What does it take to bring AI to the masses? A large number of everyday gadgets in which to embed the technology certainly helps. Apple’s digital assistant, Siri, was considered a lightweight in AI circles when it appeared five years ago, but it has since become a core service for many iPhone owners. Data from all those users has helped in training the software and making it smarter.

On Wednesday, Samsung joined the AI race with the purchase of Viv, a start-up from the core group of engineers who created Siri. Samsung made 23 per cent of the smartphones shipped in the first half of this year, according to IDC, so it has a ready launch pad for Viv’s smart assistant.

And if voice-responsive intelligence needs nothing more than a microphone and an internet connection, why should not Viv also make the leap into Samsung TVs and the 100m appliances such as fridges it ships each year?