In addition to the enhanced Bixby update, which now comprehends more intricate commands, Samsung introduces the Generative Wallpaper feature, offering users another creative choice to personalize their Family Hub™ displays.
Samsung Electronics has revealed the upcoming update to its voice assistant, Bixby1, in home appliances. The upgraded Bixby, set to roll out from August 27, will boast an improved AI that can understand complex commands based on natural language, making device control more seamless for users.
“Samsung’s line of home appliances continues to evolve to enhance user experience,” stated Miyoung Yoo, EVP and Head of Software Development Team for Digital Appliances Business at Samsung Electronics. “By introducing the enhanced Bixby, we aim to enrich consumers’ lives, making it easier for them to operate their appliances while enjoying a more personalized user interface.”
Samsung earlier released several home appliances with AI capabilities this year, such as the Bespoke 4-Door French Door Refrigerator with AI Family Hub™ featuring AI Vision Inside, Bespoke Jet Bot Combo™ AI with enhanced AI Object Recognition, and Bespoke AI Laundry Combo™ with AI Home. Now, taking it a step further, Samsung plans to introduce new features to create an even more immersive consumer experience.
Bixby: Enhanced Voice Control for Appliances
The upgraded Bixby offers enhanced voice control through three key capabilities7: understanding complex commands (Multi-Intent), remembering past interactions (Multi-Turn), and responding to product inquiries (Device Q&A). Samsung will roll out this update initially for five products launched in 2024: the Bespoke 4-Door Refrigerator with AI Family Hub™; Bespoke AI Laundry Combo™, Bespoke Slide-in Range; Bespoke Jet Bot Combo™ AI; and Bespoke AI WindFree™ Gallery Freestanding Air Conditioner.
Firstly, the upgraded Bixby can comprehend commands comprising multiple or unrelated requests within a single sentence. With the enhanced Bixby, users can also control other SmartThings-connected devices more naturally, enabling them to express their needs more fluidly. For instance, users can instruct the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo™, “Hello Bixby, how is the weather? Start the laundry and tidy up the living room,” and Bixby will execute the commands sequentially.
Secondly, Bixby can retain context from past conversations, allowing users to engage in ongoing dialogues with devices rather than issuing individual commands. For example, if a user asks the Bespoke 4-Door Refrigerator with AI Family Hub™, “Hello Bixby, when is our family dinner today?” and Bixby provides the information, the user can follow up with, “Then schedule the laundry to finish one hour before that.”
Lastly, Bixby assists users when they encounter issues while using appliances or become curious about specific cycles or features. Instead of flipping through user manuals or contacting customer support when the appliance screen displays an error code, users can simply ask Bixby for clarification. Questions like, “Hello Bixby, why do I hear clicking noises in the fridge?” will prompt Bixby to provide multiple explanations. Appliances with screens, like refrigerators with AI Family Hub™ or the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo™, will display the answer on screen, while screenless appliances will provide audio responses.
Generative Wallpaper: A Unique Look for Each User’s Family Hub™ Display
The Family Hub™ refrigerators, released in Korea and the U.S. after 2022, are getting an upgrade with a new feature. The Generative Wallpaper feature allows users to design custom wallpapers.
Users can pick a theme from seven categories and choose an art style from six options. Based on these selections, the Family Hub™ creates a personalized image for the user, which can be applied to the cover screen, whiteboard, or saved in an album for later use.
Samsung intends to showcase the Bespoke AI appliances featuring the enhanced Bixby and Generative Wallpaper at IFA 2024, providing more users with the opportunity to experience and understand how it will elevate their user experience.
1 Bixby is Samsung’s IoT voice assistant. Bixby service availability may vary by region and language. Bixby supports various languages and accents. Interface and feature availability may differ based on the device. The availability of Bixby features may vary by region, carrier, language, and device model. A Samsung account and internet connectivity are required for Bixby usage.
2 The update applies to appliances launched in 2024, including the Bespoke 4-Door Refrigerator with AI Family Hub™; Bespoke AI Laundry Combo™; Bespoke Slide-in Range; Bespoke Jet Bot Combo™ AI; and Bespoke AI WindFree™ Gallery Freestanding Air Conditioner.
3 Products are named differently based on region. For example, in North America, it is named Bespoke 4-Door Flex™ Refrigerator with AI Family Hub™+, while in Latin America, it is Bespoke 4-Door French Door Refrigerator with AI Family Hub™+.
4 As of March 2024, AI Vision Inside can identify up to 33 food items, excluding items in refrigerator door bins or freezer. Recognition accuracy may vary.
5 The AI Model Recognition accuracy depends on the training data set used. Updates to the data set may improve accuracy over time.
6 Services on AI Home may not be fully AI-powered. AI Smart Dial, AI Wash & Dry, and Bixby voice control utilize AI algorithms, which are periodically updated for accuracy.
7 To control other devices, they must be connected to SmartThings under the same Samsung account. Voice control may have limitations depending on the device type and model.
8 Multi-Intent and Multi-Turn are available in multiple languages, while Device Q&A is currently supported in specific languages. Use cases may vary based on language settings.
9 Product availability is restricted to Korea.
10 SmartThings app is compatible with iOS and Android devices. Samsung account login is necessary for multi-device management.
11 Specific examples may differ based on language or region.
12 Feature available during an active dialogue.
13 Illustrative scenario showcasing smart scheduling options.
14 Wi-Fi connection is required for Generative Wallpaper feature.
15 Service limitations may apply for daily image creation.
