Samsung Unveils Next Generation of Galaxy Phones Packed with AI Features

Samsung, the biggest rival to Apple and its iPhone, has provided a glimpse into the future of smartphones with the unveiling of its next generation of flagship Galaxy models. The Galaxy S24 lineup boasts a range of new features powered by artificial intelligence (AI), signaling a new era where AI takes center stage in smartphones.

Drew Blackard, Samsung's vice president of mobile product management, stated, "We are ushering in a new era where AI is taking center stage." The new Galaxy phones will feature Samsung's own advancements in AI as well as the latest innovations from Google.

One of the key features of the Galaxy S24 lineup is live translation during phone calls in 13 languages and 17 dialects. This feature will enable seamless communication between people speaking different languages. Additionally, the phones will introduce Google's "Circle To Search," allowing users to circle snippets of text, parts of photos, or videos to get instant search results. This tool will be particularly useful for quick and efficient information retrieval.

Furthermore, the new Galaxy phones will offer enhanced capabilities for manipulating the appearance and placement of specific parts of pictures taken on the devices' cameras. While this feature will enable users to refine their photos, it also raises concerns about the potential for creating misleading images.

Samsung's top-of-the-line phone, the Galaxy S24 Ultra, will see a $100 increase in price compared to last year's model, mirroring Apple's pricing strategy for its highest-end iPhone. The Galaxy S24 Plus will maintain its price at $1,000, while the basic Galaxy S24 will start at $800.

The increasing use of AI in smartphones is part of a broader trend in the industry. Google, for example, has been infusing its latest Pixel phones with more AI capabilities, including the ability to alter the appearance of photos. The company is also rolling out the Circle To Search tool to its Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro phones, with plans to expand it to other Android devices later this year.

Samsung's strategic focus on AI could give the company an advantage over Apple, as it has a head start in making AI technology more ubiquitous. Samsung aims to impress consumers with "magic and invisible experiences" by seamlessly integrating AI into their devices, according to Forrester Research analyst Thomas Husson.

While AI advancements in smartphones offer exciting possibilities for productivity and creativity, they also raise concerns about privacy. Todd Lohr, U.S. technology consulting leader for KPMG, predicts that smartphones will become more intelligent and may eventually provide users with a summary of their day. However, this poses challenges in terms of data ownership and privacy.

To address these concerns, Samsung emphasizes that the AI features can be kept on the device, and on-device activity will be protected by its “Samsung Knox” security. This reassurance is crucial as the integration of AI technology becomes more prevalent in smartphones.

Michael Kokotajlo, KPMG's digital transformation partner of telecommunications, believes that smartphones are on the path to becoming "AI assistants in people's pockets." He predicts that younger generations, such as Millennials and Gen Z, will readily adopt these AI capabilities, while older generations may have more concerns about privacy and leveraging the technology.

The new Galaxy phones, packed with AI features, will hit stores on January 31st, providing users with a glimpse into the future of smartphones and the potential impact of AI on their daily lives.