Samsung ahead of CES announced its smart TV lineup for 2022, with the Micro LED, New QLED and Lifestyle series, along with a new lineup of soundbars. The new smart TVs and soundbar support Dolby Atmos. The company has also unveiled a new Smart Hub for its 2022 smart TVs, which it claims will “enable smart content curation, cloud gaming, video calling, on-screen multitasking, managing NFTs, and more.” One of the key features of Smart Hub is the Gaming Hub, which allows gamers to stream games from various cloud gaming services. Samsung also showcased its Eco Remote 2022, which uses radio waves from the router to charge itself.
Via a press release, Samsung announced that owners of its 2022 smart TVs will be able to use Smart Hub’s Gaming Hub to play games using Nvidia GeForce Now, Google Stadia, and Utomik game streaming services. Samsung also stated that gamers would benefit from faster game loading using the Gaming Hub on Samsung smart TVs launching in 2022. With Microsoft saying it will soon release a smart TV app for Xbox Game Pass, it could also be coming to Samsung’s Gaming Hub soon. The new Smart Hub will also allow users to switch to media and ambient modes, as well as gaming.
According to a report by The Verge, Gaming Hub will also allow users to play games from their HDMI-connected consoles along with game streaming services. Essentially, this will allow users to play cloud games and console games with a single controller – with both PlayStation and Xbox controllers supported from the start.
Samsung director of gaming products Mike Lucero told the Verge that they are “working with partners to bring their best service levels to our platform.” He added, “We will announce details as we get closer to launch.” It’s still unclear whether the new Gaming Hub functionality would be available on existing TVs, but Lucero mentioned that “we’re starting with our 2022 models and are working to make Gaming Hub available to even more Samsung customers.”
Samsung also announced three new smart TV lines ahead of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2022. The first of which is the Micro LED smart TV lineup. It comes in three screen sizes – 110 inches, 101 inches and 89 inches. This range of smart TVs features 100% DCI and Adobe RGB color gamut and a screen-to-body ratio of 99.99%. The displays have 4K resolutions with a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz. It is also touting features like Art Mode and Multi View.
The second lineup presented is the Neo QLED smart TVs that feature new Neo Quantum processors. They also feature EyeComfort mode that automatically adjusts screen brightness and hue based on the environment. Other features include a Real Depth Enhancer and Shape Adaptive Light technology to improve brightness, accuracy and overall image quality. They also get 8K resolution displays and OTS Pro, an improved version of Object Tracking Sound. Finally, Samsung detailed some of its 2022 Lifestyle smart TVs, which will feature models in three sub-ranges – Frame (ranging from 32-inch to 85-inch models), Serif (ranging from 43-inch to 65-inch models), and Sero (with a new Vertical Multi View feature).
In addition, Samsung has also introduced a new line of soundbars. They feature upgraded Q Symphony surround sound experience and wireless Dolby Atmos. He briefly detailed the HW-S800B ultra-thin soundbar, which redefined the thin category by integrating passive radiator technology into the subwoofer for enhanced bass. It features top-firing speaker channels and measures 1.6 inches deep.
Samsung is also touting a new Watch Together app that will allow friends and family to video chat while watching content. Earlier this week, Samsung announced the NFT Aggregation Platform, which will allow users to search, browse and purchase NFTs directly from their Smart TVs. Users will be able to view NFTs as well as read about their creator and the creation story behind the tokens. Users who have NFTs will be able to view them on Samsung smart TVs.
Samsung’s Eco Remote 2022 uses a solar panel, radio waves and a USB Type-C port for charging
Photo credit: The Verge/Samsung
A report by The Verge mentions that Samsung has revamped its Eco Remote. Like previous Eco Remotes, it can still be charged using solar energy. The 2022 Eco Remote can now be charged using radio waves from a Wi-Fi router using Radio Frequency (RF) gathering capabilities. Additionally, the Eco Remote can be charged using external or internal lighting or via the USB Type-C port.