Samsung Electronics roots for industry collaboration

Global electronics manufacturer Samsung Electronics has called for greater openness and collaboration across industries to unlock the infinite possibilities of the Internet of Things (IoT). 

 

The President and CEO of Samsung Electronics, Boo-Keun Yoon, delivering the opening keynote speech at the 2015 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) said the Internet of Things has the potential to transform the society, economy and way of life.

Mr. Yoon also emphasized that IoT must center on people and fit into their lifestyles, adding; “The Internet of Things is not about ‘things.’ Instead, it is about people. Each person is at the center of their own technology universe, and the IoT universe will constantly adapt and change shape as people move through their world.” 

As part of Samsung’s commitment to realizing the IoT era, Mr. Yoon announced a timetable for making Samsung technology IoT-enabled. By 2017, all Samsung televisions will be IoT devices, and in five years all Samsung hardware will be IoT-ready, further accelerating the expansion of IoT devices available in the market.

He also emphasized the importance of developers in building IoT and announced that Samsung will invest more than US$ 100mn in its developer community in 2015.

Smart cars and wearables are some of the products that will be exhibited

In the IoT era, sensors will become even more advanced and precise, while key components will be even more compact and highly energy efficient.

Mr. Yoon described Samsung’s advanced sensors, which are precise enough to understand a person’s surrounding environment and offer the right solution or service. For example, Samsung is developing a new three-dimensional range sensor that can detect the tiniest movements. 

The company is also working on chips, such as the embedded package on package (ePOP) and the Bio-Processor, which are energy-efficient and compact enough to go into a wide range of devices, especially wearables and mobile devices.

“Expanding the devices in the IoT ecosystem and the components that power them is the first step in fulfilling the promise of the Internet of Things,” said Mr. Yoon. 

“Samsung already has a broad range of IoT devices. Last year, Samsung delivered more than 665 million products, and this number is set to increase. We have already begun to unlock the value hidden in connected devices and all the everyday objects around us.” 

In addition to IoT devices and components, Mr. Yoon emphasized the importance of openness in bringing IoT to life. SmartThings CEO Alex Hawkinson underscored Samsung’s vision for an open infrastructure.

“For the Internet of Things to be a success, it has to be open,” said Hawkinson. “Any device, from any platform, must be able to connect and communicate with one another. We’ve worked hard to accomplish this, and are committed to putting users first, giving them the most choice and freedom possible. The SmartThings ecosystem is now compatible with more devices than any other platform.”