Samsung Developer Conference 2024 Held... 10th Anniversary
Strengthening Collaboration with Google and Others to Advance Artificial Intelligence
On the 3rd (local time), Samsung Electronics announced at the 'Samsung Developer Conference (SDC) 2024' held at the McEnery Convention Center in San Jose, USA, that it will expand the application of artificial intelligence (AI) beyond mobile devices to home appliances, enhancing personalized user experiences.
SDC is a global event where Samsung Electronics shares its vision and innovations in software, services, and platforms, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. The event's theme was "AI for Everyone - 10 Years of Open Innovation and the Future," with about 3,000 developers, partners, and media from around the world attending.
Samsung Electronics shared its vision to provide more personalized and secure experiences through multi-device-based AI technology and introduced the latest technologies to realize this vision.
Han Jong-hee, Vice Chairman and CEO of Samsung Electronics' DX Division, emphasized in his keynote speech, "We have been able to continue our journey of innovation over the past 10 years thanks to the efforts of developers and partners," highlighting the importance of strengthening competitiveness and open collaboration for mutual growth in the AI era.
He also addressed ▲the increasing importance of security in the AI era ▲advanced AI technologies that enhance personalized experiences and care for family members ▲and the intention to expand AI technology in B2B sectors.
Han stated, "Samsung Electronics will prepare to enable advanced personalized experiences by recognizing 'who is speaking' and 'which space they are in,'" adding, "These services will be implemented more conveniently and securely through Samsung Electronics' AI-based software (SW), platform innovations, and security technologies."
For example, scenarios are being pursued where only the voices of family members are recognized to prevent outsiders from controlling devices, and connected devices and sensors in the home detect the user's location to adjust temperature and humidity according to usual usage patterns.
Han also mentioned considering expanding the SmartThings Hub embedded in TVs, smart monitors, and Bespoke AI Family Hub refrigerators to other home appliances equipped with screens. With only Samsung Electronics products, other brands' devices can be connected without a separate hub, and by adding 'Edge AI' technology, AI capabilities will be enhanced in devices connected within the home. Edge AI processes data on high-performance devices within the home without going through the cloud.
Meanwhile, starting next year, Samsung Electronics will unify the software experience names of its major product lines, including mobile, TV, and home appliances, under 'One UI.' Software upgrades for each product will be guaranteed for up to seven years to enable the use of the latest features and strengthen consistency across product experiences.
At the event, in addition to Vice Chairman Han, Samsung Electronics executives and industry stakeholders introduced various strategies and visions. These included ▲Samsung Electronics' AI research directions and security technologies ▲AI-based software experience improvements for key products ▲Tizen OS ▲and the evolution of the SmartThings platform.
AI Application from Mobile to TV and Home Appliances
Samsung Electronics announced plans to apply AI technology across all product lines, including mobile, TV, and home appliances. Samsung combines security-strong on-device AI with high-performance cloud AI and focuses on privacy protection and security technology research to advance generative AI.
Additionally, Samsung Electronics is implementing systematic education and inspection processes to ensure employees comply with AI ethical principles under the three core principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability to realize responsible AI.
Regarding security, the 'Knox Matrix,' first unveiled in 2022, will expand beyond mobile to TVs and home appliances, enhancing security levels among connected devices.
The 'Passkey,' which simultaneously enhances security levels and convenience, will support not only Samsung accounts but also web browser logins. Passkey will be first applied to TVs, Bespoke AI Family Hub refrigerators, and home appliances equipped with a 7-inch LCD touchscreen 'AI Home' feature launching next year.
Strengthening Collaboration with Google and Others to Expand AI Ecosystem
Samsung Electronics stated it will enhance personalized experiences and broadly expand the Galaxy AI ecosystem. To this end, it plans to strengthen open collaboration with various companies, including Google. It also announced that One UI 7, to be unveiled within the year, will offer expanded Galaxy AI features and new user experiences (UX).
Bespoke AI home appliances will enhance customized experiences and accessibility through ▲the 'AI Home' feature with a 7-inch screen and built-in SmartThings app ▲and the evolved AI voice assistant 'Bixby.'
Customized services for AI TVs linked with other devices were also introduced. For example, the 'Daily Board' function provides information on the status of connected devices in the home even when the TV is not being watched, offering various daily necessities such as energy usage, weather, and memo widgets. Additionally, when combined with local network services like 'Next Door,' users can easily receive local information based on their interests.
It was also emphasized that the Tizen operating system (OS) is now installed on more devices, including TVs, Bespoke AI Family Hub, Bespoke AI Combo washer-dryers, induction ranges, and home appliances equipped with 7-inch screens, enabling AI functions on more devices. Interoperability between Tizen and Galaxy devices was introduced as well. The keyboard and mouse sharing feature 'Multi Control,' previously supported among smartphones, tablets, and notebook PCs, has been expanded to support smart monitors and TVs.
Meanwhile, Samsung Electronics has completed building a RISC-V-based Tizen OS for developers and plans to release the related SDK in 2026.
'SmartThings' with 350 Million Subscribers... Exploring Business Opportunities through Partnerships
Samsung Electronics announced that SmartThings, its Internet of Things (IoT) service and app, has become a global leading platform with over 350 million subscribers and more than 340 WWST (Works with SmartThings) certified partner companies over the past 10 years. By integrating AI technology into SmartThings and expanding open partnerships, SmartThings is expected to play a core role in Samsung Electronics' differentiation.
The 'Home Insight' service, scheduled to be applied in Korea and the United States this month, was also introduced on-site. This service analyzes users' lifestyle patterns, device usage history, and the status of devices and the home based on SmartThings, providing real-time reports and necessary functions. For example, if it determines the home is empty through connected devices, it suggests to users outside the home to turn off unnecessary devices. The service will be gradually expanded to other regions.
The 'Galaxy Tab S10 series' includes a 'Home Insight Widget,' allowing users to monitor and control their home on a large screen, functioning like a home dashboard.
Samsung Electronics also introduced various partnerships, stating that collaborations with smart key companies such as Akara and Solity will be developed, and next year, SmartThings' door lock function will be integrated into 'Samsung Wallet' as a digital home key, providing convenient usability.
Samsung Electronics' subsidiary Harman also participated in technical sessions, showcasing cross-platform monetization strategies to quickly respond to software-defined vehicle (SDV) development trends centered on software.
Outstanding startups from C-Lab, Samsung Electronics' discovery and nurturing program, also participated in the SDC exhibition following last year. Three startups supported by the external startup nurturing program 'C-Lab Outside'?the ultra-personalized AI commerce solution 'Omnius,' auditory AI solution 'Cocle,' and decentralized biometric authentication security solution 'GhostPass'?participated in the exhibition. 'Edint,' an online exam AI proctoring service spun off from the in-house venture program 'C-Lab Inside,' introduced innovative technology in the edutech field.
Samsung Electronics plans to actively support C-Lab startups in seeking business cooperation opportunities through SDC.
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