This philosophy is reflected even more strongly in One UI 8, launched alongside the latest Galaxy Z series. The update enhances hearing accessibility features, enabling smoother communication even in challenging listening environments.

To learn more about how these improvements came to life, Samsung Newsroom spoke with Soohyun Lee from Experience Planning Group1 of Samsung Electronics’ Mobile eXperience (MX) Business, along with Samsung Supporters Hajung Kim and Wansu Kim, who collaborated with Lee to bring more accessibility features to One UI 8.

▲ (From left) Wansu Kim and Hajung Kim with Soohyun Lee

Real Voices, Real Change: Samsung Supporters Inspire Inclusive Features

The hearing accessibility features in One UI 8 draw on the real-life experiences and feedback of Samsung Supporters. Currently active in Korea and the United Kingdom, the Samsung Supporters program invites users with diverse accessibility needs — including vision, hearing and mobility — to propose accessibility-related ideas directly to Samsung. It played a key role in developing the new hearing accessibility features in One UI 8, with Samsung Supporters Hajung Kim and Wansu Kim, both of whom are hard of hearing, contributing their experiences and ideas.

“We listen closely to the valuable feedback from our Supporters about inconveniences and other challenges that traditional desk research might overlook,” explained Lee, who manages the Samsung Supporters program. “We then incorporate those insights to improve our products and services.”

“We communicate with the Supporters in real time on a daily basis, while also conducting online surveys and in-depth offline interviews to carefully analyze issues and review solutions,” she continued. “Samsung Supporters are part of the entire process — from planning to testing and refinement.”

▲ Soohyun Lee from Experience Planning Group1 of the MX Business

Features directly proposed by Samsung Supporters — such as Interpreter using keyboard and Real-Time Text calls — were brought to life in One UI 8. “After experiencing Galaxy products firsthand as a hard-of-hearing user, I suggested specific improvements regarding certain features,” said Wansu Kim, an international sign language educator. “Knowing that even a small change can make someone’s daily life much more convenient, I focused on ideas that people would truly need and be able to use with ease.”

Content creator and writer Hajung Kim collaborated with Wansu Kim to produce a video introducing One UI 8’s hearing accessibility features. “We wanted the changes we suggested to seamlessly blend into the everyday lives of more people, so I planned the video from the perspective of a real user,” said Hajung Kim with pride.

▲ (From left) Samsung Supporters Hajung Kim and Wansu Kim use the new accessibility features applied to One UI 8.

‘Breaking Language Barriers With a Keyboard’ — Samsung Supporters’ Pick ①: Interpreter Using Keyboard

Starting with the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy AI’s translation capabilities have already proven to be a reliable companion for overcoming language barriers. However, its voice-based format had limitations in certain situations — for example, when the speaker’s pronunciation was unclear or when the surrounding environment was noisy.

With One UI 8, Samsung enhanced Interpreter[1] in a way that helps users communicate more naturally across languages through text typed on the keyboard. When a user types a sentence in their own language, the device instantly generates a real-time translation[2] in both text and speech. The screen then displays two sections — one showing the user’s original text and the other the translation for their conversation partner — enabling smooth two-way communication.

▲ Soohyun Lee introduces the Interpreter using keyboard feature.

“Our focus was on creating a seamless, uninterrupted conversation experience,” said Lee. “To reflect real usage patterns and refine the feature, we made typed sentences remain visible even after translation for easy editing and added an option to quickly delete the entire sentence with just one tap when users want to start a new one.”

▲ Wansu Kim demonstrates the Interpreter using keyboard feature.

“I love traveling with my family, but since both my parents and I are hard of hearing, communication has always been a big challenge — especially when traveling abroad,” said Wansu Kim. “On a recent trip, Interpreter using keyboard allowed me to converse freely with people using different languages, making everything so much easier. Now, I can solely focus on the excitement of traveling without concerns about language barriers.”

“Elevators were originally designed for wheelchair users, but today everyone benefits from them,” he added. “In the same way, Interpreter using keyboard can be used by anyone in situations where it’s difficult to talk. Accessibility isn’t only for people with physical limitations — it’s an opportunity for everyone.”

‘Don’t Miss a Word During a Call’ — Samsung Supporters’ Pick ②: Real-Time Call Captions

For users with hearing aids or cochlear implants, phone calls can still cause anxiety. It’s easy to miss parts of the conversation and difficult to jot down important details while talking. To ease this burden, One UI 8 introduces Real-Time Call Captions.[3]

By tapping the speech bubble icon on the right side of the call screen, the speech of both the caller and receiver are transcribed and displayed in real time. “I used to feel nervous whenever I needed to make a hospital appointment or talk with a bank representative on the phone because it was so important to understand every detail,” said Hajung Kim. “Now, with captions, I can instantly catch any words or sentences I might have missed, which makes me feel much more at ease. It’s not just a tool that converts voice into text — it’s a safety net that helps me follow the conversation and communicate more freely.”

▲ Hajung Kim uses the Real-Time Call Captions feature during a phone call.

The feature assists users during everyday phone calls with friends and family as well. “Before, I often had to ask my grandparents to repeat themselves because I couldn’t clearly understand their pronunciation,” Hajung Kim said. “I often worried that going through this process again and again would tire them out, especially during longer calls. But with Real-Time Call Captions, I can now read my grandmother’s words on the screen instantly, allowing the conversation to flow without interruption.”

“A short phone call can brighten an entire day, making this feature truly invaluable to my family,” she added.

‘Instant Conversations, No Waiting Required’ — Samsung Supporters’ Pick ③: Real-Time Text Calls

The accessibility feature Wansu Kim uses most frequently is Real-Time Text calls,[4] which allows users to communicate in text during a call, as though they’re exchanging messages. In earlier versions, the text of the other person’s speech appeared only after they finished speaking. This was particularly inconvenient during automated response system (ARS) calls with banks, telecommunications providers or credit card companies, when the input time often expired before users could read the instructions on their screens.

Now with One UI 8, however, Real-Time Text calls display text the moment the other person begins speaking, allowing users to follow along and prepare responses without delay. “Even during personal calls, being able to see what the other person is saying in real time makes me feel much closer to them,” said Wansu Kim.

▲ Wansu Kim uses the Real-Time Text calls feature during a phone call.

“In the past, there were always slight pauses during text calls with the Supporters — it sometimes felt like playing a game of guessing each other’s timing,” Lee said. “Those experiences showed us that timing is the most crucial part of a phone call. By making text appear in real time — without waiting for the other person to finish speaking — we introduced a key improvement. Even a few seconds can make a big difference, and seamless timing helps bring people closer together.”

Making Accessibility a Given for Everyone

What does the future of accessibility envisioned by Samsung Electronics and Samsung Supporters look like?

“Accessibility isn’t a matter of special consideration — it’s something that everyone deserves and should enjoy,” Lee said. “Our goal is to create experiences that more people, across various environments, can access and benefit from without inconvenience at any time.” She added that the journey toward greater accessibility has been a joyful one, made possible thanks to those who understand the need for change and continue to offer their encouragement and support.

For Wansu Kim, accessibility means freedom. “To me, hearing accessibility is freedom,” he said. “Through my work with Samsung Supporters, I want to help ensure the voices of people like me are heard more clearly and contribute to a world where everyone can communicate freely.”

“Accessibility is a bridge that not only connects people physically but also links their hearts,” Hajung Kim added. “Beyond simply reducing inconvenience, I want to help build a world where technology becomes a source of confidence and empowerment for all.”

The accessibility features in One UI 8 — co-created and presented by Samsung Supporters — can be explored in detail in the video below.

For more information on One UI 8, please visit https://news.samsung.com/my/.

Until 30^th September, purchase the Samsung Galaxy Z Series to experience these accessibility features and enjoy a double storage upgrade worth RM600.

To buy the latest Galaxy Z Series, please visit https://www.samsung.com/my/smartphones/galaxy-z/

[1] Interpreter requires Samsung account login. Certain languages may require language pack download. Service availability may vary by language. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed. Availability and supported features may vary by country, region or carrier. Availability of supported languages may vary. Visit Galaxy AI page at samsung.com for details.

[2] Speed may vary depending on device and network connection.

[3] Feature availability may vary by country, language and device model. Speed may vary depending on network connection. Feature and UI are subject to change without notice.

[4] Feature availability may vary by country, language and device model. Speed may vary depending on network connection. Feature and UI are subject to change without notice.

[5] While stocks last. Terms and conditions apply.

▲ The Bespoke AI Family Hub refrigerator opens with a light touch.

Today, Auto Open Door is available across a range of appliances, including refrigerators, ovens, washing machines, dryers and dishwashers.[1]

Washer-dryers and dishwashers open automatically at the end of a cycle for better hygiene and more convenience.

Starting this year, users don’t even need to say “Hi Bixby” to activate Auto Open Door — a simple command like “Open the fridge door” is enough.

Samsung Newsroom spoke with Nae-young Park from the Washing Machine Module Lab, Digital Appliances (DA) Business, and Chang-Woo Han from the AI Solution Team, Samsung Research at Samsung Electronics to learn how the feature came to life.

▲ (From left) Nae-young Park and Chang-Woo Han

Q. What Inspired the development of Auto Open Door?

Park: When putting groceries into the refrigerator or loading laundry into the washing machine, users often had to set down what they were carrying just to open the door. With washing machines, leaving laundry inside after a cycle could lead to lingering moisture and musty odors. We developed this feature to ease those inconveniences while also considering hygiene.

Q. What aspects did you focus on most during development?

Park: We considered several factors, including opening angle and speed, to make sure the door opened in a stable, natural way. Angles were tested in one-degree increments, and the structure was fine-tuned to create an experience that didn’t feel too slow or too fast. For washing machines, we even measured oxygen concentration at different door angles to find the optimal setting for smooth air circulation — effectively reducing residual moisture in the drum.

Q. How was the voice-activated door–opening feature designed to work without calling Bixby?

Han: Because the system had to recognize commands without a wake-up phrase, it needed to remain in standby and respond quickly. That required balancing energy efficiency with responsiveness, using low-power, low-latency technology. To achieve this, we implemented low-power keyword detection and on-device automatic speech recognition (ASR) — detecting the user’s voice, identifying phrases like “Open the fridge door” and using on-device ASR to accurately interpret and execute the command.

Q. What efforts went into making the voice recognition technology stable and efficient?

Han: High-quality voice recognition depends on accurately understanding a variety of commands and requires large amounts of recorded voice data. Since collecting that data manually is time-consuming and resource-intensive, we developed ‘Zero-shot text-to-speech (TTS)[2]’ technology to streamline the process. Zero-shot TTS can synthesize required sentences in many different voices and use them for training. We advanced the technology to the point where it can replace models trained on real human voices.

Q. What is the future development direction for Auto Open Door?

Park: Looking ahead, Auto Open Door will be expanded to more products. We want to equip a broader range of appliances with this technology so users can interact with any Samsung appliance naturally. Our goal is to create solutions that make life easier for everyone, regardless of their physical condition or circumstance.

Han: This year, we introduced new voice recognition capabilities such as Voice ID[3] — which distinguishes between family members — and voice control that works without a wake-up phrase. Moving forward, we will keep improving core performance while developing more personalized services for users.

With Auto Open Door, Samsung has turned user-centered innovation into everyday convenience. Going forward, Samsung plans to continue making this feature available on more of its products. As the company continues to deliver differentiated technologies and new appliance experiences, consumers can look forward to even greater ease and comfort at home.

For more information, visit  https://www.samsung.com/my/home-appliances/bespoke-home/

[1] Products and models equipped with the feature may vary by market.

[2] Zero-shot TTS references approximately five seconds of speech provided by the user to synthesize new audio in a similar style.

[3] Products and models equipped with the feature may vary by market.

Samsung Newsroom sat down with Bona Lee, Vice President and Head of Customer eXperience (CX) Insight Group at Digital Appliances (DA) Business, Samsung Electronics, to discuss the latest accessibility features in Samsung’s home appliances and the philosophy that shapes them.

▲ Bona Lee from Samsung Electronics demonstrates the negative color mode on the Family Hub refrigerator’s display.

Q. What core value or principle guides your approach when designing accessibility features for home appliances?

Using home appliances typically involves a combination of sensory input — such as sight, sound and touch — along with cognitive functions like making selections and adjusting settings, as well as physical actions like pulling, pushing or lifting. These steps can present challenges for some users.

Samsung is working to reduce or eliminate these usability barriers so that everyone can access all features and benefit from the latest technologies. As part of our broader commitment to inclusive design, we offer tailored solutions for different accessibility needs — such as tactile stickers for buttons, audio cues for users with visual impairments and control panels positioned at heights accessible to wheelchair users.

Q. What are some standout accessibility features or services that users might not be aware of?

▲ Visibility enhancement settings on the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo

The Bespoke AI Laundry Combo offers a significantly more streamlined control experience than before. While previous models required users to turn a dial and strain to read small text to select a cycle, the new model features a built-in digital screen with large, easy-to-read fonts. AI further enhances usability by prioritizing frequently used cycles at the top of the menu.

What’s more, SmartThings routines empower individuals with limited mobility by automating device control. A simple voice command like “I’m going to sleep” can turn off lights and appliances, creating a more comfortable and accessible home environment.

Q. What new accessibility features have been introduced in the 2025 Bespoke AI appliance lineup?

In the 2025 lineup of Bespoke AI appliances, Bixby can now recognize individual voices using Voice ID technology and provide accessibility settings tailored to each person. In addition, with built-in microphones and speakers, users can ask Bixby about the appliance’s status and receive key alerts via voice responses.

Moreover, the Auto Open Door feature — highly praised by users with limited mobility — has been expanded to more products, including refrigerators, washing machines, ovens and dishwashers. A light tap or simple voice command like “Open the [device] door” provides easy, hands-free access.

▲ The Auto Open Door feature on the Family Hub refrigerator

Q. Are there any ongoing collaborations focused on enhancing accessibility in home appliances?

Samsung is actively collaborating with various organizations to identify and address real-world accessibility challenges. We receive objective evaluations and expert guidance from various professional organizations including the Korea Center for Accessibility Assessment & Research. Additionally, accessibility features for our screen-equipped appliances — such as voice guidance and improved visibility — are being developed in alignment with the European Accessibility Act that goes into effect this June.

Internal collaboration is just as vital. The Samsung Family Supporters group — comprised of employees with disabilities and those with family members who have disabilities — is actively involved in shaping accessibility initiatives. Furthermore, the newly established Accessibility Employee Resource Group (ERG) within the Device eXperience (DX) Business fosters open dialogue by encouraging members to share real-life experiences and ideas to improve accessibility across our products and services.

Q. What results or improvements have come from these collaborations so far?

While many visually impaired users found voice guidance for operating SmartThings-connected appliances helpful, some reported that the initial device connection process was challenging.

To address this, we improved the SmartThings app and partnered with TUAT Corp.— the developer of AI-powered visual assistance app Sullivan Plus — to introduce a dedicated mode that recognizes Samsung appliances and helps users easily connect them to SmartThings. Selected for Samsung’s C-Lab Outside startup incubator, Sullivan Plus is expected to further enhance the overall user experience.

We’ve also developed assistive tools based on ideas and feedback from employees and the Samsung Family Supporters group. Designs for these tools are shared on ITDA, a public platform for customizing and 3D-printing assistive devices. One example is a stick-on handle for drawers, designed to support users with limited hand mobility. Development continues toward creating more automated assistive solutions that offer even greater convenience.

Q. What steps is Samsung taking to further advance its vision of “AI for All” in the future?

“AI for All” reflects Samsung’s commitment to ensuring that the benefits of technology are seamlessly integrated into everyday life — regardless of a user’s physical abilities or environment. It’s about transforming individual features into connected, inclusive experiences that make life better for everyone.

Looking ahead, Samsung will continue to embed universal design principles that prioritize inclusivity into product development. This includes gathering input from diverse user groups during the planning stage, leveraging user data to identify new opportunities and collaborating with both internal and external experts and organizations to create more meaningful solutions.

As AI capabilities in home appliances evolve, the goal is to create a truly intelligent in-home experience — one that understands each user, their family and their environment by automating tasks and reducing the need for manual input. Rather than addressing diversity with isolated features, Samsung strives to deliver integrated, all-in-one solutions that adapt to any situation.

We see this as the future of innovation — where accessibility and technology come together to serve everyone, under the vision of “Universal Accessibility, Universal Technology.”

To find out more, please visit: https://news.samsung.com/my/

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.

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’s[1] 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.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced the addition of SeeColors mode on its 2023 TV and monitor lineup[1]. The newly added accessibility feature provides various color settings based on degrees and types of color vision deficiency (CVD)[2], offering an improved viewing experience.

SeeColors mode provides nine picture presets so users can select the option that is most suitable for them. The feature adjusts red, green and blue levels to ensure viewers can easily distinguish colors on the screen depending on their degree or type of CVD.

Originally released as an application in 2017, SeeColors helps those with CVD enjoy their screen as it was meant to be seen. Now, integrated into TV and monitor accessibility menus, this feature is more readily available to users. For consumers who have already purchased a 2023 model, a software update will be available to add SeeColors to the accessibility menu.

Samsung has earned ‘Color Vision Accessibility’ certification from TÜV Rheinlan[3], in acknowledgement of SeeColors mode’s ability to help those with CVD better enjoy content on Samsung screens. This recognition builds on Samsung’s commitment to accessibility under the vision of ‘Screens Everywhere, Screens for All.

If you wish to own your desired TV which helps you experience movies and entertainment in a new and meaningful way, you can purchase your desired Samsung TV at Samsung Malaysia Online Store. In addition to that, customers can enjoy an additional 5% off on their first purchase with free standard shipping and earn 10x Samsung Reward Points. So, don’t miss this chance!

For more information on Samsung’s accessibility features, please visit www.samsung.com.

[1] SeeColors mode is available on Samsung’s 2023 TV and monitor lineup, including the Neo QLED, QLED, OLED, Smart Monitor and the G95SC gaming monitor.

[2] This feature is not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of any disease or medical problem. Any information found, acquired, or accessed through this feature is made available for your convenience and should not be treated as medical advice.

[3] TÜV Rheinland, headquartered in Cologne, Germany, is a globally renowned testing organization that offers quality and safety certifications across various industries. The ‘Color Vision Accessibility’ certification was awarded on June 7, 2023.

Samsung Electronics creates technology that is accessible and easy-to-use for customers, regardless of their age, race, gender, or ability. Following Global Accessibility Awareness Day on May 16, Samsung has released a visual story that details how the company designs products for everyone.