At The First Look during CES 2026, we moved beyond the traditional roadmap of hardware iterations to unveil a broader strategic vision: “Your Companion to AI Living.” This vision combines both hardware and visual intelligence to deliver an entertainment experience across our TVs, monitors and audio ecosystem that anticipates users’ needs and preferences in how they consume their preferred entertainment.

As the world’s leading TV brand for 19 consecutive years, we recognize that our leadership is no longer defined solely by the screens we produce, but by how effectively we integrate them into the lives of our consumers. 

In the Southeast Asia and Oceania (SEAO) region, this shift is particularly critical. According to the latest e-Conomy SEA report by Google, Temasek, and Bain & Company, consumer interest in AI in Southeast Asia is three times the global average. This heightened receptivity to innovation informs our 2026 strategy, driving a push towards a proactive, multi-agent experience.

From Tactical Usage to Intuitive Environments

With the rapid maturation of the digital economy across the SEAO region, our 2025 TV Awareness Study show that 88% of consumers in SEAO now use a smart TV as their primary screen. This tells us that modern consumers are no longer looking for a passive display device, they want an intelligent Entertainment Companion: a device that understands context. 

As daily life becomes increasingly complex, the value proposition of technology must shift from manual utility to proactive assistance. At the core is Vision AI Companion (VAC), designed to make television more intuitive, conversational and personalized. Simply ask a question while you’re watching the TV—about a film, a sports event, or even travel suggestions. Vision AI Companion delivers answers instantly, accompanied by helpful visuals and related content. Alongside SmartThings as the underlying architecture, the screen becomes a central command hub, orchestrating the home from climate control to household management. This is technology that simplifies life rather than adding to its cognitive load.

Defining the Premium Experience: Sight and Sound

The bar for home cinema has shifted towards premium, ultra-large screen experiences that demand zero compromise. In SEAO, 68% of consumers prioritize high-end, cinematic experiences at home 3. We are meeting this demand by scaling our ultra-large screen offerings and introducing the world’s first 130-inch Micro RGB TV (R95H model), marking a big step in display innovation and revolutionizing picture quality. The core LED light source is redesigned and re-engineered, delivering exceptional color performance on top of great brightness and contrast.

True immersion is a multi-sensory business. We pair our display expertise with 11 years of audio excellence to transform the home audio experience, creating a unified acoustic environment. In 2026, Q-Symphony evolves TVs and speakers into an adaptive ecosystem that intelligently optimizes sound based on each room’s unique layout.

This intelligence extends beyond entertainment to the battle station for gamers. Leading the Odyssey gaming monitor lineup is the 32-inch Odyssey 3D (G90XH model), the world’s first 6K glasses-free 3D gaming monitor that pushes the boundaries of resolution and refresh rates, ensuring a visual experience that is as seamless as it is immersive.

Elevating Home Expression Through Art and Content

Technology is most impactful when it enhances how we live and what we watch. In today’s vibrant and diverse consumer landscape, the visual display is not only a source of entertainment, but also a canvas for personal expression, supported by a growing ecosystem of content that enriches the home experience.

This year, we are bridging the gap between premium technology and home aesthetics through The Frame Pro. By utilizing advanced glare-free display technology and access to curated art via the Samsung Art Store, the screen complements a room’s atmosphere rather than dominating it. It enables users to showcase their heritage and tastes, transforming a high-performance device into a centrepiece of artistic expression.

Samsung TV Plus, our free ad-supported streaming (FAST) service, has also surpassed 100 million monthly active users (MAU) in 30 countries worldwide, marking a 12 million increase in users since October 2024, further redefining entertainment for consumers with Samsung TVs leading the global TV market.

Inspiring the Next Two Decades of Innovation

At Samsung, our commitment is to ensure that technology is no longer something you must learn, but something that understands you. Through “Your Companion to AI Living,” we are evolving the visual display from the centre of the room to the heart of the home.

We are not just selling hardware; we are building the infrastructure for a more intuitive way of living. By aligning our global innovation with the unique digital appetite of the SEAO region, we are ensuring that the next era of home entertainment isn’t just about better pixels, but about being a better companion in your daily life.

[1] Global No.1 Tv source – Omdia, Feb 2025. Based on overall TV market share by manufacturer on an annual unit & revenue basis.

[2] Google, Temasek, and Bain, e-Conomy SEA 2025

[3] The SEAO TV Awareness Study was conducted in November 2025 with 2000 users, aged 25 to 64 years old, across Australia, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, The Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore and New Zealand

[4] Measured against Unified Glare Rating (UGR) testing standard, certified as glare-free (reflection, discomfort and disability glare) by UL

[5] Art Store subscription and Samsung Account connection required to access full selection of artwork

With minimalism having defined the visual language of the tech industry for the past two decades, this panel of designers convened by Samsung asked: What comes next? Together, the panellists explored how warmer, more expressive and emotionally resonant technology can shape meaningful experiences in today’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) era – while also charting a path forward for the industry.

Design as an Act of Love

The session covered a shared view on the purpose of design as fundamentally people-first. “In recent years, design in tech has been somewhat uniform,” said moderator Debbie Millman. “Compared to other industries, the uniformity in the world of tech is an anomaly. So what if we were to extend technology beyond specifications and functionality?”

Samsung is currently addressing this question by introducing meaning beyond products by focusing on how technology fits into people’s lives, experiences and needs. The panellists discussed the growing importance of this mindset in the current landscape in which traditional barriers to entry such as access to tools, scale and technical capability continuing to diminish.

The Human Side of Tech

The discussion highlighted technology’s role in making intention, care and humanity visible in everyday life. Panellists noted that technology should help people recognise the thoughtfulness embedded in the products they invite into their homes and routines. In this context, Samsung Chief Design Officer Mauro Porcini shared Samsung’s design purpose: to enrich the quality of people’s lives through meaningful technology designed for humanity. He outlined the company’s commitment to help people live longer, live better, live louder and live on through advanced technologies that support wellbeing, creativity and self-expression.

Panellist Karim Rashid added to this sentiment, saying: “When we think about physical things in our world, we think not only about diversity of choice but also the fact that we can develop strong connections to objects,” he said. “Through design, you can end up with a very powerful, emotional connection with inanimate objects or even products.”

Designing for Human Values

The panel went on to explore how AI can unlock new possibilities for expression when shaped by human values. Panellists discussed a shared view that AI reaches its true potential when guided by Emotional Intelligence and Human Imagination, not as a replacement for human creativity but as a force that expands it.

CDO Porcini articulated this with “AI × (EI + HI),” his approach to balancing Emotional Intelligence and Human Imagination to bring meaning to innovation. While describing this philosophy, CDO Porcini said, “When we design and develop, AI is amplified by Emotional Intelligence and Human Imagination. “Then, when people use products, AI amplifies Emotional Intelligence and Human Imagination.” He added, “Do not fear technology. We are here to humanise it, guide it and shape it.”

Through these insights, the session reinforced the belief that technology should be humanised, guided and shaped to serve people’s lives in increasingly new and meaningful ways.

Expressive Design Drives More Meaningful Experiences

The discussion reinforced the importance of expressive design in bringing human-centred purpose to life, creating experiences that reflect emotion, support self-expression, invite connection and stimulate imagination.

“Happiness is the aim of design,” said Fabio Novembre. “Our pursuit of happiness is through design, making the impossible possible. I strongly believe in design and, that it must move back to the centre of the stage.”

Panelists noted that this reflects a shift from merely designing objects to designing experiences where emotion, meaning and identity are increasingly integral to how people relate to technology. This approach inspires a new kind of expression, resulting in designs that range from subtle and minimal to bold and imaginative — all meant to shape a future that isn’t just worth living, but worth loving.

*This article contains products and features currently in development. The plans, product claims, timelines, and specifications described are subject to change without notice. Their future availability is not guaranteed.

*Availability may vary per region, country or carrier.

Samsung Electronics yesterday held “FAST Forward: How New Streaming Models Are Shaping the Next Generation of TV” as part of its Tech Forum panel series at CES 2026. Taking place at The Wynn in Las Vegas, Nevada, the panel brought together leaders from entertainment and media to explore the evolution of streaming and the rapid rise of free-ad-supported television (FAST).

The session highlighted the interconnected relationship between today’s rapidly evolving consumer behaviors and preferences, the transformation of content by technology and monetization models, the expanding role of creators as studios and the ways in which interactive and live experiences are catalyzing a shift from passive viewing into active engagement.

Moderated by Natalie Jarvey of The Ankler, the panel featured Salek Brodsky, SVP and Global Head of Samsung TV Plus; Alessandra Catanese, CEO of Smosh and Bruce Casino, EVP, Sales & Distribution, U.S., NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution.

FAST Gains Momentum as Audiences Recalibrate Value

As audiences grapple with subscription fatigue and a fragmented streaming landscape, the panel focused on how FAST is restoring simplicity and value to television. Samsung TV Plus anchored the conversation as a platform designed to reduce friction, offering hundreds of live and on-demand channels in one free, easily accessible experience across Samsung TVs and devices worldwide.

“The TV experience today can often feel like too much work for the viewer,” said SVP Brodsky. “Our goal with Samsung TV Plus is to simplify television again and combine the power of linear discovery with a modern, connected experience that feels effortless, curated and truly valuable.”

The panelists emphasized that FAST has evolved into a core part of the streaming ecosystem, complementing subscription and traditional models while delivering premium, proven programming at scale. For Samsung TV Plus, that evolution is rooted in shared experiences that elevate viewing and meet users not just where they already are, but where they want to be.

Hybrid Models Redefine the Streaming Ecosystem

Panelists emphasized that the evolution of streaming is less about replacing traditional models and more about expanding how audiences engage with content. FAST, subscription and linear distribution models are increasingly working in tandem, allowing studios to extend the life of proven franchises, reach new viewers and unlock additional value without sacrificing performance elsewhere. By leveraging data, audience behavior and decades of content insight, media companies are deploying FAST to complement existing channels and create a more resilient and diversified ecosystem.

EVP Bruce Casino highlighted how this approach has enabled NBCUniversal to bring both classic and contemporary content to FAST audiences while continuing to see strong performance across platforms. “FAST doesn’t replace traditional distribution, it extends it,” said Casino. “What we’re seeing is that when great content shows up in multiple places, it creates incremental value rather than cannibalization — allowing franchises to thrive across FAST, streaming and linear channels.”

Creators Emerge as the New Studios

The panel also examined how the changing nature of consumer habits and television platforms means content creators do not have to work exclusively with legacy studios to reach a broad audience. As this medium expands from social platforms to the living room, FAST is helping bridge digital culture and traditional TV, while also serving to elevate its production quality.

Samsung TV Plus was highlighted as a platform that helps creators evolve from digital-first brands into full-fledged television studios, helping expand reach, unlock new monetization opportunities and introduce content to broader, global audiences.

One of the clearest examples of a brand that has taken the step from digital-first brand to legitimate TV studio is sketch comedy-improv collective Smosh. By launching a FAST channel with Samsung TV Plus, Smosh has been able to strengthen its connection with its already-dedicated fans while gaining access to a much larger viewer base. Due to this evolution, Smosh has enhanced long-term growth.

“Partnering with Samsung TV Plus allowed us to elevate our production quality and invest in the future of the Smosh brand,” said CEO Alessandra Catanese. “It was the right platform to help us reach a broader audience while positioning our content in a premium environment that supports where we’re headed as a company.”

Live and Interactive Experiences Drive Engagement

Looking beyond on-demand viewing, panelists discussed how live programming like concerts and interactivity are reshaping the television experience by creating shared moments that audiences actively participate in.

With features such as synchronized premieres and real-time participation, technology is transforming television from a passive activity into an interactive experience — fostering connection, excitement and a sense of belonging that brings viewers together organically. Together, the panelists agreed that the future of television will be defined by flexibility, cultural connection and experiences that invite participation, not just consumption.

“Authentic content that creates cultural connection and brings people together is what matters most,” said SVP Brodsky. “That’s why we’re investing in live events, creator programming and interactive formats that remind people why TV has always been the center of the home.”

As streaming continues to evolve, Samsung is focused on helping shape a TV ecosystem that delivers value for viewers, opportunity for creators and scale for advertisers — redefining what television can be in 2026 and beyond.

During the session, Samsung emphasized its focus on expanding the TV’s capabilities through next-generation AI while delivering exceptional picture quality. 2026 will be a pivotal year for the VD business, with Micro RGB and OLED leading the premium TV segment, mini LED increasing accessibility to premium TV technology and ultra-large displays further enhancing the immersive entertainment experience at home and beyond. As a result, the full lineup will bring Samsung’s state-of-the-art screen experience to a wider range of consumers, while reinforcing the company’s leadership in performance and innovation.

“We are currently experiencing a transformation in the way viewers enjoy the television experience, shifting from one centered on viewing to one based on direct interaction with users,” said President Yong. “As television evolves, Samsung is continuing to earn its leadership role year after year by building on its legacy of hardware excellence.”

Elevating the TV Experience With Vision AI

At the heart of Samsung’s 2026 strategy is Vision AI Companion (VAC), a new intelligent platform designed to make television more intuitive, conversational and personalized. Integrated across nearly Samsung’s entire TV lineup, VAC understands what viewers are watching, anticipates their needs and surfaces helpful, contextual information directly on the screen — transforming the TV from a passive display into an active participant in everyday life.

By embedding AI across its ecosystem, Samsung is expanding the TV’s role beyond entertainment, enabling deeper smart home integration and more meaningful engagement. This approach reflects Samsung’s commitment to building connected experiences that adapt to users, while maintaining the picture quality and reliability consumers continue to prioritize.

Redefining Scale, Design and Lifestyle Innovation

During the session, Hun Lee, Executive Vice President (EVP) of VD Business, provided additional detail surrounding Samsung’s new Micro RGB 130-inch TV, an industry-first technical achievement, as well as the company’s commitment to lifestyle TV innovation.

“As the quality of content improves, it’s natural for users to want a higher degree of immersion,” said EVP Lee. “As we develop our products, Samsung is focusing on the tangible experiences brought by technologies like VAC, rather than just their technical specifications.”

As Samsung celebrates twenty consecutive years as the world’s top TV brand, the VD Deep Dive underscored a clear message: leadership is earned through continuous innovation. By combining hardware excellence with intelligent, connected experiences, Samsung is shaping a future in which TVs deliver not only superior picture quality, but smarter, more personal and more meaningful experiences in homes around the world.

For decades, care has been reactive, addressing problems only after they arise. Samsung aims to change that by embedding AI across its product ecosystem to support safety, health and security. The goal is to shift care from response to anticipation — an approach Samsung calls Intelligent Care.

Samsung Newsroom visited the final area of the exhibition to see how Galaxy devices serve as the hub for healthier, safer everyday living.

▲ View of the Care Companion zone

Upon entering, visitors encountered the futuristic Galaxy Z TriFold showcased on a Transparent Micro LED display.

▲ Galaxy Z TriFold

Personalized Health Management: Optimizing Daily Routines

In the Self Care – Good Sleep section, visitors learned how wearables such as Galaxy Watch and Galaxy Ring track sleep conditions while working in concert with lighting and connected home appliances including the Bespoke AI WindFree Pro air conditioner and Infinite AI Air Purifier. Without user input, the connected home automatically optimizes temperature and airflow to support a more comfortable sleep environment.

▲ Galaxy devices connect with TVs and home appliances to create optimal sleep conditions

▲ Tristen Menzies

“I love being able to take AI out of my pocket and use it right away,” said Tristen Menzies, a digital content creator from Guam. “What I appreciate about Samsung is that it creates AI that complements your life, rather than interferes. I think that’s the direction we should be heading.”

Family Health Care: Supporting Everyone From Older Adults to Pets

Early Detection and Prevention of Cognitive Health

Healthcare is expanding beyond individual management to encompass every member of the family. Samsung introduced features designed to help detect dementia early in older adults at the Family Care – Brain Health section. By analyzing lifestyle patterns through mobile and wearable devices, the system can identify early signs of cognitive decline and send alerts to designated caregivers, enabling timely intervention.

More important, however, is preventing cognitive decline before it occurs. To that end, Samsung analyzes a wide range of everyday indicators—including speech, typing, walking, sleep and gait—to detect subtle changes in cognitive function. The system also recommends brain-training programs to help older adults reduce concerns about cognitive decline and maintain healthier, more independent lives.

▲ Demonstration of Samsung Health’s cognitive decline detection feature
AI-Enabled Pet Health Monitoring

Samsung’s AI extends to pets as well. The SmartThings Pet Care service helps identify common health conditions such as dental disease, patellar luxation, and cataracts. Using AI, SmartThings Pet Care analyzes photos of household animals with on-screen guidance to help identify potential health concerns.

▲ SmartThings Pet Care checks for cataracts in a pet

AI Home Monitoring: Smart Detection for a Safer Home

When users are away from home, AI-powered home care monitoring offers greater peace of mind. Vision AI analyzes video and audio collected from connected devices such as refrigerators equipped with cameras and TVs, detecting potentially dangerous situations and sending alerts directly to the user’s smartphone.

When no one is home, TVs and refrigerators with built-in cameras can display summaries of moments flagged as potentially risky. Furthermore, AI home monitoring can compare detected faces with images stored in the user’s photo gallery to determine whether the person is a known contact or a stranger.

With AI home monitoring, users can feel more at ease even when away from home.

▲ Alert activity demonstration

▲ Dr. Rob Longwell

“What I like about Samsung’s AI ecosystem is how everything is connected,” said Dr. Rob Longwell, a member of the media from Beverly Hills, CA. “Home security and safety are especially important to me, and I was impressed by how devices work together to help protect the home.”

Expanded Safety Services: Greater Protection Through Partnerships
The zone concluded with a look at how Samsung’s AI technology works seamlessly with a wide range of partner products, including sensors, cameras and smart door locks, to support safer living.

▲ Wall with compatible devices from partners

With the Care Companion—designed to help everyone live with greater peace of mind, safety and well-being—Samsung concludes the “Your Companion to AI Living” journey presented at The First Look 2026.

Looking ahead, Samsung plans to continue expanding its AI ecosystem to create experiences that users can trust and rely on with confidence.

Samsung Newsroom experienced how an AI-powered appliance ecosystem delivers smarter, more seamless everyday living.

Making Daily Life Easier: Appliances that See, Listen and Suggest

▲ View of the Home Companion zone

At the entrance to the exhibition, connected AI appliances offered a glimpse of how intelligent connectivity can support everyday life at home. The Bespoke AI Refrigerator Family Hub, a CES Innovation Awards 2026 honoree, displayed Now Brief — a personalized overview of schedules and activity information — on its screen. FoodNote recapped food intake patterns and recommended recipes to help users make more informed grocery decisions.

▲ Voice command demonstration

Bespoke AI Jet Bot Steam Ultra robot vacuum cleaners assessed their surroundings using built-in cameras before starting to clean, while users asked Bixby questions and received immediate, conversational responses. The experience highlighted how appliances that see, listen and suggest are transforming the way household tasks are managed.

AI-Enriched Kitchens: Intelligence at the Heart of Food

In the AI Kitchen zone, Samsung showcased a range of home appliances including the Bespoke AI Refrigerator Family Hub, Bespoke Double Wall Oven, Bespoke AI 3-Door AutoView French Door Refrigerator and the Bespoke AI Wine Cellar. The lineup delivered a differentiated food experience powered by enhanced AI Vision, with Google Gemini integrated into the Bespoke AI Refrigerator Family Hub — the first such integration in a home appliance.

Visitors saw how AI Vision in the Bespoke AI Refrigerator Family Hub recognizes a wider range of food items as ingredients are added to or removed from the refrigerator.

▲ AI Food Manager

Building on this capability, an improved AI Food Manager supports ingredient management and grocery planning, recommends recipes, and analyzes refrigerator usage to generate reports that help users use food more efficiently.

Visitors tested how the refrigerator’s built-in camera out AI Vision functions by placing ingredients and removing them from the refrigerator, demonstrating how AI Vison works. They were also invited to open and close refrigerator doors using the hands-free voice command feature, Auto Door.

▲ Bespoke AI Refrigerator Family Hub

▲ Video demonstration of AI Food Manager

For wine storage, the SmartThings-based AI Wine Manager recognized wine bottle labels, updated storage locations in real time and tracked detailed information such as the wine’s name, category, grape variety and vintage.

▲ AI Wine Manager

Samsung’s advanced AI Hybrid Cooling technology drew visitors’ attention, as the world’s first system to detect appliance usage conditions while adjusting cooling methods in real time. Built on a dual-power structure combining an AI Inverter Compressor and a Peltier element, the system operates each power source separately or together as needed — reducing energy consumption while maximizing cooling efficiency.

▲ AI Hybrid Cooling

AI-Optimized Homecare: Intelligent Cleaning for Everyday Living

The Home Companion concept extends into garment care and cleaning too. From washing and drying to everyday cleaning, appliances assess conditions independently and operate accordingly, helping to reduce the daily burden of household chores.

The Bespoke AI Laundry Combo features an additional booster heat exchanger alongside the main heat exchanger, improving dehumidification by up to 15% and supporting a maximum drying capacity of 20 kilograms while helping prevent overheating.

▲ Bespoke AI Laundry

AI Wash+ detects load weight, fabric type and soil level to automatically adjust water and detergent levels, wash intensity, and drying temperature and time. AI VRT+ uses AI to analyze floor types and reduce washing machine vibration, helping create a quieter laundry environment.

▲ David Watkins

“I really find doing laundry bothersome. The Bespoke AI Combo seems like it would make the process much simpler, which would be extremely helpful,” said David Watkins, an industry analyst from France. “I think the biggest advantage of achieving zero housework is the time it saves.”

Garment care is further enhanced through seamless device connectivity. When a specialized cycle — such as a blouse cycle — is selected on the Bespoke AI Combo, the same setting is automatically synchronized with the Bespoke AI AirDresser for a smooth transition from washing to post-laundry care.

In addition, the wrinkle-focused care function uses powerful airflow and high-temperature steam to remove wrinkles in a short amount of time.

▲ Bespoke AI AirDresser and Bespoke AI Laundry Duo

The cleaning lineup impressed visitors with its enhanced performance. Samsung showcased its cordless stick vacuums, including the Bespoke AI Jet Ultra which offers the world’s strongest suction power as well as the recently released Jet Fit, its lightest model to date.

▲ Bespoke AI Jet Ultra, Bespoke AI Jet Lite and Jet Fit

The Bespoke AI Jet Bot Steam Ultra uses AI object and liquid recognition to intelligently identify furniture, cables and even colored or clear liquids — cleaning or avoiding them based on user settings. The EasyPass Wheel allows the robot vacuum to navigate door thresholds and mats up to 60 millimeters with ease, while side brushes and a mopping pad clean along corners and walls.

▲ Bespoke AI Jet Bot Steam Ultra

Powered by up to 10 watts of suction power and a Qualcomm Dragonwing AI chipset, the vacuum removes dust and debris from floors, washes mop pads at high temperatures and sanitizes them with 100 degrees Celsius steam — helping to reduce odors and maintain a cleaner, more hygienic home environment.

▲ Suction power demonstration

▲ Vanessa Katherina Morales Gurrero

“I have three dogs, and hair gets everywhere,” said Vanessa Katherina Morales Gurrero, a digital content creator from Panama. “The robot vacuum will be my best friend.”

Durability and Reliability: Built to Last

For home appliances to serve as long-term companions, performance must be matched by durability. Over the past 50 years, Samsung has improved the design of key components — producing more than half a billion compressors and motors — to boost efficiency and durability while extending product lifespan.

Software support is equally robust. With up to seven years of software updates, users benefit from new features as well as ongoing improvements in device connectivity, security and the user interface. Samsung introduced Home Appliances Remote Management (HRC) in 2017 to allow users to update and manage their appliances. Visitors were introduced to the new AI version that can actively monitor performance and usage, recommending preventative measures before they come up.

Designed around the vision of freedom from household chores, Samsung’s Home Companion zone showcased how AI-powered capabilities and camera-, screen- and voice-based form factors are expanding the role of home appliances in everyday life. Samsung looks ahead to a future shaped by appliances that truly see, listen and suggest.

Making Invisible Intelligence Feel Trustworthy

As AI increasingly anticipates needs, curates routines and operates autonomously across devices, panelists Allie K. Miller, CEO of Open Machine; Amy Webb, CEO of the Future Today Strategy Group; Zack Kass, Global AI Advisor at ZKAI Advisory and former Head of Go-To-Market at Open AI; and Shin Baik, AI Platform Center (APC) Group Head at Samsung Electronics, emphasized that trust must be earned not through promises, but through consistent, understandable behavior.

At the session, Samsung shared its approach to trust-by-design, highlighting the importance of AI systems that are predictable, transparent and easy for users to control. “When it comes to AI, users are looking for transparency and control,” Allie Miller said. “They want to be leaders in their own personalized experiences — to understand whether an AI model is running locally or in the cloud, to know their data is secure and to clearly see what is powered by AI and what is not. That level of visibility builds confidence. On the provider side, there is a responsibility to show up for users by designing personalized experiences around the core components of trust — clarity, security and accountability.”

Samsung also underscored how on-device AI allows personal data to remain local whenever possible, while cloud-based intelligence can be used selectively when greater speed or scale is required, giving users flexibility without compromising privacy.

Security Built for an AI-Driven World

The panel also explored how, as intelligences becomes distributed across phones, TVs and home appliances, security must evolve. In the session, Samsung highlighted its Knox security platform — which now protects billions of devices from the chipset up — as well as Knox Matrix, a cross-device security framework that enables products to authenticate and protect one another.

“Trust in AI starts with security that’s proven, not promised,” Shin Baik said. “For more than a decade, Samsung Knox has provided a deeply embedded security platform designed to protect sensitive data at every layer. But trust goes beyond a single device — it requires an ecosystem that protects itself. With Knox, devices continuously authenticate and monitor one another, so each device acts as a shield for the rest, creating a resilient, secure environment users can rely on.”

A Cross-Industry Conversation on the Future of Trust

Shin Baik emphasized how trust grows when AI behaves predictably and securely across devices, arguing that users need visible signals of control rather than “black box” systems. Samsung pointed to its partnerships with industry leaders such as Google and Microsoft as a way to strengthen shared security research, interoperability and ecosystem-wide protection, while Allie Miller highlighted the importance of transparency for users including clear visibility into where AI models run, how data is used and explicit labels that show what is powered by AI and what is not. Meanwhile, Zack Kass added that while misinformation and misuse present real challenges, “For every risk, there is also a countermeasure and technology itself will play a critical role in mitigating AI’s downsides.”

Amy Webb evaluated the relationship between trust and the purchasing habits of consumers. “I don’t think they’re making decisions based on trust alone,” she said. “People aren’t paying for trust. They don’t buy things because of trust. They buy things because of convenience. So if the AI piece of this hooks people in it makes their lives easier and more convenient.”

As AI becomes increasingly invisible, the panel concluded that the technologies that earn long-term trust will be those that prioritize security, transparency and meaningful user choice from the start.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today convened leaders across industries in to discuss the importance of smart home interoperability in the first of its Tech Forum panels at CES 2026 at The Wynn in Las Vegas, Nevada. In the session, titled “When Everything Clicks: How Open Ecosystems Deliver Impactful AI,” experts discussed how cross-industry partnerships are transforming connected homes into intelligent environments that feel seamless, safe and genuinely supportive of people’s lives.

Openness as the Foundation of Home AI

The panelists agreed that the next era of home intelligence must be built on open collaboration, not closed ecosystems. As homes increasingly rely on devices and services from many brands and industries, openness enables AI systems to work together in ways that create real-world impact. Samsung shared its belief that open connectivity allows appliances, energy systems, safety services and partners across industries to deliver experiences that would be impossible in siloed environments.

“Home is the most personal place in our lives, so home AI must earn trust — quietly, respectfully, and with value users can feel,” said Yoonho Choi, President & Chair of the Board of the Home Connectivity Alliance and Head of Strategic Alliances at Samsung Electronics. “That requires interoperability across brands, so the home works as one system instead of disconnected features. Through cooperation with HCA and across industries, we’re turning openness into outcomes: safer homes, simpler routines and measurable savings — built on consent and transparency.”

Powering the World’s Largest Connected Home Ecosystem

Samsung highlighted the scale and depth of its connected ecosystem, noting that more than 500 million users are already part of the SmartThings community. With over a decade of leadership in connected living, Samsung brings deep insight into how AI companionship in the home is evolving, from today’s smart devices to tomorrow’s system-wide intelligence.

This foundation allows Samsung to design AI experiences that coordinate across appliances and services, delivering value that feels natural rather than technical.

“It’s crucial to deliver tangible user benefits that make people’s lives better,” said Michael Wolf, founder and editor-in-chief of The Spoon. “Along these lines, there’s no area that will bring more benefit than a broadly connected kitchen — one that that allows users to understand what’s in their refrigerator while connecting to the water and heating networks, allowing for a more holistic understanding that takes preventative action.”

Turning Collaboration Into Measurable Consumer Benefits

The panel also examined how open ecosystems enable measurable benefits for consumers through cross-industry partnerships. Samsung highlighted its collaboration with Hartford Steam Boiler (HSB) as a first-of-its-kind example of how smart home data — used responsibly and transparently — can deliver meaningful outcomes.

“We’re at a point where the connected home can bring seamless integration into user lifestyles, which begins to develop trust in smart home equipment that results in direct benefits to consumers,” said Jed Usich, Senior Vice President of Strategic Growth Solutions at HSB. “Through our partnership with Samsung, we’ve created a bridge to the insurance industry that takes simple datapoints and turns them into tangible savings for consumers.”

Designing AI That Feels Human, Not Intrusive

Throughout the discussion, the panelists emphasized that for home AI to succeed, it must feel emotionally intelligent and fit naturally into routines including cooking, relaxing, entertaining and caring for families. Design, storytelling and behavioural understanding all play a role in making connected devices feel like calm, reliable companions.

Together, the panelists agreed that the future of home AI depends on interoperability, responsible data use and collaboration across industries, ensuring intelligent homes deliver real value without compromising trust.

As AI becomes more ambient and system-wide, Samsung remains focused on building open ecosystems that make connected living simpler, safer and more meaningful, proving that when everything clicks, home AI can truly improve everyday life.

We have said farewell to 2025 and as we look ahead and welcome a new year, I am immensely proud of what our teams across Southeast Asia and Oceania (SEAO) have achieved together so far. To Samsung, the SEAO region is more than a collection of markets; it is a strategic hub of innovation, defined by dynamic growth, cultural diversity, and rapid digital adoption. While commercial targets continued to be important last year, we were also focused on anchoring Samsung as a genuine, long-term partner in SEAO’s development.

To strengthen the fundamentals that we established in 2025, I would like to share three core strategic pillars that will continue to anchor our growth path in 2026: delivering breakthrough innovations, empowering the next generation, and driving transformation for our customers; all underpinned by our commitment to become a truly AI-driven company.

Delivering Breakthrough Innovation Through an AI-Driven Future

At Samsung, we believe AI has fundamentally changed how we operate, innovate, and serve our customers. We have embraced a bold vision to be an AI-driven company and are already weaving AI meaningfully into our operations and innovations.

We first introduced Galaxy AI to the world back in 2024 and we reinforced our AI leadership in 2025 as we delivered an even broader vision of living with AI. In addition to democratization, we are driving a new era of multi-modal intelligence. This means ensuring that our hardware and software evolve together, creating devices that do not just process commands, but function as intuitive companions.

At CES 2026, we announced our efforts to unify intelligence across devices to deliver meaningful experiences as your trusted companion to AI living, creating a positive impact on how you work, live and play. I am excited for you to see how our commitment to AI innovations will shape our devices, solutions and services in 2026.

Some of our key announcements at CES 2026 include:

• A more intuitive and personal AI integrated into our home appliances and displays that understands you, adapts to your routines, and supports your daily life
• Partnerships with leading AI players and industry partners to introduce next level AI capabilities, including on-device and cloud hybrid AI, agentic AI, and more.
• A seamless and secure AI experience featuring a single design language and intuitive layer of contextual intelligence whether on One UI, Bixby or other services.

Empowering the Next Generation

What also continues to excite me is that the next generation in SEAO will not just be users of technology; they will be creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs who shape how these applications of AI serve their communities.

I believe that technology should serve as a bridge that enables everyone, regardless of background, to connect, create, and thrive. To fully unlock this potential, we have directed our corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts towards cultivating and investing in our youth, nurturing the next generation of talent.

Our flagship Solve for Tomorrow (SFT) program empowers young people to drive meaningful change through technology and innovation. In 2025, participation grew by 40% from 2024, with a total of more than 16,900 youth across the region developing solutions to address challenges in their communities. This growth highlights young people’s readiness to apply technology in practical and meaningful ways when given the tools and opportunities.

Last year, the Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) actively bridged the regional skills gap by providing advanced information and communications technology (ICT), coding, and AI education across multiple SEAO markets. This approach mirrors our internal capability-building methodology: just as we train our employees through a structured GenAI curriculum, SIC provides youth with a similar roadmap for progression, enabling them to build foundational AI capabilities and progress to working with more complex applications.

These initiatives are more than CSR programs, but strategic investments we are making to contribute and build up the talent pipeline for our region’s AI-driven digital economy.

2026 is set to be a year where we build on this strong momentum with our CSR programs, as we aim to do even more with governments, corporations, schools, NGOs and community partners.

Driving Ecosystem Transformation

Finally, the foundation of a hyper-connected world fueled by AI agents must be trust. At Samsung, security and privacy are at the heart of our strategy. This principle is increasingly critical as we enter an era of Agentic AI, where intelligent systems do not just respond to commands but anticipate needs and act autonomously on users’ behalf. The power of our “One Samsung” ecosystem ensures that intelligence extends seamlessly from mobile to the entire connected home via SmartThings, protected by Samsung Knox.

We also uphold this standard of trust at the enterprise level. Last year, Samsung Business Experience Studios (BES) were launched in markets including Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore. These spaces are designed to help organizations envision how they can adopt innovative Samsung solutions to meet their specific industry challenges. With additional studios set to roll out across Southeast Asia and Oceania, we look forward to more opportunities for collaboration as we partner with enterprises to implement smart and secure solutions for their businesses.

Shaping Our Future Together

My first year leading SEAO has been characterized by our efforts to innovate, empower youth, and transform ecosystems across industries, all anchored in our evolution as an AI leader.

While we are encouraged by what we have achieved so far, our work here is far from over. I invite all our partners, consumers, and regional leaders to continue this journey with us in 2026 and beyond. As we pursue our ambition to establish Samsung as the undisputed leader in AI, we will strive to ensure that AI serves everyone throughout everyday life.

Together, let us shape a future where technology does not just connect devices, but connects people, communities, and possibilities across our vibrant region.

Under the theme “Your Companion to AI Living,” Samsung outlined its vision for bringing joy, convenience and care to people’s daily lives — unveiling new products and technologies designed to support that goal. The company also emphasized its commitment to democratizing AI by integrating the technology across its product lineup and services.

Watch how Samsung is embedding AI into everyday life.