Siri has been getting smarter with every iOS release since its launch. The virtual assistant caters to most of our hands-free needs. It can make web searches, make calls, send messages and much more. Samsung on the other hand, does not have its own virtual assistant to rival the likes of Apple or others. However, this is about to change as the company has decided to debut 'Viv' with its next flagship, the Galaxy S8.
Samsung To Integrate Viv Virtual Assistant In Next Year's Galaxy S8
On Sunday, Samsung said that it will launch 'Viv' its AI powered virtual assistant with the next year's Galaxy S8. Viv Labs was acquired by Samsung earlier this year and the company will use the technology to introduce its AI virtual assistant. Samsung has confirmed to Reuters that it will incorporate Viv in "Galaxy smartphones and expand voice-assistant services to home appliances and wearable technology devices."
Since the recall of the Galaxy Note 7, the virtual assistant will revive the company's momentum in the smartphone industry. Currently, we're not quite sure what type of services it will bring to the table for the Galaxy S8. However, we do know that Viv features enhanced contextual understanding. This states that it will understand the intent of an individual's questions and initiate programs and operations accordingly.
"Developers can attach and upload services to our agent," said Samsung Executive Vice President Rhee Injong during a briefing, referring to its AI assistant. "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."
Moreover, the Galaxy S8 will not be the only device to feature the Viv virtual assistant. Even though it will debut with the Galaxy S8, the company is anxious to implement it in other devices like TVs, washing machines and more.
The technology behind Viv is similar to Siri, Cortana and Google Now. There's no surprise there because its co-founders did create Siri. Apple is also seeking ways to improve Siri to a greater level. In October of last year, Cupertino purchased VocalIQ, a natural language outfit. Its API will be responsible to do "session-based" contextual responses, the same as you would do on Viv.
Nonetheless, it's all a big race towards betterment and users will be the one to benefit from it in the end. This is it for now, folks. What are your thoughts on Samsung debuting Viv with the Galaxy S8 next year? Share your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned for the latest.
