Products That Can Serve as a Smart Home Hub
Samsung Electronics and Apple are preparing to launch tablet PCs that are much bigger than current models. The move is intended to expand table PC ecosystems by targeting a market segment for products with large screens.
Samsung Electronics is preparing to launch the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra with a 14.6-inch screen, said IT media outlet SamMobile and others on Dec. 21. It is the largest screen model among the Galaxy Tab series released so far. Previously, the largest product was the 12.4-inch Galaxy Tab S7+. The Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is expected to feature the Qualcomm Snapdragon 81 AP, 11,200 mAh batteries and 45W high-speed charging.
Samsung Electronics plans to upgrade its DeX function and apply it to the Tab S8 Ultra. The DeX function allows users to use smartphones or tablet PC screens like laptops. As the new model has a screen as large as that of a laptop, Samsung Electronics’ strategy is to increase utilization by providing appropriate usability and applications. It will also introduce Samsung Health App exclusively for tablet PCs for the first time. Various kinds of health information will be shown on its three-row layout screen suitable for a large display.
Apple is also likely to release a 15-inch iPad. “Apple feels the need for a device to act as a smart home hub, which could lead to the launch of a 15-inch iPad,” said Mark Goodman, a well-known Apple whistleblower and Bloomberg journalist. Apple has a successful hardware platform in almost every area, but it is particularly weak in smart speakers and related devices. Apple’s share of the smart speaker market is only 5 percent, according to CIRP, a U.S. market research firm. Amazon which sells the Alexa Smart Speaker, ranks first with a 69 percent share and Google second with 25 percent.
Amazon took the wraps off the 15.6-inch Amazon Eco Show 15 tablet PC in September. Users can check weather, control various home appliances, check security images, and look at today’s what-to-do list on its large display. It serves as a home hub for all family members. People can enjoy over the top (OTT) services such as Netflix with the device. Currently, Apple has no devices in this area.