Samsung has officially revealed its strategy for using AI technology for connected user experiences. At CES 2024 in Las Vegas, Samsung Electronics presented its vision of how people will be able to use their devices intuitively and conveniently in the future thanks to AI. At the press conference, Samsung, together with important partners, presented technological innovations that are behind this vision. Several Samsung speakers gave insights into exactly how new products and services with integrated AI functions can make everyday life easier.
Jong-Hee (JH) Han, Vice Chairman, CEO and Head of Samsung’s Device eXperience (DX) Division, kicked off the press conference with an insight into how connected technology powered by AI can improve people’s lives while providing unobtrusive support in the background. The focus is on scenarios in which AI enables connected user experiences that are simple and offer added value in everyday life. To achieve this goal, Samsung is introducing a range of new products, applications and services at CES.
“With the emergence of artificial intelligence, there will be smarter and better usage scenarios that can redefine our lives,” Han said. “Samsung is well placed to bring this vision to life: with our broad portfolio of powerful devices and our principle of open collaboration, we want to help make the benefits of AI and connectivity accessible to everyone.”
AI-supported screens and devices bring new user experiences into the home
AI technology will change the way we use digital devices and screens. How exactly, Jonathan Gabrio, Head of Connected Experience Center at Samsung Electronics America, explained during the CES press conference.
Samsung’s Neo QLED 8K QN900D gets an upgrade with the integrated NQ8 AI Gen 3 AI processor, which is equipped with a neural network eight times larger and a neural processing unit (NPU) two times faster than the previous model. Thanks to the NQ8 AI Gen3 processor, Samsung Neo QLED automatically upscales low-resolution 8K content to provide users with an 8K quality viewing experience. The AI Motion Enhancer Pro has a new motion tracking algorithm that makes fast movement sequences more clearly visible. Samsung Neo QLED 8K also has Active Voice Amplifier Pro, which analyzes speech and background noise using AI to make dialogue very clearly audible while watching TV. This creates an entertainment experience almost like being in the front row of a cinema or stadium. Added to this is Tizen OS Home, which provides access to the latest apps, services, personalized content and service recommendations for an entertainment experience tailored to individual preferences.
To address the different needs of users, Samsung has developed a number of accessibility features. This includes a sign language function in the Samsung Neo QLED, which can be controlled using gestures by people with hearing impairments. There is also an audio subtitle function available for people with visual impairments, which converts subtitles into spoken language in real time.
There is also an update for The Premiere 8K projector: The new model offers a 150-inch image and enables wireless 8K transmission for the first time. The Premiere 8K brings a feeling of being in the cinema into your own four walls.
A special highlight in the area of sound is the Music Frame, a loudspeaker that fits seamlessly into the living environment like a picture frame with a customizable motif. The Music Frame can be synchronized with Samsung TVs and soundbars using the Q-Symphony function, bringing rich bass and surround sound from two built-in woofers into the home with minimal effort.
There is also news for Ballie: Samsung first presented the small, round robot at CES 2020 and has made significant improvements since then. Ballie has now evolved into an AI companion that can interact with other smart devices to provide personalized support. It can take over tedious tasks and project images and videos onto walls so users can view important information like weather and news right where they are.
Advanced interaction between users and devices through spatial intelligence
Jaeyeon Jung, Executive Vice President and Head of SmartThings, explained how AI technology can influence the relationship between users and their devices and what Samsung’s vision for its SmartThings connected ecosystem looks like. The more Samsung devices customers use, the more intelligent these devices become in their interaction and the better they can understand and support everyday life.
Home and car are moving closer together with home-to-car functions
The news announced also includes developments in the automotive sector, including the partnership with Hyundai Motor Group. Samsung and Hyundai signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) ahead of CES 2024, stating their goal to work together to develop home-to-car and car-to-home services with SmartThings connectivity.
“SmartThings will work with Hyundai, Kia and Genesis vehicles via the app in the future, thanks to our software-defined car principle,” said Haeyoung Kwon, head of the Infotainment Development Center and SDV 9 Execution Sub-Division at Hyundai Motor Group Partnership. “All of us at Hyundai Motor Group value the partnership with Samsung and look forward to the new features we are bringing to vehicles through smart connectivity.”
Security and data protection in focus on all devices
In a future of AI-powered, fully connected devices, security and privacy are of paramount importance to Samsung. Shin Baik from Samsung’s Mobile Experience Security Team discussed Samsung’s security solutions for the connected device era.