FAST-based services are looking to grow in the MENA region, Samsung Electronics is tapping into the trend with the expansion of its Samsung TV Plus service. While it initially launched in 2015, it has been available in select markets where Samsung smart TVs have been sold.
Samsung TV users in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt can now enjoy a wide range of entertainment, drama and lifestyle content at no cost (I had to do a Google Translate from their Newsroom site since it wasn’t even on their global newsroom). The initial geographic availability is currently restricted to the three-mentioned countries (also confirmed on their FAQ); further expansion to more countries across the region is planned.
Consumer Tech meets FAST
Samsung is the first device manufacturer to actually release such a service, and operates on Free Ad-Supported Streaming (FAST) technology to offer variety of live channels and content including news, sports and entertainment. Samsung TV Plus is already available on Samsung Smart TVs sold in 2022-2024; soon, it’ll expand to include 2020 and 2021 devices.
Using it requires one of the Samsung Smart TVs, powered by their advanced Tizen operating system. On the hardware side, the Samsung TVs feature advanced AI features including 8K AI Upscaling Pro and new technologies such as AI Motion Enhancer Pro and Adaptive Sound Pro that revolutionize the viewing experience with advanced picture quality and sound optimization.
Users can expect a range of local and international translated content across five main genres: entertainment, drama, natural history, lifestyle and kids content. The channel lineup includes 12 Arabic channels, 4 English channels and 4 English channels with Arabic subtitles.
Many regional partnerships have been made with MBC’s Shahid, Zee Entertainment, BBC Studios, Nature Time and Blue Ant Media to provide content for the FAST service. Arabic speakers will feel comfortable at home, as it also offers a right-to-left design for MENA-based users.
Samsung TV Plus’ key features include a premium location within the TV’s main interface, an easy-to-use interface that works similarly to traditional broadcast channels, a dedicated page for easy content discovery, and the ability to select favorite channels and read information about live shows and upcoming channels and programs.
