Samsung updates UI design language on high-end refrigerators

Samsung makes a wide variety of electronic devices and home appliances, using a mix of operating systems across its product portfolio. Its smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches run Android, while laptops and PCs run Windows. Its home appliances and TVs run the Tizen OS. Irrespective of the operating system, though, the company tries to use a similar software design language on all its devices. Still, not all devices stay in sync with the company's vision.

A few days ago, we criticized Samsung as it couldn't maintain the same UI design language across its devices. The iconography on its phones and tablets looks different from that on its TVs and refrigerators. The icons on its priciest refrigerator, the Family Hub Refrigerator, used an older design. This might confuse users when they switch from their Galaxy phone to their TV or refrigerator. However, it appears the company listened to the feedback and came back with something positive.

Our Family Hub Refrigerator was updated with the new software version earlier today. It was running Tizen 6.0, and its icons now look similar to those found on Samsung's smartphones running the more recent versions of One UI, such as One UI 5.1.1 and One UI 6.0. Now, moving from one Samsung device to another feels more seamless. For example, we can now spot apps like Calendar, Gallery, Samsung Internet, and Settings on the Family Hub Refrigerator more easily.

It is good to see that Samsung is following through to make its ecosystem more seamless. Juggling through multiple operating systems, the company is trying to offer a united front regarding software design and features.

However, there's still a long way to go, and the company needs to do more regarding software cohesiveness, especially when it comes to devices running Tizen. As software becomes more common (and essential) in home appliances in the future, it needs to offer the same kind of software support as it does for its phones and tablets.