According to recent reports in the South Korean media, Samsung and LG may be joining forces to develop a smartphone designed specifically for Artificial Intelligence (AI). If true, this partnership could result in LG’s first AI-driven mobile device, powered by Samsung hardware and LG’s AI technology.
Background and Context
- LG exited the smartphone market in 2021, leaving Samsung as the dominant mobile manufacturer in South Korea. Despite this, LG has maintained a strong presence in the telecommunications sector with LG Uplus, one of the largest mobile operators in the country.
- LG Uplus recently introduced ixi-O, an AI-powered voice assistance service, signaling its focus on AI innovation.
Rumored Partnership: “Galaxy ixi-O”
- According to the Korea Economic Daily, the collaboration involves Samsung producing the hardware while LG contributes its ixi-O AI for seamless integration.
- Local media have tentatively dubbed this device the “Galaxy ixi-O.”
Key Details
- AI-Centric Design: The phone would merge Samsung’s Galaxy AI technologies with LG Uplus’s ixi-O system, potentially offering features like advanced voice interactions and AI-optimized services.
- Market Exclusivity: The Galaxy ixi-O is expected to be exclusive to South Korea initially, as it will operate on a network supported only by LG Uplus.
- Potential Global Expansion: If the project proves successful, Samsung could expand the concept to collaborate with operators in other countries, creating a broader range of AI-first smartphones.
Timeline and Launch
While Samsung and LG have yet to confirm these rumors, reports suggest that the Galaxy ixi-O could be launched in 2025. This timeline aligns with Samsung’s ongoing advancements in AI and hardware, which could complement LG Uplus’s ambitions for AI-powered services.
If the partnership materializes, it would mark an unexpected but significant collaboration between two rivals, potentially setting a new benchmark for AI integration in smartphones.
Source: KED Global