Samsung brings One UI to smart TVs with major software update

What just happened? Samsung is bringing the One UI brand deployed across its mobile products to select models of its smart TVs. It is a faster than expected rollout and suggests that Samsung is determined to create a more cohesive ecosystem across its product range.

Samsung users first got wind of this change from an announcement the company made at the Samsung Developer Conference earlier this month. The company said it would unify all of its products under the One UI brand, including the software for its TVs and home appliances. It took a surprisingly short time for Samsung to fulfill this promise, as it initially said that this change was scheduled for sometime next year.

The One UI update for TVs is based on the Tizen 8.0 operating system and introduces several new features and interface changes. There is a refreshed home screen with new For You, Live, and Apps tabs, which offer personalized content recommendations and favorite applications. A new Watch Later feature lets viewers save shows and movies to a list for future viewing.

One of the most notable additions is improved integration with other Samsung devices. Users can now use other Samsung products linked to the same account, such as a keyboard and mouse for the TV. The update also enables real-time workout tracking, allowing users to view fitness metrics from their Galaxy Watch directly on the TV screen.

There is a redesigned Game Bar for gamers that offers enhanced features and a more streamlined interface. The update also introduces a new Daily Board feature that offers customizable wallpapers and widgets to the TV's standby screen.

The Settings menu has been overhauled to make frequently accessed options more readily available. Samsung has also standardized app icons for services like Bixby, Gallery, Samsung Internet, and SmartThings to match their appearance on Galaxy phones and tablets.

The update also enhances the Multi Control feature, allowing for file transfers between compatible devices. Users can now view and manage smart camera feeds from devices set up in the SmartThings mobile app directly on their TV.

Accessibility features have been improved, with the Accessibility Shortcut now automatically arranging options based on usage frequency. The on-screen keypad supports more languages, and a paired smartphone's drag-and-drop functionality has been enhanced.

The update is currently rolling out to 2023 models, starting with the S90C OLED TV. Samsung has committed to providing seven years of OS updates for TVs receiving the One UI update – long-term support that mirrors the company's approach with its smartphone lineup.