Samsung, which has been trailing in the AI-powered voice assistant race, is gearing up for a significant change. At IFA 2023 in Berlin, the tech giant has announced its intentions to incorporate advanced generative AI capabilities into Bixby and deploy it across all its forthcoming home appliances. This move is seen as a response to Bixby's underwhelming performance against competitors like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri.
Generative AI: The Future of Bixby
Generative AI, a sophisticated form of AI found in tools like ChatGPT, Bing Chat, Dall-E, and Google Bard, can comprehend intricate sentences and deliver information in multiple ways. Unlike the current generation of Bixby-powered devices that recognize precise voice commands, the next-gen Bixby will be adept at understanding complex sentences with multiple interpretations. As per SamMobile, this enhanced Bixby might first appear in smartphones and tablets.
Miyoung Yoo, Vice President of Samsung Electronics' Home Appliances Division, was quoted in the original news story from ET News, stating, “All home appliances from Samsung Electronics have AI. Even water purifiers feature core AI functions.” Yoo emphasized that Samsung's vision goes beyond merely connecting home appliances. The goal is to enable these devices to detect users' lifestyles, learn patterns, and subsequently offer tailored solutions.
Addressing the capabilities of generative AI, Yoo mentioned, “When we think of generative AI, we often think of ChatGPT, but we are not aiming for such a heavy service.” He further elaborated that even if users don't use a predefined command, Bixby will grasp the context of the conversation, facilitating more organic communication. As an example, he referenced the Bespoke Family Hub refrigerator, suggesting that in the future, users could give intricate voice commands like, “It's raining, and I'm in a bad mood, so please draw an appropriate background.”
Tizen RT: A Lighter OS for Home Appliances
Samsung is also in the process of developing a streamlined version of its Tizen operating system, dubbed Tizen RT, which will be integrated into all upcoming home appliances. While Samsung's TVs, premium refrigerators, and other high-end appliances currently operate on the full-fledged Tizen OS, the company is crafting an MPU (Micro Processor Unit) to accommodate Tizen RT and Bixby's Generative AI features in future products. According to SamMobile, over 15 million devices currently run on the Tizen OS, a number projected to hit 20 million by year's end.
Samsung's commitment to advancing its AI capabilities is evident. With the integration of generative AI and the introduction of Tizen RT, the company is poised to redefine the user experience across its range of home appliances. As Yoo concluded in the ET News article, “Bixby voice-based AI services will be introduced sequentially to all products from next year. We will continue to refine the service through continuous research and development.”
