In our notification-heavy world, there is still one activity where you might just miss that buzz on your phone or ping on your smartwatch – while you’re vacuuming. Thankfully, Samsung has a solution.
Its latest cordless stick vacuum, the Bespoke AI Jet Ultra ($1,099), now features an LCD display control panel that, alongside standard features such as power level and battery life, can notify you of incoming phone calls or text messages. This advanced vacuum, compatible with an auto-empty charging station, boasts an impressive 400AW suction power and a 100-minute battery life.
Even better, if you’re doing laundry and left your phone in another room, Samsung has equipped its washers and dryers, including the new Bespoke AI Laundry Vented Combo washer/dryer ($3,099), with touchscreens that allow you to answer calls directly on the built-in 7-inch LCD screen. This combo unit can also automatically dispense detergent and open its door once the cycle is complete.
The new Bespoke combo washer and dryer has several tech upgrades, including a new 7-inch touchscreen that you can make phone calls on. | Image: Samsung”>
The company is expanding the capability to answer phone calls from appliances across its entire Bespoke AI line. At CES this year, Samsung showcased its new AI Home control panels on several appliances, including new Bespoke AI smart fridges and wall ovens. These features are compatible with both Android and iOS devices and require a Samsung account and the SmartThings app.
AI Home is Samsung’s term for the 7- or 9-inch LCD screens integrated into its products, including the flagship Family Hub smart fridge. The fridge now offers an option for a slimmer screen that, like the other AI Home displays, features music, weather, cooking apps, and smart home controls.
Of course, Samsung also provides options for fridges with larger screens, such as 21.5-inch or 32-inch displays that can run additional apps, including Samsung TV and TikTok. These screens serve as controls for the appliance and can integrate with other Samsung devices and services, often utilizing AI.
The flagship Samsung Family Hub smart fridge now comes with the option of a smaller screen.“>
For instance, on the fridge screen, you can search for recipes in the Samsung Food app using ingredients identified by its AI-powered cameras. You can then send the cooking instructions to your oven and view the recipe directly on the screen. It’s like having your phone with you everywhere, but with your hands free.
The AI Home screens can connect to Samsung’s SmartThings smart home platform. This allows you to receive alerts from your appliances regarding other events in your smart home; for example, you can see (and communicate with) whoever is at your Ring video doorbell while unloading the washer.
Samsung’s “screens everywhere” approach is part of its AI for the home initiative, envisioning technology working seamlessly in the background to assist with daily life. While smart home technology holds significant potential to save time, money, and energy, the proliferation of screens in appliances may seem excessive. A smart display could fulfill many of these roles, likely at a lower replacement cost than a cooktop if it were to get damaged.
Furthermore, tech-heavy touchscreens integrated into appliances may be prone to obsolescence and potentially more prone to malfunction than traditional controls like plastic knobs on washing machines. Another concern about these screens is their potential to serve advertisements, akin to Amazon’s Echo Show smart displays. Although Samsung has not implemented this on its appliances yet, it remains a valid concern. The Verge has reached out to Samsung regarding these issues and will provide updates based on their response.
