Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. yesterday held “FAST Forward: How New Streaming Models Are Shaping the Next Generation of TV” as part of its Tech Forum panel series at CES 2026. Taking place at The Wynn in Las Vegas, Nevada, the panel brought together leaders from entertainment and media to explore the evolution of streaming and the rapid rise of free-ad-supported television (FAST).

The session highlighted the interconnected relationship between today’s rapidly evolving consumer behaviors and preferences, the transformation of content by technology and monetization models, the expanding role of creators as studios and the ways in which interactive and live experiences are catalyzing a shift from passive viewing into active engagement.

Moderated by Natalie Jarvey of The Ankler, the panel featured Salek Brodsky, SVP and Global Head of Samsung TV Plus; Alessandra Catanese, CEO of Smosh and Bruce Casino, EVP, Sales & Distribution, U.S., NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution.

FAST Gains Momentum as Audience Recalibrate Value

As audiences grapple with subscription fatigue and a fragmented streaming landscape, the panel focused on how FAST is restoring simplicity and value to television. Samsung TV Plus anchored the conversation as a platform designed to reduce friction, offering hundreds of live and on-demand channels in one free, easily accessible experience across Samsung TVs and devices worldwide.

“The TV experience today can often feel like too much work for the viewer,” said SVP Brodsky. “Our goal with Samsung TV Plus is to simplify television again and combine the power of linear discovery with a modern, connected experience that feels effortless, curated and truly valuable.”

The panelists emphasized that FAST has evolved into a core part of the streaming ecosystem, complementing subscription and traditional models while delivering premium, proven programming at scale. For Samsung TV Plus, that evolution is rooted in shared experiences that elevate viewing and meet users not just where they already are, but where they want to be.

Hybrid Models Redefine the Streaming Ecosystem

Panelists emphasized that the evolution of streaming is less about replacing traditional models and more about expanding how audiences engage with content. FAST, subscription and linear distribution models are increasingly working in tandem, allowing studios to extend the life of proven franchises, reach new viewers and unlock additional value without sacrificing performance elsewhere. By leveraging data, audience behavior and decades of content insight, media companies are deploying FAST to complement existing channels and create a more resilient and diversified ecosystem.

EVP Bruce Casino highlighted how this approach has enabled NBCUniversal to bring both classic and contemporary content to FAST audiences while continuing to see strong performance across platforms. “FAST doesn’t replace traditional distribution, it extends it,” said Casino. “What we’re seeing is that when great content shows up in multiple places, it creates incremental value rather than cannibalization — allowing franchises to thrive across FAST, streaming and linear channels.”

Creators Emerge as the New Studios 

The panel also examined how the changing nature of consumer habits and television platforms means content creators do not have to work exclusively with legacy studios to reach a broad audience. As this medium expands from social platforms to the living room, FAST is helping bridge digital culture and traditional TV, while also serving to elevate its production quality.

Samsung TV Plus was highlighted as a platform that helps creators evolve from digital-first brands into full-fledged television studios, helping expand reach, unlock new monetization opportunities and introduce content to broader, global audiences.

One of the clearest examples of a brand that has taken the step from digital-first brand to legitimate TV studio is sketch comedy-improv collective Smosh. By launching a FAST channel with Samsung TV Plus, Smosh has been able to strengthen its connection with its already-dedicated fans while gaining access to a much larger viewer base. Due to this evolution, Smosh has enhanced long-term growth.

“Partnering with Samsung TV Plus allowed us to elevate our production quality and invest in the future of the Smosh brand,” said CEO Alessandra Catanese. “It was the right platform to help us reach a broader audience while positioning our content in a premium environment that supports where we’re headed as a company.”

Live and Interactive Experiences Drive Engagement

Looking beyond on-demand viewing, panelists discussed how live programming like concerts and interactivity are reshaping the television experience by creating shared moments that audiences actively participate in.

With features such as synchronized premieres and real-time participation, technology is transforming television from a passive activity into an interactive experience — fostering connection, excitement and a sense of belonging that brings viewers together organically.Together, the panelists agreed that the future of television will be defined by flexibility, cultural connection and experiences that invite participation, not just consumption.

“Authentic content that creates cultural connection and brings people together is what matters most,” said SVP Brodsky. “That’s why we’re investing in live events, creator programming and interactive formats that remind people why TV has always been the center of the home.”

As streaming continues to evolve, Samsung is focused on helping shape a TV ecosystem that delivers value for viewers, opportunity for creators and scale for advertisers, — redefining what television can be in 2026 and beyond.

For more information, visit: https://news.samsung.com/my/

WATCH – Stream Prime Video’s Fallout Season One Subscription-Free on Samsung TV Plus for a Limited Time

Ahead of the highly anticipated Season Two premiere on Prime Video, fans can return to the post-apocalyptic world of Fallout, from Kilter Films, streaming free on Samsung TV Plus[2]. Based on one of the greatest video game series of all time, Fallout is the story of haves and have-nots in a world in which there’s almost nothing left to have. Two hundred years after the apocalypse, the gentle denizens of luxury fallout shelters are forced to return to the irradiated hellscape their ancestors left behind—and are shocked to discover an incredibly complex and gleefully weird universe waiting for them. The new season will pick up in the aftermath of Season One’s epic finale and take audiences along for a journey through the wasteland of the Mojave to the post-apocalyptic city of New Vegas.

To celebrate its return, Samsung TV Plus will offer the critically acclaimed first season subscription-free from December 3 through December 25, giving both new audiences and longtime fans a chance to revisit—or discover—the world of Fallout before Season Two arrives on Prime Video.

Samsung TV Plus is a free ad-supported streaming service (FAST), available across Samsung TV, Galaxy, Smart Monitor, and Family Hub devices. This includes Samsung Vision AI-powered[3] displays like the Samsung Neo QLED 8K, Neo QLED 4K, OLED, The Frame and The Frame Pro, bringing the best of streaming to millions of viewers across over 30 countries.

Experience – Feel Fallout Season Two Come to Life on Samsung TVs

Brought to life in cinematic form on Samsung TVs, Fallout returns to Prime Video on December 17 for its most ambitious season yet, inviting viewers deeper into the story. To celebrate the Fallout Season Two release, Samsung and Prime Video are offering a first look at Fallout through a series of co-branded creatives presented on Samsung’s owned and operated channels, including digital billboards in New York City’s Times Square.

“Prime Video is committed to finding creative and groundbreaking approaches to bring our content to audiences worldwide,” said Emily Aldis, Global Head of Distribution and Partnerships for Prime Video. “Prime Video’s established partnership with Samsung enables us to enhance the viewing experience for our shared customers through engaging off-screen marketing collaborations and seamless integration of the Prime Video app on Samsung Smart TVs.”

PLAY – Explore Fallout 76: Burning Springs Instantly on Samsung Gaming Hub

Now playable with Xbox Game Pass via the Xbox app on Samsung Gaming Hub, Fallout 76: Burning Springs marks the game’s largest expansion yet, opening new frontiers in post-nuclear Ohio just before the television series begins.

“When Jonah and I first talked about bringing Fallout to the screen, it was always about doing the world of the games right, but also bringing to life new stories in that world,” said Todd Howard, Game Director at Bethesda. “Now with ‘The Ghoul’ coming to Fallout 76, it shows how connected all these stories are. To have Walton bring his unique blend of swagger to the game is awesome. He’s a brilliant actor.”

Fallout fans can jump between the game and series[4] and, for the first time, interact with The Ghoul, the enigmatic gunslinger from the Fallout television series voiced by the actor Walton Goggins himself. The crossover unites both worlds, pulling players directly into the Fallout universe as it expands in new ways.

With Samsung, the Fallout story spans streaming, breathtaking picture quality and in-game exploration on a single screen without ever leaving your seat.

“This collaboration is a perfect example of how Samsung continues to redefine entertainment by connecting experiences across all entertainment mediums,” said Kevin Beatty, Head of Product for Samsung Gaming, Interactive Experiences, and Emerging Tech. “Whether you are exploring the wasteland and playing on Samsung Gaming Hub, reliving Season One on Samsung TV Plus, or watching Season Two through Prime Video on Samsung TVs, Samsung devices are the best place to fully experience the Fallout universe.”

Fans can also experience the action of Fallout 76: Burning Springs through Twitch with a custom chat badge for viewers who subscribe or gift a sub to any streamer in the Fallout 76 category from December 2 to December 31.

For more information on Samsung TVs, visit:

https://www.samsung.com/my/tvs/

For more information and updates on Samsung TV Plus, visit:

https://www.samsungtvplus.com/

For more information on Samsung Gaming Hub, visit: https://www.samsung.com/my/apps/gaming-hub/

[1] Availability may vary according to region.

[2] Fallout Season 1 is available on Samsung TV Plus in select regions globally, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada (EN), Germany, and Mexico from December 3 to December 25, 2025.

[3] Samsung Vision AI and associated features vary by 2025 TV model (not available on Q6F, Crystal and select special models). Al Upscaling utilizes Al-based formulas. See individual TV model specifications for details.

[4] Samsung Account required for network-based smart services, including streaming apps and other smart features. Computer, mobile or other device may be necessary to create/log in to Samsung Account (free to download and create). Without Account log in, only external device connections (e.g., via HDMI) and terrestrial/over-the-air TV (only for TVs with tuners) available. High speed internet connection, additional gaming service subscriptions and compatible controller required.

“By bringing One UI to smart appliances, we are transforming the way people interact with technology in their homes,” said Jeong Seung Moon, EVP and Head of the R&D Team of the Digital Appliances (DA) Business at Samsung Electronics. “This consistency ensures that the experience feels natural and familiar across all our devices.”

A Unified Software Experience Across Samsung Products

With One UI, Samsung is unifying the user experience for the product categories of mobile devices, TVs and home appliances through the application of consistent design elements and functionality. This includes Apps & Services like Bixby[3], Gallery and Samsung TV Plus, which are being made available across various types of screens to enable seamless device interaction and media consumption. Device Connectivity is also enhanced through SmartThings, integrating the home’s devices into a unified ecosystem with easy access to helpful services like Family Care, Pet Care and Home Care[4]. When it comes to Common UI, users will get the benefit of familiar interfaces like Now Brief[5], which deliver personalized and relevant information at a glance. Now Brief offers family members a curated selection of useful content, including daily weather updates, family schedules, tailored recipes, and home insights such as how much time is left on the washing machine.

7-Year Software Support for Smart Appliances

Wi-Fi-enabled Samsung home appliances will be eligible for software updates for up to seven years after launching, starting from models launched in 2024. This commitment supports product longevity, enhanced functionality and prolonged security throughout the product lifecycle.

Coming This September: Updates for 2024 Smart Appliances

Beginning in September, eligible 2024 launched models will be receiving various software updates that bring enhancements in usability, intelligence and security:

• Upgraded Security: Knox Matrix[6], Samsung’s comprehensive security solution extending protection across devices based on private block chain technology, will be extended to Wi-Fi[7] enabled refrigerators, washers and dryers, air conditioners, EHS, and slide-in induction ranges launched in 2024[8]. All of these products will be protected through Trust Chain, which allows connected appliances to monitor each other’s security status. Screen-equipped models like the refrigerator with Family Hub or 9” screen and Bespoke AI washers with the 7” screen will also be receiving advanced protections like encrypted Credential Sync and Passkey support. These screen appliances will also be updated with the Knox Security dashboard provided on 2025 models, which allow users to easily monitor the security status of connected appliances in real time.
• Smarter Features: Refrigerators with the Family Hub and 9” screens will benefit from the upgraded AI Vision Inside applied to 2025 products, which now supports the recognition of frequently used packaged foods in addition to a larger number of fresh foods[9]. Bixby[10] is also upgraded to support Voice ID[11], allowing it to recognize user voices and provide personalized experiences on shared devices. Users can also enable Bixby quickly and intuitively by simply double tapping on the screen.
• Service Expansion: Samsung TV Plus, supported on refrigerators with Family Hub, will also expand to Canada, Brazil and India in addition to the originally supported countries[12], and 7″-screen washing machines will support eight additional Indian local languages such as Bengali, Punjabi, and Gujarati[13].
• Refined Interface: A refreshed One UI design — first seen on 2025 appliances — will come to 2024 models like refrigerators, washers, ranges and EHS products, offering intuitive navigation and region-specific settings.

By expanding One UI across product lines, Samsung is realizing its vision of a cohesive, intelligent and secure home — where users enjoy familiar interfaces, personalized services and consistent control regardless of screen or device.

For more information on Samsung’s latest AI-powered home appliances and SmartThings innovations, please visit www.samsung.com.

[1] Software updates are provided for up to 7 years from each appliance project’s initial launch, regardless of the local launch date.

[2] Software updates are provided to appliances excluding cases where hardware limitations, such as memory or chip performance, may restrict the updates.

[3] Bixby is Samsung’s brand of Internet of Things (IoT) voice assistant. Its service availability may vary depending on the country, language and dialect.

[4] To utilize Family Care, Pet Care and Home Care, appliance must support Wi-Fi and connect to SmartThings to activate service. The availability of each care service may vary by country.

[5] Now Brief will be available on home appliances from 2026. Now Brief feature requires a Samsung Account login. Service availability may vary by country, language, device model or apps. Some features may require a network connection.

[6] Knox Matrix is applied to all global regions uniformly, with the exception of China.

[7] May vary by model

[8] Product availability varies by country.

[9] As of April 2025, AI Vision Inside can recognize 37 food items like fresh fruits and veggies. If the food is not recognizable, it may be listed as an unknown item. AI Vision Inside cannot identify or list any food items in the fridge door bins or freezer. It recognizes food items based on deep learning models, which may be updated periodically to improve accuracy. AI Vision Inside also recognizes packaged food items that have been saved by the user, and up to 50 items can be saved with designated names. Packaged items are limited to those that keep a certain packaged form. The availability of each care service may vary by country.

[10] Bixby is Samsung’s brand of Internet of Things (IoT) voice assistant. Bixby service availability may vary depending on the country. Bixby only recognizes certain accents and dialects of English (India), English (UK), English (US), French (France), German (Germany), Italian (Italy), Korean (South Korea), Mandarin Chinese (China), Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish (Spain) and Spanish (Latin America).

[11] The availability of each care service may vary by country.

[12] Samsung TV Plus on refrigerators is supported in Australia, Brazil, Canada, India, Korea, Mexico, and the United States.

[13] The supported Indian languages are Tamil, Bengali, Gujarati, Malayalam, Marathi, Oriya, Punjabi, and Telugu.

Samsung TV Plus is the company’s free, ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) service, available without sign-up on Samsung Smart TVs, Galaxy devices, Smart Monitors and Family Hub refrigerators. Offering more than 3,500 live channels and 66,000 on-demand titles globally, the platform delivers premium content to a growing international audience with instant accessibility.

Global Debut of Fan-Favourite K-Dramas on Samsung TV Plus

As part of the agreement, select Genie TV Originals will be made available to international audiences on Samsung TV Plus, effectively expanding the reach of these programs to a broader audience outside Korea. Leading the lineup are three standout series: “Lies Hidden in My Garden,” a thrilling drama where two women’s seemingly perfect lives unravel due to a series of mysterious events; “New Recruit,” a military comedy-drama that follows the daily lives and struggles of a group of new army recruits; and “Dear Hyeri,” a romantic drama centered on a news announcer who develops dissociative identity disorder and must navigate the complexities of her two very different lives.

Additionally, select series such as “New Recruit” and “Love Is for Suckers,” the slice-of-life workplace comedy, will be featured as an exclusive FAST offering on Samsung TV Plus for three months.

Dedicated K-Content Channels Deliver Nonstop Viewing Experience

Samsung TV Plus offers 24/7 channels in Korea, giving viewers an easy way to jump into a show at any time — no searching, scheduling or episode tracking required.

With episodes airing in order around the clock, the format supports a variety of viewing habits — whether it’s catching an episode after a long day, relaxing with back-to-back chapters over the weekend or simply dropping in to rediscover a favorite scene. It’s a seamless, flexible way to enjoy K-dramas whenever it fits your routine.

Furthermore, the platform enriches its international appeal by curating a monthly selection of acclaimed Korean series. Each month, beloved titles — such as “Moon in the Day,” which is inspired by the widely loved webtoon — are thoughtfully highlighted, enabling fans to immerse themselves in their favorite stories anytime and anywhere.

A Growing Global Hub for Korean Content

KT Studio Genie joins a growing list of content partners, including CJ ENM and NEW ID, helping expand K-content offering on Samsung TV Plus, which spans drama, film, music, variety shows and live events. With operations in 30 countries and counting, Samsung TV Plus continues to evolve as a key destination for Korean entertainment on the global stage.

“Our partnership with KT Studio Genie reflects Samsung TV Plus’s ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional content and new viewing formats to global audiences,” said Yong Su Kim, Executive Vice President of the Visual Display (VD) Business at Samsung Electronics. “We’re proud to help bring the richness of Korean storytelling to more viewers worldwide — free, easy to access and ready to stream.”

[1] Availability may vary according to country and region.

Tizen OS Continues To Grow As Reliable Smart TV Platform

Following the launch of Samsung Tizen OS 8.0, the licensing program now includes prominent original design manufacturers (ODMs). This marks an important milestone in the evolution of the Tizen ecosystem and demonstrates strong global demand for Samsung’s acclaimed smart TV platform. In its licensing program, Samsung continues to build strategic partnerships with companies that prioritize high-quality products and reliable support throughout the entire value chain.

Additionally, Samsung Tizen OS will be embedded in new TVs from well-known brands in key markets, enhancing its presence across Europe, North and Latin America, and Australia. Notable new additions include EKO and QBELL (Ayonz) in Australia and Europe, RCA (Kayve Groupo) in Mexico, RCA (Treasure Creek) in the United States and Canada, and Axdia in Germany. Many more brands are expected to join in the second half of 2025 as Samsung continues to expand its strategic partnerships into new markets.

“We are proud to expand our RCA TV portfolio across Mexico and Latin America through our partnership with Samsung’s Tizen OS,” said Jonathan Vera, Head of Marketing & Communications, Grupo Kayve. “The Tizen team provides comprehensive technical and marketing support, enabling an agile go-to-market process.”

“Partnering with Samsung on Tizen OS allows us to deliver high-quality and competitive smart TV solutions to our global brand customers,” said Gerard Louis, Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Axdia.

Premium Content and Connectivity at Core of Tizen OS-Powered Smart TVs

Samsung is also dedicated to continuous platform innovation, introducing smart features such as advanced content discovery, integration with Samsung TV Plus for FAST channel services, cloud gaming capabilities via Samsung Gaming Hub, and seamless multi-device connectivity through SmartThings. These enhancements ensure that licensees benefit not only from proven technology but also from a forward-looking platform that adapts to evolving consumer expectations.

To further differentiate Tizen-powered TVs at retail, Samsung offers tailored marketing kits and digital content toolkits for each region, enabling partners to highlight key attributes such as premium content access, fast performance, and smart connectivity—all backed by Samsung’s robust global brand credibility.

As the Tizen OS Licensing Program evolves to meet the needs of global partners, Samsung is broadening regional coverage, introducing more affordable hardware solutions, and enhancing app availability worldwide. Moreover, partners can gain access to Samsung’s specialized R&D support to confidently bring Tizen-powered smart TVs to market.

“Tizen OS is recognized for its performance, reliability, and innovation,” said Jooyoung Kim, Vice President at Samsung Electronics. “This year, we are focused on expanding our licensing program and creating diverse collaboration strategies for our key partners. We are serious about growing our global partner network and enhancing the ecosystem. By offering expanded regional support, an enriched app ecosystem, and tailored marketing resources, we aim to deliver even greater value to consumers worldwide.”

With Tizen OS extending beyond Samsung’s own TV offerings, the company remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering an open, robust, and premium smart TV experience for consumers around the world.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced that Samsung TV Plus will livestream the Jonas Brothers’ “JONAS20 Greetings From Your Hometown” tour from key American stops. Live action from the highly anticipated tour will be available to watch exclusively on the streaming service’s all-new channel Samsung Television Network (STN).

Starting Aug. 10, fans can livestream the Jonas Brothers’ North America tour. The streams will feature backstage access, surprise guests and all the fan-favorite hits, with the concert including a surprise host conducting live interviews, commentary and more.

The Jonas Brothers’ tour marks the first major live event to premiere on STN, the newly launched flagship channel on Samsung TV Plus. STN, which is only available in the U.S., delivers live events, A-list talent and culture-defining entertainment — all in one place. “JONAS20” will join STN’s stellar lineup, which includes Emmy®-winning hits like “Killing Eve,” late-night legends David Letterman and Conan O’Brien, blockbuster movies and live sports from leagues such as Minor League Baseball.

“Partnering with the Jonas Brothers to livestream their upcoming tour on Samsung TV Plus reflects our commitment to connecting audiences with the artists and stories they love, on the biggest screen in their home,” said Salek Brodsky, SVP and Global Head of Samsung TV Plus.

Livestream Jonas Brothers Concert Dates on Samsung TV Plus

Fans nationwide can livestream select dates from the “JONAS 20: Greetings From Your Hometown” tour on STN:

• Aug. 10 | East Rutherford, NJ
• Aug. 31 | Dallas, TX
• Oct. 12 | Milwaukee, WI
• Oct. 26 | Orlando, FL
• Nov. 9 | Buffalo, NY

“JONAS20” on STN delivers a front-row seat to the full concert experience, with immersive behind-the-scenes access and hometown tributes from Joe, Kevin and Nick Jonas. Fans can enjoy the experience individually, host viewing parties or connect with others virtually — with Samsung Television Network as the destination for every song and unforgettable moment.

“This tour is about celebrating where we came from and sharing that with the fans who’ve been with us every step of the way,” said the Jonas Brothers. “Streaming it live on Samsung TV Plus means we get to include every fan, everywhere. No matter where you are, this is your hometown show.”

With over 17 million albums sold worldwide and GRAMMY® nominations for their multi-platinum hit “Sucker” in 2020 and the “Best New Artist” category in 2009, the Jonas Brothers have cemented their place as global pop-rock icons. Their highly anticipated new album of the same name, “Greetings From Your Hometown,” will be released Aug. 8, just days before their tour kicks off at MetLife stadium on Aug. 10. The “JONAS 20 Greetings From Your Hometown” tour celebrates their legacy while deepening their connection with fans around the world.

Now, through their partnership with Samsung TV Plus, they’re expanding that connection even further, bringing the energy of their live shows directly into millions of living rooms and mobile devices.

How to Watch “JONAS 20: Greetings From Your Hometown”

Samsung TV Plus is available on Samsung TV, Galaxy, Smart Monitor and Family Hub devices. This includes the 2025 TV series, which spans Samsung Neo QLED 8K, Neo QLED 4K, OLED, The Frame and The Frame Pro, all powered by Samsung Vision AI[1] for AI enhanced picture and sound. The series also includes new personalized features that bring users closer to all the shows, movies and sports they love.

[1] Samsung Vision Al is only available on 2025 Neo QLED 8K, Neo QLED, OLED, QLED and The Frame TV models. Samsung Vision Al features vary by TV model (excludes Crystal UHD, FHD and HD TV models).

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., today announced that Samsung TV Plus[1], its leading free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) service, will live stream the 2024 MAMA AWARDS, one of the world’s premier K-pop events. The MAMA AWARDS will be available to fans around the world through Samsung TV Plus’s exclusive K-pop channel, launched earlier this month, marking a major milestone in Samsung’s expansion of global streaming offerings.

The event will take place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on November 21 and at Kyocera Dome Osaka from November 22-23 local time. Samsung TV Plus will air all three days of the awards ceremony.

“Through strategic partnerships, we’re expanding Samsung TV Plus’s role as a key platform for bringing diverse, high-quality content to audiences worldwide,” said Yonghoon Choi, Executive Vice President of the Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “We’re committed to making Samsung TV Plus a global gateway for premium entertainment, delivering unique local and international content that resonates with viewers everywhere.”

Expanding K-Pop Access Through Samsung TV Plus’s New Exclusive Channel 

Launched on November 6, “K-POP by CJ ENM” — available exclusively on Samsung TV Plus — brings a rich selection of K-pop content to audiences across North America, Europe, and Latin America.[2] This new channel offers a diverse mix of performances, music videos, artist interviews and behind-the-scenes footage — including exclusive programming from CJ ENM’s Studio CHOOM, which showcases iconic K-artist choreography up close and in a minimalist setting.

With popular artists like TOMORROW X TOGETHER, aespa, ENHYPEN, Anderson .Paak and J.Y. Park — as well as the genre’s most-watched videos — the K-pop channel establishes Samsung TV Plus as a global leader in streaming K-content and connecting fans worldwide with top K-pop performances.

Celebrating a Decade of Streaming Innovation with Samsung TV Plus

As Samsung TV Plus celebrates its 10th anniversary, it has grown into a powerful force in streaming, with more than 88 million active users[3] on Samsung smart TVs powered by Tizen OS. With the recent addition of over 4,000 hours of Korean content in the U.S., Samsung TV Plus has also solidified itself as a leading destination for K-content enthusiasts across the globe.

Through exclusive content partnerships and the inclusion of high-quality K-content like the MAMA AWARDS, Samsung TV Plus continues to deliver unique entertainment experiences to global audiences and set a new standard in free streaming.

[1] Feature availability may vary according to region.

[2] The K-POP by CJ ENM channel is available exclusively on Samsung TV Plus in the U.S., Canada, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Brazil and Mexico

[3] As of September, there are more than 88 million active users on Samsung smart TVs powered by Tizen OS.

The new smart TVs powered by Tizen follow the announcement of Samsung’s Tizen TV Platform Licensing program at the Samsung Developer Conference (SDC) in 2021. The licensing program allows other TV brands to take advantage of Tizen OS, which provides industry-leading smart features, content discoverability tools, apps and modern user interface for the ultimate smart TV experience.

To support the seamless adoption of Tizen OS, Samsung collaborates with a selection of partners on content licensing and hardware optimizations. These partnerships give many TV brands access to a whole world of entertainment that Samsung Smart TVs exclusively provide, while also allowing Tizen to leverage its ever-expanding ecosystem to strengthen its offerings. Key features that the users of the licensed TV brands will gain access to include:^[3]

• Samsung TV Plus, Samsung’s free streaming TV and video platform that will allow users to enjoy hundreds of live channels, entertainment, news, shows and sports — for free.
• Universal Guide, allowing easy browsing and discovery of all content across different streaming apps, along with personalized recommendations so users can spend more time watching and less time searching.
• Bixby, a voice assistant platform that will provide users with more convenient way to explore smart TVs. Users can tell Bixby to search, watch, or perform various features.

Since Samsung teamed up with the Linux Foundation to unveil the first version in 2012, Tizen OS has made an exponential growth over the past decade. To date, around 200 million people from 197 countries are using Samsung Smart TVs powered by Tizen, and, the number is expected to expand with the latest addition of Tizen-powered smart TVs.

“2022 has been a memorable year for Tizen OS as we celebrate its 10^th anniversary and the very first Tizen-powered smart TVs available from other brands,” said Yongjae Kim, Executive Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “Starting with these new Tizen-powered smart TVs, we will continue to expand the licensing program and introduce Tizen OS and its ecosystem to more products and brands around the world.”

For more details, please visit www.samsung.com.

^[1] Tizen TV brands include Akai, Bauhn, Linsar (distributed by Tempo), RCA, Vispera (distributed by HKC) Sunny and Axen (distributed by Atmaca).

^[2] Akai, Bauhn, Linsar Tizen TVs are available as of September 2022 in Australia. Other brands will be available later in Q4 2022.

^[3] Available smart features may vary depending on country.

Samsung Electronics held its annual Samsung Developer Conference (SDC) today in San Francisco, bringing together developers, creators and designers to explore seamless, connected experiences powered by Samsung.

During the event, Samsung shared more about its commitment to creating simplified, game-changing customer experiences, including the company’s updated vision for SmartThings as it evolves from a connectivity platform to an enabler of smarter lifestyles. From deeper integration with Bixby to seamless connectivity with Matter-compatible devices, SmartThings is creating a richer, more open world that empowers all users to streamline their connections and their daily lives.

“At Samsung, we continuously innovate our devices, platforms and services to be simpler and more convenient. I am proud to share the next generation of our work, like SmartThings, to further our collaboration with partners and developers,” said Jong-Hee (JH) Han, Vice Chairman, CEO and Head of Device eXperience (DX) Division at Samsung Electronics. “As technologies become more complex, we will always search for ways to make life easier, more connected, and more flexible, so our consumers can focus on what matters most.”

Connecting Platforms and Devices With Calm Technology

Samsung’s vision of seamless connectivity is inspired by the philosophy of Calm Technology — where devices instantly work together, so consumers can save time on setup and get right into the experience. To realize this vision, Samsung reimagined SmartThings and its connected services and partnerships, including Samsung’s Hub Everywhere, extending its capabilities to the entire smart home with audio and visual data as well as SmartThings Energy, SmartThings Pet and SmartThings Cooking. Samsung also partnered with Philips Hue to integrate Philips Hue Sync right into Galaxy devices so smart home lighting can match with music.

The seamless experience will extend beyond Samsung’s ecosystem through SmartThings’ integration with Matter and Samsung’s membership in the Home Connectivity Alliance. Google and Samsung have worked together to enable users to find and link their devices across platforms by building multi-admin feature on Matter devices. The collaboration will bring more devices and users into the connected home in the future.

Bixby has been integrated more deeply with SmartThings, a tool for developers to build more intelligent voice user interface experiences. As Samsung’s representative voice assistant platform, Bixby has evolved to become the on-device AI solution able to control individual Galaxy devices, as well as the cross-device experience throughout the Samsung ecosystem. With the new Bixby Home Studio, developers can now build differentiated, customized experiences for the SmartThings platform. In addition, Bixby will be even more widely available to users with support for Latin American Spanish, starting in November.

As the smart home is becoming more advanced, Samsung is introducing a new security paradigm, enabling Samsung devices to protect each other. Samsung Knox Matrix^[1] is a private blockchain based platform that turns eligible Samsung devices into a shield to protect users’ entire device ecosystem — from Galaxy devices to TVs and home appliances. Plus, users can customize personal privacy settings with the new Security and privacy dashboard, which scans for vulnerabilities, recommends security updates and gives users data management options to keep privacy and security top of mind.

Personalized Services for Better Experiences

In the past year, Samsung TV Plus — Samsung’s free, ad-supported streaming TV and video (FAST) platform available on Samsung Smart TV^[2] and mobile devices — reached 100% growth in viewership,^[3] and projects three billion hours streamed by the end of the year. To build on this momentum, Samsung TV Plus has expanded its offering by adding partnerships with Lionsgate and Vice Media, providing 8K video on demand. Samsung TV Plus has also gone through a redesign, to reflect its extraordinary variety of content with more than 1,600 channels across 24 countries. Samsung TV Plus is the premium choice for a seamless ad experience, where stream stitching makes ad playback simpler than ever.

After 10 years of service, Samsung’s Tizen operating system (OS) continues to offer best-in-class user experiences. The Samsung Gaming Hub brings better, faster and more convenient access to gaming on Samsung Smart TVs, provided by industry-leading partners, such as Xbox, NVIDIA GeForce NOW, Utomik and Amazon Luna. Samsung Gaming Hub bridges expertise in hardware and software to integrate features like AI Upscaling and multitask functions to make gaming on Samsung Smart TVs an immersive, optimized experience.

Tizen OS is also expanding to offer NFTs support with partners like Art Token, laCollection and Nifty Gateway. For B2B customers and developers, Samsung is providing B2B APIs specific to industries and use cases like Syncplay, which allows content to be synchronized and played in multiple signages. Tizen is also introducing SALT, a new content conversion solution to display the highest-quality HDR10+ content on supported TVs.

Your Galaxy, Your Way With One UI 5

By introducing the new One UI 5, Samsung has empowered users to easily customize their device’s look and feel, while enhancing productivity and providing amazing experiences across devices and platforms. One UI 5 brings more personalized experiences with custom-built Modes and Routines, and a Dynamic Lock screen that displays multiple visuals on your phone, your Galaxy Watch and other One UI 5 devices. With the new Bixby Text Call feature, Bixby Voice will answer calls on your behalf and share typed messages with the caller, speaking aloud as if you had answered. One UI 5 also introduces new daily health solutions to help track health and wellness in one place. This includes the Samsung Privileged Health SDK, which enables developers to build apps that leverage the BioActive Sensor on the Galaxy Watch.^[4]

Future-Forward Investment and Research

Samsung Research is looking beyond today’s horizon to innovate for a better tomorrow, full of relentless innovation and open collaboration. Samsung Research is making its robot arm manipulation code available on GitHub, enabling academics, researchers and developers to examine new ideas in robotic manipulation.

The team at Samsung Research was also inspired by the new wellness features Samsung has introduced, particularly on the Galaxy Watch5. To find new use-cases leveraging these features, Samsung Research is working with universities and healthcare institutions that will explore areas like heart health, stress, blood pressure, lung health and neuroscience. As a result, Samsung is offering a full stack SDK — the Samsung Health Stack — which will jumpstart research into important health fields and spark new development.

Samsung invites developers, creators, partners and more to join in on its commitment to open collaboration and seamless experiences. For more information about the Samsung Developer Conference (SDC) 2022, please visit developer.samsung.com.

^[1] Starting as early as late 2023, Samsung Knox Matrix will be initially available on selected Samsung devices. Support for other manufacturers’ products will follow later.

^[2] Samsung TV Plus is available for selected Samsung Smart TVs only.

^[3] Viewership from September 2021 to August 2022 compared to viewership from September 2020 to August 2021

^[4] Available on Galaxy Watch4 series and Galaxy Watch5 series.

With opening remarks from Jong-Hee Han, Vice Chairman, CEO and Head of Device Experience (DX) Division at Samsung Electronics, the presentations revealed how Samsung is crafting systems that help make lives smarter, safer, more convenient and more connected than ever before.

▲ Attendees take their seats at SDC 2022 in anticipation of the day’s wide-ranging Keynote

Read on to see Samsung Newsroom’s recap of the innovation and inspiration revolutionizing how we live and work both now and in the future.

Opening: A Seamless, Frictionless Experience

Jong-Hee Han opened up the day’s talks by underscoring the importance of convenience in an age of brilliant yet complex technologies. “At Samsung, our goal has always been to make our lives easier through technology innovation,” said Han. “But innovation can also be burdensome for users if convenience is not at the forefront. Our teams are determined to deliver devices that are as smooth and accessible as they are advanced.”

▲ Jong-Hee Han, Vice Chairman, CEO and Head of DX Division at Samsung Electronics, welcomes attendees to SDC 2022.

Covering everything from Calm Technology to Knox Matrix to holistic household platforms like Bixby Home Studio and SmartThings, Han outlined a device and systems ecosystem that puts the user experience at the center. “The goal of all this is to give you an easier, seamless and more frictionless experience,” Han emphasized. “So you can focus on what matters most.”

A Home That Learns and Adapts Through SmartThings

Following Jong-Hee Han, Jaeyeon Jung, Vice President and Head of SmartThings, Mobile eXperience Business, discussed how Covid-19 galvanized teams at Samsung to prioritize the important things in life, particularly in the home. “If you’re like me, the past few years have been a time to prioritize what matters, to find moments to pause and refresh,” said Jung.

▲ Jaeyeon Jung, Vice President and Head of SmartThings, Mobile eXperience Business, outlines how the platform is helping realize a truly seamless, intuitive household device ecosystem.

Samsung’s SmartThings platform, Jung explained, is the perfect way to do this in your home. Thanks to a wide range of improvements to the household ecosystem platform, finding, setting up, onboarding and synchronizing new devices into your household will be easier and more efficient than ever. This includes Galaxy Quick Pair, Matter Hub connectivity, SmartThings Energy and SmartThings Music Sync, as well as boosted integration with partner systems and an expanded SmartThings website.

Matter: A Truly Harmonious Household Experience

At the end of her talk, Jung introduced Matthew McCullough from Google, who provided an overview of Matter, a system that lays the groundwork for true interoperability between devices in the home. Samsung is committed to Matter integration, and confident it will make the dream of a fully integrated household a reality.

▲ Google’s Matthew McCullough explains how the Matter interoperability system works, reinforcing Samsung and Google’s collaborative efforts to expand its integration.

By working closely together, Samsung and Google aim to make life for both users and device makers simpler and smoother, with multi-admin features that cut down on manual management and make Google Home and Nest Hub more accessible. “This ease of use across Samsung and Google is just the start, and we’re looking forward to delivering a more seamless, delightful home experience,” said McCullough.

Industry Collaboration Making Device Ecosystems More Open

▲ Mark Benson, Head of SmartThings U.S. at Samsung, expands on the company’s enthusiasm for Matter adoption and introduces the SmartThings Matter Early Access Program.

Continuing with the theme of interoperability, Mark Benson, Head of SmartThings U.S., emphasized Samsung’s commitment to supporting Matter. “To accelerate Matter adoption, we created the SmartThings Matter Early Access Program, where we work with major device manufacturers to ensure their Matter-enabled devices work seamlessly with SmartThings,” said Benson.

The SmartThings app, SmartThings Hub Core and SmartThings Cloud, Benson pointed out, are already prepared to support Matter. “It’s all about delivering interoperability right out of the box,” he said.

The Expanding Role of Bixby

Anil Yadav, Head of Bixby Lab at Samsung Research¹ America, took to the stage to discuss SmartThings’ bespoke speech platform and de facto voice in the home, including its exciting new feature: Bixby Home Studio. “With Bixby Home Studio, you can create experiences that span multiple devices and respond more intuitively to user commands,” said Yadav. “For example, if you ask Bixby to turn on your air conditioner, Bixby can check if you have any windows open and let you know to close them, saving energy.”

▲ Voice system expert and Head of Bixby Lab Anil Yadav lays out the platform’s evolving role in the home and celebrates the launch of Bixby Home Studio.

Ready to do everything from queuing up your next action movie on your Samsung Smart TV to boosting your mobile security with On-Device AI, Bixby is smarter and more powerful than ever.

Premium Security and Privacy for an Integrated Household

▲ Shin Baik, Principal Engineer of Security Team, Mobile eXperience Business, underscores the significance of strong security and personalized privacy, as exemplified by systems like Samsung Knox and Knox Matrix.

Samsung envisions more than just a convenient and integrated home experience. Its teams are also creating an experience that is as safe as it is smooth, as private as it is proactive. After Yadav’s Bixby talk, Shin Baik, Principal Engineer of Security Team, Mobile eXperience Business, discussed with the audience how top-notch innovations need top-notch security to go with them. Unwavering in its three security and privacy principles — transparency, choice and protection — Samsung has worked hard to develop platforms like Samsung Knox. This will keep everything from your phone to your refrigerator safe and secure, said Baik.

A new platform called Knox Matrix, in particular, is now on the frontline of multi-device protection. “Knox Matrix is your own private blockchain,” Baik explained. “Multiple devices share credentials, turning the ecosystem of devices into a shield that protects everyone.”

In step with these developments, of course, is Samsung’s insistence on a customizable privacy experience, which is provided by Samsung’s comprehensive Security and privacy dashboard. “We believe that you — and only you — should be making decisions about how your information is managed and stored,” said Baik.

A More Vibrant Content Ecosystem Than Ever

Sang Kim, Senior Vice President and Head of Product & Marketing at Samsung Electronics America, shared important insights on Samsung’s extensive media network, covering a range of recent successes.

▲ Sang Kim, Senior Vice President and Head of Product & Marketing at Samsung Electronics America, provides a roundup of Samsung’s diverse — and rapidly expanding — media network.

Samsung Gaming Hub, launched in June, is an all-in-one gaming solution that, thanks to partnerships with industry leaders like Xbox, lets players connect their controllers to Samsung TVs and access all the games they love without even needing a console or PC.

Samsung TV Plus, the FAST streaming TV and video platform that relaunched this summer, now reaches 24 countries and 465 million devices globally. It is projected to clock in an impressive three billion hours streamed by users by the end of 2022.

Thanks to broad reach, smooth monetization integration and an advertising environment optimized for both clients and users, Samsung streaming also offers an ideal platform for premium advertising.

“Today, Fortune 500 companies from around the world have leveraged Samsung TV Plus and our other advanced TV advertising solutions to reach valuable consumers,” Kim said.

Tizen’s Global Conquest

▲ Yongjae Kim, Executive Vice President and Deputy Head of R&D Team, Visual Display Business discusses all things Tizen, from the operating system’s global reach to its growing spectrum of applications.

Following Sang Kim, Yongjae Kim, Executive Vice President and Deputy Head of R&D Team, Visual Display Business, took to the stage to talk about Tizen, Samsung’s open source, Linux-backed operating system. Kim took the audience through a huge variety of developments in the Tizen journey, which is growing its capabilities to an ever-wider spectrum of uses and applications.

Leveraging partnerships with gaming leaders like Xbox, NVIDIA and Utomik, Tizen is helping bring a truly consolidated, uninterrupted gaming experience to users with Samsung Gaming Hub, with fantastic performance and image quality, Kim explained. It delivers stunning visual displays and blockchain wallet integration to Samsung TVs for better at-home art experiences, while also helping Smart Hub deliver the best in content searches and recommendations. Tizen Enterprise, meanwhile, is boosting B2B partners’ display and signage options, while Tizen Everywhere aims to expand licensing and bring the system to more countries.

“Since its launch ten years ago, Tizen now powers more than 330 million TVs, refrigerators and other smart devices,” said Kim. “At Samsung, we will continue to create Tizen experiences that transform and go beyond what many thought possible.”

One UI 5 and the “Your Galaxy, Your Way” Philosophy

Next up was Sally Hyesoon Jeong, Vice President of Framework R&D Group, Mobile eXperience Business, whose theme for the day was the company’s latest leap forward in the UI experience: One UI 5.

▲ Sally Hyesoon Jeong, Vice President of Framework R&D Group, Mobile eXperience Business, introduces One UI 5, the next stage of Samsung’s UI evolution and a distillation of the “Your Galaxy, Your Way” philosophy.

“On this stage three years ago, I shared our vision for One UI, the essence of the Galaxy experience,” Jeong began. “One UI truly captures the ‘Your Galaxy, Your Way’ philosophy by bringing users an intuitive, connected experience that is uniquely yours.”

Splitting the new UI update’s advancements into three areas — Personalization, Productivity and Possibility — Jeong shared a host of new and improved features. Personalization included deep customization enhancements, like Dynamic Lockscreen for smartphones, Watch Face Studio for Galaxy Watches and custom-built Modes and Routines, while health and security functions are also more adaptable than ever. The Productivity section included Bixby Text Call, improved phone-to-PC connectivity and multitasking upgrades like Taskbar improvements. Possibilities covered One UI 5’s integration with innovative Samsung Foldable devices and related functions like Flex Mode.

A Look Over the Horizon: Robotics and Health in Tomorrow’s Homes

The final talk before the wrap-up was from Sebastian Seung, President and Head of Samsung Research. While many of the day’s talks focused on recent improvements, Seung has his eye on the innovations of tomorrow, aiming for no less than the merging of the physical and digital worlds.

“I’d like to invite you to look over the horizon, to a future dreamed of but not yet realized,” said Seung, who divided his presentation between the future of robotics in the home and Samsung’s ambitions to contribute to health & wellness research.

In the home robotics field, Seung discussed the company’s continued success with a household supported by advanced, AI-enhanced devices, including the object-detecting JetBot AI+ vacuum, the Bot Handy chore assistant prototype and even future plans for Samsung’s latest robot arm manipulation code, which will soon be available on GitHub.

▲ Sebastian Seung, President and Head of Samsung Research, discusses the company’s plans for a future where advanced robotics technologies support households and outlines Samsung’s ambitions in health & wellness research.

Moving on to the subject of health, Seung introduced Samsung Health Stack, an open source project from Samsung that aims to actively advance health & wellness research. “This is a full stack SDK, a mobile app for patients, a portal for researchers and a backend database,” said Seung. “A complete package of open-source tools designed for the easy creation of digital systems for the research of health and wellness.”

Closing: Building a More Sustainable Future With Samsung

To round off the talks, Jong-Hee Han returned to the stage to offer a final word, summarizing the technologies showcased at SDC and the course of the company’s future of innovation.

▲ Jong-Hee Han returns to the stage to conclude the day’s talks, ending on a proactive vision of a future driven by sustainable, eco-conscious technologies.

“I would like to talk about the future one more time,” he added. “The future of something very dear to my heart: our planet. I believe we have a responsibility to help create a sustainable future. We do that through Everyday Sustainability, a belief that every stage of the product lifecycle can be more sustainable.”

Han presented a range of Samsung sustainability commitments and environmental research directions, including responsible material sourcing, recycling, disposal, renewable energy and billions in investments toward meeting carbon emissions reductions.

“By 2027, we will run all DX operations on renewable energy,” Han said, ending the day on an optimistic note and a glimpse of a future for customers that is easier, more seamless, more frictionless and — crucially — more eco-conscious.

Watch the video below to see the complete recording of the SDC22 Keynote.

▲ Attendees explore the latest Samsung products at SDC22 booths.

[1] Samsung Research, acting as Samsung Electronics’ advanced R&D hub, leads the development of future technologies for the company’s Device eXperience (DX) Division.