Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. convened industry leaders to discuss the importance of smart home interoperability in the first of its Tech Forum panels at CES 2026, held at The Wynn in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Titled “When Everything Clicks: How Open Ecosystems Deliver Impactful AI”, the session explored how cross-industry partnerships are transforming connected homes into intelligent environments that feel seamless, safe and genuinely supportive of everyday life.
Openness As The Foundation Of Home AI
Panellists agreed that the next era of home intelligence must be built on open collaboration rather than closed ecosystems. As homes increasingly rely on devices and services from multiple brands and industries, openness enables AI systems to work together in ways that deliver real-world impact.
Samsung shared its view that open connectivity allows appliances, energy systems, safety services and industry partners to deliver experiences that would not be possible in siloed environments.
“Home is the most personal place in our lives, so home AI must earn trust — quietly, respectfully, and with value users can feel,” said Yoonho Choi, President and Chair of the Board of the Home Connectivity Alliance and Head of Strategic Alliances at Samsung Electronics. “That requires interoperability across brands, so the home works as one system instead of disconnected features. Through cooperation with HCA and across industries, we’re turning openness into outcomes: safer homes, simpler routines and measurable savings — built on consent and transparency.”
Powering The World’s Largest Connected Home Ecosystem
Samsung highlighted the scale of its connected ecosystem, noting that more than 500 million users are part of the SmartThings community. With over a decade of experience in connected living, Samsung shared insights into how home AI is evolving from individual smart devices into system-wide intelligence.
This foundation enables Samsung to design AI experiences that coordinate across appliances and services, delivering value that feels intuitive rather than technical.
“It’s crucial to deliver tangible user benefits that genuinely improve people’s lives,” said Michael Wolf, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Spoon. “There’s no area with greater potential than a broadly connected kitchen — one that allows users to understand what’s in their refrigerator while connecting to water and heating systems, enabling a more holistic understanding that supports preventative action.”
Turning Collaboration Into Measurable Consumer Benefits
The panel also examined how open ecosystems can translate collaboration into measurable benefits for consumers. Samsung highlighted its partnership with Hartford Steam Boiler (HSB) as an example of how smart home data — when used responsibly and transparently — can deliver tangible value.
“We’re at a point where the connected home can integrate seamlessly into user lifestyles, building trust that leads to direct benefits for consumers,” said Jed Usich, Senior Vice President of Strategic Growth Solutions at HSB. “Through our partnership with Samsung, we’ve created a bridge to the insurance industry that turns simple data points into real savings for consumers.”
Designing AI That Feels Human, Not Intrusive
Throughout the discussion, panellists emphasised that for home AI to succeed, it must feel emotionally intelligent and fit naturally into daily routines — from cooking and relaxing to entertaining and caring for families. Design, storytelling and behavioural understanding were highlighted as essential to making connected devices feel calm, reliable and supportive.
The panel concluded that the future of home AI depends on interoperability, responsible data use and collaboration across industries, ensuring intelligent homes deliver real value without compromising trust.
As AI becomes more ambient and system-wide, Samsung reaffirmed its focus on building open ecosystems that make connected living simpler, safer and more meaningful — proving that when everything clicks, home AI can genuinely enhance everyday life.
