Samsung Electronics Co. will stretch smart features to its affordable home appliance line-up.

The Korean tech titan on Wednesday unveiled Family Hub fridges for two of its popular models with voice-enabled function that was so far limited to high-end products. The T9000 is a four-door model with the fridge on top and the freezer compartment at the bottom. The two-door F9000 has the freezer on the left and the fridge on the right.

Family Hub, Samsung Electronics’ latest Internet-of-Things (IoT)-based smart fridge technology, allows users to search online, order groceries and access calendars - all by chatting with Bixby, the company’s voice-controlled assistant. Family Hub was previously equipped only in the premium Chef Collection line, with a hefty price tag nearing 10.59 million won ($9,300). With the recent lineup expansion, this feature has now been made available in the more popular models at one third the cost.

The price for the new F9000 has been set at 2.69 million won (800 liter capacity) while the two metallic color models for the T9000 are 3.39 million won (841 liter) and 3.29 million (842 liter).

By adopting the Family Hub technology into its more popular models, Samsung Electronics hopes more people can experience its connected smart fridge technology.

With the launch of the new models, Samsung Electronics has upgraded apps on the Family Hub fridge to make it more convenient and functional. The improved features will allow users not only to search the web and shop for groceries but also to watch TV programs and movies and even listen to the radio. The upgrade has enhanced integration of one-stop food management, family communication features and the entertainment function of streaming music and videos. This month, an app that looks up recipes by ingredient and theme will be added and in August, users would be able to buy groceries directly on the eMart mall app using the mobile payment service Samsung Pay.

Samsung Electronics’ smart fridge has also revolutionized the concept of this kitchen appliance. It has gone beyond simply being a fridge with an LED touchscreen to become the virtual command center of the connected home. It enables family members to share photos and post memos and is linked online with other appliances to offer a more streamlined experience. With the addition of the voice assistant Bixby, users are now able to access all of these functions hands-free.

By Song Sung-hoon

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