Samsung has just announced details of a new wireless control feature for its 2019 lineup of smart TVs, enabling users to control a range of connected devices including PCs, smartphones and tablets via their big screens.
The new feature is called Remote Access, and it relies on virtual desktop infrastructure technology from VMware. Virtual desktop technology has been around in IT for years, allowing users to view their desktop from any PC or device, no matter where they’re located. Remote Access will also use Samsung’s Knox security technology to ensure connections between devices are secure.
With Remote Access, users will be able to hook up their keyboard, mouse and any other input device to their TV, without the need for separate HDMI cables for each one.
The main benefit is extra convenience. So, users would for example be able to access a PC that's located in the bedroom through their TV to explore their files, work on documents or browse the web. For gamers the main advantage is being able to play games on the TV from a connected desktop PC.
Samsung said it will add more apps and programs for Remote Access in the future.
Questions still remain about the kind of latency users can expect when using the feature. There’s also no word on what kind of wireless router, if any, might be needed to enable Remote Access. The company promised to reveal more details at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas next month.
“Samsung is committed to creating an intuitive and convenient user experience for consumers. With Remote Access, consumers will be able to easily access various programs, apps and cloud services installed on multiple connected devices directly through their TV screen,” said Hyogun Lee, Samsung's Executive VP of Visual Display Business. “We will continue to collaborate with our partners to expand the compatibility of Remote Access and provide more services to our users.”