From One UI 6 to smarter Bixby, top announcements at Samsung Developer Conference 2023

One UI 6, passkey support, SmartTag2, Tizen OS and more: Samsung showcases its latest innovations at SDC 2023.

What’s new from Samsung? (Image: Samsung)

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Samsung hosted its ninth annual Samsung Developer Conference (SDC) in San Francisco, showcasing its latest innovations and platforms for developers and partners – and more notably, announcing One UI 6. Let’s take a look at the top announcements.

One UI 6 has been undergoing beta testing for a while now but this announcement means the stable version could be right around the corner. The update makes your smartphone experience more user-friendly, manageable and personalised. It has a redesigned Quick panel with a clear and simple layout and grouped settings. It also has a new exclusive typeface: One UI Sans, for better readability on digital screens. For photos, One UI 6 suggests the best AI editing tools based on the photo you are viewing.

One UI 6’s biggest UI upgrade lies in its quick settings panel. (Image: Samsung)

Then there’s passkey support on Samsung Pass on One UI 6. Big tech is steadily embracing passkeys – digital credentials that can be used as authentication for websites and apps – and is touting them as the replacement for passwords. Now Samsung has jumped into the bandwagon as well.

Another highlight was the second-generation SmartTag2, a device that can help users find their lost items through Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connectivity. The SmartTag2 has a battery life of up to 700 days, an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance and a streamlined and smaller design. The device can also follow lost items through rain, snow, and even underground.

Samsung also shared its plans for Bixby, its intelligent assistant that can provide personalised experiences with simple commands. The voice assistant that was recently updated to smartly understand commands even if multiple devices are connected in the same space, will soon evolve to understand users’ languages widely and optimise their intentions.

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That aside, one of the main themes of the event was SmartThings, Samsung’s platform for the connected home. Samsung announced new APIs that make it easier for developers to create SmartThings-based apps and leverage AI and sensing technology for better user experiences. Samsung also revealed that it is embedding SmartThings Hub functionality into existing and new products, such as sound bars and smart TVs, so users can quickly and easily start their smart homes from their connected devices.

Samsung also announced that it is bringing Knox Vault, a secure storage solution, to more devices, including Samsung Neo QLED 8K TVs in 2023 and select Galaxy A series smartphones in 2024.

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Tizen OS, Samsung’s operating system that powers digital screens such as TVs, home appliances, monitors and signs, was another focus of the event. Samsung announced that Tizen is coming to more devices, including home appliances with a 7-inch screen, while also boosting experiences with on-device AI and the Home AI Edge Hub.

Samsung also showcased its enhanced health solutions based on the power of connectivity. The company announced new digital health experiences provided by SmartThings and Samsung Food, such as personalised nutrition recommendations and food delivery services.

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