Samsung might be about to make your Google Chromecast redundant
SAMSUNG is expected to introduce Chromecast-like functionality to its Smart TVs during an announcement at CES 2017. Here's how it would work.
Samsung is bringing Google Chromecast-like functionality to its default Smart TV app
Samsung will reportedly unveil brand-new functionality for its Smart TVs during an announcement at the CES expo in Las Vegas.
The Samsung Smart View app currently lets users throw films and photographs from their mobile device to a nearby Samsung television, however, a new update might expand the functionality to rival Google's ChromeCast device.
Screenshots of the Samsung Smart View app have appeared on the App Store page that suggest it will expand its capabilities dramatically.
Judging by the official images, the updated app will be able to funnel YouTube, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video from the app direct to the television display.
The screenshots hint at new functionality, including in-built video on-demand and an EPG
That is very similar to Chromecast and Roku, which lets users streams and control playback from their favourite video on-demand apps using their smartphones.
In the new screenshots, there is a tab within the iOS and Android app dubbed TV Plus – this is Samsung's smart electronic program guide, which aggregates content that's bundled with some of its newer devices this year.
However, there is a notable absence from the electronic program guide – Netflix.
That suggests that Samsung, like Apple, has failed to secure the video on-demand titan under its television app umbrella.
Ahead of the CES technology expo in Las Vegas, Samsung unveiled a slew of new smartphones.
The all-new Galaxy A3 and A5 smartphones feature many of the premium specs that made the Samsung Galaxy S7 an award-winning flagship phone last year – all squeezed into a lower priced package.
The new Galaxy A devices include an all-metal frame and 3D glass back which Samsung says draws on its premium design heritage.
There's two sizes to choose from with the A5 featuring a 5.2-inch display and the A3 including a slightly smaller 4.7-inch screen.
Both of these displays include always-on technology allowing users to check for key notifications without waking up the device and wasting precious battery life.
Like the premium Galaxy S7, the new A series are rated IP68 which means they can cope with a dip in water and are resistant to dust.
There’s also an enhanced rear-facing camera and taking selfies has been made much easier for the user with the ability to touch anywhere on the screen to snap a high-resolution snap of your face.
The A series also uses the display as a front flash which should help improve low light shots.
Samsung says it’s trying to make smartphone photography less complicated on the A series with quick access to shot modes and instant filters which add effects to pictures.
Users can also use specific modes such as Food Mode to optimise and enhance the colour and contrast of selected shots.
There’s no official specs on battery life but Samsung are boasting a long-lasting performance and fast charging via a USB Type-C port.
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