What you’ll learn:
- Insight into the latest Smart Forward app updates.
- What types of appliances can take advantage of those updates?
- New appliance features.
Samsung looks to blow the dust off of existing appliances with new functionalities and enhanced safety and energy efficiencies via the company’s Smart Forward app updates. The updates will introduce some new features designed to breathe new life and enhance user experience and performance to select appliances and devices throughout the second half of 2024.
“After years of R&D with a relentless focus on the home user experience, we are thrilled to be rolling out more Smart Forward updates to our earlier released appliances around the globe,” stated Miyoung Yoo, EVP and Head of the Software Development Team, Digital Appliances Business at Samsung Electronics. “With the enhanced functionality, extended lifespan, and improved security provided by Smart Forward, the home experience can truly take a step forward.”
New “Family Hub” Refrigerator Features
As mentioned earlier, the updates will introduce new functionalities and user experiences to Samsung’s existing line of smart products, including the Family Hub—a touch panel found on select refrigerators that will get a trio of new features, including Quick Share, Buds Auto Switch, and Fridge Call.
Quick Share enables users to send images directly from mobile devices to the Family Hub display with minimal effort, and Buds Auto Switch allows for seamless audio transitions while wearing the company’s Galaxy Buds. Fridge Call does exactly what the title suggests—users can receive phone calls directly on the Family Hub, utilizing the panel’s built-in microphone and speaker. All of these can be done via the SmartThings app (see figure).
The new features will be available for fridge models that utilize the Family Hub produced in 2017 and up.
More Versatility with the Bixby Voice App
Samsung’s Bixby voice app will also get updates, including understanding commands with multiple intentions and remembering recent conversations for a more intuitive interaction. This update will initially roll out for five 2024 products, including the Bespoke 4-Door Refrigerator with AI Family Hub and the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo.
For the latest 2024 refrigerators, Bixby will be able to open fridge doors using verbal requests instead of using the wake-up command first. They will also get a new wallpaper feature to personalize their experiences.
Energy, Safety Updates for Older Appliances
In addition, Samsung has updates for older appliances, specifically safety and energy-saving features for models produced in 2021 and up. For example, after power outages, refrigerators will notify users via the SmartThings app that internal temperatures are exceeding food safety thresholds. Users will also be able to change chimes for notifications and turn off ice-making abilities to prevent unwanted noise at night.
On top of that, an “Optimal Scheduling” feature delays appliance start times to reduce peak energy usage hours, which is expected to roll out for the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo and Samsung dishwashers in an effort to reduce energy costs.
According to Samsung, “These updates reflect Samsung’s broader strategy of providing value to customers by enhancing the products they already own. By continuously improving the functionality and performance of its appliances, Samsung ensures that users do not have to worry about their devices becoming obsolete. This approach not only safeguards customers’ investments, but also aligns with the company’s efforts to reduce the need for frequent replacements.”
