In this Year in Review edition, Samsung Germany’s Steven Pollok breaks down how 2024 played out for Samsung Electronics and highlights the company’s lighthouse projects in Germany.
In 2024, the growing use of digital tools has become more noticeable. The introduction of AI into everyday life marks a milestone in digital transformation, influencing content creation, daily tasks, and professional work. Screen time is no longer just a side effect of digital tools; it now occupies a significant part of our lives across all areas.
This trend not only affects people’s media usage but also challenges companies to adapt to their customers’ changing needs. Over the past year, Samsung has focused on providing holistic solutions to help customers optimize business efficiency while adapting to transformation processes that influence customer behavior. Our current flagship projects demonstrate the growing use of displays across various sectors, creating diverse business opportunities. Strong partnerships and personalized consulting have been key to our success in this area.
Signage market continues to grow
Samsung successfully expanded its display business again last year, though different product segments faced varying conditions. In the first quarter, supply bottlenecks affected the monitor segment, but the situation improved by the second quarter. However, the peak season shifted to a relatively late period in the year due to initially restrained purchasing behavior.
The signage sector, in contrast, continued to grow, driven by rising demand for large-format standalone displays (85 inches and larger). Growth was also supported by increased demand for interactive products and successful rollouts in the outdoor sector. In terms of our product highlights, 2024 was all about connectivity and the establishment of comprehensive solutions that go beyond the hardware level and come in combination with extensive software offerings that can provide real added value for business optimization.
The new year starts with big innovations
With the launch of the VXT (Visual eXperience Transformation) platform, Samsung introduced a content management solution designed to meet these needs. This cloud-based software simplifies content creation and enhances the management of B2B displays, including in-store promotions and advertising. At ISE 2024, we also showcased how SmartThings for Business can enable hyperconnectivity in various business environments. Sustainability was another key focus, with the ePaper standing out as a highlight product that combines digitalization with energy efficiency. Additionally, as demand for immersive experiences grows, Samsung introduced the transparent Micro-LED display.
Display solutions in many sectors
Some of our business cases from the past year highlight how displays can add real value to various business environments. Working with Datavision, Samsung equipped Materna’s new headquarters with modern displays. The headquarters features 123 QMC series screens in different sizes, enabling high-level collaborative work. Additionally, an almost seven-meter-wide The Wall installation from the IWC series delivers stunning visuals at internal and customer events. The Wall All-in-One in 16:9 format also provides vibrant images in the lobby area.
Our project with Media Pioneer is an impressive example of how displays can be used as flexible elements for modern media work and and adaptable room concepts: the “Pioneer Two,” the second media ship of Media Pioneer Publishing AG, will be used for live talks, video and podcast recordings, and as an event venue. The ship is equipped with advanced broadcast and media technology, including around 60 square meters of the latest Samsung displays. A standout feature is the 6.5-meter-wide The Wall installation. This MicroLED display delivers stunning visuals in any lighting and serves as a backdrop for professional filming. A pivoting substructure provides flexible application options.
Samsung also contributed to major event experiences last year. At the Uber Arena in Berlin, integration partner Trison installed nearly 500 Samsung LED cabinets for the fascia and ribbon boards in record time. These displays provide spectators with clear and vibrant information about current scores and highlights during concerts.
2025 gets off to a promising start
We expect the trends from 2024 to continue this year. Gaming will remain a key growth driver in a monitor market that is expected to stay stable. In the standalone signage sector, the demand for large-format screens will continue, providing more space for visual experiences. Outdoor and shop window displays are seeing growing demand, and LED is increasingly becoming a standard product. AI will also find its way into the display sector, whereby our efforts are focused on the direct benefits for customers: taking over tasks, saving time, reducing errors, and improving efficiency through interaction between different devices.
Key product highlights for the new year will help achieve this goal: the ePaper, the 3D monitor, our new HD lineup with full connectivity, and Onyx 2.0 for a modern cinema experience all meet the growing expectations of users. With these products and strong partnerships, Samsung aims to support companies in bringing reliability to their business.
