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LG and Samsung make AI cool with latest smart fridges

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Smart fridges are on their way to Las Vegas for CES 2020, to make kitchen prep easy and fun
LG
AI cameras keep track of what's inside the Samsung Family Hub fridge, suggesting meal plans and curating shopping lists
Samsung
The latest LG InstaView fridges feature a 22-inch transparent display for peering inside without opening the door, with one model also making spherical ice that's said to last longer than cubes
LG
Smart fridges are on their way to Las Vegas for CES 2020, to make kitchen prep easy and fun
LG
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With CES 2020 on the immediate horizon, LG and Samsung are inviting show-goers to head into the kitchen to interact with their latest smart fridges, which are designed to make food prep less of a chore.

"Our goal at CES 2020 is to show what’s possible in tomorrow’s kitchens with LG InstaView refrigerators and AI," LG's Dan Song said in a press release. "With technology quickly transforming boring white boxes into exciting machines that can create craft ice, plan dinner and create shopping lists, our advanced refrigerators with ThinQ are designed for customers who appreciate any help they can get in the kitchen."

LG's new InstaView fridges feature a 22-inch transparent display to provide a window into what's inside, without opening the door. The panel also serves as a touch interface for browsing the internet in search of recipe ideas or watching cooking demos via its own Wi-Fi connection.

The second generation ThinQ model keeps track of items placed in and removed from the fridge to create a real-time inventory, offering meal suggestions based on what's available and letting users know when they're running low on food items.

The latest LG InstaView fridges feature a 22-inch transparent display for peering inside without opening the door, with one model also making spherical ice that's said to last longer than cubes
LG

LG will be also be showing off a fridge with a built-in ice maker that makes 2-inch diameter ice balls, which are said to melt slower than cubes. This model has already been released in the US, and will now be rolled out to additional markets throughout 2020.

Both InstaView fridges benefit from AI technology that keeps a weather eye on performance, alerting users to things like an unusual increase in temperature or the need to replace components through a companion app.

Samsung, meanwhile, is introducing its latest Family Hub refrigerator to CES visitors. "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 Samsung's John Herrington. "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."

With the new Family Hub installed in the kitchen, users are promised less meal preparation time so they can spend more time enjoying the feast. New AI-infused cameras scan the contents of the fridge, helping it to curate week-long meal plans based on dietary preferences set by the user. Keeping track of inventory inside also allows for shopping lists to be prepared.

AI cameras keep track of what's inside the Samsung Family Hub fridge, suggesting meal plans and curating shopping lists
Samsung

The fridge door is home to an interactive display, featuring an improved version of last year's Family Board digital bulletin board that allows users to leave notes or messages for other family members, share photos and more. For this latest iteration, Samsung has added video capabilities, which means that clips can be transferred wirelessly from a smartphone to the fridge's screen. Content from connected televisions can also be mirrored on the display, and music can be streamed over from popular apps.

Usefully, the interface can also serve as a control hub for SmartThings-compatible products, so you can see who is at the front door or control lighting and so on without having to leave the kitchen.

Both LG and Samsung are making us wait for pricing, but visitors to CES 2020 in Las Vegas can take a closer look when the expo opens to the public on January 7.

Sources: LG, Samsung

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5 comments
FabianLamaestra
I like how all these smart friges have OS's which stop getting updates about a year after you buy them, so all the smart apps just stop working or get so slow they are worthless; then they show you the shiny new version. What a scam.
Jinpa
A problem with LG, and maybe Samsung, for large appliances, including refrigerators, ranges, washers and dryers, is their lack of a good record for service and parts availability. Their products are prominent in big-box retailers, but their record on review sites is poor. Any prospective buyer should check with reviews on sites like Amazon, Consumer Reports, and with local service companies before laying out big bucks for these large appliances. Just printing an article from OEM PR handouts is not admirable.
piperTom
Ice balls melt slower? Right, but surely LG knows that ice performs its function BY MELTING. The heat of fusion, absorbed by the ice as it melts, is how ice cools your drink! Ice cubes or crushed ice also slows in melting to match the available heat. I guess LG plans to sell this fridge to the ignorant.
GlenHale
And buy another every 10 12 yrs..
buzzclick
Two-inch ice balls? That's ok for a pitcher, but too big for a drink. A fridge is a relatively simple thing, like other appliances, but when they get this complex inside and something goes wrong, the size of your ice cubes are the least of your worries.