Samsung claims to have launched the world's most powerful smart TVs, with new models including a 55in SuperOLED set plus a new ES8000 flagship (above) that promises gesture/voice control, upgradeability and enhanced on-demand content options.
In a bullish press conference here at CES, Samsung proudly proclaimed its status as the world's no1 TV manufacturer, claiming that it now sells two sets every second.
Samsung's 2012 TV range claims to 'push boundaries', thanks to the combination of Smart Interaction, Smart Content and Smart Evolution.
Talk to your television
Smart Interaction is about changing how you interact with TVs - "it can listen, see and do what you want, without you having to touch a remote control," Samsung says.
This means voice and gesture control for the new ES8000 flagship TVs (of which more shortly), plus a camera that enables face recognition - so the sets deliver you personalised menus and content, different to that delivered to other members of your household.
More on-demand content
Smart Content means more on-screen TV apps, for example fitness-trackers and interactive children's activities. Samsung is partnering with film and TV studios to ensure creation of more 3D content, too.
Oh, and Angry Birds will be coming to Samsung - not just the game, but - exclusively - a series of free animated Angry Bird short films. More on all the content upgrades in our separate news story.
Smart Evolution - upgradeable TVs
The 2012 TVs will have a slot able to take an evolution kit - these will be avaialble in 2013, with the aim of upgrading your set to include the functionality of next year's sets.
This 'Smart Evolution' means 'your TV will never be left behind,' claims Samsung.
This is in addition to the InTouch pack already revealed here at CES (see news story here) - a device that upgrades any TV to have features of the latest smart sets.
2012 flagship sets
Samsung's new flagship LED LCD TV is the ES8000, which will be available in sizes up to 75in. The sets have an ultra-thin bezel and a new matching U-shaped stand - as pictured above.
Samsung claims you won't find a more powerful smart TV, due to its dual-core processor, which enables true multi-tasking - so you can, for example, toggle between apps and TV/movies.
Its integrated camera enables big-screen video conferencing, but also those face-recognition capabilities mentioned earlier.
The 2012 Samsung TVs will also feature an updated, Full HD SmartHub interface, making it easier to navigate all the new on-demand content. Again, more on that in this dedicated news story.
Super OLED TV
Samsung's 55in Super OLED TV - which will go head-to-head with LG's same-size OLED design - will ship later this year, complete with dual-core processing and Full HD 3D capabilties.
Why 'Super' OLED? Because the set eliminates the need for a colour filter, as its OLED pixel unit consists of RGB sub-pixels, each emitting its own light.
We're seeking out more details of all the 2012 Samsung sets, which will also continue to include plasma designs, and will bring you more information as soon as possible.