Eight years have passed since Samsung bought Harman International Industries for $8 billion and became the parent company of audio brands like Harman Kardon, AKG, JBL, and others. Recently, Samsung's e-shop fully embraced the JBL brand.
Although Samsung's online stores in various regions have had a shortcut to JBL audio products for many years, prospective JBL equipment buyers used to get redirected from the Samsung e-shop to the JBL website whenever they wanted to make a purchase. Not anymore.
Samsung recently added a selection of JBL audio devices to its online stores in regions like the USA and several European countries. This time, customers can buy these products straight from Samsung's e-shop without getting redirected to JBL's. Samsung labeled this JBL category “New,” as seen below.
In the USA, Samsung sells nearly two dozen JBL audio products, including over-ear headphones, gaming headphones, Bluetooth speakers, and the JBL Live Pro 2 wireless earbuds.
These audio devices could make for interesting alternatives to Samsung's Galaxy line of audio products, with the caveat that they might not offer the same range of features through platforms like SmartThings or Galaxy Wearable.
After all, JBL is still its own brand and doesn't have to follow the same design principles as Samsung's mobile and consumer electronics divisions. This also goes for deals and discounts. Samsung's e-shop often has deals and bundle offers on Galaxy devices, but JBL products carry their own brand and offers.
Likewise, you may or may not be able to use your Samsung Credit, earned from buying Samsung products, for discounts on JBL audio devices. Nevertheless, these things could change. Besides, it's an interesting move that brings Samsung's online store closer to offering a more complete one-stop shop experience.
If you want to check out the full range of JBL audio products available through Samsung's e-shop right now, it's listed under the “Accessories” store page.