On April 24th, the South Korean company hosted the Samsung Unbox & Discover 2024 event under the slogan “Enhance Every Moment, Get More WOW Emotions.” During the event, innovative TVs with AI technology were unveiled: Neo QLED 8K, Neo QLED 4K, and OLED, alongside ultra-slim Q-Series soundbars, the unique Music Frame audio system, and updated features of the Tizen operating system. According to Samsung, these new AI-powered devices provide access to cutting-edge technology right now, elevating the experience of media entertainment to a fundamentally different level. Let’s explore these key questions from various angles and delve into all the details to determine what improvements the manufacturer has truly achieved and whether a revolution has indeed taken place.
Why is AI in TVs?
Undoubtedly, Samsung is a global leader in television manufacturing, having earned the favor of consumers primarily due to the high-quality display performance offered by their proprietary OLED and QLED panels. Samsung displays are renowned for their incredible contrast, clarity, color richness, and high resolutions of 4K and 8K. In my opinion, they represent the pinnacle of television screens available in the electronics industry at the moment.
It may seem that there are limited prospects for further hardware improvements in Samsung’s televisions due to the advancements in the TV panels themselves. At least for now, it’s challenging to enhance the screen in a way that an average user would notice with their own eyes. However, progress doesn’t stand still, and our dynamic era demands improvements with each new generation of devices. Here is where another trending modern technology comes to the aid of TV manufacturers – Artificial Intelligence.
What exactly does AI do in Samsung TVs? This is explained in a very accessible and entertaining way in an interesting segment from the official online presentation. I recommend watching it; they made a short film directly on this topic. Here’s the original video with the tag:
Let’s start with the fact that the built-in NQ8 AI Gen3 processor with machine learning functionality ensures lightning-fast content enhancement in real-time mode. From image scaling and processing to adaptive sound – depending on how the device is being used at the moment. Even retro content, which we are used to seeing in a typical manner of its time, will look modern on Samsung TVs from the new series while still retaining its characteristic cozy atmosphere. This is exactly why we love it. So let’s take a closer look at the innovations presented at the event and what makes them special.
Neo QLED 8K: 2024 Series Flagship Model
The Neo QLED 8K has become the flagship model of Samsung’s fresh series of televisions, combining advanced features and capabilities. One of its highlights is the latest NQ8 AI Gen3 processor with an integrated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) and an 8-fold increase in neural networks compared to the previous generation (from 64 to 512). Together, it operates at incredible speed and ensures maximum image detail regardless of the signal source.
But the Neo QLED 8K is not solely defined by its hardware. Thanks to artificial intelligence-based image processing technology, even the smallest details (whether it’s character expressions or background elements) are accurately reproduced in real-time, and all content is scaled and adapted for even greater clarity. The Real Depth Enhancer Pro technology enhances the depth of the picture, adding realism and atmosphere, while the AI Motion Enhancer Pro smooths fast-paced scenes, making them more fluid, which will surely appeal to action and sports enthusiasts.
Not only the picture benefits from the implementation of artificial intelligence, but also the sound. Thanks to the latest Active Voice Amplifier Pro (AVA Pro) feature, we’ll get extremely clear dialogues without unnecessary noise, eliminating the need to strain to hear the lines. The Object Tracking Sound Pro (OTS Pro) technology ensures perfect synchronization of sound with the image, adding dynamics and realism, while the Adaptive Sound Pro feature automatically adjusts the sound not only to the content type but also to the acoustic characteristics of the room.
And what about gaming? Of course, AI technologies are also used here! The AI Customization mode analyzes and optimizes the image and sound effects during games based on the user’s preferences, providing the opportunity to experience truly exceptional gaming. Additionally, the AI Energy saving mode adapts power consumption to efficiently balance between energy efficiency and picture clarity without compromising its quality.
The Neo QLED 8K series features two models (QN900D and QN800D) in three sizes (65″, 75″, and 85″). The combination of a large vibrant screen, incredible color reproduction, smart technologies, and amazing sound immerses the viewer into the image, making them feel like an active participant. Numerous modern features prove that the Neo QLED 8K is tailored to the user’s needs and provides an energy-efficient and advanced solution for all multimedia needs.
Neo QLED 4K and OLED: for any use case
In addition to flagship models, Samsung also introduced other enhanced televisions that will provide users with an even wider range of options tailored to their needs. For example, the Neo QLED 4K models have inherited the best features from the top-tier solutions, including the integration of AI technologies. They are also available in a wider range of screen sizes (from 43″ to 98″), allowing users to find the best option for any space.
The driving force behind the innovations is the advanced NQ4 AI Gen2 chipset, which ensures the perfection of content in 4K resolution. Neo QLED 4K has become the world’s first screen to receive Pantone certification, guaranteeing maximum color accuracy. Dolby Atmos technology provides vivid sound experiences, while the Quantum Matrix technology and Real Depth Enhancer Pro improve contrast even in dynamic scenes, providing an unparalleled viewing experience for any content.
A notable feature is the Glare Free OLED screen, the world’s first to eliminate unwanted reflections, providing high clarity and true black colors regardless of the surrounding lighting conditions. The TVs are available in an elegant design that will complement any interior, offered in two models (S95D and S90D), with a variety of screen sizes ranging from 48″ to 83″. Like the Neo QLED 4K, the model is powered by the robust NQ4 AI Gen2 processor, meaning it also supports cutting-edge enhancement technologies such as Real Depth Enhancer, which adjusts picture depth, and OLED HDR Pro, ensuring high-quality imagery.
What else is interesting? OLED models feature Motion Xcelerator 144Hz technology, providing lightning-fast response and incredible smoothness of motion in any scene. Whether you’re watching a movie or playing your favorite games, you’ll always get the best picture and interaction experience.
Soundbars and audio systems 2024
At the presentation, they showcased not only AI-powered televisions but also a variety of audio solutions, ranging from soundbars to audio systems.
The Q990D soundbar features 11.1.4-channel audio. It incorporates the latest sound enhancement technologies such as wireless Dolby Atmos technology and the Sound Grouping feature. This feature allows users to choose between directional sound, which is focused on the user without disturbing the surroundings, and immersive sound that fills the entire room, enveloping the listener and evoking a true emotional experience.
The S800D and S700D are ultra-slim soundbars that, despite their sleek design, deliver unmatched sound quality. By the way, all the new soundbars from Samsung support Q-Symphony technology, seamlessly integrating Samsung TVs and soundbars into a unified system, providing incredible audio regardless of the content being played.
The stylish “cherry on top” is the new “smart” Music Frame audio system, whose design echoes the popular The Frame television. The device boasts not only an extremely aesthetic appearance, which can be complemented by panels featuring reproductions of artworks or personal photos, but also premium sound quality. This system can be used either in combination with the television or to enhance the sound of a soundbar. Regardless of the usage scenario, the Music Frame elevates the sound quality of any audio setup.
Samsung’s updated Tizen OS: even more functional and advanced
At Samsung Unbox & Discover 2024, they unveiled not only impressive hardware solutions but also software ones, as the integration of AI into modern devices will forever change the perception of user experience. Innovative technologies integrated into the Tizen system allow for the modification, enhancement, and simplification of the digital space, transforming seemingly ordinary items like a television into the main hub for any need.
The latest Samsung TVs instantly connect to the smart ecosystem right after setup. Once the user turns on the new TV, the device scans and recognizes nearby networks and devices, then seamlessly connects to them via notifications on their smartphone. Compatibility with HCA and Matter turns the TV into a central hub supporting a wide range of smart home elements—from security sensors to lighting—not only from Samsung but also from third-party IoT devices. All these elements can be controlled directly from the TV screen.
The new Samsung TVs seamlessly integrate not only with smart gadgets but also with mobile devices. Your smartphone can be turned into a multifunctional remote control for the TV and other home appliances by simply bringing it close to the TV and activating the Smart Mobile Connect feature. Good news for gamers—your smartphone can transform into a gaming controller with a flexible interface and tactile feedback, enhancing the gaming experience and providing new sensations.
Support for the Samsung Daily+ feature allows you to create a unified hub for your smart home, integrating multiple applications (from Health to SmartThings and Work Space). The system has also been updated to work with various platforms. Updated widgets will turn the TV into a multifunctional monitor, displaying images from surveillance cameras or home energy consumption sensors. Security is always a top priority for the company. Thanks to Samsung Knox, every platform, function, or application is securely protected, ensuring the user’s privacy and peace of mind.
Conclusions
Artificial intelligence is the future, and that’s a fact. Thanks to companies like Samsung, we can access the most advanced solutions right now! We are looking forward to reviewing the new products.