Samsung debuts smart home speaker that looks like a giant eye
We may be in that weird timeframe known to most as “Betwixmas,” but that hasn’t stopped brands from launching new ideas and releasing products just before the new year hits. Just last week, Samsung introduced its 2026 sound device lineup. It’s not available to purchase just yet, so if you’d like to see it in person, you’ll have to go to CES 2026 in Las Vegas (Jan. 6-9).
The higher-ups are pretty stoked about the newest designs. “For more than a decade, Samsung has shaped the evolution of home audio through advanced acoustics, intelligent features, and thoughtful design,” Hun Lee, Executive Vice President of the Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics, said in a press release. “We’re continuing that legacy with next-generation sound devices designed to deliver a rich, expressive performance for any space and moment."
Whether these new devices are actually revolutionary remains to be seen, but here’s everything we know so far.
There are two new soundbars
Samsung’s 2026 audio lineup includes two new soundbars: the HW-Q990H and the HW-QS90H.
The first is supposed to deliver Samsung’s most “immersive soundbar experience yet,” with an 11.1.4-channel system, a 7.0.2 main bar, 4.0.2 rear speakers, and a dual eight-inch driver with a built-in compact active subwoofer. This soundbar also features “next-generation AI tuning,” though we’re not entirely sure what that entails just yet. This is the first Samsung soundbar to have “Sound Elevation” technology, which Samsung says “lifts dialogue toward the center of the screen.” This soundbar also debuts Samsung’s “Auto Volume” feature, so there’s consistent volume across channels and content.
The second soundbar (the HW-QS90H) is an all-in-one setup that focuses on “aesthetic versatility.” It’s a 7.1.2-channel system with 13 drivers (including nine wide-range speakers) and a built-in Quad Bass Woofer system, so you shouldn't need a separate subwoofer with this one. It also features a “Convertible Fit” design that gives you the option to mount it on the wall or set it on a table — the built-in gyro sensor auto-adapts based on its orientation.
There are two new WiFi speakers
In addition to the soundbars, Samsung is expanding its portfolio with two WiFi speakers, the “Music Studio 5” and “Music Studio 7." These speakers are designed to fit your decor with what Samsung calls a “timeless dot concept” (designed by Erwan Bouroullec), but they definitely look Pixar-coded — like a giant, sleek eye.
The Music Studio 7 offers 3.1.1-channel spatial audio through left, front, right, and top speakers. There’s also an AI Dynamic Bass Control system that gives you the ability to play high-res audio (up to 24-bit/96kHz) with minimal distortion. It's black (there aren’t any other colorways at the moment) and works as a standalone or can be paired with compatible speakers, soundbars, or TVs.
The Music Studio 5 (model LS50H) is a smaller, “gallery-inspired” design for more compact spaces. It features a four-inch woofer and dual tweeters with a built-in waveguide for balanced sound. This speaker also includes the AI Dynamic Bass Control and supports WiFi casting, streaming services, and Bluetooth connectivity.
A more connected ecosystem
While each of these devices is designed to stand on its own, the real goal here seems to be total integration. Samsung is leaning heavily into Q-Symphony, the tech that allows your TV speakers and external audio gear play at the same time rather than fighting for control. For this new lineup, they’ve bumped the limit to allow up to five sound devices to pair with a single TV at once. The system also uses AI to map out your room and calibrate the sound based on where you’ve actually placed the speakers, which should theoretically make that "eye" on your bookshelf and the bar under your TV feel like parts of the same immersive setup.