Recognizing Individual Voices, Bespoke AI Appliances Improve Accessibility

Samsung Electronics is pushing the boundaries of innovation in accessibility[1] with its latest AI-powered home appliances, making life more convenient for users through inclusive technology. In the future, Samsung home appliances will be able to recognize each family member’s voice, perform voice commands, sync accessibility settings across devices and support other advanced capabilities.[2]

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 ID[3] — 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 Hub™[5][6] features black-and-white, color inversion and font enlargement for users with low vision. Meanwhile, the 7-inch AI Home[7] 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 out[8] 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 selected 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] Product availability may vary according to region.

[7] 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.

[8] As of early September 2024, Voice Guide is only supported on select Family Hub™ refrigerators and Bespoke AI Laundry Combo™.