Elite Traveler Summer 2021

SAMSUNG Needing little introduction, this tech powerhouse conglomerate sells the most TVs in the world (it held approximately 18% of worldwide shipments in 2019, a whole 5% in front of its closest competitor) and has been in the number one spot for the past 14 years. To put this into context, it sells around 157 million televisions a year worldwide. Unveiled at CES 2021 (the first virtual version of the event), the new 110-inch MicroLED TV collected the Best of Innovation award at the show. It has a whopping 24 million individually controlled LEDs and a powerful MicroLed processor, resulting in unmatched image quality. It also has an ambient mode featuring landscapes by artist Refik Anadol, the screen can blend into the background whether the display is on or off. The model also has the latest in AI technology with features such as sign language zoom and caption moving, creating a more inclusive experience for those with hearing or vision impairments. The TV was unveiled with a number of other products, all fitting into the brand’s theme of creating a ‘Better Normal for All.’ Samsung is aiming to decrease its overall carbon footprint across TV manufacturing, packaging design and product power efficiency: From 2021 onwards, Samsung TVs will come with a first-of-its-kind solar-powered remote control that can be recharged by indoor and outdoor light, or by USB. This will help prevent waste from an estimated 99 million AA batteries over seven years. samsung.com

LEICA The beloved camera of choice for the movers and shakers, professionals and amateurs alike, Leica’s iconic, timeless design has captured hearts — and exceptional photographs, of course. Some of the most famous photographs have been taken on a Leica: The sailor kissing a woman in Times Square as people fill the streets with joy at the end of WWII; Muhammed Ali’s fist fast approaching the lens; and the hugely replicated image of Che Guevara, Guerrillero Heroico . Truly standing the test of time, the company has been operating for 107 years. Leica cameras are not mass-produced (a number of models are limited edition) and some elements are assembled by hand. High-quality materials are used and, along with decades of expertise, the resulting products are incredibly durable even under extreme conditions. Simply put, the products are built to last — and last they do. The ‘M’ series is the most popular (the aforementioned Guerrillero Heroico was likely captured on an Mmodel) and was first released in 1954. The latest iteration, the M10-R, has a newly developed 40-megapixel color sensor. It has a base sensitivity of ISO 100 and maximum of ISO 50,000, meaning it can handle pretty much all lighting conditions. leica-camera.com