Brand vendors to launch smartphones with AI applications

Smartphone vendors, including Apple, Samsung Electronics, Huawei, LG Electronics and Xiaomi Technology, are likely to introduce models featuring AI (artificial intelligence) applications as a means to ramp up market shares in 2017, according to industry sources.
 
Huawei pioneered the latest development trend by showcasing its Huawei Mate 9 featuring Amazon's Alexa voice services. Huawei, which currently ranks as the third largest smartphone vendor globally, is apparently trying to compete with Apple and Samsung for the number one title with the advanced feature, said the sources.
 
Apple acquired Australia-based machine learning startup Turi in August 2016, aiming to further strengthen the functionality, as well as the market share, of its Siri intelligent personal assistant. Meanwhile, market sources have also indicated that Apple's next-generation iPhone devices are likely to come with enhanced Siri.
 
Google has launched Google Pixel smartphones with Google Assistant and is expected to promote the adoption of the Google Assistant by other smartphone vendors, noted the sources, adding that Xiaomi has already adopted the Google Assistant.
 
Viv Labs, a subsidiary of Samsung, has also come out with an AI-based voice service, the Bixby, which is likely to become a main feature of Samsung's next-generation flagship model, tentatively named the Galaxy 8S, said the sources.
 
LG reportedly is in talks with Amazon and Google for utilizing AI-based platforms developed by the two Internet service companies. In addition to using the Alexa on its smart household appliances, LG is also expected to integrate the Alexa into its new flagship smartphone, the LG G6, indicated the sources.

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