Since Samsung launched its first smart TV in 2008, the company has used its expertise in smartphone apps to expand the capabilities of its TVs, not only offering broadcast, cable, satellite, DVD and Blu-ray viewing experiences, but also access to a wide range of internet streaming channels and other smart features.

Using the umbrella "Smart Hub" interface, the TV viewer not only has efficient access to TV settings and other functions, but also to streaming services such as Netflix and YouTube. Depending on the TV model, it can also include a full web browser and access to social media.

The idea of a smart TV in general, and Samsung’s approach in particular, is to offer built-in apps that are accessible on your TV, similar to the way we use mobile apps on a smartphone. When you look at your TV menu, it looks like a smartphone screen.

In addition to the popular apps that are suited to the big screen of the TV, such as Netflix, Fandango at Home, Hulu and YouTube, there are apps for music services like Pandora and Spotify, and other unique apps can be based on games or apps that run on other devices. There are also apps that let you connect directly to your Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) accounts.