Samsung brings One UI to home appliances with 7-year updates

Samsung Expands One UI to Home Appliances

In October 2024, Samsung made a significant move by extending its One UI platform beyond smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches. Now, the company is taking this innovation further by bringing One UI to its home appliance lineup, including refrigerators, washers, and air conditioners. This expansion marks a major step in Samsung’s strategy to unify its ecosystem and provide users with a consistent digital experience across all devices.

One of the most notable features of this expansion is the promise of up to seven years of software support for these appliances. This aligns with the same level of support that Samsung offers for its Galaxy phones and tablets. The extended support ensures that users will continue to receive updates, security patches, and new features for an extended period, making their home appliances more future-proof.

While One UI for Galaxy devices is based on Android, the version designed for home appliances will be tailored specifically for these devices. However, it will still bring some of the best features from Galaxy phones, such as Bixby, Gallery, and expanded availability of Samsung TV Plus. These features will enhance the user experience, allowing for greater integration between appliances and other Samsung devices.

Bixby, Samsung’s voice assistant, will see several improvements. It will gain Voice ID, which enables the system to recognize individual users' voices and switch to their respective profiles. This personalization will make interactions with appliances more intuitive and tailored to each household member. Additionally, users can trigger Bixby with a simple double-tap on the display, making it even more convenient to use.

Another key feature of One UI on home appliances is Knox Matrix support. This technology allows compatible devices, such as air conditioners, EHS (Electric Heating System), slide-in induction cooking ranges, and washers, to monitor each other's security status. This creates a more secure environment within the smart home ecosystem.

Home appliances equipped with screens will also benefit from Passkey support, which simplifies the login process. This feature allows users to access their accounts securely without the need for traditional passwords, enhancing both convenience and security.

All Wi-Fi-enabled Samsung home appliances will enjoy deeper integration with SmartThings, Samsung’s smart home platform. This integration will create a more connected and powerful smart home experience, enabling seamless communication between devices. Furthermore, the Now Brief feature, which provides relevant information at a glance, will expand to other Samsung devices. This includes weather updates, family schedules, and appliance insights, such as how much time remains on a washing machine cycle.

However, this feature will only be available on compatible home appliances starting in 2026. Despite this delay, the overall vision of integrating One UI into Samsung’s home appliances is clear: to create a more intelligent, personalized, and connected living environment.

Long-Term Software Support for Home Appliances

The biggest advantage of bringing One UI to Samsung’s smart home devices is the extended software support. Samsung guarantees up to seven years of updates for its home appliances from the date of launch—just like its phones and tablets. This means that users won’t have to replace their appliances to get the latest features and security updates.

Samsung has also outlined a timeline for the rollout of One UI to compatible models launched in 2024. Starting in September, these models will begin receiving the update. This ensures that customers who purchased appliances in 2024 can enjoy the benefits of One UI without needing to buy new devices.

With this software policy, Samsung’s 2024 appliances running One UI will be supported until 2031. This long-term commitment highlights the company’s dedication to providing value and innovation over the lifespan of its products.

The hidden data behind AI's personalization power

The Power of AI in Personalization

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a hot topic across various industries, from consumers to business leaders and marketers. While the more eye-catching aspects of AI, such as content or creative generation, often steal the spotlight, the real value frequently lies in traditional applications—especially personalization. This is where AI can make a significant impact by enhancing customer experiences and making communications more relevant.

To unlock this potential, it's crucial to have the right setup. For AI, this means creating a strong, centralized data platform that combines both structured and unstructured datasets. This allows brands to better tailor their interactions with customers and improve overall engagement.

Accuracy and Governance Are Fundamental

Whether you're working on a basic customer segmentation model or a complex lifetime value analysis, the importance of solid data foundations remains consistent. Ensuring that data from marketing, CRM, websites, and apps is clean and accurate is essential for building confidence in your outputs.

This accuracy extends to unstructured data as well, which plays an increasingly vital role in AI-driven personalization. For example, if you're using dynamic targeting for personalized, generative ads, the brand guidelines that shape your creatives must be up-to-date and reflect the desired tone and style accurately.

Understanding Context and Gaps

Beyond just ensuring data accuracy, it's equally important to understand the context of the data you've collected and what might be missing. This is particularly true when dealing with historical time-series data. If there are gaps—such as tracking outages or paused search spend—these need to be identified and addressed.

Similarly, spikes or dips in performance, like sales surges during Black Friday or sudden increases in competitor activity, should be noted upfront. Making necessary adjustments based on these insights can lead to stronger results.

Implementing Structured Data Management

Historically, setting up a structured, robust data platform has been a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. However, many brands are now turning to AI to streamline and scale this work.

Smarter Taxonomy Management

Taxonomies are critical for marketers and analysts, yet managing them is often seen as a tedious task. AI can provide real value by:

• Monitoring activity across platforms.
• Automatically flagging non-compliant naming conventions and suggesting the correct version.
• In some cases, automatically updating the platform itself.

For brands that prefer more control, an intermediary step—like having a person validate proposed updates before they go live—can still offer efficiency and accuracy.

Optimizing Product Feeds

AI also plays a significant role in managing product feeds used across channels like shopping ads and carousel formats. Traditionally, maintaining these feeds required substantial manual effort, especially for brands with large product catalogs and frequent updates.

AI can make this process more efficient by:

• Dynamically filling in missing or incorrect product fields—such as color, size, or description—based on product images or other data in the feed.
• Proactively optimizing product titles and descriptions, which significantly impact campaign performance.

By training AI solutions on past campaign results, brands can identify which types of descriptions perform best and apply those learnings across their existing feeds, improving both efficiency and outcomes.

Using the Right Tools

There are numerous AI solutions available that promise to simplify marketers' tasks while boosting performance. The key is to align your ambitions with your existing setup to determine which solution is right for you.

Start with Embedded AI

For most businesses, the best place to begin is with the embedded AI features already built into adtech and marketing platforms. Tools like Google Ads, Adobe Analytics, and Meta Business Manager include a wide range of AI-powered capabilities—from bid strategies and automated insights to creative generation.

Most of these features don’t require specialist AI expertise, making them an excellent entry point for brands starting their AI journey.

When to Consider Applied AI

Some brands eventually reach the limits of embedded AI and require more advanced or customized applications. In these cases, using a centralized data platform to build bespoke applied AI solutions can deliver more tailored results.

For example, a leading high-street electronics retailer developed a custom abandoned basket pipeline within Google Cloud. By training an AI model on historical customer activity, the brand could send personalized emails instead of relying on a less effective CRM tool. The result was a 72% increase in revenue from abandoned basket emails, along with reduced ongoing costs and licensing fees.

Setting Your Brand Up for Success

AI can feel overwhelming, and knowing where to start isn't always easy. Despite the vast opportunities it offers, the foundations of success remain similar to any other technology: a clear view of use cases, robust data foundations, and a practical approach.

Personalization is a natural fit for AI, and there are many areas for brands to explore. Whether you begin with embedded AI features or move toward more advanced applied solutions, confidence in the underlying data that powers them will always be the key to stronger performance and more meaningful customer experiences.

First Foldable iPhone to Feature 4 Cameras and Touch ID

Apple's First Foldable iPhone to Launch in 2026

For years, foldable phones have been a niche product in the smartphone market. While companies like Samsung and Huawei have experimented with flexible displays, Apple has remained on the sidelines, choosing to focus on traditional designs. However, that may soon change as Apple prepares to enter the foldable phone arena.

According to reports from industry analysts, Apple is planning to launch its first foldable device in 2026. This move marks a significant shift for the company, which has traditionally prioritized sleek, compact designs over more experimental forms. Suppliers have already begun working on the new device, and manufacturing is expected to ramp up early next year. If all goes smoothly, the foldable iPhone could be announced in the fall of 2025.

Design and Features of the Foldable iPhone

The foldable iPhone is expected to adopt a design similar to Samsung’s book-like clamshell style. When opened, it will transform into a tablet-like form, offering users a larger screen for multimedia consumption and productivity. The device is also rumored to feature four cameras—two on the front and two at the back. This configuration would allow for enhanced photography and video capabilities, especially when the device is unfolded.

One notable change is the absence of a physical SIM card slot. This isn’t entirely unexpected, as recent iPhone models, including the iPhone 14 and later, have been eSIM-only in the United States. However, another major departure from previous models is the removal of Face ID. Since the release of the iPhone X in 2017, Face ID has been a defining feature of Apple’s smartphones. The last iPhone to use a fingerprint sensor was the 2022 iPhone SE.

Instead of Face ID, Apple is reportedly bringing back Touch ID for the foldable model. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously reported that the fingerprint sensor could be placed on the sides or top of the device, similar to how it works on the iPad. This return to biometric authentication could offer users a more familiar and secure way to unlock their devices.

Technological Upgrades

In addition to the design changes, the foldable iPhone is expected to include several technological upgrades. One of these is the C2 modem, an improvement over the current C1 modem used in the iPhone 16e. Apple introduced its own C1 modem last year, marking a shift away from relying solely on Intel and Qualcomm for cellular connectivity. The C2 modem is expected to provide better performance and efficiency, particularly for the foldable model.

Another key feature is the display. Apple is reportedly working on perfecting the screen technology to avoid common issues such as air gaps and visible creases. The company may use in-cell touch technology, which integrates the touch sensors directly into the display. This approach could result in a smoother and more seamless user experience.

Price and Market Position

With all these advanced features, the first foldable iPhone is expected to come with a hefty price tag. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo estimates that the device could start at $2,000, matching the price of Samsung’s flagship Galaxy Z Fold 7. This pricing strategy positions the foldable iPhone as a premium product, targeting consumers who are willing to pay for cutting-edge technology and innovation.

As Apple continues to develop its foldable device, the tech giant is poised to make a strong statement in the smartphone market. With its reputation for quality and innovation, the foldable iPhone could redefine what consumers expect from a mobile device. Whether it will succeed remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Apple is finally stepping into the foldable era.

RoboBall: Rolling Robot Maps Moon Craters Rovers Can't Reach

The Evolution of RoboBall: A Spherical Robot for Challenging Terrains

What started as a vision at NASA two decades ago is now becoming a reality at Texas A&M University, thanks to the efforts of two determined graduate students. This innovative project, known as RoboBall, is a "perfect sphere" designed to access areas that are otherwise unreachable.

Unlike traditional robots, RoboBall cannot flip over, which allows it to navigate through diverse environments, from the depths of lunar craters to the shifting sands of a beach. Its unique design makes it ideal for exploring places where other machines might struggle.

Two Versions in Development

The concept of RoboBall was initially developed by Dr. Robert Ambrose at NASA in 2003. He created and tested a prototype, but the project was put on hold as attention shifted to drivable rovers for astronaut missions. However, after moving to a university setting, Ambrose revived the idea with new funding.

Now, graduate students Rishi Jangale and Derek Pravecek are leading the development of this groundbreaking robot. Their goal is to create a machine capable of exploring uncharted and challenging terrains. The RoboBall project is based on the simple concept of a “robot in an airbag,” with two versions currently in development.

The first version, RoboBall II, is a 2-foot-diameter prototype used for trial runs to test power output and control algorithms. The second version, RoboBall III, has a larger 6-foot diameter and is being designed to carry various payloads, such as sensors, cameras, or sampling tools, for future real-world missions.

To showcase its versatility, the RoboBall will undergo extensive outdoor testing, including field trials on the beaches of Galveston, Texas. These tests will demonstrate the robot’s ability to transition from water to land, a key feature that sets it apart from existing robots.

By observing its buoyancy and adaptability in a real-world setting, the team aims to prove that the RoboBall can navigate a wider range of environments than its wheeled or legged counterparts. "Traditional vehicles stall or tip over in abrupt transitions. This robot can roll out of water onto sand without worrying about orientation. It’s going where other robots can’t," said Jangale.

Exploring the Moon’s Craters

The features that make RoboBall so versatile also present significant challenges. Any mechanical issues with the robot require a complete disassembly since it is sealed inside a protective shell. As a result, diagnosing a failed motor or disconnected sensor is a difficult and time-consuming process.

"If a motor fails or a sensor disconnects, you can’t just pop open a panel. You have to take apart the whole robot and rebuild it. It’s like open-heart surgery on a rolling ball," noted Pravecek.

Moreover, there is no blueprint for a soft-shelled, self-rolling robot; hence, the RoboBall team needs to invent solutions to every challenge they face. Despite these hurdles, the robot continues to exceed expectations.

RoboBall II set a new speed record when it reached 20 mph, about half of its theoretical power limit. This achievement highlights the potential of the project.

Future Vision for RoboBall

The long-term vision for RoboBall is to make it a fully autonomous and remotely deployable exploration tool. One day, this robot could be launched from lunar landers to map steep crater walls on the moon or deployed from drones to survey post-disaster areas on Earth.

Once in position, a swarm of these ball-like robots could map the terrain, send data back to operators, and even deploy instruments in locations too dangerous or difficult for human access. This technology has the potential to revolutionize how we explore both our planet and beyond.

I Tried Notion's New Feed View and It Revolutionized My Daily Planning

Understanding Notion's Feed View

Notion is a highly versatile tool packed with features that cater to various needs, from task management to project planning. However, some of its features often go unnoticed, and one such feature is the Feed view. This view offers a unique way to interact with your databases, making it an essential addition to your workflow if you haven't already started using it.

The Feed view functions similarly to scrolling through social media platforms like Instagram. Instead of seeing posts, you'll see entries from your Notion databases. Each entry appears as a scrollable card, displaying the actual content of the page without requiring you to click and open a new page. You can preview, comment on, and engage with the content directly from the main view, making it an efficient way to manage tasks and data.

The Power of Feed View

What makes the Feed view particularly powerful is that it retains all the database functionalities that Notion users have come to appreciate. You can still filter, sort, group, and organize your data just as you would in other views. However, instead of navigating through a table and clicking individual items to access their pages, everything is displayed in one cohesive view.

This feature allows you to get the most information from your databases in the simplest way possible. Each entry appears as a post, with the page content visible in the feed. You can easily see task descriptions, notes, updates, and any additional data you've added to each task without any hassle.

Setting Up and Customizing Feed View

Getting started with the Feed view is straightforward. Simply click the settings icon at the top right of your database, then navigate to the layout section and select the Feed view from the list of available options. Alternatively, you can type /feed view on any page to create a new database with the Feed view as the default layout.

There are several configuration options available to customize the Feed view according to your preferences. You can adjust how the data is displayed, set up filters, and even modify the layout of individual pages within the feed. To do this, open any page and click the "Customize layout" button located above the page title. This button only appears when you hover over the page name, so be sure to look for it.

Once you've clicked the button, you can adjust settings such as the page structure, enable or disable discussions, and control how inline comments are shown. The way you configure your feed will depend on your specific needs. For instance, if you're using the Feed view for personal planning, it's recommended to disable Page discussions in the Customize layout menu to reduce unnecessary elements from your view.

Streamlining Your Workflow with Feed View

Feed view significantly simplifies working with databases. Large tables with numerous rows and data can be overwhelming, especially when time is limited. Checking task details usually requires clicking on each item to open a new page, which can be inefficient.

In contrast, the Feed view allows you to see your entire day's workload sorted or filtered in a single glance. Instead of cryptic task titles in a table, you can quickly assess what needs to be done. If you're working with a team, leaving comments on individual items is an effective way to update everyone involved and have quick discussions. These comments appear directly beneath each item, making them easy to reference later if needed.

Overcoming Database Anxiety

For many users, the transition from traditional spreadsheets like Excel and Google Sheets to Notion can be challenging. I used to experience "database anxiety" when working in Notion because of the complexity of the databases. While I built my entire workflow in Notion, the complicated structures ended up hindering my productivity.

One of the reasons I struggled with Notion was the lack of flexibility in using formulas. Unlike spreadsheets, where you can pick data from any cell or range, Notion's formula capabilities are more limited. This led to inefficient tracking, forcing me to return to my spreadsheets.

However, the Feed view has made a significant difference. It presents relevant data at a glance while keeping major details hidden, reducing the cognitive load on my brain. This means I spend less time deciphering what a task requires and more time quickly accessing the information I need before moving on.

Conclusion

Feed view is an excellent alternative to traditional table views, especially for daily planning. While table views have their uses, the Feed view takes the lead in terms of simplicity and efficiency. If you're feeling overwhelmed by a massive table of pending tasks, visualizing your data differently might be the key to unlocking better productivity. Whether you're managing personal tasks or collaborating with a team, the Feed view offers a practical and user-friendly approach to working with your databases.

Google introduces 'preferred sources' feature. How to add Desert Sun

Understanding Google’s ‘Preferred Sources’ Feature

Google has introduced a new feature called “preferred sources,” designed to help users tailor their news experience by highlighting content from their favorite websites. This feature allows users to customize how they receive information within the Top Stories section of Google Search. By selecting preferred sources, users can ensure that the latest updates from their go-to news outlets appear more prominently in search results.

The feature was launched on August 12 and gives users the ability to filter their news consumption based on personal preferences. Whether you're interested in sports, local news, or any other topic, Google will prioritize content from your selected sources when relevant information is available.

How to Add the Desert Sun as a Preferred Source

Adding the Desert Sun to your list of preferred sources is a straightforward process. You can use a direct link provided by Google or follow these steps:

1. Search for a topic that is currently in the news.
2. Click on the icon next to "Top Stories" to access the settings.
3. Choose your preferred sources, which could include the Desert Sun or any other news organization you regularly visit.
4. Refresh your search results to see more content from your chosen sources.

This method ensures that whenever you perform a search related to a topic covered by the Desert Sun, you’ll see the most recent articles from that outlet first.

Additional Ways to Stay Connected with the Desert Sun

Beyond the “preferred sources” feature, there are several other ways to keep up with the Desert Sun:

• Follow on Social Media: The Desert Sun maintains an active presence on platforms like X, Facebook, and Instagram. Following them on these channels ensures you never miss important updates.
• Use the Official App: Download the Desert Sun app on your Apple or Android device to receive real-time news alerts and updates directly on your phone.
• Subscribe to Newsletters: Sign up for newsletters that cover topics of interest to you. This is a great way to get curated content delivered straight to your inbox.
• Become a Subscriber: A subscription offers full access to all the content published by the Desert Sun, ensuring you stay informed about everything happening in your community and beyond.

By leveraging these tools, you can maintain a consistent connection with the Desert Sun and receive timely, relevant news tailored to your interests. Whether through the new Google feature or traditional methods, staying informed has never been easier.

SP+ Projects: Georgia Tech vs. Colorado Final Score

Georgia Tech Faces a Tough Challenge in Boulder

With just four days until the Gameday, Georgia Tech is preparing to make the trip to Boulder for one of the most anticipated matchups of the week. The Yellow Jackets will face off against Colorado in what is expected to be a highly competitive game. While Georgia Tech is a slight favorite, the Buffaloes are seen as a formidable opponent under the leadership of head coach Brent Key.

The question on everyone's mind is: who will come out on top? Many experts believe this game could be a close contest, with opinions divided on which team will prevail. According to Bill Connelly’s SP+ projection model, Colorado has a 51% chance of winning, with an estimated final score of 30-29.

Understanding the SP+ Model

SP+ is a sophisticated college football analytics tool developed by ESPN analyst Bill Connelly. In his own words, SP+ is "a tempo- and opponent-adjusted measure of college football efficiency." Connelly created the system in 2008 at Football Outsiders and has since refined it based on his growing experience with college football statistics.

Unlike traditional rankings that reward teams for big wins or bold scheduling choices, SP+ focuses on sustainable performance metrics. It aims to predict future success by evaluating how well a team plays over time, regardless of luck or circumstances. A team that wins through sheer luck may see its rating drop, while a team that loses due to bad fortune might still receive a positive rating.

Brent Key’s Respect for Colorado

Brent Key has expressed deep respect for Colorado, acknowledging the challenges his team will face when they step onto the field. The Buffaloes have a strong offensive line and a veteran defense that led the Big 12 in sacks last season. During a recent press conference, Key highlighted the strength of Colorado's defense:

"Colorado has a lot of returning players on defense. I think there are seven or eight guys from last year’s starting lineup, and many more in the two-deep. With 20 defensive players who are juniors or seniors, they have a lot of experience and leadership. That’s a huge advantage."

Key also praised Colorado’s defensive coordinator, Robert Livingston, for transforming the team’s defensive strategy. Livingston previously spent a decade in the NFL before taking over the defense. On the offensive side, the Buffaloes have brought in a new coaching staff, including offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur, who has over 20 years of experience in the NFL. Shurmur is expected to help develop a powerful offensive line that could be among the largest in the country.

Game Details and Expectations

Georgia Tech vs. Colorado is set to kick off on Friday night at 8:00 p.m. ET on ESPN. Fans can expect a high-stakes matchup between two well-prepared teams. Both programs have made significant investments in their rosters and coaching staffs, setting the stage for an exciting showdown.

For Georgia Tech, the challenge lies in adapting to the fast-paced style of play that Colorado brings. The Yellow Jackets will need to execute efficiently on both sides of the ball to have a chance at victory. Meanwhile, Colorado will look to leverage its experienced roster and strategic coaching to maintain its dominance.

As the game approaches, all eyes will be on how each team performs under pressure. With so much at stake, this matchup promises to be one of the highlights of the early season.