Samsung is breathing new life into existing appliances by introducing novel functionalities and enhancing safety and energy efficiency through new ‘Smart Forward’ updates.
Miyoung Yoo, EVP and Head of the Software Development Team for Samsung’s Digital Appliances Business, said: “After years of R&D with a relentless focus on the home user experience, we are thrilled to be rolling out more Smart Forward updates to our earlier released appliances around the globe.”
The updates introduce a range of new features designed to enhance user experience and appliance performance. The Family Hub – a touch screen panel installed on select refrigerators – will receive three new features: Quick Share, Buds Auto Switch, and Fridge Call.
Quick Share allows users to send photos directly from their mobile devices to the Family Hub screen with minimal effort. The Buds Auto Switch feature enables seamless audio transitions between the Family Hub and mobile devices when using Galaxy Buds. Fridge Call permits users to receive phone calls directly on the Family Hub, utilising its built-in microphone and speaker.
These new features will be available on refrigerator models with Family Hub produced from 2017 onwards.
An upgraded Bixby voice assistant will now understand commands with multiple intentions and remember recent conversations, making interactions more intuitive. This update will initially be available on five 2024 products, including the Bespoke 4-Door Refrigerator with AI Family Hub and the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo.
For 2024 refrigerators with Family Hub, Bixby can now open doors upon verbal request without the need for wake-up commands. Additionally, refrigerators with Family Hub launched in Korea and the US after 2022 will receive a new wallpaper feature, allowing users to personalise their kitchen space.
Samsung is also rolling out safety and energy-saving updates to older models, including refrigerators manufactured as far back as 2021. After a power outage, refrigerators will detect and notify users via the SmartThings app when internal temperatures are high, providing an extra layer of food safety.
Users can now choose different chimes for open door notifications and put ice makers in sleep mode to prevent disruptive noises during the night. The Optimal Scheduling feature, which delays appliance start times to avoid peak energy usage hours, will be added to the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo and Samsung dishwashers to help users reduce energy costs.
By continuously improving the functionality and performance of its appliances, Samsung aims to ensure that users need not worry about their devices becoming obsolete—safeguarding customer investments and reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Samsung says the Smart Forward updates will roll out throughout H2 2024.
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