Samsung Unveils Innovative Smart Home Features: Explore Household Maps Enhanced by 'AI Characters'

Samsung aims to enhance smart home integration—provided your home features Samsung devices, of course.

During its CES 2024 keynote in Las Vegas, the company unveiled exciting new features and tools for its SmartThings home automation platform. A standout introduction is the new "Now Plus" dashboard, which will be available on select Samsung TVs. This innovative feature activates as you approach, showcasing crucial information about your smart home devices, including real-time indoor temperature readings. Additionally, a revamped "quick panel" provides seamless shortcuts to control connected devices and features like locating misplaced smartphones and other mobile gadgets.

In another update, Samsung introduced a new "map view" for SmartThings, reminiscent of Amazon's recently launched Map View. This interactive map displays the locations of smart home devices—such as washing machines and refrigerators—within your home. Users can create maps either manually or by using a photo of an existing floor plan, aided by a lidar-enabled Samsung device, like the upcoming Ballie robot or the new JetBot vacuum.

Adding a playful element, the SmartThings maps feature "AI characters" that represent family members and pets in your home. These animated avatars respond to real-time conditions, such as appearing to sweat when the temperature rises.

Maps must be generated through the SmartThings app on your smartphone or tablet, but once created, they will be displayed on compatible Samsung TVs, the Samsung Family Hub smart refrigerator, and Samsung's M8 monitors.