While the two features offer different camera experiences, both draw on expertise spanning foundational technology research, feature development, and user experience design.

As part of “The People Behind the Galaxy Z Series’ Camera Innovations,” Samsung Newsroom sat down with experts from Samsung Research and the Mobile eXperience (MX) Business to discuss the technical challenges and collaboration behind the two features.

A sharply defined subject against a softly blurred background creates a sense of depth long associated with professional camera lenses. Researchers have continued to explore ways to achieve this effect in smartphone video.

With the Galaxy Z series, Portrait Video recreates the distinctive depth and Bokeh¹ of a large-aperture lens². To make this possible, Samsung Research analyzed the optical characteristics of actual camera lenses and developed AI-powered video processing technology, while the MX Business optimized it for the device.

Samsung Newsroom spoke with YoungGeol Kim of the Visual Technology Team at Samsung Research and Sang-uk Park, responsible for camera development at the Mobile eXperience (MX) Business, about how Portrait Video evolved from a research concept into a Galaxy camera feature.

A New Level of Depth in Portrait Video

Q. What is Portrait Video? What has changed with the latest Galaxy Z series?

Park: Portrait Video keeps the main subject in focus while softly blurring the background, creating a cinematic look that makes the subject stand out.

On the Galaxy Z series, the degree of blur changes naturally based on the distance between the subject and background. Small background lights appear as soft, rounded Bokeh, much as they would through a large-aperture lens. This allows users to draw attention to the subject and capture videos with greater depth and atmosphere using just a smartphone, without the need for separate professional equipment.

Users can also shift the focus to a different subject or adjust the blur level after filming.

Q. What inspired the technology behind Portrait Video?

Kim: Photography has been my hobby for 25 years. That passion led me to camera technology research and development and sparked a lasting interest in the unique visual character of lenses.

As smartphone cameras advanced rapidly, photography benefited from a range of new features and improvements in image quality. Video evolved quickly as well, but I saw further potential in recreating the depth and background rendering of professional camera lenses. We proposed the idea during the research stage, just as the MX Business was exploring ways to help users create professional-looking videos more easily — paving the way for joint development.

Q. How did the teams collaborate to turn Portrait Video into a camera feature?

Kim: Existing solutions alone weren’t enough to achieve the natural lens rendering we wanted. At the time, Samsung Research’s technology was still in the research stage, so applying it to a product was not an easy decision. Even so, the MX Business recognized its potential and decided to commercialize it.

From there, full-scale testing and refinement began. We evaluated the technology on actual devices and exchanged feedback, turning it into a camera feature for users.

Park: To prepare the feature for real-world use, we had to shoot countless videos under a wide range of conditions and validate the results. Since the feature is centered on people, experts from both teams even served as models and filmed one another. We focused particularly on how naturally subjects were separated from their backgrounds and whether the blur and Bokeh looked right at different distances.

As we filmed each other, reviewed the results together and continued our discussions, what I remember most is how noticeably the results improved.

Large-Aperture Lens Rendering on Smartphones

Q. What is the key technology that takes Portrait Video to the next level?

Kim: The key is technology that recreates the distinctive look of large-aperture professional camera lenses in smartphone video. We used AI and optical analysis to make this possible.

Simply blurring an image is not enough to reproduce the depth and natural background rendering of a professional camera. Conventional blur softens an image by blending surrounding colors, but a large-aperture lens works differently. The degree of blur changes naturally based on the distance between the subject and background, while bright points of light spread into Bokeh that retain their shape and brightness. The shapes and textures of these out-of-focus areas are known as bokeh.

This requires accounting for both subject-to-background distance and how light spreads through an actual camera lens.

Recreating this effect on a smartphone required two elements. First, we analyzed how light spreads through a real large-aperture lens and the resulting bokeh characteristics, then converted the results into data. We combined this with AI-estimated distance information for the scene, allowing the system to adjust the degree of blur and bokeh size based on the distance between the subject and background.

Q. What technical challenges did the teams face when creating blur and bokeh on smartphones?

Kim: The biggest challenge was naturally rendering complex boundaries between the subject and background, such as hair or eyeglass frames. On smartphones, AI-estimated distance information alone isn’t sufficient to accurately distinguish fine boundaries. Even a small error can blur strands of hair or leave parts of the background sharp, making the subject look unnaturally cut out.

To address this, we combined AI-estimated distance information with boundary information from the original footage, allowing for natural separation between the subject and background even around fine details such as hair.

Park: Maintaining consistent results across different shooting conditions — including weather, lighting, subject movement, and distance — was crucial. We repeatedly filmed under a wide range of conditions and reviewed the results, improving unnatural elements through software optimization and additional AI training data. Building on Samsung Research’s technology, image quality experts from the MX Business also evaluated the results from a user perspective, further refining the feature.

Q. What did it take to make this complex video processing reliable and ready for use on the Galaxy Z series?

Kim: The biggest hurdle was reducing power consumption and heat generation without compromising quality. Video is a rapid sequence of images, so processing 4K video in real time requires significant computation.

That meant we had to prioritize. We preserved the processing essential to image quality while reducing computation in areas where users were unlikely to notice a difference.

As a result, we struck a balance between natural lens rendering and real-time processing, ensuring stable, efficient performance even during extended recording.

More Freedom in Video Creation

Q. What are some tips to help users get the most out of Portrait Video?

Kim: To make bokeh stand out, look for scenes with bright light sources against a relatively dark background. Sunlight sparkling through leaves, Christmas lights, or streetlights at night can spread softly into circular Bokeh, creating a more atmospheric look.

When filming a person, it’s best to avoid strong light from the front. Instead, position the light source behind or to the side of the subject. This can softly illuminate the subject’s hair and contours while making the background Bokeh more prominent. Reflected light or ambient sources like streetlights can help keep the face from getting too dark for a more balanced result.

Q. What reaction would you most like to hear from people who have tried Portrait Video?

Park: I’d like users, creators, and video professionals to be surprised by how easy it is to create cinematic video on a smartphone. I hope the natural blur, Bokeh, and post-capture editing features give them greater freedom to achieve the look and feel they want.

Kim: Ultimately, I hope people feel they no longer need to carry a separate professional camera. We will continue advancing the underlying technologies so they can create cinematic videos with just a smartphone.

Bringing the cinematic shallow depth of field and light rendering of professional camera lenses to smartphone video required extensive testing and collaboration to turn a research concept into a reliable product feature. Developed through the combined expertise of Samsung Research and the MX Business, Portrait Video expands the Galaxy video experience — giving users more ways to realize their creative vision.

1. The shape and texture of blur in out-of-focus areas, often seen when small points of light appear as circular highlights ︎
2. A lens with an aperture that can open wide to let in more light, making it well suited for keeping the subject sharp while softly blurring the background and rendering bokeh highlights. ︎

The feature makes it easy to put someone in the spotlight, from a favorite artist in concert footage to family and friends in everyday moments.

Behind this experience is Samsung Research’s AI technology for reliably tracking people in video, integrated into a mobile feature through close collaboration with the MX Business. Samsung Newsroom spoke with Hwangpil Park of the Visual Technology Team at Samsung Research as well as Sunghwan Kim and Sherry Hong of the Multimedia Development Group at the MX Business about My FanCam.

A User-Centered Approach

Q. What inspired My FanCam?

Hong: We started by asking how we could make it easier for users to create videos focused on the people they want to see. As shooting, editing, and sharing content on smartphones have become commonplace, fan cams of favorite artists have gained popularity on social media. In response to this trend, we envisioned My FanCam — a feature that lets anyone create a video centered on a person of their choice with just a few taps — and worked with Samsung Research to bring the idea to life.

The Technology Behind Reliable Tracking

Q. What technology enables My FanCam to continuously track someone in a video?

Park: The key to My FanCam’s ability to follow a selected person even in complex scenes is an AI model that precisely recognizes individuals. The model identifies and remembers each person’s location and visual characteristics, allowing it to recognize the same person throughout the video and continue tracking them.

Q. What was the main focus for the user experience?

Kim: We focused on reducing wait times while editing. Users may want to switch between people in group videos, but reanalyzing the video each time would mean waiting again. We designed My FanCam to analyze multiple people at once, letting users switch between subjects and instantly see the results once the initial analysis is complete.

We also simplified the editing process. Users can easily adjust the aspect ratio to fit the scene and create a video that suits their needs.

Q. How did the two teams collaborate to turn the technology into a Galaxy feature?

Hong: It was crucial not only to identify the issues, but also to find a solution for the said issues; validating that the results were key to our process. The more the concept was solidified, the more full-fledged the development process became. In order to keep up with the development progress, weekly meetings turned into daily meetings and in those daily meetings, we made sure to track progress every morning.

Testing a large range of scenarios is important before rolling out new features. To help the development team test with a wide range of scenarios, multiple team members helped with the process. Some brought in old videos from the college days, such as dance club videos. Others would bring a phone and film new footage, such as climbing hobbies.

Park: Technology that worked well in a research environment sometimes performed differently with real-world footage due to variables such as fast movement and people overlapping in the frame. When the MX Business shared these cases, Samsung Research analyzed the causes and refined the AI model and tracking methods. We then validated the changes in the product environment, repeating the process to improve the feature.

Q. What was the biggest challenge in bringing My FanCam to mobile devices?

Kim: The key challenge was processing AI workloads entirely on-device without a separate server. Longer videos require more computation, so we had to consider processing speed, power consumption, and heat generation. Samsung Research optimized the AI model to achieve the required results with less computation, while the MX Business streamlined the entire process — from video decoding to data transfer and analysis — reducing computational load with minimal impact on performance.

Park: We also had to account for situations that can make it difficult to select a person in videos. At school performances or sports days, for example, the person users want to focus on may not appear until midway through the video or may be obscured by others. We therefore designed My FanCam so users can find a moment when their subject is clearly visible and select them at any point in the video.

From Favorite Artists to Everyday Moments

Q. Any tips for getting the most out of My FanCam?

Kim: When filming, I recommend using a high-resolution setting and framing the shot a little wider to leave space around the person. When selecting a subject, choose a frame where they don’t overlap too much with others and their face, upper body, or full body is clearly visible.

My FanCam also works with existing footage, such as videos of past concerts, trips, or children’s activities. Because users don’t need to follow a particular person while filming, they can focus more on the moment itself.

For example, users can set up a tripod to film a workout, then use My FanCam to create a video centered on themselves without someone else behind the camera.

Q. How do you hope users will use My FanCam?

Park: Since My FanCam works with videos not shot on a Galaxy device, I hope people will try it with a wide range of footage. It can offer a fresh perspective on old videos, helping users revisit meaningful moments by focusing on someone special.

Hong: Some may think that being a fan is only about liking an idol or celebrity. But to me, it simply means caring deeply about someone or something — whether that’s an artist, family member, friend, or even yourself. I’d like to see people use My FanCam to capture the people and moments that matter to them.

What began as an idea focused on user convenience has evolved into My FanCam, a new video experience combining AI, mobile optimization, and close teamwork. From concerts to everyday life, My FanCam makes it easier to capture and edit videos of moments worth remembering.

In part two of this series, Samsung Newsroom will explore how the large-aperture camera lens emulation technology brings the expressive qualities of professional lenses to mobile devices and the collaboration behind its development.

The Health Forum held at Galaxy Unpacked July 2026 also shared Samsung’s Connected Care vision for the next chapter of digital health — a future where care moves from reactive treatment toward preventive, personalized, and connected experiences, supported by trusted health innovation and partnerships across the healthcare ecosystem. One technology that is helping power these new consumer experiences is the health foundation model.

Researchers from the Digital Health Team at Samsung Research America (SRA) are developing new AI technologies to continuously understand a person’s health state from biosignals, generate health insights, and offer appropriate health guidance.

Samsung researchers recently introduced two foundation models based on wearable data: xMAE (Physiology-Aware Masked Cross-Modal Reconstruction for Biosignal Representation Learning), which learns the temporal relationship between different biosignals, and HiMAE (Hierarchical Masked Autoencoder), which understands health patterns across different time scales in wearable time-series data. Both studies demonstrate advancement of health AI models that can better understand the physiological relationships and temporal structure of biosignals.

Samsung’s work on xMAE and HiMAE models was accepted to the International Conference on Machine Learning (ICML), and the International Conference on Learning Representations (ICLR), respectively, highlighting the significance of this research.

Health Foundation Models That Read the Body’s Signals: Why They Matter for Health 

A health foundation model is an AI model that uses self-supervised learning to learn meaningful features from unlabeled biosignal data. After being pretrained on large-scale health data, the models can be applied to perform a wide range of downstream health tasks, including biosignal analysis, developing new or improved biomarkers, and health issue prediction.

xMAE AI model: Continuous Cardiac Insight from Wearables

An electrocardiogram (ECG) on wearables directly measures the electrical activity of the heart and is useful for measuring heart rate and heart rate variability, identifying abnormal heart rhythms and risks for conditions such as atrial fibrillation. ECG is highly accurate, but typically requires users to pause and take an active measurement. On the other hand, photoplethysmography (PPG) can indirectly measure cardiac function by detecting changes in blood flow and can be passively and continuously measured through sensors in wearable devices such as smartwatches.

The two signals originate from the same cardiac activity, but they appear with a certain time difference, much like thunder is heard after lightning is seen. xMAE is a biosignal pretraining framework designed to learn the temporal relationship between the two signals by reconstructing masked portions of the ECG signal using the more easily and continuously measured PPG signal. As a result, cardiovascular health-related features can be analyzed more precisely using PPG without requiring separate manual ECG measurements.

The researchers pretrained xMAE using approximately 9,400 hours of ECG and PPG data. The model outperformed unimodal biosignal models and existing multimodal learning methods in 15 of 19 evaluation tasks, including cardiovascular disease prediction, abnormal test-result detection, and sleep-stage classification. The study also confirmed the potential to use the learned features across different sensor devices, body locations and data-gathering environments.

HiMAE AI model: Reading the Body at Every Time Scale on the Device

Health data measured from wearable devices can reveal different information depending on the time scale at which it is analyzed. For example, short time segments can reveal rapidly changing signals such as heartbeats, while longer time segments can uncover patterns that accumulate over time, such as sleep or physical activity. This is similar to examining different information by zooming in and out of an image.

HiMAE is a self-supervised learning model that learns representation from wearable data across multiple time scales. It uses multiple encoders to analyze short and long segments separately, allowing the model to identify information required for each health task, such as heart rate analysis or sleep prediction, at the appropriate time scale. During training, the model reconstructs masked parts of the data. This enables it to learn key patterns in biosignals even when labeled data is limited.

A single pretrained HiMAE model handles classification, numerical prediction and data generation. The model achieved high performance while being smaller than existing models. It also improved computational efficiency to the point where it can produce results in less than one millisecond on a smartwatch-class central processing unit (CPU). Most importantly, HiMAE demonstrates the potential of on-device health foundation models for the first time — analyzing raw health signals in real time, without relying on cloud servers.

The Next Step Toward Connected Care

Together, xMAE and HiMAE, represent an advance in AI models that precisely understand the physiological relationships and temporal structures unique to biosignals. Both models aim to deliver precise, continuous, personalized health insights and to generalize across many health tasks from a single pretrained model. Hear more from the researchers behind this work below.

Samsung Electronics will showcase its vision for AI-powered connected care at VivaTech 2026, running June 17 to 20 at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles.

Under the theme “Open Invitation to a Healthier Tomorrow,” the company will demonstrate how intelligent, connected experiences can support more proactive and preventive approaches to wellness.

Celebrating its 10th edition this year, VivaTech is Europe’s largest startup and technology event, dedicated to spotlighting innovative solutions and addressing social challenges. This year’s exhibition is expected to attract more than 4,000 companies — from established global technology firms to emerging startups — to foster partnerships, investment and collaboration.

Organized around the theme “Artificial Intelligence: Impact, Not Illusion,” VivaTech 2026 will explore the industry’s transition into the full-fledged AI era. Global companies are set to present AI solutions across eight sub-themes: Productivity Reimagined; Sovereignty & Ethics; Energy, GreenTech & Mobility; Cybersecurity & Defense; Health & Longevity; Risk, Build, Scale; Creative Industries; and Tech Beyond the Obvious.

Through open innovation, Samsung has worked to integrate AI seamlessly into users’ daily lives. Participation in VivaTech reflects the company’s commitment to building an open ecosystem that brings together industry leaders and startups alike. With wellness and long-term vitality growing in strategic importance, Samsung and its partners will present a range of services and solutions, including integrated health management through Samsung Health as well as innovations in longevity and pet care.

Attendees will also get a preview of health features expected to roll out across Samsung’s connected ecosystem of mobile devices, wearables and services.

On June 19, Samsung will participate in a panel discussion exploring the future of AI-driven health experiences and the role of connected ecosystems in enabling personalized wellness at scale.

Together with its partners, Samsung will arrive at VivaTech 2026 with a shared aspiration — inspiring a healthier tomorrow.

Samsung has enabled seamless integration of IKEA’s twenty-five[1] practical Matter-over-Thread smart home devices — including smart bulbs and plugs — into the SmartThings platform, allowing users to effortlessly incorporate them into daily life.

Easy Integration With SmartThings Through Matter-Enabled IKEA Devices

Twenty-five IKEA smart home devices including a scroll wheel remote, smart bulbs, plugs, temperature and humidity sensors, air quality sensors, motion sensors, door sensors and water leak sensors, now support the global smart home standard Matter.[2]

Previously, connecting IKEA devices to SmartThings required an IKEA smart home hub[3] and SmartThings hub, but they can now be connected directly to SmartThings hub. They also work with Samsung appliances including TVs, air conditioners and washing machines, as well as a wide range of third-party devices and protocols supported by the platform.

Smarter Care – From Checking on Loved Ones to Optimizing Sleep Environments 

Users can connect an IKEA door sensor to SmartThings and attach it to a frequently used door to monitor when their parents start their day and whether they are active at home through SmartThings Family Care. This offers a convenient way to check on loved ones, even when living apart.

Installed on a wall, IKEA’s air quality sensors and temperature and humidity sensors collect data on temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide levels and light intensity. SmartThings compares these readings with recommended ranges for optimal sleep and provides a sleep environment report with actionable insights — such as lowering the temperature to 19-21°C — helping create an ideal bedroom environment.

Users can also set routines that activate the air conditioner’s dehumidification mode when rising humidity is detected. If the water leak sensor detects moisture, it sends an immediate alert enabling a prompt response.

Intuitive Control With the Scroll Wheel Remote 

Ahead of launch, Samsung and IKEA conducted multiple rounds of validation to enhance connectivity stability and implemented a dedicated user experience within the SmartThings app for full compatibility.

A standout device is the scroll wheel remote, which significantly enhances user experience. When connected to lighting, users can precisely adjust brightness and color temperature by rotating the wheel, making it easy to create the desired ambiance. It can also be used for devices requiring fine control, such as blinds.[4] It targets the design-conscious younger generation, who prioritizes aesthetic value in every detail, down to a single switch or lighting.

Expanding a Boundless Smart Home Ecosystem With Early Adoption of Thread 

Samsung is not only leading the Matter ecosystem through the rapid adoption of new standards, but also demonstrating strong technology leadership in the smart home market.

SmartThings was the first to adopt Thread[5] 1.4 — a low-power, short-range networking technology essential for smart home ecosystems — enabling Thread networks across brands to operate as a single unified system that enhances user convenience while helping drive the wider adoption of smart homes.

“By connecting IKEA devices to SmartThings, even first-time smart home users can enjoy a familiar and easy connectivity experience without financial burden,” said Jaeyeon Jung, Executive Vice President of SmartThings, AI Platform Center at Samsung Electronics. “SmartThings will continue to expand its ecosystem through partnerships, enabling more consumers to enjoy seamless and convenient smart home experience within the SmartThings ecosystem regardless of brand or communication protocol.”

For more information, visit: https://www.samsung.com/my/

[1] Availability and timing may vary by market

^[2] Matter is a global smart home connectivity standard developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance to improve interoperability among devices.

^[3] Hub is a central smart home device that connects multiple smart devices using different wireless protocols and enables unified control through a single platform

^[4] As of April 20, 2026, only lighting control is supported. Blind control will be available later this year.

^[5] Thread is a low-power, mesh networking-based wireless protocol used in the Matter standard that enables smart home devices to communicate with each other quickly and reliably independent of Wi-Fi.

“Samsung’s AI technology goes beyond everyday convenience to help users care for themselves and their families with greater peace of mind,” said Jaeyeon Jung, Executive Vice President and Head of the SmartThings Team, AI Platform Center, Samsung Electronics. “SmartThings will continue to strengthen its role as a platform that seamlessly connects customers’ daily lives with AI, and it will keep expanding differentiated services on an ongoing basis.”

Enhanced Family Care Makes It Easier To Check In on Loved Ones

Family Care connects SmartThings with a range of home appliances and mobile devices to provide notifications regarding the activities of users’ aging parents and reminders for medication and hospital visits — as well as location-based alerts. With this update, the service enables even more thoughtful care.

Additionally, Samsung’s new Care on Call[1] feature allows users to more closely check on the status of the care recipient through a simple phone call. When a caregiver using the service calls the care recipient, a floating pop-up that displays key information like the time of the first activity of the day, the most recent activity time and the local weather — all at a glance — appears before the call begins. This helps caregivers ask more meaningful check-in questions and respond accordingly.

SmartThings can also continuously monitor devices like air conditioners, air purifiers, dehumidifiers and humidifiers for indoor temperature, humidity and air quality. If unusual usage patterns are detected, the caregiver is immediately notified and can remotely control the relevant device[2].

Family Care has made the Safety Patrol feature — which utilizes SmartThings to send a new Bespoke AI Jet Bot Steam Ultra to check various areas around the house — even more convenient. If the care recipient’s activity is not detected for a specified period of time, users receive a notification and the feature can be remotely activated if the caregiver needs to take action[3]. Using a camera built into the robot vacuum, caregivers can view issues that might occur — such as a person lying incapacitated — and two-way communication through the built-in speaker and microphone allows them to act.

To further enhance the level of care provided to loved ones, the Care Insight feature been enhanced to provide even more actionable, long-term data within the Family Care service. It analyzes factors like temperature and humidity levels, paying attention to whether they deviate from optimal ranges. It also tracks significant changes in activity levels and connected device usage compared to the previous week.

Expansion of Now Brief to TVs and Family Hub

Now Brief delivers a rich AI experience by integrating a broad range of key SmartThings services that help users stay informed about their daily lives, their family members and conditions inside and outside the home.

With the launch of the Galaxy S26 series, Now Brief will support Home Security, Family Care and Pet Care, in addition to existing features that include Home Insight, Energy and the Sleep Environment Report. Through Now Brief, users can access the useful information needed to care for themselves, their families and their homes at a glance.

Now Brief is set to deliver a consistent customized experience throughout the home[4], and will soon roll out in phases to TVs launched in 2024 or later, as well as Family Hub refrigerators launched in 2021 or later.

For added convenience, users will not need to manually launch Now Brief. If the feature is set up in advance, it will be automatically activated when they approach the TV, touch the Family Hub refrigerator screen or open and close the refrigerator door.

And now, whether at home or on the go, the expanded Now Brief helps users stay up to date by providing information such as home device status and energy usage, as well as the sleep status of the previous night, Home Security updates based on door locks, door sensors, and security mode, parents’ daily activity updates and dog-walking information[5].

[1] Care on Call is available on Galaxy smartphones running One UI 8.5 or later. Internet calls are not supported.

[2] Remote control is available when the caregiver has been set up to remotely control the care recipient’s devices.

[3] Remote control is available when the caregiver has been set up to remotely control the care recipient’s devices. Availability may vary depending on product, model and region.

[4] Availability may vary depending on product, model, region, and each product’s Over The Network (OTN) software update schedule.

[5] The relevant devices should be registered in SmartThings, and the service must be activated in the Life tab.

With minimalism having defined the visual language of the tech industry for the past two decades, this panel of designers convened by Samsung asked: What comes next? Together, the panelists explored how warmer, more expressive and emotionally resonant technology can shape meaningful experiences in today’s AI era, while also charting a path forward for the industry.

Design as an Act of Love

The session covered a shared view on the purpose of design as fundamentally people-first. “In recent years, design in tech has been somewhat uniform,” said moderator Debbie Millman. “Compared to other industries, the uniformity in the world of tech is an anomaly. So what if we were to extend technology beyond specifications and functionality?”

Samsung is currently addressing this question by introducing meaning beyond products by focusing on how technology fits into people’s lives, experiences and needs. The panelists discussed the growing importance of this mindset in the current landscape in which traditional barriers to entry such as access to tools, scale and technical capability continuing to diminish.

The Human Side of Tech

The discussion highlighted technology’s role in making intention, care and humanity visible in everyday life. Panelists noted that technology should help people recognize the thoughtfulness embedded in the products they invite into their homes and routines.

In this context, Samsung Chief Design Officer Mauro Porcini shared Samsung’s design purpose: to enrich the quality of people’s lives through meaningful technology designed for humanity. He outlined the company’s commitment to help people live longer, live better, live louder and live on through advanced technologies that support wellbeing, creativity and self-expression.

Panelist Karim Rashid added to this sentiment, saying, “When we think about physical things in our world, we think not only about diversity of choice but also the fact that we can develop strong connections to objects,” he said. “Through design, you can end up with a very powerful, emotional connection with inanimate objects, or even products.”

Designing for Human Values 

The panel went on to explore how AI can unlock new possibilities for expression when shaped by human values. Panelists discussed a shared view that AI reaches its true potential when guided by Emotional Intelligence and Human Imagination, not as a replacement for human creativity but as a force that expands it.

CDO Porcini articulated this with “AI × (EI + HI),” his approach to balancing Emotional Intelligence and Human Imagination to bring meaning to innovation. While describing this philosophy, CDO Porcini said, “When we design and develop, AI is amplified by Emotional Intelligence and Human Imagination. “Then, when people use products, AI amplifies Emotional Intelligence and Human Imagination.” He added, “Do not fear technology. We are here to humanize it, guide it, and shape it.”

Through these insights, the session reinforced the belief that technology should be humanized, guided and shaped to serve people’s lives in increasingly new and meaningful ways.

Expressive Design Drives More Meaningful Experiences

The discussion reinforced the importance of expressive design in bringing human-centered purpose to life, creating experiences that reflect emotion, support self-expression, invite connection and stimulate imagination.

“Happiness is the aim of design,” said Fabio Novembre. “Our pursuit of happiness is through design, making the impossible possible. I strongly believe in design, and that it must move back to the center of the stage.”

Panelists noted that this reflects a shift from merely designing objects to designing experiences where emotion, meaning and identity are increasingly integral to how people relate to technology. This approach inspires a new kind of expression, resulting in designs that range from subtle and minimal to bold and imaginative — all meant to shape a future that isn’t just worth living, but worth loving.

For more information, visit: https://news.samsung.com/my/

Making Invisible Intelligence Feel Trustworthy

As AI increasingly anticipates needs, curates routines and operates autonomously across devices, panelists Allie K. Miller, CEO of Open Machine; Amy Webb, CEO of the Future Today Strategy Group; Zack Kass, Global AI Advisor at ZKAI Advisory and former Head of Go-To-Market at Open AI; and Shin Baik, AI Platform Center (APC) Group Head at Samsung Electronics, emphasized that trust must be earned not through promises, but through consistent, understandable behavior.

At the session, Samsung shared its approach to trust-by-design, highlighting the importance of AI systems that are predictable, transparent and easy for users to control. “When it comes to AI, users are looking for transparency and control,” Allie Miller said. “They want to be leaders in their own personalized experiences — to understand whether an AI model is running locally or in the cloud, to know their data is secure and to clearly see what is powered by AI and what is not. That level of visibility builds confidence. On the provider side, there is a responsibility to show up for users by designing personalized experiences around the core components of trust — clarity, security and accountability.”

Samsung also underscored how on-device AI allows personal data to remain local whenever possible, while cloud-based intelligence can be used selectively when greater speed or scale is required, giving users flexibility without compromising privacy.

Security Built for an AI-Driven World 

The panel also explored how, as intelligences becomes distributed across phones, TVs and home appliances, security must evolve. In the session, Samsung highlighted its Knox security platform — which now protects billions of devices from the chipset up — as well as Knox Matrix, a cross-device security framework that enables products to authenticate and protect one another.

“Trust in AI starts with security that’s proven, not promised,” Shin Baik said. “For more than a decade, Samsung Knox has provided a deeply embedded security platform designed to protect sensitive data at every layer. But trust goes beyond a single device — it requires an ecosystem that protects itself. With Knox, devices continuously authenticate and monitor one another, so each device acts as a shield for the rest, creating a resilient, secure environment users can rely on.”

A Cross-Industry Conversation on the Future of Trust

Shin Baik emphasized how trust grows when AI behaves predictably and securely across devices, arguing that users need visible signals of control rather than “black box” systems. Samsung pointed to its partnerships with industry leaders such as Google and Microsoft as a way to strengthen shared security research, interoperability and ecosystem-wide protection, while Allie Miller highlighted the importance of transparency for users including clear visibility into where AI models run, how data is used and explicit labels that show what is powered by AI and what is not. Meanwhile, Zack Kass added that while misinformation and misuse present real challenges, “For every risk, there is also a countermeasure and technology itself will play a critical role in mitigating AI’s downsides.”

Amy Webb evaluated the relationship between trust and the purchasing habits of consumers. “I don’t think they’re making decisions based on trust alone,” she said. “People aren’t paying for trust. They don’t buy things because of trust. They buy things because of convenience. So if the AI piece of this hooks people in it makes their lives easier and more convenient.”

As AI becomes increasingly invisible, the panel concluded that the technologies that earn long-term trust will be those that prioritize security, transparency and meaningful user choice from the start.

For more information, visit: https://news.samsung.com/my/

▲ Visitors from around the world enter the exhibition.

The First Look 2026 by Samsung Electronics unveiled a forward-looking vision for AI under the theme “Your Companion to AI Living.” Held in Samsung’s dedicated space at Wynn Las Vegas, the exhibition guided visitors through how AI can enhance everyday enjoyment and convenience while supporting health and safety.

Samsung Newsroom explored the exhibition, highlighting the company’s evolving AI companion experiences across entertainment, home and care.

AI Gallery Zone: An Artistic Welcome to AI Living 

The AI Gallery zone welcomed visitors with iconic works from both Eastern and Western art, seamlessly integrated into the space. Featured pieces included Vincent van Gogh’s “Starry Night Over the Rhône,” along with selections from the Lee Kun-Hee Collection — donated to public institutions by the late Samsung chairman and available through Samsung Art Store — such as Jeong Seon’s “Clearing After Rain on Mount Inwang” and the Joseon Dynasty painting “Sun, Moon, and Five Peaks.”

Entertainment Companion Zone: Every Moment of Sight and Sound

▲ View of the Entertainment Companion zone

▲ Micro RGB 130”

The Entertainment Companion zone stood out as the exhibition’s largest area, featuring a variety of visual display and audio products. Excitement built as Samsung debuted the Micro RGB 130” TV, winner of the CES Innovation Awards 2026 Best of Innovation.

▲ Vision AI demonstration

Centered on the Micro RGB TV, the Vision AI showcase highlighted hands-free interaction. Through voice commands, visitors could look up match predictions, search for recipes or play music — demonstrating how the TV functions as an Entertainment Companion.

▲ Music Studio series

▲ Sound Tower

Beyond innovation, this year’s lineup emphasized a refined design philosophy balancing simplicity and elegance. Highlights included the Music Studio 5 and Music Studio 7, Wi-Fi speakers developed in collaboration with French designer Erwan Bouroullec; the AI Beauty Mirror for personalized beauty care; the Sound Tower with lighting optimized for sports viewing; and the Transparent Micro LED, reimagining the nostalgic charm of vinyl records as a floating visual audio device.

▲ Crowds gather in the gaming area.

▲ Odyssey 3D 32”

▲ Transparent Micro LED

▲ Spatial Signage

The zone concluded with Spatial Signage — an interactive display that animates visitors in real time — combining the clarity of 2D imagery with the depth of 3D expression.

Home Companion Zone: Less Housework, More Everyday Freedom

▲ View of the Home Companion zone

The Home Companion zone presented the evolution of Samsung’s home appliances — moving beyond reducing household chores toward eliminating them and pointing to a future with less housework.

▲ AI home appliance demonstration

At the entrance, three flagship Samsung AI home appliances — the Bespoke AI Refrigerator Family Hub 32”, Bespoke AI Laundry Combo washer-dryer and Bespoke AI Jet Bot Combo robot vacuum — demonstrated how cameras, screens and voice interaction work together to support daily life as an integrated Home Companion.

▲ Bespoke AI Refrigerator Family Hub

The home appliances highlighted smarter food management through AI Vision and hands-free control through voice recognition, offering greater freedom in the kitchen.

▲ North America kitchen package

A North America kitchen package, unveiled publicly for the first time at the exhibition, also drew attention from visitors.

▲ Bespoke AI AirDresser and Bespoke AI Laundry Combo

The exhibition showed that a zero-housework home is within reach, highlighting stronger connectivity among washing machines, dryers and garment care systems, alongside advances in the AI capabilities of robot vacuums.

Care Companion Zone: A Safer, Healthier Everyday Life

▲ View of the Care Companion zone

In the Care Companion zone,visitors saw how the latest Galaxy form factors — including the new Galaxy Z TriFold — connect mobile and wearable devices with home appliances to serve as a central hub for AI-powered living.

▲ Galaxy Z TriFold

The area demonstrated how Samsung Health is continuing to improve sleep environments by controlling air conditioners, air purifiers, lighting and sensors. A brain health training program for users concerned with cognitive health was also showcased. Other features of the health platform include analyzing health metrics through connected devices to help identify potential signs of chronic conditions, as well as exercise and sleep coaching and recipe recommendations based on ingredients in connected refrigerators.

▲ Sleep environment demonstration

Samsung further highlighted its Care Companion approach through a Pet Care system that helps identify potential health issues in companion animals and Home Care services, such as SmartThings Safe, that can request emergency assistance in critical situations.

▲ The Family Care section

▲ (From left) Jonathan Harvey and Maxence Fleury

“What impressed me was how everything is connected,” said Maxence Fleury, a digital content creator from Los Angeles. “The exhibition clearly showed how the ecosystem is expanding and the impact it is having.”

▲ Lucy Hedges

“Once again, Samsung didn’t disappoint,” said Lucy Hedges, host of The Travel Show on the BBC. “What I especially liked was how AI blends naturally into everyday life. These connected products ultimately make users’ lives easier and more comfortable.”

As a standalone exhibition, The First Look 2026 presented a more expansive and advanced range of AI products and experiences than ever before. Samsung’s vision of AI — as a trusted companion in everyday life — offers much to look forward to in the years ahead.

Under the theme “Your Companion to AI Living,” Samsung outlined its vision for bringing joy, convenience and care to people’s daily lives — unveiling new products and technologies designed to support that goal. The company also emphasized its commitment to democratizing AI by integrating the technology across its product lineup and services.

Watch how Samsung is embedding AI into everyday life.