With IFA 2015 now underway, Samsung has been lifting the lid on some of its biggest announcements as well as some that it’s a little difficult to get excited about. Nevertheless, it’s been a big few days for Samsung.
Having announced a bevy of new hardware this morning, Samsung has given us all plenty to drool after, especially if you like, err, washing machines. Don’t believe us? Well, just read a little further and all will be revealed.
Here’s what Samsung talked about at IFA 2015.
4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
Some of us may still have a huge catalog of DVDs to get through before Blu-ray takes over, but that isn’t stopping Samsung from taking things one step further. Announced at IFA is Samsung’s new Ultra HD Blu-ray player, complete with 4K streaming. Samsung says it is teaming up with a number of production studios and streaming services to increase the availability of UHD content. We don’t know how much the player will cost or when it will be available, but we do know it exists. That’s enough, right?
SmartThings Hub v2
Set to be Samsung’s new hub for all of your home automation devices, the next-gen SmartThings Hub will be able to handle video recording for a new ‘Smart Home Monitor’ system that can intelligently monitor for fires, floods and other home emergencies, sending notifications and video recordings that start moments before an event takes place. More details on the hub can be found over at smartthings.com.
Already available to buy for $99, the new SmartThings Hub can be controlled via a brand new iOS, Android or Windows Phone app and is Samsung’s attempt at becoming the center of your home automation world. The new apps are now available to download in their respective app stores.
SleepSense
Samsung’s try at making users more aware of their sleeping patterns, SleepSense will monitor your sleep and then report on it when you ask it to. SleepSense can analyze the quality and length of your sleep, potentially helping you to improve both along the way. We don’t have a price or release date for SleepSense, but it’s one of Samsung’s more interesting plays.
WW8500 AddWash
We told you there was a washing machine didn’t we? The WW8500 AddWash is a front-loading washing machine with an additional window that lets you add clothes and detergent in the middle of a wash cycle without interrupting it. Oh, and we don’t know how much it will cost or, you guessed it, when it will be available to buy. Not that we’ll be lining up outside our local retailer in order to buy one!
Car Mode for Galaxy
Essentially a car app for Samsung Galaxy smartphones that should make using them a safer experience while on the move. The app will read messages to you and let you reply, as well as handle incoming calls and the usual array of car-based shenanigans. The app will be free to download later today. In a nutshell, it’s basically Samsung’s version of CarPlay and Android Auto.
Pricing for the Gear S2 Smartwatch
We’re still waiting for price and availability confirmations for some markets, but today Samsung confirmed how much some people will have to pay in order to get its latest smartwatch.
Samsung’s Gear S2 will be released in both Finland and Denmark this coming October, and unfortunately, it won’t be cheap. With price-tags of €349 ($389) for the Gear S2 and €399 ($445) for the Gear S2 Classic in Finland, things don’t look great for people in those markets. The devices will be priced very similarly in Denmark, with a ticket price of 2,599 Danish Krone ($387) for the Gear S2 and 2,999 DKK ($447) for the Gear S2 Classic.
Ouch.
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