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Samsung TV Plus, Samsung Electronics’ free ad-supported streaming (FAST) service, has surpassed 100 million monthly active users (MAU) worldwide. After reaching 88 million in October 2024, the figure has increased by 12 million in about a year and two months, highlighting how Samsung’s longstanding hardware dominance in the global TV market — maintained for the past 19 years — has evolved into a robust media platform ecosystem.
As the global media market shifts increasingly toward paid subscriptions, Samsung TV Plus provides a unique viewing experience that allows users to access content instantly, without requiring additional sign-ups or payment. Surpassing the milestone of 100 million users underscores the success of this model as an appealing alternative for viewers.
Samsung Newsroom takes a look at the transformative journey of Samsung TV Plus as it evolves into a global media platform amidst the changing landscape of television viewing.

Lost in a Flood of OTTs: Authentic TV Experience Regains Attention
With paid OTT services becoming the norm in today’s media market, the explosion of content has led to viewer fatigue. As subscription fees continue to rise and platforms have become more fragmented, many find themselves overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices, making it increasingly difficult to locate the content they actually want to watch.
In this context, FAST services are gaining recognition as a new viewing method. By merging the straightforwardness of traditional television — where viewers can jump right into content as soon as they turn on their TVs — with the vast selection offered by OTT platforms that allow viewers to choose content tailored to their preferences, FAST services are appealing to viewers worldwide looking for a simpler, hassle-free viewing experience.

The Beginning of Samsung TV Plus: A Viewing Method Faithful to the Basics
Samsung TV Plus has evolved into a prominent FAST service, but it isn’t new. Launched in 2015 — before the concept of FAST even existed — the platform has been delivering free channel services that come pre-installed on Samsung smart TVs. The core feature allows users to enjoy live content simply by turning on their TVs, without the need for separate subscriptions, payments or extra equipment.
In its early days, Samsung TV Plus was often viewed more like the pre-installed free TV channels available in some regions, rather than as a standalone media platform. Recently, however, with American broadcasters flooding into the FAST market, the idea of ad-supported free services has become well-established. Recognizing this shift in the media landscape, Samsung has begun to cultivate Samsung TV Plus as a distinct, independent media platform.
Today, Samsung TV Plus is broadening its content offerings beyond traditional entertainment and dramas, as well as incorporating content enhancement utilizing AI technology. One innovative feature is the “All-in-One AI Integrated Channel,” which revives popular dramas from the 2000s. These classics have been remastered in high definition using AI-driven picture and sound quality enhancements, providing viewers with a fresh take on beloved content while utilizing the existing video assets. Additionally, the platform has bolstered its travel and fitness-focused lifestyle web entertainment content by adding popular creators’ channels like “Pani Bottle” and “Hip Euddeum.”
In efforts to expand its K-content offerings, Samsung TV Plus has partnered with leading Korean media companies to enhance its premium K-content lineup, making it one of the largest K-content providers in the United States. By streaming various live concerts, the platform draws in fans who want to engage with Korean entertainment and culture.

Beyond Hardware: Establishing a Global Media Platform
Currently, Samsung TV Plus boasts around 4,300 channels and 66,000 videos on demand (VOD) across 30 countries — all for free. By partnering with local broadcasters and content creators, the service continues to develop content that meets regional viewing demands, shaping a global FAST ecosystem. Moving beyond being merely a hardware manufacturer, the company is establishing itself as a major media platform.
In Korea, major channels and content typically consumed via terrestrial broadcasts and existing IPTV services can now also be accessed on Samsung TV Plus. Offering live channels and vast content libraries without additional subscriptions or fees, this platform has become a practical alternative for those wishing to reduce their reliance on paid broadcasting services. Users can enjoy an intuitive experience without the hassle of extra equipment or complicated setups and the burden of discovering new content is significantly eased.

Achieving Major Broadcaster-Level Viewership: Solidifying Leadership in the Global FAST Competition
Samsung TV Plus has achieved impressive 100 million monthly viewership numbers, placing it on par with the three major global broadcasting networks. This notable milestone signifies that the service has evolved from being just an additional feature on Samsung TVs into a robust platform that competes alongside leading global media companies.
Samsung is committed to expanding its presence within the global media ecosystem through Samsung TV Plus. The strategy focuses on continuously enhancing the platform’s value by setting standards for enjoyable TV viewing experiences for users — driven by three key factors: instant viewing capabilities without the need for a separate set-top box, AI-based content curation and constantly updated competitive offerings.
“Samsung TV Plus has transformed into a global media platform that seamlessly integrates into the daily lives of viewers worldwide,” said Choi Joon-hun, Head of the TV Plus Group from Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “Moving forward, we will continue to strengthen our distinct competitive edge in the FAST market by diversifying channels and securing premium content.”
Built on its strong hardware leadership, Samsung Electronics is positioning itself as a key player in the global media ecosystem. Samsung TV Plus is ushering in a new, user-centric lifestyle of content consumption, reshaping the way viewers interact with media.
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Samsung Electronics today announced that it has supplied more than 6,000 hospitality TVs and Smart Signage displays to Royal Caribbean`s Star of the Seas, the world’s best family vacation. The installation spans guest cabins, crew quarters and public areas — including lounges and theaters. This collaboration marks the latest milestone in a longstanding partnership, with Samsung serving as Royal Caribbean’s official display technology provider across the vacation brand`s fleet over 21 years.
Completing its maiden voyage from Port Canaveral, Florida, in August 2025, Star of the Seas is the second ship in Royal Caribbean’s Icon-class series of cruise ships.

Samsung Hospitality TVs and Smart Signage Provide a New Standard of Onboard Experiences
Designed specifically for commercial environments, Samsung’s Crystal UHD Hospitality TVs (HBU8000 model) have been installed in guest cabins aboard Star of the Seas. Through Samsung’s Dynamic Crystal Color technology — which is capable of displaying over one billion colors — the TVs deliver 4K UHD resolution and lifelike, accurate color, ensuring that each guest enjoys clear, vibrant picture quality and an engaging viewing experience throughout their voyage. Each in-room TV also serves as a central information hub that shares a welcome message personalized for each guest, daily activity schedules, destination information and weather and emergency updates, while also offering the ability to revisit onboard programs and announcements at the user’s convenience.
The ultra-slim UHD Smart Signage QMC series is also featured onboard, providing high-resolution content in public areas while maximizing space efficiency.

Two Decades of Collaboration Anchored by Innovation
Since 2004, Samsung has supplied more than 200,000 hospitality TVs and Smart Signage displays across 28 ships in Royal Caribbean’s global fleet. This includes over 6,000 displays for Icon of the Seas — sister ship to Star of the Seas — which set sail in 2024. Backed by 17 consecutive years as the global leader of the commercial display market,1 Samsung continues to lead the industry in delivering reliable, feature-rich displays tailored for hospitality environments.
“What we’ve achieved with Royal Caribbean over the past 20 years is a testament to our shared commitment to innovation and delivering world-class experiences to guests,” said Hoon Chung, Executive Vice President of the Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “As demand for richer entertainment experiences rise, we’re proud to deliver our most dynamic commercial displays to Star of the Seas and look forward to expanding our collaboration in the years ahead.”

Samsung Expands Display Innovation for Compact Hospitality Spaces
Building on its established leadership in cruise and hospitality display solutions, Samsung has introduced the HF8000F model, a 24-inch hospitality TV developed for compact spaces such as crew cabins, hospitals and hotel rooms. As demand grows for smaller displays that can fit multi-occupancy rooms or space-constrained environments, the HF8000F provides a streamlined option with many of the capabilities of Samsung’s 2025 hospitality lineup, including Google Cast, Apple AirPlay, LYNK Cloud for remote display management, Samsung Knox, Samsung TV Plus and Smart Hub. The HF8000F is now available in multiple regions including the U.S., Canada, Australia and Singapore.
For more on Samsung’s hospitality display solutions, visit Samsung.com.
Source: Omdia Q3 2025 Public Display Report. ︎ View the full article

Samsung Electronics is delivering a more responsive and refined screen experience with the Smart Monitor M9 (M90SF model), the first OLED display in Samsung’s Smart Monitor (M series) lineup.
 
The Smart Monitor M9 brings together the brilliance of a 4K OLED display with built-in Smart TV Apps, AI-powered features and Samsung Gaming Hub to achieve a seamless experience no matter what’s on screen — no PC required.
 
Since its release, the device has earned praise from industry experts for its stunning picture quality, intelligent features and gaming-ready performance.
 

 
Below is a summary of what leading tech outlets are saying about the Smart Monitor M9 (listed in alphabetical order):
 
HomeTheaterReview Techaeris Tom’s Guide  
 
Next-Level Picture Quality Backed by QD-OLED Brilliance
Highlighting the high-end features and performance improvements of the M9, one of Samsung’s best OLED 4K models in its class, Tom’s Guide wrote, “The new M9 offers a significant upgrade over its predecessor thanks to its 32-inch 4K QD-OLED panel, which dramatically enhances contrast and color for an improved movie-watching experience.”
 
The Smart Monitor M9 delivers true-to-life visuals powered by QD-OLED technology, producing rich colors and deep inky blacks — complemented by sharp 4K resolution. With support for VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400, content appears with greater depth and contrast, even in dark scenes.
 
 “The Smart Monitor M9 features Samsung Vision AI, providing advanced upscaling and picture optimisation features,” added Tom’s Guide. “During my time with the M9, I came to the conclusion that it’s a huge leap forward from its predecessor, offering more than enough advancements to justify a price increase.”
 
Techaeris rated the M9 a 9.7 out of 10, calling its QD-OLED panel “one of the best you’re going to find on any monitor,” and noting the display “looks spectacular” with colors that “pop” and brightness that “doesn’t wash out the colors.”
 
To help reduce the risk of burn-in and maintain screen integrity over time, Samsung OLED Safeguard+ features advanced technologies like adaptive brightness controls and a proprietary cooling system with a Pulsating Heat Pipe.
 
 
Game in High Gear With Pro-Level Specs
“With a brilliant 4K QD-OLED display, 165Hz refresh rate, Smart TV apps, Gaming Hub, and more, this is a do-it-all monitor and TV, perfect for work and play,” wrote Techaeris.
 
The Smart Monitor M9 is engineered for smooth, fast-paced gaming, featuring a near-instant 0.03ms GTG response time and support for both NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro.
 
HomeTheaterReview described the M9 as “one of the most impressive displays money can buy,” pointing to a responsive performance and “color accuracy that creative professionals will drool over.”
 
Whether jumping into cloud-based titles via Samsung Gaming Hub or connecting to a console or PC, the M9 delivers the speed and clarity needed for an immersive gaming experience. The same reviewer noted they use the M9 just as often without a PC as with one, describing it as “the kind of paradigm shift that makes this monitor truly special.”
 
 
A Smarter Screen and a Smarter Experience: AI That Adapts to You
“Imagine a monitor so capable, you might forget to connect a computer,” wrote HomeTheaterReview, which awarded the M9 five stars and an “Editors’ Choice” distinction.
 
The M9 is a smart entertainment hub that provides built-in access to popular streaming apps like Netflix and YouTube, Samsung TV Plus and Samsung Gaming Hub, enabling cloud-based gaming and content streaming, all without a PC.
 
Powered by the NQM AI Gen3 Processor, the M9 optimizes both picture and audio for a more immersive viewing experience. Intelligent features like 4K AI Upscaling Pro, AI Picture Optimizer and Active Voice Amplifier (AVA) Pro automatically adapt to content and the display’s surroundings to consistently provide reliable, high-quality entertainment.
 
Whether used for content viewing, cloud gaming, or everyday tasks, it delivers the flexibility of a monitor and the functionality of a smart TV. Techaeris calls the M9 “an outstanding monitor” and adds, “for those who only want to spend once, this is a solid choice.”
 
The M9 also features a 90W-charging USB-C, one HDMI 2.1, one DisplayPort 1.4, and eARC ports, supporting a variety of gaming and entertainment input needs. The slim metal stand, which offers tilt and height adjustment, “deserves special mention,” according to HomeTheaterReview, for its balance of form and function in a modern flat-back design.
 

 
The Smart Monitor M9 was named a CES 2025 Innovation Awards Honoree, receiving the recognition for its advancements in display performance and intelligent features.
 
Techaeris named the M9 a Top Pick of 2025, citing its versatility across work, play and everything in between. That recognition joins a growing list of accolades across Samsung’s next-generation display portfolio, including a 2025 Techaeris Innovation Award for the Odyssey 3D G90XF — celebrated for its “mind-blowing” 3D experience and praised as the “real deal” for those seeking a 3D monitor without glasses.
 
For more information on the Samsung Smart Monitor M9, visit samsung.com.
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Samsung Electronics today announced an update1 to its AI-powered Bixby feature on its 2025 TV lineup, introducing a more advanced Bixby voice assistant designed to make information discovery more natural, intuitive and seamless.
 
“Samsung has led the global TV market for 19 consecutive years, and we continue to raise the bar by delivering meaningful innovation that enhances everyday experiences,” said Hun Lee, Executive Vice President of the Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “With a smarter Bixby, we focused on making AI practical, helping viewers connect with content in smarter, more natural ways.”
 
 
Ask Your TV Anything. A Smarter Bixby Answers
A smarter Bixby voice assistant on Samsung TVs now delivers a more natural and personalized experience. With a smarter Bixby, users can easily wake it up by voice or by pressing the mic button to start a conversation — no commands, no menus, no typing.
 
The new Bixby understands context and follow-up questions, enabling more fluid interactions that feel like a real conversation. Powered by Generative AI, Bixby can answer any questions you may have, whether you’re asking about general information, such as “How tall is Mount Everest?” or recommendations like “Please suggest chill playlists for a rainy day”. By simply asking, Bixby can help answer questions about on-screen content, as it retrieves the most relevant details and displays them on screen. It’s a smarter, faster way to get more out of your TV without breaking your viewing flow.
 
 
Smarter Bixby Enhances Click To Search
With this update, Bixby is now integrated into Click to Search, making it easier than ever to discover and explore entertainment and more, whether watching live TV, cable channels or Samsung TV Plus. Users can ask about an actor, a show or a broader topic — and receive answers instantly, right on their TV.
 
Bixby even enables Click to Search to go beyond what’s on screen. For everyday questions such as “Tell me the recipe for making pasta” or “Do you know any good movies about chefs?” Bixby delivers contextual responses using external information. It’s search made simple.
 

Effortless Home Device Management With Bixby and SmartThings
Equipped with a smarter Bixby, Samsung TVs can detect, connect and control appliances with Samsung SmartThings enabled. By speaking directly to their screen, users can leverage the SmartThings ecosystem to execute voice commands, such as “Turn off the oven now,” or “Set the air conditioner to 25 degrees,” transforming their smart TV into a central hub for managing other smart home appliances.
 
Moreover, Bixby is secured by Samsung Knox, the industry-leading security solution designed to protect users’ sensitive personal data. Users can enjoy AI-driven personalized features without worrying about privacy concerns, as no user voice data is stored on servers or TVs.
 
 
Ongoing Support and Availability
Smarter Bixby will be available on 2025 Samsung TVs, including Neo QLED, OLED, The Frame and QLED models, with availability starting in South Korea and extending to global markets in phases.
 
Building on the integration of Bixby within Vision AI, Samsung will introduce a newly upgraded version of Vision AI in October 2025. This evolved Vision AI will be available through Samsung’s 7-year free Tizen OS Upgrade program, which ensures ongoing software enhancements and long-term support.
 
For more information, visit www.samsung.com.
 
 
1 The update will start rolling out in the U.S. on August 4, with plans to expand to four European countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain) within August.
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Samsung Electronics today announced its latest Smart Monitor lineup, featuring the flagship Smart Monitor M9 (M90SF model) alongside the updated Smart Monitor M8 (M80F model) and M7 (M70F model). With the introduction of QD-OLED technology to the M9 and advanced AI features across the lineup, the new offerings provide a more personalized and connected screen for work and entertainment.
 
“The Smart Monitor series continues to evolve based on how people work, watch and play,” said Hoon Chung, Executive Vice President of the Visual Display (VD) Business at Samsung Electronics. “With the introduction of QD-OLED and AI-powered enhancements, the M9 delivers a more responsive and refined screen experience — all within a single, versatile display.”
 
 
Smart Monitor M9: OLED Picture, Intelligent Performance

 
The Smart Monitor M9 introduces QD-OLED technology to the Smart Monitor lineup for the first time. Its 32-inch 4K QD-OLED panel delivers deep contrast and vibrant color, offering a more immersive visual experience across productivity, streaming and gaming. Samsung OLED Safeguard+ helps maintain screen integrity over time with a proprietary cooling system designed to reduce the risk of burn-in. The M9 also features a Glare-Free display to minimize reflections and ensure consistent visibility and comfort — even in bright lighting conditions.
 
The M9 is powered by AI Picture Optimizer, 4K AI Upscaling Pro and Active Voice Amplifier (AVA) Pro, which work together to enhance picture and sound quality in real time based on content and surroundings. Whether users are watching, creating or multitasking, the display adapts automatically to deliver optimized performance.
 
The M9 also serves as a smart entertainment hub with access to popular streaming apps, Samsung TV Plus and Samsung Gaming Hub — which enables cloud-based gaming without a connected console or PC. With a 165Hz refresh rate, a 0.03ms response time and NVIDIA G-SYNC compatibility, the M9 supports smooth, fast-moving visuals ideal for high-performance use.
 
The M9 also features a slim metal design that blends premium aesthetics with functional form, creating a modern look that complements any workspace.
 
Recognizing its precise and reliable color performance, the Smart Monitor M9 has achieved Pantone Validated certification. This certification assures users that the M9 has passed the rigorous standards of testing and can replicate over 2,100 colors and more than 110 SkinTone shades from Pantone’s library. Paired with its brilliant QD-OLED display, the monitor ensures visuals appear just as content creators intended, providing confidence and clarity for any application.
 
 
Smart Monitor M8 and M7: Versatile Displays With AI Functionality and Enhanced Connectivity

 
The new Smart Monitor M8 and Smart Monitor M7 extend Samsung’s smart monitor experience to a broader audience, offering 32-inch 4K UHD screens with vibrant picture quality and built-in AI features. Equipped with Samsung’s advanced VA panel technology, both models deliver sharp detail and rich contrast, making them ideal for everyday productivity, streaming and much more.
 
Both displays support AI-powered discovery tools, including Click to Search.1 These features help users explore content, retrieve information and engage with their screen more intuitively, while Tizen OS Home personalizes recommendations and makes it easier to access frequently used services and inputs.
 
Designed for flexibility, all three models integrate with SmartThings, support Multi Control between Samsung devices and offer Multi View for side-by-side working or entertainment. With Microsoft 365 access, users can create and edit documents directly from the monitor without a PC, making the lineup a practical solution for modern work setups.
 

 
 
Ongoing Support and Availability
The Smart Monitor M9, M8 and M7 are available in 32-inch screen sizes and will begin rolling out to markets worldwide starting this month.2
 
To ensure long-term usability and support, Samsung offers up to seven years of One UI Tizen upgrades for the Smart Monitor lineup, allowing users to continue benefiting from the latest features and services over time.3
 
For more information about Samsung’s Smart Monitor lineup, please visit www.samsung.com/.
 
 
1 Feature available in certain regions and models only.
2 Availability of models may vary by market.
3 Free One UI Tizen upgrades are available for Smart Monitors models released in 2023 and onward.
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