Samsung will launch an upgraded version of its voice assistant Bixby this year, using its own large language model (LLM).
According to the Zhitong Finance APP, the popularity of ChatGPT has refocused attention on digital assistants. TM Roh, head of Samsung's mobile division, said the company will launch an upgraded version of its voice assistant Bixby this year, using its own large language model (LLM). He said, "We will use generative AI technology to advance Bixby."
Earlier reports from foreign media claimed that Samsung was developing an upgraded version of Bixby, but this is the first time that Samsung has officially confirmed the release date.
Generative AI (Gen AI) refers to artificial intelligence that can generate content such as question and answer or images. LLM is an AI model trained on large amounts of data and is the foundation of generative AI.
Bixby was launched alongside Samsung's Galaxy S8 smartphone in 2017. The voice assistant has several features, including live translation and restaurant recommendations. The Bixby Vision tool also allows people to scan anything in front of them with their phone's camera and receive related information.
However, Samsung will continue its strategy of allowing multiple voice assistants on its devices. For example, Google's AI assistant can be used on Samsung's latest devices.
Just over a month before Roh confirmed the Bixby upgrade, Apple (AAPL.US) announced that its voice assistant Siri would receive an AI upgrade. In addition, Apple is partnering with OpenAI, and when Siri needs to answer more questions, it will be able to access ChatGPT.
The Bixby upgrade is part of Samsung's broad efforts to promote AI functionality in its suite of devices. On Wednesday, the company unveiled two new foldable devices - the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 - at its Galaxy Unpacked event and announced some new AI tools to entice users to upgrade to higher-end smartphones.
Roh said, "We are constantly strengthening and introducing more AI features into our products. As consumers use more AI functions, they will truly feel the convenience and benefits they bring. I firmly believe that these Galaxy AI and mobile AI will be a powerful driving force for users to purchase new products."