Latest news with #SmartThings
Phone Arena
05-08-2025
- Phone Arena
Samsung's Bixby just did what Siri hasn't yet
Earlier this year, we heard Samsung was planning to supercharge its voice assistant Bixby with Generative AI – and now, the company is making good on that promise , at least for its many TV users. The new, smarter Bixby features are rolling out on Samsung's 2025 TVs in the US. Bixby can now handle natural, conversational questions about just about anything – whether it's related to what's on your screen or not. Plus, it turns your TV into a smart home command center, letting you control SmartThings devices just by talking to your TV. – Hun Lee, Executive Vice President of the Visual Display Business at Samsung, August 5, 2025 Activating Bixby is simple: just say the wake word or press the mic button – no complicated commands, menus or typing needed. Bixby now offers a more conversational and personalized experience for TV users. | Image credit – Samsung Thanks to its Generative AI brain, Bixby gets context and can follow up on questions, making the whole experience feel like a real back-and-forth conversation. Want to know how tall Mount Everest is? Ask. Looking for chill playlists for a rainy day? Ask. Bixby can even pull relevant info about what's playing on screen and show it to you, so you get more without interrupting your update also hooks Bixby up with Click to Search, making it easier than ever to explore actors, shows or random topics – whether you're watching live TV, cable, or Samsung TV Plus. On top of that, Samsung TVs with this smarter Bixby can now connect to and control SmartThings-enabled appliances. Want to turn off the oven or adjust the AC temperature without leaving your couch? Just say it. Your TV becomes a full-on smart home hub. And if you are worried about privacy, Samsung's got you covered. Bixby runs on Samsung Knox security, the same platform that takes care of Galaxy phones' security , so your voice data isn't stored on servers or your TV, keeping your personal info safe while enjoying AI perks. This upgrade will hit 2025 Samsung TVs like Neo QLED, OLED, The Frame, and QLED. Samsung's also set to roll out an upgraded Vision AI in October 2025, as part of its 7-year free Tizen OS Upgrade program – meaning these smart features will keep improving over time. Meanwhile, Apple is still lagging on AI with Siri's upgrade nowhere in sight. On Apple TV+, Siri often feels more frustrating than useful. I mean, just yesterday, I asked Siri to rewind by a minute and it couldn't even manage that simple task… Samsung's definitely pulling ahead here.
Hindustan Times
05-08-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Best 5-in-1 convertible refrigerators in August 2025 with powerful cooling and energy-saving features
Refrigerators have come a long way from being simple cooling boxes to smart, multi-functional appliances. One of the latest innovations in this space is the 5-in-1 convertible refrigerator, designed to give users greater flexibility, efficiency, and control. Check out the best 5-in-1 convertible refrigerators for you. As the name suggests, these refrigerators come with five different cooling modes that allow you to customise storage as per your needs. Whether you want to convert the freezer into a fridge, switch to an energy-saving mode, or use only one compartment while keeping the other off, these fridges adapt quickly without compromising performance. They're perfect for changing seasons, unexpected guests, or periods of low usage. Alongside flexible storage, most 5-in-1 refrigerators also feature powerful cooling technologies, inverter compressors, and energy-saving capabilities that reduce electricity consumption. So if you are convinced to buy one already, here are some of the best 5-in-1 convertible refrigerators for you to consider. Loading Suggestions... If your refrigerator can't keep up with your lifestyle, it's time to look at smarter options. The best 5 in 1 convertible refrigerators are not just about temperature settings—they're about giving you control. This Samsung 350L convertible fridge understands how family needs change, extra guests during festivals, minimal use when you're away, or extra storage after a grocery run. The five modes let you make space where needed and save energy when you don't. It's not just a fridge, it's an everyday problem-solver that works around your routine, not the other way around. Specifications Capacity 350 ml Cooling Tech Twin Cooling Plus ensures balanced cooling and freshness Convertible Modes Normal, Extra Fridge, Vacation, Seasonal, and Home Alone Energy Consumption 3-Star rated, uses only 241 units/year Smart Features WiFi-enabled with AI Energy Mode, app control, power freeze, and power cool Reasons to buy Excellent flexibility with convertible modes SmartThings app makes temperature control super convenient Reasons to avoid No water dispenser Slightly bulky for compact kitchens Click Here to Buy Samsung 350 L, 3 Star, Convertible 5-in-1, Digital Inverter, Frost Free Double Door, WiFi Enabled Bespoke AI Refrigerator (RT38DG5A4DBXHL, Luxe Black) What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers find the refrigerator spacious and stylish, but opinions vary on cooling consistency, noise levels, and occasional freezer ice build. Why choose this product? You should choose this product because it adapts to your routine, saves energy, and offers smart control without complicating your life. Loading Suggestions... If you're managing a big household, frequent grocery runs, or planning ahead for festive cooking, the best 5 in 1 convertible refrigerators like this Samsung 653L model can make life simpler. With more than enough space for a large family, the real win is in how smartly that space works for you. The convertible modes let you switch compartments based on your needs store more veggies, shut down a section while travelling, or increase fridge space after a grocery haul. This isn't about fancy tech it's about reducing food waste, saving on electricity, and staying organised without juggling fridge space. That's the kind of everyday ease most families need. Specifications Capacity: 653L Ideal for large families and shared spaces Energy Efficiency 3 Star rating with 547 units/year consumption Convertible Modes 5-in-1 – Normal, Extra Fridge, Vacation, Seasonal, Home Alone Smart Features Wi-Fi enabled, SmartThings app control, AI energy savings Build & Design Fingerprint-resistant, built-in look with wide shelves and toughened glass Reasons to buy Massive storage with flexible usage modes AI-enabled energy tracking and app control Reasons to avoid Takes up significant kitchen space Higher annual energy usage compared to smaller models Click Here to Buy Samsung 653 L, 3 Star, Frost Free, Double Door, Convertible 5-in-1 Digital Inverter, Side By Side AI Enabled Smart Refrigerator with WiFi (RS76CG8003S9HL, Silver, Refined Inox) What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers appreciate the cooling and design, but raise concerns about fragile build, average storage layout, and inconsistent noise levels. Why choose this product? You should choose this product because it brings smart storage, convenience, and control to everyday life in a busy household. Loading Suggestions... If your fridge often feels either too full or too empty, the best 5 in 1 convertible refrigerators like this Samsung 330L model can be a real lifesaver. It adapts to your life, not the other way around. From cutting down electricity use when you're away to giving extra fridge space when guests arrive, the convertible modes quietly take care of everyday chaos. You'll feel the difference in how organised your kitchen stays, how fresh your food lasts, and how easy it is to manage storage—without adding to your electricity bill. It's the kind of convenience that makes daily life just a bit easier. Specifications Capacity: 330L Best for small to mid-sized families Cooling System Twin Cooling Plus for even cooling and freshness retention Convertible Modes Normal, Extra Fridge, Vacation, Seasonal, Home Alone Energy Usage 3-Star BEE rating with 241 units/year consumption Smart Features WiFi-enabled, SmartThings control, AI Energy Mode Reasons to buy Offers practical flexibility for everyday usage Energy-saving design with AI-based performance Reasons to avoid Lacks a water or ice dispenser Freezer space might feel limited Click Here to Buy Samsung 330 L, 3 Star, Convertible 5-in-1, Digital Inverter, Frost Free Double Door, WiFi Enabled Bespoke AI Refrigerator (RT34DG5A4DS8HL, Elegant Inox, Silver) What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers like the cooling, features, and energy savings, but report freezer issues and mixed experiences with noise and overall functionality. Why choose this product? You should choose this product because it fits modern family needs, balances power use, and simplifies everyday food storage effortlessly. Loading Suggestions... Managing fridge space shouldn't feel like playing Tetris. That's where the best 5 in 1 convertible refrigerators make a big difference. This 419L Samsung model brings together flexibility, energy savings, and smart tech in one clean package. The five convertible modes allow you to make real-time decisions based on your needs, more fridge space after grocery shopping, minimal use while you're out of town, or a power-saving setup during off-peak seasons. It's not just about features—it's about giving your home a refrigerator that works around your habits without wasting energy or space. Specifications Capacity: 419L Ideal for 3–4 member households Cooling System Twin Cooling Plus for optimal humidity and freshness Convertible Modes 5-in-1 – Normal, Extra Fridge, Seasonal, Vacation, Home Alone Energy Consumption 3 Star rating with 252 units/year Smart Features WiFi-enabled, SmartThings compatible, AI Energy Mode for auto power savings Reasons to buy Smart temperature control from your phone Practical storage flexibility for everyday life Reasons to avoid Slightly bulky for small kitchens No water dispenser or ice auto-fill Click Here to Buy Samsung 419 L, 3 Star, Convertible 5-in-1, Digital Inverter, Frost Free Double Door, Bespoke AI WiFi Enabled Refrigerator (RT45DG6A4DB1HL, Black Matte/Black DOI) What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers praise the build, storage, and silent operation, but report mixed experiences with long-term cooling performance and overall functionality. Why choose this product? You should choose this product because it simplifies storage, saves energy, and adjusts to your daily routine with minimal effort. Loading Suggestions... For families that need their fridge to adapt without overcomplicating things, the best 5 in 1 convertible refrigerators offer real-world convenience. This 396L Samsung model brings exactly that. Instead of juggling fridge space or worrying about power consumption during vacations or low-usage days, you get five easy-to-switch modes that solve everyday problems. Hosting people? Switch to Extra Fridge Mode. Travelling? Vacation Mode cuts down energy use. Everything from the layout to the cooling tech—is designed to quietly support your daily routine without demanding your attention. It's efficient, reliable, and gets the job done well. Specifications Capacity: 396L Perfect for medium-sized families Cooling System Twin Cooling Plus for freshness and humidity control Convertible Modes 5-in-1 – Normal, Extra Fridge, Seasonal, Vacation, Home Alone Energy Consumption 3-Star BEE rating, 249 kWh/year Smart Features WiFi-enabled, SmartThings app support, AI Energy Mode Reasons to buy Adapts well to changing storage needs Low noise and high energy efficiency Reasons to avoid No auto ice dispenser Slightly shorter height than others in this range Click Here to Buy Samsung 396 L, 3 Star, Convertible 5-in-1, Digital Inverter, Frost Free Double Door, Bespoke AI WiFi Enabled Refrigerator (RT41DG6A4DB1HL, Black Matte/Black DOI) What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers love the sleek design, smart features, and energy efficiency, especially the Twin Cooling Plus and AI energy mode for freshness and savings. Why choose this product? You should choose this product because it handles real-life usage patterns with flexibility, quiet operation, and energy-conscious design. Are convertible refrigerators energy-efficient? Yes, convertible refrigerators are designed to be energy-efficient. Most models come with digital inverter compressors that adjust cooling based on usage, reducing electricity consumption. The ability to switch to energy-saving or vacation modes helps avoid unnecessary power usage during low-load conditions. Many also carry high BEE star ratings, ensuring better energy performance. By letting users turn off unused compartments or convert them as needed, these refrigerators promote efficient cooling while helping save on monthly electricity bills. Can I use the freezer as extra fridge space? Absolutely. One of the biggest advantages of 5-in-1 convertible refrigerators is that you can convert the freezer into a regular fridge whenever needed. This is especially helpful for vegetarians, families who cook fresh meals daily, or during festivals when fridge space runs out. Most models maintain consistent cooling even after switching modes, so you don't have to worry about performance issues. It's a flexible way to get more fridge storage without buying a larger appliance. Will the convertible feature affect the cooling quality or lifespan of the appliance? No, using the convertible feature does not negatively impact the cooling quality or lifespan of the refrigerator. These models are built with smart sensors and digital inverter technology that handle mode changes smoothly. Manufacturers rigorously test these functions to ensure durability and consistent performance. As long as you follow the recommended usage guidelines, switching between modes won't strain the appliance. In fact, optimising the compartments based on usage can even reduce wear and tear over time. Factors to consider while buying 5-in-1 convertible refrigerators in August 2025 1. Updated BEE Star Rating (Energy Efficiency): Check the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) label. The new 2025 regulations require QR codes and origin details on labels, plus transparency in annual power usage. Choose at least 4- or 5-star-rated models for top-tier efficiency and long-term savings 2. Inverter Compressor Technology: Ensure the refrigerator uses a digital inverter compressor, which adjusts its speed based on cooling demand. 3. Flexibility Across Convertible Modes: Examine the available five modes: full fridge, full freezer, split (half fridge/half freezer), energy-saving/vacation, and standby/one compartment off. 4. Capacity & Storage Layout: Check the total storage capacity (litres) and internal design (shelves, drawers, door bins). Convertible fridges are ideal for seasonal changes. 5. Cooling Performance & Insulation: Look for features like rapid freeze, frost-free no-frost tech, and advanced insulation. These maintain temperature consistency even when switching modes and prevent ice build-up or loss of cooling. Top 3 features of the best 5-in-1 convertible refrigerators in August 2025 Best Convertible 5-in-1 Refrigerator in August 2025 Capacity Cooling System Smart Features Samsung 330L Convertible 5-in-1 Refrigerator 330L Twin Cooling Plus WiFi-enabled, SmartThings control, AI Energy Mode Samsung 350L Convertible 5-in-1 Refrigerator 350L Twin Cooling Plus WiFi-enabled, AI Energy Mode, App Control, Power Freeze/Cool Samsung 396L Convertible 5-in-1 Refrigerator 396L Twin Cooling Plus WiFi-enabled, SmartThings app, AI Energy Mode Samsung 419L Convertible 5-in-1 Refrigerator 419L Twin Cooling Plus WiFi-enabled, SmartThings compatible, AI Energy Mode Samsung 653L Convertible 5-in-1 Refrigerator 653L Twin Cooling Plus WiFi-enabled, SmartThings control, AI Energy Mode Similar stories for you Amazon Great Freedom Festival deals on refrigerators, ACs, dishwashers and more: Up to 60% off Major Price Drop on side by side refrigerators: Amazon Great Freedom Festival deals with up to 55% off on all top brands Amazon Great Freedom Festival is LIVE! Get up to 55% off on refrigerators like single, double, side by side and more Massive price drop on front load washing machines during Amazon Great Freedom Festival Sale 2025 5‑in‑1 convertible refrigerators How quickly can I switch between modes? Most refrigerators allow mode switching within a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the brand and mode selected. It's designed for convenience without manual defrosting. Do convertible fridges work well during power cuts? Yes, many models come with stabilizer-free operation and cooling retention features that help maintain temperature during power outages for several hours. Can I use only one section and turn the other off? Yes, that's one of the key benefits. Some modes let you keep just the fridge or freezer running while turning the other compartment off to save energy. Do all 5-in-1 models have the same modes? No. While the concept is similar, the exact modes and names may vary slightly by brand and model. Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
The Irish Sun
02-08-2025
- The Irish Sun
My clever new fridge saves me hundreds on food AND electricity bills – it even has a cool Ring doorbell perk
FRIDGES and freezers are getting in on the smart stuff these days - and they can save you a heap of money in the long-run too. The latest flash model from Samsung has done just that for me, both on food and my electricity bill. Advertisement 5 The Sun's Jamie Harris gives a hi-tech fridge a go Credit: Jamie Harris / The Sun 5 Answering Ring doorbell calls is my favourite trick Credit: Jamie Harris / The Sun 5 It will help you save loads on food shopping too by cutting down on waste Credit: Jamie Harris / The Sun There are a number of mind-boggling techy features your everyday fridge can't do too. Some are better as party tricks to show off to friends but the majority of them have turned out to be super handy in my house. The exact Samsung model I'm trying is the 621L Bespoke AI Series 9 Side-by-Side Fridge Freezer with AI Home (RS90F64EDTEU). So what's so special about it? Advertisement Read more about Samsung Read on in my review below to find out. Samsung Side-by-Side Fridge Freezer review The fridge door has a little display which is your portal to a number of apps. More and more fridge freezers are adopting these sorts of screens - and at one point they were quite big. This one is small and unimposing, allowing you to access things like Spotify and YouTube. Advertisement Most read in Tech It's touch screen and voice powered, so you can essentially do away with having an Alexa or similar digital assistant in your kitchen, especially as the speaker can go pretty loud. The voice assistant is Samsung's own, Bixby, so you'll have to say "Hey Bixby" to summon anything. Samsung reveals genius way to help you save money on food using AI in your FRIDGE For the most part, I just use the touch screen - but there's one special trick that's very much Bixby's. And that's the ability to open the doors for you. Advertisement At first, I dismissed this as a bit of a gimmick (and was what I referred to as a "party trick" earlier). However, truth be told, there have been times when I've been cooking, I have my hands full with items and suddenly this feature has come in handy. The handles do have sensors on them too that automatically opens the door for you when you simply hover your hand over it - I also thought was just plain lazy initially but I've grown to make that the norm all the time now. A minor annoyance to mention, sometimes when I opened the fridge door my elbow passed the sensor for the freezer door causing it to open too. Advertisement 5 The screen is a perfect size Credit: Jamie Harris / The Sun Saving money on food and more What I really care about is saving money and I'm shamefully aware that my food waste could be a whole lot better. Sometimes you forget, other times you have no idea what to do with that one ingredient. Well, Samsung's SmartThings helps you cut food waste, thereby reducing how much I spend on shopping. Advertisement You can log items via the app on your phone - which is available on both Android and iOS, not just Samsung's handsets - or tap them in on your fridge screen, along with their use-by dates. While it's very manual, I've resorted to treating it as my shopping list app as opposed to just using my phone's notes feature as I did before. The fridge will also suggest recipes based on the ingredients logged for some easy ideas, crafted by the likes of Jamie Oliver and more. There are other ways the fridge helps you save money too. Advertisement For instance, it learns your usage patterns so that energy is optimised at the right times. You can even tell it when you're on holiday so it'll go into an energy saving mode. The screen will tell you exactly how much electricity the fridge has used too (last month it was just shy of £10). And as there is a water and ice dispenser, the tech tells you when it's time to change the filter too. Advertisement Inside When it comes to the primary function, keeping your food chilled and frozen, the inside is perfectly ordinary. In the fridge there are five shelves, as well as two fruit and veg compartments at the bottom. And there are four shelves with two storage draws along the bottom of the freezer. Another thing to note is that it's pretty quiet as a fridge freezer goes, despite being a pretty big appliance. 5 A look inside the fridge and freezer Credit: Jamie Harris / The Sun Advertisement Ring doorbell trick My favourite trick of all, arguably, is the simplest. And that's integration with Ring doorbell. SmartThings is compatible with hundreds of smart home brands, not just devices made by Samsung, which is a rare treat. Once you've linked your Ring doorbell into the SmartThings app it means the fridge screen will alert you when someone is at the front door. Advertisement You can even answer the call there and then, so another reason not to have another smart hub sitting around your kitchen. Samsung Side-by-Side Fridge Freezer: conclusion At £2,239, the 621L Bespoke AI Series 9 Side-by-Side Fridge Freezer with AI Home doesn't come cheap. But it's worth noting you get five year warranty for parts and labour, as well as 20 year warranty on digital inverter compressor. You can also knock up to £100 off if you recycle an old appliance with Samsung when making the purchase. Advertisement But for £2,239 you get a premium, slick and feature-packed appliance that should save you hundreds - if not thousands - in the long run with those food and energy management features. Rating: 4/5
Scottish Sun
02-08-2025
- Scottish Sun
My clever new fridge saves me hundreds on food AND electricity bills – it even has a cool Ring doorbell perk
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FRIDGES and freezers are getting in on the smart stuff these days - and they can save you a heap of money in the long-run too. The latest flash model from Samsung has done just that for me, both on food and my electricity bill. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 The Sun's Jamie Harris gives a hi-tech fridge a go Credit: Jamie Harris / The Sun 5 Answering Ring doorbell calls is my favourite trick Credit: Jamie Harris / The Sun 5 It will help you save loads on food shopping too by cutting down on waste Credit: Jamie Harris / The Sun There are a number of mind-boggling techy features your everyday fridge can't do too. Some are better as party tricks to show off to friends but the majority of them have turned out to be super handy in my house. The exact Samsung model I'm trying is the 621L Bespoke AI Series 9 Side-by-Side Fridge Freezer with AI Home (RS90F64EDTEU). So what's so special about it? Read on in my review below to find out. Samsung Side-by-Side Fridge Freezer review The fridge door has a little display which is your portal to a number of apps. More and more fridge freezers are adopting these sorts of screens - and at one point they were quite big. This one is small and unimposing, allowing you to access things like Spotify and YouTube. It's touch screen and voice powered, so you can essentially do away with having an Alexa or similar digital assistant in your kitchen, especially as the speaker can go pretty loud. The voice assistant is Samsung's own, Bixby, so you'll have to say "Hey Bixby" to summon anything. Samsung reveals genius way to help you save money on food using AI in your FRIDGE For the most part, I just use the touch screen - but there's one special trick that's very much Bixby's. And that's the ability to open the doors for you. At first, I dismissed this as a bit of a gimmick (and was what I referred to as a "party trick" earlier). However, truth be told, there have been times when I've been cooking, I have my hands full with items and suddenly this feature has come in handy. The handles do have sensors on them too that automatically opens the door for you when you simply hover your hand over it - I also thought was just plain lazy initially but I've grown to make that the norm all the time now. A minor annoyance to mention, sometimes when I opened the fridge door my elbow passed the sensor for the freezer door causing it to open too. 5 The screen is a perfect size Credit: Jamie Harris / The Sun Saving money on food and more What I really care about is saving money and I'm shamefully aware that my food waste could be a whole lot better. Sometimes you forget, other times you have no idea what to do with that one ingredient. Well, Samsung's SmartThings helps you cut food waste, thereby reducing how much I spend on shopping. You can log items via the app on your phone - which is available on both Android and iOS, not just Samsung's handsets - or tap them in on your fridge screen, along with their use-by dates. While it's very manual, I've resorted to treating it as my shopping list app as opposed to just using my phone's notes feature as I did before. The fridge will also suggest recipes based on the ingredients logged for some easy ideas, crafted by the likes of Jamie Oliver and more. There are other ways the fridge helps you save money too. For instance, it learns your usage patterns so that energy is optimised at the right times. You can even tell it when you're on holiday so it'll go into an energy saving mode. The screen will tell you exactly how much electricity the fridge has used too (last month it was just shy of £10). And as there is a water and ice dispenser, the tech tells you when it's time to change the filter too. Inside When it comes to the primary function, keeping your food chilled and frozen, the inside is perfectly ordinary. In the fridge there are five shelves, as well as two fruit and veg compartments at the bottom. And there are four shelves with two storage draws along the bottom of the freezer. Another thing to note is that it's pretty quiet as a fridge freezer goes, despite being a pretty big appliance. 5 A look inside the fridge and freezer Credit: Jamie Harris / The Sun Ring doorbell trick My favourite trick of all, arguably, is the simplest. And that's integration with Ring doorbell. SmartThings is compatible with hundreds of smart home brands, not just devices made by Samsung, which is a rare treat. Once you've linked your Ring doorbell into the SmartThings app it means the fridge screen will alert you when someone is at the front door. You can even answer the call there and then, so another reason not to have another smart hub sitting around your kitchen. Samsung Side-by-Side Fridge Freezer: conclusion At £2,239, the 621L Bespoke AI Series 9 Side-by-Side Fridge Freezer with AI Home doesn't come cheap. But it's worth noting you get five year warranty for parts and labour, as well as 20 year warranty on digital inverter compressor. You can also knock up to £100 off if you recycle an old appliance with Samsung when making the purchase. But for £2,239 you get a premium, slick and feature-packed appliance that should save you hundreds - if not thousands - in the long run with those food and energy management features. Rating: 4/5
News.com.au
31-07-2025
- News.com.au
Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra review: High tech home cleaning
These products are hand-picked by our team to help make shopping easier. We may receive payments from third parties for sharing this content and when you purchase through links in this article. Product prices and offer details are not assured, and should be confirmed independently with the retailer. Learn more Touted as the ' world's most powerful cordless stick vacuum ', the Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra might just be the suckiest appliance on the market. And as someone whose floors are constantly riddled with dog hair (as well as my own), I couldn't have been more excited to put it to the test. Having tested a variety of vacuum cleaners in my job, I've learned that strong suction power isn't all it's cracked up to be and there's definitely more to a good buy than big numbers. Samsung's new cordless stick vac packs long battery life, auto empty, a bunch of cleaner heads and accessories and a stylish and surprisingly slim design. And for anyone who's chronically attached to their phone, the vacuum is compatible with the SmartThings app so the appliance can actually let you know when you're getting a phone call or text message. Check out our first impressions of Samsung's latest cordless stick vacuum cleaner below. 30-SECOND REVIEW Tried and Tested by Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito, Senior Shopping Writer If I could describe the Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra in one word, it would definitely be efficient. While it comes with a higher price tag and a few 'non-essential' bells and whistles, it cleans different types of gross dry and wet messes exceptionally well, particularly on hard floors, and doesn't require much effort to use, pick up dirt and maintain. The stick vac also lets you customise the gadget in a variety of ways, and everything is easy to assemble and take apart. HOW WE TESTED THE SAMSUNG BESPOKE AI JET ULTRA STICK VACUUM At checkout, it's our mission to help you make informed shopping decisions. To ensure you buy the right product at the best price, we rigorously test products so you don't have to. As well as sorting through mountains of consumer reviews, product manuals and conducting thorough product research, our team of expert writers puts each product we review through a series of hands-on tests to ensure we give you honest feedback about its performance and whether it's worth your hard-earned money. DESIGN Samsung's AI Jet Ultra Stick Vacuum wins the beauty crown with its stylish and sleek design, while the slim build makes it a decent contender for shoppers wanting something small-space friendly. It's also self standing so you don't need to mount the appliance to the wall, and the cradle is a convenient fix for the accessories. Aside from the all-in-one charging dock and auto-empty station, the Samsung stick vacuum includes: • Active dual brush • Slim LED brush+ • Pet tool+ • Combination and long reach crevice tool • Spray spinning sweeper For our particularly tall readers, the pole can be extended just like the crevice tool. The box also includes antibacterial reusable pads and disposable wet pads for the sweeper, plus three dust bags. I was mostly excited to try the flex tool, which essentially works like an extra arm that can bend up to 90 degrees to help give you 'better aim'. I really like how it can be used with different cleaner heads but honestly it felt flimsy and made the vacuum harder to control. If having a bendy stick vacuum is on top of your list, our checkout editor Melody raved about the flexibility of Shark's PowerDetect Clean & Empty Vacuum. (It similarly has an auto-empty function, decent battery life and retails for $700 cheaper.) The two 'main cleaner' heads – aka the active dual brush and slim LED brush+ — are the only tools compatible with the AI mode and each work incredibly well. I'm an especially big fan of using the slim LED brush+ to light up the monsters under the bed, a task which surely makes vacuuming as one of the most-hated chores. Clean Station I absolutely love how the HEPA vacuum boasts a self-empty feature, similar to many robot vacuum cleaners and new premium cordless vacuum cleaners. It's particularly fantastic if you want to minimise your exposure to dust. The dust bag is easy to change and fits up to two litres of debris. When it's time to repurchase, Samsung usually offers five disposable bags which can last a while even if you vacuum daily. The dustbin can be manually emptied, but I found the debris got so tightly packed that I had to dig deep into the container. It's much easier to leave the cleaning to the self emptying station, especially if you're like me and want to prevent airborne dust particles triggering any allergies. BATTERY LIFE The Bespoke Jet AI Ultra offers up to 100 minutes of cordless cleaning, which is great compared to many other options on the market – including the popular Dyson Gen5detect Absolute which retails at a similar price point ($1549 RRP) and lasts up to 70 minutes. If you want to sneak in extra runtime, this stick vacuum has a detachable battery design which lets you swap in another fully charged pack (sold separately, of course). Since it's already quite powerful on the lower settings, I could get away with cleaning all the rooms in one go and have enough power leftover to go over my desk and any awkward spots without having to recharge. HOW WELL DOES THE SAMSUNG VACUUM CLEAN? To give the AI-powered stick vac a run for its money, I opened Pandora's box (aka a gross and decently filled dust bag from my robot vacuum). And it's fair to say I immediately nerded out. I was surprised at how powerful the lowest setting ended up being, and how I didn't need to ramp up to a higher mode when dealing with the meatiest dust balls. If it wasn't a loan unit shared by a long list of tech reviewers, I could've vacuumed my bed with the pet tool+ at the end of a deep clean and had battery to spare. Although I did test it out on my couch and the handheld vac picked up the small pet hairs pretty easily. Samsung's new stick vacuum also introduces cleaning mode 2.0 to help avoid wasting unnecessary energy. It works similar to the auto mode on other cordless units but rather than automatically adjusting the settings simply based on whether it's on carpet or not, or how dirty the surface is, the Bespoke Jet AI Ultra changes the power level and brush speed depending on the environment (including if it's against a wall corner, on short or long pile carpet, or even picked off the ground and not being used at a particular moment). It's worth mentioning you also do need to register the stick vac on Samsung's SmartThings App to activate the new and improved AI features (plus any future updates). I actually didn't find it that much more useful than a regular auto setting, and there are mixed reviews online where people have had some trouble on carpet. When it comes to washing floors, the spray spinning sweeper is a nice little alternative to the traditional mop. It lets you control when the appliance releases water, which makes it much more easier to control how wet the surface gets compared to some other wet dry vacuums. In saying that, I prefer this tool for refreshing tiles and hardwood rather than as a complete replacement of a mop and bucket. Otherwise, you will need to make sure you're washing the pads after every clean (or repurchasing new packs if you prefer the disposable option) to prevent bacteria and mould making a new home under your vacuum. The built-in water tank also fits up to 150ml water before it needs to be refilled, which is a significantly smaller capacity to many cordless wet dry vacuums and robot vacuums. HOW MUCH IS THE SAMSUNG BESPOKE AI JET ULTRA IN AUSTRALIA? The Bespoke AI Jet Ultra retails for $1699 and is available from Samsung's online store and the usual leading retailers such as The Good Guys and Appliances Online. IS THE SAMSUNG BESPOKE AI JET ULTRA WORTH BUYING? Given the fact many brands are charging a small fortune for home appliances, I love how this vacuum cleaner comes with a variety of easily adjustable attachments to better tailor each clean. There's no trigger button to leave my hands feeling tired after a long cleaning session, and all the controls and attachments are super easy to use. Unlike some other vacuums I've tried, the Bespoke AI Jet Ultra does a great job of effortlessly picking up different types of debris without having to go over the same mess multiple times. The mop attachment doesn't over saturate the floors too much, either. Plus, you have total control of how much water is released – something which I wish was more common in wet dry vacuums. On the downside, the unit is pricey and most of the AI features don't add that much to what other vacuums pretty much already do. But it still is a great two-in-one vacuum and mop, especially if you're interested in investing in a self emptying model. *Product has been loaned by Samsung for a 100 per cent independent, honest review. Sign up to our free weekly shopping newsletter to stay in the loop on the latest deals, trends and sale events.
