We are at a juncture where privacy and technology have become mutually exclusive. In order for technology to thrive, the privacy of the users needs to be sacrificed. Interestingly, at times it is even viewed as collateral damage that is incurred for the greater good. Disputes woven around the denial of privacy by technology are usually a back-and-forth between varying opinions. Most of them finish at square one. However, this is not to make a sweeping claim about how no tech company wants to address the issue. On the contrary, we do see them trying, but not hard enough. Amidst all the din and racket, Samsung turned the tables. Following closely on the heels of Apple’s and Google’s publicising of their latest updates, on 5 October, at the 9th Samsung Developers Conference (SDC23) that was held at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, CA, Samsung revealed new technology that carries out and understands what people want. As opposed to the aforementioned tech goliaths who had phones as their main concern, Samsung approached the event from a different angle which interestingly had privacy and the electronics’ impact on daily life at the centre.
Vice chairman, CEO and Head of Device eXperience of Samsung Electronics; JH Han, opened up the speech by bringing attention to the reach that Samsung has. He stated how over 500 million Samsung products are sold every year and that 600 million people use Samsung accounts. The significance of his speech was that he laid out Samsung’s progress in its key areas where he started off with security and Samsung Knox. In 2022, the tech company introduced the concept of Knox Matrix to shield the multi-device ecosystem from leaks. He further mentions how “this year [they] implement[ed] the Credential Sync technology. It securely shares credentials across devices protecting users’ personal data from various security threats”. Han unveiled their security plans for the year 2024 as well, where he says that they will “apply Trust Chain Technology to detect and block security threats between connected devices. This new security standard will ensure that the convenience of hyperconnectivity is backed by solid commitment to security”. A promise that ignites hope in most of the Samsung users.
One UI 6
It would not be an exaggeration to say that this was by far the most highlighted part of the event. Samsung has unveiled its latest Android skin, One UI 6, with the tagline ‘Enabling your Galaxy, your way.’ This new iteration, built on Android 14 and in beta since February 2023, introduces several upgrades to improve user experience.
One UI 6 brings a revamped Quick settings panel for improved accessibility, redesigned app interfaces, and various updates to built-in applications. Notably, the Gallery app now incorporates AI-driven image remastering and correctional tools, including features like Photo Remaster and Object Eraser.
In terms of media-related features, One UI 6 introduces the Samsung Studio video editor and enhances the camera experience with optimization capabilities. Additionally, the new user interface offers a changeable system font known as One UI Sans, providing users with customisation options.
Upgrading Smart Homes
Samsung’s approach to the connected home revolves around its SmartThings platform and a commitment to open innovation. After adopting the Matter standard last year, the SmartThings user base connecting compatible products and services has grown significantly, reaching over 290 million users. Now, with the introduction of the SmartThings Home API, developers have a more straightforward way to build applications based on SmartThings. The SmartThings Context API opens up possibilities for leveraging AI and sensing technology to enhance user experiences in innovative ways.
Samsung has taken making things more user-friendly to its heart, because, in addition to the developments that are already mentioned, they are also taking steps to make it easier to create smart homes, incorporating SmartThings Hub functionality into various products like Samsung Bars and Smart TVs. An integration as such permits users to initiate smart home setups directly from these connected devices. Programmed to be a Multi-Hub Network, it ensures a robust and stable network for future device replacements or additions.
Samsung is also collaborating with Aqara, showcasing how Aqara’s IoT sensors work seamlessly with SmartThings to enhance the intuitiveness and accessibility of smart homes.
At SDC23, Samsung introduced the second-generation SmartTag2. This updated version boasts an extended battery life of up to 700 days, an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, and a more compact design. It uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connectivity to help users track lost items in various conditions, including rain, snow, and even underground.
Furthermore, Samsung is deepening the integration of Bixby with SmartThings, aiming for more intuitive command control in multi-device environments. Bixby can now discern the most suitable device for each command, even in settings with multiple connected devices. Samsung’s vision is to further develop Bixby to offer personalised experiences through straightforward commands, supporting various languages and optimising user intentions.
This one is for the developers
Tizen; Samsung’s operating system, has been with Samsung for over a decade. It has powered digital screens, including TVs, home appliances, monitors and signs. In 2023, Samsung announced that Tizen is going to be used to power additional devices including home appliances. At the same time, Tizen will be enhancing experiences with on-device AI and the Home AI Edge Hub. This innovation allows devices with lower computing power to access AI services from more powerful devices within the home, like CPUs and NPUs. The goal is to make all household devices intelligent.
Tizen’s list of responsibilities continues lengthening where it now plays a pivotal role in enhancing gaming experiences as well. The Samsung Gaming Hub, which now supports 3,000 games on the cloud platform (a remarkable 300% increase since its launch last year), is powered by Tizen. It introduces features like HDR10+ GAMING and the IRIS tool, designed to assist graphics developers, making it an excellent platform for exploring virtual gaming realms.
Moreover, Tizen showcases its adaptability by offering increased support for emerging open-source technologies like the semiconductor architecture RISC-V and the programming language RUST. Additionally, Tizen introduces the Remote Test Lab, facilitating app and experience testing on Samsung TV devices in the cloud.
A key takeaway from the event was how Samsung had made an effort to address almost all avenues that made living easier. Not only did they concentrate on upgrading their phones, smart home appliances and Bixby, but they also paid due attention to ways in which health care can be optimised and how AI can be used to make “Food Your Way”.
JH Han, in wrapping up the day’s proceedings left a strong and positive impression when he re-iterated Samsung’s vision for the future of safe and hyper-connected living. Samsung, through its strong industry partnerships, is dedicated to reshaping the way people engage with technology. The company’s overarching goal is to enhance connectivity and convenience in daily life for users across the globe. The SDC23 was a testament to it.
(Sandunlekha Ekanayake)