Samsung continues to enhance its smart home ecosystem by introducing new features and updates for its SmartThings platform. At the Samsung Developer Conference 2024 (SDC24), the company unveiled a key addition: the Home Insight feature, which promises to make managing smart devices more efficient and personalized. Simultaneously, the company is addressing issues with a recent SmartThings update that affected some Galaxy devices and is also preparing to launch One UI 7.0 with exciting new features like Galaxy Avatar.
SmartThings’ Home Insight Brings AI-Powered Smart Home Management
The Home Insight feature is designed to take smart home management to the next level by incorporating artificial intelligence (AI). Jaeyeon Jung, Samsung’s Executive Vice President of SmartThings, emphasized that Home Insight is built to understand daily living patterns and provide personalized suggestions. Whether it’s reminders to turn off lights you often forget, or insights based on your preferences and seasonal changes, Home Insight aims to optimize how you interact with your smart devices.
The Home Insight feature goes beyond basic automation by learning from your behaviors and adjusting its recommendations accordingly. For example, if you frequently leave the lights on during the day, the system can remind you to turn them off, helping to reduce energy usage. This level of automation makes smart home management more intuitive and effective for users.
To make Home Insight easily accessible, Samsung introduced the Home Insight Widget, which will be available on the Galaxy Tab S10 series. This widget allows users to control their smart home devices from one central location, providing convenience for managing everything from lighting to security systems.
Expanding SmartThings Features with the Galaxy Tab S10 Series
Currently, the Home Insight feature is available exclusively on the Galaxy Tab S10 series. The recently launched Galaxy Tab S10 lineup includes two high-end models: the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra, featuring a massive 14.6-inch display, and the Galaxy Tab S10 Plus with a 12.4-inch screen. Both models sport Samsung’s premium Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, ensuring vibrant, yet natural, visuals for users.
Samsung plans to expand the availability of the SmartThings Home Insight feature through upcoming updates, potentially making it accessible across more devices in the near future.
Samsung Pulls Faulty SmartThings Update After Impacting Galaxy S10 and Note10 Devices
Despite the innovative features being introduced, not all updates have gone smoothly. Last month, Samsung rolled out a SmartThings update that caused significant problems for users of Galaxy S10 and Note10 devices. Many users reported that after installing the update, their devices were stuck in a boot loop, rendering them unusable without performing a factory reset. This issue resulted in the loss of data for many users, sparking frustration and calls for a solution.
Upon discovering the glitch, Samsung immediately halted the SmartThings update and apologized to affected users. The company is now working on a fix and has released a new update via the Galaxy Store. Samsung has advised users who experienced the issue to visit a service center for assistance or, if familiar with Recovery mode, to factory reset their devices on their own. However, users should be aware that a factory reset will trigger Google’s Factory Reset Protection (FRP), which requires logging in with the same Google account used before the reset. If you cannot access your account credentials, a visit to a Samsung service center will be necessary.
One UI 7.0 and the Introduction of Galaxy Avatar
Looking ahead, Samsung is preparing for the launch of One UI 7.0, which is set to bring several new features to its devices. Scheduled to be released alongside the Galaxy S25 in early 2025, One UI 7.0 will offer a beta update for developers by the end of 2024. Although some users have expressed disappointment with the extended timeline, Samsung has promised significant improvements in the new UI.
One of the most intriguing features spotted in early builds of One UI 7.0 is the Galaxy Avatar. This feature, showcased during SDC24, offers users an exciting way to personalize their devices by creating custom avatars. The Galaxy Avatar feature includes options such as Avatar Stickers, an Avatar Camera, the ability to customize outfits, and synchronization with Samsung Cloud. This aligns with Samsung’s broader focus on personalization and user experience in its upcoming UI updates.
While not much has been revealed about Galaxy Avatar beyond the initial showcase, it is clear that the feature will provide users with new ways to express themselves through their devices. The ability to sync avatars with Samsung Cloud also hints at further integration across Samsung’s ecosystem, allowing users to carry their personalized avatars across different devices.
What to Expect from One UI 7.0
In addition to the Galaxy Avatar, One UI 7.0 is expected to bring a redesigned user interface focused on simplicity and impact. Samsung has hinted at a “simple, impactful, and emotive” design language, which will likely include a refreshed aesthetic and improved functionality. The early builds of One UI 7.0 have already shown some UI changes, but further enhancements are expected before the official release.
Samsung continues to prioritize user experience with its software updates, aiming to make interactions more intuitive and enjoyable. As One UI 7.0 evolves, users can expect a range of new features that will enhance their overall device experience, alongside improvements in design and performance.
Conclusion
Samsung’s SmartThings platform continues to evolve, with the introduction of AI-powered features like Home Insight and the expansion of smart home control through devices like the Galaxy Tab S10. While the company faced setbacks with a faulty SmartThings update, its quick response to resolve the issue reflects its commitment to user satisfaction. Looking forward, the arrival of One UI 7.0 promises exciting new features such as Galaxy Avatar, alongside a refreshed user interface that prioritizes simplicity and personalization. With these innovations, Samsung is solidifying its position as a leader in both the smart home and mobile technology sectors.
