The latest agreement expands the collaboration to provide business customers with more convenient and valuable mobility experiences through SmartThings Pro. The B2B management platform offers efficient energy savings and integrated space management by connecting various devices, solutions and services across residential facilities to office buildings and commercial facilities. Attending the signing ceremony were Chanwoo Park, Executive Vice President at Samsung’s B2B Integrated Offering Center, and Sangdae Kim, Head of Kia’s PBV Division.

“By integrating SmartThings Pro into Kia PBV, we plan to present an intelligent new way for businesses to be connected to their customers,” said Chanwoo Park, Executive Vice President of B2B Integrated Offering Center at Samsung Electronics. “We will provide an optimised integrated store management experience based on customised solutions to cater for a range of B2B customers including the self-employed and small business owners.”

With the integration of SmartThings Pro and Kia PBV, B2B customers can connect their vehicles to external business spaces and execute automated routine controls set in vehicles to increase operational efficiency and convenience. For example, self-employed and small business owners who purchase Kia PBVs will be able to manage automation routines such as air conditioning, signage and home appliances in their stores through SmartThings Pro, making operation and management much more convenient.

Small business owners who remotely operate multiple unmanned stores or shared lodgings can use a Kia PBV to manage them in real time while on the move. As part of remote management, users can receive notifications of abnormal activity and device failures or maintenance. Users can also manage check-ins and check-outs, optimise air conditioning and prevent energy waste when customers are away.

Additionally, SmartThings Pro provides advance notifications of the on-site tasks that need to be carried out — such as consumable replacements and maintenance lists — tailored to the store or establishment where the PBV arrives, enabling easy operation.

SmartThings Pro also helps busy small mobile business owners like food truck operators. Food trucks move frequently and take time to prepare and organise signage, audio, cash registers, refrigerators, cooking appliances and lighting before and after hours of operation. With SmartThings Pro, users can be automate everything at once, allowing a single operator to run a food truck.

“Kia PBVs are designed to be more than just vehicles, they are intelligent business solutions that connect seamlessly with digital ecosystems,” said Sangdae Kim, Head of Kia’s PBV Division. “We anticipate that our business collaboration with Samsung Electronics, leveraging its AI B2B solution SmartThings Pro, will extend the vehicle user experience for our business customers beyond PBVs into the broader IoT ecosystem. This partnership is expected to create new opportunities for discovering customer value.”

[1] Platform Beyond Vehicle is Kia’s total mobility solution that combines fit-for-purpose EVs with advanced software solutions.

This partnership will see cutting-edge technology integrated across a range of different developments. These will include supporting the BTR and PBSA sectors with new apartment schemes in Birmingham and London, as well as serviced apartments, co-living spaces and high-end office developments in Central London. Boxbuild are set to deliver more than 1,000 units a year, with plans to grow this number. The first project will launch in late 2025, and the first installations are expected for March of next year.

This is the first time that Samsung will be working with a direct supplier to the BTR and PBSA markets. The partnership with Boxbuild will enable a joint, digital-first approach to designing and creating spaces with the right connectivity and appliances built in from the start. This will improve project efficiency, ensuring they are fit-for-purpose, future-proof and set new benchmarks for quality, design and functionality. Additionally, building connectivity in from the very start of a project will mean that consumers can take advantage of a full range of smart devices, appliances and automated routines. Using smart devices, they will be able to improve their energy efficiency, cutting costs, and will be able to reduce the invisible mental load of household chores utilising home connectivity.

Murtaza Bukhari, General Manager Strategic Partnerships UK & Europe, commented: “We’re very pleased to be able to work with Boxbuild and, for the first time, to be working directly with a supplier to these markets so that Samsung’s expertise and technology is included from the inception of projects. Our work together will play a pivotal role in continuing to drive technology adoption in the UK construction industry. This is particularly important as the smart technology movement continues to gather momentum thanks to increased awareness of the significant benefits that connectivity can bring to people’s lives, whether they’re at home or at work.”

Colin Graham, Director at Boxbuild added: “Boxbuild has always prided itself on sourcing only the finest materials and technology for use in the delivery of our projects and Samsung are global leaders in smart technology and one of the world’s largest consumer technology brands. This year they have also been pioneering new solutions such as AI in their products, successfully enhancing the day-to-day lives of their customers. Partnering with Samsung means that we can keep elevating our designs and installations, making a real difference in the way that people interact with their homes and offices.”

Boxbuild has an exclusive agreement with Forma, the global furniture, furnishings and supply company and will be the first to bring new, bespoke kitchen designs and products to the UK market under this UK exclusive brand. This groundbreaking work will all be underpinned by Samsung’s experience in innovation and connected living, allowing affordable, premium and beautifully-designed intelligent kitchens to be delivered to our customers.

To learn more about Samsung’s work with homebuilders and developers please click here.

“In 2024, Samsung TV users can now see the TV as not only a central entertainment hub but also a means to enrich the lifestyle— especially for fitness,” said Demian Hyun, Vice President and Head of the Experience Planning Group of the Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “We’re excited to bring Technogym to Samsung TVs because the experience fits right in with our drive to provide more immersive and personalised experiences for users.”

“Within our Technogym Ecosystem open platform strategy, the integration with Samsung TVs represents another step toward reaching more consumers within our wellness vision to help people live better lives through regular physical exercise,” said Nerio Alessandri, Technogym President and CEO.

Trainer-Led Sessions and Customised Programmes

The Technogym app offers over 130 trainer-led sessions to help users reach their goals, perform better and stay motivated. Everything from high intensity cardio and bodyweight routines, to mindful yoga sessions, Pilates and meditations are led by Technogym’s certified trainers and are specially designed to be done in front of a screen.

Upon signing into the Technogym app on Samsung Daily+, each user is greeted with training programs tailored to their personal goals, whether it is building strength, improving endurance, or enhancing overall health. The app not only tracks and logs progress but also offers personalised recommendations, ensuring a workout regimen that adapts to users’ evolving fitness journeys.

But the Technogym app isn’t just about individual workouts. It also curates a selection of popular workout sessions, including “Most Performed Routines” and “Most Loved Session Episodes.” These sessions are not just about getting fit; they are about joining a community, sharing trends and motivating each other through a shared fitness experience.

Comprehensive Workout Options – Anytime, Anywhere

The Technogym app on Samsung TVs elevates at-home workouts by offering ultimate convenience and access. The basic app is free, with the option for a premium subscription that provides access to exclusive, more in-depth workout content. Users can effortlessly track their workout history on any device through their Technogym account, ensuring a continuous and integrated fitness journey.

Additionally, the app combines Samsung’s immersive screen technology with specialised workout programmes using Technogym’s cutting-edge equipment for all-encompassing workout sessions.

Users can browse a broad and diverse library with video training sessions, which include strength, yoga, cardio, Pilates, meditation and body weight. They can choose different levels, from beginner to the advanced. New workouts are published regularly so the experience remains fresh and engaging. Moreover, Samsung TV users can download the Technogym mobile app to access their personalised profile with the same credentials anytime and anywhere.

About Technogym

Technogym is a global leading brand in the wellness and fitness industry, is known for its premium equipment and fitness content that elevate the workout experience in both gyms and homes alike. As the official supplier for the last nine Olympic Games, including the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics, Technogym’s cutting-edge equipment and extensive library of on-demand videos reach over 85,000 fitness centers and 400,000 homes around the world.

[1] Technogym app is available through Samsung Daily+ on all 2024 Samsung TV models: Neo QLED 8K, Neo QLED, OLED, UHD (above DU7000) and The Frame worldwide. TV model users can download the Technogym app through the app store. The content is provided primarily in English and supported with subtitles.

[2] Samsung Daily+, a hub for lifestyle experiences, provides a wide range of services and features — from personal training and telehealth to video calls and remote PC solutions — in one single interface. Samsung account required.

In the first season, the beautiful setting and quintessentially Parisian characters gave viewers an insight into French style and culture and are some of the driving forces behind the show’s success. This sense of escapism was created and elevated by the global cast, including the iconic character of Sylvie Grateau. Played by Samsung ambassador Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, Sylvie acts as lead protagonist Emily’s boss, and the CMO of luxury marketing agency Savoir. Sylvie’s character embodies true stylish authority; great at her job, powerful, commanding and effortlessly chic, she became one of the most widely recognised and loved characters from the show’s debut season. In season two, to make sure she keeps on top of her personal and professional life, Sylvie has chosen the stylish and snappy Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5G to keep Emily and the rest of the agency on their toes.

But Sylvie is not the only one to benefit from the style and glamour of the Galaxy Z Flip 5G. To launch the second season, Samsung and Netflix will bring iconic style and innovative technology to fans of Emily in Paris through an integrated campaign; featuring offline ads, social and influencer content, and a TikTok filter that provides a new way for fans to enjoy the show, through the lens of the iconic Galaxy Z Flip 5G. The filter will allow fans to “flip the script” and become the lead character in their own Emily in Paris animated poster. The stunning Galaxy Z Flip 5G will unfold in front of the user, putting them front and centre before the iconic Eiffel Tower. TikTok users* can try out the Flip the Script TikTok Effect on the platform as of 28^th of December.

Benjamin Braun, Samsung CMO for Europe, said “At Samsung, we are always at the forefront of creativity and innovation. We are excited to partner with Netflix for the second season of one of their biggest shows, Emily in Paris, and to see Sylvie wielding the iconic Galaxy Z Flip 5G fits the personality of the device perfectly. We’re looking forward to developing this partnership further and deeper in the future”.

Samsung’s latest line of premium products are set to push the boundaries of innovation for fans of Emily in Paris, showcasing the brands’ ability for combining style with flagship innovation and craftmanship. Some of the Samsung products include:

• The Galaxy Z Flip 5G: A premium and innovative foldable phone developed for trend-setters and multi-taskers who want to easily flip between capturing the perfect selfie and sending out a series of emails, or catch-up on the latest episode on-the-go.
• The Galaxy Watch3: A fashionable and functional wearable that enables you to track all your wellness metrics with a flip of your wrist, turning your daily walk into a dazzling catwalk.
• The Serif: A one-of-a-kind television that blends iconic design and startling picture to transform every show or film into the ultimate viewing experience, as if you’re walking through the Musée D’Orsay yourself.
• The Sero: The revolutionary Sero TV is a world first design, enabling you to seamlessly flip between horizontal and vertical content so you can watch Netflix and mobile social content with ease.
• The Bespoke Cube: A compact and multi-functional refrigerator solution that can easily be placed anywhere in the home, keeping everything from wine to cosmetics fresh for longer.
• The Bespoke Fridge Freezer: The iconic modular refrigerator solution that allows you to welcome personalisation and innovative technology into your home.

Emily in Paris season 2 will be available to watch on Netflix on the 22^nd of December.

*TikTok filter will be available in the UK, Germany, France Italy and Spain from Dec 28^th ’21 to 26 Feb ’22.

Abi Clarke in ‘The Type of School Friends you Catch Up with at Christmas’ at Samsung KX

Monday 20th December 2021 LONDON, UK – With this Christmas being the first time in two years that we will celebrate the festive season with extended family and friends, a new study^[1] reveals over a third (38%) of Brits admit to feeling ‘out of practice’.

Commissioned by Samsung KX, the research reveals the conversation topics we’re dreading this Christmas and the most awkward moments of the festive season.

Almost a quarter of the nation don’t enjoy small talk over the festive period, with 41 per cent feeling ‘awkward’ and ‘embarrassed’ when being quizzed on their love life and 15 per cent admitting they get uncomfortable when answering questions about their career too.

However, Brits are still looking forward to the Christmas season, with festive favourites including tucking into the turkey (51%), watching Christmas movies (41%) and opening presents (36%) coming out top.

Samsung KX has partnered with comedian and TikTok star Abi Clarke, who entertained the nation throughout lockdown with her relatable comedy sketches, to bring to life some of our most awkward Christmas conversations.

Available to watch on the Samsung KX content hub, Abi showcases the trials and tribulations of conversations with our old ‘home friends’ at Christmas, such as ‘the one who is now engaged’ as the study reveals that a third feel uncomfortable meeting up with friends from home, but still do it, every year.

The research also found that a third (32%) of the nation expect to be interrogated by relatives and aren’t looking forward to it this year. Conversational bugbears we’re dreading include ‘what’s happening in your love life’ and ‘have you found yourself a nice partner yet?’. Other eye-rolling topics include ‘when are you going to have a baby’ and ‘why aren’t you married?’.

And those polled are in a festive fret with good reason, as over half (57%) said they get asked the same questions every year. When it comes to the topics we’d rather avoid, sex topped the list (39%), followed by love life (31%), politics (29%) and money (28%). And a fifth (21%) of respondents would rather leave Covid-19 chats behind over the festive season, too.

Abi uses the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3, crafted to give users the best capabilities for capturing and sharing memories, to film the entire sketch. For those who want style that comes with function, the Galaxy ZFlip3 is the ideal device with its stylish, sleek, compact, and iconic design and enhanced camera features. Unfold and snap a stunning selfie with Z Flip3’s studio-quality camera features with Flex mode, then add to your social feed, which scrolls smoother than ever.

Abi Clarke said: “I always like to make sketches that people can share and tag each other in, and the festive season is a time where we can all relate to similar observations and annoyances.

“There’s at least one character we can all recognise, whether it’s an old school friend trying to find the perfect baby picture (that you never asked to see) on their Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3, or the fitness fanatic showing off their running routes.”

Ashrita Seshadri, Head of Brand Marketing, Samsung UK, said: “We’re delighted to collaborate with Abi Clarke to bring to life some of the nation’s anticipated awkward conversations and get people laughing together this Christmas, finding joy in those silly, relatable moments we all experience every year.”

The most-dreaded questions at Christmas:

1. Have you put on weight?
2. What’s happening in your love life?
3. Have you found a partner/boyfriend/girlfriend yet?
4. When are you going to have a baby?
5. Why are you still single?
6. Why aren’t you married yet?
7. When are you going to get married?
1 Nationwide survey polled 2,000 adults, commissioned on 24th November 2021.
8. Do you still see/hear from your ex?
9. When are you going to get a proper job?
10. When are you going to buy a house?
11. Would you like children one day?
12. When are we going to meet your new boyfriend/girlfriend?
13. Why did you do that to your hair?
14. What happened to that nice person you were dating?
15. When are you going to move out?

Watch Abi Clarke’s sketch, ‘The Type of School Friends you Catch Up with At Christmas’ on the Samsung KX content hub.

The perfect gift for loved ones, or for yourself, this Christmas, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 is available now in a range of stunning colours from Samsung KX, Samsung.com and selected retail partners.

Commenting on the new partnership, Drew Rogers, Senior Product Manager at Samsung UK said: “retailers are currently facing an enormous challenge when it comes to delivering the safety and reassurance that people require, whilst delivering on footfall expectations and creating a memorable customer experience. By joining forces with Quividi, we can deliver an enhanced digital signage solution to our customers at a time when they need it most. From effective queue management systems to dynamic, customisable displays, we are committed to helping businesses make the shopping experience as safe and as enjoyable as possible. We believe information delivers reassurance and in the changing world we now live in, you can’t underestimate the power of dynamic digital signage.”

Says Laetitia Lim, CEO of Quividi: “As the pioneer of smart communication on digital signage screens, we have always believed in the power of real-time analytics tightly integrated with content management. In those current challenging times, we’re proud to jointly launch with Samsung UK new solutions which enable retailers to safely welcome back visitors and engage shoppers with relevant data-driven brand messages”.

People counting and audience management

With a proven people counting solution to help manage store flow and ensure social distancing measures are adhered to, the Samsung and Quividi partnership provides retailers with a proven solution. The technology works by using data capturing hardware, such as cameras, to count how many people are entering a store. Quividi’s audience intelligence platform is then able to analyse this data and integrate with Samsung’s content management system to automatically update digital signage. This data driven dynamic content solution enables stores to organise people traffic, while real time triggers and conditional scheduling mean that display signage can be constantly updated, keeping people safe and informed with up to the second data.

Scalable solution

Samsung and Quividi’s display solutions have also been through a rigorous process of technical validation to bring three options to market for retailers. Ranging from a basic package to a fully comprehensive solution, the products are scalable and adaptable to the needs of SMEs, right up to large corporations. The functionalities and benefits of these packages are fully flexible.

Content management and editable templates

For retailers opting for more comprehensive solutions, Samsung’s content management system enables stores to create and edit predefined digital signage templates. These are fully customisable and with Quividi’s platform, the content displayed can be data-driven, adapting to suit the needs of continuously changing store traffic. The solution also provides retailers with the ability to show targeted advertorial and promotional content together with audience control advice and information.

Mask detection and thermal scanning

The fully comprehensive digital signage solution offered by Samsung also offers additional benefits and safety features to retailers, including mask detection and thermal scans. Both these features help to keep stores as safe as possible. They can alert staff to anyone who is not adhering to government recommendations around the wearing of face coverings and help to identify anyone who may have contracted and be unknowingly spreading the virus.

Samsung and Quividi’s display signage solutions will be available from 25th August. For more information, please visit Samsung.com/uk.

The Speedo On tracking app measures key swim metrics including lap count, lap time and stroke type to easily track and incorporate swim achievements into personal fitness goals. Paired with the two new devices, consumers have options for what works best to complement their activity needs in the water; Gear Sport is a sleek and stylish smartwatch with premium features while the Gear Fit2 Pro is an all-new ergonomic fitness band with continuous heart rate monitoring and GPS tracking. The data from Speedo On is also compatible with Samsung Health, Samsung’s comprehensive fitness tracking platform, to deliver a broader picture of health and wellness information.

The new Samsung Gear Fit2 Pro features the Speedo On swim tracking app pre-installed, which is powered by Speedo’s expertly developed algorithm for optimum accuracy and seamless data transfer into the Speedo On web-based platform. Developed for data-driven fitness swimmers, the interactive swim tracking platform acts as a comprehensive training partner. It offers analysis of your swims and tracks your progress against your fitness goals, along with additional training programs, tips and advice tailored to you – developed by some of the world’s best coaches and athletes. Speedo On, also gives swimming a social dimension, allowing you to follow other swimmers, take part in challenges and share achievements. On both the Samsung Gear Sport and Gear Fit2 Pro the Speedo On app enables swimmers to complete time trials and get their SWOLF score (a swim efficiency measure).

“Our Gear customers have been looking for more water-resistant products, and now with the Speedo partnership and the Gear Sport and Gear Fit2 Pro, we are delivering the best experience to meet their demands,” said Kiseon Kim, Vice President of Wearable Product Strategy Team at Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics. “As we look to meet the changing needs of consumers and their desire to track a range of activities and wellness factors – we are excited to bring these unique capabilities to consumers who love being in the water.”

“Speedo is committed to inspiring more people to get into the pool to achieve their fitness goals. Our collaboration with Samsung is the first of its kind and brings the very best of Samsung’s technological innovation together with Speedo’s swim expertise to provide fitness-focused swimmers with a completely new level of tracking,” said Rob Hicking, Brand Director at Speedo International. “We look forward to seeing what we can achieve together in the pool.”

About Speedo®

The world’s leading swimwear brand, Speedo is passionate about life in and around the water, creating revolutionary new technologies, designs and innovations and supporting swimming from grass-roots through to elite level.  In the 1920s Speedo made history with the Racerback: the world’s first non-wool suit. In 2008 Speedo redefined swimwear again with Fastskin LZR RACER – the fastest and most technologically advanced swimsuit ever created. In 2015, Speedo launched the Fastskin LZR Racer X, the first suit engineered to help swimmers feel their fastest. Its development was made possible through analyses of the physical and psychological aspects of competitive swimming with over 330 elite swimmers.  Speedo is owned by Speedo Holdings B.V and distributed in over 170 countries around the world; to find out more visit: www.speedo.com. SPEEDO, the ARROW device, FASTSKIN, AQUALAB, RACING SYSTEM, BIOFUSE, SPEEDO ENDURANCE, SCULPTURE and LZR RACER are registered trademarks of Speedo Holdings B.V. The LZR RACER suit has worldwide design rights and patents. The FASTSKIN³ cap, goggle and suit have worldwide design rights and patents pending. Speedo On is available on Android, iOS and web https://on.speedo.com.

About Speedo On

Speedo On is the new swim training platform from Speedo. Designed to improve the swimming experience and get more people swimming, more often. Users will be able to enjoy personalized recommendations to keep them on track towards their goals, motivated to carry on, and focusing on the best ways for them, personally, to be at their best.

Users will be able to:

• Set personal goals
• Share achievements with other swimmers
• Track their swims
• Analyze their swim fitness metrics
• Access workouts and training plans created by some of the world’s best coaches and athletes
• Consume content relevant to their personal goals and swimming performance
• Take part in challenges