Samsung shows off cute new tabletop robot, and we hope it sees the light of day
A charming AI companion built for your desk hints at Samsung's vision for smarter homes, but after Ballie was delayed and ultimately shelved, there's reason to be cautious.
Samsung is once again teasing a compact home robot, this time in the form of a small tabletop companion that leans heavily into charm and everyday utility. The company recently showcased the device at Milan Design Week, positioning it as a friendly assistant designed to sit on your desk or counter and help with simple everyday tasks. While details remain limited, the concept taps into Samsung's broader push toward AI-driven home experiences.
A smaller, friendlier take on household robots
With more than a century of experience protecting families and their homes, ADT certainly knows how to keep folks safe. At CES, the company unveiled a series of new services and products that promise to provide even more comprehensive protection to customers. This year, the company is promising to not only protect their customers in their homes, but while they’re on the go and on the cloud as well.
“Advancements in technology have not only changed the way we live, but have positively improved our ability to provide comprehensive security to those inside, and now outside, of the home,” said Jay Darfler, senior vice president of emerging markets at ADT. “ADT is making a significant step toward bringing safety and convenience to all by making it easier for families to stay connected and protected through intuitive apps, and launching cyber services that will redefine the idea of total security.”
And speaking of apps, ADT has just debuted ADT Go, created in partnership with locator and communication tool Life360. A free premium trial is now available to folks looking to take advantage of ADT’s professional monitoring services for their home or business. You’ll have to act fast, though — the free trial only lasts until March 31.
“ADT Go represents an opportunity to redefine what personal security truly means,” Darfler said. “By partnering with Life360, our hope is to empower more families to experience life because they feel safe.”
The app features 24/7 emergency response from ADT’s live monitoring agents, and also allows customers to stay connected with family members using location sharing, private messaging, and activity history. The app also provides automatic notifications when loved ones arrive or depart from designated places like home, work, or school. Similarly, driver safety alerts notify you when a crash is detected, and the app can also dispatch emergency services and provide extended roadside assistance for minor accident support.
The app is available for both Android and iOS, and will work even without an ADT home security system. Folks who do have such a system, however, can use the app to monitor a suite of security hardware.
Chief among that hardware is ADT’s new video doorbell, the latest tool to be added to the ADT Pulse ecosystem. Beginning in February 2018, customers will be able to control the entirety of their security and automation system through a single mobile app experience. Whether you need to unlock a door or arm your security system, you’ll be able to do so from the palm of your hand.
And with the video doorbell, you can trigger a series of events to take place anytime someone shows up at your front door.
ADT is also expanding its voice control offering of ADT Pulse automations to include Google Home, which means you can now use Google Assistant to control your security system. And for even more functionality, ADT is also creating a new app with communication tool Life360, which will provide users with 24/7 SOS emergency responses from live monitoring agents. The app can also be used to track family check-ins, real-time local crime data, and car crashes (though it’s unclear as of yet how all of this will be synced).
Moreover, throughout 2018, ADT is pledging to expand its security capabilities to include cybersecurity, and will seek to protect residents’ networks and their data from virtual threats. Whether that means a hacker, dangerous malware, or a security breach, ADT hopes to fend off digital disasters using Personal Data and Identity Protection; Mobile, Web and Email Protection; Home Internet and Device Protection and Help; and Resolution and Insurance.
Update: ADT adds ADT Go, a mobile app, to its home security suite.