Google Gemini improves food recognition and management on select Samsung Family Hub refrigerators.
Samsung AI helps compatible ACs adjust cooling, temperature and energy use.
SmartThings connects Samsung appliances and supports a wider AI-powered home ecosystem.
A refrigerator can now do far more than keep food cold. Samsung has added Google Gemini to its Family Hub refrigerators through an upgraded AI Vision system that can identify a much wider range of food.
The latest update also adds smarter voice control and personalized information through Samsung’s Now Brief service. Samsung has now expanded its broader AI appliance range in India, with new air conditioners that use Samsung AI and SmartThings for comfort, power control and home care.
Samsung first showed AI Vision with Google Gemini at CES 2026. Earlier versions of AI Vision could identify up to 37 types of fresh food and 50 types of pre-registered processed food on the device. The Gemini-based version removes many of those limits.
It can identify a much wider range of fresh and packaged food, plus branded and region-specific products. Samsung also plans to support for food in personal containers and processed food without a separate registration step.
The system uses the refrigerator’s internal cameras to track food as items enter or leave the fridge. AI Food Manager can then help with food lists, use-by dates and recipe ideas. The 32-inch Family Hub also adds features such as Video-to-Recipe, notes, schedules and entertainment. Samsung has also linked SmartThings with Samsung Health for calorie-aware meal plans.
Samsung has taken a notable software-first approach with Gemini. In May 2026, Samsung began a major software update for select 32-inch Family Hub refrigerators in the United States. The update added the newer AI Vision system without a need for new refrigerator hardware. It also added a more capable Bixby and new Now Brief features.
Samsung has since expanded the update to more markets. Select 21.5-inch and 32-inch Family Hub models from 2021 through 2025 can receive the updated AI Vision system. Select 9-inch Family Hub models from 2025 also qualify. Exact support depends on the model and region. Samsung also notes that Gemini features can vary by country, language, device model and software version.
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The AC story has a different structure. Samsung has not presented its 2026 WindFree air conditioners as Gemini-powered devices. Instead, Samsung uses its own AI systems for climate control, while SmartThings connects the AC with other smart home products.
Samsung launched 23 Bespoke AI WindFree AC models in India in January 2026. The range uses AI Energy Mode to adjust compressor operation, temperature and cooling intensity based on learned usage patterns. Samsung claims up to 30% energy savings with this mode. The range also supports SmartThings, remote control and preventive appliance care.
The AC range also adds AI Fast and WindFree Cooling+. The system can lower room temperature faster when required, then shift to WindFree or Dry Comfort mode after the target temperature is reached. This approach aims to reduce excess cooling while keeping room conditions comfortable.
Samsung’s larger plan places SmartThings at the center of the home appliance system. The platform can connect refrigerators, ACs, laundry machines and other compatible devices. Samsung said SmartThings had more than 430 million users as of December 2025.
Samsung’s September 2026 India launch adds more detail to that plan. The new Family Hub refrigerator costs Rs. 400,690 in India, while the Bespoke AI WindFree Pro AC costs Rs. 69,990. A new Infinite 1-Way Cassette AC starts at Rs. 160,000, with 3.5 kW, 5.2 kW and 7.1 kW options.
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Samsung’s Gemini move matters for more than food recognition. The refrigerator can now gain new software features after purchase, while Samsung’s AC range can adapt climate control through its own AI tools. The two products use different AI systems, yet SmartThings can connect both within one home ecosystem.
That creates a clear split in Samsung’s strategy. Google Gemini adds stronger visual understanding to the refrigerator, while Samsung AI handles appliance control and climate functions. Software updates can also extend the useful life of compatible appliances. Samsung’s latest approach turns a refrigerator or AC from a fixed appliance into a product that can gain new functions after purchase.
The result is a smart home where AI has a direct role in food management, cooling, energy use and daily household tasks. Samsung’s latest appliances show how that shift now reaches products that once relied on simple controls and fixed functions.
1. What does Google Gemini do on Samsung refrigerators?
Google Gemini supports the AI Vision system, which helps select Family Hub refrigerators recognise a wider range of fresh, packaged, branded and regional foods.
2. Can older Samsung Family Hub refrigerators receive the Gemini update?
Yes, select Family Hub models from 2021–2025 can receive the updated AI Vision features, with availability dependent on the model and region.
3. Do Samsung ACs use Google Gemini?
Samsung has not presented its 2026 WindFree AC range as Gemini-powered. These models use Samsung’s own AI technologies for cooling and energy management.
4. How much energy can Samsung AI Energy Mode save?
Samsung claims AI Energy Mode can reduce electricity use by up to 30% on supported AC models.
5. What role does SmartThings play?
SmartThings connects compatible Samsung appliances and allows features such as remote control, automation, energy management and appliance care.