Samsung
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High RAM Prices Boost Profits for Memory Makers
Read Full Article: High RAM Prices Boost Profits for Memory Makers
High RAM prices, driven by supply shortages and increased demand, are leading to record-setting profits for memory manufacturers like Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron. Samsung's operating profit is projected to soar to between 19.9 and 20.1 trillion Korean won in Q4 2025, a significant jump from the previous year, while SK Hynix attributes its highest-ever quarterly performance to the growing demand for AI infrastructure. Micron has also seen a substantial increase in net income, highlighting the impact of the AI boom on the memory market. However, these financial successes for manufacturers come at a cost to consumers, who face steep price hikes for RAM and storage products. This matters because the rising costs of RAM and storage could affect consumer electronics prices and accessibility, impacting both individual users and businesses reliant on these technologies.
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Samsung’s Ballie Robot Shelved Indefinitely
Read Full Article: Samsung’s Ballie Robot Shelved Indefinitely
Samsung's anticipated home robot, Ballie, which was expected to be released in the summer of 2025, has been indefinitely shelved as of 2026. Initially promised to offer features like conversational interactions and smart home management, Ballie has become an internal innovation platform rather than a consumer product. Samsung's decision to delay the release may be due to concerns about the robot's reliability and market interest, as well as a strategic shift towards integrating Ballie's features into other products. This reflects a broader industry trend where companies are reassessing the viability and consumer demand for AI-driven home robots.
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Samsung’s Ballie Robot Faces Uncertain Future
Read Full Article: Samsung’s Ballie Robot Faces Uncertain Future
Samsung's Ballie robot, a spherical smart home device, appears to be discontinued less than a year after its retail launch was announced. Despite being featured at CES events since its 2020 debut, Ballie was absent from CES 2026, suggesting it may have been shelved. Samsung describes Ballie as an "active innovation platform" that influences their design of smart home technologies, yet there is no indication of a consumer release. The market is seeing a surge in AI robots, such as LG's CLOiD, but it seems Ballie will not join them, despite its potential fit in the smart home ecosystem. Why this matters: The potential shelving of Ballie highlights the challenges and competitive nature of the AI and smart home technology market, where innovation must meet consumer demand and practicality to succeed.
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Samsung & Intel’s OLED Tech Enhances HDR Efficiency
Read Full Article: Samsung & Intel’s OLED Tech Enhances HDR Efficiency
Samsung and Intel have developed OLED technology that optimizes HDR (High Dynamic Range) performance on laptops, significantly reducing power consumption. Traditional HDR modes often require maximum brightness, leading to excessive energy use even during standard tasks like web browsing. SmartPower HDR™ technology addresses this by adjusting the voltage and brightness levels, resulting in up to 22% lower power consumption in general use and up to 17% during HDR content playback. This advancement allows laptops to maintain the visual benefits of HDR while operating with energy efficiency similar to SDR (Standard Dynamic Range) mode. This matters because it enhances the battery life of laptops without compromising display quality, making HDR more practical for everyday use.
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Samsung Integrates Gemini AI in Family Hub Fridges
Read Full Article: Samsung Integrates Gemini AI in Family Hub Fridges
Samsung's Family Hub refrigerators are now equipped with Google's Gemini AI, enhancing their AI Vision capabilities to recognize a wide range of fresh and processed food items. This integration allows the fridge to instantly identify what users are placing in or removing from it, potentially streamlining meal planning and grocery management. By utilizing Google's large language model, the fridge can offer more accurate and comprehensive food identification, making it a more intelligent kitchen companion. This matters as it represents a step forward in smart home technology, potentially improving efficiency and convenience in everyday tasks.
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Samsung Freestyle Plus Boosts Brightness
Read Full Article: Samsung Freestyle Plus Boosts Brightness
Samsung's Freestyle Plus projector boasts a significant upgrade in brightness with 430 ISO Lumens, nearly doubling the output of its predecessor, though previous models were listed at 550 lumens, highlighting inconsistencies in manufacturer specs. This change aligns with industry standards following legal actions by Epson, ensuring more reliable brightness measurements across brands. The projector retains its 1080p resolution, rotating barrel design, integrated speaker, and Wi-Fi streaming capabilities, along with modern features like keystone correction and image calibration. Despite lacking a built-in battery, it can be used with power banks for enhanced portability, but pricing and detailed specs remain undisclosed ahead of CES. This matters because consistent brightness specifications help consumers make informed decisions about projector performance in varying lighting conditions.
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Samsung to Integrate Google Photos on TVs by 2026
Read Full Article: Samsung to Integrate Google Photos on TVs by 2026
Samsung plans to integrate Google Photos into its TVs by 2026, allowing users to view their photos and videos directly on the big screen without needing to cast or sideload the app. Initially, the integration will feature the Memories function, exclusive to Samsung for six months, and will require users to sign in with their Google accounts. Future updates will include AI-powered features like Nano Banana templates, image generation and editing, and the Remix feature for style conversion of photos. This development matters because it enhances the user experience by making it easier to access and enjoy personal media collections on a larger display, potentially revolutionizing how people interact with their digital memories.
