Samsung Delays Launch of AI-Powered Home Robot Ballie Amid Pricing and Identity Concerns

Samsung's cute Ballie robot is delayed, and its price might be why

Samsung is one of those brands that has a lot on its plate at one time. And while there's a ton of excitement building up for its next foldable phones, set to be announced on July 9, we're now getting news that another one of the brand's products, its adorable AI home robot Ballie won't be making its summer debut as originally announced. Related Samsung's adorable AI home robot packing Google's smarts launches this summer In the US and South Korea Posts The Korea Times reports that the robot will now be delayed, with Samsung exercising quite a bit of caution for this new product, as it turns its attention to refining the experience, while also navigating the tough terrain of nailing down a price (via SammyGuru). Do consumers want or even need this? Sure, AI has been a hot topic the past couple of years, and we've seen some great things arise from the technology, but most of this has been in the form of software or even a service. While there have been a handful of dedicated products, like the Humane AI Pin and Rabbit R1, these never saw great success. And while it's still early days, and Samsung has a better grasp on consumer products, it's unclear just how helpful a product like Ballie can be. In addition, something like this isn't going to come cheap, with The Korea Times projecting that Ballie could come in priced north of $2,000. It's not often that something this expensive launches in the consumer tech space, but when they do, people aren't lining up to buy them. Naturally, this is probably why Samsung is taking its sweet time in order to get this thing right. The project has been around for several years now, and we've seen it evolve in front of our eyes, so waiting a little longer isn't going to be a huge problem. While its looks might have changed since its inception, its underlying characteristics have not, helping users control components of their smart home, and using AI to understand and communicate. Of course, the latest edition also has a built-in projector that will help with that communication, but it can also be used to display important information or become a dedicated display as well. Although the demand for Ballie won't be huge when it first launches, this is a product that's most likely going to evolve over the years, becoming something much bigger when the right technology comes around to really take it to a new level. For now, we'll have to patiently wait and see. Who knows, we may even see it at the next Galaxy Unpacked event.

Samsung's Ballie is having an identity crisis, reportedly delayed... again

While Samsung has been teasing its AI-powered Ballie since 2020, it was thought that the company would actually launch the robot this summer. New reports from industry sources indicate that Samsung's Ballie may be struggling with an identity crisis, and another delay is to follow. Samsung's Ballie has had users excited for a number of reasons. When it was first teased, it was a project that materialized AI in the real world. Objectively, a robot that rolls around as an AI companion is a fun product. Since then, Ballie has been delayed by Samsung, with the previous launch window set for this summer. That may have changed, according to industry sources familiar with the project (via Korea Times). It's suggested that Samsung is reportedly holding back the AI robot yet again as it struggles to find where the product fits into users' homes. The design and tooling are likely ready to roll out units, or at least close to it. Still, it seems that Samsung is slowing the project down to make changes before a full launch occurs. In essence, Ballie can handle a lot of what Samsung's own devices can with Galaxy AI. It offers access to Gemini's AI models with Samsung's own language models to process data. That data comes from built-in cameras and microphones. Users can interact via the app or through voice. On top of that, Ballie will be somewhat of an in-house watchdog, allowing residents to check in on their pets or family members when needed. The robot will also carry a projector to display images and interact with users. One advertised use case is controlling smart devices. This is something one can do with their own phone or even through Gemini on their Android device. It seems odd that Samsung is pushing the notion that Ballie can turn on lights and other devices in your home, since there is a way that's likely much easier. All of this, combined with an expected high price point, seems to have Samsung rethinking Ballie's launch and delaying the robot's entry into users' homes. It's unknown what the company will do or if it will release the robot as a limited-quantity product. Further, there is still no information on when Ballie will be released, if at all. Samsung has reservations open now for the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 series, with a $50 credit when you pre-order and a free entry for a chance to win $5,000. Samsung notes reservations are free, and there's no obligation to actually buy a device if you sign up, but there's no other time you can get that $50 credit.

Samsung delays Ballie robot launch as pricing raise concerns - Phandroid

Samsung has its hands full this summer. With new foldables on the way, it looks like one other highly anticipated product won't be making an appearance. According to The Korea Times, Samsung will delay the launch of its AI-powered home robot, Ballie. The company is reportedly still refining the experience and struggling to pin down a price. The Samsung Ballie robot was expected to debut sometime this summer, but that plan is now facing a delay. Home robots aren't new. We've seen plenty over the years, from Sony's Aibo robotic dog to early smart home bots that promised everything from vacuuming to voice control. But despite decades of attempts, none have truly hit the mainstream. Most people still associate robots with novelty rather than necessity. Samsung wants to change that with Ballie. The robot is designed to act as a smart home companion, using AI to understand and interact with users. Its latest version includes a built-in projector that can display messages, alerts, or even entertainment content. But it's not just about the features, it's also about cost. Estimates suggest Ballie could be priced north of $2,000. That's a steep ask for a category that hasn't proven itself yet. AI may be hot in software and services, but hardware-based AI gadgets like the Humane AI Pin and Rabbit R1 have shown just how tricky it is to create something useful and sustainable. Samsung isn't the only company eyeing this space. Apple is reportedly exploring home robotics, too, though those efforts are still under wraps. Everyone wants a piece of the smart home future, but no one has quite nailed it yet. Samsung hasn't shared a new timeline yet. Ballie might still show up at Galaxy Unpacked on July 9, but that's just speculation for now.