lifestyles. Along this line, Samsung understands that the TV screen is everywhere these days – no longer just serving its traditional role of a television provider. TV screens are becoming the ultimate lifestyle product, and Samsung is at the forefront of evolving screens beyond previous size, resolution, form and usage limitations. For the first in the Online Docent series, Samsung invites you to join us on a tour of Samsung’s TV technology, straight from the City Cube Berlin. Read on for a virtual guide of the state of the art display technology on offer in Samsung’s dedicated booths at the IFA Exhibition Hall.

The Ultimate in TV Picture Quality: QLED 8K

This year at IFA, Samsung is introducing the QLED 8K, the very latest example of how Samsung products put you right into the center of the action. Right at the front of the visual display zone is a curved wall showcasing the QLED 8K, offering users the most advanced version of the current TV image on the market.

In the example video, see how 8K video brings you so close to the image with an immersive result that is truly life-life, making you feel like you could reach out and touch the details on screen; the quality of the image means you can even make out the minutiae of the hair on the ant’s back. This is because the QLED 8K has 33 million pixels, four times more than a 4K UHD TV. Because more pixels are packed into the same size display, you can sense the real vividness and clarity of the image even when looking close-up. In particular, extra-large screen options of 65-inch, 75-inch and beyond give you an unprecedented sense of depth, just like being in a movie theater.

With 4,000 nit peak brightness –the highest amongst mass-produced TVs and the standard followed by major Hollywood studios – viewers can see things they have never seen on a TV screen before. Real 8K resolution, combined with QLED Quantum Dot technology and Q HDR 8K, has come together to create the viewing experience that users actually want – be it the detailing in the flicker of a campfire or the contrast balance of afternoon sunlight passing through leaves.

At this exhibit, visitors can get a sense of the QLED 8K’s revolutionary AI upscaling features, which transform UHD, HD and even SD content into near-8K quality resolution. On the right-hand side of the 8K HL Zone, an informative panel is set up to inform visitors about the 8K QLED’s AI features. The 8K AI Upscaling capabilities use machine learning to upscale your content to near 8K standards. Visitors can compare 4K and upscaling 8K picture quality: details not previously visible in at 4K resolution are now rendered vividly present. Comparing the two resolutions of the same content side by side, you can clearly see how the upscaling feature optimizes textures and features so that they appear sharp and life-like, in comparison with the other resolutions which, next to 8K, appear pixelated and less vibrant.

Smarter Lifestyle, Meaningful Screens: Perfect Solutions

Moving along to the Living Room section, visitors can peruse the multitude of Samsung’s solutions to keeping your television and living space as aesthetically pleasing as possible, such as the One Invisible Connection.

Across from this presentation space is the Ambient Mode Zone, offering the ultimate in complementary smart TV design. With Ambient Mode, Samsung presents a rebuttal to the notion that TVs are useless once switched off by enabling users to customize the ‘off’ screen with pictures, weather updates, soothing patterns – and, as demonstrated to visitors in the Ambient Mode Zone, even existing wallpaper patterns for seamless design consistency.

Just next to this Ambient Mode display is the Contest booth, showcasing the finalist designs for this year’s exciting competition put on by Samsung and design magazine Dezeen to create the next Ambient Mode lifestyle screen options, conceptualized by users themselves. The competition’s grand prize winner is to be announced here at IFA, with shortlisted works on display at Ambient Mode Contest booth.

Fine Art for Every Taste, Made Effortless: The Frame 2018

Directly across from the Ambient Mode presentations is The Frame 2018, a game-changer in the lifestyle TV category. Visitors are enjoying the latest improvements to The Frame’s beloved art display features, with various screens showcasing the ‘Slideshow’ function, which changes the display content automatically on user-set time patterns. The ‘Favorite’ feature can highlight and prioritize the most-viewed artwork so that users can view their favorite contents, displayed in crystal-clear quality. The variety of content options offered by The Frame has also expanded to feature over 850 iconic pieces of art, with new artworks available on the Frame’s Art Store from such revered collections as the Tate, London, and the Uffizi, Florence.

The Future of Content Displays: The Wall

Coming now to the very front of the visual display section, and the end of our tour, we reach the Wall – the zenith of display technology that goes beyond previous conception s of screen size, resolution and form limitations. Visitors to this presentation are experiencing the awe-inspiring  picture quality and definition of the 146-inch screen with a module-based, bezel-less design and MicroLED technology. MicroLED technology emits color and light without color filters and backlights, and ultra-low reflection black technology and HDR10+ further contributes to the most vivid, life-like image quality to date.

Visitors are taken aback by the luminosity of the Wall’s image quality, with none of the images – regardless of scale – losing their contrast or textures. Not a single detail or color point is compromised on this impressive display. The Wall is built with inorganic materials for excellent luminescence efficiency and durability, and is free from the burn-in. The Wall for B2B was launched in June this year, and this latest Wall will be released for home line next year.

Stay tuned for further installments in this series exploring more of Samsung’s IFA 2018 booths and find out more about different ways Samsung Electronics is making the everyday more innovative.

To learn more about how the company’s latest groundbreaking TV mesmerizes viewers with virtually perfect picture quality and sound, Samsung Newsroom sat down with members of the team behind it, including product planners Beomkyun Rha and Jonghyuk Kim, and developers Hyunseung Lee and Sunghwan Jang.

(From left) Hyunseung Lee, Jonghyuk Kim, Beomkyun Rha and Sunghwan Jang, of Samsung’s Visual Display division.

Fostering a Viewing Experience Like Nothing Seen Before

QLED 8K boasts a resolution of 7,680 x 4,320 pixels—16 times more than a full HD (FHD) TV, and four times higher than 4K UHD display. As developer Hyunseung Lee explained, the TV’s added resolution allows detailed in images to be expressed more clearly, and creates a sense of reality and depth that keeps you immersed in your content.

“With conventional SD (standard definition) or HD (high definition) displays, when people look closely at depicted images, they can recognize them as a cluster of pixels,” said Lee. “However, with QLED 8K, the level of resolution is so high that pixels become invisible to the human eye, and viewers become incapable of distinguishing depicted objects from the real thing.”

As fellow developer Sunghwan Jang noted, however, it’s not just QLED 8K’s sky-high resolution that enables it to provide such textured, realistic images. The TV’s exceptional peak brightness—up to 4,000 nits—allows it to illuminate small details with impeccable precision.

“Bright content is expressed differently in 8K resolution,” said Jang. “Because 8K features four times more pixels than 4K, images and videos that are brighter and include more detail can be presented more accurately in 8K.”

Taking Immersion to Another Level with AI

Samsung is the first manufacturer to implement artficial intelligence (AI) technology into a QLED TV.  Adding machine learning to the TV’s repertoire of immersion-enhancing features has made it easy for users to enjoy a wide range of content in crystal clear 8K.

Samsung’s exclusive machine-learning technology automatically upscales lower-resolution videos into 8K picture quality, regardless of the video’s native resolution or method of transmission. The technology is powered by the Quantum Processor 8K, which, according to product planner BeomKyun Rha, was enhanced to better process details and lighting.

As Lee explained, the difference that the upscaling technology makes is often as clear as black and white. “When you look at 4K content next to upscaled 8K video, black areas of the screen are where you can see a major difference, even under bright conditions.”

The difference is also especially noticeable when viewing scenes with lots of detail and contrast. When viewing a nature documentary, for example, QLED 8K ensures sharp, natural colors that depict both the beaming yellow sun and the emerald waves beneath it with vivid accuracy.

Dealing with Challenges

When developing QLED 8K, Samsung’s R&D team was encouraged by the 8K market’s rapid development, but found it difficult to agree upon how to improve on QLED TV’s specifications, given the TV’s status as the cornerstone of the company’s display offerings.

“The most difficult thing to do was to coordinate the opinions of all the related divisions,” explained Jang (pictured above). “For example, the goal was to achieve 4,000-nit brightness. Conventional 4K TVs feature an optimum brightness of 1,500 to 2,000-nits, so raising that figure to 4,000 presented a challenge.”

Because the market had never seen TVs that satisfied the 4,000-nit specification, the team set out to raise the bar by achieving that value. “We wanted to produce the world’s best TV,” said product planner Jonghyuk Kim. “A TV that would allow content to be depicted as faithfully to creators’ intention as possible.

Delivering on that brightness goal presented a number of difficulties, and the team sought the opinions of a various divisions to help address them. “Once the discussions were done, [we] tirelessly researched every detail, such as how to adjust the amount of light to find an optimal balance of performance and durability,” Kim (pictured above) continued. “We worked very hard to figure out just the right amount. If it was too little, the light would be insufficient, but if it was too much, it would impact the product’s durability.”

Looking Ahead

Of course, Samsung’s R&D team overcame the challenges it faced during QLED 8K’s development, eventually delivering a TV with the power to redefine standards for visual immersion. The team isn’t resting on its laurels, however, as there’s still more work to be done.

Currently, Samsung’s 8K AI Upscaling technology is capable of enhancing content with better picture quality and sound, but the goal is to enable the AI to analyze users’ viewing conditions and environments in order to provide a more optimized, personalized experience. This will eventually allow the technology to offer any viewer an optimal and immersive viewing experience.

“We want our consumers to be able to immerse themselves in their favorite content, and view photos and videos from their everyday lives at a level of detail that allows them to feel like they’re present in the moment or scene,” said Rha. “We consider it our duty at Samsung to create new, innovative products like QLED 8K, that can help consumers realize such experiences.”

At the start of the event, HS Kim, President and CEO of Consumer Electronics Division, Samsung Electronics, set the stage for the exciting announcements to follow by inviting guests to “sit back and open your mind to the power of Samsung innovation.” He then discussed the company’s commitment to developing products and services that harness the power of cutting-edge technologies to add convenience to everyday life.

Guests were treated to up-close looks at a number of groundbreaking Samsung innovations, including the new QLED 8K, as well as Samsung’s cutting-edge Micro LED screen, The Wall; a new 49-inch version of The Frame; two new premium soundbars, the HW-850 and the HW-950; and the recently launched Galaxy Note9. The company also discussed how insights garnered from the European market helped it develop a diverse range of intelligent appliances, including its Family Hub refrigerator, Dual Cook Flex, and QuickDrive washing machine.

Check out the highlights of the press conference below.

Guests and media from around the world listen with rapt attention as HS Kim, President and CEO of Consumer Electronics Division, Samsung Electronics, kicks off Samsung’s showcase of its latest innovations. In his opening remarks, Mr. Kim discusses how Samsung’s leadership in AI and IoT technologies has helped the company expand its ecosystem of intelligent home innovations.

“Today, we are the only company with the capability to provide consumers with a full range of cutting-edge AI and IoT products and services, from semiconductors to displays, TVs, home appliances, and, of course, mobile phones,” says Kim.

Available in a choice of four ultra-large screen sizes (65”, 75”, 82” and 85”), QLED 8K offers the market’s highest resolution, and features Samsung’s proprietary 8K AI Upscaling technology, which transforms content’s picture and sound—regardless of its native resolution or method of transmission—into premium 8K quality.

Daniel Harvie, Vice President & Head of Home Appliances, Samsung Europe, demonstrates how Samsung’s Family Hub refrigerator seamlessly connects with SmartThings-compatible appliances, and can even be utilized as an intelligent assistant, thanks to its Bixby and Voice ID integration.

After discussing how millennials want their home appliances to offer a level of convenience and efficiency that transforms the way they live, Mr. Harvie discusses how smart innovations, including Samsung’s QuickDrive and Q-rator laundry technologies, cater to their needs.

Before introducing Samsung’s diverse range of mobile innovations, Carlo Carollo, Vice President of Mobile Division, Samsung Electronics, discusses the importance of a seamlessly connected ecosystem of devices. “Innovation is no longer defined by one device and one location,” Mr. Carollo explains. “Instead, it’s about making multiple products and services work together as simply and smartly as possible.”

Mr. Carollo sums up the new Galaxy Note9 as a phone “built with speed, power and performance” in mind, and “designed to let you get the most out of everything you do.”

Samsung Electronics today held a press conference at IFA to outline its commitment to developing ground-breaking products and services that will shape the next era of connected living. Samsung showcased how breakthrough technologies that are powered by AI and IoT can bring greater convenience to people’s lives; eliminate complexity to enhance everyday experiences; and offer a level of security that gives peace of mind.

“Samsung is uniquely positioned to provide consumers with a full range of cutting-edge AI and IoT products and services based on our wide-ranging portfolio of TVs, displays, audio, home appliances and of course mobile devices,” said HS Kim, President and CEO of Consumer Electronics Division, Samsung Electronics. “We are striving to shape a new era of connected living, where our products and services seamlessly interact with one another to make our consumers’ lives richer, smarter and more entertaining.”

At the Frontline of the Future

Samsung is at the forefront of unlocking the power of AI and 5G for consumers, with multi-billion dollar investments announced in recent months, to ensure the continued integration of advancements across hardware, software and services. With the new AI research centers established across the world, including the recent addition at Cambridge in the UK, Samsung expects about 1,000 renowned AI researchers to be working in its facilities globally by 2020, designing and developing user-centric AI that continuously learns and enhances users’ lives in an ever-more intelligent, useful and personalized way.

Furthermore, a next generation network infrastructure is a pre-requisite for the next era of connected living: through its active role in establishing 5G industry standards, Samsung is spearheading the rollout of next-generation networks and later this year, anticipates the introduction of the world’s first 5G-powered gigabit home broadband service (5G Fixed Wireless Access) in the U.S.

The Next Frontier of Picture Quality with 8K Resolution

Samsung continued to revolutionize the visual display industry at IFA 2018 with the introduction of the Q900R QLED 8K, complete with 8K AI Upscaling. Available in four ultra-large screen sizes (65”, 75”, 82” and 85”), Samsung QLED 8K TV will feature several 8K-ready enhancements, including Real 8K Resolution, Q HDR 8K and Quantum Processor 8K, all created to bring 8K-quality images to life.

Real 8K Resolution can produce 4,000 nit peak brightness – a standard met by most film studios. Q HDR 8K, powered by HDR10+ delivers perfect colour expression for realistic, life-like images, just as the creator originally intended. The Q900R’s 8K AI Upscaling, a proprietary technology developed with artificial intelligence, is designed to enhance both picture and sound quality – regardless of the original source quality or format – to premium 8K quality.

Samsung also announced The Wall, a cutting-edge Micro LED screen designed for enterprise and out-of-home viewing environments. Complete with self-emitting display technology and a modular design, The Wall is fully-customizable to give users the freedom to decide how to incorporate the display in their space.

In addition, Samsung introduced a new 49” model to The Frame line-up with the addition of easy discovery, giving users easy access to specially-curated works of art that can be displayed on the screen without having to sort through hundreds of options. In addition, The Frame’s Art Store continues to expand, with more than 850 works of art from some of the world’s most renowned art institutions, including the Berlin State Museum, the Victoria & Albert Museum and the Tate.

Finally, sound quality continues to remain a top priority, with the introduction of the HW-N950 and HW-N850 premium soundbars from Samsung and Harman Kardon. Both soundbars support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X to create an incredibly immersive sound environment.

Home Appliances Full of Ideas

Globally, modern lives shift towards more dynamic technologies, expecting these to play multiple roles at home. In line with this trend, the kitchen becomes the centre of the home and appliances act as intelligent personal assistants. Ultimately, people want to transform their lives at home more than ever. Building on such continued momentum, Samsung has met the needs of evolving homes and consumers’ lifestyles with a full range of cutting-edge AI and IoT solutions.

With Family Hub refrigerator, users can enjoy a connected living experience to make kitchen life even more convenient and fulfilling. Using the large touchscreen as a control panel, Family Hub can easily control connected devices including third-party devices. With Bixby and Voice ID, users can instantly receive tailored and personalized information they need, while Family Hub’s Meal Planner helps consumers plan meals by recommending the recipes that suit them best.

Dual Cook Flex has brought increased cooking efficiency to meet varying dietary requirements and preferences. With its flexible door and dual-cook function, users can cater to each family member’s needs efficiently. With the Cooking Guide, consumers can also receive recommendations on which oven to use based on the food ingredients and the type of cooking.

The revolutionary washing machine Quick Drive has dramatically transformed people’s lives for the better. Quick Drive can wash clothes in half the time without compromising on washing performance, freeing up consumers’ time. In addition, its AI-powered laundry care Q-rator system serves as a personalized and intelligent assistant, while Laundry Planner minimizes time wasted on washing clothes by allowing users to start and stop laundry according to their schedules.

Next-Generation Mobile Experiences

At IFA, Samsung presented its most powerful smartphone yet, the Galaxy Note9. Announced earlier this month in New York, the Galaxy Note9 is designed for those who demand the best of the best. The phone comes in two internal storage options – 128GB or 512GB^* – which can be maximized to 1TB with a microSD card inserted. The Galaxy Note9’s 4,000mAh battery performance enables users to talk, text and play games without worrying about battery life, and its intelligent camera helps users to capture the perfect shot every time. The S Pen, a trademark of the Galaxy Note series, has been revolutionized by incorporating a Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE) function. Evolved into a Bluetooth remote control device, the S Pen now lets users take selfies and control presentation slides – even if the phone is 10 metres away.

Building on its premium professional credentials, the Galaxy Note9 is also compatible with the Samsung DeX, delivering a PC-like experience. By simply connecting a single HDMI adaptor^** to a screen, the phone can power a virtualized desktop or serve as a fully-functional second screen. Not only that, the Galaxy Note9 offers maximum productivity, but without compromising on security, with the most comprehensive configuration, deployment and management features on the market, courtesy of the Samsung Knox platform.

Also showcased at IFA is the new Galaxy Watch, which blends the look of a traditional watch with smart technology. Galaxy Watch’s improved battery life of up to 80+^*** hours eliminates the need for daily charging. With the addition of LTE connectivity, users of the Galaxy Watch can now also stay connected without being tethered to a smartphone. Reflecting the rise of consumer consciousness around well-being, the Galaxy Watch comes added with a new stress management tracker, sleep tracker and breathing exercises to help users stay focused.

The Samsung Electronics Booth will be open at Level 2, City Cube Berlin from Friday, Aug. 31 to Wednesday, Sep. 5.

For more information on Samsung and its product portfolio, please visit: news.samsung.com.

*512GB internal memory as standard. 512GB models available in select countries. Up to 512GB additional storage with external SD card (sold separately).

**Samsung’s HDMI adapters includes HDMI Adapter (EE-HG950), Multi Port Adapter (EE-P5000) and DeX Cable (EE-I1300)

*** Battery life varies by device and usage: Galaxy Watch 46mm (80+ hours with typical usage; up to 168 hours with low usage) and Galaxy Watch 42mm (45+ hours with typical usage; up to 120 hours with low usage). The actual time of battery life may vary depending on the network connection, component, setting, signal strength, noise and many other elements.

During its press conference at the IFA 2018, Samsung Electronics is to announce its foray into 8K with the unveil of the Q900R QLED 8K complete with 8K AI Upscaling. Available in four ultra-large screen sizes (65”, 75”, 82” and 85”), Samsung QLED 8K TV will feature several 8K-ready enhancements, including Real 8K Resolution, Q HDR 8K and Quantum Processor 8K, all created to bring 8K-quality images to life. The new Samsung QLED 8K will be available in stores from end of September^*.

Samsung’s QLED 8K with 8K AI Upscaling is a part of the company’s long-term vision of leading 8K to the forefront as the most accurate and life-like screen resolution on the market.

“At Samsung, we’ve worked tirelessly over the years to move the industry forward when it comes to premium picture quality, and the introduction of our QLED 8K with 8K AI Upscaling is an integral component as we look to the future of displays,” said Jongsuk Chu, Senior Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “We’re thrilled to introduce the Q900R to consumers and are confident that they will experience nothing short of brilliance in color, clarity and sound on our new 8K-capable models.”

To achieve 8K-quality images, the Samsung Q900R features Real 8K Resolution capable of 4,000 nit peak brightness – a standard met by most film studios. This feature allows TV to produce four times more pixels than a 4K UHD TV and 16 times more pixels than a full HD TV. Q HDR 8K powered by HDR (High Dynamic Range) 10+ technology which optimizes the TV’s brightness levels and produces pristine colors and images is also incorporated to deliver pictures as intended by creators.

Samsung’s proprietary 8K AI Upscaling technology based on artificial intelligence also comes equipped with picture and sound quality to a level compatible with 8K regardless of the original source quality or format. Whether a user is watching content through a streaming service, set-top box, HDMI, USB or even mobile mirroring, the Quantum Processor 8K recognizes and upscales the content to appear in 8K quality. In addition, the Q900R features Direct Full Array Elite for enhanced contrast and precise backlighting control, and also 100% Color Volume, enabling users to witness billions of shades of color for the purest color accuracy to-date.

Focusing on user efficiency, the Q900R features a slate of new functions that enable consumers to use their TVs differently while maintaining the highest quality in picture and sound. For example, the TV recognizes and analyzes a number of connected entertainment devices like audio devices connected via optical cable with One Remote, then auto switches the TV’s image source and audio output for an optimized viewing experience. Lifestyle features, such as Ambient Mode, have been enhanced to seamlessly blend the TV in the surrounding space by showcasing beautiful images, weather, news and more on the screen. The One Invisible Connection, which comes standard at 5 meters, incorporates the optical cable and power in one seamless cord, giving users more freedom to decide where and how they place the TV. Smart enhancements, such as SmartThings, further add to the Q900R’s ability to provide users with greater access to information and make their lives easier, and the Universal Guide provides personalized recommendations to easily find live and OTT content on TV.

Samsung will showcase its latest television and audio announcements in its booth at IFA, located at the City Cube Berlin on Level 2.

^* Specific date and model may vary by region/country.

Available in a choice of 65, 75, 82 and 85-inch models, the new TV combines the market’s highest resolution with Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology that optimizes content for 8K presentation—producing truly lifelike images and sound, and enabling users to enjoy much more immersive viewing experiences.

Samsung has been the world’s number one TV manufacturer for 12 years running thanks to a commitment to setting new standards for picture quality and immersion. With the unveiling of QLED 8K, the company has once again raised the bar for both.

Why 8K Matters

Large-screen TVs (measuring 65 inches or wider) are becoming more and more common, with over 11 million sold just last year and, according to leading market research firm IHS Markit^*, approximately 16 million expected to be sold this year. The market for ultra-large screen TVs (measuring 75 inches or wider) is also predicted to almost double by the year 2020.

The larger TVs get, the more important their resolution becomes, as details portrayed on a bigger screen require more pixels—the thousands (or millions) of incredibly small dots that make up the images you see on your TV screen—to clearly define them. This means that ideally, in order to provide a level of detail that really blows viewers away, a large-screen TV’s resolution, or total number of pixels, should be above the previous high mark of 4K (3,840 x 2,160).

An 8K TV features a resolution of 7,680 x 4,320 pixels, which means roughly 8,000 pixels are packed into each horizontal line of the screen. At this level of pixel density, the individual pixels composing an image become imperceptible to the human eye—even when viewed up close. Samsung’s QLED 8K features over 30 million pixels in total, which adds depth and detail to content displayed on the TV’s expansive screen, and makes objects appear that much more realistic.

If history is any indication, consumers won’t have to wait long for immersive 8K content to become the new normal. It took just less than five years for UHD (Ultra-High Definition) TVs to overtake FHD (Full HD) models in global sales, and IHS Markit predicts that sales of 8K TVs will quadruple over the next few years.

How Resolution Affects Realism

Put simply, the higher a TV’s resolution, the sharper its picture quality, and the more realistic its images will seem. Samsung’s QLED 8K features a resolution that’s 16 times greater than FHD and four times greater than a 4K UHD TV. This allows the TV to produce lifelike visuals that accurately depict details in a scene or image which would likely go unnoticed on a lower-resolution TV.

As the resolution of an image increases, it also creates a sense of depth that tricks our eyes into believing that the objects within appear more immersive. When viewing high-resolution content on a wide screen, the wider our field of view, the more immersive the content we’re watching becomes, and the more “present” we feel within it.

In other words, QLED 8K’s high-res visuals and wide screen offer viewers a new level of immersion—one that allows them to feel like they’re in the heart of the action when viewing a favorite movie, or enjoying a front row seat when watching the big game.

How Samsung’s Innovating with 8K

Samsung’s QLED TVs have a history of fostering brilliant visuals that predates the line’s jump to ultra-high-resolution 8K.

For a start, each QLED TV is certified to deliver 100 percent color volume, which means accurate colors at any brightness level. This helps the TVs express subtle details in both bright and dark scenes, and produce vibrant HDR (high dynamic range) images that bring content to life.

Because contrast ratio, like resolution, can greatly affect a TV’s ability to produce images that pop off the screen, QLED 8K also features Samsung’s brightness-optimizing Q HDR 8K technology. This innovative technology maximizes contrast ratio to make images appear clearer and more three dimensional, analyzing an image’s object(s) and background in order to accentuate fine details. The TV’s Direct Full Array Elite technology enhances contrast even further, in addition to offering precise backlighting controls.

QLED 8K’s combination of perfect color volume, optimized contrast and support for the Samsung-spearheaded HDR10+ open standard allows it to foster truly cinematic viewing experiences. The TV’s 4,000-nit peak brightness matches the content mastering standard for major film and TV studios’ Blu-ray releases, while its HDR10+ technology leverages dynamic metadata to optimize contrast and colors from scene to scene to ensure that content is displayed in the manner that filmmakers intended.

And it’s not just films and shows that benefit from crystal clear 8K. The TV’s built-in Ambient Mode allows users to enhance their home’s décor with beautiful images when the TV is turned off. Photos and artworks look flawless when displayed at 8K resolution, and the TV’s boundless design creates the sense that the image on display is melting into the wall behind it.

What’s More: 8K AI Upscaling Technology Expands 8K TV Market

To enable users to enjoy as much 8K content as possible, the TV also features Samsung’s proprietary Quantum Processor 8K. This innovative addition recognizes content—whether it’s transmitted via a streaming service, set-top box, HDMI, USB, or even mobile mirroring— and automatically upscales its sound and images into near-8K quality using machine-learning 8K AI Upscaling technology. This enables consumers to view just about any movie or show on any channel in crisp 8K, regardless of the video’s native resolution or method of transmission.

The upscaling technology is compatible with all types of content, including standard definition, HD, FHD and UHD, but its optimization is most dramatic when the original source is a 4K UHD image. The built-in AI upscaling feature analyzes the relationship between low- and high-resolution video, and uses this insight to apply millions of upscaling algorithms that accentuate details, add sharpness to edges, and eliminate compression noise for streamed videos.

The feature expertly restores content’s texture and detail to allow you to view your show or movie as it was meant to be seen. The resulting images are so vivid and detailed that you’ll feel like you could reach out and touch the objects and characters within them.

QLED 8K’s AI Upscaling technology also includes a sound optimization function, which automatically analyzes content’s sound from scene to scene to foster the most immersive experience possible. When watching a football game, for instance, when a player makes a big play, the sound may amplify the audience’s cheers to recreate the excitement of being there in person. After the play, the TV may emphasize the commentators’ voices as they break down what just happened. There’s no need to raise the volume to hear what’s being said; QLED 8K will do it for you.

Going forward, TVs will be evaluated based on their ability to enhance viewers’ immersion to the point that they feel like they’re experiencing a scene, game or moment firsthand. The launch of Samsung 8K AI Upscaling technology brings us closer than ever to achieving this goal of blurring the line between reality and reproduction.

*IHS Markit TV Sets Market Tracker – Forecast Q1 2018, Information is not an endorsement of Samsung. Any reliance on these results is at the third party’s own risk. Visit technology.ihs.com for more details. 

Samsung Electronics has expanded its ground-breaking curved display line-up upon the global launch of the new CJ79 (Model name: C34J791) monitor at IFA 2018. The CJ79 34-inch curved monitor is the first of its kind to feature Intel’s Thunderbolt 3 connectivity and is designed for creative and business audiences who seek a comfortable and efficient work experience through powerful connectivity.

Compatible with Macs and PCs, the CJ79 features two Thunderbolt 3 ports that transmit display, data and power at a superhero processing speed of up to 40 Gigabits per second (Gpbs), eight times faster than USB 3.0, and simultaneously charges devices up to 85 watts(W), all through a single cable.

“Over the years, Samsung has revolutionized the viewing experience for professionals alike,” said Seog-gi Kim, Executive Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “The CJ79 is our latest endeavor in taking curved monitors to the next level that highlights our commitment to innovation. The addition of Thunderbolt 3 connectivity aligns to that vision and connects customers to infinite possibilities.”

“The Thunderbolt 3 ecosystem continues to expand and deliver innovative products with outstanding performance.” said Jason Ziller, General Manager, Client Connectivity Division at Intel. “It is timely that Samsung, a leading manufacturer, is featuring their CJ79 QLED Monitor with Thunderbolt 3 connectivity. This new CJ79 QLED Monitor delivers the performance while enabling a powerful new display with integrated docking capabilities for a simple and easy to use solution.”

Working on Multiple Projects Simultaneously

The CJ79 offers a clear and crisp picture quality while providing a seamless dual monitor experience on a single screen. The 3440×1440 ultra-wide curved display with its 21:9 aspect ratio provides all users with the workspace needed to multi-task efficiently and in comfort. With the Picture-by-Picture (PBP) feature, professionals can display two sources and for optimal multi-tasking, the Picture-in-Picture (PIP) feature allows users to resize the second source to up to 25 percent of the screen and position it anywhere for a more readable format.

The industry’s sharpest, 1,500R curved ultra-wide screen, is engineered to follow the natural curve of the eye for a more immersive and comfortable viewing experience. With the height-adjustable stand and tilt functionality, CJ79 lets users customize the positions meeting their most comfortable viewing parameters. Furthermore, the Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, a new level of capability to charge Mac or PC let users connect to additional Thunderbolt 3 or USB devices directly to the monitor.

Supreme Picture Quality and Speed

Samsung’s CJ79 incorporates Quantum Dot technology with brilliant and realistic detail across a 125 percent sRGB color spectrum. The curved VA panel technology produces a 3,000:1 contrast ratio far surpassing conventional monitors and amplifies previously hidden details across the entire screen through pristine shades, deeper blacks and brighter whites.

The AMD FreeSync over HDMI and Display Port synchronizes the refresh rate of graphic cards for the CJ79 to reduce image tearing and stutter, providing seamless gameplay and video playback for uninterrupted viewing.

The CJ89 – A Massive 43-inch Monitor that Increases Productivity

The CJ89 (Model name: C43J890) is a 43-inch super ultra-wide curved monitor with remarkable 3840 x 1200 resolution, 32:10 aspect ratio, which creates a larger and more vibrant workspace. The robust design includes a built-in KVM switch, USB-Type C ports and built-in stereo speakers for greater functionality.

Samsung’s CJ79 and CJ89 monitors are currently available in Europe and will be also available worldwide soon. For more information about Samsung’s CJ79 and CJ89 curved monitor, please visit https://displaysolutions.samsung.com/business-monitor/detail/1288/C43J89

Key Specifications

Model		CJ79	CJ89
Model Name		C34J791	C43J89 C49J890
Design		Curved Display
Display	Size	34” (21:9)	43” (32:10) 49” (32:9)
	Resolution	3,440 x 1,440	3,840 x 1,200 (43”) 3,840 x 1,080 (49”)
	Curvature	1,500R		1,800R
	Panel Type	VA Curved
	Brightness (Typ.)	300cd
	Viewing Angle	178o(H)/ 178o(V)
	Contrast Ratio (Typ.)	3,000 : 1
	Response Time	4ms (GTG)	5ms (GTG)
	Refresh Rate	100Hz	43” (120Hz) 49” (144Hz)
	Input Signal	2 x Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) (85W, 15W Power Delivery) 1x HDMI, 1x DP, 2x USB 3.0	2x USB-C (95W, 15W Power Delivery) 1x HDMI, 1x DP, 1x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0
	Speaker	7Wx2	7Wx2(49”) 5Wx2(43”)
	Mechanical Function	HAS, Tilt, Wall Mount	HAS, Tilt, Swivel, Wall Mount

Thunderbolt and the Thunderbolt logo are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and/or other countries.

Samsung Electronics, in collaboration with renowned photography agency Magnum Photos, announced today the release of 28 specially-curated photographs available exclusively in the ‘Art Store’ on ‘The Frame’ for 2018. As part of the collaboration, four Magnum photographers have been challenged to take a unique, eye-catching photograph every day for one week to showcase how The Frame is able to seamlessly integrate fine art into the everyday lives of consumers. The “Fine Art, Everyday” campaign video will also be unveiled at the IFA2018 Samsung press conference. With a newly-announced 49” model, consumers can select between four different sizes (43”, 49”, 55” and 65”) of ‘The Frame’ that best suits the aesthetic and design of the home.

To complement the exclusive photographs from Magnum Photos, ‘The Frame’ for 2018 includes a new ‘Slideshow’ feature that allows users to create customized collections of art that cycle-through on the screen when the TV is placed in ‘Art Mode’. In addition, the new ‘Favorite’ and ‘Curation’ features allow users to gain easy access to their favorite and specially curated works of art to display on screen without having to sort through hundreds of options. Along with the fine art partnerships, these added options have allowed customers to experience ‘The Frame’ not just as a television, but also as a discovery hub for the world’s most beautiful works of art.

“The Frame’s Art Store is the only digital art platform on TV. We will continue to develop it into a window to communicate with more viewers and a screen that enriches consumer’s everyday lives,” said Sangsook HAN, Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “Through the ‘Fine Art, Everyday’ Collection created in collaboration with Magnum Photos, we hope to bring to consumers joy and excitement in discovering new works from the comfort of their own homes.”

The photographs of the four artists that will be showcased in the collection are Alex Webb, Carolyn Drake, David Alan Harvey and Jonas Bendiksen. With their images, these celebrated photographers will show consumers the beauty in everyday life.

• Alex Webb has published 14 books including The Suffering of Light, a survey book of his color work. His most recent book, Memory City, is a meditation about film, time, and the city of Rochester, NY. Webb’s works are best known for vibrant and complex color work, especially from Latin America and the Caribbean that have been featured in the Houston Museum of Fine Arts, the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim Museum.
• Carolyn Drake became interested in the approaches to documentary at a young age – specifically the ways history and reality are purposefully shaped and revised over time. Between 2007 and 2013, Drake traveled frequently to Central Asia from her base in Istanbul to work on two projects, which became the highly acclaimed photo books Two Rivers and Wild Pigeon. She is the recipient of a Guggenheim fellowship, the Lange-Taylor Prize, a World Press Photo award, a Magnum Emergency Fund grant and a Fulbright fellowship.
• David Alan Harvey discovered photography at the age of 11 when he began photographing his family and neighborhood. Harvey was named Magazine Photographer of the Year by the National Press Photographers Association in 1978. His work has been exhibited at the Corcoran Gallery of Art, the Nikon Gallery, the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
• Jonas Bendiksen is a Norwegian photographer who began his career at the age of 19 as an intern at Magnum’s London office, before leaving for Russia to pursue his own work as a photojournalist. In his works, Jonas often focuses on isolated communities and enclaves. He has received numerous awards, including the 2003 Infinity Award from the International Center of Photography, New York, and second place in the Daily Life Stories for World Press Photo, as well as first prize in the Pictures of the Year International Awards. His documentary of life in a Nirobi slum, Kibera, published in the Paris Review, won a National Magazine Award in 2007.

The Frame’s Art Store continues to expand, with more than 850 works of art from some of the world’s most renowned art institutions, including the Albertina, Museo Del Prado Collection, Yellow Korner, Victoria & Albert Museum, Berlin State Museum and more.

Samsung will showcase ‘The Frame’ for 2018 along with its latest television and audio announcements in its booth at IFA, located at the City Cube Berlin on Level 2. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.