ASUS Announces the Incredible Vivo Tab and Vivo Tab RT tablets intended for Windows 8 at IFA

Two new tablets with a dual-purpose design that combines a high-resolution multi-touch display and a detachable QWERTY keyboard dock for a great Windows 8 experience.

IFA, Berlin, Germany, (August 29, 2012) — ASUS, a global leader in the new digital era, today announces two incredible new tablets intended to run Windows 8. First unveiled at Computex in June, the ASUS Vivo Tab and ASUS Vivo Tab RT (formerly known as the ASUS Tablet 810 and ASUS Tablet 600 respectively) open up a new world of mobile possibilities and transform expectations about what tablets can do.

Meet Vivo
With a name taken from the Latin verb “to live”, Vivo is designed as a constant companion that blends the familiar elegance of ASUS tablet design with Microsoft Corp.’s new touch-enabled Windows 8 operating system.

Vivo has a dual-purpose design that combines a high-resolution multi-touch Super IPS+ display with a detachable QWERTY keyboard dock to provide a great Windows 8 experience. ASUS TruVivid technology with Corning® Fit Glass gives improved colour clarity and superior scratch resistance, while the keyboard not only transforms Vivo into a convenient clamshell ultraportable, but also provides a secondary battery for prolonged mains-free use.

With an 11.6” screen backed by high-precision Wacom digitiser stylus technology, the Vivo Tab is designed with productivity in mind, while the ultra-light Vivo Tab RT is ideally suited to entertainment on the go. Get more done, enjoy new experiences and connect with others in exciting new ways — Vivo makes it all possible.

ASUS Vivo Tab
The ASUS Vivo Tab features the Next Generation Intel® Atom™ processor and has 2GB RAM with 64GB eMMC (embedded multimedia card) user storage. An incredible Windows 8 experience makes it a smart choice for professional and personal use. With support for 1024-level Wacom digitizer for precise work and navigation, ASUS Vivo Tab maximizes productivity and provides the best input experience.

Key to the Vivo Tab’s recipe for Windows 8 is the supplied mobile dock. This instantly transforms the tablet into a compact clamshell ultraportable, complete with full QWERTY keyboard, trackpad, two USB ports and second battery for extended use away from the mains
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The 11.6” display with a 1366 x 768 resolution uses Super IPS+ technology to deliver superior visual clarity both indoors and out, and its 10-point multi-touch is complemented by Wacom digitiser stylus technology for high-precision stylus input and a more natural writing experience.

Despite its compact dimensions and ultra-thin 8.7mm and675g profile, the Vivo Tab still delivers superlative sound quality, thanks to the same SonicMaster technology used on ASUS’ award-winning notebooks. High-quality photographs can also be captured with the 8-megapixel rear camera with autofocus and LED flash, along with a 2-megapixel front-facing camera for video chats. The Vivo Tab also features a built-in NFC sensor, enabling the device to easily sync with other NFC-enabled devices.

ASUS Vivo Tab RT

The ASUS Vivo Tab RT has a slim and light profile that’s 8.3mm thin and 520g light. It features the NVIDIA® Tegra® 3 quad-core processor and 12-core GPU for outstanding mobile graphics performance, along with 2GB RAM and 32GB eMMC user storage. Supplied with Windows RT, tablet users with entertainment in mind will find a great partner in the Vivo Tab RT.

The Vivo Tab RT also has the same innovative Transformer design as the Vivo Tab and is supplied with its own mobile dock that provides a QWERTY keyboard, track pad, USB port and built-in battery.

Windows 8 apps, games and movies will look incredible on the Vivo Tab RT’s 10.1” display with 1366 x 768 resolution and Super IPS+ technology, while ASUS SonicMaster technology ensures top-quality audio. The Vivo Tab RT has the same high-quality front and rear cameras as the Vivo Tab too, making it an excellent all-round multimedia performer. It also features a built-in NFC sensor, enabling the device to easily sync with other NFC-enabled devices.

AVAILABILITY
First wave launch for Windows 8 GA

Samsung Electronics Underscores Global Leadership in Smart TV Content and Services at IFA 2012

TV pioneer showcases world’s first ‘set-top box free’ IPTV service at IFA; brings robust content choices to European consumers of all backgrounds

BERLIN, Germany – 3 September, 2012 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, highlighted today in advance of IFA its industry-leading base of content for Samsung Smart TV owners in Europe—including myriad options across broadcast video-on-demand (VOD), movies, sports and lifestyle for consumers of any background.

As a testament to its unique partnerships with Europe’s largest telecom and cable operators, Samsung gives European consumers access to a variety of unique apps catering to live broadcast and VOD viewing. Most recently, Samsung has partnered with telecommunications operator TeliaSonera to develop a Smart TV application that will allow existing IPTV without the need for an external set-top box, with full support for key linear, catch-up and on-demand features. Earmarked as the industry’s first “set-top box free” IPTV service, the new app will be demonstrated in beta at Samsung’s booth during IFA 2012. The Smart TV application will first be launched on TeliaSonera´s Estonian market, followed by Sweden and Finland. 

FranceTV has also made content available for catch-up and VOD viewing across Samsung’s SmartReplay platform for Smart TV in France, including FranceTV, a hub gathering all FranceTV applications; FranceTV Pluzz, which aggregates five channels for catch-up and VOD viewing; FranceTV Info, which features all national and regional TV news on replay; FranceTV Sport, broadcasting all sporting news on replay; and ZouZous, an app featuring exclusive kids content and games for catch-up and VOD viewing. And in the UK, Samsung is the only Smart TV with ITV Player, a catch up TV service to access programmes broadcast from ITV channels.

“Our partnerships in France and across all of Europe underscore more than just Samsung’s global leadership in content for Smart TV,” said Kyung-shik Lee, Vice President of Business Development Group, Visual Display Business, Samsung Electronics. “These deals, and the current base of apps available, underscore how Samsung is leading a revolution in the TV operator industry—including significant changes in the way consumers use their televisions. We are proud to be working with such influential partners in the industry. These movements—along with our existing focus on integrating useful services—strengthen our goal to create a seamless TV watching experience catering to any background or lifestyle.”

For sports aficionados, Samsung has made a variety of Smart TV apps that keep fans up to speed on the latest sports news and statistics. Across Europe, THE Football app offers in-depth coverage of more than 40 football leagues and events worldwide—with continuous updates to provide fans with breaking news, live commentaries, and statistics along with video highlights and a truly immersive viewing experience in English, French, German, Italian and Spanish languages. In the Netherlands, Eredivise Live showcases Dutch Premiere League soccer on T-VOD, while NOS Sports broadcasts Euro 2012, Tour de France, Olympics and UEFA Champions league content live and on-demand for free. In Spain, LigaBBVA delivers Spanish Soccer League content, and also features a mobile app allowing the user to control content within LigaBBVA from his or her smart phone. 

For movie buffs, the Spanish app Filmin allows consumers to rent movies right from their Smart TV, while in Poland, Strefa VOD offers access to hundreds of the most interesting movie titles in the world, as well as Polish cinema, in high quality audio and video—including a convenient payment system. And for general lifestyle enthusiasts, several unique Samsung Apps for Smart TV are available: 3 op Reis plays the most popular weekly travel show on Dutch Television for consumers in the Netherlands and in Austria; ServusTV offers vividly depicted cultural, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle portraits alongside special local and regional features; finally in Poland, Wycieczk helps consumers find the perfect holiday getaway via customized search capabilities.

Full details, video content and product images are available at Samsung’s IFA 2012 microsite: http://www.samsungifa2012.com or mobile site: m.samsungifa2012.com as well.

Samsung Consumers Define Their Needs for “A Smarter Life, A Smarter World” at IFA 2011

New TV Apps, innovative cameras and mobile devices among the highlights as Samsung leads consumers to simpler, smarter, more enjoyable lifestyles

BERLIN, Germany – September 1, 2011 – With the voices of its consumers as its guide, Samsung Electronics today at its IFA 2011 press conference explored how its unique product portfolio fulfills the needs of consumers who wish to be a part of “a Smarter Life, a Smarter World,” where consumer electronics provide purpose and meaning to each user. Samsung’s product lineup, including new updates to its visual display, mobile and digital imaging solutions, will be displayed September 2-7 in Hall 20 at Messe Berlin.

Welcome to a Smarter Life, a Smarter World

Before hundreds of IFA 2011 attendees, Boo-Keun Yoon, president of Samsung Electronics’ visual display business, welcomed the crowd following the first of a series of video vignettes entitled “A Smarter Life: A Smarter World” in which Samsung consumers detailed what they need and want from various products. Each product segment was preceded by a similar vignette.

“How does Samsung continue to contribute to a Smarter World? We accomplish this by investing $8.1 billion U.S. in research and development,” he said. “We accomplish this by continuing to be one of the world’s top holders of intellectual property patents. And we accomplish this by constantly listening to the voices of our consumers.”

Reinforcing the company’s leadership across its many product categories during today’s event, Yoon highlighted Samsung’s entrance into a new era of TV design and its growing product lineups in the digital imaging, IT solutions and mobile categories, including an exciting new mobile chat service that reflects Samsung’s platform agnostic approach.

“The year ahead is filled with anticipation,” Yoon said. “We are in a fascinating period of transition as we evolve from our history as a provider of world class hardware products to becoming a leader in software and services. Our leadership in each market can be summed up in a single word – innovation.”

Yoon also detailed Samsung’s re-branded CSR platform, Hope for Children. In Europe, the Hope for Youth initiative is based on the idea of innovation to support the development of disadvantaged children. Samsung plans to support the initiative with a combination of technology education and apprenticeship programs.

A New Era in TV

Following President Yoon’s opening remarks, Michael Zoeller, Samsung’s European marketing director for television and audio visual products, explained the company’s entrance into a new era in its design history—One Design, which is an approach to blend design and technology into a product that signifies “oneness” and sense of unity.

Zoeller showcased the One Design concept through an array of announcements, including the introduction of the new, virtually edgeless 60-inch D8000, which features an ultra-narrow bezel. New content partnerships were also unveiled at today’s event, which included new apps from prominent partners including Real Madrid and Berliner Philharmoniker.

As the No.1 TV manufacturer in Europe, Samsung’s unrivaled leadership was also noted. Receiving over 350 awards across nine major European countries in 2011 alone, Samsung Smart TVs occupy the No. 1 position in product reviews among 10 European consumer magazines—including the top eight spots from Netherland‘s consumer publication Consumentenbond. Further demonstrating Samsung’s unmatched achievements, the company was recognized as the “Best Consumer Buy for Televisions” from the European Image and Audio Association, EISA.

Zoeller went on to also unveil how Samsung is expanding its Smart Blu-ray Players and Home Theater System offerings to provide consumers with a broader range of products to start living the “Smarter Life.” The CRT TV upgrade gives Samsung’s Smart Blu-ray and Home Theater products the capability to connect to television sets—no matter the age, allowing consumers to take their older televisions to the next, connected level. This CRT TV upgrade underscores Samsung’s commitment to providing consumers with a greater level of access to both rich content and experiences.

Flagship Products - NX200 & MV800

Samsung’s 2011 flagship NX200 camera also launched at today’s event. The NX200 is the premier compact system that possesses a 20.3 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, which is more than any other product offered in the market.

“The NX200 possesses all the capabilities of its predecessors but when it comes to high performance specs and the ability to produce great images, the NX200 breaks new ground,” said Malcolm Andre, European regional product manager for Samsung digital imaging. “Its professional quality features make this an extremely powerful camera for high quality image capture, whatever the lighting environment.”

Professional quality is ensured with the camera’s premium features like the i-Function lens, which lets users control exposure values such as shutter speed and aperture into the lens. The NX200 takes this one step further with i-Function 2.0. By adding intelli-zoom functions and Smart Filters to the i-Function controls in Lens Priority Mode, users have more control at their fingertips than ever before. Users can also benefit from a range of nine different lenses available for the i-Function system. Similarly helpful is Smart Panel, which possesses intuitive features such as Hot Key, enabling users to jump easily to key functions without the need to scroll through confusing menus to get to their desired shot. The NX200 makes taking perfect pictures simple and fuss-free, even for first-time users, by aggregating all settings and options onto a single LCD display.

“Our approach has never been to design products based on the skill level of a photographer,” Andre said. “Instead, we start from the premise that a consumer should never miss life’s most important moments, and then we figure out what it is they need to capture them easily, in high quality, and in their own creative way.”

Such creativity fostered the development of the Samsung MultiView MV800. Also launched at today’s event, the Samsung MultiView MV800 comes equipped with a 3-inch-Wide Flip-Out Touch Screen Display, a unique new feature that allows today’s increasingly ambitious camera user to frame the perfect shot from any angle, both high and low, as well as self shot, without having to contort themselves.

Factoring into the camera is a 16.1 megapixel sensor, 5x optical zoom lens for close-up captures, and a 26mm wide angle lens for capturing larger gatherings in high definition. Additional features include the Smart Touch 3.0 user interface, with both standard and customizable Wallpaper backgrounds, enabling customers to drag and scroll through menu options and launch the required feature with only one touch. Also included are the Picture-in-Picture function, Live Panorama, Smart Filter, 3D Photo and Magic Frame for added creativity and enjoyment.

GALAXY Note and GALAXY Tab 7.7

To further encourage consumers to lead smarter lives, Samsung introduced a number of new mobile products, including the GALAXY Note, GALAXY Tab 7.7, the Wave 3 and the GALAXY WiFi 3.6.

The GALAXY Note is a new category of product, developed through Samsung’s deep consumer understanding and insight. It combines core on-the-go benefits of various mobile devices while maintaining smartphone portability, to create a whole new user experience.

The GALAXY Note has a 5.3” display which is the largest screen size with smartphone portability. It features the world’s first and the largest HD Super AMOLED display, an expansive high-resolution screen that provides an immersive viewing experience. Taking full advantage of the large screen, users will be able to do more tasks to create and consume more, with minimum scrolling and screen transitions, while on the go. An advanced pen-input technology, called the S Pen, is combined with the GALAXY Note’s full touch screen to introduce a new type of user-experience.

Powered by a 1.4GHz dual core processor and HSPA+ connectivity, the GALAXY Note delivers a unique combination of connected and creative freedom. Weighing an incredibly light 175 grams at 9.6 millimeter thin, the smartphone also includes an advanced 8MP camera that can be enjoyed in full color and clarity.

In addition to unveiling the GALAXY Note, Samsung has introduced the GALAXY Tab 7.7, the latest addition to Samsung’s range of tablets. Boasting premium credentials, the GALAXY Tab 7.7 offers a number of features to provide a superior mobile experience:

· Superior Super AMOLED Plus display: wider and clearer, ultra-vivid screen; proven to be the preferred touch screen technology for smartphone users
· Maximum portability: premium design with thin and light hardware
· Ultimate performance: powerful dual 1.2 GHz processor, fast connectivity and long‐lasting battery
· Broadest usage and customization: widest variety of applications, games and content to create personalized tablets for each user

Samsung also unveiled the chic Wave 3, a powerful, thin (9.9mm), beautifully designed smartphone that combines a market-leading 4’’ Super AMOLED display with a powerful (1.4GHz) processor and HSPA+ connectivity – a great package for the style-conscious consumer who also wants great power, connectivity and rich multitasking.

Finally, Samsung announced the launch of the GALAXY WiFi 3.6, a powerful multimedia player which runs on Google Android. WiFi connectivity ensures the device can be used to communicate with friends and family as well as provide music and video on-the-move.

New Possibilities in Communication

Opening new possibilities in communication, Samsung has launched its ChatON service, a global communication service that works across all major smartphone and feature phone operating systems. ChatON allows users to interact with friends and family, regardless of device platform – functionality across multiple platforms lets all users join in, sharing text, images, hand-written notes and video instantly. Users can chat in groups, while a Web client will allow the easy sharing of content and conversations between mobile and PC.

The ChatON service will be available in more than 120 countries, supporting up to 62 languages and featuring two functionality options. A basic functionality option is available for feature phone users who prefer simple and easy usage, allowing users to share text, pictures, calendar, contacts and emoticons through an easy-to-access client.

For business customers, Samsung is enhancing enterprise capabilities of the GALAXY Note through its partnership with Juniper Networks. Juniper’s Junos Pulse SSL VPN provides secure remote access to corporate network resources. The SSL VPN enables large enterprise and service providers to meet high-volume secure access and authorization requirements, protecting corporate data with centralized control and supporting employees' personal devices efficiently.

Series 7 CHRONOS Launch

Samsung launched the Series 7 CHRONOS Notebook PC at the press conference today, heralding a new age in premium computing.

Encased in a stunningly thin and compact aluminum chassis, the high-spec Series 7 CHRONOS with Intel’s Core i7 Quad Core embraces the ExpressCache™ technology, providing an extra 8GB of flash memory on the motherboard. This enables faster start up as well as increasing the overall performance; web browsing is 2 times faster (based on Microsoft Internet Explorer) while the device takes just 2 seconds to wake up.

In addition to providing exceptional speed, the Series 7 CHRONOS also delivers maximum performance in terms of display. Incorporating Samsung’s latest ‘MAX screen’ technology, the Series 7 CHRONOS enables users to experience an extra inch of immerse viewing, without sacrificing mobility or portability, with the 15.6” display being contained within the form factor traditionally associated with a 14” model.

Digital Appliances

Samsung unveiled its new home appliances at a separate press conference, showcasing the combination of Samsung’s innovative products and the latest smart technology.

Samsung announced the launch of an expanded range of ecobubble™ washing machines, the first washing machine in the market to generate special bubbles, enabling great performance from the start, so cold water washes like hot water. These soap-rich bubbles penetrate deeper and dissolve faster into fabrics, so you can save on energy but still get quality results.

Samsung also introduced a new G-Series refrigerator that maximizes the interior space with the same outer size. It uses Samsung's cutting-edge Eco Slim technology. In 2010, Samsung introduced the side-by-side fridge, adapted from Eco Slim. This year the company expanded its line-up to the French door and fridge freezers. The latest G-series offers 60L in capacity, which is more space for optimal food storage that can reach up to 400L capacity, as well as super energy efficiency of A+++.

Finally Samsung’s digital appliances division announced the launch of the NaviBot S, a visionary robotic cleaning device that provides hands-free automated floor cleaning, building on the already successful introduction of its robotic cleaner line-up.