Tag Archives: Samsung

Korean Companies Halt Production Lines in India Due to Coronavirus

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Korean companies operating in India have stopped their local production lines in line with the Indian government’s efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“Abiding by the Indian government’s decision, we will halt the operation of Noida Plant which produces smartphones and Chennai Plant that produces home appliances until the end of this month,” Samsung Electronics said on March 23.

The Indian government issued an emergency administrative order to temporarily suspend the operations of all business sites in Chennai except essential places such as hospitals and public offices. The deadline is the end of this month. However, the order may be extended pending the proliferation of the COVIOD-19 virus.

Samsung Electronics has steadily expanded Noida Plant, saying it will increase the annual smartphone production at the plant to 120 million units in 2020. Industry watchers expect that the plant shutdown will disrupt production of Samsung’s budget smartphones targeting India, including the “Galaxy M.”

LG Electronics will also stop operating production plants in Noida and Pune until the end of March. These plants produce home appliances such as washing machines. The plant in Pune also produces some smartphones.

Consumer electronics companies such as Samsung and LG have also hit a snag in overseas sales. “We will temporarily stop sales in stores for the safety of our customers and employees,” announced Best Buy, which operates more than 1,000 consumer electronics stores throughout the United States, on its website on March 23. “Instead, we have introduced a door-to-door delivery service for customers in an untact manner.” Best Buy does not provide installation services for large TVs and refrigerators by professional technicians due to virus infection concerns, which will hinder its normal sales activities.

Europe’s largest consumer electronics store, MediaMarkt, has also shuttered more than 850 stores in major countries since the middle of March. “In North America and Europe, not many customers use installation services for large home appliance unlike Korea, but if offline stores are closed, there will deal a blow to promotions of large home appliances and new products,” said an official at a household appliance company

Hyundai Motor also stopped operating the first and second factories in Chennai on the day. Hyundai’s Chennai plant produces 680,000 units of the Crete, the Santa Fe, the Eon, and the i20 annually. Kia Motors is also considering discontinuing production at its plant in Andhra Pradesh, India. Andhra Pradesh is not included in the Indian government’s business suspension, but Kia Motors is responding by reviewing a shutdown of the plant as it may be designated later depending on the spread of the novel coronavirus in the future.

The shutdown order sounded the alarm for POSCO. “We are placing in place a remotely working system and cooperating closely with the government of India,” said POSCO which decided to stop a processing center in Delhi and a processing center in Pune by the end of this month. Hyundai Steel’s coil mill and steel pipe manufacturing plant in Tamil Nadu, India, will also put production on hold during the same period

Samsung Launches High-Performance Jet™ Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner

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New cordless vacuum cleaner combines powerful performance and convenient features to deliver the ultimate solution for hygienic cleaning

Samsung also introduces the all-new Clean Station™, an industry-first disposal solution that automatically empties out the Samsung Jet’s dustbin today introduced a new lineup of the Samsung Jet™ cordless stick vacuum cleaner, along with a compatible Clean Station™ that can deliver the ultimate end-to-end cleaning solution for the home. The new Samsung Jet™ has great usability and can generate up to 200W1 suction power. Samsung’s latest cleaning products will be launched in Southeast Asia in March, followed by the U.S., Europe, China, and CIS regions.2

“Our strong commitment to create vacuum cleaners that offer a differentiated cleaning experience to consumers is perfectly represented in the Samsung Jet™ series,” said Eugene Chung, Vice President of the Global Product Management Group at Digital Appliances Business, Samsung Electronics. “Despite the Samsung Jet’s remarkably powerful suction capabilities, its body has been designed to be lightweight, allowing our customers to enjoy the Jet’s easy-to-use features more comfortably.”

Powerful cleaning solution

The Samsung Jet’s capabilities are made possible by its Digital Inverter Motor and the Jet Cyclone system. The Digital Inverter Motor incorporates an ultrasonic welded cover and diffuser that optimise airflow. It allows Samsung Jet™ to generate a significant level of suction power. Meanwhile, the Jet Cyclone system features nine separate cyclones, each with 3-way multi-air inlets to minimise loss of suction power while securely trapping fine dust particles that are sucked into the vacuum cleaner.

Users can also enjoy longer cleaning times with the Samsung Jet’s high-capacity battery. The long-lasting battery addresses consumer needs for a reliable vacuum cleaner that can maintain suction for up to one hour3. And since the battery can easily be removed and replaced with a spare, users can clean for up to two hours3 in one session if needed.

The Samsung Jet™ also comes equipped with a diverse array of highly efficient motorized brushes that provide various cleaning solutions to match different consumer lifestyles, cleaning habits, and floor types.

Hygienic features for healthy habits

Samsung Jet’s best-in-class 5 Layered HEPA Filtration System reflects Samsung’s commitment to ensure the safety and health of its users. Verified and certified by the British Allergy Foundation (BAF), the high-performance filtration system captures dust particles and allergens that normally would escape back into the air through the vacuum exhaust4, providing a cleaner indoor environment.

The Samsung Jet’s Washable Dustbin and One Click Detachable Brush Drum are also key features of hygienic and convenient maintenance as they can be fully washed without hassle. The dustbin can be removed effortlessly, so users can simply tip out the dust and wash all the separate parts for a thorough clean. The internal rotating drum located on the head of the vacuum cleaner is also detachable with just a click, which means it can be washed separately as well.

Clean and convenient disposal solution

The newly unveiled Clean Station™ is an innovative dust disposal solution that automatically empties out the Samsung Jet’s dustbin to provide users with a simpler way to manage their Samsung Jet™. The Clean Station™ incorporates a highly advanced dust filtration system that directly solves the issue of having dust fly everywhere while disposing collected dust from the vacuum canister.

Users simply need to place the dustbin on top of the Clean Station™ to automatically empty out its contents. The Clean Station™ also has an Anti-Dust Emitting Structure that has been verified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) to prevent ultrafine dust from getting released back into the air while the dustbin is being emptied out.

The Clean Station™ even features Air Pulse Technology, which pulsates the air in the dustbin to shake off trapped dust. The dust is then collected in a micro bag inside the machine, which can easily be replaced every two to three months.

Effortless and convenient design

The Samsung Jet™ incorporates various features and design aspects that make the cleaning process more convenient. For example, the integrated digital display shows the machine’s status, such as power level and brush type. It also alerts users if there are brush bar problems or blockages. This helps users maintain their vacuum cleaner in optimal conditions.

The Samsung Jet’s 2-in-1 Charging Station can be adjusted to suit any home lifestyle by allowing users to store and charge their vacuum cleaner more conveniently. The charging station can now be wall-mounted, so users who need to save space can take advantage of this option. It can also just be used as a stand-alone charger for more flexible storage.

The Samsung Jet’s lightweight design ensures maximum usability and reduces strain on users’ wrists. The handheld body weighs just 1.66kg for the Jet™ and 1.48kg for Jet Light™.

Samsung, LG begin duel in South Korea dryer market

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Samsung Electronics Co. and LG Electronics Inc. have begun their duel in the local dryer market, industry observers said Saturday, as they released new products with upgraded artificial intelligence (AI) and sanitizing features.

Industry officials expect that South Korea’s clothes dryer market could grow up to 2 million units this year, and the two electronics giants have been claiming that they will take the lion’s share in the sector.

Samsung was the first one to make the move, launching its Grande AI range of dryers on Jan. 29.


Samsung said sales of the Grande AI dryer have topped 10,000 units just a month after its launch, which is double the pace of its previous 16-kilogram dryer models.

“We believe that the dryer’s upgraded AI system; better hygiene features against dust, water residue and rust; and its slim design have led to successful sales,” Samsung said.

Samsung’s Grande AI dryers are priced between 1.89 million won (US$1,580) and 1.99 million won in South Korea depending on options.

LG threw its hat into the ring on Thursday by launching its STEAM ThinQ dryer, emphasizing its “TrueSteam” technology that focuses on sterilizing bacteria and allergens.

Citing a test result from the Korea Apparel Testing & Research Institute, LG said its latest dryer’s sanitize cycle can kill over 99.9 percent of germs found in clothing.

To boost its sales, LG said it will give away an air refresher to those who purchase its dryers by the end of this month. Those who buy its dryers with other home appliances can also get cashback rewards, it added.

LG said its new dryer will sell for between 2 million won and 2.2 million won depending on options.

Industry insiders said LG will try to redeem its reputation in the dryer market with the latest product.

LG last year announced a voluntary recall of its clothes dryers sold in South Korea over the dryers’ automatic condenser cleaning system. The move came after a series of consumer complaints that too much lint and dust accumulated in the condenser, a part that removes humidity by circulating air inside the tumble dryer.

Samsung Electronics have announced the release of its new Infinite Cooking range.

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Samsung Electronics have announced the release of its new Infinite Cooking range. Comprising of an oven, available in two colourways, and a Combi-hob, these new product innovations will be available in kitchen specialists across the UK and feature outstanding cooking technology combined with sleek, high-end design.The Samsung Infinite Cooking range of appliances reflect the demands of aspirational, millennial consumers who are looking for appliances that offer greater cooking flexibility without compromising on exceptional design. Understanding that the kitchen is the hub of the home, which is used not only for preparing food, but also for relaxing and entertaining, Samsung has developed a premium offering which encapsulates high-design principles and unrivalled functionality. The Infinite Cooking range provides millennials with sophisticated and minimalist appliances that look great in any kitchen, while also providing unparalleled cooking performance.Designed with vertical lines in mind, the Infinite Cooking oven blends seamlessly with kitchen units to create a premium, high-end look. The minimised, rectangular oven window, for example, is positioned vertically rather than horizontally, to create a harmonious flow with cabinets and other furnishings. This ensures that the oven subtly blends in with its surroundings, while the anti-glare glass also helps it to merge naturally with kitchen furniture. In line with the growing design trend for dark kitchens, the appliance is available in matte, graphite grey and glossy onyx black; colours which create an understated, sophisticated look that is complemented by the minimal user interface. The overall aesthetic is simple and modern, offering users a kitchen that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.Featuring Dual Cook Steam technology, the Infinite Cooking range is optimised to provide consumers with an unprecedented amount of cooking flexibility and control. The oven can be split into two separate cooking compartments, letting users cook multiple dishes simultaneously at different cooking modes, temperatures, and time settings. The Infinite Cooking ovens introduce steam cooking capability to the Dual Cook range, offering both Steam Assist and Full Steam options alongside a convection oven, allowing users to enjoy eight different cooking modes with just one appliance, taking convenience to a whole new level.“Our aim at Samsung is to create highly functional products that offer consumers real, tangible benefits, saving them time and energy. With the Infinite Cooking range, users can enjoy precise cooking control while also benefitting from the many advantages of being able to cook multiple dishes in the same oven. This is particularly convenient if you are cooking for people with different dietary requirements such as vegans and meat eaters, or if you are preparing more than one course at a time for a dinner party. The flexibility of the Infinite Cooking range proves incredibly helpful in a wide array of daily situations. Wi-Fi capabilities and a compatible smartphone app offer even greater ease of use, providing remote oven monitoring and control,” says Nick Bevan Head of Product Management for Digital Appliances.The Combi-Hob, also featured in the range, similarly blends unrivalled functionality with high end design. With a built-in hob and extractor fan, this two-in-one appliance saves space, while the flush fit and streamlined design not only looks sleek, but also enables easier maintenance. With two dual flex zones, users can enjoy greater convenience heating multiple pans at different temperatures.

Samsung Electronics created an in-house technology platform unit and named a new chief for its home appliance business in the company’s latest reshuffle,

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Samsung Electronics created an in-house technology platform unit and named a new chief for its home appliance business in the company’s latest reshuffle, corporate sources said here on Thursday.

Samsung combined its in-house tech units related with Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) and big data solutions to set up a new tech group, tentatively named “next-generation platform centre,” Yonhap news agency reported, citing company officials.

The centre will be headed by Chung Eui-suk, an executive vice president who is best known for leading the development of Samsung’s AI-based digital assistant, Bixby. The South Korean tech giant also appointed Lee Jae-seung, former Consumer Electronics (CE) business division development team leader, to head its home appliance business.

Previously, Kim Hyun-suk, President and CEO of Samsung’s CE business division, co-held the title as home appliance business chief. It was revealed in Samsung’s senior executive reshuffle on Monday that Kim no longer heads the company’s home appliances business, although he retains his CEO position for Samsung’s CE business division.

Samsung
Samsung Electronics created an in-house technology platform unit and named a new chief for its home appliance business in the company’s latest reshuffle. Wikimedia Commons
Lee Won-jin, an executive vice president who leads the service business team at Samsung’s visual display unit, will serve the same job for the company’s mobile business unit. The move will allow Lee, former managing director at Google Korea, to focus on developing contents services for both mobile phones and TVs.

The latest reshuffle follows changes to leadership at Samsung on Monday. Earlier the company named a new mobile business chief, and promoted 162 executives.

South Korean companies resuming op

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Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics and other Korean companies are sche-duled to restart their plants in China as businesses resume work after mandatory closures due to the deadly outbreak of Covid-19.

Automakers such as Hyundai, Kia, SsangYong and Renault Samsung, which had stopped their assembly lines in Korea due to a shortage of China-sourced auto parts, will also restart their operations.

However, The Korea Times said Korean businesses had only “partially” restarted and were unsure if operations would fully resume as the virus continues to spread.

Samsung’s home appliance manufacturing plants in Suzhou, China resumed work last Monday, while its Tianjin factory is set to reopen next week.

“Our business could have been disrupted if the Suzhou plant remained suspended,” a Samsung official said.

Although the Tianjin plant will restart its operations later than the Suzhou plant, any potentially negative consequences will be minimised as the plant is producing products only for consumers in the domestic Chinese market.

Virus angst spills over to Korean manufacturers

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The new coronavirus-triggered angst appears to be spilling over to the Korean corporate realm as the global supply chain is feared to face some disruptions amid the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus in China, industry watchers said Sunday.

With the new coronavirus killing more than 300 people in China so far, Beijing has recently decided to extend its Lunar New Year’s holiday in some areas of the country in what could be a move that can disturb the normal operation of South Korean firms with manufacturing bases there.

The extension of the holiday that originally started Jan. 25 was earlier announced only in Hubei Province in central China, where Wuhan, the epicenter of the new virus, is located but was later expanded to other areas as the number of patients skyrocketed at an alarming pace.
South Korea’s finance ministry earlier said its economy has not yet faced direct fallout from the spread of the virus, but the country’s exports are poised to face a setback should the spread of the virus not be contained soon, industry watchers said, as local firms with production facilities in China have been suspending or scaling back their operations in the world’s No. 2 economy.

South Korea’s top tech giant Samsung Electronics Co. decided to shut down the operations of its home appliances production line in Suzhou, eastern China, until next week in tune with the extended holiday.

LG Electronics Inc. and SK Innovation Co. also plan to put off the reopening of their Chinese production line until the end of next week.

LG Chem Ltd. said it has sharply lowered the operational level of its battery line in China as well.

Korean chipmakers and display makers, on the other hand, have been maintaining the routine operation over the holiday, although LG Display Co. said it is considering closing down its facilities depending on the development of the issue.

“We already secured enough inventory in preparation for the Chinese New Year’s holiday, but it is inevitable for us to face troubles if the situation is drawn out over a long period,” a SK Innovation official said.

No. 2 chipmaker SK hynix Inc. said South Korean firms will eventually face some disruptions in their operations and production if the issue is protracted.

Industry watchers said the rapid spread of the new coronavirus has already prodded South Korean carmakers to scale down their production as the supply of some auto parts has been disrupted by the spread of the new virus.

SsangYong Motor Co. earlier said it will suspend the production of its plant in South Korea through Feb. 12 amid a delay in the supply of wiring harnesses, a part used to supply power in an automobile.

South Korean carmakers depend heavily on China for the supply of the part.

“As many auto parts makers have relocated to China to cut costs, it will not be easy for them to return home,” said Lee Hang-koo, a researcher at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.

Numerous South Korean firms, including Samsung Electronics, have kicked off task force teams, but the companies are likely to continue to face uncertainties as the new coronavirus situation is changing every minute, industry watchers added.

Samsung’s New Product Promises Garden In Your Fridge

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At the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) going on now in Las Vegas, Samsung is showing off its new Chef Garden. It’s a refrigerator that lets homemakers minimize the distance of farm-to-table to whatever it takes to get from the kitchen to the dining room.

The new Chef Garden fridge features a windowed section with its own door and place to plant a “wide variety of seed capsules” in the Growing Zone area. There, as Samsung explains, the capsules will be treated to “fogponics technology to create a nutrient fog that delivers water and nutrients to the plants.”

Chef Garden then controls conditions so they’re just right for plant growth. It predicts growth and controls harvest. And at that point, the refrigerator, part of the Samsung Family Hub line, will recommend recipes based on the fruits and vegetables you just grew.

Unlike auto shows where manufacturers sometimes show off concept cars that will never be offered to the public, the Samsung stuff is for sale. But The Chef Garden should take a fair amount of green — as in cash — to purchase, so it’s probably not for the budget-minded. Samsung has not yet released a suggested retail price.

Maybe these devices can catch the public’s imagination because they position household appliances now taken for granted differently, giving them brand-new uses.

Samsung makes it clear it’s now courting millennials, who have largely stayed away from the housing market so far, burdened by student debt, slow-rising salaries and long memories of the recession.

According to a survey from RTi Research, more than a quarter of millennials are interested in buying a home in the next year. They’re right at home with new technology that helps them save time and eliminate tasks.

Samsung claims it is now the nation’s number one appliance manufacturer, though it’s probably still best known for smartphones, TVs and laptops.

LG, the Korean electronics company that’s branched out to the kitchen and laundry room, has also launched smart refrigerators and a SteamDryer in its Ultimate Laundry Room.

LG is also showing off its True Sommelier, which helps wine lovers manage their at-home stock. Using a patent learning app from Wine Ring, the product figures out preferences and then make wine recommendations, including food and wine pairings.

Another innovation, the Samsung Whisk food platform (with the ViewInside camera), uses AI image recognition to figure out what’s in your refrigerator and use that information to recommend recipes.

Elsewhere, Samsung also announced the AirDresser, a vertical device that fits in a good-sized closet and uses steam technology to smooth out wrinkles, deodorize and sanitize your clothes, in small quantities. It takes 48 minutes to do the trick.

Samsung

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Samsung, the number-one selling brand of major appliances in America,1 is strengthening its broad, deep portfolio with the launch of innovative new products at the 2020 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show. A new premium slide-in range line, first-ever side-by-side Family Hub™ refrigerator, and a new level of clothing care with AirDresser™ offer the intelligent control and pioneering design that today’s customers have come to expect from Samsung.



“Technology and innovation are in our DNA at Samsung. We listen carefully to the things that consumers tell us they want for their modern, connected homes,” said John Herrington, Senior Vice President, General Manager of Home Appliances, Samsung Electronics America. “As we designed these new products, we considered every single detail—from color to user experience—in order to ensure we’re offering families innovations that make their daily lives more convenient, more efficient, and more meaningful.”



Samsung has become the #1 home appliance brand because it continues to innovate with premium appliances that complement the way we live today. Each of these new appliances can be customized to fit users’ spaces and match their lifestyles.





New Slide-in Ranges with Intelligent Controls
In just a few short years, Samsung has become a leader in cooking innovation in the U.S.2 by pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, introducing innovative new technologies, and offering design and performance solutions that make the time people spend in the kitchen more efficient.



Samsung is making further progress in time efficiency with a new lineup of slide-in ranges that make cooking more convenient. The new ranges offer a reimagined user experience that simplifies your cooking and brings out your full potential as a home chef. Certain models of the slide-in ranges can be controlled with popular voice assistants, which you can instruct to preheat the oven while you’re mixing ingredients for a meal.3 The ranges also learn your preferences and cooking habits—the more you use it, the better it understands your needs. So, if you frequently set your oven to a certain temperature to bake your family’s favorite cookies, it will suggest that temperature first when you preheat your oven.



The slide-in ranges’ simple, clean lines and elegant design lends a built-in look to your kitchen, and its easy installation means you don’t have to go through a full remodeling project. In order to ensure it blends harmoniously with the rest of your kitchen décor, you can choose from black stainless, stainless, or the new Tuscan stainless models. And, with a redesigned control panel and minimal buttons, the slide-in ranges’ simple, intuitive interface presents only the information you need while cooking. Its fingerprint-resistant exterior is easy to keep clean, and its ergonomically designed knob gives you better grip and control.



The slide-in ranges offer you a healthier way to cook, with air frying capabilities, and the precision cooking that home chefs need. With up to 23K BTU Dual Power burners—the highest in the category—you have the versatility to quickly boil water or precisely melt chocolate at the desired temperature.



The slide-in ranges bring you the peace of mind that you would expect at home. Because they’re connected, you can remotely monitor and adjust cooking times or temperatures from your smartphone, even when you’re in the family room instead of the kitchen. The ranges also give you the ability to search for recipes through the SmartThings app and send your selected recipe’s cooking mode directly to your oven to streamline meal prep.



The slide-in range lineup offers an option for every family’s needs. The lineup includes gas, electric, induction, and dual fuel models, including Samsung’s FlexDuo™ feature, which allows you to choose between having one oven or two.





A Family Hub for Everyone
Samsung is leading the U.S. market as the #1 brand in refrigeration,4 and the Family Hub, which reimagined the form and function of the refrigerator, is the primary reason why. With every new generation of Family Hub, Samsung has introduced new innovations—and new models—that bring families closer together, simplify their meal planning, and give them more control over their smart homes.



Now, there is truly a Family Hub for everyone with the new stylish side-by-side refrigerator. Its modern form and premium built-in look—as well as its elegant flat doors, minimal dispenser, and recessed handles—blend seamlessly with your existing kitchen appliances and cabinetry. Whether you choose a black stainless or stainless model, it will come with a fingerprint-resistant finish that’s easy to keep clean.



Each model has a redesigned interior, with large capacity designed to fit more groceries. And those groceries will stay fresher for longer, because, with All-Around cooling technology, multiple vents throughout the interior keep food evenly cooled and fresh. And you’ll be able to see everything clearly, with bright LED lights that beautifully illuminate the interior of your refrigerator. Its high-capacity icemaker saves shelf space for your frozen items because of its minimal in-door design.



Family Hub brings families closer together and streamlines communication. It helps you create your own culture of sharing through the Family Board—a digital bulletin board where everyone can easily stick notes, photos, or videos they want to share on display. With View Inside, you can view what’s inside your fridge anywhere, anytime. Family Hub also offers enhanced Smart View, providing a more seamless screen mirroring experience from Galaxy phones and TVs, making it a source of endless entertainment in the kitchen. And with the SmartThings app, Family Hub becomes the remote control for your smart home—letting you instantly connect, monitor, and control all of your smart appliances and Works with SmartThings smart items, including multiple cameras at a single glance.


Samsung Electronics unveiled the latest edition of its Family Hub refrigerator

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Samsung Electronics unveiled the latest edition of its Family Hub refrigerator, with intelligent new features that automate meal planning and other daily tasks and deliver a more personalized experience. Family Hub for 2020 will enable families to more easily share life’s important moments with one another and control more of the connected devices within their smart home.

“In the five years since we launched Family Hub, we have introduced innovations that reflect the new ways that busy, modern families are managing their daily lives,” said John Herrington, Senior Vice President, General Manager of Home Appliances, Samsung Electronics America. “The latest Family Hub is the most innovative yet, with more personalized, intelligent features that enable busy families to stay better connected to one another.”

The latest version of Family Hub is simple, sophisticated, and modern, making it the perfect addition to today’s connected kitchen. In response to years of consumer insights with Family Hub, the next generation delivers innovative features that people want the most: AI-enhanced cameras inside the refrigerator and improved, thoughtful meal planning and recipe suggestions tailored to personal preferences. The new Family Hub also enables families to share more types of media and entertainment together, and brings a new level of control to the connected home.