Samsung Electronics is launching a number of new audio products, including its quirky Music Frame and a new flagship soundbar model that features HDMI 2.1 connectivity.
The Samsung Music Frame looks and feels like a small picture frame, and indeed it can be used for that purpose. But in actual fact it's a multi-purpose wireless speaker that can connect to many different devices, including Samsung's 2024 smart TVs, and later, its 2023 televisions.
It appears to be Samsung's inventive response to a trend that has seen various newfangled audio devices emerge as an alternative to the traditional soundbar, such as the Apple HomePod, integrated design solutions like the Canvas, and Dolby Atmos headphones like the Sonos Ace.
The Music Frame is versatile, and can act as a rear speaker for a TV to generate a surround sound effect, a bass speaker, or a front speaker, working in tandem with the TV's internal speakers to expand the front sound perspective. It can also be hooked up to some of Samsung's most advanced soundbars.
It's said to support Dolby Atmos as well as AirPlay, Chromecast and Spotify Connect, making it a great companion for the TV, or a solid standalone wireless speaker in its own right, with an impressive 110-watts of audio power.
In addition to the Music Frame, Samsung has announced an expanded lineup of S-series slim soundbars. The new Samsung S800D and S801D soundbars are just 4 centimeters deep and designed to be paired with widescreen TVs, while the S700D and S701D are smaller variants designed to go with smaller displays. Each model comes with a separate wireless subwoofer.
Earlier this year, Samsung unveiled a new flagship soundbar called the Q990D, which is an extremely powerful 11.1.4-channel device that supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X sound. It's equipped with HDMI 2.1 and paired with wireless up-firing and side-firing rear speakers and a subwoofer to create a truly immersive soundscape.
The new audio devices will go on sale globally in the coming weeks, Samsung said.
