Investment in Killer Contents
Samsung Electronics is increasing its investment on start-ups related to future-oriented sectors such as deep learning, artificial intelligence (AI), and robots. In particular, it is focusing on strengthening the AR emoji function, the killer contents of Galaxy S9.
According to the industry sources on May 8, Samsung Venture Investment, an investment subsidiary of Samsung Electronics, invested US$3 million for seed round on Loom.AI, a start-up located in San Francisco, opening its additional investment in the future.
Loom.AI has the technology of creating 3D avatars based on real human faces using computer vision technology and visual effects. The avatars that are made from human faces move real-time on the mobile phone. This is the basic technology of AR emoji on Galaxy S9 series.
Experts analyze this move of Samsung as an investment with a well thought-out plan. Earlier Loom.AI signed an agreement to provide AR emoji for Galaxy S9 series. Samsung’s recent investment on Loom.AI is likely to accelerate cooperation between the two companies.
A similar function was presented by Apple last year when it released Animoji with Iphone X. The difference is that Animoji uses TrueDepth camera, a system that recognizes user’s face in 3D and conducts mapping, and changes user’s face into an animal character.
Samsung Electronics is set to broaden the use of AR technology. According to Patently Mobile, a website specializing in IT patents, Samsung Electronics recently acquired a patent that uses 3D avatars based on real human faces. It enables users to use AR emoji during video chatting.
Loom.AI plans to expand its use of this technology in communication, entertainment, and e-commerce.