Samsung is always trying to come up with clever solutions to problems, big and small, using its latest technological advancements and superior engineering. AI (Artificial / Advanced Intelligence) seems to be the new rage across mobile devices and even Bespoke home appliances at this stage of our digital era. But sometimes, well, the solution isn't clever AI or better software but a good-old analog button or knob.
Touchscreens and digital controls are often favored over analog controls because of their versatility. But, in some cases, all you need is a reliable physical button. If we draw a short parallel with the auto industry, some car manufacturers that went all-in on digital dashboards a few years ago are slowly starting to relearn the value of physical controls.
More to the point at hand, analog controls also seem to be preferred over digital ones is in the kitchen. Cooktops and ranges can be used more intuitively with analog controls, as they are not only reliable and offer tactile feedback but also provide an extra layer of security.
That's not to say there's no room for improving classic analog controls. As a matter of fact, Samsung is challenging that notion with a new knob design for its Bespoke Slide-In electric and gas ranges released in 2024.
Three-step Illuminated Precision Knobs with SmartThings integration
Check out the GIF below demonstrating what Samsung calls the “industry's first built-in three-step knobs” developed for the latest Bespoke Slide-In ranges. It requires users to pinch the side buttons before rotating the knob, and it is designed as such to prevent unintentional activations. Thus, it's more secure than conventional stove knobs.
Furthermore, Samsung's 2024 ranges that feature these clever knobs also get LED lighting. Don't worry. This isn't Bespoke with RGB. Nevertheless, the illuminated knobs let you know at a glance whether or not the cooktop is activated. And even if these look like analog knobs, they do have a clever digital element to them, and their secret weapon is SmartThings. More details below.
Aside from the LED lighting, one other way Bespoke Slide-In range users can check if the burners are on is through the SmartThings app.
As shown in the screenshot below, the SmartThings mobile app allows Galaxy phone users to check which burners are active. You certainly can't do that with the old non-smart stove.
Thanks to these new developments, Samsung is giving Galaxy and Bespoke users the best of both worlds, i.e., reliable analog Illuminated Precision Knobs designed to be extra safe and the convenience of the SmartThings app and integration with Galaxy devices. The Internet of Things is already looking better.
Image Credit: Samsung
