Samsung targets blurry photos, dirty floors and airborne viruses

Korean electronics giant Samsung has shown off a huge range of new products at its annual forum in Vienna, Austria.

Besides its new line of 3D LED televisions, due out this month, the company was keen to show off its huge range of products, with everything from laptops to dishwashers on display. One device attracting plenty of attention was its new EX1 high-end compact camera.

Clearly targeted at photography enthusiasts who want something smaller than an SLR, the EX1 has a large (1/1.7 inch) 10-Megapixel CCD sensor and a f/1.8 lens, allowing it to capture images in low light or with a shallow depth of field. The lens starts at 24mm and has a 3x optical zoom, while the back of the camera holds a pivoting 3 inch AMOLED screen.

Other gadgets on show included a range of e-book readers. Four models are being produced, ranging from a simple model with a 5 inch e-ink screen up to the 9.7 inch E100 model. All accept micro SD memory cards, and can display Epub, PDF and text files. A stylus can be used to make notes on the screen.

The company is increasing its range of home appliances on sale in Europe, with both tumble dryers and dishwashers soon available for the first time. More interesting, though, are the OnmiPro microwave oven and Navibot vacuum cleaner. The OmniPro weighs items placed in the oven to determine the necessary cooking or defrosting time, and includes a so-called “Sensor Crusty Cook” mode.

The Navibot scuttles around the floor picking up dirt, and uses an integrated camera to see where it's going and avoid obstacles – the company claims that it has a total of 38 sensors to avoid stairs, furniture and other problems. An optional accessory can be used to scare it away from areas you'd rather it leave alone.

Finally, we were also intrigued by the company's “VirusDoctor SPI”, a lava-lamp shaped device that, the company claims, can eliminate 99.99% of the H1N1 influenza virus, over 99% of influenza virus type A, 99.99% of MRSA and 99.6% of the Corona virus using a “HOO Hydroperoxy radical” method”. Sadly there's no news on pricing or whether it'll ever be sold in the UK.