Fridge’s even smarter
Technology giants bet big on artificial intelligence futures
SAMSUNG’S vision for the future smart home includes a fridge that can recommend the next TV show to binge.
Voice controlled smart home devices were a major part of Samsung’s big press conference at CES 2019.
Washing machines will get new smart features via Samsung’s AI platform Bixby, and the existing Family Hub fridge will get even more control in the company’s vision of a connected home. The new Family Board offers a redesigned screen experience, allowing family members to share memories in a creative space on the front of the screen.
Samsung will also introduce Bixby into 2019 QLED televisions – like their newly unveiled 98-inch QLED 8K TV – via an AI remote.
TV fans will be able to ask their smart TV, or Bixby-connected devices like their fridge, for recommendations.
They will even be offered shows and movies to watch based on data like their viewing habits and subscription services.
The TVs will also work with other AI platforms such as Google Assistant and Amazon’s Alexa.
“We have a bold vision for connected living,” Samsung consumer electronics CEO HS Kim said.
“It simplifies a complex world.”
Samsung is not the only one betting big on AI-centred homes. LG already announced its version of the connected home and Amazon is featuring at CES with its increasingly popular smart speaker Alexa.
Samsung’s major sell for its AI future is convenience. Hands full doing the dishes? Ask your fridge to look up dinner recipes. Want to clean the house? Use the hub to activate cleaning mode and send out your connected robot vacuums or open smart blinds.
But much like Amazon and Google, Samsung faces the same distrust about data use, and the company touched on a new AI philosophy in announcing the connected home.
“AI has to be responsible,” HS Kim said.
“The protection of user information and privacy must be paramount.”
The writer travelled to CES in Las Vegas as a guest of Samsung Australia.