Samsung introduces the next generation of its Smart TVs packed with new features, such as voice and gestures control, as well as face recognition. Samsung also highlights a new evolution kit and access to a 5 GB cloud through the AllShare Play system.

Samsung’s 2012 Smart TV
Samsung took the lead in Smart TV last year and plans to improve their offerings with new functions, more apps and the option to upgrade from year to year. In this article we will provide an overview of the new platform, and later we will share our impressions.

New look
Samsung will update the Smart TV start screen with a fresh look. At the same time Samsung introduces Family Story, Fitness and Kids. New apps are still available through the Samsung Apps icon.


Samsung’s 2012 Smart TV

Smart Interaction:
In 2012 Samsung is introducing voice control, gesture control and face recognition in their flagship TVs. By implementing a microphone and a camera at the top of the frame, Samsung’s TVs can recognize voice commands and more. For example, turn on the TV by saying “Hi Samsung” or check into your Skype profile by loading up the Skype app that instantly recognizes your face. Start new apps with voice commands and change the channel or volume from the kitchen with your voice. The TVs even understand different languages, Samsung claims.


Samsung’s E8000 plasma TV will also incorporate the Smart Interaction suite but the camera/microphone integration is more discreet

AllShare Play:
Buyers of Samsung's Smart products in 2012 will gain access to 5GB in the “cloud”. The online locker can be used to upload family pictures that will be available on other Samsung devices such as smartphones, tablets and PCs. You can even share select picture albums with family and friends if they own a Samsung Smart TV, too. AllShare Play also lets users “push” video, images and music from their handheld Samsung devices onto the TV screen with the touch of a button.


With AllShare Play users can push their media content from a Samsung phone to the TV screen, picture credit: Engadget.com

New apps:
Samsung encourages external developers to create apps for their Smart TV universe but Samsung is also developing their own. A new addition is the Fitness app that helps user get in shape with programs, statistics and more. The Fitness app also connects to the built-in camera. The Kids app has stuff for the little ones and the Family Story shows shared photos from friends and families.


A new fitness app is coming

Dual-core and multi-tasking:
All 2011 Smart TVs were too slow and Samsung acknowledges that fact. Therefore they have incorporated dual-core processors in their flagship Smart TVs. The dual-core processor should improve speed and loading times drastically and even allow developers to create more impressive apps and games. Samsung also introduces multitasking, which enables the user to browse between different apps.

Evolution Kit:
The Evolution Kit is an interesting addition to the ES8000 model. With a small plug-in module users can update their Smart TV each year. Samsung has not provided exact details but obviously hardware features such as cameras and microphones are not upgradable. More info on the Evolution Kit later.

Lastly, Samsung boasts over 1400 apps globally. The number is expected to grow drastically in 2012.

Learn more about Samsung’s 2012 OLED, LED & plasma TVs here.