Korean electronics giant Samsung took the wraps off four new high-end tablets and a new television that will allow consumers to change the display from flat to curved at the touch of a button.
In a packed Mandalay Bay hall here at the International Consumer Electronics Show, which featured Hollywood director Michael Bay, the company introduced the Galaxy NotePRO and Galaxy TabPRO line of tablets — a few variations of which come in screens as large as 12.2 inches. The new Galaxy TabPRO, which is an expansion of Samsung’s Galaxy Tab line of tablets, comes in three available sizes — 8.4 inch, 10.1 inch and 12.2 inch. The Galaxy NotePRO will only be available in the 12.2-inch variation, however.
“We created this new series to kick-off a year in which Samsung truly establishes its leadership in the tablet market,” said J. K. Shin, CEO and President of IT & Mobile Division, Samsung Electronics.
All four tablets will have 2560 X 1600 pixel displays, Android 4.4 KitKat, WI-FI and LTE options and 8-megapixel rear cameras as well as 2-megapixel front panels.
According to analysts, the new tablets will help Samsung straddle the gap between a normal tablet and a laptop computer. As a case in point, the company's demos focussed on a new four-pane multi-window multi-tasking feature.
While the price and exact launch date of the tablets were not disclosed by the company, they are widely expected to be available by the end of the first quarter.
Curved HD TVs The company also made a straight pitch for its curved ultra high-definition (HD) TVs, as it looks to combat shrinking sales and stagnating prices by focusing on ultra high-definition screens.
“A curved television provides even more life-like picture quality and depth. It gives you a 3D-like effect without wearing 3D glasses. It provides a truly immersive experience,” said a Samsung executive.
At least four of Samsung’s new TVs will have the curved design, a quality that company executives compare to IMAX and 3D. The models will range from 55 inches to 110 inches. While no launch dates or prices were given for the company's curved ultra HD TVs, the bendable TV will likely reach the market by the second-half of 2014.
(The correspondent is in Las Vegas at the invitation of Samsung)
