Let Family Guy Guide You Around Samsung's Intelligent Home

For many, the world of smart devices and the Internet of Things can seem a tad overwhelming. Fridges that know when the milk's about to go off and doors which unlock with a simple voice command still feel like the stuff of science fiction.

However, a new AR platform from Samsung is aiming to demystify the tech and highlight the benefits of a fully connected home - and they've roped in some help from a cult animated sitcom character. 

Launching this week at Berlin's IFA Innovations show, Doorways is an interactive augmented reality app which allows users to fully immerse themselves in Samsung's Intelligent Home devices - thanks to a guided tour by none other than Family Guy's bumbling head of the household, Peter Griffin.

The multi-faceted project saw BBH London team up with the Family Guy production team to create the narrative and experience, with MediaMonks London brought on board as creative digital production partners and Google providing both technical consultation and its AR Core technology to power the platform.  

So how exactly does it work? Consumers use a Samsung device to enter a special Doorways display area. The Family Guy game is then overlaid on the location using AR. By mapping the physical space to the virtual Family Guy house, players can walk and look around as they would in real life. Their phones acts as a lens into the interior of the Griffin house containing Samsung’s Intelligent Home devices. The player will then receive a series of tasks from Peter Griffin, which show how connected devices can work together to make life easier and better.

"Harnessing AR and the wit of Family Guy gives Samsung a unique solution to a complex challenge" - Ian Heartfield, CCO, BBH

For example, the player will be asked to find some ‘classy dinner music’. They can then select Spotify on a display panel on the fridge. The user will then be guided by Samsung's voice-powered digital assistnat Bixby to the front room where music will automatically transfer to the television and the lighting will change accordingly. You can also learn how to connect your TV to the fridge to view its contents and select ingredients, connect to the oven to turn it on, set the washing machine to run and reduce the temperature of the fridge to chill wine. 

“For many consumers smart devices and the Internet of Things can seem like a complicated concept," says Ian Heartfield, chief creative officer, BBH London. "It can be difficult for them to see what these devices can do and how they can all work together to benefit them. This need to bring it all to life for consumers is why we developed Doorways. Harnessing AR and the wit of Family Guy gives Samsung a unique solution to a complex challenge."

The Doorways platform is now set to roll out at major tech events across the world and prominent locations in cities including London and New York. The Family Guy augmented reality game will be the first in a series of collaborations with major entertainment properties to educate consumers on different aspects of IoT.