Samsung takes great pride in their collection of Smart TVs and the apps that it provides for our use on their big screens. They just announced today that they would be the first to support the new Facebook video app. The app will be available on all of their Smart Hub platforms on its 2015, 2016, and the company’s new QLED TV lineup for 2017. Sangsook Han, Vice President of the Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics sees it as a coup to be the first Smart TV to carry the Facebook video app, but also as a means to expand their sales by giving consumers the programming they desire. To download the app you simply go to the ‘app area’ on the TV, select the Facebook video app, and it will be ready and waiting next time you go into your Smart Hub area.
We knew that Facebook had been working to make their Video App that we can now enjoy on our mobile devices available for TV platforms. This application will include the Facebook user videos made by your Facebook friends, but will also allow you to search through other videos as well. Facebook is working on some deals to provide original top-tier and exclusive programming as well. Facebook posting is great, but they are looking to increase profits, and the best way to do that is through videos – they open up an entirely new path of revenue. Ads are already showing up in Messenger and video is the next logical place to go. If Facebook can have those ads show up on your big screen TV where numerous people may be watching, so much the better.
Samsung has always liked to stay one-step ahead of its Smart TV competition, so being the first to push the new Facebook video app is no surprise. Many consumers are into Facebook, and it may give them just another reason to purchase a Samsung Smart TV over an LG or Visio branded model. The TV is becoming more than just a box to watch network TV shows – it is quickly becoming a family’s entertainment hub to the outside world. Rather than looking at a Facebook video on a 5 or 6-inch smartphone display, or even on a 12 to a 21-inch computer monitor, you can now experience the videos on a 40 – 70-inch environment. They are much more exciting and lifelike when viewed on the big screen, not to mention the entire family can enjoy them.