Samsung’s latest update to its Family Hub smart fridge line adds a feature I’ve always wanted — voice-activated door opening and closing.
Voice control opening and closing comes to Samsung’s Family Hub smart fridges
Shut the fridge door!
Shut the fridge door!
is a senior reviewer with over twenty years of experience. She covers smart home, IoT, and connected tech, and has written previously for Wirecutter, Wired, Dwell, BBC, and US News.
Using the device’s built-in Bixby voice control, you will soon be able to say “Shut the fridge door,” or “Open the door,” and your machine will obey.
According to a press release from Samsung at CES 2026 this week, the voice commands will open the door fully, not just a smidge — over 90 degrees. You can also tap the door with the palm or the back of your hand to activate the movement.
This could be super helpful when cooking, say when your hands are dirty and you want to get the milk out. It’s also a major accessibility upgrade.
Along with voice control for the doors, the Family Hub line is also getting a Gemini injection. Its built-in AI Vision that powers the fridge’s ability to recognize what you’re putting into and taking out of your fridge will now use Google’s LLM.
This enables it to “instantly identify unlimited fresh and processed food items,” according to Samsung and is designed to help with meal planning and cut down on food waste.
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Jennifer Pattison Tuohy
Jennifer Pattison Tuohy
Jennifer Pattison Tuohy
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