Samsung Electronics unveiled its latest breakthroughs in smart home technology during the IFA 2023 press conference, showcasing their commitment to enhancing the at-home experience, promoting sustainability, and keeping homes secure. At the heart of their presentation was the SmartThings ecosystem, a platform designed to empower consumers with personalized control over their living spaces. With 285 million users worldwide, SmartThings has become an integral part of homes, offering seamless connectivity and control over multiple appliances and devices through a single app.
Mr. Samuel Odhiambo, Head of Home Appliances at Samsung Electronics East Africa, expressed the company’s vision for SmartThings, emphasizing the goal of enabling users to prioritize aspects like energy conservation, security enhancement, access to entertainment, and overall home efficiency. The ecosystem has evolved significantly over the years, providing not only a vast array of connected devices but also deep personalization options.
Enhancing the At-Home Experience
The SmartThings app is the central hub for users to manage their homes remotely, enhancing the at-home experience. In today’s evolving home landscape, where residences serve multiple roles, including offices, relaxation spaces, and entertainment hubs, technology plays a pivotal role. A study shows that 71% of consumers believe that technology positively impacts their daily lives, affecting how they interact with family and friends, manage chores, and enjoy hobbies.
Samsung’s commitment to enhancing the at-home experience extends to the kitchen with the introduction of Samsung Food, an all-in-one app for recipe searching, saving, meal planning, cooking, and grocery shopping. Available in 104 countries and eight languages, Samsung Food offers access to a vast database of over 160,000 recipes and can even send precise cooking instructions to compatible Samsung ovens. In the near future, Food AI will provide personalized recipes based on dietary requirements, while Vision AI will analyze meal photos to provide nutritional information and recommend recipes.
As the number one TV brand for 17 consecutive years, Samsung continues to elevate entertainment experiences. The company announced the launch of the 98” Neo QLED 8K and 4K Q80C, completing its super screen lineup. Additionally, Samsung plans to introduce its full range of Micro LED screens in Europe, promising incredible contrast and detail for immersive gaming and movie-watching. To celebrate Disney’s 100th anniversary, Samsung unveiled The Frame Disney100 Edition, featuring exclusive Disney-inspired design elements and a vast collection of iconic Disney and Pixar artwork.
Taking Small Steps for Our Planet
Samsung’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its efforts to help users save money and reduce their environmental footprint. A survey found that 77% of consumers seek tech products that save energy, and 67% consider the ability to monitor and reduce energy consumption essential in their appliances. SmartThings Energy is designed to optimize energy usage across appliances, with features like AI Energy Mode reducing washing machine energy use by up to 70%.
In collaboration with Ocean Wise and Patagonia, Samsung has developed the Less Microfiber™ Filter, an external washing machine filter that significantly reduces microplastic emissions from laundry cycles. This innovation demonstrates Samsung’s dedication to addressing environmental concerns and empowering individuals to make a positive impact on the planet.
Samsung’s commitment to sustainability extends to its product materials. The Galaxy Z Flip5, Z Fold5, Galaxy Tab S9 series, and Galaxy Watch6 series incorporate recycled materials, including recycled aluminum, glass, and plastics sourced from ocean-bound discarded fishing nets, water barrels, and PET bottles. Even the packaging for these products is made from recycled paper materials.
Keeping Your Home Secure
Security is another vital aspect of the modern home, and Samsung understands the importance of smart technology in providing peace of mind. Research shows that 54% of respondents believe in-home surveillance enhances security, while 39% feel safer when alone at home. Additionally, 39% appreciate the ability to keep their family safe while they are away from home. Samsung’s smart technology offerings include features that cater to these security needs.
In conclusion, Samsung Electronics continues to lead the way in shaping the future of smart homes with its SmartThings ecosystem, commitment to enhancing the at-home experience, dedication to sustainability, and focus on home security. As technology continues to evolve, Samsung’s vision is clear: to empower individuals to create homes that reflect their personal preferences, lifestyles, and aspirations. With its innovative products and solutions, Samsung is at the forefront of transforming houses into responsive, intuitive homes that cater to the diverse needs of its users.