We discussed a rumour earlier in the week that Samsung would be bringing a new consistent design and AI integration, apparently to be known as Bixby, to their next generation of flagship hardware in 2017. Today we may just be seeing the first such example of the new design and potential for AI integration with Samsung’s latest app, Samsung Focus.
‘Focus’ is a combined email, calendar and contacts app (as well as some notes and reminder syncing from some services) feature a Google Now style dashboard, material design and a whole lot of AI potential. I actually don’t mind the design of the app. It’s still a little “cartoony” for my tastes but it does look clean and modern and the font (Samsung’s new font) is much better than some of their previous scribbles. Check out the basic app functionality in the video below.
While there is obviously no mention of any AI component it’s fairly easy to see a new app that provides Samsung’s new assistant with complete access to your email, Calendar and contacts would be a great start for making sure Samsung could start to learn all about you and your needs, all that’s missing is really your search/ browsing history and messaging. Perhaps we’ll see new apps for those services or a behind the scenes update to the existing offerings?
If you’re interested in trying Focus you’ll have to be using a Samsung device on Android 6.0.1 or above. The app supports multiple accounts for the following providers/ server types:
- Exchange Server 2003 SP2/SP3 and above
- Google, Naver (IMAP/POP3)
- Office 365
- Hotmail
- Outlook.com
- Other servers that support Exchange ActiveSync : IBM Notes Traveler, Groupwise, Kerio, Zimbra, Horde, IceWarp, MDaemon, etc.
We’re definitely looking forward to seeing what Samsung has in store for us in 2017 from both a hardware and software perspective. I for one am hoping they have a very prosperous 2017, Android needs someone to keep pushing the limits, sometimes that may not always go so well but that doesn’t mean you stop trying.
You can grab the app from the Playstore using the links below.
If samsung is heading into AI that can only be a good thing in my book ,
more Competition has to be a win for us and better Products.