If IoT just happens to be your thing in the wake of
2017, then CES 2017 definitely has you covered with relevant tech
announcements. Last year, Samsung introduced the first version of its Family
Hub line of refrigerators, which was met with wide critical acclaim, a lot of
excitement and even an innovations award.
This year the Korean giant is following up on the
successful platform with a new and improved Family Hub 2.0. On the hardware
side of things, the smart platform is now available on a wider range of fridge
models than last year - a total of 10. This spans a full range of the company's
popular 3-Door and 4-Door French and Flex models.
The real innovation lies on the software side
of things, with expanded functionality and better third-party support and
integration. The core food management feature of the Family Hub platform is now
better than ever. Food stocks and automatic replenishment rules are made easier
by View Inside cameras and smart algorithms for ordering through the expanded
Groceries app, with the help of MasterCard integration.
Other aspects of the Family Hub experience have been
improved as well, including multiple user modes, a larger interface for better
notes, reminders and communication between users as well as a more powerful
multimedia experience on the 21.5-inch touchscreen.
To further complement the kitchen experience, there
are now more recipe apps than ever, all with improved UI for better visibility.
Other notable third-party partners include EATALY and LiDL on the shopping end,
Morning Brief, NPR and Kakao for relevant local news.
Perhaps best of all, Samsung's Family Hub
fridges can act as the center hub for your Samsung smart home. That means
remote app access, custom scenarios and conditions - the works. Samsung also
unveiled a range of new connected built-in cooking appliances to take part in a
modern connected home setup. These include various models of Built-in Double
and Single Wall Ovens, Built-in Gas Cooktops, Built-in Induction Cooktops,
Built-in Electric Cooktops, and Built-in Range Hoods.
