Citing an unnamed Samsung Electronics official in the US, the report said, the Korean tech giant has recently decided to earmark at least US$1 billion to acquire AI tech companies or stakes in the firms. From left are VIV Labs' Vice President Adam Cheyer, VIV Labs' CEO Dag Kittlaus and Samsung Electronics' Vice President Rhee In-jong at a news conference held in Seoul in November last year. Samsung acquired the Silicon Valley-based AI platform company in October. "Despite several recent deals, the management pointed out the company still needed more fundamental investments into AI," an industry source was quoted as saying in the report. Over the past year, Samsung has purchased 10 tech firms, including Harman International, the US car infotainment giant.