Samsung Electronics Co. is poised to introduce a novel speaker integrated with its proprietary artificial intelligence (AI) technology under Harman Kardon, a Harman International Inc. brand. The move marks a significant milestone since the tech giant’s acquisition of the American audio electronics firm.

Samsung Electronics also hinted that it would release similar AI-powered products, including an updated version of the Galaxy Buds earbuds, imminently.

Sources familiar with the matter said on Sunday that Samsung Electronics is poised to unveil Harman’s AI speaker, Virtuo, as early as the first half of 2024. The innovative speaker will feature Bixby, Samsung’s AI platform and voice assistant.

Virtuo, as part of Samsung’s smart home platform SmartThings, boasts connectivity with various home appliances such as TVs and refrigerators. It also works with Matter, a smart home protocol aiming to unify device communication across platforms that enables interoperability with third-party devices, including those manufactured by LG Electronics. This broad compatibility empowers users with diverse functionalities from appliance control to energy management.

The impending release of the AI-powered speaker reflects Samsung Electronics’ desire to release a series of similar AI home appliances that connect different devices into a single integrated ecosystem.

In a strategic move to create its smart home ecosystem, the tech giant has filed a trademark application for the so-called “AI Hub,” encompassing various home appliances such as TVs, washers, dryers, refrigerators, and vacuum cleaners. This underscores Samsung’s commitment to introducing a series of strategic products in 2024 that can serve as AI hubs within homes.

Samsung Electronics’ focus extends beyond speakers to home appliances, including refrigerators and TVs. As part of this initiative, the company plans to incorporate large displays into various home appliances, enhancing consumer access to information and communication channels.

At the recent Consumer Electronics Show (CES) held earlier in the year, Samsung Electronics introduced Ballie, an AI home robot capable of understanding users’ needs and executing tasks accordingly. The company is also expected to release its new AI-based Galaxy Buds by the second half of 2024.

By Oh Chan-jong and Han Yubin

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