Samsung Smart TVs To Get Smarter With Personalized Services
At CES 2017 next week, Samsung will undoubtedly show off a host of brand new devices, including Smart TVs. But in addition to shiny new hardware, it will also be boasting of fresh new software to go along with those. Joining the previously announced Tizen update for Smart TVs, Samsung will also be debuting three new "personalized" Smart TV services that aim to push front and center the content that users are interested, whether they be sports, music, or just good ol' TV binging.
These days, it isn't just enough for smart TVs to be able to stream video from the Internet. They actually need to be, well, smart and present information about those TV shows when and where users want them. All without having to wade through pages of content or options. That's seemingly the philosophy behind Samsung's Personalized Smart TV services, revolving around sports, music, and videos on demand.
"Sports" curates information about your favorite teams and presents them all in the navigation pane. No more browsing through half a dozen channels just to know their scores or even where the game is being broadcast. This data will be sourced from growing number of content partners, including NBC Sports and UFC.
"Music" on the other hand is like Shazam for your Smart TV. It can identify and then search for the music that's currently being played on TV. It will also suggest some new titles on the Smart TV Hub for you to try out. Music content is provided by the likes or Spotify, iHeartRadio, Napster, Deezer, Sirius XM, Vevo, Melon and Bugs.
Last but not least, "TV Plus" is Samsung's TV Video on Demand service for its Smart TVs. Already available in Southeast Asian markets, TV Plus lets users jump into their favorite series at their convenience, from a selection of IP-based channels.
The new Samsung Personalized Smart TV services will be on the showroom floor this coming CES, but the services themselves have different availability schedules. TV Plus is now available in the US courtesy of Fandango, while Germany (Funke) and Europe (Rakuten) will have to wait until next year. Music has no launch date yet, but, when it does roll out, it will be available in France, Germany, Italy, South Korea, Spain, the United Kingdom, and, of course, the U.S. No word yet on when Sports will go live and where.
SOURCE: Samsung