First Look with Samsung at CES 2026
- Derek Reilly
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Samsung Electronics kicked off CES 2026 with its "The First Look" event at the Wynn Las Vegas, unveiling a comprehensive vision titled "Your Companion to AI Living". We attended this live event and it signaled a fundamental shift in Samsung's philosophy—moving from simple device automation to a unified ecosystem where AI acts as a proactive daily companion.
CEO TM Roh opened the keynote by highlighting Samsung’s massive reach, shipping approximately 500 million devices annually. This scale allows Samsung to embed AI across every category—mobile, visual displays, and home appliances—to create a "One Samsung" experience that feels natural and familiar.
The Entertainment Companion: AI-Powered Visual Intelligence
Samsung’s visual display business is evolving from hardware excellence to "visual intelligence". Celebrating 20 years as the global leader in TVs, Samsung introduced a full AI TV lineup designed to redefine user interaction.
The 130-Inch Micro RGB
The centerpiece of the display lineup is the massive 130-inch Micro RGB, which received a CES Best Innovation Award. It features a "Timeless Frame" design—an ultra-slim floating aesthetic that minimizes distractions. Key technical highlights include:
Micro-sized RGB light source: Each microscopic red, green, and blue diode shines independently for pure, natural color.
Micro RGBAI Engine Pro: Enables precise color control for vivid picture quality in every scene.
Vision AI Companion (VAC)
The Vision AI Companion is now the cornerstone of the TV experience, with adoption rates nearly seven times faster than previous AI services. VAC extends the TV's utility far beyond viewing:
Contextual Assistance: Users can ask for recipe recommendations based on what is on screen or receive guidance on dining and music.
Sports & Sound: AI Soccer Mode Pro tunes picture and sound to stadium quality, while AI Sound Controller Pro allows users to independently adjust the volume of crowd noise or commentary.
Multi-Device Integration: Recipes found on the TV can be sent directly to kitchen appliances like the newly-unveiled The Movingstyle.
The MovingStyle
Audio and Aesthetic Innovation
Samsung also introduced the Music Studio 5 and 7 WiFi speakers, designed in collaboration with Erwan Bouroullec. These speakers feature a "timeless dot design" and include an Instant Music Play Button for Spotify. Additionally, the Eclipsa Audio spatial sound system was introduced across the 2026 TV lineup to provide an immersive 360-degree listening experience.
The Home Companion: First Look at Smart Appliances that Eliminate Stress
In the digital appliance sector, Samsung’s goal is to evolve from tools to "true home companions" that eliminate the burden of daily chores. This vision is anchored by SmartThings, which now serves over 430 million users.
Family Hub Upgraded with Google Gemini
The Family Hub refrigerator now features AI Vision built with Google Gemini. This upgrade allows the internal camera to recognize a wider range of food items, tracking what enters and leaves the fridge to simplify meal planning. New features include:
"What’s for Today?": A gamified feature that suggests recipes based on current inventory.
Video to Recipe: Converts cooking videos into step-by-step instructions displayed on the fridge or sent to connected ovens.
FoodNote: A weekly report recapping food intake patterns and suggesting items to restock.
Bespoke AI Laundry and Cleaning
Bespoke AI Laundry Combo: Eliminates the need to transfer wet clothes to a dryer. The 2026 model features a faster "super speed" cycle and increased capacity.
Bespoke AI AirDresser: Introduces Auto Wrinkle Care, using high-pressure air and steam to smooth out shirts automatically.
Bespoke AI Jet Bot Steam Ultra: Powered by a Qualcomm Dragonwing processor, this robot vacuum uses an Active Stereo 3D Sensor to identify spills like coffee or juice. It also doubles as a home monitoring device for pets.
The Foundation of Trust: Knox and Sustainability
Throughout the event, Samsung emphasized that for AI to be a companion, trust is essential. The Samsung Knox and Knox Matrix platforms remain the foundation for safeguarding user data as AI models evolve. Finally, Samsung committed to the longevity of its products by offering seven years of Tizen OS upgrades for TVs and seven years of software updates for smart appliances, ensuring that the hardware remains relevant as AI technology advances.
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