Samsung SmartThings began as Samsung Electronics’ Internet of Things (IoT) platform, connecting not only Samsung products but also a wide array of devices from partner companies. This integration has evolved into a seamless, connected experience tailored to fit diverse lifestyles.

Growing from 100 million subscribers in 2019 to over 350 million by August 2023, SmartThings has established Samsung as one of the leaders in the smart home market. The platform continues to expand its influence in the IoT industry by enhancing its AI-driven capabilities and even extending its reach into the B2B space.

Check out the infographic below to explore Samsung SmartThings’ 10-year journey of innovation.

Just before completing his information technology degree (majoring in programming) at the Walter Sisulu University, 25-year old Somagaca had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in the SIC programme, which was where he expanded his IT skills and knowledge.

From being computer illiterate to developing a huge interest and wanting a career in IT, Somagaca never imagined he would be in this field. Part of the reason for this was the fact that during his primary and high school days he did not have access or exposure to computers and video games. His first choice at university was to study law, however due to limited space, he chose IT as an alternative.

This resilient student immediately thought IT and technology could open many doors for him as his passion grew for programming languages like Java, Visual Basic and Python. The idea of creating something from scratch using a few lines of code was incredibly exciting and motivated him to continue learning more about technology.

Somagaca had this to say about his participation in the program. “The Samsung Innovation Campus initiative introduced me to Python, a widely used programming language that will allow me to perform many different operations and thus increase my skill set in information technology. The programme is easy and fun to use and has shaped the way I think about solving problems. It has added real value to my life and encouraged me even more for my chosen career in programming.”

Somagaca and his two cousins were raised by his grandparents and despite his humble beginnings, he plans to make a success of himself and hopefully be able to inspire others and make a positive contribution. He continued to explain that his experience in the SIC programme was amazing and he knew from the moment he found out about it that he wanted to be part of it especially since it was supported by a big technology brand like Samsung.

The company forms strategic partnerships with higher learning institutions to provide this low-volume and high-impact approach programme with courses that include Coding and Programming, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and/or Big Data. To date, Samsung has partnered with Walter Sisulu University in Eastern Cape and, Central University of Technology in Free State. The institutions identified students for the programme and delivered their training and assessment in line with the content provided by the global brand.

Other skills Somagaca gained through the SIC include collaboration, data analysis and critical thinking. “I developed a strong understanding of computer applications such as Microsoft Office. I also gained a better understanding of business processes, how to use technology to come up with solutions to some issues, as well as research and communication skills that will assist me in my professional career,” he added.

Somagaca, who is currently completing an advanced diploma in IT, said over and above the programming skills he learned from his university course, the SIC also played a huge role in enhancing some of those skills. He has learned more practical skills that he is certain will be of great use in the field of work. “The SIC gave me new skills, opened my mind and made me think thoroughly in my work as I go about coming up with great solutions to problems. Thanks to the programme, I’ve learned the value of teamwork and collaboration,” he added.

“This programme has given me the ability to solve complex problems and analyse data from different sources – skills that are vital for any career in today’s digital world. I can use the knowledge and skills that I have to assist organisations become more efficient and productive by improving their existing systems. Technology can be used to create many new jobs and industries, as well as help existing businesses increase productivity or reach more customers, and the SIC massively contributes to that by empowering us the youth,” he concluded.

Unlike some information technology (IT) students, 24-year-old Magoro never saw himself in the field since he had a passion for social justice. He had always thought he would study law at varsity, which could afford him the opportunity to bring justice and fight for people from previously underserved communities, similar to his hometown. He applied for a law degree and was accepted at the University of Pretoria, but his space was given to someone else after failing to register in time. As a result, he was introduced to IT, particularly coding and programming, when he had to find an alternative course to study and, this was how he discovered his other passion for IT.

He enrolled for a Diploma in Information Communication Technology (ICT) specialising in Application Development at Walter Sisulu University (WSU). He fell in love with IT, despite the minor challenges he experienced in the beginning. The lecturers at WSU were supportive, which helped him gain a proper understanding of his course in his new-found passion. During his studies, he was part of a team that won a hackathon competition and he later joined the SIC programme to further enrich his IT knowledge.

Through the SIC programme, Samsung seeks to boost youth employment in the technology sector by empowering them with ICT and Fourth Industrial Revolution skills, while also encouraging them to consider opportunities as entrepreneurs in Information Communication Technology. The company forms partnerships with higher learning institutions to provide this low-volume and high-impact approach programme with courses that include Coding and Programming, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence and Big Data. The institutions identify the students and oversee their training and assessment in line with the content provided by Samsung.

Among other key skills offered in the programme, Magoro learned about the importance of collaborating, sharing ideas, and teamwork to produce great results. An additional skill he acquired was Data Analytics, which was not part of his main university curriculum.

“The Samsung Innovation Campus was focused on how to apply our theoretical knowledge in practice by solving real-world problems. We learned about the basics of Python programming language and how you can use it to solve any problems from data management to software development. This equipped us with the relevant tools to stand out as software developers and aspiring data analysts/scientists in this highly competitive industry. Thanks to WSU and the SIC, we now have practical skills that will enable us to make a meaningful contribution to society one day,” said Magoro.

After completing his IT diploma and the SIC programme, Magoro feels confident that he is now ready for the workplace, owing to all the scenarios and projects obtained from the programme that immensely contributed towards his readiness. He has since completed his internship at a global engineering, technology and consulting company and is now employed as a software developer in Gauteng, while also completing an advanced ICT diploma with the University of South Africa.

Much like Samsung, Magoro is deeply passionate about the potential of technology to drive positive change in the world, and further believes that particularly in South Africa, with our history of socio-economic inequality, technology can help bridge the digital divide and promote inclusion for all.

Magoro wants to use his skills in technology to help small businesses in townships across South Africa. He wants to provide these businesses with access to Big Data analytics tools and insights that can help them make informed decisions about their operations and strategies. He believes that by empowering small businesses in areas like Moloto, Mdantsane, Soweto and the like, we can help to promote greater and sustainable economic and social stability throughout the country. “Ultimately, I believe that technology can be a powerful tool for ending social divides and promoting greater equality and opportunities for all South Africans,” he added.

Since 2002, Samsung Electronics has been sharing its philosophy and vision for the year ahead – and beyond – through a total of 6 keynote addresses at CES. At CES 2022, the first CES event to be held offline in two years due to the pandemic, Jong-Hee (JH) Han, Vice Chairman and CEO at Samsung Electronics, is set to walk onto the stage and present his keynote address under the headline ‘Together for Tomorrow’ to present the direction for technological development going forward.

Ahead of Han’s keynote at CES 2022, Samsung Newsroom has compiled the key topics and technological trends presented at Samsung’s CES keynote addresses between 2011 and 2020 to provide an insight into the evolution of the phrase ‘future technology’ what really means.

1. 2011: Human Digitalism

The main topic at Samsung’s 2011 CES keynote was the convergence of digital technology and human beings. Humanism, a philosophy that originated in the culture and arts fields, had recently reached the technology industry and become the latest trend. Illustrating this development, Samsung’s keynote that year centred on the concept of human digitalism, and throughout the address, the company advocated for the “reinterpretation of technology”, an idea that sees the values that human beings fundamentally pursue combined with advanced technologies.

BK Yoon, back then President and Head of Samsung’s Visual Display Business, outlined four guiding principles to underly human digitalism. These are: interacting with the world in an easy and convenient manner anytime, anywhere; creating products that blend naturally and seamlessly into consumers’ lifestyles; providing enjoyment through new discoveries; and pursuing corporate social responsibility that prioritises the environment and pursuing a better tomorrow. The company also outlined its plan to apply this vision of human digitalism to all its technologies and products in order to bring about a new digital paradigm shift.

2. 2013: Mobilising Possibility

In 2013, it was the very centre of all electronic products – their components – that was gaining attention. Accordingly, in their CES keynote address, Samsung introduced its processor – the brain of their mobile devices – its energy-efficient memory solutions – which help reduce electricity usage – and YOUM, its next-generation flexible display line-up.

The keynote speech, delivered by Dr. Stephen Woo, back then President of System LSI Business of Device Solutions Division of Samsung Electronics, highlighted how society and consumers’ lives are set to benefit from the innovations generated when such advanced component technologies go beyond their boundaries and unite with various technological fields.

3. 2015: Unlocking the Infinite Possibilities of IoT

At its 2015 CES keynote address, Samsung presented its blueprint for what the era of IoT the company planned to realise will look like. Samsung’s blueprint envisioned a world in which all kinds of products would move forward together with digital technology. In addition, Samsung introduced its essential technologies for realising this IoT-powered world, including ultra-small, energy-efficient and intelligent sensors and semiconductor chips. BK Yoon, back then President and Head of CE division, emphasised the importance of open platforms in order to achieve a true realisation of this vision, and accordingly introduced the SmartThings platform, a hub for all kinds of smart devices and services.

4. 2016: IoT, In Sync with Real Life

In their 2016 keynote address, Samsung introduced stories of how IoT had become part of daily life to the audience. Samsung began the keynote by introducing the three key elements of IoT: performance, user environment and security. Dr. WP Hong, back then President of Samsung SDS and the Head of its Solution Business, introduced their innovative technologies, such as the Samsung Family Hub refrigerator which is a perfect example of IoT playing a role in the home environment. Samsung also affirmed its commitment to providing infinite value to its consumers by expanding its platform openness through cross-industry collaboration going forward.

5. 2020: Age of Experiences

At the beginning of a new decade, Samsung opened CES 2020 with a keynote address that heralded the beginning of a new age, the ‘Age of Experiences’ – the age in which personal preferences and experiences are foremost. The keynote speaker H.S. Kim, back then Samsung Consumer Electronics President and CEO, also shared the company’s vision for the electronics industry over the upcoming 10 years, which highlighted that, by merit of users that prioritise their experience and enjoyment of their products rather than just their ownership of them, personalised technologies able to satisfy each individual’s needs, smart homes and cities and robotic life companions are set to become more important. Samsung also emphasised in the keynote that it will become even more committed to expanding and advancing technologies by focusing on a better future for the users as the driving force and ultimate purpose behind their development.

And ‘Together for Tomorrow’ in 2022

At the upcoming CES 2022, Samsung is set to give its keynote address under the theme of the ‘Together for Tomorrow’, within which the idea that ‘technology should exist for humanity and the Earth’ is paramount.

Samsung is set to introduce its multifaceted efforts to contribute to making life on Earth more sustainable, and emphasise the need for everyone to participate in reducing climate change wherever they may be. The company will also be introducing its latest innovative technologies to help users enjoy even more enriched lifestyles based on optimised, customised service for each and every person, along with enhanced experiences of being connected to one another.

Samsung’s keynote address for at CES 2022 will be livestreamed online on the Samsung Electronics Newsroom website at 5th January 2022 at 4:30am CAT (4th January 6:30pm PST). Be sure to tune in to learn more about Samsung’s latest vision for how innovative technologies can change the world.

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – 04 November, 2019 – Today announced, at the Samsung Developer Conference 2019 (SDC19), new ways its platforms will enable developers to introduce simpler, more powerful experiences to consumers around the world. Samsung shared its vision for the next era of mobile and connected living, offering inspiration to developers, enterprise leaders, and consumers through innovative experiences with the devices they rely on every day.

DJ Koh, President and CEO of IT & Mobile Communications Division, Samsung Electronics said, “We are fortunate to work with the world’s best developers and designers. Together, we have built an extensive and secure ecosystem of devices and services. We continue to make progress toward our vision to be the innovator of new mobile experiences that flow seamlessly and continuously wherever we go.”

Creating Opportunities for Developers through Open, Scalable AI and IoT Platforms

To help consumers discover new ways Bixby can work with them to get things done more quickly and easily, Samsung launched Bixby Marketplace earlier this year, creating a way for developers to introduce their Bixby capsules to millions of Bixby users. In the past six months, the size of the Bixby developer community has doubled. And starting in 2020, the Bixby Marketplace will expand gradually, enabling developers to offer their services across more Samsung devices.

To make it easier for developers to create new experiences on its AI platform and ensure consumers have a more intuitive experience, Samsung announced enhanced capabilities in the Bixby Developer Studio at SDC19.

• New Bixby Templates make it easy for developers to create capsules using pre-existing forms so that they don’t have to start from scratch.

• Enhanced Bixby Views enable developers to build capsules with a consistent design even beyond smartphones – to televisions, tablets, smartwatches and refrigerators.

• Developers can now register their capsules under Natural Language Categories. When users ask Bixby for help related to a category

– such as radio, news, or navigation – Bixby suggests a capsule that can help them get what they need more quickly and easily, even without having to call out the exact name of the capsule.

More consumers than ever are seeing how seamlessly connected devices and services can make everyday life easier. Developers can scale their device and service offerings through Samsung’s IoT platform, SmartThings. Already, developers and partners have brought connected experiences to more than 45 million monthly active users and thousands of compatible devices, and the platform is expected to grow further with the Work as a SmartThings Hub (WASH) program, which allows partners like network operators to embed SmartThings Hub software into their devices.

To help developers build on and integrate existing devices with the SmartThings platform, Samsung announced new capabilities for developers:

• The new Rules API brings to life more automated smart home experiences to reflect individual daily routines across a broad range of SmartThings devices.

• Samsung is launching the SmartThings Device SDK Beta program in early 2020 to enable more third-party manufacturers to create SmartThings-compatible devices.

Samsung continues to invite developers to actively participate in its ecosystem and supports the developer community with several incentive programs—including the Best of Galaxy Store Award, the Samsung Mobile Design Competition, Bixby DevJam and the Samsung Mobile Security Reward program.

Inspiring Developers with New Experiences Across Devices

Samsung continued to refine the mobile experience to allow users to focus on what matters most to them. One UI 2 includes new features that declutter the user interface – making it easier for people to interact naturally, while also making it easier on their eyes. And now, to make both the developer and the user experiences consistent across devices, Samsung is expanding the use of One UI 2 beyond smartphones to tablets, wearables, and new form factors, including foldables.

With the launch of Galaxy Fold, Samsung designed a first-of-its-kind mobile experience that is much more than a foldable device. Samsung, alongside hundreds of developers and partners, created an entire foldable ecosystem that continues to grow and opens up new possibilities to the mobile experience. As promised at SDC last year, Samsung will continue to explore a range of new form factors in the foldable category. And at SDC19, Samsung invited developers and users alike to join the exploration of exciting new use cases and user experiences.

To deliver the best possible TV viewing experience, Samsung is also investing in 8K technologies. With AI ScaleNet, Samsung has made it possible to stream high-quality 8K videos on networks with lower bandwidth capabilities. Samsung has also announced new tools that make it easier for developers to bring new experiences across the nearly 100 million Smart TVs that are powered by Tizen.

• Wits automatically uploads a code edit to the TV, so developers can see their update almost immediately, significantly trimming development time.

• EasyST makes testing content playback much easier because developers don’t need to build their own test app to make sure their content is streaming as intended

• TIFA (Tizen Identifier for Advertising) gives consumers the option to limit ad tracking or opt-out of targeted advertising

• Samsung is making Tizen TV OS available to third-party TV makers for the first time.

End-to-End Security Built-in Every Solution and Experience

Emerging technologies, such as IoT, AI and 5G, are bringing new capabilities and opportunities to the developer landscape. For Samsung, it means providing the community with the tools and programs necessary to deliver secure and reliable solutions.

Secure Development Lifecycle delivers systematic reviews at every phase of the development, supply chain, and manufacturing process. To give both developers and users peace of mind, Samsung offers the Knox SDK, allowing partners and app developers to integrate advanced security solutions to their apps and services. In addition, Samsung has been working with German government agencies, especially BSI, and industry partners on developing a mobile-enabled eID for digital services to support customers and governments by developing a solid foundation for trusted identity services.

Samsung invites developers and partners on its journey to bring new and secure experiences to life. For more information about working with Samsung and the Samsung Developer Conference 2019, please visit sdc.developer.samsung.com. Further information can also be found on Twitter (@samsung_dev) and using the hashtag #SDC19.

* All services and programs mentioned above may vary by region.

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – 31 October 2019 – Samsung announced today that it has maintained the number six rank in Interbrand’s “Best Global Brands 2019” list with a brand value of R901.8 billion ($61.1 billion) – achieving a two percent increase in brand value.

Major factors that played a critical role in Samsung’s growth were:

• Continuous launches of innovative products that suit consumers’ new lifestyle, trends, and needs including the BESPOKE refrigerator, Sero TV, and Galaxy Fold

• Strong growth potential based on future innovation technologies including 5G, AI, IoT and the automotive business

• Global number one position in the semiconductor memory market and technology leadership in the industry

Samsung’s mobile business has kept up with successful launches in the Galaxy series. The company led the industry in the foldable smartphones category by launching Galaxy Fold, and continued its effort in resonating with consumers with Samsung’s brand story “Do What You Can’t”. Its visual display business, a market leader for 13 consecutive years, not only provided new viewing experiences for consumers through QLED 8K and MicroLED displays, but also further reflected consumers’ lifestyles by introducing The Sero, The Frame and The Serif. In digital appliances, Samsung has maintained its premium market leadership position in both refrigerators and washing machines and went on to release innovative new products with differentiated consumer benefits such as BESPOKE.

Spearheading advanced 5G technology, Samsung launched its first 5G smartphone. Its 5G technology also assumes a significant role in making AI and IoT more tangible and realisable. It has also accelerated the autonomous vehicle era with its incomparable speed. Samsung’s semiconductor memory business reinforced its market presence this year by beginning mass production of the industry’s first 12-gigabit (Gb) LPDDR5 mobile DRAM and its sixth-generation V-NAND which features the industry’s first 100+ layer single-stack design. Furthermore, Samsung has been continuously investing in R&D and expanding production facilities in the system semiconductor field. Samsung’s market leadership and investment in innovation also contributed to this year’s successful evaluation. The company’s investments were not limited to in-house R&D, but also included efforts to expand its product ecosystem through strategic partnerships, as well as investment in start-ups that have cultivated new business opportunities in a variety of fields, including the automotive industry.

“We are excited that our constant efforts to provide meaningful innovations that delight consumers and help them live better lives have been well received,” said Cambridge Mokanyana, Chief Marketing Officer at Samsung South Africa. “To further enhance our brand, we will continue to listen and learn from our consumers as well as lead changes in society through innovation, so that we can all thrive together. We are also pleased to be ranked as South Africa’s Favourite Overall Brand, in the Sunday Times Top Brand survey”

Following this year’s announcement of Interbrand’s Best Global Brands, the Best Global Brands summit was held in New York City on October 23.

Samsung Electronics’ Growth in Brand Value

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, 15 May 2019 – Samsung, a world leader in advanced semiconductor technology, today announced its ongoing commitment to foundry innovation and service at the Samsung Foundry Forum 2019 USA, providing the silicon community with wide-ranging updates on technology advances that support the most demanding applications of today and tomorrow.

The event, held today in Santa Clara, California, features top Samsung executives and industry experts reviewing progress on semiconductor technologies and foundry platform solutions that enable developments in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, 5G networking, automotive, the Internet of Things (IoT), advanced data centres and many other domains.

“We stand at the verge of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, a new era of high-performance computing and connectivity that will advance the daily lives of everyone on the planet,” said Cambridge Mokanyane, Chief Marketing Officer at Samsung South Africa.

“Samsung fully understands that achieving powerful and reliable silicon solutions requires not only the most advanced manufacturing and packaging processes as well as design solutions but also collaborative foundry-customer relationships grounded on trust and shared vision. This year’s Foundry Forum is filled with compelling evidence of our commitment to progress in all those areas and we’re honoured to host and converse with our industry’s best and brightest,” Mokanyane added.

Highlights from the U.S. Foundry Forum include:

The new 3nm GAE PDK version 0.1 is ready

Samsung’s 3nm Gate-All-Around (GAA) process, 3GAE, development is on track. The company noted today that its Process Design Kit (PDK) version 0.1 for 3GAE has been released in April to help customers get an early start on the design work and enable improved design competitiveness along with reduced turnaround time (TAT).

Compared to 7nm technology, Samsung’s 3GAE process is designed to provide up to a 45 percent reduction in chip area with 50 percent lower power consumption or 35 percent higher performance. The GAA-based process node is expected to be widely adopted in next-generation applications, such as mobile, network, automotive, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and IoT.

Conventional GAA based on nanowire requires a larger number of stacks due to its small effective channel width. On the other hand, Samsung’s patented version of GAA, MBCFET (Multi-Bridge-Channel FET), uses a nanosheet architecture, enabling greater current per stack.
While FinFET structures must modulate the number of fins in a discrete way, MBCFET provides greater design flexibility by controlling the nanosheet width. In addition, MBCFET’s compatibility with FinFET processes means the two can share the same manufacturing technology and equipment, which accelerates process development and production ramp-up.

Samsung recently taped out the 3GAE test vehicle design and will focus on improving its performance and power efficiency going forward.

The launching of a new SAFE TM-Cloud program

As part of its ongoing efforts to support and enhance customers’ entire design workflow, Samsung launched the Samsung Advanced Foundry Ecosystem Cloud (SAFE-Cloud) program. It will provide customers with a more flexible design environment through collaboration with major public cloud service providers, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure, as well as leading Electronic Design Automation (EDA) companies, including Cadence and Synopsys.

To date, most foundry customers have built and managed design infrastructure on their own servers. The SAFE-Cloud program reduces this burden and supports easier, faster and more efficient design efforts by providing an excellent turnkey design environment with extensive process information (PDK, design methodologies), EDA tools, design assets (IP, library) and design services.

Customers can be assured of as much server and storage space as they need, as well as a safe environment optimized for chip design, due to Samsung’s verification of SAFE-Cloud’s security, applicability and expandability.

Utilising the SAFE-Cloud platform, Samsung was able to accelerate the development of its 7nm and 5nm cell libraries in collaboration with Synopsys. In addition, Samsung, Gaonchips – a fabless design company in Korea – and Cadence have successfully completed design verification based on the platform.

“Making up-front investments in high-performance computing (HPC) servers and systems can be a challenge for a company like us,” said Kyu Dong Jung, CEO of Gaonchips. “SAFETM-Cloud offers us a very flexible design environment without requiring investment in additional infrastructure, as well as reduced design TAT. I expect this program to provide more tangible business and technical benefits to us and the entire fabless industry.”

Process technology roadmap and advanced packaging updates

Samsung’s roadmap includes four FinFET-based processes from 7nm down to 4nm that leverage extreme ultraviolet (EUV) technology as well as 3nm GAA, or MBCFET. In the second half of this year, Samsung is scheduled to start the mass production of 6nm process devices and complete the development of 4nm process.

The product design of Samsung’s 5nm FinFET process, which was developed in April, is expected to be completed in the second half of this year and go under mass production in the first half of 2020. Extensions of the company’s FD-SOI (FDS) process and eMRAM together with an expanded set of state-of-the-art package solutions were also unveiled at this year’s Foundry Forum. Development of the successor to the 28FDS process, 18FDS, and eMRAM with 1Gb capacity will be finished this year.

The foundation was established in 2013 to help foster development of basic science, materials engineering and information technologies, with a total of KRW 1.5 trillion (R18.5 billion) in grants to be endowed on research projects for 10 years. It has so far provided about KRW 667 billion (R8.2 billion) in funding for 517 research projects from universities and public research institutes in Korea. The foundation will look to expand its support in the areas of future technologies, such as AI, Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G, as well as projects that aim to improve local communities.

“Our goal is to support building the foundation for future science and technology,” said Seong-Keun Kim, Chairman of Samsung Science & Technology Foundation. “We hope to make a lasting contribution to the society by advancing basic science, bringing innovations and redefining the technology industry.”
Mr. Kim, Professor of Chemistry at Seoul National University and Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, was elected as the new chairman this week by the foundation’s Board of Directors.

*Oanda Conversion rate (R1 = KRW 81.52) as at 11 April 2019

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, 08 January 2019 – Samsung today announced how the company’s investment and leadership in AI, IoT, and 5G technologies will serve as the building blocks for its vision for Connected Living. The company also unveiled its future AI-powered robotics platforms, which can be used to manage activities of daily living, such as helping an aging population independently manage their health routine.

“2019 is Samsung Electronics 50th anniversary, and for the last five decades, we’ve been committed to bringing meaningful innovations to consumers everywhere,” said Cambridge Mokanyane, Chief Marketing Officer at Samsung South Africa. “In 2019, we’re taking things to the next level, and leveraging our industry leadership to make our vision of Connected Living a reality.

Accelerating the Intelligence of Things with IoT, 5G, and AI

Driving Samsung’s Connected Living philosophy is the Intelligence of Things – IoT, 5G, and AI working together across devices, to create seamless experiences. At its CES press conference in Las Vegas today, the company explained how its work in these core technologies is enabling innovation throughout its product portfolio.

Since unifying the SmartThings app and introducing the SmartThings Cloud, the SmartThings ecosystem has grown significantly. The number of registered SmartThings users has grown 220 percent and app installs have increased 61 percent. The number of partners participating in this ecosystem has also grown by 44 percent. Today, consumers can enjoy SmartThings experiences with devices from top global brands like Amazon, Google, Bose, Sylvania, and Plume.

Samsung leveraged its telecommunications leadership to make major strides in bringing 5G connectivity to consumers. Samsung is the number one patent holder with ETSI , having registered more than 2,000 5G essential patents as of November 2018. And it is the world’s first company to receive FCC approval on its commercial 5G equipment. The company powered the commercialisation of home and mobile 5G networks with major U.S. carriers and all three mobile carriers in Korea, with additional trials running in Europe and Asia. Samsung is also committed to putting the power of 5G in consumers’ hands, with a 5G smartphone coming in the first half of 2019.

Samsung believes that AI is most useful when it helps to simplify a complex world. To that end, the company established seven Global AI Centres, and is adopting unique technologies into its products and services. And to ensure that Samsung works with the best and the brightest in the field, Samsung NEXT and the Samsung Strategy and Innovation Centre (SSIC) have invested in more than 20 AI-related start-ups over the last five years.

Bixby, Samsung’s Intelligence Platform, Expands

Bixby started as a smarter way to use your Galaxy phone. Today, it is evolving to become a scalable, open AI platform that will support more and more devices. The company announced that Bixby intelligence will be infused into its 2019 QLED and premium TVs, and smart appliances like refrigerators, washers, as well as air conditioners, mobile devices, AI speakers and more. What’s more, Bixby is expanding to a new Digital Cockpit and robotics platforms. Uber, Ticketmaster and others are using Bixby to make their services more intelligent. Today, Samsung announced that iHeartRadio joined as a new partner. And, Bixby will continue to grow as more partners, such as Google, join the ecosystem.

Samsung also announced its core AI philosophy: Fairness, Accountability, and Transparency. As it works to advance AI technology, Samsung is committed to ensuring the algorithms it builds are inclusive, the protection of user information and privacy are top priorities, and it’s easy for consumers to understand what the company does with their data and how it is handled.

Next Level Experience of Samsung’s 2019 Portfolio

Samsung also introduced a line-up of new innovations, all of which streamline and simplify day-to-day tasks, and offer a more personalised and unique experience for each user, in a way that only Samsung can.

Entertainment:
Samsung unveiled its 98” QLED 8K – it’s largest yet – adding to its 2019 line-up that features 65”, 75”, 82”, and 85” models. Embedded with the Quantum Processor 8K chip, the 2019 8K line delivers the best in QLED picture quality, design, smart features in more sizes than ever in stunning 8K resolution. Whether a viewer is watching content through a streaming service, set-top box, HDMI, USB or even mobile screen mirroring, Samsung’s proprietary AI-based technology can recognise and upscale any content, regardless of the native resolution, to near pristine 8K quality. This is Samsung’s smartest and most powerful TV yet.

In 2019, Samsung Smart TVs offer more ways to search for content and more compatibility with connected devices than ever before. With an improved AI algorithm that leverages a user’s subscription services, favourite content, and TV viewing habits, the Universal Guide makes it easier for users to find the perfect show for them to watch. Users also have more options than ever to quickly and easily find and control their favourite content with just their voice by using new Bixby and the AI Remote as well as even more ways to control their Samsung TVs through Amazon Echo and Google Home.

In a move to deliver more entertainment options, value and open platform functionality to Samsung Smart TV users, Samsung announced it will offer iTunes Movies and TV Shows and Apple AirPlay 2 support on 2019 Samsung Smart TV models beginning this spring. Support on 2018 Samsung Smart TVs will be made available via a firmware update. In an industry first, a new iTunes Movies and TV Shows app will debut only on Samsung Smart TVs in more than 100 countries. AirPlay 2 support will be available on Samsung Smart TVs in 190 countries worldwide.

Home:
Family Hub 2019 is more intuitive and intelligent than ever before. The new Family Board offers a completely redesigned screen experience, letting family members communicate and share memories in a creative space on the front of the fridge. Honoured with a CES 2019 Innovation Award, Family Hub 2019 with the new Bixby lets users interact in natural language to get answers to complicated questions, pre-set the oven, search for recipes, and even call an Uber. In addition, Bixby visually shows you information on the screen for a richer experience and displays an array of visual information. These new features will also be available via automatic update for most earlier Family Hub models.

The new front load washer, also a 2019 CES Innovation Award winner, can finish a full load in just 30 minutes with the SuperSpeed feature. With Bixby, users can also control its smart features like getting recommendations for the best wash cycle, scheduling a cycle to be completed at a users’ preferred time, automatically connecting the dryer cycle when the washer is done, or monitoring usage to efficiently manage their laundry appliances.

Work:
Samsung revealed a line of new, innovative products that combine productivity and flexibility to help consumers get things done more conveniently. The redesigned Notebook 9 Pro is engineered for on-the-go modern professionals to help them reach their true creative potential, while the Notebook Odyssey gaming laptop, powered by the new high-end NVIDIA® GeForce RTX 20-series GPU, is ready for both work and play. Samsung Space Monitor leverages its sleek design and functionality to allow users to focus on what’s on the screen and not what’s around it. Its unique built-in space saving solution, a minimalist, fully-integrated clamp stand that grips to the desk, tilting back and forth to free up space for optimal user productivity. Beyond aesthetics, Samsung’s Space Monitor is a feature-rich, high-performance monitor. The 27-inch model offers QHD resolution for incredibly detailed, sharp images, while the 32-inch model presents content in 4K UHD.

Connected Driving:
Samsung also presented its latest development with HARMAN, showcasing its innovation in automotive technology. The Digital Cockpit 2019 offers an enhanced connected car experience focused on connectivity, personalisation, and safety.

With the integration of Bixby’s connected car experience, drivers can remotely check how much gas they have before going on a long road trip or set the car temperature before heading out for the day. Using on-board cameras, the new Digital Cockpit recognises specific drivers and passengers and sets up the car’s personal space accordingly – adjusting the display preferences, seat height, lighting, and queuing up favourite playlists. Passengers can even enjoy personalised screens on the rear seats and connect to In-vehicle Samsung DeX to get work done on-the-go. The Digital Cockpit 2019 also provides a safer driving experience with the mirror replacement vision system and camera-based safety solutions.

All of this is possible thanks to Cellular-V2X technology that incorporates Samsung’s expertise in mobile network solutions with automotive technologies. With Samsung’s C-V2X, cars will be able to receive and analyse information that will make the driving experience safer and more enjoyable.

Device Solutions:
In order to power tomorrow’s AI technologies, Samsung emphasised that today’s AI infrastructure must evolve to handle intelligence at the edge. For this reason, the company is working to launch a comprehensive portfolio of solutions that will shape the future of intelligent devices.

Samsung’s mobile memory and AI-enabled processors, including the recently-announced Exynos Auto line, will allow for faster and more efficient on-device processing. At the same time, its advanced memory solutions will meet the rigorous demands of tomorrow’s datacentres and enterprises as they look to complete more complex AI tasks.

Robotics Platforms for the Future of AI

Samsung offered a peek into the future of Connected Living by demonstrating its latest developments in robotics platforms including the Samsung Bot Care, Samsung Bot Air, Samsung Bot Retail, and Samsung GEMS. Among the robotics platforms, Samsung gave a first public demonstration of Samsung Bot Care, which helps consumers manage their daily health routines. With its advances in AI and robotics, the company is harnessing its best assets to make a positive impact on society and shape a better world.

For more information including photos and videos, please stay tuned to Samsung Newsroom for updates.

At CES 2019, Samsung will showcase innovative ways its latest AI and IoT technologies simplify daily life. These include brand new applications for AI and IoT, new ways to make AI do more, as well as new devices that place AI and IoT at the centre of users’ connected lives.

It all starts on Monday, January 7 at 02:00 (SAST), with a press conference at Las Vegas’s Mandalay Bay South Convention Centre. Be sure to catch all the exciting announcements by tuning in to the official livestream, which will be available via the following channels:

• Samsung Newsroom (https://www.samsung.com/za/)
• Samsung Electronics’ Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/samsung)
• Samsung Newsroom YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/samsungnewsroom)

Stay tuned to Samsung Newsroom for more updates on Samsung’s CES 2019 news