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 honouree, displayed Now Brief — a personalised 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.

▲ Video demonstration of how to open and close the refrigerator door using voice commands

▲ 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 line-up delivered a differentiated food experience powered by enhanced AI Vision, with Google Gemini integrated into the Bespoke AI Refrigerator Family Hub — one of the first of such integration in a home appliance. Visitors saw how AI Vision in the Bespoke AI Refrigerator Family Hub recognises 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 analyses 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 ^[1] – based AI Wine Manager recognised 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 one of the most impressive systems 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 maximising cooling efficiency.

▲ AI Hybrid Cooling

AI-Optimised 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 analyse 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 specialised cycle — such as a blouse cycle is selected on the Bespoke AI Combo, the same setting is automatically synchronised 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 line-up impressed visitors with its enhanced performance. Samsung showcased its cordless stick vacuums, including the Bespoke AI Jet Ultra which offers one of 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 coloured 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 millimetres 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 sanitises them with 100 degrees Celsius steam — helping to reduce odours 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.

^[1] To use SmartThings features, the SmartThings app must be installed and connected to a wireless network. Feature availability supported environments and specifications may vary by product. The SmartThings app can be downloaded from the Galaxy Store, Play Store or App Store (Android OS 9.0 or later with at least 3GB RAM or iOS 15.0 or later).

*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.

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 Centre (APC) Group Head at Samsung Electronics, emphasised that trust must be earned not through promises, but through consistent, understandable behaviour.

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 drivers of their own personalised 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 personalised 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 that users can rely on.”

A Cross-Industry Conversation on the Future of Trust

Shin Baik emphasised 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 players 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 prioritise security, transparency and meaningful user choice from the start.

*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 Co., Ltd. recently 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 behaviours and preferences, the transformation of content by technology and monetisation models, the expanding role of creators as studios and the ways in which interactive and live experiences are catalysing 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.

“These days, TV experience 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 panellists 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

Panellists 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 behaviour 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 cannibalisation — 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 monetisation 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, panellists 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 synchronised 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 panellists 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 centre 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.

*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

Led by Cheolgi Kim, Head of the DA Business, the session laid out how Samsung’s Bespoke AI appliances are seamlessly connected through SmartThings^[1] to evolve them from mere devices into “Home Companions.”

These devices are equipped with Bixby voice recognition technology, screens and cameras that allow them to see, hear and understand to proactively respond to users. This makes them capable of intelligently adapting to users’ daily lives. At the same time, intelligent adaptation extends beyond home appliances to TVs and mobile devices to build a broader AI ecosystem in which devices can fulfil the role of a true Home Companion.

“Samsung’s ultimate goal is to enable a better living through Bespoke AI,” said Cheolgi Kim. “Through our extensive ecosystem that connects devices across DX products – including mobile phones and TV – and our appliaces’ unique form factors, we are providing differentiated experiences to our consumers and creating more value through those experiences.”

Regional Strategies Powering Global Growth

Also during the session, JS Moon, Head of R&D at the DA Business, highlighted how Samsung is tailoring its 2026 appliance portfolio to meet regional market needs. In North America, innovative form factors like the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo continued to drive strong growth. In addition to the AI line-up, new kitchen packages featuring unified stainless-steel designs will continue to strive to satisfy local preferences in 2026.

In Europe, energy efficiency remains a top priority. Samsung has introduced highly efficient appliances, including the Bespoke AI washer, which is up to 65% more energy efficient than energy efficiency class A minimum requirements in Europe ^[2], advanced HVAC solutions and built-in kitchen products designed to meet stringent sustainability expectations. Latin America continues to see strong momentum led by laundry and air conditioning solutions, while rising interest in smart home ecosystems and localised AI features like regional language support and expanded AI Energy Mode represent a major growth opportunity in Asia.

“At Samsung, we aim to deliver meaningful AI experiences that are deeply aligned with local lifestyles and needs,” said EVP Moon. “As such, we will keep enhancing these regional features and expand core AI features such as AI Energy Mode to a wider range of price points and product types beyond premium line-ups.”

Expanding the Role of AI in Everyday Life

Looking ahead, Samsung reaffirmed its commitment to expanding beyond traditional appliances into areas such as HVAC, modular homes, insurance-based care extending the value of AI and connectivity in new aspects of daily life. By combining open collaboration, regional customisation and long-term software support, Samsung aims to reduce household burdens and deliver AI experiences that feel practical, trusted and deeply aligned with how people live.

^[1] To use SmartThings features, the SmartThings app must be installed and connected to a wireless network. Feature availability supported environments and specifications may vary by product. The SmartThings app can be downloaded from the Galaxy Store, Play Store or App Store (Android OS 9.0 or later with at least 3GB RAM or iOS 15.0 or later).

^[2] Based on Samsung internal testing. The energy consumption of this 9kg model is EEI 18.2, which is 65% more energy efficient compared to the minimum threshold of energy efficiency class A (EEI 52 for 9kg models). Energy ratings tested with Eco 40-60 program, 65% savings tested with the Eco 40-60 programme

*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 Co., Ltd. has announced that it will boldly break away from the conventional exhibition framework and present a new exhibition paradigm with The First Look at CES 2026, the world’s largest consumer electronics show, to be held in Las Vegas, Nevada on Jan. 6–9.

For The First Look, the company is shifting from operating a public booth within the Las Vegas Convention Centre (LVCC) to establishing a standalone exhibition hall at The Wynn Las Vegas. There, Samsung will curate an experience that adopts techniques used in art galleries and museums to unveil its new products and technologies.

To this end, the company has built its exhibition space, the Samsung Exhibition Zone, on an industry-leading scale, enabling all activities — product exhibitions, presentations, events, technology forums and consultations with key clients and partners — to be conducted organically in a single integrated location. The Exhibition Zone reflects Samsung’s strong commitment to transforming the exhibition paradigm beyond a simple change of venue, toward an approach centred around the customer experience.

Beyond Simple Lineups: Experiencing the Essence of AI in a Well-Curated Space

At CES 2026, Samsung will present its unified AI approach for its Device eXperience (DX) Division and articulate the company’s overall business direction. It is because of this ambitious vision that the company has chosen to establish an industry-leading, large-scale premium standalone exhibition space at The Wynn. There, Samsung will have no limitations when showcasing its industry-leading innovations and will be able to fully convey its overall AI strategy and vision — and the real-life value it can bring to consumers.

The First Look event has been designed to demonstrate how Samsung’s technology transforms lives, moving beyond only showcasing new product features. To realise a fully immersive environment, the exhibition will provide minimised congestion and enhanced programming for a deeper, more meaningful visitor experience.

A Grand Showcase of Samsung AI at the Industry’s Largest Space

Through carefully curated storytelling, Samsung’s Exhibition Zone has been designed to allow visitors to intuitively engage with Samsung’s AI innovation, current key technologies and future direction. Under the theme of “Your Companion to AI Living,” the exhibition showcases how Samsung has extensively applied AI technologies not only across all its product categories — including mobile, home appliances and displays — but also the functions and services that connect them. Visitors will be able to experience these differentiated AI capabilities, which offer seamless, always-on connectivity anytime and anywhere. This hyper-connected ecosystem, where software and AI work together to overcome the normal limits of hardware, is something that only Samsung can deliver.

New Tech Forums Spotlight Recent Industry Trends and Technologies

At CES 2026, Samsung will also host a series of Tech Forum panel discussions dedicated to exploring the latest industry trends and future technologies. The panels will be held over two days on Jan. 5–6 (local time), and will consist of four sessions centered on AI, home appliances, services and design.

Each session will feature both Samsung experts and participants from partner companies, academia, media and the analyst community, who will engage in in-depth discussions on industry trends — as well as new technologies and the future of the industry.

To learn more about The First Look, visit Samsung Newsroom’s CES 2026 landing page.

*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.

This year, Samsung Electronics once again elevated the TV experience with ‘Micro RGB,’ which uses sub-100 μm red, green and blue LEDs for ultra-precise light control and improved colour accuracy. Attention is now focused on what the company will showcase at CES 2026, the world’s largest IT and home appliance exhibition. Stay tuned for what’s next.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has announced that it will host a series of four moderated Tech Forum panel discussions at CES 2026, to highlight industry trends and unveil its distinct Artificial Intelligence (AI) vision and strategy.

Samsung’s Tech Forums will be held Jan. 5–6 at Samsung’s dedicated exhibition space in the Latour Ballroom at the Wynn Las Vegas. The company will host a total of four moderated panels covering AI, Home Appliances, Services and Design. Samsung executives along with partners, academics, media and industry analysts will participate in each session by topic:

• When Everything Clicks: How Open Ecosystems Deliver Impactful AI (Jan. 5, 7:00 PM SAST) — Yoonho Choi, Digital Appliances Business, Samsung Electronics (Chair, Home Connectivity Alliance)

Description: Collaborating smart home innovators hold an open discussion on the necessity of cross-industry partnership and what it takes for meaningful smart home technology to be woven into daily living.

• In Tech We Trust? Rethinking Security & Privacy in the AI Age (Jan. 6, 12:00 AM SAST) — Shin Baik, Group Head, AI Platform Center, Samsung Electronics

Description: Experts in security and AI examine the science of trust and how transparency and secure systems can spark a meaningful change for AI adoption.

• FAST Forward: How Streaming’s Next Wave is Redefining Television (Jan. 6, 2:00 AM SAST) —
  Salek Brodsky, Executive Vice President, Visual Display Business, Samsung Electronics

Description: Leaders in TV and entertainment explore the next wave of streaming, including Free Ad-Supported streaming Television (FAST), hybrid models and creator-led channels to shape a more interactive future.

• The Human Side of Tech: Designing a Future Worth Loving (Jan. 6, 11:00 PM SAST) — Mauro Porcini, President and Chief Design Officer, DX Division, Samsung Electronics

Description: Design leaders urge the tech industry to look beyond minimalist, spec-driven approaches toward more expressive, human-centered design shaped by new materials, AI and creativity.

In covering the latest trends in technology and daily living, the Technology Forum discussions will serve as a complement to the company’s latest product innovations, which will be showcased at the Samsung Exhibition Zone at the Wynn from Jan. 5–7.

*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