By will-buy
The newest version of the Samsung Family Hub smart refrigerator includes interactions with the Amazon Alexa voice assistant. The new generation marks the first addition to Samsung Bixby and also the SmartThings platform. The improved flexibility acknowledges the way the market is evolving, even while it ends the exclusivity of Samsung’s fridge AI.
Fridge Chat
Along with Alexa, the updated version of the Family Hub includes a redesigned interface with four screens. Each screen is themed around another purpose, including smart home devices, entertainment, family, and cooking. The idea would be to have each screen specialize in something similar to notes and videos to see relatives members or planning out diet plans around the cooking screen. That purpose will in turn be servced through the new SmartThings Cooking platform support around the cooking screen and also the SmartThings app. The AI takes in details about what kind of food people prefer to come up with recipes and menus that might attract the household. The included shopping lists for owners could be delivered to a mobile phone or used for direct purchasing from Samsung’s partners within the programs.
“Samsung's sixth-generation Family Hub, now with Alexa Built-in, is much more than the usual refrigerator – it lets you do such things as take control of your Samsung smart appliances and devices, stream music, mirror your TV, share pictures, search recipes, order groceries, and so much more, all out of your fridge,” Samsung explained inside a press release. “Family Hub with Alexa Built-in enables you to access thousands and thousands of Alexa skills, listen to your morning brief, set timers or alarms, stream Amazon Music, and shop via voice – all from your fridge. You are able to choose whether to interact with Alexa or Samsung's voice assistant, Bixby, or even rely on them simultaneously.”
Bixby Family
Samsung began integrating voice controls into its refrigerators a few years ago. The only voice assistant inside the appliance until now continues to be Samsung’s own Bixby, however. Having Alexa could make the applying more competitive with those already using Amazon’s voice assistant. For instance, the LG InstaView includes voice controls for the door, Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility, as well as Amazon Dash connections to order filters if needed when the owner gives permission. LG along with other home appliance makers need to make sure they don’t miss out on opportunities for smart device integration that potential consumers demand.
