Samsung Electronics ‘Welcome to Bespoke AI’ Media Day (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Apr. 4 (Korea Bizwire) – In the competitive arena of consumer electronics, South Korean tech behemoths Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics are now embroiled in a high-stakes duel over the future of artificial intelligence (AI) in home appliances.
This confrontation extends their historical rivalry beyond the realms of integrated washer-dryers and OLED televisions to the cutting-edge frontier of AI-enhanced living.
Samsung Electronics, determined to solidify its reputation as synonymous with AI in home appliances, launched its “Bespoke AI” range during a media event on April 3, triggering a swift rebuttal from LG Electronics.
LG touted its “UP” appliances line as the harbinger of the AI appliance era, underlining a fierce battle of egos and innovation.
The contention intensified following comments from executives of the two companies. LG’s CEO, Jo Seong-jin, attributed the genesis of AI appliances to LG’s UP appliances, a claim met with skepticism by Samsung CEO Han Jong-Hee.
Samsung Electronics’ ‘Bespoke AI’ (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
Han argued that the crux of the matter lies not in who initiated the technology but in how swiftly and effectively it can enrich consumer lives.
Samsung’s “Welcome to Bespoke AI” event in Seoul was more than just a product launch; it was a statement of intent.
The event showcased an array of AI-powered devices, including a hybrid refrigerator, a family hub, and an induction range, each embedded with sophisticated AI chips, cameras, and sensors.
Han took the stage to unveil these innovations, emphasizing the interconnected ecosystem of Bespoke AI. This ecosystem aims to harmonize various smart home devices, offering an unprecedented level of convenience and customization.
Samsung’s 2024 Bespoke lineup introduces the “Mobile Smart Connect” feature, a testament to the company’s vision of seamless integration and user-friendly technology.
This feature transforms smartphones into universal remotes, triggering a control popup whenever the phone is within 10 meters of devices like air conditioners, robot vacuums, or air purifiers, thereby eliminating the hunt for physical remotes.
Samsung CEO Han Jong-Hee speaks at the ‘Bespoke AI’ event (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
In a statement from Han just days before the event, he elaborated on Samsung’s commitment to integrating generative AI into its 2024 product range.
This innovation aims to facilitate natural, conversational interactions with devices, akin to chatting with a family member, further blurring the lines between technology and humanity.
In a parallel narrative, LG Electronics presented its vision of AI at the “LG World Premiere” in Las Vegas, just before CES 2024. LG CEO Jo Seong-jin delineated the transformative potential of AI in enhancing customer experiences, underpinned by LG’s proprietary AI technology’s three unique attributes.
The company’s commitment to leadership in the global AI appliance market was underscored by the introduction of the “DQ-C” AI chip, designed to imbue appliances with “Empathy Intelligence.”
This innovative concept, featuring real-time life intelligence, orchestration and command intelligence, and responsibility intelligence, was first introduced by Jo at CES 2024.
LG CEO Jo Seong-jin speaks at ‘LG World Premiere’ (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
LG’s history of pioneering smart appliances dates back to 2011 with the introduction of Wi-Fi-enabled appliances, leading to the advent of the LG ThinQ AI brand in 2017 and the innovative “UP” appliances in 2022, which offer on-demand functional upgrades.
The recent development and deployment of the “DQ-C” AI chip and a dedicated operating system for appliances signify LG’s relentless pursuit of innovation in AI technology.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
