Q. What motivated you to participate in the Samsung SmartThings campaign?

When the Galaxy Z Flip was first released, I remember being impressed by its design — which led me to buy a Galaxy smartphone right away and switch both my tablet and watch to Galaxy devices. As a Galaxy fan, I love how my Galaxy products are all connected, allowing me to do things like check workout progress or calories burned on my phone or tablet while I’m exercising. Naturally, I was excited when Samsung approached me to participate in this campaign.

Q. What is the best thing about using SmartThings?

SmartThings has become a feature I really need. Once set up, the platform manages everything and gives me time and energy to focus on other stuff. The ability to find compatible products nearby and automatically pair them is so easy to do. It allows me to be much more efficient and productive.

Q. Have you been using SmartThings since the shoot?

Absolutely! I actually recently switched my TV and vacuum cleaner to Samsung’s latest appliances. Since my family is quite serious when it comes to cleaning, I can easily keep track of the areas I last cleaned with SmartThings — helping me keep my place tidy on my days off.

Q. What was your favourite scene in this shoot?

If I had to choose just one feature, my favourite would be the gaming scene since I love playing video games. In the video, once I place my phone on the wireless charger and SmartThings automatically creates the perfect gaming environment. And there’s even lighting synced to the gaming screen via Hue Sync, so I really like to play games.

That’s when you will discover SmartThings takes gaming to another level. If you like playing video games, I strongly recommend using Gaming Mode on SmartThings for an all-new gaming experience.

 ※ Compatible lighting must be purchased separately; paid subscription of the Hue Sync app is required through Samsung TV app; availability and the timing of support may vary by country and region

Q. What are some specific SmartThings features you would like to highlight?

SmartThings helps me reduce energy consumption and control energy usage across all my products in real time. I’m able to view energy usage and maximize energy efficiency with AI Energy Mode to be more conscious about energy saving.

In addition, I like how SmartThings allows me to expand the ways I use my TV. Before the shoot, I only played video games and watched football on my TV. Now, after learning about SmartThings and its functions, I use my TV to control home appliances, chat with friends while watching football and keep track of my workout progress while exercising. I hope more people are able to make use of these innovative features.

Q. Is there anything you want to share about your experience on this campaign?

Through this campaign, I was able to experience how SmartThings can program my home appliances based on my daily routine. SmartThings goes beyond convenience — it delivers a whole new experience.

For those who haven’t experienced SmartThings yet, I encourage you to try it out! I look forward to getting involved with other Samsung campaigns and seeing the future of SmartThings!

Learn more about Samsung Smart TVs at: https://www.samsung.com/my/tvs/smart-tv/highlights/

Find out more about Son’s smart life by watching the full video below.

A Galaxy brand ambassador since the Unpacked event in July 2023, Son has partnered with Samsung on the new SmartThings campaign. With a focus on Son’s perspective, the campaign focuses particularly on entertainment, health and saving energy, all of which are areas of high interest among customers globally. The video, which showcases Son living an upgraded daily lifestyle in a series of interviews throughout, will be released through Samsung’s global social channels. All the devices in the video are seamlessly connected within the SmartThings ecosystem. The devices included are not only conventional home appliances such as TVs, air conditioners and refrigerators, but also an array of other devices like speakers and lights.

An Energy-Saving Routine, Thanks to SmartThings Energy and SmartThings Routines

Energy conservation is front and center in the video, as it is showcased through the use of key features of the SmartThings app, such as the SmartThings Energy and SmartThings Routines.

SmartThings Energy allows real-time monitoring of energy consumption from various devices like air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines and TVs. It activates AI Energy Mode[1] before usage reaches higher pricing tiers, which effectively reduces electricity expenses.

With the SmartThings Routines feature, users automatically control household appliances based on specified times and conditions. Son demonstrates this in the campaign video with the “Going Out Routine,” which automatically turns appliances off when he leaves his house. Thanks to this function, Son can pay more attention to other things to do before going out while also reducing unnecessary energy consumption, which leads to a more efficient daily routine.

Monitoring Health With the Galaxy Watch

The Galaxy Watch can provide users with real-time workout data, such as heart rate, calories burned and exercise duration. With SmartThings, Son is able to get the best use out of this feature by simultaneously doing core exercises and watching a football match on TV. While watching the match, he can see the data from his workout on his TV screen.[2] This innovative integration enables individuals to exercise effectively while watching TV.

Commenting on his participation in the campaign, Son said, “The system operates automatically, which makes the experience very simple. Through SmartThings, I’ve found myself enjoying my time at home more while saving energy. It’s easy!”

“Everyday SmartThings with Son” can be found at Samsung’s official Youtube and Instagram channels.

To learn more about Samsung Smart TVs, please visit: https://www.samsung.com/my/tvs/smart-tv/highlights/ 

[1] Available only for models that support AI Energy Mode. Prior to use, SmartThings Energy Service in the SmartThings app needs to be installed.

[2] Available from 2024; availability and the timing of support may vary by country and region.

SmartThings Station makes it easy for users to automate their smart home environment[1] offering compatibility with a wide range of smart home products[2]. You can also keep track of your devices with SmartThings Station. Misplaced your smartphone? Just double press the Smart Button to trigger a pre-set activation to have your phone ring nearby. SmartThings Station also acts as a powerful fast charging pad with up to 15W wireless charging.

To learn more about SmartThings Station and how it can help you make the most of your smart home ecosystem, take a look at the infographic below.

[1] Pre-setting is required for features in advance via the SmartThings app.

[2] Compatible devices only such as certified Zigbee or Matter devices.

As the smart home market continues to grow, users need simple, interoperable and dependable ways to connect a more significant number of devices. SmartThings Station offers quick setup and compatibility with a range of smart home products, including Matter devices, with the simplicity that users expect from Samsung. With SmartThings Station, users can automate different aspects of their home environment, setting routines that add convenience to their day and help to reduce energy waste such as switching off lights and appliances easily.

“Having a smarter home shouldn’t be complicated or expensive. So we wanted to create SmartThings Station as a simple, reliable and expandable smart home hub,” said Jaeyeon Jung, Executive Vice President and Head of SmartThings, Device Platform Center at Samsung Electronics. “The number of devices in a connected home continues to grow, especially in light of the recent Matter standard launch. We’re proud to play a role in making it easier to embrace this exciting technology.”

A Smarter Home With Minimal Effort

Samsung’s SmartThings Station is easy to set up. When a user powers the device on for the first time, pop-up messages will appear on a user’s Samsung Galaxy smartphone to help guide users through the connection process smoothly.[2] Users may also choose the option to efficiently onboard devices with a simple scan of a QR code[3] with a smartphone camera.

Intuitively Adapts to Users’ Daily Routines

A smart home hub helps multiple devices, including thermostats, lighting and power outlets, seamlessly interconnect with other devices connected to the smart home server so they all work together to create a harmonized environment. SmartThings Station makes it easy to automate pre-set routines created via the SmartThings mobile app without requiring users to control individual devices manually.

With a press of the Smart Button on the SmartThings Station, users can activate a routine created on their SmartThings app. For example, when it’s time for bed, a quick tap could trigger a routine for sleep — which could turn off the lights, close the blinds and lower the temperature. Or, if a movie night is on the cards, a movie routine could turn on the TV and dim the lights. When leaving home, the SmartThings Station can turn off power outlets and unused appliances to save energy and activate a security system. Users might also want a gaming routine, which could activate specific TV and lighting settings and turn on “Do not Disturb” mode.

Consumers can trigger up to three different routines just by pressing the Smart Button, with short press, long press or double press activations. Routines can also be activated via the SmartThings app whether people are at home or away.

Find and Manage Your Devices Around Home More Accurately

SmartThings Station is also integrated with Samsung’s SmartThings Find, a rapidly growing asset tracking service. It helps users to find misplaced devices — double pressing the Smart Button can ring your nearby phone, making it easier to find.[4]

Serving as an always-at-home device scanner, SmartThings Station helps Samsung Galaxy users to keep track of the locations of their registered devices — from smartphones, tablets, watches and earbuds to personal belongings such as keys or a wallet that have a Galaxy SmartTag or SmartTag+[5] device attached. By routinely scanning for devices, SmartThings Station will tell users the location of connected smart devices or tags around the home and share an alert on the user’s smartphone when a tag or device leaves or returns home.[6]

A Fast Charging Pad That Fits Perfectly in a Smart Home

SmartThings Station is also a powerful charging pad supporting up to 15W wireless charging.[7] Fast charging is an ingenious addition to a smart home hub because it works so well with the rhythms of life. Users can choose to receive an alert when charging is completed so they can pick up play where they have left off or switch to charge another device.

Availability

SmartThings Station will launch in the U.S. and Korea. The device will be available in black or white from early February 2023 in the U.S. market.

[1] Up to 15W wireless charging is available for devices that support 15W. Actual charging speeds may vary by device and depending on usage charging conditions and other factors.

[2] Available on Samsung Galaxy Smartphones with SmartThings app installed.

[3] Only for Matter devices with a QR code.

[4] Requires turning on the feature on the SmartThings app. Users also can turn off the feature or replace it with other routines or trigger both simultaneously.

[5] Galaxy SmartTag/SmartTag+ sold separately.

[6] Requires set-up on the SmartThings app.

[7] Wireless charger requires power connection.

Our homes are where our daily lives take place. In a home, we prepare meals, relax and unwind, take care of our pets and family and create memories. Now, thanks to innovations in technology, consumers can transform a house into a connected space that adapts to and enhances their unique lifestyles. At a time when turning a house into a home is more valued than ever, Samsung Electronics’ SmartThings Home Life provides an all-in-one service to help users live easier and more comfortable everyday lives.

A Connected Home System

SmartThings Home Life delivers smarter and more seamless experiences across various home appliances, such as TVs, refrigerators, washing machines and air conditioners, by connecting them in a single platform. Simply by talking to Bixby, users can operate all of their home appliances in a way that’s easier than ever before. For instance, automating your everyday tasks is quick and convenient in the SmartThings app. By setting these tasks as Routines in the app, you can eliminate the hassle of repeating these daily tasks yourself, such as manually adjusting the settings for loads of laundry or turning on the air purifier every time you open a window. Now, you can experience a better, smarter way to live each day with the SmartThings Home Life’s customized home service, tailored just for you. Read on to learn more about how SmartThings Home Life elevates any situation in your daily life to be smarter, safer and more convenient.

Indulge in a Delicious Dinner for One

After a long week at the office, I decided to pick up some beef tenderloin for myself on my way home. When I return home, I’m unsure of what I want to cook, so I say, “Hi Bixby, find me some recipes with beef tenderloin.” After hearing a few options, I choose the recipe that sounds the most appetizing and begin cooking right away. According to Bixby, the key to this dish is properly roasting the meat. I use the Sensor Cook to sear the tenderloin to medium. The kitchen hood turns on automatically as soon as I start using the induction, so I continue to cook without worrying about any lingering odors in the house. I know I’m not the most talented chef, but I feel great about cooking a perfectly seared steak. [1]

Before I start eating, I open the window to feel the spring breeze. As I plate my meal, SmartThings Cooking recommends me a wine that complements the steak, and the air purifier turns on after analyzing the air coming through the window. After taking pictures of my first successfully cooked meal, I take a sip of wine. It feels as if the fatigue from an exhausting week just melts away.[2]

•  SmartThings Cooking

SmartThings Cooking is a service that helps any user easily prepare meals like a professional chef. Thanks to an interactive cooking guide that reads out recipes and sends instructions to kitchen appliances, users can solely focus on cooking without the need to dig through recipe books while handling food. Going even further for convenience, users can enjoy high-quality cuisine by simply scanning the bar code on a meal kit. SmartThings Cooking will help users prepare their meals through connected kitchen appliances. In addition, by scanning the labels on meat packages, SmartThings Cooking can recommend different recipes and tips on storage methods. Users can also scan wine labels to save them to a wine list, keep track of their inventory and get recipe recommendations that pair well with each wine.[3]

• SmartThings Air Care

SmartThings Air Care is a service that provides a complete air care solution using your home appliances, such as air conditioners and air purifiers. You can breathe easy with the Air Quality Keeper, which monitors and controls the air quality in your home automatically. The app also recommends air purification methods to maintain healthy indoor air quality based on current conditions. Whether you’re relaxing in the living room on a dusty day or preparing a feast in the kitchen, users can always have fresh, breathable air without ever opening a window or pressing a button.[4]

Take Care of Your Pet From a Distance 

These days, due to an important project at work, I haven’t always been able to make it home on time. I’m worried about my pet, Max, who has been spending more time alone at home. Thankfully, whenever I miss him, I open the SmartThings app to check on him. In the past, the app alerted me that Max frequently barked while alone, but these alerts have decreased after he went through training sessions with the vet. I’m proud of him for doing so well by himself at home. I turn on the lights and TV with the app in the evening so Max doesn’t feel lonely. It looks like I’ll be working overtime again today, so I fill up Max’s dinner in his bowl through a feeder in advance.[5]

Suddenly, a SmartThings Home Care notification pops up from my parents’ house. I turn on my parent’s Jet Bot AI camera to look around, discovering that my mom tripped on the kitchen floor. I immediately call her, and she says that she cried out for help when she fell and couldn’t get up afterward. Thankfully, she says that she wasn’t hurt. This weekend, I will definitely take some time to visit her with Max.[6]

• SmartThings Pet Care

SmartThings Pet Care creates a customized environment for any pet using your connected home devices. For instance, your air conditioner can be set to an optimal temperature depending on your pet’s breed, and your air purifier can effectively clean your pet’s fur from the air. Users can also turn on the TV or some music to keep your pets company while they are alone at home, creating a stable and safe environment for the pet no matter where the owner is. In addition, users can receive notifications when their pets bark or review the notification history to identify any possible signs of separation anxiety.[7]

• SmartThings Home Care

SmartThings Home Care’s Family Care service provides a sense of security for any home. For instance, when the Jet Bot AI detects a family member shouting, “Hi Bixby, please help,” it immediately sends an alert to the other family members. Users can then search all over the house using the camera on the robot vacuum cleaner or contact another family member to help handle the situation. With safety at its core, SmartThings Home Care’s Family Care service can help alleviate concerns about leaving any family members alone in the house.[8]

• SmartThings Home Care

I like to spend all of my Sundays playing golf with my friends. After playing a round, I always come home and store my brand-new golf shoes in the ShoeDresser to keep them nice and clean. The shoes are comfortable, so I want to keep them in good condition and wear them the next time I play 18 holes. After putting away my shoes, I go to the dressing room and put my golf wear in the AirDresser. SmartThings Clothing Care recommends a wash cycle perfect for the fabric of my golf shirts and pants. I save this cycle as ‘My Golf Care’. From there, I use the time I saved to organize the rest of my gear. I always feel recharged after spending the weekend playing golf, and it gives me full energy to start another week. [9]

Keep Your Golf Clothes Lasting Longer

I like to spend all of my Sundays playing golf with my friends. After playing a round, I always come home and store my brand-new golf shoes in the ShoeDresser to keep them nice and clean. The shoes are comfortable, so I want to keep them in good condition and wear them the next time I play 18 holes. After putting away my shoes, I go to the dressing room and put my golf wear in the AirDresser. SmartThings Clothing Care recommends a wash cycle perfect for the fabric of my golf shirts and pants. I save this cycle as ‘My Golf Care’. From there, I use the time I saved to organize the rest of my gear. I always feel recharged after spending the weekend playing golf, and it gives me full energy to start another week.[9]

• SmartThings Clothing Care

SmartThings Clothing Care is a service that makes properly caring for clothes fun and easy. The service learns your specific habits based on the time, day and weather. From there, SmartThings Clothing Care suggests appropriate clothing care tips for the washer, dryer, AirDresser and ShoeDresser suitable for your clothes and shoes. This service provides holistic, integrated care for your wardrobe, depending on each piece’s use or purpose. Often, properly caring for clothes is a difficult task. By saving and naming these clothing recommendations as an automated course in the SmartThings app, you can ensure your clothing lasts without remembering all the fine details. Going beyond quality care, you can also manage your clothes like a pro using the recommendations provided to maximize the synergy of your clothing care appliances.[10]

Celebrate Spring With a Deep Clean

As the weather gets warmer, I always bring in the new season with some spring cleaning. I start by planting some flowers and washing my winter blankets. A couple of days ago, the SmartThings app notified me to replace my air purifier filters. The filters arrived just in time, so I replace them right away. I feel very productive, as I’ve knocked out an important task on my spring cleaning checklist. Then, I vacuum away the dust in every corner of my house. I celebrate a job well done by lying on my sofa with a glass of cool water, feeling fully refreshed. I look forward to the upcoming spring season[11].

• SmartThings Home Care

SmartThings Home Care is a service that not only keeps tabs on all of your Samsung home appliances, but also responds to and helps prevent problems by predicting them in advance. For instance, the app sends you an early freeze risk alert when the weather becomes rapidly cold. It also offers a defrost guide and recommends you to use your air conditioner’s diagnostic functions as the weather warms up. Additionally, the service checks the status of any replaceable components in real time, sending you a notification when a replacement is required and streamlining your process to purchase a replacement. With SmartThings Home Care’s friendly chatbot service and its step-by-step response guide, users can troubleshoot home appliance issues independently without relying on a repairman for simple tasks. [12]

Save Energy Today for a Better Tomorrow

I’m very passionate about saving the environment — I carry a tumbler instead of a disposable cup, I use an eco-bag to avoid plastic bags and I eat a vegan diet. Recently, I’ve been exploring other ways to reduce my carbon footprint, so I have been looking into managing the energy consumption of my home appliances. With SmartThings Energy, I can check how much energy each device uses, control its energy consumption and receive tips on reducing energy usage for my most used devices. The best part is the AI Saving Mode, which automatically switches my devices to Energy Saving Mode before they reach a preset usage target. I hope my efforts, whether big or small, can help build a sustainable future.[13]

• SmartThings Energy

SmartThings Energy allows users to take control of their energy consumption by providing real-time, detailed and accurate information on where and how energy is used within their home. The service measures energy levels in kilowatt-hours and cost over time, so any user can easily understand how much energy a device uses. The app also offers specific tips on reducing energy usage and encourages users to integrate eco-conscious activities into their day-to-day lives. Additionally, turning on AI Saving Mode helps reduce your energy usage by automatically switching your devices to Energy Saving Mode once they reach a certain energy use.[14]

* The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may differ from the actual product. Product specifications and availability may vary by country and region.

[1] Feature availability may vary by country.

[2] Feature availability may vary by country.

[3] Feature availability may vary by country.

[4] Feature availability may vary by country.

[5] Feature availability may vary by country.

[6] Feature availability may vary by countries.

[7] Feature availability may vary by country.

[8] Feature availability may vary by country.

[9] Product availability may vary by country.

[10] Feature availability may vary by country.

[11] Feature availability may vary by country.

[12] Feature availability may vary by country.

[13] Feature availability may vary by country.

[14] Feature availability may vary by country.

Make Any Home a Smart Home

The Galaxy Upcycling at Home program provides enhanced sound and light-control features, by repurposing built-in sensors. Users can transform their old devices through SmartThings Labs, a feature within the SmartThings app.

• Using an improved artificial intelligence (AI) solution, Galaxy devices can more accurately distinguish sounds in everyday surroundings, and users can choose to save certain sound recordings. For example, if the device detects sounds such as a baby crying, dog barking, cat meowing, or a knock, it will send an alert directly to the user’s smartphone and the user can listen to the recorded sound.
• Devices can also be used as a light sensor to measure the brightness level of the room. Users can easily set the device to automatically turn on the lights or the TV through SmartThings if the room becomes darker than the preset standard of light.

For a device to continuously detect sound and light, it needs to be actively operating for long periods of time. For this reason, Samsung equipped the Galaxy Upcycling at Home upgrade with battery optimization solutions to minimize battery usage. Devices will also be able to connect effortlessly to SmartThings, allowing them to interact with countless other IoT devices in the SmartThings ecosystem.

“Smart home devices are a fast-growing trend for consumer electronics, and we believe that Galaxy devices currently not in use can play an important role in turning every home into a smart home,” said Jaeyeon Jung, VP & Head of the SmartThings team, Mobile Communications Business at Samsung Electronics. “The program transforms Galaxy devices into SmartThings devices and demonstrates the power of our intelligent IoT platform to broaden the possibilities of what users can do with their old phones. Through Galaxy Upcycling at Home, users will have access to the complete SmartThings ecosystem, enabling them to explore broader updates and features without having to purchase a new device.”

Shaping a Sustainable Future with Repurposed Technology

“We created Galaxy Upcycling at Home to enable more people to repurpose their old devices into useful tools, allowing both Samsung and our users to be mindful of the impact we have on the environment,” said Sung-Koo Kim, VP of the Sustainability Management Office, Mobile Communications Business at Samsung Electronics. “We are rethinking how we use existing resources, and we believe the key to upcycling is to enable solutions that transform old technology into something new by adding value. We are committed to integrating sustainable practices into our day-to-day lives, and through Galaxy Upcycling at Home, users can join our journey toward a more sustainable future.”

This innovative solution is part of Samsung’s continued commitment to support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, a global blueprint for the world to achieve a more sustainable and prosperous future for all by 2030 through 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Galaxy Upcycling at Home specifically focuses on Goal 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production – by reducing waste and promoting more sustainable production practices and consumer behaviors.

Today, Galaxy Upcycling at Home provides a wide array of new solutions that help make everyday life a little easier while promoting more sustainable habits that benefit the planet. By offering consumers a way to upcycle their products with new features and alternative purposes, Samsung is helping to extend the lifecycle of its products while diverting its users from contributing to global e-waste.

Samsung is building environmental sustainability into everything we do. This includes taking dedicated action across every stage of the product lifecycle to help the world transition to a circular economy that makes greater use of sustainable materials, extends product longevity and reuses resources. Through programs like Galaxy Upcycling, Samsung intends to deliver innovative technologies that reshape consumer experiences while empowering them to play a part in sustainable practices.

¹ Availability may vary by carrier.

² Galaxy Upcycling at Home feature is available on all S, Note, and Z series released from 2018 (S9, Note9 or later) running Android 9 and above. More devices will be supported in the future.

To help you catch up with these and other exciting updates from San Jose, here’s a handy list of the top themes on display at SDC19.

Held at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center in sunny California, this year’s Samsung Developer Conference is a showcase of the hottest topics in tech.

Expanding the Bixby and SmartThings Ecosystems

This year at SDC, Samsung is showcasing strides it’s made to integrate Bixby into a wide range of devices. The company is also introducing enhancements that will make it easier for developers to enrich Bixby and the SmartThings IoT platform with useful services, and in doing so, create more ways for users to infuse intelligence into everything they do.

Outlining Samsung’s efforts to offer developers more ways to work with Bixby, Eui-Suk Chung, EVP, Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics, discusses the AI platform’s expansion. “In 2019, we made it even easier to use Bixby,” Chung explains. “We added new capabilities not only on our flagship devices, but also on most of our A-series devices, on more Galaxy tablets and watches, TVs and home appliances. Just to give you countless new ways to integrate intelligence into everything you do.”

Samsung demonstrates how enhancements to the Bixby Developer Studio, including new Bixby Templates and Bixby Views, will streamline the development of capsules that work across Bixby’s ever-growing ecosystem of devices.

In addition to unveiling a new Rules API that will spur the creation of more automated smart home experiences, Samsung introduced a SmartThings Device SDK beta program – set to launch early next year – that will help third-party manufacturers build SmartThings-supported devices.

New Devices and Experiences

Those visiting SDC19 are treated to first looks at some of the latest and greatest products of Samsung’s innovation. Spanning categories like mobile devices, UX design and more, the devices and experiences showcased at the conference hold the power to transform the way people live, work and connect.

The launch of Samsung’s Galaxy Fold established a brand-new product category – one that opens the door to a new era of mobile experiences. To help realize its vision of a foldable future, Samsung is demonstrating its commitment to developing a variety of foldable form factors at SDC19. Enriching the category with more options will help Samsung and developers explore new use cases and user experiences.

Also on display at SDC is the new, Bixby-enabled Galaxy Home Mini, which fosters continuous IoT experiences when managing connected devices, and offers powerful pound-for-pound audio quality.

Seeing is believing: An SDC attendee examines how Samsung’s AI ScaleNet technology makes it possible to stream high-quality 8K videos on networks with lower bandwidth capabilities.

Peeks at Cutting-edge Blockchain and Enterprise Solutions

SDC19 offers partners and developers a chance to learn more about one of the hottest trends in technology today: blockchain. Speakers and sessions discuss how enterprises and developers can utilize Samsung’s latest blockchain-powered services to capitalize on the technology’s incredible potential.

The conference also offers attendees an opportunity to see how Samsung is leveraging its years of experience leading innovation in a variety of industries – ranging from retail and manufacturing to transportation and healthcare – to provide enterprises with customized services tailored to their needs.

Seungyun Lee, Principal Engineer, Knox Platform for Enterprise, Samsung Electronics, discusses Samsung’s commitment to advancing blockchain technology – a commitment that’s seen the company produce one of the first smartphones with blockchain technology built-in, and streamline data and cryptocurrency management with the launches of the Samsung Blockchain Keystore and the new Samsung Blockchain Platform SDK. “Together,” Lee explains, “all of these innovations mark a new beginning for the blockchain ecosystem – with Samsung at the forefront.”

SDC attendees eagerly explore the various blockchain innovations being displayed at SDC19. Included among these is the new Samsung Blockchain Platform SDK, which opens up exciting opportunities for developers by 1) offering them more options for securely storing private keys, 2) supporting cryptocurrency transactions, and 3) enabling apps to be smoothly integrated into a mobile space.

Samsung’s SDC19 booth also includes exhibits that illustrate why enterprises in a variety of fields – including industries known to employ the strictest security standards – trust Samsung to help them customize solutions.

But Wait, There’s More!

At the end of the day, SDC is about inspiring people to pursue meaningful innovation. Which is why those visiting the conference are also exposed to projects and initiatives that are making a tangible difference in the world, like the Samsung Global Goals app.

Created to support the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, the educational and donation-based mobile app offers a simple way for the Galaxy community to support the causes they care about. To help maximize the app’s impact, Samsung has announced that it will match proceeds generated through the app and donate the same amount.¹

That’s all for now, but there’s plenty more to come as SDC19 enters its second day. For more information on the topics and innovations being discussed at the event, be sure to check out Samsung Newsroom’s ongoing coverage. And don’t forget to check back here for more updates on Samsung’s latest AI, IoT and developer innovations.

¹Samsung has pledged to match donations with ad proceeds generated through the Global Goals app; up to $5 million annually.

Pushing Limits

For those who have wondered what it feels like to compete in the Olympic Winter Games, the combination of the acrobatic simulator and Galaxy Note8 paired with Gear VR will immerse them in the most thrilling winter sports experience – without ever having to go outside.

The giant Winter Ride, which is only one of the six VR experiences visitors can try, features dozens of rotating chairs that simulate the motions of charging down an alpine slope.

Visitors can also climb onto a specially-designed VR bobsled to navigate the twists and turns of a skeleton course at breakneck speed through the Galaxy Note8 paired with Gear VR headset and 4D motion chairs.

For those who would like to try defying the laws of physics, the snowboard VR ride might just do the trick.

Just like competing in the Olympic Winter Games, the winter sports simulators give sports fans a rush of adrenaline. But that’s only the beginning – the VR rides at the showcase can take visitors out of this world when experienced through the Galaxy Note8 paired with Gear VR.

After exploring the final frontier, why not try going back in time to see the prehistoric world from the point of view of a dinosaur at Flying Dino?

Put on a spacesuit and get ready to head out into the universe. Mission to Space gives visitors the opportunity to feel what it’s like to float on the moon.

And for the grand finale of the showcase’s VR experiences, hop onto the Gyro VR and speed off into another dimension.

A Vision for the Future

Olympians inspire people from all over the world to aim higher, and in that spirit of optimism, Samsung hopes to inspire a better future by developing meaningful technology that helps make life easier.

The Showcase gives visitors a glimpse of what that future could look like. The Smart Home exhibition shows precisely how smartphone technology can enrich our lives and help us achieve more. Packed with demonstrations by experts in different areas, the exhibition shows that having an AI assistant at home is no longer the stuff of science fiction.

Whether it’s cooking, cleaning or relaxing, Samsung envisions a future in which all this can be done with the help of smartphones and other smart devices.

Play Like Nobody’s Watching

Creativity is a critical part of the Olympic Games atmosphere. Whether it’s an athlete’s signature move or the special signs made by fans to cheer on their favorite team, creative expression is everywhere at the Olympic Games.

To generate excitement fit for this global event, Samsung’s showcase offers fans at PyeongChang 2018 the opportunity to rediscover their inner child and unleash their imaginations through the latest technology.

One of the Showcase’s highlights is Infinity Moment – a room that transforms artwork created by visitors with a Galaxy Note8 and S Pen into a mind-bending experience. Just remember to have a camera ready: It’s a selfie moment no one should miss.

Samsung’s Olympic Showcase is perfect for people of all ages. Young Olympic Games fans can head over to the Kids’ Lounge where they can learn how to program robots and draw without constraints on Galaxy devices.

Throughout the Olympic Winter Games, a total of nine Samsung Olympic Showcases, featuring a mix of cultural, technological and immersive fan experiences, will be in PyeongChang and Gangneung, including Olympic Parks and the Olympic Villages, the Main Press Center, and four at the Incheon International Airport. Samsung Olympic Showcases @ PyeongChang Olympic Plaza and @ Gangneung Olympic Park opening on February 9^th will provide visitors with engaging experiences incorporating Samsung’s legacy of breakthrough innovation and interactive activities powered by Samsung technology.

Athletes and fans will first experience the Samsung brand history and heritage in engineering, design, and craftsmanship, and then the partnership history with the Olympic Games. Then through interactive experiences, visitors will be able to feel the exhilaration and escape into real-world thrills in winter sports through VR including snowboarding and skeleton, as well as participate in alpine and cross-country skiing contests that will challenge fans’ fitness capacity. For the first time, visitors will be able to experience the ‘Mission to Space VR: A Moon for All Mankind’ created by Samsung. Visitors will experience a full space mission including mission briefing, trying on the training suits and helmets, and the truly immersive experience in the Moon rig where they will feel lunar gravity with every step.

“For two decades as a Worldwide Olympic Partner, Samsung has connected fans, visitors and athletes from around the world with our latest technological innovations, which have now evolved to also include immersive experiences,” said Younghee Lee, CMO and Executive Vice President, Samsung Electronics. “We’re delighted to share Samsung’s latest mobile technologies and products so fans and athletes can enjoy new, unique experiences while at the Olympic Winter Games.”

“Over the course of our longstanding partnership, Samsung has brought new experiences and technology advancements to each Olympic Games,” said IOC President Thomas Bach. “Samsung helps to make each and every one an exciting and meaningful experience for all.”

Visitors will experience and engage with Samsung’s products and Galaxy brand through a variety of activities through a comfortable, interactive environment, including:

• Immersive VR Experiences: Unique VR experiences powered by the Galaxy Note8 will allow fans to escape into exhilarating moments on the fresh mountain slopes in snowboarding and skeleton as well as escape to space in Mission to Space VR: A Moon for All Mankind’ – available to consumers to experience for the first time. Other experiences include simulated skiing adventures.

• Playful Experiences: Promoting the playful side of technology, Portrait Pool allows visitors to turn their “selfies” into painted characters for social sharing, S Pen Gallery to create own portraits with Galaxy Note8 and S pen as a paint brush, Infinity Moment to create user generated content with the Galaxy Note8.

• Kids Lounge: A dedicated kids lounge in a hands-on zone, where kids can play, learn and explore Samsung products and expand their creativity through hands-on experience.

• Smart Home (IoT): Multi Device and futuristic demos powered by mobile technology that showcase the IoT, helping visitors to imagine the future lifestyle.

• Unbox Samsung: The journey of ‘Unbox Samsung’ where visitors can experience the Living History of Samsung since 1988 when the first mobile phone was launched.

• Purchase and Customer Service: Visitors will also be able receive customer service and make purchases of the mobile products and its accessories.

• Interact & Relax: Within lounges and in the Cultural Community where various lifestyle programs will take place as well as in the Café where food and beverages will be available for purchase using Buddy Points acquired during the interactive experiences.

• Special Events: A series of events will take place at the Samsung Olympic Showcase to enhance the Olympic Winter Games experience including athlete visits and celebrating holiday moments.

The potential of artificial intelligence (AI) is exciting and vast, with researchers just starting to understand all the potential applications. However, one solution which users can tap into now, to experience how AI can make their lives more convenient and easier, is Samsung Electronics’ HomeCare Wizard. The unique AI-based service solution, available on Samsung’s 2018 smart home appliances, essentially enables devices to diagnose themselves for not only system errors, but to enhance efficiency and to help users use their appliances better.

To provide an example of how HomeCare Wizard works, just imagine if a refrigerator starts to provide less cooling than usual. HomeCare Wizard will immediately detect and provide an alert that something is off, as well as diagnose the cause of the problem without requiring the visit of a technician. Through analysis of usage patterns, HomeCare Wizard will also help users better maintain and utilize their appliances, like reminding them when it’s time to clean the washing machine tub or providing tips to ensure the best energy efficiency.

Let’s take a closer look at HomeCare Wizard and the intelligent benefits it is set to provide.

What is it?

HomeCare Wizard made its debut with the recent launch of Samsung’s QuickDrive washing machines, and utilizes AI learning to offer users benefits that go above and beyond the scope of similar diagnostic services. Whereas similar services’ diagnoses are typically limited to cut-and-dry system errors, HomeCare Wizard’s advanced algorithm also alerts users of less obvious factors that may be affecting their device’s efficiency, in particular non-system related errors. For instance, if the air conditioner’s breeze isn’t quite cool enough due to something like a contaminated filter, which a user can easily clean on his or her own, HomeCare Wizard can quickly diagnose such issues.

Therein lies another of the solution’s key benefits. If HomeCare Wizard determines that a particular issue does not require a service professional to be dispatched to a user’s home, it will provide simple instructions to help users solve the problem by themselves. This reduces the need for users to schedule such visits, and helps them find the solutions they need faster.

Identifying and explaining an issue’s exact source can also be difficult at times and in such cases a user will need to call a Samsung service center to get to the bottom of the problem. As HomeCare Wizard sends the device’s diagnostic data directly to the service center, the service center will be fully aware of the nature of the problem before the call is even made.

Why is it So Compelling?

More often than not, when appliances don’t behave the way users are supposed to and it is difficult to figure out why, the result is hours spent scouring the web or contacting a service center for answers. In other instances, users are forced to wait for a technician to visit their home. The promise of HomeCare Wizard, through AI, is the potential to change this paradigm as smart devices and appliances essentially diagnose, and even give solutions, themselves.

HomeCare Wizard’s technology also has the added benefit of making it easy for users to monitor energy use and usage patterns, and utilize their devices more efficiently. Users have the option to receive regular usage reports through the mobile app, which in addition to offering 24-hour troubleshooting and diagnostics, will provide customized tips based on users’ usage patterns to help them get more out of a particular appliance. This means that, for example, a washing machine with HomeCare Wizard can determine which laundry cycles are used most frequently, notify users of how often they’re doing laundry, and present them with the option to save their top three most frequently used cycles as ‘favorites’.

How Does it Work?

To provide such deep-level analysis, HomeCare Wizard compares a device’s previous operation alongside its current status in order to diagnose recurring problems.  Through the constant study and improvement of algorithms by Samsung’s Digital Appliance development team, HomeCare Wizard has been developed to analyze and study changes in sensor data at the industry’s most comprehensive levels, while the appliances are running. The more often users use their devices, the more precisely HomeCare Wizard can suggest solutions.

Where Can I Experience it?

HomeCare Wizard will be available on a wide range of products in Samsung’s 2018 smart appliance lineup, including the company’s latest washing machines, Family Hub refrigerators, air conditioners, cooking appliances, and robot vacuum cleaners.