Samsung Electronics is taking a bold step forward in the world of smart homes with a sweeping update to its SmartThings platform, announced on April 16, 2026. The company’s newly enhanced 'Family Care' service aims to make caring for loved ones—especially those living apart—more seamless and intuitive, leveraging artificial intelligence and the power of interconnected devices. For families separated by distance, or those with elderly parents living alone, these updates are poised to be a game changer.
According to multiple Korean media outlets, including 한국정경신문, 비즈니스플러스, and 연합뉴스, Samsung’s Family Care service has always centered on linking home appliances and mobile devices. But with this update, the company is pushing the boundaries of what a smart home can do for family well-being. The new features target the growing demand for senior care and remote monitoring, reflecting both demographic shifts and the increasing adoption of smart technology worldwide.
The headline feature of this update is 'Care on Call.' When a user with a Galaxy smartphone running One UI 8.5 or later dials a family member, a popup appears before the call connects. This screen displays the recipient’s first activity time of the day, their most recent activity, step count, and even the local weather. It’s a small touch, but one that can provide instant peace of mind—no more wondering if Mom has been up and about, or if Dad’s gone for his morning walk. As 뉴스웍스 notes, this allows users to “check in on family members and respond more effectively in case of problems.”
The update doesn’t stop at phone calls. Samsung has beefed up its remote monitoring capabilities for a range of home appliances, including air conditioners, air purifiers, dehumidifiers, and humidifiers. Caregivers can now check real-time indoor temperature, humidity, and air quality. If the system detects abnormal usage patterns—say, the air purifier hasn’t turned on when it usually does, or humidity levels spike unexpectedly—it sends an immediate alert to the caregiver’s device. With a few taps, they can even control these appliances remotely, helping to maintain a comfortable and safe environment for their loved ones from afar.
Perhaps the most futuristic addition is the integration with Samsung’s 2026 robot vacuum cleaner, the 'Bespoke AI Steam Ultra.' This device now boasts a 'Safe Patrol' feature: if the system detects no movement in the home for a certain period, it springs into action. The robot vacuum’s camera can be activated to visually check the living space, and its built-in speaker and microphone enable two-way voice communication. As detailed by 직썰, this means caregivers can see and talk to family members—checking in to make sure everything’s alright, or quickly responding if someone has fallen or needs help. “If no activity is detected, an alert is triggered and the Safe Patrol function can be activated for immediate response,” the outlet reports.
Samsung has also introduced 'Care Insight,' a feature that analyzes changes in activity, device usage, and the indoor environment compared to the previous week. If there’s a significant deviation—maybe a sudden drop in movement, or a sharp change in air quality—the system sends a notification. This proactive approach helps families spot potential health or safety issues before they become emergencies.
All of this information is now more accessible than ever, thanks to the integration of SmartThings data into Galaxy’s 'Now Brief' personalized briefing service. Now Brief, previously known for home insights, energy, and sleep reports, has been expanded to include home security, family care, and even pet care. On a single screen, users can view device status, energy consumption, entry alerts, family activity, and pet walking information. This comprehensive snapshot of household health and security is designed to make daily management simpler and more reassuring.
Samsung’s ambitions don’t end with smartphones and robot vacuums. The company has announced plans to roll out these Family Care features to TVs released after 2024 and Family Hub refrigerators released after 2021, all within the year. This will allow families to access the same suite of monitoring and care options from the living room or kitchen, creating a truly unified smart home experience. As 뉴스웍스 points out, this is part of Samsung’s broader strategy to build a “connected ecosystem” that ties together smartphones, televisions, washing machines, and more, all under the SmartThings and Tizen platforms. The scale is impressive: more than 430 million SmartThings users and over 4,700 connected device types globally.
At the heart of this push is Samsung’s commitment to artificial intelligence. Jung Jae-yeon, Vice President and SmartThings Team Leader at Samsung Electronics’ AI Platform Center, emphasized the company’s vision in statements echoed across all major outlets: “AI technology supports not only everyday convenience, but also enables us to care for ourselves and our families with peace of mind,” Jung said. “We will continue to expand differentiated services through SmartThings.”
The company’s focus on differentiated, AI-powered care services is a response to the evolving needs of modern families. As populations age and more people live independently, the demand for reliable, unobtrusive ways to check on loved ones is only growing. Samsung’s approach—leveraging its vast device ecosystem, user base, and AI expertise—positions it as a leader in this space.
Industry observers note that while many smart home platforms offer basic device control and automation, Samsung’s Family Care suite stands out for its integration of health, safety, and daily routine monitoring. By combining real-time data, intelligent alerts, and easy-to-use interfaces, the company aims to bridge the gap between technology and genuine human connection. The addition of features like Care on Call and Safe Patrol reflects a shift in focus from simple convenience to meaningful caregiving.
Of course, questions remain about privacy, data security, and the learning curve for less tech-savvy users. Samsung has not detailed the specific safeguards in place for the new features, but the company’s reputation and the sensitivity of the data involved suggest that robust protections are likely a priority (though users will want to review privacy settings carefully).
For now, families separated by distance or circumstance may find comfort in knowing that a loved one’s daily routine, safety, and environment can be monitored and managed with just a few taps. As the smart home evolves, Samsung’s latest update is a clear sign that the future of caregiving is not only digital—it’s already here, and it’s getting smarter by the day.