Samsung is rolling out some exciting new features for its 2026 TVs. Starting this month, these TVs will support HDR10+ Advanced streaming on Prime Video. This means brighter, more detailed images for supported shows and movies.
The HDR10+ Advanced format was unveiled last November. It adds Enhanced Overall Brightness and Intelligent Motion Smoothing to the picture. Enhanced Overall Brightness uses extended metadata to boost HDR quality and brightness. AI-powered tone mapping helps reveal shadow details while increasing brightness in bright scenes. Meanwhile, Intelligent Motion Smoothing adjusts motion processing scene by scene for smoother video.
Samsung said this new HDR support will first appear on its 2026 TV lineup. Viewers with compatible Prime Video content will see the difference right away. This is a big step forward for home theater fans looking for sharper, more vivid streaming.
New Rules for Samsung Smart TV Apps
Samsung is cracking down on certain smart TV apps. A cybersecurity firm named Mnemonic found some apps turn smart TVs into residential proxies. This means the TV routes other people’s internet traffic through your home network without your knowledge.
One example is the Pac-Man app, which can turn your TV into an exit node for web traffic. Samsung responded by banning any apps that expose users’ internet connections. A spokesperson said Samsung will enforce strict developer rules to block residential proxy software development kits (SDKs).
LG has also joined the crackdown, suspending any apps that turn TVs into residential proxies. This move protects users from having their internet bandwidth hijacked or their networks exposed to risk.
Gaming and Streaming Grow on Samsung and Hisense TVs
Samsung has discounted its smart monitor, the M80F, to $349.99, the lowest price yet. It’s a 32-inch 4K monitor with built-in streaming apps, cloud gaming services, and a webcam. The M80F supports HDMI 2.0, USB-C charging up to 65W, USB-A, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth headphones.
Gamers can use cloud gaming apps like Xbox and Nvidia GeForce Now on the M80F. The Xbox app recently started rolling out to Hisense TVs running VIDAA OS. These TVs were released between 2024 and 2026 and include some Toshiba models as well.
To play games on the Xbox app, users need a Game Pass subscription. There are three tiers: Essential at $10 a month, Premium at $15, and Ultimate at $23. The app requires an internet connection and an Xbox controller or Bluetooth alternative. Microsoft says it will keep expanding the app to more VIDAA OS TVs.
New Sports Streaming Deals Hit ESPN and The CW
On July 28, ESPN and The CW announced a live sports partnership. Starting August 4, The CW’s live sports programming will appear on ESPN’s platforms. ESPN Unlimited subscribers can watch WWE NXT, NASCAR, and college games as part of the deal.
CW Sports streams pro bowling, bull riding, WWE NXT, and NASCAR races. The new agreement also includes 140 hours of college football starting August 29. This covers games across the ACC, Pac-12, and Mountain West conferences. The partnership will run through the 2030-2031 season and includes basketball games too.
Fans will find CW Sports content on ESPN’s mobile and TV apps, plus ESPN’s website. This deal broadens access to a variety of live sports on familiar platforms.
In all, Samsung’s latest moves show a push toward better picture quality, stronger app security, and more gaming and streaming options. Whether you want stunning HDR movies, safer smart TV use, or cloud gaming at home, the new features make this year’s TVs worth watching.
Based on
- New Samsung TVs will support HDR10+ Advanced streaming on Prime Video starting this month — engadget.com
- Samsung Says It’s Banning Smart TV Apps That Expose Users’ Internet Connections — engadget.com
- Samsung’s discounted smart monitor is $349.99, its lowest price yet | The Verge — theverge.com
- You Can Now Play Xbox Games On Hisense TVs Without A Console — engadget.com
- The CW’s Live Sports Programming Is Coming To ESPN On August 4 — engadget.com
