Advanced connectivity with SmartThings on B2B displays and the new interactive “WAD” display: these are the main ones, but not the only innovations presented by Samsung in Barcelona during the latest edition of ISE
SmartThings enhances Samsung’s B2B displays by increasing connectivity in the Corporate sector: “SmartThings for Business” was in fact one of the central themes of the Samsung stand at ISE 2024, to underline and enhance the progress that the Internet of Things (IoT) platform is making able to offer users, for easier and more interconnected digital signage in all application areas. From the point of sale to the smart office, SmartThings allows you to exploit digital signage to connect and have greater control of your smart devices in various environments. The SmartThings connectivity function is in fact applicable to a vast range of products such as Smart Signage and Hotel TV, wherever hyper-connectivity is profitable. Furthermore, with AI Energy Mode the degree of sustainability of the products also increases, with the reduction of energy consumption thanks to efficient asset management and advanced monitoring.
The other significant innovation at the Samsung stand on which, when having to choose, we place emphasis is the new WAD interactive display which uses access to Google Play Apps and Google services to increase educational opportunities: Google Enterprise Devices Licensing Agreement certified (EDLA), its launch is scheduled for the first half of 2024. Based on Android 13, the WAD series – available in 65″, 75″ and 86″ models – has been designed to optimize learning and represent an aid concrete for both teachers and students.
There would be many new features to talk about, but having to limit ourselves for obvious space reasons we will limit ourselves to mentioning the fruit of the collaboration between Samsung and Cisco, the new QPD-5K Smart Signage model with 5K definition and 21:9 image ratio, optimized for hybrid and remote working, thanks to compatibility with Cisco Room Kit EQ and certification for Microsoft Teams, it creates an efficient meeting environment by integrating camera, audio and all the other features needed for video conferencing.
Daniele Patisso, Head of Marketing Visual Display of Samsung Italia, who we met in Barcelona, told us: “Unlike last year, when we exhibited by product series, this year we focused on recreating the intended uses of the products, applications. In this way, we show solutions rather than products, and it is easier for the visitor to understand what he needs within a very vast offer.”
C – What can you tell us about the main news this year?
DP – Well, given that we have already talked about WAD and SmartThings, I would like to at least mention the new transparent MicroLED, based on cutting-edge technology both in terms of transmittance and image clarity. This transparent MicroLED can be adapted to any size or ratio, offering an additional level of customisation, and is designed for exhibition spaces and retail locations. The display can both show information and create interesting atmospheres thanks to the transparent surface.
C – Among the application areas shown on the stand this year, where are the most interesting innovations?
DP – First of all I would say among the hospitality solutions. Our management software allows us to communicate messages to the customer, from the welcome to the possibility of booking spaces or services. Furthermore, it should be remembered that SmartThings is an open system, it is not only compatible with Samsung products but also with third-party ones, there are more than 300 compatible brands, and all wi-fi, on the same network. In short, a very receptive system. Then I would also like to highlight our Kiosk: introduced a couple of years ago, it is a product that has a printer inside and issues a paper receipt that is convenient for applications such as self check out or self check in, queue management, or in the food sector, to manage orders. The printer cannot issue a full-fledged fiscal document, so it does not eliminate the need for payment at the cash register, but it facilitates the management of flows of people and orders.
C – And how do you see the advance of Virtual Production in Samsung? Do you have any proposals in this regard?
DP – This is a practice that is not yet very developed in Italy but there is a lot of talk about it, and in Europe it is already widely developed. It’s a new and very vertical channel to try our hand at, we have some dedicated products and we will definitely work on it.
