Samsung was recently rumored to be working on a new AI virtual assistant technology to be launched along with the release of its upcoming flagship Galaxy S8 device.

On Sunday, the South Korean giant confirmed to Reuters the new AI assistant service is indeed a go and will be available next year. The technology is expected to arrive on all “Galaxy smartphones and [eventually] expand voice-assistant services to home appliances and wearable devices,” starting with the S8.

Samsung hasn’t yet revealed many details about its new assistant feature, but it has stated that it will offer seamless integration with third-party services.

Here’s what Samsung’s executive vice president Rhee Injong had to say about the virtual assistant:

Developers can attach and upload services to our agent. Even if Samsung doesn’t do anything on its own, the more services that get attached the smarter this agent will get, learn more new services and provide them to end-users with ease.

The South Korean tech manufacturer has trusted recently acquired Viv Labs with the task of developing the technology that will power the new assistant service.

Samsung’s move towards improving the AI capabilities of its products is not at all surprising. Among other tech peers, Google and Apple are also devoted to making their own assistant services more intelligent, interactive and engaging.

Given its recent troubles with exploding phones and hazardous washing machines, Samsung is in dire need to make it count with its next flagship device – and launching a powerful virtual assistant service could very well be the way to trump the competition.

Update: According to the Trademark Ninja, Samsung’s new assistant might be called ‘Bixby’.

Samsung have also applied in the EU for a trademark for 'Bixby', its rumoured AI assistant and answer to Siri etc @S… pic.twitter.com/BhcKiMt4RQ — The Trademark Ninja (@TheTMNinja) November 7, 2016

via AndroidCentral

Samsung to launch AI digital assistant service for Galaxy S8 on Reuters

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