Samsung South East Asia & Oceania Forum 2012
We're at Bangkok's Convention Center to partake in Samsung's yearly South East Asia and Oceania Forum event. Dig in to check out the onslaught of CE products Samsung has lined up in store for you!
Gadgets Galore!
Sawadeeka, dear readers. Samsung's SEA (South East Asia) and Oceania Forum has evolved into a yearly occurrence in recent years. And like eager kids waiting to unwrap their presents, we at HardwareZone have been waiting with bated breath to see what the South Korean CE giant would unveil this time. The event was held at the Bangkok Convention Centre and we were here to see what Samsung has in store for you and I in the coming months ahead.
Some of you might also recall that the Forum in 2011 was held at the Marina Bay Sands on home ground about twelve months back. If you are new to this, Samsung's Forum is fundamentally a launch pad for their latest line of consumer electronics which includes high-definition televisions, audio and visual equipment, mobile devices, digital imaging, and home appliances (we won't be covering the latter category, of course). Apart from inviting journalists from tech-related industries, the media event is also open to Samsung's trade partners and distributors from across the region. We'll be bringing you highlights of keynote announcements and the products themselves - fresh from Samsung's oven. The company also revealed that their new line of products are governed and inspired by three key pillars: Smart Interaction, Smart Content, and Smart Evolution. To give you a little primer, you can expect a glimpse of Samsung's flagship ES-series HDTVs, the Galaxy Beam (a projector smartphone), the updated Galaxy Tab 2 tablets, and a whole lot more. It's time to dig in!
Miss Adele Tan, Samsung's Regional Manager of Audio Visual, and Mr Ariel Arias, Head of Audio Visual, Samsung Philippines, gave us a brief overview of the gesture-controlled features which will be integrated with Samsung's premium 2012 HDTVs.
Miss Tan and Mr Arias also touched on the new facial recognition feature to be implemented with the new range of TVs. For instance, you may log on to social networking apps like Facebook or Twitter by relying on the TV's built-in camera instead of logging in to the application manually.
Another interesting highlight is Samsung's Evolution Kit, which enables users to upgrade their televisions' software and hardware via Samsung's proprietary system-on-chip (SoC) technology. However, only selected 2012 models will carry this feature.
Samsung has partnered with Viki, an international video site, to expand the company's video streaming portfolio which includes a comprehensive suite of TV programs and movies subtitled in more than 150 languages. Previously available only to mobile users, Viki will be extended to Smart TV viewers at a global level from March 2012 onwards.
Premium LED edge-lit models such as the ES8000 and ES7500 will tout Samsung's new Smart Interaction features, such as Voice Control, Motion Control, and Face Recognition. More on these when we discuss their TVs over at the next page.
Both Galaxy Tab 2 models were also unveiled by Mr Lee Jui Siang, Director of Mobile Phone, Samsung Malaysia. The Android 4.0-powered tablets will be available in 3G and Wi-Fi versions as well as 7-inch and 10.1-inch variants.
Outsmarting The Competition
Let's start with these slim beauties, shall we? Samsung's ultra-skinny and distinguished OLED screens featured during CES 2012 were nowhere to be seen, but what we did see are four spanking new LED-backlit and three plasma models from the Korean chaebol. The LED and 3D-capable models will range from 46 to 60 inches, while their plasma counterparts will span from 51 to 64 inches. The flagship ES8000 will offer Samsung's Micro Dimming features which the ES7500 series lacks. Do not confuse Micro Dimming with local dimming (typically associated with direct array LEDs) though. Samsung's Micro Dimming is essentially LED edge lighting coupled with a software controller that adjusts the backlights in different areas of the panel to improve black tones, color intensities, and contrast levels. That said, all HDTV units will hit our sunny shores by end March, save for the 60-inch ES8000 that's slated to arrive in sometime in the second quarter of the year. Samsung's Smart Hub has been entrenched in the market for two years now, so we shan't dive into the same details again. Instead, let us zoom in on the notable enhancements we've spied on the upgraded Smart TV platform. But first, here are some photos we've captured from Samsung's demo booths.
Samsung's flagship ES8000 LED TV model will tout 3D capabilities and a pseudo refresh rate of 800MHz, also known as Clear Motion Rate. Not to be confused with local dimming, the ES8000 will also feature Samsung's Micro Dimming function where the LED backlights and video signal are tuned to achieve peak white levels in areas of lower gradation.
This strange-looking stand is also known as the U-shaped stand. This metallic stand will be exclusive only to the ES8000 series. The ES7500 LED model as well as the E8000 plasma range will continue to carry the Quad stands as seen in 2011's models.
A new DLNA and IR based remote will be introduced with premium models like the ES8000 and ES7500. The minimalist remote also sports a touchpad and a microphone (for voice controls) to ease your Smart TV navigational woes. Will other TV makers adopt a similar design? <a href="http://www.hardwarezone.com.sg/tech-news-tv-remotes-advance-trackpads-voice-input-and-more-ces-2012">Here's how some of the other brands are evolving their TV controllers.</a>
Samsung did not neglect their PDP series either. Shown here are the new E8000 plasma TVs with a relatively slim profile of 1.5 inches. Other fittings include a Real Black Pro panel, 3D capabilities, a dual-core processor (like the ES8000) and a 'titan black metal' color scheme.
Samsung 2012 Smart LED and Plasma TVs: What's New?
- AllShare Play - Sharing media content such as photos with mobile devices (or the cloud) is now possible. Multi-tasking functions such as downloading apps (via Samsung Apps) while you're surfing the web is another stated function.
- Tabbed Browsing - Web browser has been upgraded to support tabbed browsing. In other words, you can open multiple pages on the TV's web browser instead of having to refresh the browser for different web sites.
- Smart Interaction - Users can now interact with their TVs in more ways than one. And that includes Motion Control, Voice Control, and Face Recognition features. Using the built-in camera, users are able to power the TV on or off, activate apps, or search for web content with a simple wave of the hand. Voice control is made possible via the two embedded unidirectional microphones. In retrospect, we wonder if this Samsung's bid to outrun Apple before the supposedly voice-controlled Apple TV display emerges.
- Evolution Kit - Comes in the form of a SD card-esque device which you can slot into the TV to upgrade its software and hardware properties. Samsung regards this as a means to future-proof your beloved TV set.
- More Apps - Samsung also updated their apps portfolio to a total of 1,400 global apps and 313 localized apps for Singapore.
We were given a demonstration on how Samsung's refreshed AllShare Play feature works. Essentially, this DLNA-based function enables users to share content between the TV and compatible Samsung mobile devices.
A Samsung spokesman showed us how you may control the TV's channels or volume levels simply by moving your hands. To activate the onscreen function, clench your fist and the TV ought to register the command.
Model | Features | Price | Availability |
| TBA | Q2 2012 | |
| $6,499 | End March 2012 | |
| $5,999 | End March 2012 | |
| $4,499 | End March 2012 | |
| $6,499 | End March 2012 | |
| $5,499 | End March 2012 | |
| $3,999 | End March 2012 |
Audio Dock With Vacuum Tube Amplifier
If you're hoping to see something new from Samsung, well here it is - the new Audio Dock DA-E750 equipped with a hybrid vacuum tube amplifier. This dock also marks Samsung's maiden foray into the audio dock market. This pretty babe comes in a mahogany finish (one of our favourite speaker materials). As for its drivers, the Audio Dock sports a 2.1-channel fibre glass speakers and a built-in subwoofer with a power rating of 100 watts. What's really special about the DA-E750, however, is its dual-docking system which makes it OS-agnostic. In other words, this dock is perfectly comfortable with Samsung Galaxy devices (Android-based) and Apple devices as well. Other perks of this audio dock include support for wireless audio streams via Samsung's AllShare, Bluetooth, and Airplay for Apple devices. And let's not forget it also features a USB slot, if you prefer to plug in your trusty thumb-drive instead of a phone or portable media player. Further inspection shows that it carries an auxiliary input as well. Samsung has an alternative model, the DA-E650 (without the tube amp), which sports similar specifications as the DA-E750 such as its dual-docking abilities. However, the E650 is furnished in a horn-shaped form factor rather than a boxy profile like the E750.
It's unlike Samsung not to explore a popular CE category. And true to form, the South Koreans will also be entering the audio dock market with two new models introduced during the event.
Clad in a mahogany finish, the DA-E750 will feature a unique dual docking system as well as a vacuum tube amplifier. It also has a 100-watt built-in woofer to lend this dock some sonic 'oomph'. The DA-E750 will be available in May 2012.
Samsung is hoping to woo fans and followers of valve amplifiers with its incorporation of a vacuum tube amplifier. Will they be able to deliver warmer results from your digitised tracks? We'll let you know if we get our hands on these devices soon.
The curvaceous DA-E650 is equipped with a similar dual-docking system like its E750 sibling for Samsung Galaxy and Apple mobile devices. While it lacks a vacuum tube amp, the E650 does sport Bluetooth features like the E750 model.
3D Blu-ray Home Entertainment System
Samsung's audio docks aren't the only ones fitted with their proprietary vacuum tube amplifiers. You can say that the HT-E6750W is a bigger and meaner iteration of the DA-E750. The stylish 7.1-channel systems features four tower speakers as well as Samsung's Swivel drivers, plus a 3D Blu-ray drive of course. Basically, the Swivel speakers enable the listener to angle the drivers upward (towards the ceiling) or downward, depending on one's preference really. Digital sound processing comes in the form of Samsung's Crystal Amp Plus which supposedly amplifies and refines the audio output as well. Rear drivers come in the form of wireless tallboys. To top it all off, the integrated vacuum tubes are illuminated when in use, and they are also visible via the top and side of the home entertainment system. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AllShare Play, and Samsung's Smart Hub platform. The HT-E6750W will be available end March with a launch price of $1,499.
At $1,499, we figure it's a reasonable price to pay for a 3D Blu-ray home theatre system which packs a 7.1-channel sound system and Samsung's new hybrid vacuum tube amplifiers. However, whether this rig sounds impeccable remains to be seen (or heard).
We're unable to glean much technical info from Samsung regarding these tube amps such as their frequency response and harmonic distortion, but they sure are pretty to look at.
Beam Me Up, Scotty!
When one talks about convergent devices, the combination of a smartphone and a projector hardly comes to mind. Well, not if Samsung can help it. We were presented with an 12.5mm thick smartphone today, marinated with Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) and equipped with a 15 lumens projector at the top of its hood. Essentially, the Galaxy Beam enables you to project your most desirable (or undesirable) photos and videos onto walls or flat surfaces to create your 'mini home theatre', as Samsung puts it. Besides its projector duties, the Galaxy Beam is also fitted with a 4.0-inch screen, a 1GHz dual-core processor, and an autofocus 5-megapixel camera. This beamer is powered by a 2000mAh battery, and features a storage quotient of 8GB. You can top up that figure with its built-in microSD slot which supports up to 32GB. Although its price is yet unknown, the Galaxy Beam will be beamed to our tiny island in the second quarter according to Samsung. Apart from its camera and battery, its hardware does pale in comparison to the Galaxy Nexus which owns a 4.65-inch screen and slightly faster 1.2GHz Cortex-A9 processor. Let's pause for some photos and specifications of the Beam before we check out the Galaxy Tab 2.
Don't expect the Galaxy Beam to trounce the Nexus or the upcoming S3 since Samsung is targeting the average consumer rather than the Android enthusiast with this smartphone fitted with a projector.
Packed with a 15-lumens projector, Samsung's Galaxy Beam would be the Koreans' second attempt at our local market although other regions will be experiencing the Beam for the first time.
Network | HSPA 14.4/5.76 Mbps 850/900/1900/2100
EDGE/GPRS 850/900/1800/1900 |
OS | Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) |
Display | 4.0-inch 480 x 800 (WVGA) TFT |
Processor | 1.0GHz Dual-Core Processor |
Camera |
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Video | MPEG4, H.263, H.264, WMV, DivX,Recording/Playback: 720p@30fps |
Audio | MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, WMA |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 3.0+HS, 802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz, microUSB, USB 2.0, 3.5mm Ear Jack |
PC Applications | Samsung Kies 2.0 |
Memory | 6GB RAM + 8GB Internal Memory, microSD slot (up to 32GB) |
Dimensions | 64.2 x 124 x 12.5 mm, 145.3g |
Battery | 2000mAh |
Tabbing The Second Galaxy
If you've been following our articles, then you must have caught a glimpse of the Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1-inch) during our MWC 2012 coverage. Apart from what's already mentioned, Samsung also presented the 7-inch version of the Galaxy Tab 2 in the flesh today. The Galaxy Tab 2 (7.0) tablet is being marketed as a light and portable device - an ideal personal computing companion when one is on the go. The larger and heavier Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1), on the other hand, is more suited for home and family use. And it looks like the new Galaxy tablets are giving Apple a run for their money too, given their Evolved HSPA (HSPA+) 21Mbps support. Both models also sport Android 4.0 fillings, as well as an upgraded Google Market (now known as Google Play Store) with more than 400,000 applications to be savoured. As mentioned earlier when we were discussing Samsung's new breed of TVs, both Tab 2 models will also feature Samsung's AllShare Play, which makes it possible to stream multimedia content from desktop computers or other Samsung smart devices to the tablet. The Galaxy Tab 2 will hit Singapore in the second quarter with 16GB of storage space for both sizes. We'll keep you posted once we've obtained the prices from Samsung.
Key features of the 7-inch Galaxy Tab 2 will include an Android Ice Cream Sandwich operating system as well as HSPA+ connectivity. The tablet also comes with a Face Unlock feature which enables users to unlock the tablet though a facial recognition software.
The 10.1-inch variant will carry a similar 1GHz dual-core processor like its 7-inch sibling. Both models are slated to arrive here in the second quarter of 2012.
Specifications | Samsung GalaxyTab 2 (7.0) | Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1) |
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Of Wi-Fi Enabled Cameras and Super Sleek Notebooks
Besides the palette of AV products and mobile gadgets, we also spotted a number of new offerings from Samsung around the show ground. They include a bunch of Wi-Fi enabled cameras such as the WB850F and WB150F as well as the very sleek Series 9 notebook, which purportedly took Samsung's engineers and designers 33,000 man-hours to design and create; if Samsung is to be believed that is. Before we sign off from Bangkok, here are a few parting shots of these gizmos which some of you might appreciate. Till the next Samsung Forum, we'd like to say 'DuuLae Tua Aeng Dee Dee Na Krab' (or take care), and we'll see you soon.
The WB150F features a total pixel count of 16.4-megapixels, and a Schnieder-Kreuznach 4 ~ 72 mm lens with 18X optical zoom. It also does 720/30p movie recording. Priced at $399, the WB150F will be available from March 2012.
Armed with Wi-Fi features, the WB150F enables you to send your captured images to social networking sites like Facebook or YouTube. All you need is a Wi-Fi hotspot to do so.
The new Series 9 offers a generously sized touchpad and a 15-inch display tucked into a 14-inch chassis. Storage comes in 128GB or 256GB SSD options. Look out for this sexy computing companion in the second quarter.
Don't expect a plethora of IO ports on this 14.9mm-thin beauty, but its svelte and skinny looks is terribly appealing we have to admit. The portable Series 9 is also easy on your arms and shoulders with its 1.16kg demands.
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