Plano – October 16, 2026 -- Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra phone, Bespoke AI Family HubTM Refrigerator with AI Vision and Odyssey G8 Gaming Monitor (G80HS) have all been named to TIME's Best Inventions 2026. It is the fourth time Samsung Galaxy devices have appeared on the annual list.
TIME's global network of expert contributors and editors picks the winners. They judge new products and ideas on originality, efficacy, ambition, and impact.
Galaxy S26 Ultra brings a built-in Privacy Display to phones
Samsung calls the Galaxy S26 Ultra its most advanced Galaxy S series experience to date. It is billed as the world's first phone with a built-in Privacy Display, which limits the screen's viewing range to restrict peripheral vision. The feature must be enabled in settings. Depending on angle and brightness, some information may still be visible to others.
The phone also offers Super Steady video with horizontal lock and tools for creating pro-grade content. Earlier this year, Consumer Reports named it its top-rated phone.
The Family Hub refrigerator now tracks more foods
This year's major software update upgraded the AI Vision technology in the Bespoke AI Family HubTM Refrigerator. It can now recognize and track a wider range of fresh and processed foods, which is meant to ease meal planning and grocery shopping. It needs a Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account. It cannot identify food in the freezer, and users may need to check and adjust the list by hand.
Enhanced Now Brief and Voice ID features deliver personalized calendars, reminders, and recipes. Auto Open & Close Doors let users open and close the refrigerator with a light touch or a voice command.
Odyssey G8 is billed as the first 6K gaming monitor
The 32-inch Odyssey G8 (G80HS) is described as the industry's first 6K gaming monitor. Its IPS panel delivers 224PPI. It runs 6K resolution at up to 165Hz, while Dual Mode switches to 3K resolution at up to 330Hz, so players can choose between visual clarity and responsiveness.