Samsung launches ATIV devices for Windows 8 platform

Samsung Electronics, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, has announced its new ATIV devices based on the Windows 8 platform for its Smart PC range. With the introduction of Microsoft's Window 8 operating system, Samsung has introduced ATIV, the new brand for its Windows-based devices.

ATIV, the reverse order of VITA meaning "life" in Latin, is a pledge by Samsung to make everyone's life easier. The full range of Windows 8 powered devices will enable this goal.

"Samsung is delighted to introduce its portfolio of Windows 8 powered devices for our Smart PC range. With our leadership in design and technology and Microsoft's leading operating system, we are able to provide customers with a range of ATIV devices for cross-category convergence," says Mike van Lier, business leader for IT Solutions at Samsung South Africa.

"Samsung is a highly valued partner and it's great to see this investment in a global brand for its Windows-based Smart PCs," said Nick Parker, corporate vice-president, OEM at Microsoft. "This gives us an increased opportunity to inspire our customers with excitement and confidence as they enjoy Windows experiences on their beautiful Samsung Smart PC devices, which include entertainment scenarios."

Unified user experience

"The Microsoft Windows 8 platform is set to create a truly unified user experience and this together with the ability of our Smart PCs, makes for a strong market partnership. Our customers once again have access to the latest market innovation and I am confident that this technology will be very well received locally," says Van Lier.

Combing revolutionary design, the power of a notebook PC and the convenience of a tablet PC - the 11.6-inch Samsung ATIV Smart PC and ATIV Smart PC Pro are Samsung's next set of smart devices. These provide computing power, with Windows 8 functionality as well as full Windows 7 compatibility. Each device features a detachable keyboard-docking system that allows users to easily switch between a clamshell notebook PC and a tablet PC form factor. These devices allow for great mobility with maximum productivity.

An advanced ten finger multi-touch screen for the Smart PC Pro and five finger multi-touch screen for the Smart PC, provides a technological leap in interactivity, surpassing the traditional two-finger touch features. Its enhanced sensitivity allows users to pinch-to-zoom, rotate images and scroll through pages with ease to enjoy the full capabilities of the latest entertainment applications.

S-Pen for writing and drawing

In addition to the commonly provided input methods, the ATIV Smart PC and ATIV Smart PC Pro are equipped with the renowned S-Pen, delivering real writing and drawing experience for maximum productivity, both on the desk and on-the-go. Just like using a pen or pencil, the Wacom digitiser pen is capable of meeting demands of professional designers with its 1024 level pressure sensitivity. The pre-loaded S-Note application accompanies the S-Pen to make writing and drawing as simple and intuitive as possible.

While the S-Camera fully exploits the performance of the integrated front and rear cameras, the S-Player ensures seamless playback of images and videos in any format. This content is presented with Samsung's SuperBright 11.6-inch Full HD LCD display, producing the most vivid colours and sharpness with 400nit brightness.

The ATIV Smart PC and ATIV Smart PC Pro are only 9.9mm and 11.9mm thick, respectively and there are no compromises on performance. Despite its compact and portable form factor, the two devices feature USB 2.0 (Smart PC), USB 3.0 (Smart PC Pro), mHDMI, miniSD and two extra USB 2.0 ports on the keyboard. To get the experience going, the ATIV Smart PC has a battery life of up to 13.5 hours whereas the stronger brother ATIV Smart PC Pro runs up to eight hours.