The screens are the focus of Samsung’s new smart appliances

In a world filled with constant notifications, there’s still one household task where you might not hear your phone buzzing-vacuuming. Fortunately, Samsung has found a way to keep you connected even while tackling chores.

The latest addition to Samsung’s lineup, the Bespoke AI Jet Ultra cordless vacuum, priced at $1,099, is designed with an LCD control panel that not only displays essential details like battery life and suction power but also alerts you when you receive a call or text message. Featuring a powerful 400AW suction and a long-lasting 100-minute battery, this vacuum is paired with an auto-empty charging station, ensuring efficiency in both performance and maintenance.

If you’ve ever stepped away from your phone while doing laundry, Samsung has you covered there, too. The company’s new Bespoke AI Laundry Vented Combo washer-dryer, retailing at $3,099, comes equipped with a built-in 7-inch LCD touchscreen, allowing users to answer calls directly from the appliance. Beyond its communication features, this combo unit offers practical automation, such as auto-dispensing detergent and automatically opening the door when the cycle is complete.

Samsung has been gradually integrating these AI-powered smart displays across its Bespoke AI product line. At CES this year, the company showcased AI Home control panels on various appliances, including smart fridges and wall ovens. These screens, compatible with both Android and iOS devices, require a Samsung account and the SmartThings app to function seamlessly.

The AI Home concept refers to the 7-inch or 9-inch LCD touchscreens embedded in Samsung’s premium appliances, including the flagship Family Hub refrigerator. This fridge now comes with a streamlined screen that provides access to weather updates, music, cooking apps, and smart home controls. For those who prefer a larger display, Samsung still offers models featuring massive 21.5-inch or 32-inch screens capable of running apps like Samsung TV and TikTok, alongside AI-driven functionalities.

A prime example of Samsung’s AI integration is the fridge’s ability to identify ingredients through built-in cameras and suggest recipes via the Samsung Food app. Once a recipe is selected, users can send cooking instructions directly to their oven, making meal preparation more seamless than ever. This interconnected approach essentially transforms Samsung appliances into an extension of your phone, allowing hands-free multitasking in the kitchen.

These AI Home screens also connect to Samsung’s SmartThings platform, providing real-time alerts for other smart home events. For instance, users can view and communicate with visitors at their Ring video doorbell while sorting laundry.

Samsung’s vision for the future revolves around embedding AI into daily life, with smart technology operating discreetly in the background. While this “screens everywhere” strategy enhances convenience, it raises the question of practicality. After all, a dedicated smart display could serve many of these functions without the potential cost of replacing an entire cooktop if its screen gets damaged.

Categories: Business
Pratik Patil: