This summer, Google went for the jugular on Samsung Bixby, offering lucrative terms to Samsung in exchange for Samsung dropping Bixby (along with the Galaxy App Store) from Samsung’s mobile devices moving forward.
Google Assistant would take Bixby’s place.
Samsung and Bixby had already suffered the loss of the legendary Adam Cheyer earlier this year - he gave his last major talk at Project Voice 2020, just before COVID shut things down.
In Bixby’s weakened state, Google attempted something we haven’t seen much of yet in the realm of voice tech and conversational AI: a brazen killshot on a competitor.
Problem is, they missed.
Bixby survived.
And you just know what happens next…
Bixby has sprung back to life with a massive update that goes way beyond the mere features it includes, which are heavy on streamlining the user experience and providing much more personalization.
Releasing a major update like this shows vision for the product, but much more importantly, it shows grit and tenacity on behalf of the team, which are important signals to the marketplace as we head into 2021.
It’s worth revisiting the Samsung Bixby success stories white paper (Bixby: The Next Frontier For Voice Technology), released in late 2019, which includes this quote:
Ultimately, Samsung’s participation in the voice/AI landscape strengthens the marketplace, cultivates sharper competition, attracts more players into the space as developers, and speeds progress.
I couldn’t agree more with whoever wrote this.
On Monday, we’ll announce the full slate of Project Voice Awards which will open next week for nomination.
These will include nominations opening for the This Week In Voice VIP 30 under 30, which will recognize up-and-comers both in the US and globally, among many other awards for worldwide voice/AI achievement.
Have a great weekend.
Leading up to Project Voice 2021, the #1 event for voice tech and AI in America, Project Voice: Coast to Coast is bringing an in-person voice/AI briefing to small groups in 35 cities across the United States. Presented by Cerence.
If you want to get out of the house, we’d love to have you join us. Masks and social distancing will be enforced, and outdoor venues will be utilized.
San Francisco, CA - January 12
Salt Lake City, UT - February 8
New York City, NY - February 23
Philadelphia, PA - February 25
Project Voice 2021 - Chattanooga, TN - April 12-14
The Voice of Customer Service is a special two-day event all about how conversational AI is being deployed within modern customer service operations, including contact centers around the world.
Project Voice is the #1 event for voice tech and AI in America.
Join us in person in Chattanooga, Tennessee, from April 12-14, or virtually for Project Voice Worldwide April 15-16.
Voice/AI in mobile apps, voice/AI in contact centers, and an industry deep dive into the hospitality sector will be particular areas of focus.
Register for Project Voice 2021 here or Project Voice Worldwide here.