“Our primary goal for this year is to realize an AI Home that adapts intuitively to the user,” said Jeong Seung Moon, EVP and Head of the R&D Team for Digital Appliances Business at Samsung Electronics. “We aim to enhance the user experience through continuous software upgrades for existing products, taking us one step closer to a true AI Home experience.”

New Update: Bixby and Samsung TV Plus

The Voice ID feature[2] is a new multi-voice recognition function provided by Bixby.[3] It identifies users’ voices registered either on the refrigerator or a Galaxy mobile device, enabling personalized features based on the recognized user. This allows consumers to personalize shared home appliances for individual use, offering greater convenience and functionality.

For example, Bixby intelligently switches to each user’s Samsung account based on the recognized user. Users can check their registered schedules on the calendar,[4] or their photos[5] using simple voice commands. Also, they can trigger an alarm on their phone to check its location, even when the device is set to silent mode.[6]

The Voice ID feature also enables seamless interactions with the refrigerator screen for users who utilize vision enhancements on their Galaxy mobile phones. Even without a request to switch accounts, Bixby automatically switches accounts with general conversations for these users. It then synchronizes the appliance’s display modes with the settings on the user’s mobile phone, such as color inversion or grayscale.[7]

Additionally, Samsung has introduced a new way to activate Bixby on the screen. Previously, users could activate Bixby by clicking the Bixby icon on the screen or through voice commands. When the screen is off, an additional option has been added to activate Bixby by double-tapping the display. Users can make the most of this feature by selecting their preferred method in the settings.

The update is being applied to Bespoke AI Refrigerators with AI Family Hub launching in 2025 first,[8] with availability coming after the completion of the latest software update on AI Family Hub screens or SmartThings.

Additionally, Samsung plans to gradually apply this update to the Bespoke AI refrigerators with AI Home[9] in the second quarter of 2025. For refrigerators with AI Home, the update expands the service area for Samsung TV Plus, as well. Previously available in only South Korea and the United States, the service will extend to Canada, Brazil, Australia, Mexico and India. Thanks to the update, it is expected that consumers will be able to easily enjoy entertainment features right from their kitchen with Samsung TV Plus.

[1] Refers to the refrigerators with AI Family Hub, and 9-inch AI Home screens. Availability varies by regions.

[2] Each user must register for a Samsung Account on screen appliances in advance. Voice ID should be registered either on the refrigerator, or Galaxy mobile devices and then transferred to the refrigerator. (Limited to Galaxy S24 and subsequent models where Voice ID can be registered.)

[3] Bixby is Samsung’s brand of Internet of Things (IoT) voice assistant. Bixby service availability may vary depending on the country. Bixby recognizes certain accents/dialects of English (US, UK, Indian), Chinese, Korean, French, German, Italian, Spanish (Spain, Latin America) and Portuguese (Brazil). User interface may change and differ by device. 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 network connection (Wi-Fi or data network) are required.

[4] To use calendar feature, users need to either register their schedule directly on the refrigerator or link their mobile phone calendar in advance. Only Google or Microsoft calendars saved under a Google or Microsoft account can be synced with the Bespoke AI Refrigerator with AI Family Hub. (Refrigerators with AI Home support Google Calendar only.)

[5] Gallery feature is supported only for users who have saved photos to OneDrive cloud storage via the Samsung Gallery app on a Samsung mobile phone.

[6] To enable the service, a preset is required in the SmartThings Find.

[7] When a user registers a device through the SmartThings app, a one-time sync notification may appear via a plug-in. If the user signs into their Samsung account on a refrigerator and related settings are stored in the cloud, this data may be transmitted once to the device. Screen settings can be modified at any time, and any changes will be saved and remain in effect unless manually updated.

[8] Timeline may vary depending on the service region or model.

[9] AI Home refers to the 7’’ or 9’’ LCD screen on the product. Does not mean all services available on the AI Home are AI or generate information or outcome using AI. Certain functions accessible through the AI Home utilize AI-based algorithms, which can be updated periodically to improve accuracy. AI-based algorithms may generate incomplete or incorrect information.

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.