Expert review of the Samsung Tizen Smart Hub
The Samsung Tizen Smart Hub
- The smart menu is clear and doesn't cover the entire screen.
- You can easily control the TV with the One Remote and the SmartThings app.
- The Apple TV app gives you access to the videos from your iTunes library.
- You can send images from your phone to the TV via the Smart View app or AirPlay 2.
- The speech assistant Bixby isn't available in Dutch.
- You need to create an account to download apps.
First impression of the Smart Hub
The Smart Hub is full screen and clear. You'll find the most popular apps in a bar. In addition, you can scroll down to see the available content of each streaming service. Via the left menu, you can select the art mode if possible. And you can check your most recently viewed content at the top of the list. That's useful if you want to quickly continue watching a movie or series.
Easily adjust the menu
It's useful to place your favorite apps at the front in the upper bar. I can easily adjust the order of the apps by selecting an app and pressing the selection button. I can then choose to move or delete an app. This way, I can fill the menu with my favorite apps in no time and put the most important ones at the front.
Download apps from the App Store
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The Samsung App Store
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Download an app in the App Store
You can also download new apps, as long as you have a Samsung account. Creating an account isn't my preference, but luckily it's free and only takes a few minutes. The App Store is clearly organized and shows a list of recommendations. If the app you want isn't listed here, you can easily find it via the search bar. After you've downloaded an app, you'll find it in the main menu of the smart hub.
Navigate quickly with the One Remote
Most Samsung TVs include a One Remote. This remote fits comfortably in your hand and has only a few buttons. In the middle, you'll find the round arrow buttons. You can move the volume and channel buttons up and down. This takes some getting used to, but works smoothly after a while. You can find a number of shortcuts to directly open the Netflix or Rakuten app below that. Another advantage of the One Remote is that you can also operate other connected devices with it, such as a Blu-ray player or console.
Control with the SmartThings app
If you don't want to use a remote control at all, the SmartThings app is an option. This turns your smartphone or tablet into a remote control. I download this app, connect my smartphone to the same WiFi network as the TV, and I can get started right away. Every action is very easy, whether I adjust the volume or search for a YouTube video. But the app is especially interesting when you connect other suitable devices via SmartThings. This way, you can control the TV and your lighting or fridge.
No black screen with Ambient Mode
You'll only find the Ambient Mode in the smart menu of QLED TVs. With this function, you can show photos, patterns, or other artistic images on the TV. I'm especially enthusiastic about the interactive images, like a window raindrops appear on when it's raining outside. The idea behind Ambient Mode is that there is never a black screen in your room. I don't see myself using this function every day, but I think it's a useful way to create extra atmosphere during a party.
Conclusion
The Smart Hub is a very user-friendly smart platform that everyone can use. Thanks to the clear menu and the One Remote, you can navigate through the wide range of apps quickly and easily. Do you like to experiment with apps or want to create a smart home? The SmartThings app has many useful streaming and control options.
