Dive Brief:
- Samsung Electronics plans to unveil details about its QLED television line next month, including a smart TV experience with artificial intelligence features such as its virtual assistant, Bixby, reported ZDNet.
- This is part of Samsung’s strategy for the Internet of Things with smart TV playing a central role. It was previewed last month during the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
- Samsung said it wants an IoT that will run "seamlessly," and give the consumer a smooth experience. It will have a number of options of where, when and how to access the devices and services, such as a remote control, smartphone, or an app.
Dive Insight:
Very gradually, practical applications of a consumer-oriented IoT are coming into focus.
Samsung Electronics appears ready to announce features of its premium QLED TV line that will bring together the IoT, artificial intelligence and its virtual assistant, Bixby. However, these options have been so far disparate and don’t integrate well, thus negating the potential of the IoT, according to ZDNet.
Recognizing this, Samsung has been working to integrate its services, putting Smart View, ARTIK IoT modules, Samsung Connect and other apps together in its Smart Things app. This will be linked to the Samsung Things Cloud.
Bixby is seen as the key to making this work for consumers. The virtual assistant is already used in Samsung smartphones. Theoretically with voice control, the steps consumers must take to access connected devices will be reduced to one. They will be able to monitor and control all IoT connected devices using the Smart Things app.
"At Samsung, we believe IoT should be as easy as flipping a switch. With the new products and services announced today, we’re making IoT easier and more seamless," said Hyunsuk Kim, president, head of Samsung’s consumer electronics division and Samsung research, in a press release last month. "We’re committed to accelerating IoT adoption for everyone and making all Samsung connected devices intelligent by 2020. These advancements will help consumers realize the benefits of a seamless and simple connected life."
Increased connectivity requires enhanced security, notes the company in the release. Samsung Knox technology has been incorporated into its connected devices, such as Smart TVs and Smart Signages, additional mobile products and Smart appliances. Knox technology includes a hardware security system and firmware updates to help protect devices.
LG Electronics also recently announced IoT-related moves. At CES, it showed off a Smart InstaView refrigerator embedded with Amazon Alexa virtual assistant technology. This will enable users to buy groceries through Amazon Prime by voice command directed to the appliance. The refrigerator has Wi-Fi connectivity and can use Alexa to search recipes, play music and add items to a shopping list.
