Samsung Electronics is to acquire Viv Labs, a San Jose, CA-based developer of an open artificial intelligence (AI) platform that gives third-party developers the tools to build conversational assistants and integrate a natural language-based interface into applications and services.
The amount of the transaction, which is still subject to customary closing conditions, was not disclosed.
The deal, which highlights Samsung’s commitment to virtual personal assistants, is part of the company’s vision to deliver an AI-based open ecosystem across all of its devices and services.
With Viv, Samsung will be able to offer new service experiences for its customers, including one that simplifies user interfaces, understands the context of the user and offers appropriate and convenient suggestions and recommendations.
As part of the acquisition, the founding team of Viv – comprised of AI visionaries Dag Kittlaus, Adam Cheyer and Chris Brigham – will work closely with Samsung’s Mobile Communications business but continue to operate independently.
FinSMEs
09/10/2016