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.

Whether it’s listening to your favourite music, or simply tuning into – or tuning out – your surroundings, the Galaxy Buds2 Pro offers the ultimate in sound for everyone. Samsung is committed to helping those with hearing impairment better enjoy the sounds of the world around them with the introduction of new enhanced Ambient Sound.

Making Technology More Accessible and Inclusive

The updated Ambient Sound feature – which gives users the ability to listen to and stay aware of their surroundings – offers enhanced amplification[1] and providing the benefit of improved hearing to even more users.

To assess the feature’s efficacy[2], a clinical trial was undertaken by the University of Iowa’s Hearing Aid and Aging Research Laboratory. Their research concluded that the Galaxy Buds2 Pro significantly improved speech perception in those with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. A similar trial conducted by Samsung Medical Center also found that the Galaxy Buds2 Pro could be an effective tool to help those with mild-to-moderate hearing loss to better communicate in a quiet place.

Bringing New Levels to Audio Customisation

With this improved feature, Galaxy Buds2 Pro users can also fine-tune their Ambient Sound settings across a variety of needs. Users can adjust the volumes on the left and the right respectively, as well as customise their Ambient Sound tone range from soft to clear across five different stages. Additionally, Ambient Sound can tune to users’ ears through the Adapt Ambient Sound feature, allowing for even more clarity in helping users hear the world around them better.

“We are excited to be introducing the new enhanced accessibility feature of the Galaxy Buds2 Pro to users on Global Accessibility Awareness Day,” said Han-gil Moon, Master and Head of Advanced Audio Lab, MX Business at Samsung Electronics. “Samsung will continue to work to help each and every user experience the best possible audio anytime, anywhere with their Galaxy Buds2 Pro.”

Availability

The enhanced Ambient Sound feature will be progressively released on Galaxy Buds2 Pro via software updates in the coming weeks[3].

Purchase the Galaxy Buds2 Pro today and enjoy a rebate of RM200 at https://www.samsung.com/my/offer/im/parents-day-2023/wearables/

[1] Accessed in the Laboratory menu under Earbuds settings in the Galaxy Wearable app.

[2] Clinical trials by the University of Iowa and Samsung Medical Center were conducted with the Ambient Sound feature at its maximum level (Level 5).

[3] Availability may vary by market, carrier and model.

When innovative technology meets great design, our lives can become more convenient. Samsung Newsroom spoke with inspiring people who use Samsung products and features to unlock new possibilities and enhance their lives.

Exploring the World Together

It is only natural for parents to want to share special moments together with their children, especially as they grow curious about the world and find joy in discovering new things. For parents with visual impairments, exploring the world with children requires a different approach.

“This is an apple, and this is a puppy.”

Children often point at objects they don’t know as they grow up and learn about their surroundings. With Bixby Vision for accessibility, parents with visual impairments can find out what their children are curious about as the device narrates for them. Even if parents aren’t able to see what’s in front of them, they can experience the world with their children through sound.

[Bixby Vision for Accessibility]

With an easy setup and simple interface, Bixby Vision vocally describes what it sees, helping people make sense of the world around them. Bixby Vision supports scene describer[1], object identifier[2], text reader and color detector.

* On smartphones and tablets: Settings → Accessibility → Spoken assistance → Bixby Vision for accessibility

** Service availability and content providers may vary by country, device, OS and One UI version.

Enjoying the World Together

Everyone is different — even members of the same family. For CODA[3] families, hearing children converse with their parents who are deaf through sign language. As children grow up, parents want to learn more about what their children are experiencing and enjoying.

“Mom, look at that. Isn’t it funny?”

With Sign Language Zoom, it’s easier for CODA parents to better understand what their children are watching through a bigger sign language screen. Now, the entire family can enjoy their time in front of the TV and share even more laughter and joy together.

[Sign Language Zoom]

Sign Language Zoom automatically recognizes and enlarges the sign language area, enabling users who are deaf to see more detailed mouth and facial expressions. You can specify a sign language area and adjust the magnification by up to 200%. Users who are deaf or hard of hearing can also use this function to zoom in on a specific area of the screen, such as scores for sporting events or quiz programs.

* On TVs: Home → Menu → Settings → All settings → General & Privacy → Accessibility → Sign Language Zoom Settings
** Available on all Samsung Smart TVs released in 2021 or later.

Sharing With the World

Each and every one of us is different, with our physical abilities changing over time. Given the diverse range of experiences being lived by others around the world, it is important that everyone feels empowered to do what they want, meet who they want and live the life they want.

“I want to inspire people through social media.”

People with physical disabilities can seamlessly take, edit and share selfies on social media using the Assistant menu on Samsung smartphones or tablets. With the Assistant menu, everyone can use their personal devices to communicate and meet new friends.

[Assistant menu]

The Assistant menu lets you easily control your phone by simply tapping a shortcut icon to access hardware buttons, apps, features and other settings.

* On smartphones and tablets: Settings → Accessibility → Interaction and dexterity → Assistant menu

Staying in Tune With the World

For people who are deaf and hard of hearing, navigating the world can take a different shape. With this in mind, it’s important for them to receive everyday notifications in new ways.

“Light can become a language of its own.”

Light can help those who are deaf and hard of hearing receive the information they need in their day-to-day life. SmartThings uses lighting to notify users when someone’s at the door, when meals are ready or when the laundry is done. Light has become a way to communicate through SmartThings.

[SmartThings]

Sync your devices and appliances via the SmartThings app to control and get notifications about your air conditioner, washing machine, fridge and more.^* Then, connect partner products such as door sensors, lights and thermostats to automate and simplify your own day-to-day routine^** — like setting your smart light to dim or change colors once the laundry is done.

* To set notifications

• On smartphone and tablets: SmartThings app → Menu → Notifications → More (⋮) → Notification settings
• On TVs released in 2021 or later: SmartThings app → Settings → Notifications

TV notifications are limited to minimize any interruptions to the viewing experience.

** To set SmartThings routines

• SmartThings app → Automations → Add (+) Create routine

Possibilities Never Before Imagined

Samsung believes these stories can foster a world where all people benefit from the convenience enabled by technology.

Users with disabilities have utilized Samsung’s features in creative ways to enhance their lives — despite the fact that some functions were not originally designed as accessibility features. To this end, Samsung has provided new ways for users to interact with its products and services and has taken inspiration from real-life cases to develop stories with guidance from the Samsung Accessibility Committee[4] and Samsung Family Supporters[5].

Samsung hopes to continue creating accessible designs that unlock new possibilities so everyone will be empowered to lead meaningful, independent lives.

From the UX Team of the Corporate Design Center, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

* This article consists of stories based on interviews with people with disabilities and guidance from Samsung Family Supporters, an organization made up of Samsung employees and family members with disabilities.
** Illustrations by KIMUSTUDIO, an organization working with talented designers with developmental disabilities who create artistic pieces that challenge long-held stereotypes that have previously created prejudices in art.

[1] Scene describer mode currently supports English (US), French, German, Italian, Korean, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish (Spain).
[2] Object identifier mode supports 54 languages, which are the same languages supported in the translation feature.
[3] CODA is an acronym for Children of Deaf Adults, referring to children raised by at least one guardian who is deaf.
[4] The Samsung Accessibility Committee works closely together with designers and developers to continuously improve the accessibility experience for all Samsung users.
[5] Together with Samsung Family Supporters, consisting of Samsung employees and family members with disabilities, Samsung assesses the needs of users across the spectrum to create ease of use for all.

As part of the company’s effort to support the Sustainable Development Goals, which include the aim to promote inclusion and equality for all, Samsung is committed to taking feedback from all users, and is collaborating with companies like Google to make the Galaxy experience accessible to everyone.

These collaborations have led to the development of a wide range of accessibility features that are designed to serve diverse needs. What’s more, to celebrate this year’s Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Samsung has produced a video tutorial to help users make the most out of the accessibility features on Galaxy smartphones.

Check out the video below to learn more.

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.