Samsung announced a new lineup of soundbars for 2021, promising both improved audio and a variety of additional features in certain models. These include AirPlay 2 support, Alexa integration, Dolby Atmos, automatic room calibration, etc.

Samsung, which revealed the soundbar ahead of CES 2021 along with other home cinema products such as the Neo QLED TV, MicroLED TV, and Solar Cell TV Remote, said that "some" models in this series will work with Apple's AirPlay 2 protocol Samsung said "some" models in the series will work with Apple's AirPlay 2 protocol. This will allow Mac, iPhone, and iPad owners to easily cast audio to Samsung soundbars for the first time.

While Samsung Soundbar is accustomed to streaming from other sources, access to AirPlay 2 will allow Apple device users to stream music and other audio content beyond speaker systems like the HomePod and HomePod mini to The range of streaming capabilities will be expanded.

Alexa support will be introduced in Samsung's 2020 soundbar series and will carry over to the top models in the new lineup. Room calibration will only be supported on the premium Q series, plus the soundbar must be paired with one of Samsung's own Q series TVs, which can adjust sound output to fit the size and shape of the room.

This "Q-Calibration" feature uses a small microphone built into the TV to detect the room acoustics and feed that data to the soundbar, which can then automatically adjust the output.

If you do not have a Q series TV, some newer models also have a similar "Space EQ" feature that uses the microphones in the soundbar or connected subwoofer instead of the TV to adjust the bass response of the soundbar.

Samsung's latest soundbar lineup is led by the top-of-the-line HW-Q950A, a 7.2-channel soundbar consisting of a main soundbar unit, a wireless subwoofer (which also includes a microphone for room calibration function), and wireless rear speakers. It is a 7.1.2 channel monster system. The satellite speakers are a step up from existing models, with not only upward-directing drivers, but also side-directing channels. This should enhance the overall surround sound effect with the HW-Q950A's Dolby Atmos compatibility.

A 2.0.2 wireless surround sound kit will also be available with the new Q Series models, which will allow users to purchase a stand-alone soundbar initially and add satellite speakers later.

Samsung has not revealed pricing or availability details for the new soundbars, but the company previously announced its home theater audio lineup in the spring; the 2020 9.1.4-channel HW-Q950T, which is closest to the HW-Q950A, costs about $1,800 The HW-Q950A is the closest to the HW-Q950A. [This 3.1.2 soundbar and subwoofer combo also supports Dolby Atmos and, being a Q Series model, is compatible with room calibration and add-on speaker kits.