Samsung aims to launch smart speaker in the first half of 2018
Samsung aims to launch smart speaker in the first half of 2018
Samsung's Bixby-powered smart speaker could launch as early as the first half of next year.
Sources told Bloomberg that the key focus of the smart speaker will be audio quality and the management of connected home appliances. Having said that, the smart speaker can sync with TVs, Galaxy smartphones and other Samsung devices. Samsung is still working to enhance the speaker's ability to carry out voice-based web searches. Like Apple's HomePod, it will lack a display.
The smart speaker might be available in several markets including the U.S. Samsung is reportedly considering a price tag of US$200 (~S$370), which will place its smart speaker between the Amazon Echo speaker (US$100) and Apple's HomePod (US$349). Multiple colors are planned for the smart speaker.
Earlier this year, the Wall Street Journal reported that Samsung was working on a voice-activated speaker. The Korea Herald followed up with another report that the smart speaker would not be available this year due to "marketable issues". Apple has delayed the launch of its HomePod to early 2018, which gives Samsung more time to catch up.
Source: Bloomberg