Samsung Newsroom attended the final Tech Forum session, titled “Understanding Home, Understanding You: Rethinking the Role of the Home in the Era of AI,” to examine the transformative potential of AI in smart home innovation and the need for collaboration to deliver on the promise of Home AI.

▲ (From left to right) Tobin Richardson, Jaeyeon Jung, Patrick Chomet and Carolina Milanesi

Smart UI as the Gateway to Home AI

User interface (UI) is a critical element in the Home AI experience, serving as the bridge between users and their mobile devices, TVs, home appliances and more.

▲ Patrick Chomet from Samsung Electronics

“UI is a key area in the age of AI,” said Patrick Chomet, Mobile Strategy Advisor at Samsung Electronics. “With the advent of LLM multimodal AI, a big shift has taken place in User Interface (UI), enabling people to get things done in natural and simple ways such as gesture, voice or text interaction. Users no longer needs to understand devices, rather the device should understand the user’s intent.”

He explained how intelligent user interfaces not only enable more intuitive interactions but also procure deeper understandings of user context and intent, which brands can use to optimize in-home solutions.

▲ Jaeyeon Jung from Samsung Electronics

“We have implemented an intuitive and concise UI for various SmartThings features,” said Jaeyeon Jung, Executive Vice President and Head of SmartThings Team at Samsung Electronics.

She engaged the audience with examples of the latest SmartThings functions including Quick Remote, a feature that enables users to control their TVs with a connected Galaxy smartphone; 3D Map View, a feature that allows users to manage their entire home and check energy consumption through Galaxy smartphones and tablets; and Home Insight, a feature that provides timely home reports and delivers personalized recommendations to users.

The Role of Platforms and Standardization in Shaping Smart Homes

The panelists then delved into the efforts required to make Home AI a reality. Moderator Carolina Milanesi, CEO and founder of Heart of Tech and President at Creative Strategies, introduced the topics of integrated AI platforms and industry standards to guide the discussion.

“As we scale our AI platform to reach across applications, services and multiple devices, the experience can be optimized around the user,” said Chomet. “User context and richer insights can be gathered to deliver relevant and truly personalized experiences.”

▲ Jaeyeon Jung and Patrick Chomet from Samsung Electronics

“The SmartThings platform is 10 years in the making and while the concept of a smart home isn’t new, AI technology is what is truly creating the intelligent home” added Jung, highlighting how a consistent and connected AI platform empowers users to enjoy effortless convenience from anywhere. “The transition from a device-centric philosophy to an AI-powered, user-centric one provides users with a personalized, connected experience that feels like home — no matter where they are.”

▲ Tobin Richardson from the Connectivity Standards Alliance

Tobin Richardson, President and CEO of the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), noted the importance of industry standards in building an ecosystem in which devices can be connected simply, securely and seamlessly.

“Building blocks for AI in the home are grounded in seamless connectivity, with AI relying on device interoperability to thrive. A common language like Matter enables devices to communicate effortlessly, setting the stage for AI innovation,” he said, highlighting that the goal is not just to create a perfect connected experience but to foster a robust and trustworthy industry while making smart homes more accessible and reliable.

“Alliance Members like Samsung are doing remarkable work in the AI space, showcasing how technology can adapt to users’ needs, creating a smarter and more personalized living experience,” said Richardson, reaffirming the company’s dedication to collaboration. “I am continually inspired to see how these advancements are shaping the future of connected homes.”

A More Personalized, Secure Smart Home

Addressing concerns regarding the challenge of providing personalized experiences in homes shared by multiple people, Chomet spoke on how AI technology can understand intent and context to provide an optimized experience for each user. He emphasized that Samsung will innovate for multi-device connectivity, rather than individual products.

▲ Patrick Chomet, Jaeyeon Jung and Tobin Richardson

Jung also cited practical cases of how Samsung Health and SmartThings are connecting data and devices to provide hyper-personalized health experiences. For example, Samsung Health and SmartThings can optimize sleep environments by automatically adjusting temperature and humidity based on users’ sleep patterns and the environmental conditions they live in. When Galaxy devices recognize that users have been exercising, SmartThings will activate appliances such as air conditioners and washing machines upon their return home.

▲ Carolina Milanesi poses questions to the panelists.

To explore the latest flagship smartphones and the transformative potential of AI agents, Samsung Newsroom joined the third Galaxy Tech Forum session, titled “True AI Companion: Impact on Life and What’s Next.”

▲ (From left to right) Bob O’Donnell, Sameer Samat, Jay Kim, Christopher Patrick and Dr. Chris Brauer

More Natural, Intuitive and User-Friendly Mobile AI

The session kicked off with welcome remarks from Jay Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of Customer Experience Office, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics.

“Yesterday was a very exciting day for us as we launched the Galaxy S25. It’s another big step forward in the AI era,” Kim said. “We’re very excited to be here with our partners today, especially (excited) to talk about everything we did together to launch the Galaxy S25 series.”

▲ Jay Kim from Samsung Electronics

Moderator Bob O’Donnell, President and Founder of TECHnalysis Research, posed questions to the panelists about the benefits the Galaxy S25 series will bring to users, as well as the barriers blocking certain consumers from using mobile AI.

“AI should make users’ lives better. We study consumer habits, constantly trying to gain a better understanding of our customers,” Kim said. “Ultimately, what we’re trying to do is minimize how much effort it takes to input while maximizing the output. To do that, we look at what consumers do on their phones, define the potential use cases alongside our partners, and put it all together in our devices for the best possible consumer experience.”

▲The Galaxy Tech Forum discussion on Galaxy AI

“Multimodality can help people become more efficient while AI agents can help people become more productive,” Kim continued. He also highlighted Samsung’s commitment to openly collaborating with its partners to drive progress forward and expressed his excitement for the possibilities AI innovations will bring as part of a new chapter in mobile technology.

Expanding the Galaxy AI Ecosystem Through Open Collaboration

During the session, Samsung offered an inside look at the work done in partnership with Google and Qualcomm to perfect the Galaxy S25 series’ AI innovations.

“Even though the benefit value of mobile AI is really high, it’s of no use if you can’t access it. We had to look at what was already part of the consumer experience and contemplate how we could enhance those experiences in a way that would bring real benefits, but still be easy enough to access,” Kim explained. He noted that close collaboration was essential, particularly in integrating Google’s Gemini intelligence and Qualcomm’s on-device processing capabilities.

▲ Sameer Samat from Google

“Truly helpful AI must fit naturally into our daily lives. AI is a tool and not an end in itself, and what matters to consumers the most is how helpful AI can be for them,” said Sameer Samat, President of Android Ecosystem at Google. “LLMs represent a massive leap in how computers understand human language. Now, you can speak in completely natural language, removing any friction from the overall experience.”

“With Galaxy S25, I’m optimistic that people will quickly adapt to using an AI agent to help them get things done in very natural ways.”

▲ Christopher Patrick from Qualcomm

Key drivers of multimodal AI capabilities, like Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, were also highlighted, showcasing technology that simultaneously processes multiple forms of information, including voice, images and text.

“The Galaxy S25 series is going to be a completely new experience. You’ll be able to engage with your personalized AI assistant like never before; it doesn’t just feel like interacting with a real person, it perceives your environment and can interact with content shown on your camera,” said Christopher Patrick, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Mobile Handsets at Qualcomm. “Our collaboration with Samsung to customize the chipset to make these new capabilities feel seamless is something I’m really proud of.”

Breaking Barriers: Mobile AI’s Role in Enhancing Quality of Life

During the session, Samsung also presented the findings of a global study conducted in partnership with London-based research firm, Symmetry, that examined the link between mobile AI use and quality of life. The speakers delved into the study’s key implications and offered valuable insights.

▲ Dr. Chris Brauer from Goldsmiths, University of London, and Symmetry

“The rate of AI innovation is astounding, but what struck me about the research we did with Samsung was that the rate of mobile AI adoption is also rising at a rapid rate,” said Dr. Chris Brauer, Director of Innovation in the Institute of Management Studies at Goldsmiths, University of London, and Chief Innovation Officer at Symmetry. “Frequent consumer use of mobile AI globally has nearly doubled in just six months, jumping from 16% in July to 27% in January.” Dr. Brauer also outlined key findings concerning certain barriers to entry the research found around mobile AI.

“We found a really interesting theme among those less willing to adopt the technology: doubt,” Dr. Brauer said. “Doubt in AI’s ability to bring meaningful benefits to everyday life (56%), doubt and a lack of high confidence to use AI to its full potential (85%) and doubt around privacy and whether AI can be trusted (90%). There’s immense potential with this technology, but what’s also clear are the very real barriers that must be addressed responsibly for wider adoption to take place.”

▲ The Galaxy AI discussion session at the Galaxy Tech Forums

The Galaxy AI session concluded with the panelists agreeing that mobile AI innovation is set to revolutionize every aspect of modern life. As representatives of the fast-moving industry, they also vowed to develop related technologies in a responsible manner beneficial to all of humanity.

To understand how Samsung’s AI ecosystem is poised to transform the future of wellness, Samsung Newsroom observed the second Tech Forum session, titled “The Role of Technology for a Healthier Life.”

▲ (From left to right) Dr. Vanessa Hill, Dr. Hon Pak, Dr. Patrick O’Connor, Emily English and Dr. Kyu Rhee

Healthy Living Starts With a Holistic Approach

Moderator Dr. Vanessa Hill, an award-winning science communicator and sleep scientist, started the discussion by providing insights into the practical utility of today’s health technology.

While advancements such as wearable devices, health apps and telehealth platforms have made health management more accessible, the sheer volume of information can lead to confusion — making it easy to overlook critical insights amid an overwhelming sea of data.

▲ Dr. Patrick O’Connor from the University of Georgia

“The issue is not the amount of data but the fragmentation,” said Dr. Patrick O’Connor, a professor in the Department of Kinesiology at Mary Frances Early College of Education, University of Georgia. “The key is to bring the scattered data together to create a comprehensive understanding, as health requires a holistic approach due to the interconnectedness of so many factors.”

“As a sleep scientist I know the importance of gathering health data around the clock. Identifying abnormalities in metrics like heart rate, temperature or even snoring during sleep is key to not only unlocking better sleep, but better overall health,” said Dr. Hill, who emphasized that sleep is the foundation of holistic health.

Personalized Care Through Various Health Metrics and Continuous Tracking

The discussion also explored the importance of adding new health metrics to track, and monitoring those metrics in a continuous manner.

▲ Dr. Kyu Rhee from the NACHC

“Continuous health monitoring of physical activity, sleep, nutrition and stress should become new, additional vital signs for users and health professionals,” said Dr. Kyu Rhee, President and CEO of the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). “Combining this essential health data with clinical data powered by AI insights has the potential to transform the health system by improving health outcomes, reducing healthcare costs, and empowering patients, their caregivers and healthcare teams.”

▲ Dr. Hon Pak from Samsung Electronics

One health metric receiving a substantial amount of attention from both Samsung and the digital health industry in general is blood glucose.

“Blood glucose is an area Samsung has been deeply invested in, and we’ve made significant progress in developing CGM-integrated nutrition coaching as well as enhancing non-invasive technologies for tracking blood glucose levels,” said Dr. Hon Pak, Senior Vice President and Head of Digital Health Team, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics, sharing the company’s roadmap for blood glucose management and end-to-end (E2E) healthcare experiences. “These advancements are all part of our work to deliver more proactive and preventive disease detection solutions to everyone, helping lower healthcare burdens on people, their families and society at large.”

▲ Emily English, a BSc nutritionist

“There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to health and nutrition, it’s a journey that requires a holistic understanding of yourself,” said Emily English, a BSc nutritionist. “Wellness technology is helping provide a full 360-view of your life. New solutions that offer easy access to health metrics like blood glucose will offer a more holistic understanding of our bodies and revolutionize the way we manage our everyday health.”

Ushering in the Era of Personalized Health Insights

The discussion touched on how AI can translate tracked health data into actionable and meaningful insights.

▲ The Tech Forum discussion on Health AI

In an effort to consolidate disparate data onto a single platform, Samsung has collaborated with Dr. O’Connor’s research team to develop Energy Score — a feature that enhances the digital healthcare experience. “New AI-enabled features like Energy Score have become a jumping off point for broader health innovations,” explained Dr. Pak. Calculated based on health indicators such as activity levels, sleep, heart rate during sleep and heart rate variability during sleep, Energy Score exemplifies how wearable devices and AI can support a holistic and personalized approach to health and wellness management.

▲ Dr. Patrick O’Connor describes Energy Score.

“Monitoring overall readiness might benefit from minimally invasive brain sensing technology,” said Dr. O’Connor. “Today, we are able to leverage non-invasive technology, the available science and AI to generate an Energy Score, helping translate complex data into an intuitive and understandable index.”

Dr. Pak also teased Samsung’s upcoming plans to expand the AI capabilities of Energy Score to include nutrition, mental health and even mobile usage patterns — offering users deeper and more comprehensive insights into their overall well-being.

The Health AI session underscored the importance of a holistic approach to health management, highlighting the potential of personalized health experiences powered by continuous health monitoring. As AI becomes an indispensable partner in modern wellness, Samsung’s innovative technology is set to drive a new era of tailored and comprehensive health solutions.

▲ Blanco, an Urban Venue

The forum was organized into four sessions — Sustainability, Health AI, Galaxy AI and Home AI — each addressing the transformative changes and challenges innovation will bring to these areas. With around 100 media representatives and industry professionals in attendance, the panels centered on the disruptive potential of AI and offered blueprints for future technologies across various sectors.

Samsung Newsroom visited the first Galaxy Tech Forum session, titled “How Mobile Technology Can Accelerate a Sustainable Future,” to learn about Samsung’s mobile innovations and partnerships that are contributing to a brighter tomorrow.

Driving Mobile Innovation and Sustainability

Samsung is committed to accelerating a sustainable future for both people and the planet.

▲ (From left to right) Tamara Gondo, Michael Stewart, Dr. Stuart Sandin, Daniel Araujo and Cassie Smith

Despite the numerous benefits offered to modern society, the rapid growth of the mobile industry has also brought significant environmental challenges. To address those challenges, Samsung has made the actualization of a sustainable future a cornerstone of the company’s vision for mobile devices.

▲ Daniel Araujo from Samsung Electronics

“We’ve made significant progress in fostering sustainable practices throughout our product lifecycle and this is only possible through open collaboration with like-minded partners. And there is even more to come,” said Daniel Araujo, Head of Sustainability Management Office, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics.

“Each device of the S25 series will include at least 50% recycled cobalt, and for the first time in Galaxy history, the battery of the S25 model will be made with recycled cobalt sourced from previously used Galaxy smartphones,” he continued, highlighting Samsung’s advancements in product circularity.

Leveraging Galaxy Camera Technology To Restore Vital Marine Ecosystems

Since the launch of the Galaxy S22 series in 2022, Samsung has incorporated over 150 tonnes of discarded fishing nets — equivalent to the weight of 15 million plastic water bottles — into Galaxy products. Along the way, the company has recognized the critical threat ocean-bound plastic poses to coral reefs and has taken a leading role in restoration efforts through strategic partnerships.

Dr. Stuart Sandin, a professor at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego said coral reefs are home to a quarter of all marine life, and over half a billion people depend on reefs for food, income and protection from storms and erosion. He added that with more than 50% of the world’s coral reefs already lost and ocean-bound plastic threatening the remaining marine ecosystems, new restoration methods using mobile technology are gaining traction.

▲ Dr. Stuart Sandin from the University of California San Diego, Scripps Institute of Oceanography

“We partnered with Samsung because of our shared commitment to innovation and collaboration. Our optimistic and technology-forward approach is contributing to new solutions for coral reef restoration,” said Michael Stewart, co-founder of Seatrees — a nonprofit dedicated to protecting marine ecosystems. His announcement of the organization’s partnership with Samsung was followed by a trailer for an upcoming documentary about the collaborative efforts between the companies.

▲ Michael Stewart from Seatrees

Araujo explained that to support Seatrees’ efforts, Samsung developed Ocean Mode¹ — a new camera setting that optimizes underwater photography on the Galaxy S24 Ultra. He discussed how the feature will provide valuable visual data that can be used to 3D map coral reefs to aid efforts for their restoration. The panelists acknowledged that mobile technology is making environmental conservation more accessible since high-quality data can now be collected with lightweight, user-friendly smartphones.

Empowering Young Leaders Through Technology

“Beyond environmental efforts, Samsung has collaborated with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to empower future generations in achieving the Global Goals,” explained moderator Cassie Smith, Senior Manager of Corporate Sustainability and U.S. Public Affairs at Samsung Electronics America. The success of Samsung’s five-year partnership with the UNDP led to the launch of the Samsung Global Goals app and Generation17 initiative.

▲ Cassie Smith from Samsung Electronics America

“Being part of Generation17 gave me confidence, access to resources and a global platform, which opened up a world of possibilities that inspired me to grow my business, Liberty Society, and its impact,” said Tamara Gondo, CEO of Liberty Society — a social enterprise that funds upskilling for marginalized women. “Participating in global events such as Mobile World Congress and the United Nations General Assembly gave me a seat at the decision-making table.”

▲ Tamara Gondo, CEO of Liberty Society and a Generation17 Young Leader

Araujo underscored Tamara’s remarks and stressed the importance of young leaders in achieving the Global Goals, encouraging ongoing efforts and inviting attendees to look forward to the new group of Young Leaders later this year.

The Sustainability session provided an in-depth exploration of how mobile technology can address environmental and social challenges. Samsung’s unwavering commitment to innovation and sustainability is paving the way for meaningful change on a global scale.

¹ Exclusively developed for this project and only available to Seatrees and its partners.