Samsung unveils intelligent assistant 'Bixby'

Samsung Electronics Co Ltd has launched a Chinese version of its artificial intelligence assistant Bixby, as the smartphone manufacturer steps up localization efforts and applies more AI technologies into its smartphones amid mounting competition from local rivals.

"China is one of our most important strategic markets and we aim to provide Chinese consumers with the most innovative mobile experience. Artificial intelligence has become the new growth point pushing China's development, so we hope to launch AI-enabled smartphones and products," said Kwon Gyehyun, president of Samsung Electronics China operations.

Kwon said the major competition in the smartphone industry now focuses on thickness, appearance and design of handsets, but not on technology, adding that there are bottlenecks and limits on the hardware sector, and that technical innovation is of great significance.