Samsung Electronics today provided a closer look at its 2024 TV and soundbar lineup at the Unbox & Discover event by showcasing the latest Neo QLED 8K and 4K, OLED TVs and soundbars. As a leading TV manufacturer, Samsung’s offerings at this year’s event elevate the home entertainment experience with a range of powerful, AI-driven solutions.
Elevating Senses With Neo QLED 8K: Clarity, Sound and Smart Experiences
Neo QLED 8K stands as the flagship of Samsung’s latest TV lineup, equipped with the advanced NQ8 AI Gen3 processor and marking a significant leap in SamsungTV technology. This processor features a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) that delivers twice the speed of its predecessor, along with an eightfold increase in neural networks from 64 to 512 — providing an exceptional viewing experience with crisp details.
Every scene on the Neo QLED 8K is a feast for the eyes, thanks to its AI-driven picture technology. It brings out fine details with outstanding clarity and naturalness, from facial expressions to subtle nuances. With 8K AI Upscaling Pro, users’ favorite shows and movies are transformed, allowing them to enjoy stunning details and picture clarity. Additionally, AI Motion Enhancer Pro makes fast action smooth and clear — a dream for sports fans — while Real Depth Enhancer Pro adds a lifelike depth to the picture and pulls viewers into the scene. All these features come together to redefine the Samsung big screen experience.
The Neo QLED 8K also delivers precise audio powered by AI sound technology. This year’s Active Voice Amplifier Pro now excels at extracting dialogue from background noise. Object Tracking Sound Pro also enriches the audio experience by syncing the sound with on-screen action, creating a more dynamic and engaging viewing experience. Adaptive Sound Pro further refines the audio experience by intelligently adjusting the audio to the content and room acoustics, for a genuinely rich and lifelike sound.
The Neo QLED 8K also boasts AI features that understand and adapt to user needs. The AI Auto Game Mode kicks in during gaming, optimizing the visuals and audio for an immersive and engaging gaming experience. The AI Customization Mode adjusts the picture for each scene based on user preference, while AI Energy Mode allows users to save energy without compromising picture quality.
Smart Features With Samsung Tizen OS for Enhanced Integration and Personalization
In 2024, Samsung’s AI screens are set to redefine the Samsung user experience with advanced connectivity and a suite of smart features, apps and platforms. Leveraging the powerful Tizen OS, these innovations have created an ecosystem that is connected andpersonalized. This allows devices to integrate effortlessly into users’ digital worlds, transforming screens into a central hub for all their needs.
Samsung’s latest TVs are designed to connect with a smart ecosystem immediately upon setup. The moment users turn on their new Samsung TV, the TV recognizes and connects to existing networks and devices, all orchestrated through a simple notification on users’ smartphones. This effortless setup extends to all Samsung devices at home as well as compatible third-party appliances and IoT devices, thanks to its compatibility with HCA and Matter. This eliminates the need for extra hubs, so everything from lighting to security sensors can be managed directly from the screen.
Samsung’s 2024 screen lineup also brings integration with users’ smartphones. Users can simply bring their smartphone near the TV to activate Smart Mobile Connect, which turns the device into a universal remote for the TV and connected home appliances. Additionally, in 2024, users can use their smartphones as game controllers with a customizable user interface (UI) and haptic feedback, offering convenient and enhanced gameplay at their fingertips.
Beyond connectivity, Samsung’s 2024 Smart TVs also provide highly personalized experience with its apps and platforms. With the latest addition of widgets, TV screens are now personalized dashboards that allow users to easily monitor home status, camera feeds, energy usage, weather updates and more. Samsung is also introducing Samsung Daily+, a unified smart home platform that brings together a diverse range of apps, categorizing them into SmartThings, Health, Communication and Workspace, each aimed at elevating different facets of user lifestyles and home environments.
Security is paramount, and with Samsung Knox, features, apps, and platforms benefit from robust protection, allowing connected experiences to remain secure.
Expansive Lineup for All Entertainment Needs: Neo QLED 4K, OLED and Sound Devices
Arange of TVs and sound devices designed to offer consumers a wider array of choices to suit diverse lifestyles and preferences is being introduced by Samsung this year. This comprehensive lineup underscores Samsung’s commitment to innovation and a customer-centric approach.
The 2024 Neo QLED 4K lineup brings innovative technology from the latest Neo QLED 8K flagship TVs, elevating the viewing experience with new features powered by the NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor. This advanced chip breathes life into content, rendering it in stunning 4K resolution. Enhanced by Real Depth Enhancer Pro and Quantum Matrix Technology, the screen provides amazing contrast even in complex scenes. With a Pantone Validated display for colour accuracy and Dolby Atmos for an immersive audio experience, Neo QLED 4K sets the bar for the ultimate Samsung 4K UHD experience. Neo QLED 4K will be available in sizes ranging from 55 to 98 inches, catering to diverse viewing environments.
Samsung is also introducing its first Glare-Free OLED, reducing unnecessary reflection while preserving deep blacks and clear images under any lighting condition. Powered by the same formidable NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor as the Neo QLED 4K lineup, Samsung’s OLED TVs boast features like the Real Depth Enhancer and OLED HDR Pro.
Additionally, with features such as Motion Xcelerator 144Hz provides smooth motion and quick response rates, Samsung OLED is a great choice for gaming. Complemented by sleek designs, these OLED TVs elevate the viewing space. Available in three models — S95D, S90D, and S85D — ranging from 42 to 83 inches, there’s a perfect fit for every home.
The 2024 lineup also includes the latest Q-Series Soundbar, Q990D, which boasts an 11.1.4-channel setup with Wireless Dolby Atmos. This model comes with a host of features that stand as a testament to Samsung’s continued leadership in the soundbar industry, featuring innovations such as Sound Grouping for pulsating, room-filling sound and an option for personal listening that allows users to enjoy their content through rear speakers without disturbing others.
The ultra-slim S800D and S700D soundbars continue to deliver exceptional audio quality in an unbelievably sleek and space-saving design. Plus, all Samsung soundbars come with advanced audio technologies like Q-Symphony, which seamlessly integrates Samsung TVs and soundbars for a masterfully orchestrated sound experience.
Lastly, Samsung has unveiled the all-new Music Frame, marrying premium audio with artistic design inspired by The Frame. This versatile device allows users to display personal pictures or artwork while enjoying wireless audio with smart features. Whether used as a standalone device or paired with a TV and Soundbar, the Music Frame provides an auditory experience that complements your space.
Availability
Available for pre-order at samsung.com/ca, Samsung Experience Stores, and participating authorized Canadian retailers and carriers in Canada starting March 12.
Trade-in offer
From March 21 – April 11, Canadians can save up to $2,700 when they upsize an eligible Samsung TV. Plus, get an additional $1,260 when you add a soundbar with eligible TV trade-in.
Nursing Home Provider Files For Bankruptcy After Getting Pwned Twice
Posted in Commentary with tags Hacked on March 25, 2024 by itnerdLast week, Illinois-based Petersen Health Care, known for its extensive network of nursing homes across the US, has filed for bankruptcy following the impacts of two cyberattacks on its systems and defaults on its loans.
Petersen Health Care operates over 90 nursing homes with nearly 4,000 employees and a capacity to accommodate 6,796 residents with services ranging from assisted living to hospice care in Illinois, Missouri, and Iowa. While the company had more than $339 million in revenue last year its debts were more than $295 million.
In October 2023, a cyberattack claimed by the Cactus ransomware gang compromised the company’s network and led to the exposure of sensitive information.
Petersen had attempted to restructure its debt, but the cyberattack forced the company to replace its servers, email addresses, and software and consequently caused the company to lose a significant amount of its business records resulting in an “incredible difficulty and delay” in its attempts to bill customers and insurers, according to court filings.
Furthermore, the ransomware attack on UnitedHealth Group’s Change Healthcare, a major payor for Petersen, further exacerbated Petersen’s financial difficulties.
In the fallout of the two ransomware attacks, Petersen missed payments on $45 million of HUD loans, causing lenders to place 19 of its locations into receivership. Petersen has worked to transition those locations to the receiver’s control but has struggled to keep up with “demand-after-demand from the receiver” while also working to address its larger debt issues, further disrupting the company’s operations, compounding its financial woes.
Steve Hahn, Executive VP, BullWall:
“This is the first of many to come. Blackcat (AlphV), the largest player in the Ransomware space, has specifically said they will focus most of their attention on US Healthcare organizations as a result of the FBI lead attack on Blackcat’s infrastructure. The FBI claimed they “took down” Blackcat but within 24 hours Blackcat proved otherwise. Continuing attacks and saying specifically that US healthcare would be targeted more as a result. Considering this group is Russia based, there are economic principals at play here as this group has likely pulled in close to a billion dollars in Ransom in 2023, but it is also geo-political as many members of Blackcat have ties to former KGB bosses running the criminal underground and Putin was the head of the KGB. We believe he provides them cover in exchange for targeting the sectors Putin wants targeted.
“Their attacks have been financially ruinous to many. United Healthcare recently paid 22 million to this group to decrypt their data after being hit with Ransomware, but that’s peanuts compared to the billions in lost prescription refills caused by the attack. Truly, the impacts of this will likely be over $5 billion dollars when the dust settles. Attacks on hospitals, such as the Lehigh Valley Health Network not only encrypted data but the threat actor extorted the hospital for millions more, threatening to release hundreds of photos of breast cancer patients in states of undress. They trickled these out in batches as they demanded payment. It’s not certain how much they paid to the threat actor group, but the lawsuits will be ruinous to that health network as a result.
“Healthcare networks are easy targets. Massive numbers of IOT devices, doctors accessing systems with personal devices, thousands of connected providers and a sprawling attack surface make them sitting ducks. On top of that they have to pay to get their systems up and running or there will be loss of life.
“Another group of hospitals was recently hit in the Northeast and had to suspend operations as they transferred patients to other providers. It’s unknowable how many people have lost their life in 2023 because of these attacks but we know healthcare will continue to be the top target, that healthcare services will be impacted and the financial strain on these systems will cost hundreds of billions for our economy. Exactly what Russia wants.
“For healthcare, it’s not a matter of “if” it’s a matter of “when”. And they need backup plans, recovery plans and rapid containment plans to limit the effects. They can’t stop these, but they can minimize their impact.”
Getting pwned has a cost to it. And that cost could be anything from expensive to terminal for a business. This is why every organization needs to wrap their heads around prevention and mitigation as a strategy to avoid finding out what the cost of getting pwned is for them.
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