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What's New With Samsung's Smart TV

Samsung has beefed up its connected TV platform considerably as it faces threats from Google, Roku and its fellow television vendors.

The new platform has a redesigned landing page, called the Smart Hub, with access to several new features, along with more than 300 apps. Here's an overview of what Samsung is adding to its so-called smart TV platform:

Search: Users can run a universal search that covers broadcast TV, web content and social networks. In the demonstration I saw, a search for "NHL" returned current and upcoming televised games, and the NHL's official Facebook page. There's also an option to search the Web.

Web browser: Samsung's connected TVs now include a full Web browser, including bookmarks, favorites, saved passwords and Adobe Flash. I didn't get to see how video sites run through the browser, but I have a feeling Hulu will be blocked anyway.

Your video: This section of the Hub recommends what to watch based on your browsing history.

Picture-in-Picture: While inside the Smart Hub, the current video source will continue to play in a smaller window. PIP is also available while using the Web browser.

Second channel for wireless app: Samsung's mobile app for controlling the television isn't new, but an update will allow users to watch a different channel from whatever's playing on the television, provided they're on the same Wi-Fi network.

User profiles: Because the platform allows users to download apps and get content recommendations, it's now possible to set profiles for each user.