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.

IFA 2024 — Europe’s largest consumer electronics trade show held in Berlin, Germany — opened on September 6 with Samsung Electronics showcasing an impressive array of AI-powered products and services under its vision of “AI for All.”

Samsung Newsroom visited the company’s dynamic booth at IFA 2024 to see what innovative technologies captivated attendees.

▲ (Left) Samsung’s exhibit is located in CityCube Berlin in Messe Berlin. (Right) Crowds gathered at Samsung’s IFA 2024 booth.

Leading the Way to a Safer, More Sustainable Future

Upon entering the exhibit, visitors were welcomed by a range of SmartThings solutions — organized into key themes such as Security, Sustainability, Easy Connectivity and Control, Safety and Health as well as B2B Solutions. Each area highlighted SmartThings’ AI capabilities, illustrating how these innovations integrate into everyday life and reflect Samsung’s commitment to building a safer and more sustainable future.

▲ Calm Onboarding helps to manage the entire product journey, from registration to actual use and product maintenance. Meanwhile, Map View allows users to monitor devices in living spaces at a glance.

▲ SmartThings can adjust home appliances to create optimal sleep conditions

▲ The B2B-specific SmartThings Pro streamlines operations in residential or commercial spaces by connecting and managing lighting, temperature and humidity controls, cameras, home appliances and other IoT devices.

Personalizing Daily Life Through Bespoke AI Home Appliances

In the Bespoke AI space, guests witnessed the remarkable evolution of Samsung’s home appliances — now more intuitive and customized for spaces around the home. Notably, Samsung unveiled an upgraded version of the smart AI voice assistant Bixby alongside other state-of-the-art technologies that deliver tailored services based on the user’s voice and location.

▲ The 7-inch AI Home on Anyplace Induction helps users see and control their home appliances.

▲ The Bespoke AI Family Hub[1] refrigerator uses AI for image recognition, recipe suggestions and more.

▲ The Bespoke AI Laundry Combo received an A-grade energy efficiency class rating for its washing and drying capabilities.

▲ The Energy Leadership Zone explains to energy-conscious European consumers how Samsung’s AI home appliances and services reduce energy consumption.

Unlocking Next-Level Viewing Experiences

The AI TV space introduced visitors to the newest trends in AI TVs and other technologies that can be implemented around the home. The Transparent MICRO LED impressed with its crystal-clear image quality and high transparency, and the AI home companion Ballie drew attention as well.

▲ The Transparent MICRO LED stands out from other similar displays with its ultra-transparent and bezel-less design.

▲ Ballie offers personalized experiences by playing music or controlling various IoT devices.

▲ Visitors enjoy games on (left) the 49-inch Odyssey OLED G9 and (right) Samsung Gaming Hub on a Samsung AI TV.

▲ (Left) The Music Frame and (right) the 2024 version of The Premiere are displayed at IFA 2024.

Creating a Smarter Mobile Future With Galaxy AI

Finally, guests experienced the latest AI features across the Galaxy lineup in the Galaxy AI Ecosystem space. Showcasing a truly integrated experience, various devices from the Galaxy product family were on display — including the Galaxy Z series, Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Buds and Galaxy Book.

Visitors expressed keen interest in the new levels of connectivity between devices, with some commenting that the practical features are exactly what they’ve been waiting for.

▲ Interpreter allows users to take advantage of both the main screen and cover screen when having a conversation in different languages.

▲ The Galaxy Watch can track users’ health.

[1] Product availability may vary according to region.

Further expanding the AI for All vision, the conference included chapters “AI Meets the World” and “AI Meets You” where speakers from across the company and its partners demonstrated the critical role AI plays in improving users’ quality of life, equipping them with tools they can use to enrich their lives.

“Since our presentation at IFA last year, discussions around AI and its role in our lives have grown significantly,” said Benjamin Braun, Chief Marketing Officer, Samsung Europe. “At Samsung, we are proud to make AI more accessible and understandable, showing how it can simplify life rather than complicate it. We believe AI should act like multiple pairs of helping hands, meeting your needs  and the world beyond them. Our AI-enabled products allow people more time to focus on the things they care about.”

▲ Benjamin Braun, CMO Samsung Europe, highlighting AI for All on stage at IFA 2024

AI For All

Samsung’s AI for All spans a wide range of its AI enabled products, from mobile devices, home appliances and home entertainment systems. By the end of 2024, Samsung expects there will be 200 million Galaxy AI-enabled devices in users’ hands. Samsung understands its AI features need to adapt to how consumers want to live – as well as supporting the needs of the earth.

Central to this is the expanding SmartThings ecosystem, which connects over 500 million devices, offering seamless remote control of all Samsung AI-enabled products, from turning the heating on or off, managing all appliances when home or away and navigating Samsung TVs.

Never before has it been so easy for people across the world to use of the power of AI to take control of the world around them. Samsung AI enable products give this power to its users, allowing them to curate their everyday experiences. Whether striving for more sustainable living, expanding creativity or connecting with their loved ones.

However, only 15% of people said they have a full understanding of how AI can be used in their daily lives and yet 66% of us are looking for ways to create more time. This shows a clear opportunity for Samsung AI to give back to people, and why AI is for All. [1]

Launching following IFA, the latest operating system upgrade, One UI 6.1.1, will make AI features from the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6, such as Live Translate and Circle To Search, available on the Galaxy S24, Z Fold5 and Flip5.

This rollout of One UI 6.1.1 will also include brand new apps which bring more opportunity for creativity and connection. Including, Sketch to Image, which allows users to visualise their ideas through image options generated from a simple drawing and Portrait Studio which propels creativity by helping users create a more personalised avatar to use online.

▲ Deborah Honig, VP of One Samsung at Samsung UK, on stage at IFA 2024

AI Meets You

Samsung believes that its AI should enhance daily life by allowing users to personalise entertainment experiences. At IFA 2024, Samsung launched the Premiere 7 and 9 Projectors, Galaxy Book5 Pro 360, and Galaxy Book4 Edge 15-inch, all designed to help users focus on what they care about and who they share it with.

The Premiere 9 and The Premiere 7 projectors, bring advanced laser technology to home entertainment, delivering exceptional 4K resolution and immersive audio on screens up to 130 inches. They include AI-powered technology, including Upscaling, which enhances content to 4K quality, and Vision Booster, which adjusts brightness and contrast for optimal viewing in various lighting conditions. Designed to transform living spaces into premium home cinemas, these projectors offer a superior viewing experience with cutting-edge technology.

▲ Stephanie Chosen, Brand & Product Marketing Manager, Samsung at IFA 2024 on stage

The Galaxy Book5 Pro 360, in collaboration with Intel, combines the power of the new Intel® Core Ultra processor with Samsung’s mobile leadership to unlock the next level of cross-device AI experiences. Featuring Galaxy AI, it offers personalised productivity and seamless connectivity. With all-day battery life, users can accomplish more efficiently, while its enhanced graphics and displays provide a premium entertainment experience within Galaxy’s extensive mobile AI ecosystem.

The ultra-thin Galaxy Book4 Edge 15-inch, designed with Qualcomm, is powered by the Snapdragon® X Plus processor for exceptional performance and long battery life. It integrates advanced NPU technology for top-tier AI capabilities and combines Copilot+ PC features with Galaxy AI. This portable device enhances creativity and connectivity on a vibrant 15-inch display.

Also showcased on stage at IFA were the latest innovations in Samsung TVs. Since 2015, Tizen OS has powered hundreds of millions of smart TVs, leading the evolution of television viewing. 2024 Samsung AI TVs will receive Tizen OS upgrades for seven years considering hardware specification.[2] This ensures that consumers can continue to enjoy the latest innovations and enhanced connectivity across all their Samsung devices.

Samsung’s Neo QLED 8K AI screens provide an enhanced viewing experience with built-in NQ 8 AI Gen 3 processors. These processors feature 512 neural networks—eight times more than before—and, when combined with the power of AI, deliver a customised, high-quality sound and picture experience. This technology upscales on-screen content to deliver the sharp and smooth picture yet.

The latest developments in The Frame and Art Store were also celebrated at IFA with the announcement of several new partnerships. Along with collaborations with Finnish design house Marimekko and Jean-Michel Basquiat, Samsung introduced an exclusive collection of 12 masterpieces by Belgian surrealist René Magritte. These partnerships enable users to bring extraordinary art into their homes, adding a touch of magic to their everyday surroundings.

Samsung is creating simple user experiences through its Bespoke AI appliances[3], which now offer enhanced voice control through Bixby upgrades. The upgraded Bixby can understand multiple commands in one sentence, recall previous context[4] to carry out continuous commands for personalised responses and provide answers to product related questions[5]. It allows users to express their needs more naturally and easily than before.

Samsung also opens up greater control and accessibility benefits for users. For example, Samsung developed and applied an Auto Open Door feature on some washing machine and refrigerator models so users can open doors with a light touch. A recent update allows people to open the door by simply saying, “Open the refrigerator door”, even without wake-up commands like “Hi Bixby”.

AI Meets World

Samsung believes that AI is a force for good and one which has a critical role to play in allowing us all to take better care of the planet and each other.

Samsung has continued its mission to become Net Zero by 2050, with 93% of its DX Division operations running on to Renewable Energy sources[6].

Within its products, Samsung continues to prioritise energy efficiency and is passionate about using AI to make this possible. Whether that’s AI inside appliances such as its refrigerators and washing machines or using AI to unlock the potential of its SmartThings Eco System to save more energy.

Samsung’s AI Hybrid refrigerators have been built with energy saving front of mind. By combining two power sources, a compressor and Peltier cooling technology, the fridge intelligently responds when more energy than usual is being used. For example, if the fridge door is left open for longer, the Peltier technology works as an extra cooling source to improve overall energy efficiency.

On stage at IFA Samsung revealed that the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo is now rolling out across Europe. The All-in-One washer and dryer combo is a single space efficient appliance that finishes the wash and dry cycle in one queue. The wash cycle not only meets but surpasses the minimum energy efficiency requirements for the A-grade rating by up to 20%[7], and the wash and dry cycle combined also meets the A-grade rating.[8] This impressive performance is achieved through advanced heat pump drying technology, which dries clothes quickly, gently and efficiently at lower temperatures

▲ Katharina Mayer, Head of LifeStyle Lab Europe, Digital Appliances, Samsung, on stage at IFA 2024

The SmartThings Ecosystem remains at the core of Samsung’s ability to pioneer energy efficiency, as it can make lots of small changes to make a big difference. The AI Energy Mode in SmartThings Energy[9] can save up to 70% of energy consumption for washing machines[10][11]. Also with SmartThings Away Mode users never have to worry about forgetting to turn off a light or the TV when they go out. Sensors in various appliances sense when there is no-one in the room and then shut down systems to save energy.

Bespoke AI appliances can also save energy costs through Optimal Scheduling and Optimal Charging. These features delay the start of a wash cycle and charging to avoid peak hours in order to reduce energy costs when combined with smart tariffs.

The Samsung exhibition at IFA will be open from September 6^th to 10^th at the City Cube, Berlin.

[1] This research was conducted between July 11th and July 19th, 2024, to gauge public sentiment towards AI across Europe. The survey sampled 11,000 adults from ten countries: the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark and Poland, with each country contributing 1,000 respondents, except the UK, which had 2,000 respondents.

[2] Details on supported models and features to be determined.

[3] The update is available for appliances launched in 2024 including the Bespoke 4-Door Refrigerator with AI Family Hub; Bespoke AI Laundry Combo; Bespoke Slide-in Range; Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI; and Bespoke AI WindFree Gallery Freestanding Air Conditioner (sold in Korea only).

[4] Only available while the dialog box is open.

[5] Understanding multiple commands and Recalling previous context are supported in the following languages: English (US, UK, India), Korean, Spanish (Latin America, Europe), French, German, Italian and Portuguese (Brazil). Answering product-related questions is currently available for English (US) and Korean. The following scenario is based on English (US) and may vary depending on user language settings.

[6] In September 2022, Samsung announced its New Environmental Strategy which includes the company’s goals to achieve net zero Scope 1,2 emissions by 2050, maximize resource circularity to contribute to a circular economy and tackle environmental challenges through technological innovation. Samsung’s Device eXperience (DX) division aims to reach net zero Scope 1,2 emissions by 2030. The DX division achieved 93.4% renewable energy conversion as of the end of 2023 — which includes 100% renewable energy used at major global manufacturing facilities in the United States, Europe, Korea, China, Brazil, India and Vietnam.

[7] Based on internal testing of energy efficiency of household washing machines according to Regulation (EU) 2019/2016. This 18kg washer model comes with 20 percent more energy efficiency (38.9 EEI) than the conventional A-rated energy efficiency class (52 EEI).

[8] Based on internal testing. Complete operating cycle from washing to drying of this model is rated Energy efficiency class A as defined by EU Regulation 2019/2014.

[9] Available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required.

[10] Savings amount estimated based on tests performed by Samsung. Estimated savings may differ from users actual savings. https://blog.smartthings.com/smartthings-energy/how-to-reduce-your-carbon-footprint-with-smartthings-energy/

[11] Wi-Fi connection, Samsung account and SmartThings required. Can be applied when the selected washing temperature is 20~40°C. Max saving results from washing a 40 degree cycle as a cold wash. Savings based on internal testing on the WW11BB944AGB model in normal usage conditions. Results: Power consumption without AI Energy Mode = 0.539 KWh. Power consumption with AI Energy Mode = 0.145 KWh. Results may vary depending on the actual usage conditions.