Samsung has announced that it’s expanding its One UI software platform to its home appliance lineup. The Korean tech giant aims to create a consistent and intuitive software experience across smartphones, TV, and smart appliances. The expansion includes shared features and services like Bixby, Gallery, and Samsung TV Plus. Device connectivity is also being enhanced through SmartThings, integrating various devices into a single ecosystem.
The company said that One UI’s Now Brief interface, which gives users personalized information, will be available on home appliances from next year. It also warned that the availability of services like Bixby and SmartThings will vary by country and language, so you may not have access if it doesn’t support your country or language.
Samsung said that it is committed to providing up to seven years of software updates for Wi-Fi-enabled home appliances beginning with models from 2024. It said that updates will begin rolling out in September. This policy is similar to what the company already does with some of its smartphones. By supporting devices longer it’ll reduce the need for people to go out and buy new models as much. While the plan is to give users seven years of updates, the company warned that some updates may be restricted by hardware limitations like memory or chip performance.
The September update for 2024 models will include security, intelligence, and usability enhancements. On the security front, Know Matrix will be extended to various Wi-Fi-enabled appliances including refrigerators, washers, and ranges. This will include the Trust Chain technology, which lets other devices monitor each other’s security status.
Appliances will also get smarter features. For example, refrigerators with Family Hub and 9-inch screens will get an upgraded AI Vision Inside. This feature can recognize packaged foods in addition to fresh foods. Bixby will also be updated to support Voice ID for personalized experiences. The Galaxy smartphone maker also said that Samsung TV Plus will be expanded to Canada, Brazil, and India for refrigerators with Family Hub.
The expansion of One UI and the seven-year update policy are part of Samsung’s vision for a cohesive, secure, and intelligent home. The vision is built on consistent interfaces, personalized services, and unified control across all devices, regardless of screen or product type. Samsung hopes that it can create a sticky ecosystem where users are encouraged to stay within the Samsung product family for a seamless experience.