Samsung TVs to Come With a Cricket Ticker App in India

Samsung's phone line is known for the vast number of variants that the Korean company pushes out; it's next to impossible to keep track of all the different phones that Samsung has right now, and the number of handsets it releases each year. Now, the company appears to be adapting the same strategy for its television lineup - Samsung India on Tuesday launched an astounding 44 new models of televisions, across its SUHD, Smart, and Joy Beat lines. The SUHD line comprises of high-end 4K televisions; Smart is Samsung's mid-tier play, focusing on upgradable smart televisions; and Joy Beat range consists of relatively affordable televisions.

Launching 44 new televisions in a single day is a clear show of Samsung's large catalogue, which - the company obviously hopes - means that there should be something for everyone between these three lines of televisions. It claims, citing a report by market research firm GfK from April this year, that it holds 31 percent of the total market share in televisions in India, and 46 percent of the (very nascent) 4K television market. As of now, the best known brands in the space are Samsung, Sony, and LG, along with a few smaller firms such as Vu. So what's next for the Indian TV market?

"The next big thing in televisions seems to be the curved panels because that's the new design form factor which is catching up and in terms of picture quality it will be ultra-high definition," a Samsung representative at the launch event on Tuesday told Gadgets 360. "These two are very tangible benefits for the consumer, that's why we think curved panels and UHD televisions make sense."

The representative also stressed that Samsung is now offering more options to consumers for UHD televisions. "We are now offering the Smart UHD TVs to consumers in more screen sizes," he added. "Earlier, SUHD option in Samsung televisions was available only in 55-inch to 65-inch models. This year we have launched a 49-inch SUHD model at a much lower price."

At the launch, the South Korean company also showcased new features that will be available across the SUHD, Smart, and Joy Beat TVs including the new Cric-o-mania app, which is the company's in-house application for cricket fans.

Talking about the new app, the Samsung executive said that the app was developed by the Samsung Research Institute Delhi, and it will allow users to get update of their favourite live cricket match even when they are watching another channel. The app has a live ticker that's refreshed on each run with cricket updates that can be seen on top of whatever program you are watching.

"The app has been developed especially for Indian consumers and their love for the game of cricket," said the executive.

Another notable feature that will be present on the new Samsung televisions is the Auto Device Detection and One Remote, which will automatically recognise the type of device connected to the TV, whether it is a home theatre system, game console or a set top box.

"We are confident that by leveraging strong product portfolio we will be able to provide our customers more value with latest technology," Rajeev Bhutani, Vice President, Consumer Electronics, Samsung India said. "Samsung has been committed to India for the past 20 years with the TV business being an integral part of growth and success in the country. Our vision is to further consolidate our leadership in the TV market and reach miles to every Indian home with Samsung televisions."