Samsung has acquired Oxford Semantic Technologies, a UK-based startup specializing in artificial intelligence (AI), data processing, and knowledge graph technology. The Korean conglomerate plans to use the firm’s technologies to improve Galaxy AI. It has been already collaborating with the startup on various projects since 2018.
Oxford Semantic Technologies will help Samsung elevate Galaxy AI experiences
Founded in 2017 by three Oxford University professors, Oxford Semantic Technologies offers cutting-edge technologies in the areas of knowledge representation and semantic reasoning. “Transform data and knowledge into fast and accurate answers to complex questions,” the firm’s official website says on the home page. “Rules-based artificial intelligence powered by human-like reasoning and the highest performing knowledge graph technology.”
Knowledge graph technology organizes information as a web of related ideas, similar to how humans think and remember. It integrates and connects data, improving the understanding of how people use a product or service. This enables quick information retrieval and better recommendations. It is a key technology for realizing sophisticated and personalized AI solutions. Unsurprisingly, developing and implementing this technology is challenging.
The technology requires complex computations to convert extensive real-world data into usable knowledge graphs. Oxford Semantic Technologies has developed and commercialized this technology. Its AI-centric engine, RDFox, is already used by organizations globally. It offers optimized data processing and advanced reasoning for both cloud and on-device services. The firm has customers from various sectors, including finance, manufacturing, and e-commerce.
Samsung says it acquired Oxford Semantic Technologies the firm to gain deeper access to its technologies and solutions. “With this acquisition, Samsung will secure advanced core engines for personal knowledge graphs, the company said in a press release. “These graphs integrate information and context dispersed across various services and apps, crafting a user experience that is tailor-made by becoming increasingly familiar with users’ preferences and usage.”
The Korean firm aims to combine Oxford Semantic Technologies’ solutions with on-device AI technology. It believes this combination will facilitate hyper-personalized AI user experiences for Galaxy users while keeping sensitive personal data secure on the device. Samsung says the goal is to expand personal knowledge graph technology and Galaxy AI beyond mobile devices. It also plans to bring hyper-personalized AI experiences to TVs, home appliances, and more.
Samsung has already brought AI to a wide range of mobile devices
Introduced with the Galaxy S24 series in January, Samsung’s Galaxy AI suite of AI features is now available for high-end smartphones, foldables, tablets, smartwatches, and wireless earbuds. The company plans to supercharge over 200 million Galaxy devices with AI by the end of 2024. With the help of Oxford Semantic Technologies, we might soon see AI capabilities on other Samsung products. The two firms didn’t reveal the terms of the acquisition.