Samsung Smart TV booth at the Mall of Arabia at the launch of Samsung Smart TVs in Jeddah. JEDDAH: In a fast-pace global information economy replete with tech-savvy consumers, to be smart matters, yet outsmarting others matters most. In the flat panel TV segment, claims and counterclaims crop us every now and then as who's the smartest of them all. But data from GfK – a leading market research organization worldwide that offers a comprehensive range of information and consultancy services in retail and technology sector – showed that Samsung remains unbeaten for the past several years as number one in all flat panel TV sales covering LCD, LED and plasma models. Samsung has an unchallenged 35 percent market share in Saudi TV market, and a hefty 60 percent share in the advanced TV market (LED) segment. These findings serve as a guide for consumers who are befuddled by numerous brands that inundate the electronics markets these days. Lately, Samsung's introduction in Saudi Arabia of its Smart TV series captured consumers' enthusiasm. Samsung has an unchallenged 35 percent market share in Saudi TV market, and a hefty 60 percent share in the advanced TV market (LED) segment. Park Jae Cheon, general manager, Samsung Saudi Arabia, said with the arrival of Smart TVs, one can keep anybody stay in touch with friends even as he watches TV, send TV SMSs to other mobile users, chat with other TV viewers and even check emails with the remote control due to their (Smart TVs) online, apps-based functionality, and 2-way interactivity, among others. “Imagine a television that can actually think and engage with viewers? That time has come. Samsung's continuous innovations that combine advanced technology and ‘smart' features offer a more creative and recreational sense toward Samsung's concept of a ‘Smart Life' all embedded into a perfected and unique television,” Park said at the launch. He said combining incredible style, picture quality and performance, Samsung Smart TV is also 3D capable and provides a “Smart Hub” with access to the world's first TV app store - which means, that the TV can now do most of the things that a PC and phone can do. Features such as web browsing, Internet TV, apps, Bigpond movies and access to all favorite social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter are just the beginning, he added. He further said Samsung Smart TVs pack in some spectacular technology features, that instead of waiting in vain for the latest 3D content to be released, the Smart TV can take regular 2D movies, TV shows and other contents and transform them immediately and seamlessly into 3D. Adnan Matbouli, chief executive officer of United Matbouli Group, partner of Samsung audiovisual and TV products in the Kingdom, added that “this product will not only meet, but exceed, consumer satisfaction, and provide them with a new dimension of home entertainments that offers comfort and convenience at the same time.” Admitting the high level of competition in the industry, Park said the “challenging” time encourages Samsung to spend more on research and development so that it would always be ahead of the pack, noting that for Samsung, introducing “quality product is first.” “Price is not a priority … as long as we invent and adopt new technology that people needs,” he pointed out, noting that cheap product is not better for it creates a lasting impression. “People recognize it,” he averred. “For instance, Samsung has adopted the Arabic version of Smart TV menus and other applications to suit the needs in the Arab market,” he remarked. Moreover, Samsung allocates 8-9 percent of its yearly income to research and development projects so as to sustain its pioneering technological quest and come up with innovative products that stand out among the rest, Park further said. “Samsung is step-by-step developing (new technology) to fulfill consumers' needs,” he further said. Despite its global stature, Samsung does not rest on its laurels. Equally important for Samsung is its commitment to social responsibility. “We are giving back to the community where we operate,” Park gladly said. This year, Samsung's slogan is “Hope for Children” which underscores its pledge to protect and alleviate the plight of indigent children. In Saudi Arabia, plans are afoot for Samsung to launch its new social campaign to improve the lot of these children. Park said Samsung, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, will soon unveil a drive in which a portion of Samsung's profit from certain products will proceed to children's cause. In keeping with Samsung's corporate social responsibility, Park aptly remarked: “It is one way to unify the global platform for children.”
