Smart TV users don’t typically enjoy software update policies as extensive as modern premium phones. However, it seems that’s slowly changing, starting with some big names. A recent report claims that Samsung will start offering 7 years of updates to its TVs.
In the smartphone segment, Samsung is the brand that offers the longest update period alongside Google. The company guarantees up to 7 years of updates for its latest flagship models. On the other hand, its Tizen-powered smart TVs receive a maximum of 2 or 3 years of support. Fortunately, Samsung will bring the support period software from its high-end phones to its latest and new smart TVs.
Samsung extends updates to its smart TVs up to 7 years
Apparently, Samsung has been a bit worried about the rise of other TV brands, like Hisense and TCL, that could threaten its dominant position in the market. So, to maintain or widen the gap, the company will use long-term update support as a key selling point. “We will widen the gap in market share with Chinese companies with the seven-year free upgrade of Tizen applied to AI TVs,” said Yong Seok-woo, president and head of Samsung’s TV division, in a recent business briefing.
Samsung’s new seven-year upgrade policy for TVs will cover 2024 models. However, there will also be some 2023 models eligible for such treatment. LG, one of Samsung’s rivals in the segment, also expanded its upgrade policy for TVs. The company said that some 2022 models will receive upgrades “for the next five years.”
Anyway, the Smart TV segment is a bit particular when it comes to software. Many users simply prefer to buy a dongle or TV box, such as the latest Google TV Streamer. After all, having access to many of the key Android features on your TV is pretty tempting. Plus, proprietary smart TV systems don’t typically offer the most stable experience. Still, Samsung’s long-term update commitment to its TVs seems like a move in the right direction.
2024-08-23 15:05:57