Samsung arrived at Berlin’s IFA event with not one, not two but three different AIs to talk about in its AI Home: Future Living, Now exhibit. The brand has been hard at work expanding its definition of AI (even if some references stretch the term to its breaking point), and now has several big promises for the smart home and Samsung appliances.
There were updates on the latest Galaxy AI, of course, but as smart home editor, I was especially struck by what Samsung has in mind for its home-oriented AIs, Bespoke and Vision. Two new evolutions appear promising if Samsung can pull it off.
Bespoke AI saves up to 70% on washing machine energy
Samsung’s Bespoke AI covers all things appliance-related, like vacuums and dishwashers. We’ve taken a look at the latest Bespoke offerings, and we weren’t convinced that it’s worth the high costs of the latest models. Maybe Samsung was listening, because its IFA exhibit had a new focus on how much money Bespoke AI can save in the right conditions.
For example, according to the company, Bespoke AI in a washing machine can save up to 65% to 70% in energy use when you use it. Washing machines are a significant energy user, but they can’t compare with dryers or refrigerators, so I’m curious if these energy savings also work with other Samsung appliances, which could make a real difference.
Bespoke AI may also be able to save you time: One feature Samsung highlight was the latest AI object recognition in the Jet Bot Steam Ultra, which can now detect liquids and adjust for a better clean. Samsung’s newest dishwasher also caught my eye with its ability to automatically crack open the door and let out building steam, something I always forget to do when my dishwasher finishes a cycle.
Samsung reported that its research showed 66% of consumers find AI in homes appealing. If true, that’s a significant departure from CNET’s survey that showed only 11% of US smartphone owners are interested in upgrading due to AI, a big drop from last year. Perhaps people feel differently about AI in the home — I know I do when it comes to home security.
Smart speakers and displays with a twist
Samsung is also trying something new with its TV-oriented Vision AI, and it feels like an attempt to move Samsung devices away from the TV and make them accessible in other parts of the home.
Samsung isn’t calling its new Sound Tower a smart speaker, but it clearly is one. The large portable speaker (arriving first in Australia) is ready for indoor or outdoor use with a rechargeable battery, and includes party-oriented LED lights and beat syncing. It’s too big to place on a shelf like a HomePod, but with app controls and dual dome tweeters, it’s ready to occupy a corner in any room and fill it with tunes, even if you aren’t in a dancing mood.
Likewise, Samsung isn’t calling The Movingstyle portable touchscreen TV bundle a smart display, but you could have fooled me. The latest Vision AI is a souped-up Bixby made to be smarter and more conversational than before, and with the 27-inch touchscreen it reminds me a lot of the large Alexa-powered Echo Show 21.
The biggest difference is that the Movingstyle screen is designed to be placed on its own stand and shuffled aside when not in use, an interesting quirk that’s frankly confusing. Does Samsung think we don’t have enough shelf space or wall space for a traditional smart display? Or does the brand think that smart displays need to be more up close, personal and easier to trip over? Opinions are mixed so far, but if nothing else, Samsung is trying something unique here.
Yes, Samsung is (understandably) obsessed with AI at IFA, and although I think its triple-AI branding is a little excessive, I’m interested to see if the algorithms can pull off these latest tricks — and if Samsung can make it away from the TV or kitchen into other areas of the home. We’ll get to testing and let you know.
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