Samsung introduces new smart home features including ‘AI characters’

Samsung is looking to elevate the intelligence of smart homes, particularly those integrated with Samsung products.

At its CES 2024 presentation in Las Vegas, Samsung unveiled enhancements and features for its SmartThings home automation ecosystem. One standout addition is the Now Plus dashboard, set to appear on selected Samsung TVs. This feature activates as users approach, showcasing information about smart home devices and essential metrics, such as the indoor temperature. Alongside this, a new “quick panel” offers users convenient shortcuts to manage connected devices, locate misplaced smartphones, and other mobile devices.

Additionally, Samsung introduced a “map view” feature within SmartThings, reminiscent of Amazon’s recent Map View offering. This feature provides users with an interactive layout of their homes, pinpointing the locations of various smart devices like washing machines and refrigerators. Users can either manually design these maps, upload an existing floor plan photo, or use a Samsung device equipped with lidar technology, such as the upcoming Ballie robot or the new JetBot robot vacuum.

Adding a unique touch, SmartThings’ map view incorporates animated “AI characters” representing family members and pets within the household. These dynamic avatars react to real-time environmental conditions, such as displaying signs of discomfort if the temperature rises excessively.

Although users must initially create these maps using the SmartThings app on smartphones or tablets, once established, they can view them on compatible Samsung TVs, the Samsung Family Hub smart fridge, and Samsung’s M8 monitors.