Samsung Newsroom met with Helen Nam and Donggi Kim from the Wearable Product Planning Group, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics, to learn about what went into creating the new Galaxy Buds3 and Buds3 Pro.

▲ (From left) Helen Nam and Donggi Kim

Creating a Comfortable Fit Using 3D Ear Data and AI

Q. What was your biggest concern when planning the Galaxy Buds3 series?

Nam: For the Galaxy Buds3 series, we had an internal goal of planning the new products from scratch — instead of improving previous versions. Fit is the most important factor for the Galaxy Buds series since an ergonomic fit is the foundation of premium sound quality and convenience. Because the human ear is as unique as a fingerprint, we conducted extensive research on ear shapes and collected a variety of 3D ear data. Based on our findings, we were able to come up with a new design boasting a more secure fit.

▲ Helen Nam explains the planning process behind the new Galaxy Buds3 series.

Q. How has Galaxy AI affected planning the Galaxy Buds3 series?

Kim: We aimed to deliver a personalized listening experience to every individual with AI. When users wear the Galaxy Buds3 series, the Active Noise Canceling (ANC) feature and sound are optimized based on AI-powered algorithms that analyze real-time differences in sound through internal and external microphones. Galaxy AI seamlessly completes the wearability and functionality of the new exterior design.

▲ Donggi Kim introduces the Galaxy Buds3 series’ AI features.

Nam: Thanks to Galaxy AI, the communication experience offered by the Galaxy Buds3 series has significantly improved. More specifically, call quality has been enhanced as AI technology can restore the caller’s voice in various noise environments. Also, Listening Mode can be utilized in the Interpreter feature when connected to a Galaxy smartphone.¹

Superior Sound Quality Meets Optimal Usability

Q. What was the most memorable part of the planning process?

Kim: We visited various speaker stores and listened to different types of speakers to gain insights into sound quality. In addition, we attended in-depth seminars on sound led by a renowned audio professor and employed various methods to achieve sophisticated, ultra-high-fidelity audio. We’re pleased that our efforts have been rewarded by positive feedback from users who appreciate the Galaxy Buds3 Pro’s balanced sounds ranging from bass to treble.

Nam: Conducting consumer evaluations during the early stages of production was memorable. According to our research, many users wanted detailed control over sound and noise cancellation — which is why we added a custom feature that allows users to fine-tune the equalizer (EQ) and noise control to suit their tastes. Reflecting the user feedback collected at the beginning of product development was very meaningful to us. Also, I would like to thank the developers for their active support throughout this entire journey.

▲ (From left) Helen Nam and Donggi Kim share insights into the development of the Galaxy Buds3 series.

▲ (From left) The Galaxy Buds3 Pro and the Galaxy Buds3

Q. What is your favorite feature of the Galaxy Buds3 series?

Nam: I would like to highlight Voice Command — a feature that lets users control their Galaxy Buds3 series with their voice, eliminating the need to touch their smartphone or earbuds. When users’ hands are busy washing dishes or taking out the garbage, they can adjust volume, change music or even answer calls with a simple voice command. Every feature in the Galaxy Buds3 series has been thoughtfully designed to cater to various user scenarios.

Tuning Into the Future of Sound Innovation

Q. In one word or sentence, how would you describe the new Galaxy Buds3 series?

Kim: For me, the project is the combination of my passion and profession. As an audiophile with a keen interest in audio products, I made sure the Galaxy Buds3 series delivers the best performance. The Galaxy Buds3 series is a product I can wholeheartedly recommend to anyone.

Nam: I would say it is like a “vitamin.” From planning to launch, I felt energized during every stage of the Galaxy Buds3 series’ development. I hope that users also immerse themselves in this new world of sound and acquire vitality with the Galaxy Buds3 Pro.

Q. What’s next for the Galaxy Buds series?

Nam: We want to develop the Galaxy Buds series into a product that leverages AI to better understand individuals. Beyond delivering perfect sound tailored to each user, we hope the device can offer user-optimized solutions across various areas including interpretation.

Kim: Sound innovation is a never-ending journey. We are constantly collaborating with developers to elevate the richness and authenticity of sound. We appreciate the continued support and interest from our users.

▲ (From left) Donggi Kim and Helen Nam pose for a photo with the latest Galaxy Buds3 series.

The Galaxy Buds3 series marked a significant milestone in the history of Galaxy Buds with a new design and powerful AI capabilities. Samsung looks forward to how the Galaxy Buds will continue to deliver refined audio experiences and enriched sound.

¹ Interpreter Listening Mode is available on Galaxy Z Fold6, Z Flip6 and all Galaxy Buds series.

In honor of Global Accessibility Awareness Day on May 16, Samsung Newsroom has outlined the accessibility features of Bespoke AI appliances that allow easy and convenient use for all.

Designed With Mobility in Mind

Both Samsung’s Bespoke 4-Door Flex Refrigerator with AI Family Hub and Bespoke AI Laundry Combo feature Auto Open Door — a function that helps users open the doors of these appliances. Refrigerator doors will open with a light touch, and laundry machine doors will open when turned on or when a cycle is complete. This function makes appliance use much easier for people who may struggle with opening doors such as the elderly or those in wheelchairs.

▲ Bespoke AI Laundry Combo with Auto Open Door

Full Control Through Audio and Voice

Bixby’s¹ voice command feature allows users to control devices around the home using only their voice, relieving the burden of device operation for people with low vision. Through voice commands, Bespoke WindFree Air Conditioner stand models can control other home appliances — such as refrigerators and washing machines — once connected to SmartThings.

Devices that offer Voice assistant audibly read user commands and the status of each appliance. Included on select Samsung air conditioners and robot vacuum cleaners, this feature will be expanded via a software update to the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo and other products equipped with AI Home — a 7-inch LCD touchscreen panel that helps control home appliances.

Accessible sounds — available on select refrigerator models for people with low vision — provide audio feedback in a series of distinct sounds with varying scales and syllable breaks, allowing users to better navigate operation controls. Samsung is now expanding this feature to Bespoke AI refrigerators and other products, so users can easily adjust the temperature of the refrigerator and freezer compartments.

▲ A usage example of Samsung Bixby’s voice command feature

Created for All Ages

Samsung is expanding its Senior Care feature to more appliances via AI Home to enhance readability through larger fonts.

Additionally, select induction cooktops feature Child Lock — a function that disables cooktop control to prevent accidental operation by children or pets. The lock can be controlled remotely on the SmartThings app.

Samsung plans to accelerate its development of accessibility technology under the slogan “AI for All” so that convenience in daily life can be enjoyed by everyone.

※ Availability of the features and functions mentioned above may vary by country and region, for applicable models only.

※ When connecting to the SmartThings is required: Users must download the SmartThings app available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required.

¹ Bixby recognizes select languages and certain accents/dialects. The user interface may change and differ by device. The availability of Bixby features and content providers may vary depending on the country/carrier/language/device model/OS version. A Samsung account log-in and an internet connection (Wi-Fi or data network) are required.

Both the Bixby Home screen and Bixby Voice have undergone transformations that have improved usability and helped users get more done with their devices including Samsung smart home appliances, Galaxy smartphones, wearables and tablets. With support for more languages and a suite of new accessibility features, Samsung has enhanced the Bixby experience for millions of consumers across the globe.

Now Samsung is taking one step further with Bixby to improve the user experience and make its features more accessible. Thanks to AI’s continuous evolution and Samsung’s commitment to offering better user experiences for consumers, Bixby has achieved much tighter integration with Samsung Galaxy smartphones, wearables, and tablets as well as Samsung home appliances as a tool to better execute voice commands across all devices. With the latest Bixby update, users can enjoy touch-less control of their Galaxy devices more easily than ever.

Here’s a look at the changes coming to the new Bixby.

A Simplified User Experience

Samsung updated the design language of the new Bixby, bringing it more in line with the user experience found in Samsung One UI. Moving beyond the original blue background, the Bixby Voice app now changes depending on your phone’s display mode. Easy horizontal and vertical scrolling also put a variety of new commands within reach, while performance improvements help to execute users’ commands faster. Improved readability along with the addition of light and dark themes, which bring a more consistent design experience to the Bixby Voice app, are already proving to be crowd-pleasing changes.

Users that participated in the latest Bixby app usage pre-release survey said they found the new version to be brighter, livelier, and more user-friendly than previous versions.

More Content at a Glance

With Bixby’s newest updates, Samsung has unified the app structure to make it easier to find what you are looking for. The latest update combines recommended commands, trending commands, and the Marketplace all in one convenient menu, so you can search for new Bixby capsules and use the voice commands from one place. The simplified structure removes the need to swipe through different menus or cards, allowing you to see the most important information you need with just a glance.

Fewer Interruptions

Whether you are browsing the web or watching a video, you can now use Bixby without interrupting your flow. Rather than taking up the entire screen, Bixby Voice now only takes up the lower third of your screen, so you can issue commands without leaving your current app. That means fewer interruptions on your screen when you’re gaming or using a map to find your destination.

The conversation indicator has also been changed from the Bixby icon to a bar, which grows as you speak to indicate voice recognition for a more dynamic and modern look.

Find the Right Command

Using Bixby feels more personal in the latest update, as the service now offers customized voice command suggestions based on your usage patterns and other devices you have registered with Bixby. With recommendations for a variety of apps and services, the new tailored experience helps you discover more ways to use Bixby and improve your Galaxy experience.

Discovering new ways to use Bixby is also possible by checking the popular voice commands that are trending among other Galaxy users and with hint commands in Bixby Capsules. Tapping Bixby’s main screen will also refresh it, offering a new list of recommended commands to sample from.

Bixby Arrives on Samsung DeX

Productivity has never been easier with Bixby now available on Samsung DeX. Whether you’re working on a presentation or streaming video on a larger screen, Bixby on Samsung DeX makes it easy to open applications or search for content on your computer or a larger monitor.