What's New With Samsung's Smart TV

07.01.2011
Samsung has beefed up its connected TV platform considerably as it faces threats from Google, Roku and its fellow television vendors.

The new platform has a redesigned landing page, called the Smart Hub, with access to several new features, along with more than 300 apps. Here's an overview of what Samsung is adding to its so-called smart TV platform:

Search: Users can run a universal search that covers broadcast TV, web content and social networks. In the demonstration I saw, a search for "NHL" returned current and upcoming televised games, and the NHL's official Facebook page. There's also an option to search the Web.

Web browser: Samsung's connected TVs now include a full Web browser, including bookmarks, favorites, saved passwords and Adobe Flash. I didn't get to see how video sites run through the browser, but I have a feeling Hulu will be blocked anyway.

Your video: This section of the Hub recommends what to watch based on your browsing history.

Picture-in-Picture: While inside the Smart Hub, the current video source will continue to play in a smaller window. PIP is also available while using the Web browser.