“Our primary goal for this year is to realize an AI Home that adapts intuitively to the user,” said Jeong Seung Moon, EVP and Head of the R&D Team for Digital Appliances Business at Samsung Electronics. “We aim to enhance the user experience through continuous software upgrades for existing products, taking us one step closer to a true AI Home experience.”

New Update: Bixby and Samsung TV Plus

The Voice ID feature² is a new multi-voice recognition function provided by Bixby.³ It identifies users’ voices registered either on the refrigerator or a Galaxy mobile device, enabling personalized features based on the recognized user. This allows consumers to personalize shared home appliances for individual use, offering greater convenience and functionality.

For example, Bixby intelligently switches to each user’s Samsung account based on the recognized user. Users can check their registered schedules on the calendar,⁴ or their photos⁵ using simple voice commands. Also, they can trigger an alarm on their phone to check its location, even when the device is set to silent mode.⁶

The Voice ID feature also enables seamless interactions with the refrigerator screen for users who utilize vision enhancements on their Galaxy mobile phones. Even without a request to switch accounts, Bixby automatically switches accounts with general conversations for these users. It then synchronizes the appliance’s display modes with the settings on the user’s mobile phone, such as color inversion or grayscale.⁷

Additionally, Samsung has introduced a new way to activate Bixby on the screen. Previously, users could activate Bixby by clicking the Bixby icon on the screen or through voice commands. When the screen is off, an additional option has been added to activate Bixby by double-tapping the display. Users can make the most of this feature by selecting their preferred method in the settings.

The update is being applied to Bespoke AI Refrigerators with AI Family Hub launching in 2025 first,⁸ with availability coming after the completion of the latest software update on AI Family Hub screens or SmartThings.

Additionally, Samsung plans to gradually apply this update to the Bespoke AI refrigerators with AI Home⁹ in the second quarter of 2025. For refrigerators with AI Home, the update expands the service area for Samsung TV Plus, as well. Previously available in only South Korea and the United States, the service will extend to Canada, Brazil, Australia, Mexico and India. Thanks to the update, it is expected that consumers will be able to easily enjoy entertainment features right from their kitchen with Samsung TV Plus.

¹ Refers to the refrigerators with AI Family Hub, and 9-inch AI Home screens
² Each user must register for a Samsung Account on screen appliances in advance. Voice ID should be registered either on the refrigerator, or Galaxy mobile devices and then transferred to the refrigerator. (Limited to Galaxy S24 and subsequent models where Voice ID can be registered.)
³ Bixby is Samsung’s brand of Internet of Things (IoT) voice assistant. Bixby service availability may vary depending on the country. Bixby recognizes certain accents/dialects of English (US, UK, Indian), Chinese, Korean, French, German, Italian, Spanish (Spain, Latin America) and Portuguese (Brazil). User interface may change and differ by device. 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 network connection (Wi-Fi or data network) are required.
⁴ To use calendar feature, users need to either register their schedule directly on the refrigerator or link their mobile phone calendar in advance. Only Google or Microsoft calendars saved under a Google or Microsoft account can be synced with the Bespoke AI Refrigerator with AI Family Hub. (Refrigerators with AI Home support Google Calendar only.)
⁵ Gallery feature is supported only for users who have saved photos to OneDrive cloud storage via the Samsung Gallery app on a Samsung mobile phone.
⁶ To enable the service, a preset is required in the SmartThings Find.
⁷ When a user registers a device through the SmartThings app, a one-time sync notification may appear via a plug-in. If the user signs into their Samsung account on a refrigerator and related settings are stored in the cloud, this data may be transmitted once to the device. Screen settings can be modified at any time, and any changes will be saved and remain in effect unless manually updated.
⁸ Timeline may vary depending on the service region or model.
⁹ AI Home refers to the 7’’ or 9’’ LCD screen on the product. Does not mean all services available on the AI Home are AI or generate information or outcome using AI. Certain functions accessible through the AI Home utilize AI-based algorithms, which can be updated periodically to improve accuracy. AI-based algorithms may generate incomplete or incorrect information.

Over the past century, home appliances have evolved to reduce the burden of household chores and add convenience to lives.

The accelerated development of these appliances is marked by the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technology that analyzes usage environments and executes optimal functions to significantly alleviate inconveniences associated with household tasks.

To that end, Samsung Electronics is updating its home appliances every year. With software at the core, these products are transforming from bulky machines into advanced electronic devices perfect for everyday living.

AI Home Appliances Become Lifelong Partners

Samsung home appliances are gradually expanding their role as daily companions through AI. For instance, AI Vision Inside in the Bespoke AI Family Hub¹ recognizes food ingredients placed on the refrigerator’s shelves with the internal camera to create a food list and remind users of expiration dates. Meanwhile, the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo provides a streamlined washing and drying experience with an AI-customized course.

SmartThings offers an interconnected ecosystem of various home appliances and IoT devices that fit users’ lifestyles. Furthermore, the screens on Samsung’s AI home appliances combine the latest hardware and software to orchestrate a multi-device experience that lets users easily control appliances in their homes.

Software Updates With AI Voice Assist and Added Security

As home appliances become increasingly software-driven, regular updates are critical. Samsung brought more than 50 major feature updates to its core home appliance lineup this year through Smart Forward, the company’s software updating service via SmartThings.

Previously exclusive to the 2024 Bespoke 4-Door Refrigerator with AI Family Hub, Quick Share will now be supported on Family Hub refrigerators released in 2017 and later through a software update. Now, users can easily view photos and videos from their smartphone, continue browsing web pages, watch YouTube videos and even create personalized images with the Generative Wallpaper feature all from the Family Hub refrigerator’s large screen.

Samsung’s voice assistant was updated in late August to transform how users interact with their Samsung AI home appliances. The Bespoke 4-Door Refrigerator with AI Family Hub, Bespoke AI Laundry Combo, Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI Steam and Bespoke AI WindFree Gallery Freestanding Air Conditioner² are equipped with the latest version of Bixby to better execute user commands based on natural language.

For instance, a user can ask the robot vacuum cleaner to clean the house and set a time to start the washing machine in one sentence. Bixby will understand the commands and execute each of them accordingly. Users can even hear verbal responses when asking about their air conditioner’s air filter or maintenance status.

In such an interconnected environment, the importance of security software cannot be overlooked. Samsung Knox helps users enjoy their latest AI home appliances with peace of mind. Recent Knox Matrix updates have been applied to the Bespoke 4-Door Refrigerator with AI Family Hub for enhanced security by allowing the device to check the security status of other connected appliances.

Accessibility Improvements Made for Everyone

Software improvements are making Samsung home appliances more accessible to everyone.

Last month at IFA 2024, Samsung unveiled Voice ID³ — a feature that recognizes the voices of each family member and offers tailored solutions based on personal characteristics such as schedules, interests and health conditions.

Starting this month, Samsung will offer Accessibility Sync so users can apply accessibility settings from their smartphones to home appliances during initial setup. In the future, this software will integrate with Voice ID to recognize users’ voices and synchronize personalized accessibility settings for each individual.

AI and software in home appliances are transforming everyday life. Samsung’s AI technology will predict and troubleshoot problems with SmartThings-connected home appliances and provide solutions from users’ smartphones. Moreover, remote diagnoses of software errors and system settings will improve the quality and lifespan of home appliances. Catch a glimpse of the futuristic life led by Samsung’s cutting-edge home appliances at the upcoming Samsung Developer Conference 2024 on October 3 in San Jose, California.

¹ The Bespoke AI Family Hub refrigerator can recognize and categorize up to 33 different food ingredients. Users must manually name and set expiration dates for other ingredients.
² The Bespoke AI WindFree Gallery Freestanding Air Conditioner is only sold in Korea.
³ Voice ID is expected to be available in 2025.

The company showcased revolutionary accessibility features in its Bespoke AI appliances on September 6 (local time) at IFA 2024 — Europe’s largest consumer electronics trade show held in Berlin, Germany. Aligning with this year’s IFA theme of “Innovation for All,” Samsung is presenting a more comfortable lifestyle to users.

▲ Samsung Electronics’ press conference at IFA 2024

Personalizing Experiences According to Each User’s Voice

At IFA 2024, Samsung introduced Voice ID³ — a game changer in smart home technology that will offer personalized experiences by distinguishing between family members’ voices.

Home appliances that support Voice ID will be able to understand voice commands from users and provide customized solutions based on schedules, interests, health conditions and other personal characteristics.

For example, Voice ID will recognize a senior user’s voice, recommend dishes depending on their diet and find relevant recipes when they ask about dinner.⁴

Syncing Accessibility Settings Across Devices

Currently, accessibility settings need to be set up separately for each device. By the second half of this year, Accessibility Sync will allow users to apply accessibility settings from their smartphones to their home appliances during initial setup.

In the future, home appliances with Voice ID support will be able to synchronize accessibility settings with each user’s voice. For instance, Accessibility Sync will recognize a mother’s voice and apply her smartphone’s accessibility settings to the washing machine.

Improving Usability Through More Visible Screens and Voice Assistance

▲ Bespoke AI appliances inside Samsung’s booth at IFA 2024

At IFA 2024, visitors to Samsung’s booth can experience how the company is improving screen visibility on its Bespoke AI appliances. The 32-inch screen on the Bespoke 4-Door Refrigerator with AI Family Hub⁵ features black-and-white, color inversion and font enlargement for users with low vision. Meanwhile, the 7-inch AI Home⁶ on the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo supports high contrast to improve readability.

Voice Guide will further enhance accessibility by providing audible descriptions of an appliance’s status and operations. Once activated in settings, the feature will read what is displayed on the screen. Voice Guide will be progressively rolled out⁷ to products with displays.

Adding Convenience With a Light Touch

▲ Bespoke AI Laundry Combo with Auto Open Door

Designed to help users easily open doors, Auto Open Door is currently available on select refrigerators, washing machines, ovens and other home appliances. The Bespoke 4-Door Refrigerator with AI Family Hub opens with a gentle touch. Meanwhile, the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo door automatically opens at the end of a wash or dry cycle to allow moisture to escape or keep laundry fresh.

Samsung is constantly expanding its features to make home appliances more accessible to users. Fully committed to its “AI for All” vision, the company looks forward to breaking down barriers and setting new standards for inclusivity in home technology.

¹ Accessibility features of Samsung home appliances may vary by region and product.
² Results may vary depending on actual usage conditions.
³ Voice ID is expected to be available in 2025. The availability of features and content providers may vary by country/carrier/language/device model/OS version.
⁴ The following scenario may vary depending on user language settings or regional differences.
⁵ Product name may differ by region. North America: Bespoke 4-Door Flex Refrigerator with AI Family Hub+, Latin America: Bespoke 4-Door French Door Refrigerator with AI Family Hub+.
⁶ Does not mean all services available on the AI Home are AI or generate information or outcomes using AI. AI Smart Dial, AI Wash & Dry and Voice enabled with Bixby accessible through the AI Home utilize AI-based algorithms, which may be updated periodically to improve accuracy. AI-based algorithms may generate incomplete or incorrect information.
⁷ As of early September 2024, Voice Guide is only supported on select Family Hub refrigerators and Bespoke AI Laundry Combo.

Why Does the Family Hub Evolve to be Personalized?

The refrigerator is the most frequently used appliance in many households. However, as the refrigerator evolves into a smart device, each family member may also want different functions and information that suit their individual tastes. So the 2018 Family Hub uses AI to offer ‘personalized’ services.

The new Family Hub that will be introduced this year has a new feature called Meal Planner. It suggests optimal recipes for the user based on their food ingredient preferences and the expiry date of the ingredients in the fridge. Previous models of the Family Hub had a voice recognition feature. The 2018 Family Hub builds on that with a new VOICE ID feature that can identify a user by his or her voice. No other refrigerator on the market today supports these functions.

Catering to the Needs of Every Member in the Family

VOICE ID does more than just recognize what the user says. Previously, you had to manually enter information into the Family Hub to call up your personalized calendar or weather. Now, because it can determine who is actually speaking, it can call up user-specific information with just your voice.

After registering the sound of each family member’s voice, Family Hub analyzes the voice data to distinguish the speaker’s voice from other family members who have registered their voices. When you say, “Hi Bixby,” the Family Hub determines whose voice it is based on information stored in the cloud. ”Hi Bixby” is a trigger phrase that gets the fridge ready to recognize the user’s voice and reverts to the custom settings and features for that person.

Family Hub has three functions that can be personalized: Morning Brief, Calendar, and To-do List. If you say, “What’s new today?” after saying “Hi Bixby” to make the fridge recognize you, the Family Hub shows a personalized schedule.

Meal Planner’s Smart Algorithm Suggests the Optimal Diet

Not everyone in the family has the same eating habits or preferences. The 2018 Family Hub combines data from individual food preferences and shelf life for ingredients in the fridge to provide each family member with a personalized diet.

The 2018 Family Hub can hold information about the food preferences of each family member, and keep track of the expiry date of your ingredients based on the average shelf life. You can add the expiry date by entering the type of ingredients into your Family Hub or smartphone app, or just by saying out loud, “I’m going to put in an apple.”

Family Hub features a sophisticated algorithm that automatically suggests appropriate menus from a variety of recipes.

Personalized Recipe Recommendations Based on Data Analysis

The 2018 Family Hub employs AI-based technologies so that it can analyze data on each family member and selectively utilize the information. The refrigerator offers recipes that meet the needs of all family members, or provides family member A and B, or B and C, with personalized recipes. The fridge can provide a user with enough number of recipes so that the user can plan a whole week of meals. The user can select a recipe and register it to the calendar to arrange a healthy and optimized meal plan.

Let’s say the mother likes beef and hates carrots, and kids don’t enjoy salmon. This information is entered into the Family Hub and the Meal Planner function proposes menu options to keep everyone happy, while minimizing food waste. The Family Hub finds ingredients close to their expiry dates first. And it rules out carrots and salmon as ingredients and offers recipes for food that includes beef.

The 2018 Family Hub, which will be sequentially released in the first half of this year, will support VOICE ID. Meal Planner will be added in the second half of this year, and it will also be available on the 2017 Family Hub via software update. Samsung plans to expand the use of AI technology in other home appliances in the future, further tailoring services to fit users’ lifestyles.

The 2018 Family Hub helps family members stay connected with each other and serves as a personalized device that makes our lives more convenient. The Family Hub will make a difference in the kitchen and in our daily lives thanks to AI-based technologies that help the fridge deeply understand and relate to users. Stay tuned to see how Family Hub continues to evolve.