• Samsung is propelling Internet of Things (IoT) forward by incorporating SmartThings & AI across product categories
• Samsung has taken a step further in enhancing the ultimate home entertainment experience with the introduction of the all-new 8K QLED TV and theintegration of SmartThings across its Smart TV line-up
• Samsung is redefining connectivity in the home with the IoT-ready QuickDrive™ washing machine and Wi-Fi connected Wind-Free™ air conditioner, while bringing the hub of the kitchen to life with voice ID recognition on its Family Hub refrigerator
• Samsung is infusing technology with intelligence through integrating Bixby and SmartThings on its smart mobile devices

 Samsung Electronics Middle East and North Africa (MENA), today unveiled its vision of open innovation and purposeful collaboration to create seamless, synchronized and smart experiences that simplify consumers life.At its eighth annual MENA Forum, Samsung elaborated on its strategy of enhancing its IoT propositions through the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and SmartThings which will unify Samsung’s connected devices.

In addition to its commitment to make all Samsung products IoT ready by 2020, Samsung announced that itsdevices will also be intelligent. Through the integration of Bixby across select home and smart devices, Samsung is bringing its personalized intelligence to more devices making everyday tasks easier.

During the forum, key new products were announced, which included the brilliant new 85 inch 8K QLED TV, the connected QuickDrive™ washing machine, and the Galaxy A8 smartphone. In addition to its new product lineup, Samsung showcased how the SmartThings platform will be integrated across its devices, seamlessly connecting devices under one simple platform, managed by one ubiquitous cloud, accessible through one universal app.

“Our drive to continuously innovate stems from the desire to turn concepts into reality,” said Sungwan Myung, President of Samsung Electronics Middle East and North Africa. “IoT has made significant progress in recent years, and it is our role as a leading innovator to contribute towards the acceleration of IoT adoption. What we have shown today is an actual use-case of an IoT experience, and how it can seamlessly be intertwined into everyday life.”

“By infusing intelligence into IoT, we aim to make smart simplified and enrich the lives of consumers. We are taking meaningful steps towards building an entirely connected world that is intelligent and personalized.” concluded Mr. Myung.

During the Forum, Samsung conducted its annual docent program for attendees to experience the new products. Similar to a guided museum tour, guests got a first-hand look at what Samsung has in store for the year ahead.

Enhanced and Seamless Entertainment Experience with QLED

Samsung outlined its new technological innovation to deliver seamless connectivity on its Smart TV lineup at MENA Forum. Through convenient, secure, and seamless connected experiences, the television will become the dashboard for connectivity and the true centerpiece of the home.

Introducing a new innovation to the fore, Samsung’s 8K QLED TV will be equipped with the world’s first 8K Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to truly enhance the viewing experience, making it interactive and intuitive. The AI technology in Samsung’s new 8K QLED uses machine learning to analyze content and automatically upscale low-resolution images into 8K picture quality. Through features like detail enhancement, noise reduction, edge restoration, and automatic sound adjustment, the 8K QLED TV maximizes the viewing experience and transforms any type of content from any source into high-resolution 8K quality.

Samsung has also introduced SmartThings across its Smart TV lineup, which will allow users to seamlessly connect with the TV as an extension of their home. With SmartThings, Samsung’s Smart TVs become a dashboard for the entire Samsung product ecosystem, enabling users to manage and monitor all their connected devices from a TV that works with their lifestyle.

Additionally, Samsung showcased its NW700Soundbar Sound+ at MENA Forum, which rounds out the home entertainment experience to truly immerse viewers in their favorite TV content. The NW700Soundbar Sound+ delivers dynamic and targeted sound through a range of advanced sound-enhancing features, all wrapped into a slim and sleek design that can be mounted on the wall. With three sound modes including Standard Mode, Surround Mode, and Smart Mode, users can tailor their listening experience to create an advanced home theatre system that suits their viewing needs.

Redefining Connected Living with the Latest Home Appliances

This year’s MENA Forum revealed a truly distinguished lineup of home appliances featuring breakthrough innovations that enable users to seamlessly live in a connected home, and enhance intelligent IoT experiences.

Another first for the region, Samsung introduced its new IoT ready QuickDrive™ washing machine, which allows users to start, stop, and monitor their wash cycle from their other connected devices. The QuickDrive™ washer also features Samsung’s intelligent laundry assistant, which uses AI to provide automatic recommendations for optimal washing cycles.

Samsung’s Wind-Free™ air conditioner, uses a first-of-its-kind two-step cooling system that dramatically reduces energy consumption and, thanks to Wi-Fi connectivity, can be controlled remotely.

Finally, Samsung is truly making IoT intelligent by introducing the Family Hub. In addition to its advanced functionalities, the Family Hub will also includeVoice ID recognition to provide customized information for individual family members based on their preferences.

Infusing Technology with Intelligence, Anchored by Your Smart Devices

Samsung showcased an ecosystem of mobile products that are designed to simplify the user experience. At the center of these technologies are the personal smart devices that provide absolute integration of connectivity and intelligence, through SmartThings and Bixby, enabling seamless and smart experiences.

Samsung’s latest lineup of Galaxy smartphones boasts an array of advanced features alongside improved and enhanced Bixby functionality. Among those showcased are the Galaxy Note8, the Galaxy S8 and the all new Galaxy A8, launched in January 2018, which revolutionizes the youth smartphone category with top-notch technologies and features at an affordable device.

Adding another layer of dimension to its mobile ecosystem is Samsung CUE, Samsung’s first-ever digital content retail store launched exclusively in the Middle East and North Africa. Samsung CUE features an extensive library of music to stream or download, a diverse collection of both regional and local magazines, and thousands of ringtones to enjoy.

Finally,Samsung’s ecosystem driven by SmartThings takes the convenience that defines wearable technology even further by enabling users to operate their connected devices from several advanced wearables.This ecosystem also expands to include devices like the Gear 360, Gear VR, and DeX – all united by SmartThings, the revolutionary technology that seamlessly connects devices under one simple platform, managed by one ubiquitous cloud, accessible through one universal app.