Ballie, Samsung's adorable rolling robot companion, has been on a rollercoaster ride, and the journey continues! Initially slated for a US and South Korea launch in the first half of 2025, the release of Ballie has been pushed back, leaving many tech enthusiasts eager for updates.
The initial promise of a summer release window came and went without a peep from Samsung, leaving many wondering what was happening with this innovative gadget. But here's the good news: Samsung has confirmed that Ballie isn't canceled! However, the company needs more time to refine and perfect the technology to deliver an impactful customer experience. A Samsung spokesperson stated, “We are continuing to refine and perfect the technology to deliver an even more impactful customer experience.”
Unfortunately, there's no new release date to circle on your calendar just yet. Samsung hasn't shared a revised timeframe, so we're all left waiting with bated breath.
The official Samsung website in the US is still teasing Ballie with the tagline "more than a home robot, it's your buddy." You can sign up for updates and watch an animation of Ballie saying, "see you soon."
But here's where it gets controversial... A report from The Korea Times in July suggested that industry insiders were concerned about Ballie's potential price point, which is expected to be quite high. Could this be a factor in the delay?
Ballie first rolled onto the scene as a prototype in 2020. Samsung revisited the product in early 2024, giving it a larger design and more AI-focused features. The company then teased the product again at CES 2025, with a promise of a later-in-the-year release.
This little robot is packed with impressive features, including Google's Gemini AI technology. It's designed to assist with smart home tasks, like controlling lights, setting alarms, and answering your burning questions. Ballie also boasts a mini projector, allowing it to display videos or images to enhance its responses.
What do you think? Are you still excited about Ballie? Do you think the potential price point will be a barrier for consumers? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
