Samsung is widely expected to launch a new and more advanced AI virtual assistant named Bixby that will be exclusive to the Galaxy S8 series. If there was any doubt this was going to be a major feature, a Samsung job listing confirms the new virtual assistant.
Smartphone Personal Assistants Debut
The iPhone 4s, which was released in 2011, featured the same design of that of its predecessor, iPhone 4, but included a major new and exclusive feature that would make iPhone fans want to upgrade and Android fans to consider switching. Siri was Apple's sassy personal assistant that lived in your 4s and made the experience of using a smartphone a little more convenient by allowing you to interact with your voice.
Samsung responded to Apple and Siri when it launched the Galaxy S3 in 2012, which shipped with Samsung's interpretation of a virtual assistant residing in your smartphone, S Voice. Samsung has been rumored to be readying a more advanced and enhanced AI virtual assistant named Bixby and is believed to be a major feature in the company's next-generation flagship Galaxy S8 series.
Samsung To Launch Enhanced AI Bixby As Galaxy S8 Major Feature
Samsung acquired Viv Labs in October, which just happens to be headed by the creators of Siri. The company's vice president confirmed that the Galaxy S8 would feature an enhanced AI, and if there was any doubt that Bixby wasn't going to be a major feature of the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus, a Samsung job listing confirms the new virtual assistant.
"Shape the decisions for new capabilities of Service Management Platform. Drive the execution and delivery of Samsung's upcoming AI (Artificial Intelligence) assistant on the Galaxy S8," a LinkedIn profile of a principal program manager listed under the description, SamMoblie reported.
Google Updates Its Virtual Assistant
Google most recently revamped its virtual assistant with its enhanced AI Google Assistant, which is available exclusively on the company's Pixel and Pixel XL. The feature has received positive reviews for its accuracy and is rumored to make its way to LG's upcoming LG G6, making it the first non-Pixel device to include the assistant.
Bixby Button?
Some reports have claimed that the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus will both feature a dedicated button to summon Bixby and use optical character recognition, which will use the Galaxy S8's camera for visual search and other features.
Samsung is expected to launch the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus at an Unpacked event on March 29 in New York City, where we'll learn even more about Bixby and other features. The smartphones are believed to be released on Friday, April 21, across the globe.
