To counter Amazon, Google and Apple, Samsung working on its own Bixby smart speaker.
Smart speakers are all the rage these days, so how could Samsung stay out of the game! After success of Amazon Echo and Google Home, it was only obvious for the consumer electronics giant to come out with something similar on its own. And interestingly, at the time of Bixby’s official launch alongside Galaxy S8 company had already said something about its rollout to other devices in a press statement. It had said:
“Starting with our smartphones, Bixby will be gradually applied to all our appliances. In the future you would be able to control your air conditioner or TV through Bixby. Since Bixby will be implemented in the cloud, as long as a device has an internet connection and simple circuitry to receive voice inputs, it will be able to connect with Bixby. As the Bixby ecosystem grows, we believe Bixby will evolve from a smartphone interface to an interface for your life.”
It was a hint that few could catch in the industry, but the major players in tech game might certainly have gotten a clue of Samsung’s plans. Rest became clearer a few days ago when company was granted a patent for an “audio device” mounted on a tripod.
Looking like a miniature monitor mounted on a stand, the device was called Samsung’s possible answer to Amazon Echo, Google Home and Apple HomePod. However, the biggest difference between this design and the designs of other smart speakers released till now is that this one has got a screen, which can be used for various purposes besides acting as an interactive scenery on the tables of our rooms.
However, this design has some caveats too. A smart speaker should not just be smart from inside but also look so from the outside. Amazon Echo and Google Home wouldn’t have been as successful as they’re if their designs wouldn’t have been great enough to complement the interiors of rooms.
A speaker mounted on a tripod may not serve that purpose and may not look and feel as attractive as already available offerings from some other players. And probably Samsung also knows that. There’s a reason why no Tripod mounted lifestyle device has been released till date.
But now the thing is that Korean giant has to deliver its speaker quickly, because Apple is also going to bring its HomePod this fall. If Samsung has to capture some meaningful market, it should also be ready with its speaker by that time. So if a smart speaker has to be developed by that time, and that too with a screen… what should it look like?
Not many answers are available at the moment, but based on the above given patent and some imagination of our artists here we want to show you a concept of what Samsung’s upcoming Bixby speaker may look like. Have a look:
What do you think about it? Would you buy a Bixby speaker if it looks like this? Do let us know your thoughts in the comments.