Samsung keeps innovating via Creative-Lab

Samsung Electronics' Creative Lab has spun off 32 startups since its inception in 2012. / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics

QuickDrive, Family Hub outcomes of innovative drive

By Kang Seung-woo

Samsung Electronics has committed itself to improving lives through innovative technologies.

Rather than just exploring ways to sell more products, the global tech giant has dedicated itself to cultivating innovative projects and business ideas.

And at the heart of the innovation is Samsung's Creative Lab (C-Lab) project -- an in-house startup incubation program that nurtures new organizational culture and innovative ideas among Samsung employees.

The C-Lab was created in December 2012 and the spin-off policy was implemented in 2015, paving the way for its alumni startups to open a new startup ecosystem.

A total of 32 startups have been established and they have performed well in recent years, securing additional global funding, increasing company valuation and opening up unexpected business opportunities.

Late last month, Samsung announced that it selected seven new startups for investment based on their business potential and contribution to innovation. They range from virtual reality and augmented reality to internet of things and healthcare.

The C-Lab, which has supported more than 150 projects, has participated in the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and South by Southwest (SXSW), as well as other large-scale global tech gatherings.

Its innovative efforts have paid dividends.

On Nov. 9, 36 of its products won the CES 2018 Innovation Awards for outstanding design and engineering, including two "Best of Innovation" honors for its TV and refrigerator.

The award winners include 12 mobile products, five chips and seven home appliances, and the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy Note 8 smartphones and the Gear Fit2 Pro smartwatch were among them.

"Innovation is in our DNA, as is our commitment to delivering transformational products that create meaningful experiences for our consumers," said Tim Baxter, president of Samsung Electronics America.

QuickDrive brings innovation in laundry

Along with the C-Lab, Samsung's commitment to innovation is also found in its home appliances.

QuickDrive, Samsung's new washing machine technology, reduces washing times by 50 percent. / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics

The company wowed the washing machine sector in August after unveiling its new laundry technology QuickDrive at IFA 2017 in Berlin that cuts washing times in half without sacrificing cleaning power.

"QuickDrive is the industry's game changer, dramatically cutting the amount of time it takes for users to do the laundry and giving them more time to enjoy life," said Suh Byung-sam, executive vice president of Samsung's digital appliances business.

"A QuickDrive model will provide fast and powerful washing performance, with a range of technologies and smart functionality that make doing laundry so much easier."

The washer loaded with the new technology is expected to hit local shelves in January 2018.

The QuickDrive is the latest piece to Samsung's pedigree of innovative laundry technologies such as Activewash, AddWash and FlexWash.

According to Samsung, the QuickDrive cutting energy use by 20 percent as well as washing time by 50 percent is enabled by its innovative drum design. It has a separate plate that moves clothes from top to bottom along with a back and forth movement in what they call a "revolutionary dynamic action."

In addition, the technology was confirmed by global testing and inspection company Intertek that it provides the same level of cleaning performance and fabric care as existing products, while reducing washing times.

On the back of its consistent efforts for innovation, the market share of Samsung washers in the U.S. market accounted for 19.6 percent for the January-September period of this year, according to industry tracker Traqline.

More than just fridge

Since its launch in March 2016, Samsung's Family Hub refrigerator has received rave reviews at home and abroad as it is capable of doing a lot more than just storing food and makes the kitchen the heart of a connected home.

Samsung's Family Hub refrigerator makes the kitchen the heart of a connected home. / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics

Samsung said it is reimagining the refrigerator, based on consumer insights over the past year

"The smart refrigerator harnesses the power of the IoT to offer a kitchen command center that is interactive, multifunctional and customizable for every family," a Samsung official said.

"Family Hub's large display and intuitive suite of apps not only streamline meals and food management, they offer entertainment and communication options, as well."

In Korea, the Family Hub lineup features 12 models from the four-door T9000 to the two-door F9000 and the five-door H9000.

The futuristic refrigerator's headline features include allowing users to issue voice commands and check their refrigerator via three built-in cameras by a smartphone app and listen to music and watch videos on the internet-connected touchscreen.

However, the most popular feature with users, since its inception, is enhancing communication between families.

Each family member can create their own profile, hand-write memos, update calendars and add photos to the touchscreen that serves as a digital bulletin board.

On the back of the success, Samsung seeks to offer users more streamlined control over their connected homes with Samsung Connect -- an app that was released in March along with the Galaxy S8 smartphone.

With the app's integration, Family Hub users will be able to seamlessly control selected Samsung smart devices --including smart lights, door locks, security cameras, speakers and other household products -- with a few taps of their refrigerator's display.

This additional level of smart connection will further cement the refrigerators' position as a central hub for IoT-connected homes.

"Together with enhancements to the Family Hub, Samsung is set to expand the lineup of connected products ranging from smart TV to other home appliances to play a leading role in the upcoming IoT era," the Samsung official said.