Samsung Galaxy S8's big new feature is expected to be the new AI assistant named Bixby. Samsung Galaxy S8 is rumoured to feature a dedicated button to access the AI assistant. With Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones, Google focused on the use of Google Assistant and Samsung is likely to follow a similar approach.
Samsung's Bixby is expected to be based on VIV platform and will let users control third-party apps using voice commands. Earlier rumours indicated that Bixby will be able to conduct online payments and control native applications. Now, a new rumour indicates the AI assistant will support visual search and OCR tool using the native camera of Galaxy S8.
According to Sammobile, the Galaxy S8's camera app will feature its own Bixby button to search whatever the user points the camera at. Bixby is reportedly capable of analysing image, identifying objects and text. Google has achieved similar functionality with its Goggles app but Bixby's key differentiator is expected to be deep tie-up with other apps. "Bixby will not only help you find where you can buy an identified object, but it can make the purchase as well," notes Sammobile.
Samsung is reportedly developing software and machine learning needed to make Bixby's features possible. Samsung is expected to unveil Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus with dual curved edge display on March 29. The smartphones are expected to come with a screen-to-body ratio of more than 90 percent and drop the physical home button.