In 2017, Samsung unveiled its smart assistant, Bixby, with the launch of the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ smartphones. While Bixby initially emerged as a contender in the rapidly growing voice assistant market, it wasn’t long before Samsung aimed to push the boundaries of this technology further. Fast forward to 2018, and Samsung introduced a more intelligent version of Bixby during the Mobile World Congress (MWC) event. At this time, Samsung CEO DJ Koh revealed that the company was also working on a voice-activated Bixby smart speaker, slated for release by the end of the year. Although the speaker has yet to hit the market, new details about its design and features have surfaced, sparking excitement for what could be a game-changer in the smart home ecosystem.
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Bixby Smart Speaker Design and Features
One of the key innovations behind the Bixby smart speaker is its microphone array. A patent filed in November 2017 sheds light on some of the most intriguing aspects of this device. According to the patent, the speaker will come with seven microphones arranged in two separate components. What makes this setup unique is the rotating design—one part of the speaker will be able to swivel over the other, enabling enhanced speech recognition.
The seven microphones are designed to work independently, which is an important feature for ensuring clear voice input. By rotating towards the person speaking, the Bixby smart speaker can achieve better voice recognition, even from across a room. This kind of flexibility is a major upgrade over other smart speakers, which are often limited in terms of how they capture sound.
The overall appearance of the Bixby speaker could resemble the design of Samsung’s Gear 360 camera, known for its spherical shape. This might also mean that the smart speaker will be compact, aesthetically pleasing, and easy to place in various areas of a home. The unique rotating feature could give the speaker a distinct look, reminiscent of Sphero’s BB-8 robot from Star Wars.
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But the features don’t stop there. The patent also suggests that the speaker will come equipped with a camera for facial recognition. This added layer of personalization could allow the device to recognize specific users, adjusting settings or preferences based on who is speaking. Additionally, the Bixby speaker is expected to feature a touchscreen that could display photos, content, and information in a highly interactive way. The inclusion of a touchscreen could elevate the smart speaker experience, allowing users to engage with the device in a more visual manner.
In an interesting twist, there are also rumors that the Bixby smart speaker may support Samsung’s S Pen, particularly for users of the Galaxy Note series. This would open the door for stylus input, enabling a unique method of interaction with the speaker, far beyond traditional voice commands.
Connectivity and Integration
Connectivity options are another exciting aspect of the Bixby smart speaker. As per the patent, the device is expected to support several connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, and GPS. This wide range of options would allow the speaker to integrate seamlessly into smart home setups, allowing for the control of other connected devices.
What sets this speaker apart from existing models, such as the Amazon Echo or Google Home, is its versatility. Thanks to the inclusion of GPS, the Bixby speaker could potentially track your location, adjusting functionality based on where you are. Imagine using the speaker while on the go—navigating to your destination, controlling your music, or even getting personalized recommendations as you move through your day.
In terms of media consumption, the Bixby speaker may come with a media player, allowing users to play their favorite music, podcasts, or audiobooks directly from the device. A web browser and photo gallery are also anticipated features, making the device even more dynamic and capable of performing a variety of tasks. Whether you’re browsing the web, viewing photos, or simply listening to music, this smart speaker could become the ultimate home assistant.
Potential Launch and Expectations
Samsung is expected to launch the Bixby smart speaker sometime in the second half of 2018. While the exact release date remains unconfirmed, there’s no doubt that this new product could represent a significant step forward for Samsung and its vision for the future of artificial intelligence (AI) and smart home technology. With features like facial recognition, a rotating design, and robust connectivity options, the Bixby speaker promises to be a powerful tool for users seeking an advanced, all-in-one smart assistant.
FAQs
1. What makes the Bixby smart speaker different from other smart speakers?
The Bixby smart speaker stands out primarily because of its rotating design, which allows it to adjust its orientation to the person speaking. This enhances its speech recognition capabilities. Additionally, the inclusion of a camera for facial recognition and the potential support for Samsung’s S Pen make it a more interactive and personalized device compared to existing speakers.
2. Will the Bixby smart speaker work with other smart devices?
Yes, the Bixby speaker will likely integrate with a variety of smart home devices, especially with the inclusion of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC. It will be able to control other connected devices within your home, enhancing your smart living experience.
3. Can the Bixby smart speaker be used while on the go?
Thanks to its GPS functionality, the Bixby speaker could potentially be used while traveling. You could access personalized recommendations and information based on your location, making it more versatile than other smart speakers that are typically stationary.
4. How does the Bixby smart speaker compare to Amazon Echo and Google Home?
While Amazon Echo and Google Home are solid choices in the smart speaker market, the Bixby speaker offers more advanced features such as facial recognition, a rotating microphone array, and support for the S Pen. These features provide a more interactive, personalized, and seamless experience.
5. What can I expect from the Bixby smart speaker’s media capabilities?
The Bixby speaker is expected to come with a media player, enabling you to stream music, podcasts, and audiobooks directly from the device. Additionally, it may feature a web browser and a photo gallery, enhancing its versatility.
Conclusion
The Bixby smart speaker represents an exciting leap forward in the world of smart home technology and artificial intelligence. With its innovative features like a rotating microphone array, facial recognition, and the potential for stylus input, it is poised to offer a more personalized, interactive experience than its competitors. While we await the official release, there is little doubt that this product could revolutionize the way we interact with smart speakers and enhance our daily lives in ways we never thought possible. For those seeking the next big thing in voice-activated technology, the Bixby speaker is definitely worth watching.
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