Samsung is said to target first half of 2018 for smart speaker

A customer stands near Samsung logo during Galaxy Note 8 consumer launch event in Jakarta, Indonesia September 29, 2017. REUTERS/Beawiharta

Samsung Electronics Co is aiming to introduce a smart speaker in the first half of 2018, entering a crowded field of voice-controlled devices from Amazon.com Inc, Apple Inc and Alphabet Inc, people briefed on the plans said. 

The device by the South Korean technology giant will have a strong focus on audio quality and the management of connected home appliances such as lights and locks, said the people, who asked not to be identified talking about private plans.