Samsung aims to hasten device convergence with its new developer kits

Samsung’s first ever developers conference is in its second day and one of the biggest announcements made Monday pertained to five newly revamped and updated software development kits that would soon begin making their way to the company’s partners.

The new SDKs are expected to deliver a host of new functionalities to a variety of Samsung hardware, ranging from Galaxy smartphones to the company’s television sets. Perhaps the most interesting feature announced was a multi screen SDK that utilizes a cloud-based publishing system to let users enjoy content across a number of Samsung-branded screens. 

"There are close to half a billion connected devices in the world today, yet a very limited portion are actually connected to each other," said Dr. Won-Pyo Hong, president of the Samsung Electronics Media Solution Center in a press statement. "Samsung is creating one of the largest connected platforms spanning a broad range of devices that people love and use every day, including smartphones, tablets, TVs and much more. We are clearing a path for creative developers who want to participate in this multi screen future, and the SDKs we are releasing today give them a way to start creating for multi screen, and take advantage of our leadership across so many screens."

Samsung’s new multi screen feature will not be limited to simple video content. The company has gamers covered as well and has partnered with a company called Unity to build a multi screen gaming engine.

As far as new features for smartphones go, many will probably be happy to learn that Samsung is keen on incorporating more precise S-Pen controls into future applications. Additionally, the company will arm developers with better handwriting recognition technology, new animations and a multitasking system that allows for simultaneous apps running in resizable windows.

Without a doubt, one of the neatest features Samsung showed off was called Chord, which enables P2P connections between mobile devices. A demonstration on stage showed two tablets connected together to play a game of virtual air hockey.

The five new SDKs are available in beta phase today. It’s unclear when the final release is slated for.