Samsung had a surprisingly big showing for their Windows products at IFA 2012 this year, including showing the world's first Windows Phone 8 handset. While the hardware was received warmly by the press and the public, there was a more lukewarm response to the Ativ name that Samsung has decided to brand all of their consumer Windows products.

So in order to clarify just what the heck Ativ actually means, the company has published a recap of their IFA event to the official Samsung Tomorrow blog. Here's the explanation:

With the introduction of Microsoft’s Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 operating systems, Samsung introduced “ATIV”, the new brand for its Windows-based devices. ATIV, the reverse the word VITA, meaning “Life” in Latin, is a pledge by Samsung to make everyone’s life extraordinary with excitement. The full range of Windows-powered devices will enable this goal.  Samsung introduced ATIV SMART PC, ATIV Smart PC Pro, ATIV Tab, and ATIV S, a full range of ATIV devices.

We know what you're thinking: why not call it Vita instead of flipping it? Sony has the answer for you. Even though Samsung is promising a hyperbole-filled life by using their products, we still have to admit the reasoning behind the name is just dumb. That said, we like the name itself and it sounds unique enough to become a foundation for Samsung to build upon going forward. If the Ativ S and the Ativ tablets are any indication of the direction it's going, we are wholeheartedly rooting for the brand to be a success.

Source: Samsung Tomorrow