Powered by the Tizen OS, Samsung Electronics’ TV lineup provides users with a central hub for seamless streaming experiences. Along with Samsung’s cutting-edge picture quality, state-of-the-art sound and user-friendly OS, the company’s partnerships with leading content providers such as HBO are bringing users’ at-home streaming experiences to the next level.

In order to learn more, Samsung Newsroom sat down with Jennifer Mirgorod, Head of Partner Management and Marketing for WarnerMedia, to hear about the state of streaming, the future of the industry and how HBO’s partnership with Samsung is bringing users a truly premium experience.

Q: Please introduce yourself and your role at WarnerMedia.

A: As head of partnership management and partner marketing, I’m responsible for the distribution and marketing of WarnerMedia’s streaming services including HBO Max, its transactional video business and the linear television networks. I lead the team managing our multichannel video programming distributor partners in North America as well as our global platform partnerships, including with Samsung.

Q: Streaming services have seen massive growth over the last year. What are some notable trends the industry has seen over the past year?

A: Since my career in media began more than 25 years ago, I’ve witnessed the entirety of the streaming industry’s lifespan. We’ve seen massive increase in its popularity over the years and the global over-the-top services market size is projected to reach $86.8 billion by 2026.¹

As more streaming platforms emerge, content is so critically important to any platform. This trend, then, has been of rising importance for ensuring that the most iconic titles – from Warner Bros. and across our entire portfolio – live on HBO Max. The relative scarcity of premium content in our industry has made owning franchises like Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, and the DC Universe, among others, has been an incredibly powerful differentiator for WarnerMedia.

Q: With more consumers “cord cutting” and moving to OTT services, how do you see the market for premium content playing out over the next decade?

A: The past few years have been described as the era of “peak TV”, with hundreds of new television series being released each year, and one thing has remained clear: consumers crave premium content. It’s premium stories that make their way into the zeitgeist and resonate with large audiences, regardless of the platform on which they premiere. HBO has long been the home for exactly that type of content and, with HBO Max, we fully expect to build on that.

Q: What changes has HBO made to its platform to promote growth and provide subscribers new experiences?

A: There are quite a few things we’ve done both to the product itself as well as our approach to provide the best possible experience to our customers.

Throughout HBO Max’s first year, our product team has focused on evolving the app by adding new features to ensure that the platform provides a premium experience that is fitting for the premium content it houses. That means adding new personalization features including “For You” trays, age-targeted kid profiles, improved design, improved content details pages, accessibility features and others. We also took a bold step late last year and decided to release our 2021 Warner Bros. theatrical slate in theaters and on HBO Max on the same day, giving customers the ultimate choice on how they wanted to consume content, which proved to be a solid strategy.

Our tech team is also working hard to deliver the best viewing experiences which includes support for HDR10 and 4K streaming. As we regularly update and release new content via HBO Max, you’ll see more and more content available in these formats.

Q: What have been some of the biggest benefits of HBO Max being available on Samsung Smart TVs?

A: There have been plenty of benefits we’ve found in partnering with Samsung and leaning into Tizen’s distinct operating system. Thanks to Tizen OS, Samsung’s TV and projectors allow us to take HBO Max into many different large-format surfaces and enable high-quality as well as varied interactions with users.

It also offers an integrated, streamlined experience for users for more enjoyable viewing. The HBO Max app will be featured on the launch bar for 2021 and 2022 televisions for convenient access, and we’re leveraging the strength of Tizen’s Universal Guide feature in those regions where it’s available. We have also deepened our integration of HBO Max content into Tizen’s search functionality to provide a more seamless experience for customers from start to finish.

Q: Is there anything you can share on the HBO Max roadmap that, along with Samsung’s Smart TVs, will help provide consumers with more valuable experiences?

A: Samsung is a valued partner of ours and we’re looking forward to building on a solid foundation we’ve built together since the launch of HBO Max. Samsung customers can expect key updates to the app experience in the coming weeks including the addition of 4K, Dolby Atmos and 5.1 audio. Also on the roadmap are enhanced functionality with Bixby, as well as the addition of ‘Continue Watching’ and ‘Personalized Preview’ features that will help to create an even more seamless and customized viewing experience.

Q: Lastly, are there any exciting movies and shows that HBO Max subscribers can look forward to later this year?

A: Absolutely. We are excited about a number of new series and movies set for release throughout the second half of this year and plans for expansion into new markets.

Our team is excited about the recently launched Gossip Girl series reboot, as well as the original film No Sudden Move, plus new Max originals The Sex Lives of College Girls from Mindy Kaling and the next chapter of Sex and the City called And Just Like That. There’s also the return of HBO-favorites including Succession, Insecure and Curb Your Enthusiasm. On the movie front, new Warner Bros. theatrical releases have been and will be released on the platform on the same days as theaters with titles including Space Jam: A New Legacy, The Suicide Squad, The Many Saints of Newark and Dune, among others.

¹ Over the Top (OTT) Services Market Latest Industry Trends, Size, Share, Statistics, Applications and Competition Strategies by 2028, Fortune Business Insights

The hidden secret behind the multifaceted offering of the Samsung Smart TV is Samsung Electronics’ smart operating system (OS) Tizen. Tizen is a Linux-based, open-sourced web OS that is open to everyone, and supports a range of devices including TVs, mobile devices, home appliances and even signage.

As of now, over 190 million people in 197 countries around the world are enjoying Tizen OS through their Samsung Smart TVs – though given the TV’s communal role in the family space, the number of actual users is expected to be much more. Tizen is a platform that truly encompasses Samsung’s user-driven values of “Screens Everywhere” and “Screens for All”, and the company is set to further expand the Tizen experience through collaboration across various fields including those of video, art and gaming.

Take a look six advantages of Tizen OS on the Samsung Smart TV in the infographic below to learn more.

* Service availability may vary by region, service provider, language.

Samsung has ranked number one in the global TV market for 14 consecutive years due to the ultra-high definition picture quality, immersive sound and rich user experiences provided by its televisions. And at the heart of it all has been Tizen OS, an open-source operating system that makes it easy for users to enjoy an expansive range of services quickly and conveniently.

Samsung Newsroom looked into the key features offered by Tizen that are driving premium TV usability and elevating the experiences of both users and partners.

User Experience – Access Vast Amounts of Content Easily

When you use a smart TV powered by Tizen, most forms of content are just a few clicks away. Smart TVs equipped with the Tizen OS support major OTT (Over the Top) services applications by default. When hooked up, the TVs also provide access to Samsung TV Plus, which lets you view a range of content including variety shows, TV series and movies free of charge. This experience is further enhanced by the ‘Universal Guide’ feature, which harnesses the power of AI to make intelligent, personalized recommendations that are tailored to your preferences.

* Universal Guide screen displayed above is available for European users only.

With Tizen, quickly selecting the videos you want to watch from among the flood of content becomes a breeze. The operating system spares users from frustration by minimizing input lag, which is the time required for the TV to reflect commands. Tizen-empowered smart TVs also feature Auto Game Mode, which allows the TV to detect and automatically change settings for an optimal gameplay experience when the user is using a gaming console.

Content Developer Experience – Streamlined Content Supply Across Devices

To best enrich the smart TV experience, collaboration with a host of partners and developers is crucial.

At Samsung Developer Conference 2019, Samsung Electronics unveiled a range of development tools that streamline the app building experience for the Tizen OS. ‘EasyST’ enables users to quickly test online video content on TVs, while ‘Wits’ helps with monitoring apps in development in real-time on a television. These and a range of other tools are available for anyone to access.

What’s more, through use of ‘Samsung Checkout on TV’ users can easily subscribe to an app or purchase content using just their Samsung Smart TV, regardless of which kind of IPTV connection they have. This removes the need for the establishment of an independent payment system by developers.

This platform also enables partners of Samsung Electronics to conveniently provide content to more than 140 million users in 197 different countries around the world. Since Tizen OS supports a broad host of TV models that range from FHD to QLED 8K, the operating system has made reaching a wider user base easier and more efficient. Tizen OS also offers support for a number of virtual assistants, including Bixby, Alexa and Google Assistant, which further facilitate easy access to a diverse array of content.

* Service availability may vary by region, service provider, language.

Across a vast range of locations and user types, Tizen connects users with development partners in order to expand the depth and scope of TV experiences. Going forward, the multi-faceted operating system will strike partnerships in areas such as arts, fitness and games in order to continue expanding the role that our televisions play in our lives.

Sometimes, the best date night is one where you and your special someone stay at home enjoying the simpler things in life. Not only is dating-in convenient, affordable and low-pressure, at-home dates can be easy to execute, too. With a little help from Samsung, and a touch of creativity, you can effortlessly show off your romantic side and impress your special someone. Read on to find out how.

Plan & Prepare

Because the date is in the comfort of your own home, you might be tempted to play it by ear, or put off planning to the last minute. But by procrastinating, you may come across as unprepared, a trait no one admires. Treat your date at home in the same way you would a special concert or sporting event, as your relationship is far more important than any front row ticket.

A day before the big date, take care of the essentials. Pick up groceries, hire a babysitter if necessary, brainstorm a few date activities and be sure to thoroughly clean up. If you (and your home) are really smart, let the appliances — like Samsung’s POWERbot — do the cleaning for you while you take care of the more important stuff, like selecting a good wine for the evening. It’s okay if you’re not a clean freak, but your date will feel more comfortable in a nice, tidy space.

Set the Mood

Now that the planning is out of the way, it’s time to set the mood. The right atmosphere can help transform your home from an everyday living space into a romantic love den, while showing your partner that you care enough to put time and effort into something for him or her.

By playing a romantic, but not overly cheesy, soundtrack throughout the house (use the Wireless Audio-360 to create a wireless surround sound system), and lighting a few candles, an intimate mood can be set to relax and impress one’s date. Go easy on the clichés — rose petals are so outdated — and be sure to customize the mood to the preferences and personality of your date.

Finally, the way you look is the visual cue for how the night will advance. Show your date that you’re dressed to impress, or keep things casual in jeans and a t-shirt. When you look your best and feel comfortable, you’ll be confident and conversation will flow naturally.

Heat Things Up

Cooking your date’s favorite meal will definitely earn you some bonus points, but an even better alternative is cooking together, a shared experience that will make the two of you feel more connected, and creates an opportunity to learn more about each other.

Pizza or cookies (or both, if using the Chef Collection Flex Dual Oven) are great foods that couples can easily prepare together. Whatever you decide to cook, just remember to relax and don’t fret over perfecting the dish; this activity is meant to be fun.

And of course, don’t forget the drinks! Freshly squeezed juice and seasonal cocktails are perfect complements to any meal, and can quickly be chilled (should one forget to do so beforehand) in the Chef Collection refrigerator, thanks to its Fridge in Freezer storage and customizable temperature settings.

The Main Event

After dinner, be sure to keep the date going with a bit of entertainment. The Samsung Smart TV with Tizen is a great device to do so. The TV offers an endless array of content, and with the Video on Demand service, an entire library of romantic comedies is just a click away.

Alternatively, couples can make a small wager and battle it out in a video game tournament using PlayStation Now. A bit of friendly competition encourages flirtatious teasing, and even if you both aren’t very good, you can laugh at your mutual shortcomings.

Be creative with your at-home date, but more importantly, be yourself. Chances are, you (and your special someone) may never want to set foot outside again!