Samsung to Acquire UK-Based AI Startup Oxford Semantic Technologies

Samsung to acquire UK-based knowledge graph startup Oxford Semantic Technologies | TechCrunch

Samsung's busy feeding its AI ambitions for its consumer devices. Earlier this year, the electronics giant said it would bring its Galaxy AI and Google's AI model Gemini to its products, including its flagship smartphone, the Galaxy 24, and just last week, the company unveiled the latest versions of its two-foldable phones -- the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6 -- each of which feature Galaxy AI and Google Gemini prominently. Now, Samsung is adding knowledge graphs to beef up its AI offerings. The Korean tech giant said on Thursday that it will acquire Oxford Semantic Technologies, a U.K.-based knowledge graph startup that has built an AI reasoning engine that can be deployed on edge devices, for an undisclosed amount. Spun out of the University of Oxford, the startup was founded in 2017 by professors Ian Horrocks, Boris Motik and Bernardo Cuenca Grau. The company says its knowledge graph and semantic reasoning engine, RDFox, can process an organization's data into machine-readable knowledge that it can then use to provide better user experiences like improved search results and recommendations using rules-based AI. Knowledge graphs utilize a graph structure to organize and represent data on real-world entities like people, objects, events, scenarios and concepts, as well as to indicate their relationships. Google, for example, has been using the technology to power its search results, particularly its knowledge panel. Oxford Semantic Technologies said its software helps companies improve data processing and support advanced reasoning both in the cloud and on edge devices. The startup says its applications range from aiding in medical diagnoses to integrating maps for autonomous vehicle safety, detecting financial crimes, and suggesting product configurations. The acquisition gives Samsung access to the startup's AI and personal knowledge graph engines that, it said in a statement, will let it bring together scattered information and context from different services and applications to provide a personalized user experience while keeping data secured on-device. Samsung added that the technology is applicable not just to mobile devices but all of its products, such as televisions and home appliances. Samsung is an existing investor in Oxford Semantic via its venture arm, and has been working with the startup on various projects since 2018. Oxford Science Enterprises is also an investor in the firm. "We are delighted to be working with Samsung," said Peter Crocker, CEO of Oxford Semantic Technologies, in a statement. "By integrating Samsung's expertise in user experience and data with our advanced knowledge graph and reasoning technology, we will provide Samsung's customers with even more sophisticated personalization. In addition, developing RDFox with Samsung, and being part of the larger group, will provide all of our clients with an even better product, service and support."

Samsung buys UK startup to boost 'personalised AI experiences'

Founded in 2017, Oxford Semantic specialises in knowledge graphs, which integrate and analyse data. The technology powers countless applications, from voice assistants to search engines. Oxford Semantic baked knowledge graphs into a product called RDFox, which the company describes as an "AI reasoning engine." The system supports an array of use cases, from recommendation engines to anomaly detection in transactions. For Samsung, the software provides a chance to develop sophisticated and personalised AI solutions. The company will use the knowledge graphs to integrate information and context from various services and apps. By fusing all this data, devices can become "increasingly familiar with users' preferences and usage," Samsung said on Thursday. The conglomerate plans to integrate the software "across all of Samsung's products," from phones to TV and home appliances. "As global consumers realise their growing need for more personalised AI experiences, the acquisition of Oxford Semantic Technologies will further boost Samsung's strong capabilities in knowledge engineering," said Paul Kyungwhoon Cheun, CTO of Samsung Electronics. The takeover culminates a long relationship between the two companies, which first collaborated back in 2018. A year later, Samsung led a £3mn investment round in the University of Oxford spinout. Samsung didn't disclose the price of the full acquisition, which extends a recent spree of European startup sales. Just last week, US chip giant AMD bought Finnish company Silo AI, while Japanese tech group SoftBank bought British semiconductor firm Graphcore. For Europe, the takeovers show the struggles to keep tech leaders in the continent. But for Oxford Semantic, the new deal provides a big platform for growth. Peter Crocker, the startup's CEO, said the tie-up would boost the development and reach of his company's tech. "By integrating Samsung's expertise in user experience and data with our advanced knowledge graph and reasoning technology, we will provide Samsung's customers with even more sophisticated personalisation," he said. "In addition, developing RDFox with Samsung, and being part of the larger group, will provide all of our clients with an even better product, service and support."

Samsung acquires British knowledge graph tech startup for AI - ET Telecom

Seoul: Samsung said on Thursday it has acquired the British artificial intelligence (AI) and knowledge graph tech startup Oxford Semantic Technologies in a bid to strengthen its in-device AI capabilities. The South Korean tech giant did not disclose financial terms of the deal, reports Yonhap news agency. Established in 2017 by Oxford University professors Ian Horrocks, Boris Motik and Bernardo Cuenca Grau, Oxford Semantic Technologies specialises in cutting-edge knowledge representation and semantic reasoning technology. Knowledge graph technology, which stores information as an interconnected web of related ideas, processes data similarly to human memory and reasoning. This technology is crucial for developing sophisticated and personalised AI solutions by integrating and connecting personal data on habits and usage patterns. Oxford Semantic Technologies has successfully commercialised its knowledge graph technology, optimising data processing and enabling advanced reasoning both in the cloud and on-device. Its AI-centric engine, RDFox, collaborates with organisations across Europe and North America in sectors such as finance, manufacturing and e-commerce. Samsung said that Oxford Semantic Technologies' expertise in knowledge graphs will significantly enhance its on-device AI technology, particularly in the latest Galaxy S24 smartphone series. This integration aims to offer a more personalised user experience while securing personal data on the device. The technology will also be applicable across Samsung Electronics' extensive product range, from mobile devices to TVs and home appliances.

Samsung to acquire British AI startup Oxford Semantic

Samsung Electronics (OTCPK:SSNLF) is acquiring U.K.-based startup Oxford Semantic Technologies, which specializes in knowledge graph technology. The South Korean tech giant did not disclose the terms of the deal. The acquisition of the startup's technology is expected to provide ultra-personalized experiences by combining with Samsung's on-device AI technology. Samsung said knowledge graph technology stores information as an interconnected web of related ideas and process data, similar to humans' reasoning process. The technology enhances the understanding of how people use a product or service and enables information retrieval and recommendation. It is considered a key technology for realizing sophisticated and personalized AI solutions, according to Samsung. Oxford Semantic Technologies has developed and commercialized knowledge graph technology which optimizes data processing and enables advanced reasoning, in the cloud and on-device, Samsung noted. Samsung added that, combined with on-device AI technology, such as that on the company's Galaxy S24 series smartphones, personal knowledge graph technology enables personalized user experiences while ensuring sensitive personal data remains secure on the device. "As global consumers realize their growing need for more personalized AI experiences, the acquisition of Oxford Semantic Technologies will further boost Samsung's strong capabilities in knowledge engineering," said Paul Kyungwhoon Cheun, head of Samsung Research and chief technology officer of Samsung. Samsung has been collaborating with the British startup on several projects since 2018, including investment of Samsung Ventures. Oxford Semantic is a spin out of the University of Oxford by academics in the field of knowledge representation and reasoning. With its software RDFox, the startup helps companies across sectors to integrate diverse data sets and apply reasoning to them.

Samsung to acquire UK knowledge graph startup to upgrade Galaxy AI

Applying knowledge graph technology to its on-device AI will offer "hyper-personalized" experiences for users, Samsung says. Samsung said on Thursday that it has agreed to acquire Oxford Semantic Technologies, a UK-based startup with knowledge graph technology. The South Korean tech giant said combining such technology with its on-device AI like those on the Galaxy S24 series will deliver "hyper-personalized" user experiences while personal data remains secure on the device. The company didn't share the specifics of the deal. Also: The 45+ best Prime Day 2024 tablet deals: Last chance savings Knowledge graph technology stores information like an interconnected web of related ideas and process data similarly to how humans acquire, remember, recall, and reason knowledge, Samsung said. This enhances the understanding of how people use products and services, which enables rapid information retrieval and recommendation, the company said. Also: Samsung's S95D OLED is the best TV of CES 2024 and best in the world right now Oxford Semantic Technologies, founded in 2017, offers its technology in the form of its AI engines dubbed RDFox which can be applied to devices to boost their on-device AI capabilities, Samsung said, adding that it has been working with the startup since 2018. The graphs offered by these engines integrate information and context across various services and apps, Samsung noted, which allows it to craft a user experience that is tailor-made for the user by becoming increasingly familiar with their preferences and usage. The South Korean tech giant said it plans to apply the engine on its mobile devices, TVs, and home appliances. The introduction of Galaxy AI gave a much-needed boost in sales for the Galaxy S series in Samsung's latest entry, as hardware improvements for smartphones reach its limitations which has hampered growth in the premium sector in recent years. AI can be that new growth propeller, so Samsung will be looking to improve Galaxy AI further. Also: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 vs Z Fold 5: Which premium model should you buy? However, while the popularity of AI is real, what kind of business models companies can find from it is still an open question. Subscription is a possibility, but Samsung will need to justify it with content and services. Additionally, AI improvements inevitably requires data collection which raises security concerns. On-device AI, by processing data on the device end rather than going through the cloud, has been proposed as a solution that concern. And who offers more devices than Samsung?

Samsung's Galaxy AI might soon get really good at knowing what you want

Summary Samsung acquires UK-based Oxford Semantic Technologies, enhancing its AI capabilities with cutting-edge knowledge representation tools. The collaboration aims to improve personalized AI experiences across Samsung's devices, from smartphones to home appliances. Knowledge graphs store user behaviors for improved understanding, which could enable Galaxy AI to anticipate needs and offer tailored suggestions. Samsung hasn't shied away from acquiring other companies to improve its products and services. It acquired Dacor back in 2016, followed by Harman International to beef up its audio and connected car tech. In 2019, the South Korean tech giant got its hands on Israel-based company Corephotonics for roughly $155 million, best known for developing powerful lenses with optical zoom. Now, it appears as though Samsung intends to beef up several of its AI offerings by acquiring a startup that specializes in knowledge graph technology. Related Samsung said to acquire Israeli dual-camera expert Corephotonics The tech giant announced in a new blog the acquisition of UK-based Oxford Semantic Technologies, established in 2017. The startup specializes in the areas of "knowledge representation and semantic reasoning," and this isn't its first hurrah with Samsung. The two have collaborated on various projects since 2018. However, with the startup now under its wings, Samsung will be able to employ a range of the startups' tools to better its services, like its RDFox reasoning engine. Specifically designed for edge devices, the engine can transform an organization's data into a machine-readable format, which should in turn help Samsung improve its AI models' capabilities. Its knowledge graph capabilities can store information in a way that resembles how "humans acquire, remember, recall and reason over knowledge," reads Samsung's blog post. By storing data this way, the technology can better understand user behavior, and as such, "it is considered one of the key technologies for realizing more sophisticated and personalized AI solutions," for the tech giant's range of products, from its current-gen flagship smartphones to its TVs and home appliances. Imagine your daily smartphone usage habits, including the apps you use, what duration you use them for, what music you like, etc. Knowledge graphs can store this information, and essentially connect the dots between them. Having that understanding, an upgraded version of Galaxy AI might be able to anticipate your needs and give you personalized suggestions, like opening the news app for you at a specific time during the day, proactively suggesting playing music when it detects you're at the gym, or playing a podcast during your commute back from work. Potential Galaxy AI boost incoming? Related Google is making its best AI tools more useful for foldables, including the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Google might be Samsung's secret sauce Google is making strides with Gemini, and although we haven't personally seen Apple Intelligence in action, the Cupertino-based tech giant's WWDC presentation gave us a good idea of its prowess. This could be Samsung's attempt at upgrading its own suite of features, considering that it still relies on Google for some of its top AI features. Combining its user experience expertise with the startup's tools could be a way for the South Korean tech giant to create personalized experiences across its lineup of devices and services. "As global consumers realize their growing need for more personalized AI experiences, the acquisition of Oxford Semantic Technologies will further boost Samsung's strong capabilities in knowledge engineering," said Paul Kyungwhoon Cheun, CTO of Samsung Electronics. "This acquisition is another important step forward as we strive to deliver tailor-made AI experiences built upon our hallmark technological innovation." Oxford Semantic Technologies, on the other hand, also sees this as a win-win partnership, where it can receive resources as part of a larger group to further develop and better its technology. Related 10 best Galaxy AI features every Samsung owner should try From writing assist to live call translate

Samsung Electronics : Announces Acquisition of Oxford Semantic Technologies, UK-Based Knowledge Graph Startup

Expected to provide ultra-personalized experiences by combining with Samsung's on-device AI technology Samsung Electronics today announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire Oxford Semantic Technologies, a UK startup specializing in knowledge graph technology. Established in 2017 by three Oxford University professors - Ian Horrocks, Boris Motik and Bernardo Cuenca Grau - Oxford Semantic Technologies holds cutting-edge technological capabilities in the areas of knowledge representation and semantic reasoning. With its AI-centric engine, RDFox®, the company currently collaborates with organizations across Europe and North America involved in the finance, manufacturing and e-commerce sectors. Knowledge graph technology stores information as an interconnected web of related ideas and process data in a manner similar to how humans acquire, remember, recall and reason over knowledge. By integrating and connecting data, this technology enhances the understanding of how people use a product or service and enables rapid information retrieval and recommendation. As such, it is considered one of the key technologies for realizing more sophisticated and personalized AI solutions. Knowledge graph technology is challenging to implement due to the complex computations used in the process of converting dynamic and extensive real-world data into knowledge graphs and utilizing them. However, Oxford Semantic Technologies has developed and successfully commercialized knowledge graph technology that optimizes data processing and enables advanced reasoning, in the cloud and on-device. Samsung Electronics has been collaborating with Oxford Semantic Technologies on various projects since 2018, including investment of Samsung Ventures. With this acquisition, Samsung will secure advanced core engines for personal knowledge graphs. 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. Combined with on-device AI technology, such as that on Samsung's Galaxy S24 series, personal knowledge graph technology facilitates hyper-personalized user experiences while ensuring sensitive personal data remains secure on the device. It will be applicable across all of Samsung's products, extending beyond just mobile devices to televisions and home appliances. "We are delighted to be working with Samsung," said Peter Crocker, CEO of Oxford Semantic Technologies. "By integrating Samsung's expertise in user experience and data with our advanced knowledge graph and reasoning technology, we will provide Samsung's customers with even more sophisticated personalization. In addition, developing RDFox with Samsung, and being part of the larger group, will provide all of our clients with an even better product, service and support." "As global consumers realize their growing need for more personalized AI experiences, the acquisition of Oxford Semantic Technologies will further boost Samsung's strong capabilities in knowledge engineering," said Paul Kyungwhoon Cheun, Head of Samsung Research and CTO of Samsung Electronics. "This acquisition is another important step forward as we strive to deliver tailor-made AI experiences built upon our hallmark technological innovation."

Samsung Electronics Announces Acquisition of Oxford Semantic Technologies, UK-Based Knowledge Graph Startup

Expected to provide ultra-personalized experiences by combining with Samsung's on-device AI technology Samsung Electronics today announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire Oxford Semantic Technologies, a UK startup specializing in knowledge graph technology. Established in 2017 by three Oxford University professors -- Ian Horrocks, Boris Motik and Bernardo Cuenca Grau -- Oxford Semantic Technologies holds cutting-edge technological capabilities in the areas of knowledge representation and semantic reasoning. With its AI-centric engine, RDFox®, the company currently collaborates with organizations across Europe and North America involved in the finance, manufacturing and e-commerce sectors. Knowledge graph technology stores information as an interconnected web of related ideas and process data in a manner similar to how humans acquire, remember, recall and reason over knowledge. By integrating and connecting data, this technology enhances the understanding of how people use a product or service and enables rapid information retrieval and recommendation. As such, it is considered one of the key technologies for realizing more sophisticated and personalized AI solutions. Knowledge graph technology is challenging to implement due to the complex computations used in the process of converting dynamic and extensive real-world data into knowledge graphs and utilizing them. However, Oxford Semantic Technologies has developed and successfully commercialized knowledge graph technology that optimizes data processing and enables advanced reasoning, in the cloud and on-device. Samsung Electronics has been collaborating with Oxford Semantic Technologies on various projects since 2018, including investment of Samsung Ventures. With this acquisition, Samsung will secure advanced core engines for personal knowledge graphs. 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. Combined with on-device AI technology, such as that on Samsung's Galaxy S24 series, personal knowledge graph technology facilitates hyper-personalized user experiences while ensuring sensitive personal data remains secure on the device. It will be applicable across all of Samsung's products, extending beyond just mobile devices to televisions and home appliances. "We are delighted to be working with Samsung," said Peter Crocker, CEO of Oxford Semantic Technologies. "By integrating Samsung's expertise in user experience and data with our advanced knowledge graph and reasoning technology, we will provide Samsung's customers with even more sophisticated personalization. In addition, developing RDFox with Samsung, and being part of the larger group, will provide all of our clients with an even better product, service and support." "As global consumers realize their growing need for more personalized AI experiences, the acquisition of Oxford Semantic Technologies will further boost Samsung's strong capabilities in knowledge engineering," said Paul Kyungwhoon Cheun, Head of Samsung Research and CTO of Samsung Electronics. "This acquisition is another important step forward as we strive to deliver tailor-made AI experiences built upon our hallmark technological innovation."

Samsung acquires UK start-up to create 'personalised AI'

Samsung has been profiting from its AI focus and plans to use the start-up's knowledge graph technology to create more sophisticated and personalised AI. Samsung has signed an agreement to acquire Oxford Semantic Technologies and plans to use the start-up to enhance its AI offerings. The tech giant plans to use the start-ups technology to provide "hyper-personalised user experiences" on all of its AI products. The financial terms of the proposed deal have not been shared. Oxford Semantic Technologies was founded in 2017 by three professors at the University of Oxford's computer science department. The company is focused on knowledge representation and reasoning - a field of AI study. It involves representing information in ways that will let computer systems make decisions with human-like reasoning. To make this possible, Oxford Semantic Technologies is working on knowledge graph technology - storing information in an interconnected web of related ideas and entities in an attempt to mimic how humans think. The start-up has created its own reasoning engine, RDFox, which it uses to collaborate with various companies in Europe and North America. Samsung says this type of technology enables rapid information retrieval and recommendation and believes it is one of the "key technologies for realising more sophisticated and personalised AI." The tech giant has collaborated with the UK start-up on "various projects" since 2018, but now aims to secure its technology through the acquisition. "By integrating Samsung's expertise in user experience and data with our advanced knowledge graph and reasoning technology, we will provide Samsung's customers with even more sophisticated personalisation," said Oxford Semantic Technologies CEO Peter Crocker. "In addition, developing RDFox with Samsung and being part of the larger group will provide all of our clients with an even better product, service and support." Samsung announced a series of AI upgrades for its latest smartphones earlier this year, which has helped the company regain a lead in the smartphone market. The company also saw its profits surge earlier this year thanks to growing demand for semiconductors. Find out how emerging tech trends are transforming tomorrow with our new podcast, Future Human: The Series. Listen now on Spotify, on Apple or wherever you get your podcasts.

Samsung buys British AI tech startup

SEOUL (AFP) - Samsung Electronics has bought a British startup that develops advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology, the South Korean tech giant said yesterday, as demand for its high-end chips used in artificial intelligence hardware surges. Oxford Semantic Technologies specialises in knowledge graph technology - a more advanced way of storing complex information in a web - Samsung said in a statement. It added that it expected to use the technology "not only in mobile devices but also in a wide range of products, including TVs and home appliances, in the future". Samsung did not disclose the value of the deal. From generative capabilities such as writing texts from brief instructions to simultaneous translation of phone conversations, tech titans are in a frantic race to more fully deploy AI technology in smartphones and other consumer products. Samsung Electronics is the world's biggest producer of memory chips, including versions used in top-of-the-line AI hardware from industry leaders. The firm is also one of the world's biggest smartphone makers, and the latest models it unveiled in January are powered by its own Galaxy AI tech. Samsung last week showcased new deployments of AI across a range of its consumer electronic products, from wireless headphones to smartwatches and health and fitness tracking rings. It also unveiled the latest generation of its AI-packed folding phones. The South Korean tech giant recently predicted a more than 15-fold increase in its on-year second-quarter operating profits.

Samsung buys Oxford Semantic and its knowledge graph tech

Oxford Semantic could help your fridge and smartphone pick up on your proclivities Samsung announced the acquisition of UK knowledge graph startup Oxford Semantic Technologies on Thursday, to boost its AI smarts and offer more personalized experiences and content on its devices. Oxford Semantic Technologies (OST) specializes in the knowledge graphs - a database tech that stores and organizes data as an interconnected web of related ideas and entities, much like humans do, enabling rapid retrieval of information and recommendations. Its flagship product is called RDFox - billed as the world's fastest knowledge graph and semantic reasoning engine. "As such, it is considered one of the key technologies for realizing more sophisticated and personalized AI solutions," Samsung enthused. The Korean giant noted Oxford Semantic's product "optimizes data processing and enables advanced reasoning" on devices and in the cloud, helping smartphones and other gadgets to become "increasingly familiar with users' preferences and usage." That ability fits nicely with Samsung's stated plans to bring better AI to its Bixby virtual assistant, which it last week revealed will soon be upgraded with its own AI models as part of a broader strategy. Samsung asserted that Oxford Semantic's products will be applicable across its range - and specifically named mobiles, televisions and home appliances. Samsung has collaborated with the startup since 2018 - only a year after it was established as a spin-out from the University of Oxford, where its founding team had toiled on its tech since 2011. The Korean giant had also invested in the Oxford outfit. According to Oxford Semantic CEO Peter Crocker, Samsung has been involved in the development of RDFox, which it describes on LinkedIn as underpinned by "patented modern computing techniques" that enable it to "deliver responses to complex queries on the fly." This deal is the second acquisition of a British tech outfit by a major Asia-based entity in the last week, after Japan's SoftBank acquired struggling AI chip house Graphcore for an unspecified sum. ®

Samsung Electronics buys British AI tech startup

A visitors checks a display with Samsung products during the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event to unveil the next generation of AI-powered Galaxy phones at the Carrousel du Louvre shopping mall in Paris on July 10, 2024. -- AFP Samsung Electronics has bought a British startup that develops advanced AI technology, the South Korean tech giant said on Thursday, as demand for its high-end chips used in artificial intelligence hardware surges. Oxford Semantic Technologies specialises in knowledge graph technology -- a more advanced way of storing complex information in a web -- Samsung said in a statement. It added that it expected to use the technology "not only in mobile devices but also in a wide range of products, including TVs and home appliances, in the future". Samsung did not disclose the value of the deal. From generative capabilities such as writing texts from brief instructions to simultaneous translation of phone conversations, tech titans are in a frantic race to more fully deploy AI technology in smartphones and other consumer products. The purchase of Oxford Semantic marks the latest move by Samsung to strengthen its AI offerings. The South Korean tech giant recently predicted a more than 15-fold increase in its on-year second-quarter operating profits.

Samsung's latest acquisition will be a big boost for Galaxy AI

"By integrating and connecting data, this technology enhances the understanding of how people use a product or service and enables rapid information retrieval and recommendation. As such, it is considered one of the key technologies for realizing more sophisticated and personalized AI solutions," Samsung explained. Oxford Semantic Technologies says RDFox is the only knowledge graph that can run in memory, enabling faster performance. The startup also claimed it was the only "enterprise-grade" knowledge graph that could run on mobile devices, citing the product's efficiency and footprint. Needless to say, a small footprint, the ability to reside in RAM, and great efficiency are all key for responsive on-device AI features on smartphones.