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Samsung Unveils Evolution Kit to Keep HDTV Obsolescence at Bay

By Rachel Cericola

It seems like as soon as you buy a piece of AV equipment, you have about a week or so before it becomes obsolete. Not so with Samsung Smart TVs. Well, not so with Samsung Smart TVs that are compatible with the Smart TV Evolution Kit.

The little kit fits into a model-sized hand (see the pics, people!), but packs in some big options, allowing older TVs to upgrade to newer features. Samsung first mentioned the innovation at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show. Now, the company is bringing that product to the masses -- or at least to the 2013 International CES.

According to the announcement, the Evolution Kit will turn select Samsung 2012 Smart TVs into 2013 Smart TVs. Of course, there's no new bezel or anything. Instead, you attach the Evolution Kit device to the back of the compatible TV, and it will put all of the latest and greatest features on your older HDTV.

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Don't expect all of the tweaks to be software-based, either. Samsung says that the CPU, memory and GPU will also get enhancements. That works out, since the new Smart TVs will have more goodies, which may need those faster web speeds and multitasking options.

The Evolution Kit offers plenty of other updated perks, including Samsung's latest Smart Interaction features. That means users can add in the latest voice and motion control options.

Samsung plans to have the Evolution Kit on hand at next week's 2013 International CES. Expect one of the demos to show how the 2013 Smart Hub allows viewers to check out five different panels with a wide range of content, including live TV, VOD, apps and web content.

"Evolution Kit has opened a new era of Smart TV and completed a true Smart TV with its innovative concept, which fits in the rapidly changing IT trends," said Sunny Lee, Samsung's executive vice president of Visual Display Sales & Marketing Team. "Consumers can enjoy the latest features and services every year without having to purchase a brand new set. Samsung Smart TV users will enjoy Timeless TV that transcends time with Evolution Kit."

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