LAS VEGAS – Artificial Intelligence is everywhere this year at CES and for Samsung that means a renewed focus on its Bixby voice assistant platform. Bixby has been undergoing a transformation over the last few years from a simple voice assistant to an intelligent interface capable of conversational interactions and simplified control of hundreds of devices.
However, to compete against established smart speakers such as Amazon's Alexa and Google's Assistant, Samsung needs to continue adding new content partnerships and it has done just that by announcing partnerships with Google that will allow Bixby users to access Gmail, YouTube, Google Play, and Google Maps.
The news follows the announcement that Samsung TVs will be compatible with Google Assistant. This means later this year viewers will have the ability to adjust volume, change channels and switch image input. In order to work properly, users will have to add a separate piece of Google Assistant hardware such as a Home Hub or third-party smart display or speaker.
“We have a bold vision to take a half of billion devices we sell every year and make them connected and intelligent," Samsung co-CEO HS Kim said during Monday's press conference. Samsung claims more than 70% of Americans have at least one Samsung device and more than 25% have at least three. So the potential for Bixby to grow further is huge.
Powered by Bixby, Samsung also unveiled its future AI-powered robotics platforms, which can be used to manage activities of daily living, such as helping seniors independently manage their health routine. Bixby will also be integrated to Samsung's 2019 QLED and premium TV lineup as well as its smart appliances.
Bixby is also expanding its presence in autonomous vehicles with Samsung and its subsidiary Harman unveiling the next iteration of their innovative Digital Cockpit platform. With The Digital Cockpit 2019 drivers can remotely check how much gas they have before going on road trip or set the car temperature before heading out for the day. Using onboard cameras, the platform recognizes specific drivers and passengers and adjusts the display preferences, seat height, lighting, and queuing up favorite playlists.
5G phone coming
Samsung claims it’s the number one patent holder with European Telecommunications Standards Institute and has registered more than 2,000 5G essential patents as of November 2018. It added that it’s the world’s first company to receive FCC approval on its commercial 5G equipment and has 5G trials running around the world. It plans to announce a 5G smartphone in the first half of 2019. Sprint, AT&T and Verizon have all announced they will be offering Samsung’s 5G phone by this summer.
Photo: Samsung is showcasing at CES its solutions for connected living with demonstrations of IoT, 5G, and AI that power Bixby, Samsung’s expanded intelligence platform, its home appliances from TVs to washing machines, and the company’s new digital cockpit and robotics platforms.
