The New Samsung AI TV: Bringing the Future Home
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By Samsung Newsroom
Samsung Electronics’ newest AI TVs merge entertainment with convenience and security to upscale everyday life and elevate the viewing experience.
The 2024 Neo QLED 8K QN900D TV is fitted with the 8K NQ8 AI Gen3 Processor. With its 512 neural networks the chip helps upscale low-resolution content to 8K-like qualities in real-time.1 Users can experience new channels through a Samsung TV Plus2 update and experience strengthened SmartThings connectivity.3 Since security is at the core of the smart home ecosystem, the new AI TV is equipped with Samsung Knox4 to strengthen protection measures.
Take a look at how the Samsung AI TV is ushering in a new era of viewing through the infographic56 below:
1 8K AI upscaling may not be available when connected to a PC or in AI Auto Game Mode.
2 Samsung account required for Samsung TV Plus. Supported Samsung devices and channels may vary by region and are subject to change without prior notice. Additional settings may be required to use these functions.
3 Samsung account and additional settings required for SmartThings functions such as AI Energy Mode.
4 Samsung Knox is applied to Samsung TVs through Tizen OS for models after 2015. To maintain security, the TV requires the latest security software updates. Protection is guaranteed for three years after the product’s release date.
5 Image is designed for reference only. Results may vary with real use.
6 Relumino Mode may not be available for sources not input by DTV or HDMI.
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By Samsung Newsroom
Samsung Electronics is spearheading the era of “Bringing Calm to Our Connected World,” where customized experiences aim to enhance users’ lifestyles in ways never before seen. An effective smart home ecosystem gives consumers limitless opportunities for personalized experiences. There are now countless devices that are seamlessly synchronized and easily controlled by the TV.
In line with this goal of seamless connections, Samsung has expanded the hyperconnected experience by partnering with Signify, formerly known as Philips Lighting, to incorporate the Philips Hue Sync TV app into Samsung TVs. These technologies work in perfect harmony to make content more immersive and add a cinematic quality to any home theater set up.
To dive deeper into the collaboration, Samsung Newsroom sat down with AJ Cho from the CX team at the Visual Display Business, Samsung Electronics and Yoojin Hong, Product Marketer of Hue at Signify Korea, to share insights into the partnership’s origin and setup tips to optimize your home entertainment experience.
▲ Philips Hue, synced with Samsung QLED TV, offers an immersive viewing experience that transcends the screen
Industry Leaders Create the Ultimate Entertainment Experience
The partnership between Samsung and Signify goes back to 2020. Philips Hue, known for its smart lighting system that allows users to adjust brightness and color, had just launched the Play HDMI Sync Box in 2019.
“We noticed how the Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box could sync lighting with the brightness and color according to the content being played on the screen. This significantly enhanced the viewing experience in a way we had never seen before,” said Cho. “At that moment, we knew we wanted to partner with Signify for a collaboration that would make our two products as cohesive as possible.”
“With years of research into lighting’s impact on human perception and psychology, Philips developed Hue, a sophisticated and intelligent lighting system offering not just adjustable brightness and color temperature, but also a spectrum of 16 million colors,” said Hong. “Teaming up with Samsung, a market leader in TV manufacturing, allowed us to take full advantage of our advanced lighting system. It was clear to me that this collaboration would lead to innovative solutions in home entertainment.”
▲ AJ Cho from the CX team at the Visual Display Business, Samsung Electronics (left) and Yoojin Hong, Product Marketer of Hue at Signify Korea
As a result of this partnership, Samsung TVs were the first in the world to support the Philips Hue Sync TV application. Now, when Philips Hue is paired with a Samsung TV,1 the content is not just on the screen. It envelopes the entire room with lighting that harmonizes with each scene in real-time.
It’s also never been easier to set up. Simply install the app from the app store, attach the light to the back of your TV and pair the light to the TV. The light can be paired with the TV without a separate sync box, instead leveraging the Samsung Smart TV platform.
▲ Philps Hue Play Gradient Lightstrip attached to the back of a TV. The Philips Hue Sync TV app eliminates the need for a separate Sync Box, allowing for a cleaner and easier setup
“Previously, the Sync Box synchronized the lights only via the HDMI cable. In contrast, the Philips Hue Sync TV app allows content and the lights to sync. This means our consumers can enjoy this feature with everything from streaming services to video games,” said Cho. “It’s not only easy to install but also keeps the TV setup clean, with no need for additional cables.”
Smart Lighting Enhances Gaming, Movies, Live Sports and Much More
The Philips Hue Sync TV app supports a wide variety of content, including both game and video mode. The app will automatically use lighting optimized for the game you’re playing or the video you’re watching, synchronized in real-time to the content.
▲ An on/off comparison of Philips Hue Sync (Game Mode) on a Samsung QLED TV
“I strongly recommend using the lights on game mode, which provides immersive lighting based on the genre of the game you’re playing,” said Cho. “Whether it’s a simulation, FPS(First-Person Shooting), or racing game, the extra lighting pulls you in. Players can adjust the intensity of the light based on their preference as well for a highly customized experience.”
▲ An on/off comparison of Philips Hue Sync (Video Mode) on a Samsung QLED TV
Philips Hue also works well with movies or television shows. Cho’s personal favorite is pairing it with a horror movie. “Switching to Video mode with a horror movie transforms the room, immersing the viewer in a chilling, ominous atmosphere that truly elevates the viewing experience.”
▲ An on/off comparison of Philips Hue Sync on a Samsung Smart Monitor
Avid sports fans will also appreciate the synergy between Samsung TV Plus2 and Philips Hue. This combination became especially exciting with the recent launch of the FIFA+ channel3 on Samsung TV Plus. Samsung TV Plus is Samsung’s free, ad-supported streaming TV service. The FIFA+ channel features an extensive collection of FIFA Originals, archives, and highlights from both men’s and women’s soccer.
Cho noted, “Using Philips Hue truly enhances the thrill of watching a game at home. Paired with superior sound and picture quality, the TV and the lighting combination creates a stadium-like atmosphere right in your living room.”
Maximizing Realism in Home Entertainment With Philips Hue
There are a number of key factors which influence how immersive content on screen can be. While the significance of picture and sound quality cannot be overstated, Hong believes that lighting might be the final piece needed to elevate the overall experience.
▲ Philips Hue Sync TV app, available on compatible Samsung Smart TVs, helps automatically sync the smart lighting according to various types of content displayed on the screen including videos and games
“Philips Hue harmonizes with Samsung Smart TV, adjusting its colors in real-time to reflect on-screen content and maximizing a sense of realism on screen,” said Hong. “Whether it’s a movie, TV show, or gaming, Philips Hue is able to precisely catch the changes on screen, intensifying the immersion of the content.”
Find the Perfect Philips Hue Setup for Your Samsung TV
Philips Hue offers a wide lineup of options to suit any home theater set up. Based on their experience, Cho and Hong have handpicked specific Philips Hue products designed to optimize the viewing experience.
▲ Philips Hue Play Gradient Lightstrip (left) and Philips Hue Play Gradient Light Tube (right)
Cho selected the Philips Hue Play Gradient Lightstrip, which can be attached to the back of a TV. “Similar to the way different colors are mixed to make the perfect shade of paint, this light strip uses different shades of light to create the desired ambience,” said Cho. “With its 45-degree beam angle and seamless connectivity, the Play Gradient Lightstrip allows your content and lights to be perfectly in sync.”
Hong prefers the Philips Hue Play Gradient Light Tube. “It’s versatile, easy to install anywhere around the TV, and its greatest strength lies in its customization,” said Hong. “The light tube can be rotated up to 340 degrees, allowing you to direct the lights precisely where you need it in any setup.”
1 The Philips Hue Sync app is available on Samsung Neo QLED and QLED TV models Q60 and above released after 2022. A software update is planned for Q70B and Q700B 2022 models to support the app by the end of 2023.
2 Samsung TV Plus is a free, go-to source for entertainment and sport, available to Samsung Smart TV, Mobile and Tablet customers. Samsung TV models manufactured after 2016 and mobile devices with access to Android 8.0 or higher will have Samsung TV Plus already built in. If your device is compatible, you will be able to download it directly from the Galaxy and Google Play store. Samsung TV Plus is available on Samsung Family Hub refrigerators and the web on select regions.
3 Samsung TV Plus is only available in South Korea, UK, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, France, Italy, Spain, The Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, Brazil and Mexico. The mobile app is only available in South Korea, United States, Canada, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Austria and India.
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By Samsung Newsroom
For the ninth year, Samsung Electronics is highlighting some of its industry-leading technical capabilities that are redefining the meaning of “user convenience” at the Samsung Developer Conference 2023 (SDC23) in San Francisco, CA. On October 5 at the Moscone Center, SDC23 brought together some of Samsung’s top executives and developers to highlight the innovative platforms and services offering safer, healthier, more sustainable and fun experiences.
Read on to learn about some of the main innovations covered at SDC23 that are enhancing users’ lives.
Enriching Customer Experiences: Innovating Platforms and Enhancing Ecosystems
Jong-Hee (JH) Han, Vice Chairman, CEO and Head of Device eXperience (DX) Division at Samsung Electronics, kicked off the event by highlighting how the growing number of Samsung devices around the world drives innovation within the company.
“Over 500 million Samsung products are sold every year, and the number of people using Samsung accounts exceeds 600 million. To us, this is both a huge asset and a profound responsibility,” he stated. “Samsung’s innovations connect countless people, products and services. I believe that if you join this journey of innovation, we can create greater opportunities and a brighter future together.”
Touching on the main advancements to Samsung’s suite of devices and applications — including the SmartThings ecosystem, Bixby virtual assistant, Samsung Knox security platform and more — Han expressed how collaboration has helped bring many of the company’s products to life.
“The possibilities we can realize together are endless because as developers, we share the engines of innovation and collaboration,” he said.
Building Meaningful Home Experiences Through Enhanced Partnerships
Jaeyeon Jung, Executive Vice President and Head of SmartThings, Device Platform Center at Samsung Electronics, discussed Samsung’s ongoing commitment to increasing interoperability between devices and expanding the SmartThings home ecosystem — focusing on the company’s support for open home standards such as Matter and the Home Connectivity Alliance.
“We are building experiences that promote the whole family’s well-being by keeping us all connected during the busyness of everyday life,” she said.
Through Multi Hub Network and SmartThings Home API, Jung showcased the newest additions to the SmartThings platform that provide access to a growing list of devices, apps and services. By utilizing its wide network of partnerships and tapping other industry leaders, Samsung aims to enable users to live more digitally integrated lives – both inside and outside their homes.
Bixby: Setting a New Standard for the Samsung Ecosystem
Enhancing at-home experiences means using the most advanced technologies to tailor them to each user’s needs and tastes. Anil Yadav, Head of Bixby Lab at Samsung Research1 America, underlined Samsung’s future vision for Bixby and how the company is working to create more intelligent and comfortable spaces for the future.
Thanks to deeper home integration, Bixby will intuitively respond to users’ commands based on their unique preferences — making smart homes that much smarter for individuals and their families. Additionally, Bixby will seamlessly route user commands to the appropriate device, creating a harmonious multi-device home ecosystem.
“This combination of personalization and adaptation ensures that every interaction with Bixby will be optimized, easy and convenient,” he said.
Providing a Safe, Secure and Convenient Cross-Device Environment
Since multi-device networks can be prone to hacks and breaches, forward-thinking security solutions are more necessary than ever. With this in mind, Samsung has been reinforcing its security solutions to anticipate evolving digital threats.
Shin Baik, Engineer of Security Team, Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics, emphasized the need for comprehensive security solutions in an expansive and highly connected device network.
“It’s time to look beyond today’s solutions and start building a better-protected future,” he said.
Baik spotlighted the company’s proprietary security innovations containing the latest features. These include:
Samsung Knox Matrix — which comes with updates to Credential Sync — enabling end-to-end encryption to backup or restore data on the Samsung Cloud. If a server is compromised or account details are stolen, user data is protected as data can only be encrypted or decrypted through the user’s device.
Mobile devices with One UI 6 will have access to passkeys — a digital credential technology that uses biometric recognition as authentication on websites and applications — marking a significant step towards a password-less future.
Beyond flagship mobile devices, Samsung Knox Vault is being expanded to Samsung Neo QLED 8K TVs in 2023, and Galaxy A series smartphones that launch with One UI 6 or later2 in 2024 — protecting more customers and their devices.
Tizen Reboot: Paving the Path for the Decade Ahead
Hobum Kwon, Vice President of Platform Team at Samsung Research, unveiled advancements to Tizen, Samsung’s Linux-based open-source operating system, and how the company is rebooting it for a new generation of devices.
“We’re always thinking of how to expand the Tizen Ecosystem — and as a result, the platform has a reliable and adaptable architecture built on our commitment to open innovation,” he said.
Recently, Samsung expanded Tizen to operate on new home appliances with larger displays, such as washing machines and ovens, to enrich the user experience by providing graphic information, convenient UI and useful video content. Alongside the expansion of applicable product lines, Samsung will boost developer support through a unified Tizen Software Development Kit (SDK) that includes a 2D and 3D combined graphics engine and a new Samsung Experience Services feature.
Tizen Screen: Your Window to a World of Possibilities
Bongjun Ko, Executive Vice President of Application Software R&D Group, Visual Display (VD) Business, revealed how Samsung is elevating the Tizen TV experience for users in their day-to-day lives.
“Whether it’s through a TV or smartphone while you wait for your train, these screens are part of our daily lives,” he said. “This is why we, at Samsung, are always innovating to deliver best-in-class experiences with Tizen, starting with the biggest screens in your home.”
Ko shared that Samsung Gaming Hub is now available on a variety of Tizen-supported screens such as The Freestyle 2nd Gen and Odyssey Neo G9 as well as 2022 and 2023 Samsung Smart TVs. Taking social interaction to new heights, Chat Together connects users with friends in chat rooms while they are watching their favorite shows, movies and sports. What’s more, the platform is adding Relumino Mode to Samsung TVs to create a more accessible and immersive viewing experience for those with low vision.
Tizen is opening its doors to a broader ecosystem of partners and developers, offering robust support and a dynamic environment to revolutionize how people connect, play and interact via screens.
Expanding the Galaxy Experience With One UI 6
One of the main highlights was the reveal of One UI 6, a transformative user experience designed for Galaxy devices. Sally Hyesoon Jeong, Vice President of Framework R&D Group, Mobile eXperience (MX) Business, introduced this innovative upgrade, focusing on enhanced usability and intelligent photo and video editing. One UI 6 includes a fresh, intuitive look and feel with a revamped Quick panel, redesigned app interfaces and a stylish, exclusive typeface: One UI Sans.
Additionally, One UI 6 will analyze photos in the Gallery using AI features — such as Photo Remaster and Object Eraser — to suggest the most relevant editing options, helping users enhance their photos quickly and more precisely. Likewise, with Samsung Studio and its multi-layer video editing features, users have greater control when editing their content to freely add effects such as text, stickers and music with the video editing timeline.
Jeong also announced the highly anticipated Galaxy SmartTag2. With a compact design, improved battery life and IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, the SmartTag2 is set to redefine how users keep track of their belongings — giving more people greater peace of mind.
Building a Digital Health Ecosystem Through Connected Care at Home
Hon Pak, Vice President of Digital Health Team, Mobile eXperience (MX) Business, highlighted the importance of fostering strong connections among devices, data, consumers and services for more optimized digital health experiences.
“Our vision for Samsung Health is to build a healthier future for everyone,” he said. “It starts from the same place where many of you started your day today — at home.”
Samsung’s vision is recognized through strategic partnerships aimed at strengthening the digital health ecosystem. Samsung Privileged Health SDK provides access to the Samsung BioActive Sensor, giving partners increased flexibility to develop powerful, health-sensing capabilities in their applications. Samsung Research launched Samsung Health Stack 1.0 to support researchers with critical tools to advance their studies. The App SDK included in Samsung Health Stack 1.0 provides developers with the building blocks to streamline participant data collection, and Web portal provides researchers with a dashboard to monitor and manage research progress in an organized and easily readable way.
Additionally, Samsung partnered with the MIT Media Lab to focus on cutting-edge research in sleep and mental health monitoring. Together, they will develop novel, scientifically validated and accessible solutions that help people sleep better and improve their health, well-being and daytime performance. The collaboration highlights Samsung’s commitment to bolstering the wellness industry and enhancing the lives of users.
Savoring the Future of Cooking With Food AI
Nick Holzherr, CEO of Whisk, Head of Samsung Food Platform, expressed how new AI-enabled customer experiences will help people not only eat better but also make “Food Your Way.”
Samsung Food makes it easier for users to share their favorite dishes with the community and follow their favorite food content creators. With the app, users can explore new levels of customization and convenience in the kitchen, from grocery shopping and personalized recipe recommendations to automated cooking settings.
“Over the coming year, we’ll continue to grow our device connectivity across Samsung’s appliances, watches and phones,” he said. “I’m super excited about how we can bring software and hardware together to create value for our Samsung customers!”
Smarter Living, Every Day
To close out the presentation, JH Han returned to the stage to offer a final word on the company’s vision for the future of hyper-connected living. Leveraging its industry partnerships, Samsung is committed to redefining how individuals interact with technology — striving to make daily life more connected and convenient for users everywhere.
“Samsung’s new products and technologies need to be anchored by a solid ecosystem,” he said. “We are committed to fostering mutual growth with all the developers and partners here.”
Watch the video below to see the complete recording of the SDC23 keynote.
1 Serving as Samsung Electronics’ advanced R&D hub, Samsung Research leads the development of future technologies for the company’s Device eXperience (DX) Division.
2 Samsung Knox Vault availability may vary by model.
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By Samsung Newsroom
Aerosyn-Lex Mestrovic is an award-winning, multidisciplinary artist whose work has been recognized and displayed in prestigious institutions and venues such as The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), Art Basel Miami Beach and even the White House. His inspiration stems from a diverse cross-section of cultures — embracing a wide variety of mediums from fashion and film to live art performances and beyond.
His unique artistry exists at the junction where art and technology meet, and he considers the history and evolution of the two as inseparable. He sees technology as a transformative force — one that has expanded and will continue to broaden the art world — opening new opportunities and encouraging artists to reimagine and refine their work. Samsung Newsroom sat down with Aerosyn-Lex to discuss his journey as an artist and how technology has become interwoven into his work.
▲ Aerosyn-Lex Mestrovic
Early Encounters With Multicultural Inspirations
Q: Can you provide a brief overview of your artistic journey?
I’ve been a life-long artist and creative. Art and design are core elements of my self-identity. I studied art from an early age and never stopped using creativity as my primary means of communication. I’m thankful that my artwork and designs have been recognized by some of the biggest institutions and brands in the world, and I’m excited for what’s to come!
Q: Your early influences present a fascinating blend of various cultures, including Japanese calligraphy, Latin script, graffiti and Slavic mysticism. How did you encounter and choose to incorporate these distinctive elements into your artwork?
Early on in life, I was exposed to calligraphy through a course I took during a summer vacation. For some reason, the act of writing and all its cultural variations stuck with me. Be it Japanese calligraphy or Western scripts, writing really became a huge influence on all my works. I think there is great power in the written word, and those words can take on any shape.
Q: How do you incorporate diverse cultural perspectives into your art? How does that resonate with audiences across the world?
Growing up as an immigrant in the United States in a culturally diverse area helped shape my identity. I’ve been fortunate to travel the world through my work, and I strive to translate those experiences through my artwork. My goal is to connect with people on a subconscious level, regardless of their background.
Q: What inspires you to keep pushing your artistic boundaries?
I’m thoroughly inspired by evolving technologies and their ability to reach larger scales and audiences globally. Having worked across various global markets and diverse industries, my goal is to share my work with the world, aiming to leave a lasting legacy.
Exploring the Entire Range of Artistic Mediums and Projects
Q: Can you recount a project that pushed you beyond your comfort zone?
I was commissioned to direct my first short film “SCRIPTURA VITAE” many years ago for the BBC and Channel 4 in the U.K. This began as a simple concept, but it turned into one of the most life-changing projects I’ve ever worked on. I had to teach myself filmmaking whilst making the actual film! This single work really set the stage for many of my major projects that followed.
Q: Your extensive portfolio spans across pop culture, fashion, technology and more. What inspires your choice of medium for different projects?
My process varies greatly depending on the project. From designing fashion collections to crafting live art performances for Carnegie Hall, the medium follows the concept. There’s no single approach that works for all those varied applications of creativity.
I look at each project individually and try to figure out the best way to craft a memorable and emotionally moving work or performance. I always begin by thinking of a concept for a piece before attempting to work out the best way to represent that.
Q: You’ve collaborated with cultural icons and brands such as Jeff Koons, Nike and Mr. Children, and your art has been exhibited at renowned venues around the world. How have these experiences shaped you?
Those are definitely some of my “greatest hits” and they certainly have instilled confidence and motivation to push the limits of my work. However, the art industry can be a fickle and fast-changing landscape to navigate. Nothing is guaranteed in the career of an artist — to sustain artistic relevance, one must constantly push forward to redefine oneself.
▲ An interview with Aerosyn-Lex Mestrovic
Connecting Artists and Audiences Through The Frame and Samsung Art Store
Q: How has your experience been partnering with Samsung Art Store?
It has been truly amazing. I was thrilled to have so many acquaintances and new supporters reach out and mention that they’d seen my work on the Art Store. It’s such a wonderful platform, and I’m excited to continue crafting and creating work for it!
I truly appreciate brands that understand the value of art and genuinely seek to support artists and their artwork. The art market has seen a seismic shift in the past few years, and I believe it takes large players to come up with innovative ideas for new platforms and ways of interacting with broad audiences. I think Samsung is doing just that in a unique way.
Q: Can you tell us about the technique behind your signature ethereal ink paintings? How do they appear on The Frame?
My work is created in a fully practical, non-digital technique that I developed over years of experimentation. These works began with my film “SCRIPTURA VITAE” and were then exhibited at The MoMA. I love how my work is presented on The Frame — having them live inside people’s homes now is a great feeling. The Frame’s aesthetic and calibration just make everything pop!
Q: Can you recommend three of your favorite pieces available on the Art Store?
The beauty of the Art Store is that you can change the artwork based on your mood. Some of my favorites are below, but check them all out! There will be more coming soon, so please keep an eye out!
▲ CHROMIS IOMELAS MMXXI (2021)
CHROMIS IOMELAS MMXXI (2021) is from my “Living Paintings” series, which embodies the fluidity and movement in my process.
▲ VERSALIS DRIP MMXXII (2022)
VERSALIS DRIP MMXXII (2022) is a playful use of paint as a painting. This work is taken from a newer series of work which was initially created as 60FT (20 meter) Murals for the Wynwood Arts District in Miami, Florida. The concept was to create a dynamic representation of fluid paint but play with the scale of the artwork which would be represented in the context of Trompe L’oeil.
▲ VERSAEL BRUSH MMXXI (2021)
VERSAEL BRUSH MMXXI (2021) introduces meticulous calligraphy which looks incredible in the crisp 4k of The Frame. This piece speaks to my long standing passion from calligraphy and the written word. These large paintings are steeped in multicultural symbology and seek to find beauty in the pattern and rhythm of the calligraphic strokes and lettering used within the artwork.
Pushing the Boundaries of Art With Technology
Q: Your work often blends art with various forms of technology. How do you see this intersection shaping the future of art?
The history of art cannot be separated from the progression of technology. Their stories are intertwined infinitely. As a huge tech nerd, technology is a space that I find endlessly fascinating and inspiring.
We’re certainly moving into a radically new age with the proliferation of artificial intelligence, and I’m excited to participate in pushing creative methods forward with technology. I am truly looking forward to working on projects in this space, and I’m thrilled to combine them with the practices I’ve developed over my career.
Q: Can you give us a sneak peek at some of the projects you are working on?
I’m excited to be working on major projects across various metropolitan cities including Tokyo, New York City, Los Angeles, Riyadh, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. These projects range from large-scale installations for major hotels to huge digital art installations in completely new city centers.
I’m working on some new projects in the gaming space as well, which I’m thrilled about since I’m an avid gamer. I am also launching my own collection of luxury Japanese whisky, sake, shochu and wine this year with the award-winning Japanese distillery, Nishi Shuzo. Lastly, I’m looking to establish a large art studio in Los Angeles.
I have a lot going on at the moment, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Visit Samsung Art Store in The Frame to see more of Aerosyn-Lex Mestrovic’s collection.
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By Samsung Newsroom
Robin Spinks, Head of Inclusive Design at the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), has dedicated his career to creating an inclusive environment. In this role, he not only represents the two million blind or partially sighted people in the U.K., but also advocates for the development of inclusive technology around the world.
There are many nuances around technological inclusivity, from widespread misconceptions about disabilities to the unique needs of every individual. Through the partnership between Samsung and RNIB, Robin lends his perspective and expertise to help the two organizations navigate these complexities with the ultimate goal of creating “Screens for All.”
Samsung Newsroom sat down with Robin to shed light on what today’s inclusive technology looks like, discuss his work with Samsung and get his perspective on what the future holds in the world of accessibility.
▲ Robin Spinks, Head of Inclusive Design at the Royal National Institute of Blind People
Robin Spinks is Head of Inclusive Design at the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), spearheading efforts in global digital service and product accessibility. Before joining RNIB, Robin spent five years in Africa working collaboratively with NGOs, overseas governments and a leading assistive technology company in the U.K. to create a bespoke affordable screen reading and magnification solution for low resource environments. Now at RNIB for nearly 15 years, he continues to advocate for inclusive technology.
Assessing the Need for Accessible Technology
Spinks and his team work to improve the design and usability of products and services to ensure they are accessible to all individuals, while reinforcing the organization’s commitment to improving usability and accessibility in every aspect of daily life.
▲ Robin Spinks, Head of Inclusive Design at RNIB (right) speaks with Richard Moreton, Samsung (left)
Advocating for accessibility across such a diverse portfolio of products and services comes with unique difficulties, Spinks pointed out. “Some people will benefit from magnification, so enabling a zoom functionality on a portion of the screen, for example, will help optimize their viewing experience. Some may need assistance with edge detection or making the edges more discernible so they can follow the action on the screen,” says Spinks.
Today’s technology is more integrated into our daily lives than ever before and there are countless possibilities to innovate around the user experience. Samsung and RNIB have embarked on this partnership together to shape the future of accessible viewing by creating uniquely powerful and accessible features that will innovate the viewing experience for all.
▲ “We’ve worked on everything from showers to bank machines, smart TVs to smartwatches, mobile phones to apps, digital services, eLearning and much more,” said Spinks
Power of Partnership: Samsung and RNIB’s Joint Mission for Better Accessibility
Traditional televisions can present challenges for those living with visual disabilities. Samsung and RNIB, however, have worked collaboratively to address this for nearly a decade, leveraging the power of technology to create a more inclusive viewing experience.
RNIB is heavily involved in testing user accessibility features, leveraging community insights and pain points to drive innovation. Combined with Samsung’s technological prowess and leadership in the television industry, Samsung Smart TVs and screens continue to incorporate groundbreaking improvements in their accessibility features and functions.
Born out of this partnership are some popular features like Relumino Mode.1 Relumino Mode is designed to help improve the viewing experience for those with low vision, making it possible for more people to engage with and enjoy their favorite content. By enhancing specific parts of videos — such as highlighting outlines and improving contrast, color and sharpness — it is easier to discern content on the screen and follow all the actions. This important feature is designed to be powerful and customizable, so that it can work as a solution for all.
The collaborative efforts between Samsung and RNIB are making a real impact, and among the many companies RNIB works with, the partnership with Samsung stands out, according to Spinks. “Samsung is leading the pack when it comes to accessible television, not just here in the U.K. but around the world,” he said. “It’s been a brilliant thing to be part of that story and to continue to see it developing and evolving professionally and personally. It’s been genuinely gratifying to be a part of something so powerful.”
▲ Robin Spinks explores Relumino Mode on a Neo QLED TV
Through the partnership, Samsung’s Smart TVs have earned RNIB’s “Tried and Tested” Certification, which is awarded to products based on their suitability for people who are blind or partially sighted. Not only does this certification help guide consumer purchasing decisions, but it also holds manufacturers accountable to design products with all users in mind.
▲ Samsung’s Relumino mode offers customization of intensity appropriate to various viewing conditions
A Glimpse Into the Future of Accessible Tech
Samsung’s cutting-edge Relumino Mode is transforming home entertainment, making it more inclusive and accessible for all. And in Spinks’ experience, reception to Relumino mode has been positive. So why not expand its reach?
Spinks highlighted that there are two million people in the U.K. today with significant sight loss, and by 2050, that number is expected to double to four million — a considerable number of people who would benefit from an increase in accessible technology. “Think about all the devices that have a digital interface or screen. I think it would be interesting to look at those other devices, and other applications, where Relumino Mode could be useful.”
▲ A blurry vision goggle simulation of what Relumino Mode may look like to people with visual impairment
Spinks suggested that this type of technology should be expanded to a range of products that consumers encounter on a daily basis. Using public kiosks to order food, purchasing a train ticket, signing in digitally at the doctor’s office, and everything in between should be an equitable and accessible experience for all. “Our quest really is to achieve a culture where there are no barriers for people with sight loss when they’re accessing the digital world,” he said.
▲ Samsung Relumino Mode’s technology highlights outline while improving contrast and color for enhanced clarity
As we look to the future of accessible technology, he envisions a “dynamic mix of increased inbuilt mainstream technology” and more specialist support for specific use cases. He sees the need for accessibility to grow alongside operating systems.
When asked what advice he would give to companies or designers looking to develop accessibility features, he said, “Above all, talk to users and listen to their stories. Actively listen and understand the barriers that they’re facing and if you can, use a bit of simulation that enables you to learn and understand that.” He went on to say, “One of the best things about investing in accessibility is that everybody benefits from the fruits of your labors.”
▲ “It’s not just about providing solutions. Make accessibility features interesting,” said Spinks.
At the center of it all is a great user experience for everyone. “That’s the critical element and ultimately, that’s what it will be judged by — how easy and pleasing it is to use,” Spinks adds. “It’s about creating and co-creating thoughtful experiences that people don’t just find easy to use, but want to go back and use time and time again because they enjoy the experience.”
Spinks noted that designers, manufacturers, and engineers alike must adopt a forward-thinking attitude towards improving the user experience, offering a roadmap for the future of inclusive technology. “People talk about technological progress, but from our point of view, it’s only progress if it’s equitable,” he said. “If technology is inherently visual, that’s then exclusive and people with a visual impairment find it harder to participate in to enjoy those technologies.”
Samsung and RNIB understand that, particularly when it comes to televisions as accessibility features are designed to create more equitable and enjoyable experiences for all. “What’s especially impressive about Relumino Mode is it doesn’t visually disturb the picture to the point where non-visually impaired people would dislike watching,” Spinks said. “I can sit down with my family and for the first time actually enjoy watching the TV together.”
The journey toward a completely accessible technological landscape is far from over, but with the combined efforts of committed advocates like Robin Spinks and innovators like Samsung, progress will be made. Samsung and RNIB share the perspective that advancements in accessible technology underline the essential truth: technology should, and must, be for everyone.
To learn more about Samsung’s accessible technology, visit https://www.samsung.com/.
For more information on the Royal National Institute of Blind People, visit https://www.rnib.org.uk/.
1 Relumino Mode targets those who suffer from severe visual acuity loss (Source: WHO, World report on vision, 2019) and symptoms of blurry vision. This feature is not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of any disease or medical problem. Any information found, acquired, or accessed through this feature is made available for your convenience and should not be treated as medical advice.
Some features may be supported at a different time, and service availability may not be available at the time of purchase of this product. Relumino Mode is applied for TV models QN80C, QN90C, QN800C, QN900C and works on sources provided through DTV and HDMI only. The Mode does not work on other sources, OTTs, etc.
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