CES is off and running, but nothing truly begins until Samsung gets on stage for its annual show-opening press conference.
The Korean tech giant has historically put on quite a show at CES — I’m still trying to scrub Michael Bay’s on-stage meltdown from my memory.
However, Samsung has had an explosive year, to say the least. How will they respond to exploding Galaxy Note 7s and the year ahead? What new magic appliances will they unveil? Will next year’s fridge be smarter than I am?
We’re about to find out, starting at 2pm PST.
We’ll update you from the press conference line and as we filter into the show. Stay tuned!
It’s kind of a sad day when basic upgradability is a marquee feature, but it’s nice to have.
I played around with the Odyssey earlier. It really does look like a Samsung laptop, albeit with your standard array of glowing red keys and touchpad. A legal requirement on a gaming laptop.
HexaFlow Vent keeps your laptop cool. 2.5mm of travel for the “volcano” keyboard, which has curved keys. (and yes, it’s called a volcano keyboard)
Nice to have Android-compatible Chromebooks with QHD resolution. I might get one myself.
It’s worth noting that Samsung is really pushing this “reaching higher” slogan. I’m not sure it’s the right sentiment given Samsung’s 2016. *shrug*
People are doing ridiculously extreme things with the Gear S3 in this video. Because the Gear S3 is ridiculously extreme. And big. Did I mention how big it is?
She’s talking about wearables, mostly taken us down recently announced products like the Galaxy Gear S3. Which is big, but good. So very big.
The company is also introducing Family Hub 2.0. It has: To-Do List, customizable home screen, Pandora, a calendar, FreshDirect integration.
The new fridge looks to be fairly similar to last year’s model, though it’s available in more configurations, so you’re not stuck with just the one model if you want to, you know, listen to Spotify on your fridge.
LG launched its own connected fridge earlier today with Alexa functionality. Samsung doesn’t seem to have partnered with any third-parties here, as the company is said to be working on its own in-house AI.
It’s essentially two washers and two driers. The top of the washer has a spot for small delicate loads, and the bottom has a space for bigger regular loads. Same with the drier.
Introducing the new Samsung Sound+ (bringing capabilities of the subwoofer to a sound bar) … offering a bass level as low as 35 Hz.
The company is also working on expanding 4K and HDR content, with the introduction of TV Plus (an app on the Smart TV) that filters through 4K content across a variety of platforms.
The 4K and HDR revolution is here! Maybe. Hopefully you can tell the difference.
Solving the problem of overloaded sports options. With new Sports Service, you can search by your teams. Smart Hub integrates all your sources (streaming, broadcast, etc.)
The company is expanding last year’s One Remote into a virtual remote with a smartphone app. They admit that this hasn’t worked in the future, but they figured it out through personalization? We’ll see.
Moving on to how TVs fit in your home. The new QLED will fit into your decor, with a nearly invisible single cord that can connect with all your devices. In short, no more clumps of ugly black cords streaming from your TV on the wall down to the console.
He’s talking about the company’s proprietary Quantum Dot technology. This year, the company developed a new version of the technology with no degradation over time, optimal brightness and pinpoint accuracy. The new technology is called QLED TV.
“We’re working hard internally and with third-party experts to figure out what happened with the Note 7. Soon we’ll share the results of the report.”
WE’RE STARTING! Right now we’re watching an introductory video that shows a fridge, a watch, some speakers, … really it’s just a graphics package on steroids.
A couple of reporters behind us are talking about how Razer is incompetent when it comes to RF but that Motorola “actually cares” about RF. These are the conversations you overhear at CES.
As for what to expect? I’d say lots of TVs, maybe some PCs/tablets. Not very likely to get any phones this time out. The Galaxy S8 is likely waiting for MWC in a month or so.
The stage is stark white. It looks like the West Elm version of someone’s living room. So, lots of appliances, probably. Smart, smart appliances. Washing machines and dishwashers conspiring against us all in a secret AI language.
We’re placing bets on potential celebrity appearances at today’s Samsung press conference. Michael Bay is at 1,000 to 1 odds. Anyone feeling bold?
Well, THAT image took a long time to upload. We’ve entered the main area. Exciting photos soon!!
Here’s a better picture of this glorious line room.
…well, when it finishes uploading. Connectivity is always a chore at these events.
We’re in Samsung’s early access line – which is just a room of bloggers sitting on the floor. Soon we’ll head into the main room and grab seats – the show starts at 2pm.
You’re early, but then again, so am I. Punctuality is COOL! The show begins promptly at 2pm PST and we’ll be with you from now until it’s over.
Featured Image: Shutterstock
Brian Heater
January 4, 20172:54 pm
The cooling system is probably the most interesting bit there, which is saying a lot. The grill can also be opened, which is how you access the internal bits and bobs.