Samsung squeezes Microsoft Copilot into latest slate of TVs and monitors

Some new Samsung TVs and monitors will be loaded with Microsoft Copilot, which it says will give them even more AI than they already have.

Copilot is built directly into the displays on new models of Samsung TVs and monitors, and users can access it through voice command or via the remote. Its integration follows recent updates to Samsung Vision AI, such as upgrades to Samsung Click to Search and its own on-device voice assistant Bixby.

All this makes it seem like it’s getting a bit crowded in there with various overlapping AI gubbins – but Samsung insists Copilot’s integration “expands on a richer, more contextual smart display experience.”

Copilot can be accessed through the Samsung Tizen OS home, Samsung Daily+ and Click to Search. By way of example of how this might be used, we’re told the integration of Copilot’s “advanced conversational AI” in Samsung Daily+, described as the company’s lifestyle hub that offers services related to entertainment, wellness, food and other such things, gives it more conversational AI support.

This is supposed to result in more personalised recommendations, relevant information and interactive learning experiences, and it can do things like share facts about actors or athletes, summarise plots, support foreign language learning or “help break down complex concepts.”

“Through our open AI partnerships, Samsung is setting a new standard for AI-powered screens,” said Kevin Lee, Executive Vice President of the Customer Experience Team at the Visual Display (VD) Business of Samsung Electronics. “Copilot makes it fun and easy to quickly get what you need through tailored experiences, whether you’re learning something new, enjoying entertainment, tackling everyday tasks or more.”

David Washington, Partner General Manager, Microsoft AI added: “Copilot on Samsung TVs is designed to feel like an AI companion in your living room. Together with Samsung’s leadership in advanced display technology, we’re bringing people a shared experience that helps them discover something to watch, ask questions, make plans, or simply enjoy a moment together, all on the biggest screen in their home.”

If you remain baffled why any of this is useful, Microsoft’s release on the same subject sketches out a few examples of what you might blurt out at the screen while watching it:

Custom, spoiler-free recaps: “I want to get back into The Crown, I left off at Season 3, Episode 4. What happened up until then?” 

Ultra-specific recommendations: “Like The Queen’s Gambit, but about cooking instead of chess, and under two hours.”  

Group-friendly picks: “Hannah likes rom-coms, David likes sci-fi, Mark likes thrillers. What’s something we’ll all like?” Perfect for when everyone’s gathered in the living room and you want to decide together.  

Post-watch deep dives: “Who was the voice actor for that character?” or “What else has the director done?” 

Everyday help: “Will Saturday in Seattle be good conditions for hiking?” or “Cheer me up after a breakup.”  

It further illustrates:

“Copilot’s appearance is a friendly, animated presence on your TV that reacts and lip-syncs as it speaks, with expressions that match the tone of the conversation. It’s a visible reminder that your companion is listening, thinking, and responding just for you.”

All of which has the propensity to come across as a bit creepy, depending on your disposition towards AI in general. But it seems to all be being offered for free on the 2025 lineup of Samsung TVs and monitors, so that’s something.

As a side note, more/better AI on TVs for those inclined to use it seems a predictable enough upgrade, though why you would want to use AI integrated into a monitor at all, which will be plugged into a computer if it’s to be of any use other than a doorstop, is anyone’s guess.  

It seems the tech industry simply can’t help but crowbar AI into every nook and cranny that will conceivably take it – though there are signs market-wise that the unrelenting enthusiasm is beginning to creak a little.

Source: https://www.telecoms.com