Samsung showcases upgraded gaming service for Smart TVs at CES 2016

Samsung is pulling out all the stops when it comes to delivering on the smart home experience. Surfing between these different sources and controlling these different devices can be an exercise not only in patience but also in memory and finger calisthenics.

Samsung’s entire 2016 Smart TV line-up will be Internet of Things (IoT) ready and connected with SmartThings, an open platform that allows users to connect, manage and control smart devices and IoT services. With the refreshed interface, consumers can search through popular titles to find what they want to watch or play. The Smart Control remote will immediately recognize set-top-boxes, OTT boxes, Blu-ray players, game consoles as well as other connected devices. As a result, all of their upcoming Ultra High Definition TVs will theoretically be able to control other domestic objects based upon this platform, including lighting systems, door locks, and cameras-in effect, their smart TV acts as the smart home control hub. Of course, they still have some level of control as they can pin their favorite content on their home screen, regardless of device source. But while after-market multi-device controllers exist, Samsung plans to solve the problem straight out of the box with its new smart TV remotes.

The company says that the new Smart Control remote will provide “quicker and more streamlined access” to entertainment with its automatic source recognition.

The new range of Smart TVs and their IoT capabilities will be demonstrated for the first time at the 2016 International CES which officially opens its doors on Jan 6 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Samsung doesn’t say whether the remote control will ship automatically with Samsung Smart TVs, or whether it will be an added extra.