5 key highlights from Samsung at CES 2019

CES 2019 hasn't even properly opened yet, but Samsung has already thrown not one, but two big events, where it's talked Micro LED, 8K, Bixby, Game of Thrones, and how to get oil grease out of a pair of trousers.

Here's a quick rundown of the most important bits (so not the trousers).

Micro LED is getting smaller

Samsung 75in Micro LED

Samsung 75in Micro LED

Samsung clearly sees Micro LED as the next big step for TV technology, and has followed-up last year's announcement of the 146in 'The Wall' concept with a version intended for the home. The 75in Micro LED model comes in a traditional 16x9 ratio, is super-thin, has no bezels and looks utterly fabulous, thanks to its combination of OLED-like blacks and astonishing brightness and vibrancy.

MORE: Samsung announces 75in Micro LED TV

Micro LED is also getting much, much bigger (and more modular)

Samsung The Wall

Samsung The Wall

But Samsung is also keen to show off the extremes of which Micro LED is capable, which is why it's also unveiled a 219in version of The Wall, as well as a number of prototypes that use the Micro LED modules to create displays of various shapes and sizes. In the future, it says, we could have displays like this dotted all over our homes.

MORE: What is Micro LED? And is it actually any good?

A new 98in version of the Q900R 8K QLED is on the way

Samsung QE98Q900R

Samsung QE98Q900R

Samsung's 2019 4K QLEDs seemingly aren't on the agenda at CES, but the existing Q900R range of 8K QLED TVs is about to get a bigger brother. The new 98in model will sit above the existing 65in, 75in, 82in (US-only) and 85in variants but will otherwise boast the same specs, including a direct LED backlight capable of producing 4000 nits of peak brightness. Expect to pay well over £14,999 ($14,999), which is what the 85in model currently costs.

MORE: Samsung announces 98in version of its 8K QLED TV

iTunes Movies are coming to Samsung TVs (and that's a very good thing)

iTunes Movies on Samsung TV

iTunes Movies on Samsung TV

In a move no-one saw coming, Samsung kicked off CES 2019 by announcing it had struck an exclusive deal with Apple to feature the iTunes Movies and TV Shows app on its 2019 TVs. Why is that big news? Because Apple boasts the biggest library of 4K HDR movies available anywhere (without buying a Blu-ray player and discs), including just-released blockbusters.

MORE: iTunes movies and TV shows coming to Samsung 2019 TVs

Bixby's getting better

Samsung Bixby 2.0

Samsung Bixby 2.0

Samsung's 2019 TVs will be getting a new and improved version of Bixby that can be communicated with hands-free (the mic's in the remote but will pick up your voice from a distance) and offers much more intelligent, context-sensitive results. What's more, a universal guide / search engine with AI learning should help you get to the content you want much quicker.

MORE: CES 2019: All of the new from the world's biggest technology show

Tom Parsons

Tom Parsons has been writing about TV, AV and hi-fi products (not to mention plenty of other 'gadgets' and even cars) for over 15 years. He began his career as What Hi-Fi?'s Staff Writer and is now the TV and AV Editor. In between, he worked as Reviews Editor and then Deputy Editor at Stuff, and over the years has had his work featured in publications such as T3, The Telegraph and Louder. He's also appeared on BBC News, BBC World Service, BBC Radio 4 and Sky Swipe. In his spare time Tom is a runner and gamer.