The Samsung Smart TV is just like the app store when it comes to developing apps, as they both need a software development kit. The opportunity is explained very simply really, as it is a way for developers to build new applications for Samsung’s latest range of TVs and Blu-ray players ready for consumers to download.
These devices have only come on to the market this year, with the Korean market getting them first and other countries soon to follow — some as early as may 2011. There are so many things that help the developers create these apps easy, but it is the emulator UI that is the biggest help.
Other features that make it easier for live and on-demand viewing of apps is IETF live streaming. We may not understand the complexities of how it all works, but it is the end result that matters most — such as speed. Something else that is very interesting is how the SDK for Samsung’s Smart TVs integrates Adobe AIR 2.5 technology; this makes it possible for developers to create standalone applications.
There are some companies that do all they can to deter developers to build apps, such as making things tougher. However, the same cannot be said for Samsung, as they have a system set up that makes is simple for them to get started. It is things like this that has allowed Samsung to grow as a company at an alarming rate in recent years; we just hope that they can keep up this momentum.
The Korean consumer electronics maker knows that the TV is the central hub to any home, so coming up with new interactive features is a way to keep the family firmly in front of it. Apple were the ones that made the app king when it comes to new content, and now it is the likes of Samsung that has taken it and adopted it in more than just a phone.
For a greater insight into the Smart TV SDK then visit the official Samsung Forum.
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