Samsung Brings Google Gemini to Smart Home Appliances Ahead of CES 2026
The partnership marks Gemini’s first appearance in home appliances, as Samsung and LG push AI deeper into everyday kitchen and home routines.
Samsung just gave Google Gemini a new home, and it's not on your phone. The tech giant announced today it'll unveil kitchen appliances powered by Google's AI at CES 2026, marking the first time Gemini will appear in home appliances. The lineup includes upgraded bespoke AI refrigerators, over-the-range microwaves, slide-in ranges, and a new AI Wine Cellar, all launching at the Las Vegas tech showcase from January 6-9.
The shift centers on what Samsung calls "AI Vision," a camera-based system enhanced by Google Gemini and Google Cloud. Think of it as giving your refrigerator eyes and a brain. The tech currently recognizes 37 food items like fresh fruits and vegetables, but with Gemini's help, Samsung is promising more accurate identification and broader functionality. Users can check what's in their fridge, get recipe suggestions, and manage ingredients without manually tracking everything.
Samsung's also betting big on wine enthusiasts. The new Bespoke AI Wine Cellar uses a top-mounted camera to recognize wine labels and track bottles automatically through the SmartThings AI Wine Manager. The system can even identify which shelf and compartment each bottle occupies, so you're not hunting through your collection.
Which other Samsung home appliances are getting AI upgrades?
Beyond the kitchen, Samsung is rolling out a full smart home lineup. The Bespoke AI Laundry Combo gets upgraded AI Wash & Dry+ that uses multiple sensors to detect fabric types, including Outdoor and Denim, and adjust water, detergent, and drying cycles automatically.
The Bespoke AI AirDresser introduces Auto Wrinkle Care with dual steam systems for quick garment refreshing. The flagship Bespoke AI Jet Bot Steam Ultra robot vacuum, powered by a Qualcomm Dragonwing processor, now recognizes humans, pets, cables, and rugs through deep learning-based object detection.
Samsung's TV lineup is also expanding. The company announced a Micro RGB display range spanning 55 to 115 inches, featuring 4K AI Upscaling Pro and Micro RGB HDR Pro for enhanced color precision across premium home viewing.
"Samsung will reach a new level of innovation through this collaboration with Google Cloud," said Jeong Seung Moon, Executive Vice President and Head of R&D at Samsung's Digital Appliances division.
How is LG approaching AI-powered home appliances differently?
LG is taking a different route but with the same goal. The company is marking the 10th anniversary of its SIGNATURE brand with an expanded 10-product lineup powered by AI Core-Tech. At the center is the new LG SIGNATURE refrigerator featuring conversational AI based on Large Language Model technology.
The 6.8-inch LCD display supports natural-language interactions for tailored suggestions. The AI Fresh feature even monitors temperature fluctuations based on user patterns and pre-cools the interior up to two hours before anticipated door openings.
The LG SIGNATURE Smart InstaView refrigerator goes a step further with ThinQ Food, using internal cameras to identify ingredients, suggest recipes, and offer creative substitutions. When not in use, the T-OLED InstaView panel displays elegant visuals, transforming the kitchen into an expressive space.
For cooking, LG's SIGNATURE Oven Range introduces Gourmet AI, which uses an AI camera to identify more than 85 dishes and automatically applies the optimal cooking settings, including temperature, time, and mode, so you don't have to program it manually. The AI Browning feature monitors bread as it bakes and sends a notification through the ThinQ app when it reaches the preset level of doneness. The connected smartphone features include real-time monitoring, time-lapse recaps, and easy social media sharing.
What does this mean for the future of smart homes?
Both companies are pushing AI beyond novelty into genuine utility. Samsung's collaboration with Google and LG's integration of conversational AI represent a broader industry shift—AI as a daily assistant rather than a standalone feature. The technology is meant to simplify meal planning, reduce food waste, and make homes smarter without requiring constant user input.
Whether consumers want AI tracking their groceries, cooking habits, and daily routines is another question. The privacy concerns in both announcements remain unaddressed for now. But if CES 2026 is any indication, the smart home market is betting they will. Visitors at both companies' booths in Las Vegas will be the first to see these systems in action, and that's where the real test begins.
Ejiro Onose
