Samsung launches local Smart TV application

"This application development demonstrates that Samsung is constantly initiating change to ensure that consumers are always exposed to a quality, innovative and interactive viewing experience and today, with the demand for smarter lifestyles and need for constant access, there is no doubt that offering consumers rich and relevant content enables them to live the 'Smart Life'," says Corrie Labuschagne, product and marketing Mmanager for TVs at Samsung South Africa.

The Samsung Smart TV News24 application is accessible on all Samsung Smart TVs, from the mid range (D5500) upwards, and offers the consumer access to news, sport, finance, motoring, entertainment and lifestyle related content. This application includes a scroll news ticker displaying the latest top stories across the bottom of the TV screen as well as an auto run option of the ticker. Furthermore, the consumer has the option to select and open any story from the ticker or select the full screen view to browse the latest content.

App, free of charge

This application also provides the user with the ability to navigate between stories and sections using the arrow keys on the TV remote, giving the viewer the option to switch between stories and gain a full overview of content available. The squeeze back TV window pane within the application allows the viewer to catch up on the latest news without missing out on their favourite TV show.

Should consumers wish to download the application, it is free of charge and will be accessible from the Samsung Apps Store via the Smart TV UI. The News24 application is available for download on all Samsung Smart TVs in September 2011.

"News24 users want to be able to get breaking news whether they're in front of their PC, using their mobile phone or watching television. Internet-enabled TV is clearly the next big thing and so the News24 app is the next step in offering our users an integrated digital experience across all platforms," says Ronald Bach, product manager News24.