Samsung said it will integrate the AI platform, called Viv, into the Galaxy smartphones and expand voice-assistant services to home appliances and wearable technology devices. It is not clear how much Samsung paid for the outfit.

Google is widely considered to be the leader in mobile AI, but others including Amazon.com, Apple and Microsoft have also launched their own offerings including voice-powered digital assistants.

Viv could help the Korean firm shore up its competitiveness at a time when Google's new Pixel smartphones threatens Samsung and other smartphone makers who are largely reliant on the Android.

Samung VP Rhee In-jong said that Viv brings in a very unique technology to allow Samsung to have an open system where any third-party service and content providers (can) add their services to our devices' interfaces.  He added that Samsung will be buying other AI technology.

He said that Samsung needs to "really revolutionize" how its devices operate, moving towards using voice rather than simply touch. It is not possible to innovate using only in-house technology.

Viv chief executive and co-founder Dag Kittlaus, a Siri co-creator, and other top managers at the firm will continue managing the business independently following the acquisition.