To help visitors get a sense of the key themes, experiences and innovations to look out for in Samsung’s showcase, we spoke to some of the individuals who helped put the booth together.

Connected Home Zone

Q: What would you like visitors to take away from the Connected Home Zone?

We hope that, by encouraging them to experience how seamlessly Samsung’s home innovations connect in ways that simplify users’ lives, visitors will walk away with a deep understanding of the true value of connected living.

We designed this zone to illustrate how Samsung’s IoT solutions cater to consumers of various interests and lifestyles. For example, the Health Geek section showcases ways that Samsung devices can help users reach their fitness goals.

One of the most dynamic examples of this involves the Galaxy Watch Active2 and a Technogym exercise bike. The bike is outfitted with NFC technology, and when users tap it with their watch, they’re able to easily sync their watch with their bike, and log their workout data in Samsung Health as soon as they finish exercising.

Q: Are there any other exhibits in the zone that visitors should be sure to check out?

Don’t forget to test drive Samsung’s Digital Cockpit. It not only offers simple controls for managing connected devices in your home from your car, but it also lets you easily manage key car functions from the comfort of your home.

Let me give you an example. After launching the SmartThings app on the Digital Cockpit’s dashboard, if you select “Coming home,” the system will automatically activate the connected devices you’ll need when you arrive – like the lights and air conditioner – so your house will be ready for your return.

Visual Display Zone

Q: Which section of the Visual Display Zone would you recommend the most to visitors?

There’s a wide range of exciting displays on exhibit in the Visual Display Zone, but I’d especially recommend that visitors check out the QLED 8K Highlight Zone to take a look at our full lineup of QLED 8K TVs. It’s the widest 8K TV range in the industry, and our exhibits do an excellent job of showcasing the TVs’ breathtaking visuals.

Because QLED 8K TVs feature a resolution that’s four times greater than 4K UHD TVs, they add a sense of depth to content that makes it feel more immersive. We also offer a wide range of size options, designed to suit any home. These include the newly announced 55-inch model, as well as 65-, 75-, 82-, 85- and 98-inch versions. I’d also recommend that you see how the 98-inch model, and its 5,000-nit peak luminance, make HDR video content really pop.

Visitors should also be sure to check out the 146- and 219-inch versions of The Wall, our immersive, modular Micro LED display. It can be custom-tailored to any size, and it’s a fantastic solution for businesses, as well as those looking for the ultimate TV upgrade. You can see both models on display in all their glory on the right side of the zone. Trust me, you won’t want to miss that.

Q: Could you tell us more about the technology that allows QLED 8K TVs to produce such an immersive picture?

The Quantum Processor 8K is the key here. It’s based on our proprietary semiconductor technology, and it’s what makes QLED 8K possible, along with the TVs’ innovative QLED panels. The Quantum Processor 8K intelligently analyzes more than ten million images, and uses this data to automatically upscales standard definition, HD, FHD and UHD content.

The Quantum Processor 8K makes it possible for users to enjoy their favorite TV shows and OTT (Over The Top) streaming content in crisp 8K quality. When you see the before and after images with your own eyes here in the zone, you’ll realize just how powerful this technology really is.

Digital Appliance Zone

Q: What should visitors check out first in the Digital Appliance Zone?

I’d recommend that they check out our new BESPOKE refrigerator line. When we created the Digital Appliance Zone, we wanted to show people how Samsung’s home appliances tailor to a variety of lifestyles. BESPOKE is a perfect example of this lifestyle-centric approach to innovation.

BESPOKE’s launch has effectively brought about a new era of customized home appliances. Each BESPOKE refrigerator is completely customizable, which means that users can personalize their fridge’s color, materials and configuration to suit their lifestyle and design needs. With a modular design and up to eight different configurations – from single-door to four-door units – BESPOKE refrigerators seamlessly fit into most contemporary kitchens. Their versatility is on display in a total of seven lifestyle-tailored exhibits across the Digital Appliance Zone, including the circular structure at the center, which we like to call the Circle of Life.

Going forward, in addition to showcasing customizable appliances like BESPOKE at this year’s IFA, we’ll continue to develop convenient, customizable devices that tailor to the lifestyles of a wide range of consumers – including Millennials and those living in single-person households.

Q: What else would you recommend that visitors check out in the zone?

After checking out BESPOKE, I’d recommend that they take a look at our new range of premium cordless stick vacuum cleaners, POWERstick Jet. Our POWERstick Jet lineup offers industry-leading suction power, up to 200 watts,¹ feature a long-lasting battery and an ergonomic design, and even include a 5-layer HEPA filtration system that captures up to 99.999 percent² of allergens and dust particles.

Semiconductor Zone

Q: What should visitors check out first in the Semiconductor Zone?

I’d have to say Samsung’s SSD T5. It’s the latest addition to a long line of portable solid-state drives that offer fast transfers and reliable performance. Our exhibit offers visitors a chance to take a closer look at the SSD’s impressive specs – including 500GB and 1TB capacities, and transfer speeds of up to 540 MB/s – as well as its new Rose Gold and Metallic Red finishes.

I’d also recommend that they check out one of our Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe) SSD portfolio, the 970 EVO Plus. Operating on the PCIe interface, this NVMe SSD delivers sequential read speeds of up to 3,500 megabytes per second. When playing 4K games, users experience fast load speeds, and no lag. It’s available with up to 2TB of storage, and it comes in a compact M.2 form factor.

Q: Will visitors be able to take a closer look at some of the Samsung semiconductor technologies that have been receiving considerable attention lately?

Absolutely. The zone also offers a glimpse at our latest semiconductor system solutions, including our new Dynamic Vision Sensor. It’s a technology that can be utilized in a variety of fields, especially home surveillance. It’s capable of distinguishing between humans and objects, and it recognizes movement by registering changes in light. Because its output is dot-based, and it’s designed to only recognize people’s movements and not their faces, the Dynamic Vision Sensor ensures that users’ privacy is preserved.

Before you leave, be sure to check out Samsung’s first 5G-integrated mobile processor, the Exynos 980. This innovative technology opens the door for consumers to enjoy more sophisticated AI experiences, and it will eventually enable us to add 5G connectivity to more devices.

Mobile Zone

Q: What is the key theme of the Mobile Zone, and why was it chosen?

The innovations featured in the Mobile Zone demonstrate how Samsung Electronics is leading the charge when it comes to 5G. Samsung was the first in the market to introduce a commercially available 5G device, the Galaxy S10 5G, and here at IFA, we’re taking the next step in leading 5G’s democratization by expanding our 5G smartphone lineup to include a wider range of mobile devices.

The 5G smartphones showcased here, including the Galaxy Note10 5G, the Note10+ 5G, the Galaxy Fold 5G and the Galaxy A90 5G, will open the door for more people to experience 5G’s always-on connectivity and the incredible possibilities that come with it. And we believe that, going forward, this 5G ecosystem will only grow faster and stronger.

Q: What are some key features that visitors should focus on when testing out Samsung’s new smartphones?

This is the first time that we’ve offered the opportunity to get hands-on with the Galaxy Fold, so I’d definitely recommend that visitors take this chance to get an up-close look at the device’s new form factor. Experience just how easy it is to transition apps from the 4.6-inch cover display to the 7.3-inch main screen – and vice versa – and be sure to test out the smartphone’s six-camera setup.

The Galaxy A90 5G is another standout smartphone whose premium specs are sure to catch visitors’ eyes. These include the device’s 48MP high-resolution camera; a powerful processor, which supports faster downloads and smoother streaming; and a high-capacity 4,500mAh battery, just to name a few.

Q: Are there any other activities you’d recommend to those visiting the Mobile Zone?

Each 5G device in the Mobile Zone is equipped with an app that illustrates the level of power and connectivity that 5G networks make possible. The app was created based on an actual 5G demo conducted in Korea earlier this year using Samsung’s first 5G smartphone, the Galaxy S10 5G.

The demo is designed to showcase how 5G supports a completely new viewing experience – one that’s richer and more personalized. When viewing content with 5G, you can choose specific viewing angles, replay specific moments, and even catch details that you may have missed.

With this demo, we’re showing people that 5G is no longer a technology of the future; it’s here today. So don’t forget to stop by the booth to experience its power for yourself.

¹ Suction tested on Jet model based on IEC62885-2 Cl 5.8, tested at the inlet of the non-accessorized tool, at the Max mode. Based on SLG (Schubert Leiter Geratesicherheit) tests.

² IEC62885-2 Cl. 5 11. Max mode (particle size: 0.3-10 micrometer)

In the past, a ‘storage’ was akin to an immovable object that required users to store data at a designated location and access it only within the bounds. Nowadays, the value of storage is defined by safety and its capacity to be ‘fast and organic’. In an age when users have countless options for storage, the Samsung Portable SSD T Series best embodies this very value through foolproof function and design. The SSD is smaller than the size of your palm, which makes it utterly lightweight, and the comfortable UX design gives life to incredible functionality. On top of that, it has technical stability. We can now carry in our pockets the epitome of all that is required for storing and recording data in this day and age.

All New External Storage

The Samsung Portable SSD T Series is a portable SSD storage device that is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. It is also sturdier and faster than external storage devices that have been previously widely in use. The device has been manufactured using flash memory that can keep the data safe even when the device is dropped on the floor, and also boasts a high level of data security due to a hardware-based encryption module.

As the first pioneers to envision the category of the ‘portable SSD’ itself, Samsung Electronics further established this unique brand by once again setting the bar with state-of-the-art design for the ‘T Series’.

T1: My Own Portable Portfolio

The T1 focuses on the value of being ‘portable’, and has been designed to be lightweight and pocket-size using plastic material. This storage device showcases a sturdy and fashionable look with its cone-shaped exterior, three-dimensional pattern, and Black Chrome two-toned design.

T3: Pocket Mobility

The T3 exudes an aura of toughness and strength from its exterior by using metal and plastic that has been applied with rubber spray. We ran countless tests to find the ideal size (74*58*10.5mm, 51g) that can provide a sense of trust and compactness at the same time. We made it slightly bigger than the T1 to eventually find the perfect ‘Pocket Mobility’ size that can effortlessly fit into your handkerchief pocket

T5: Metal Minimalism

The T5 uses metal materials to boost its premium image and wears a blue coat that gives off a bright and cool vibe. Colors for the 250GB and 500GB devices are in blue, and large capacity devices that go over 1TB are colored in black. The device has been developed to be faster, and is also able to eliminate any emission of heat even after utilizing metal materials. Furthermore, a USB Type C port has been implemented to ramp up usability and gives the option to connect to the latest devices.

T5, A Storage Device Imbued with Uniformity and Comfort

When users purchase external storage devices or portable SSDs, they base their purchases on a device’s data capacity, speed, and durability. However, just as the hardware technology for portable SSDs advanced greatly over the years, the software technology in the form of UX design has become an important factor for evaluating a user’s heightened brand experience when using the device, not purchasing it.

Samsung Electronics completely renewed the uniform UI and usability that comes from the exterior of the T5 to provide comfort through high product quality and stability.

Straightforwardness that Comes from Simplicity

Since information security is crucial for a storage device, it must provide an easy and straightforward UI to its users. Complicated interfaces and unnecessary screens only serve to obstruct and hinder a user from understanding the product. The T5’s UX design moves away from the previous conversational interface type and has simplified the interface flow by decreasing the page numbers. All pages of the UI have been unified into a single format, which allows for better understanding even after the screen switches to another page. Descriptions for each function have been added on the top to enhance clarity in conveying information.

A Consistent Design Identity

A unified design instills peace and comfort for a user and also increases product familiarity. The all-new T5’s UX also carries a single analogous tone and manner for its design. We deviated from a monotonous look by adding a touch of blue to the trustworthy shade of dark gray. We also included a sense of movement that reacts to user input in the UX, and lastly, maintained the central identity of a Samsung product by incorporating the SamsungOne Font. The icons have also been newly developed with the Samsung Portable SSD brand identity in mind so that they can be used again in next generation products in the future.

Any Device You Want

The UX of the T5 has been designed with the expansion of the device and its surrounding user environments in mind. An identical UX is supported through various platforms from Windows, MacOS, to Android, and this UX also provides a consistent experience in many different user environments such as smartphones, tablets, PCs, etc. Therefore users can comfortably make use of the T5 anytime, anywhere.

A Vessel for Living Information

We are living in an era where information storage devices have moved its location from within the PC to the surface of your desk, and then again to the outside world wherever users go. A vessel that stores such living and breathing information must also carry the same vigor of life. This is a vault that alleviates all the hardware and software discomforts of existing external storage devices and can also be entrusted with valuable information. The Samsung Portable SSD T Series has been designed to be this very device that stores more than just data, but also the future of storage itself.

Samsung Electronics today announced the introduction of the Samsung Portable SSD T5 – the newest portable solid state drive (PSSD) that raises the bar for the performance of external memory products. The T5, built with Samsung’s latest 64-layer V-NAND technology, delivers industry-leading transfer speeds with encrypted data security in a compact and durable design, making it easier than ever for consumers to access their most valuable data anywhere, at any time.

“Samsung has been pushing the envelope of what is possible in portable storage and solid state drives for years, and the Portable SSD T5 continues our legacy of leadership and innovation,” said Un-Soo Kim, Senior Vice President of Brand Product Marketing, Memory Business at Samsung Electronics. “We are confident that the T5 will exceed consumers’ expectations for external storage by offering faster speeds and a solid design that is lightweight and conveniently pocket-sized. It is the ideal portable storage product for consumers and professionals who are in search of a fast, durable and secure device.”

Delivering stunning speeds of up to 540 MB/s¹ – up to 4.9 times faster² than external HDD products – the new T5 is designed especially for content creators, business and IT professionals as well as mainstream consumers to give instant, easy access to data. Also, the T5 is smaller than an average business card at 74 x 57.3 x 10.5 millimeters (3.0 x 2.3 x 0.4 inches) and incredibly lightweight at a mere 51 grams, comfortably fitting in the palm of your hand. The aluminum exterior comes in two distinct metal finishes – Deep Black (1TB and 2TB models) and Alluring Blue (250GB and 500GB models).

With no moving parts and a shock-resistant internal frame, the T5 offers users peace of mind as it can withstand accidental drops of up to 2 meters (6.6 feet)³. The Samsung Portable SSD Software⁴ for PCs and Macs based on the AES 256-bit hardware data encryption makes it easy to configure security settings and receive the latest firmware and software updates. A mobile app⁵ is also available for Android smartphones and tablets for even further convenience. In addition, the T5 includes two connection cables – USB-C to C and USB-C to A – for enhanced compatibility across numerous devices.⁶

The T5 comes with a three-year limited warranty and will be available globally Aug. 15 with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) starting at $129.99 for the 250GB model. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com/T5.

Key Specifications

¹Performance may vary depending on host configuration. To reach maximum transfer speeds of 540 MB/s, the host device and connection cables must support USB 3.1 Gen 2 and UASP mode must be enabled.

²Based on internal test results compared to an external HDD 500GB. Test system configuration: Asus® Strix Z270E Gaming motherboard, Intel® Core i5-7600 @3.5 GHz, DDR4 1066 MHz 4 GB, OS-Windows® 10 x64, Performance measurements based on CrystalDiskMark 5.2.1.

³The internal free fall shock test was conducted under controlled conditions.

⁴Software requires Windows 7, Mac OS X 10.9 (Mavericks), Android 4.4 (KitKat), or higher. Older versions of the Windows, Mac, and Android operating systems may not be supported. Firmware update requires PC or Mac connection.

⁵Android app available on Google Play.

⁶Compatibility with host devices may vary. Some operating systems may require T5 reformatting. Please find the compatible devices list on www.samsung.com/portable-ssd.

⁷1 GB=1,000,000,000 bytes, 1 TB=1,000,000,000,000 bytes. Lower capacity may be demonstrated by your computer due to its use of a different measurement standard.

⁸Exact weight of product may vary by capacity.

⁹Software requires Windows 7, Mac OS X 10.9 (Mavericks), Android 4.4 (KitKat), or higher. Older versions of Windows, Mac and Android operating systems may not be supported. Firmware update requires PC or Mac connection. Available on Google Play.

¹⁰Samsung Electronics shall not be liable for any loss, including but not limited to loss of data or other information contained on Samsung Electronics product or loss of profit or revenue which may be incurred by user. For more information on the warranty, please visit www.samsung.com/portable-ssd.

Learn more about how Samsung enhanced its latest PSSD in the infographic below.