Samsung altered its focus for the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2018. Rather than touting its usual products such as TVs, refrigerators and other products, Samsung CES 2018 was more focused on the “Intelligence of Things.”
Samsung CES 2018 – what’s new this time?
Previously, Samsung embarked upon technology enabling products to interact with each other. However, it could not create an ecosystem compared to the likes of Apple (iOS, Mac, Apple TV, Apple Watch), says CNET.
Samsung’s new focus suggests that the South Korean electronics giant is keen to portray itself more than just a phone and television making company. This year, the company has streamlined its software and services to encourage users to stick to Samsung products and use them in a more effective way, notes CNET.
Samsung CES 2018 witnessed the unveiling of the Samsung DRVLINE platform. According to the company, it is a go-to partner for the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Mobility as a Service (MaaS) providers in the autonomous driving market. The new platform follows Samsung’s acquisition of connected technologies company Harman for $8 billion, and thereafter, creating a joint automotive strategic business unit.
From the description, the DRVLINE platform is an open, scalable and modular hardware and software-based platform. The platform is capable of weaving the best-in-class technology into new vehicles along with building a foundation for the future vehicles.
Making TV’s intelligent and bigger
Samsung also announced “Intelligent” TVs, different from the “smart” TVs it is already offering. Samsung’s virtual assistance, Bixby, has been integrated into the television to perform a range of functions, such as dim the lights or lock the doors, similar to what Google Home or Amazon Echo are capable of. Samsung, however, did not reveal much on how the television would be connected with other devices.
They are also offering a universal, intelligent TV guide to find out and run the programs that the viewer is interested in. A built-in universal guide is a good idea, but a part of its success also depends on integration with content providers, notes BGR.
Samsung also wants viewers to organize their TVs using their smartphone, such as enabling auto-login of apps like Spotify and Facebook. Having a centralized system is a good thought, but again much depends on how successful the company is in bringing the third-parties onboard.
One of the biggest attractions during the CES was the giant TV measuring 146-inches. Equipped with Samsung micro-LED technology, the TV does not have any color filters, and no backlight, thus offering beautiful color accuracy.
“This is the future of television, and it’s going to make a significant impact on our industry,” Samsung said.
Other big announcements
Samsung also unveiled the new Notebook 9 Pen. The stunning laptop weighs just 1 kg and is capable of 360-degree hinge. The Korean firm promises that the new Notebook 9 Pen is both premium and durable. Similar to other premium devices from Samsung such as the Galaxy Note 8, the new Notebook 9 also comes with an S-Pen allowing users to draw and write.
Samsung was again short on the specifications, which most likely would come in the coming months. The Korean firm also showcased the Samsung Flip, a giant interactive whiteboard allowing users to edit slides, draw things and collaborate.
