When Samsung presented its latest generation of smartphones and wearables at the Galaxy Unpacked event in Paris last week, the focus was primarily on the further development of mobile AI technology. Supported by a far-reaching strategic partnership with Google, the inherent social implications of these innovations should also be a significant factor for the South Korean tech group. Because if Samsung has its way, the increasingly diverse and everyday device integration of AI will completely redefine the way users interact with technology. Communication between people in particular should benefit from this in the future, as will individual productivity and creativity. An ambitious vision, embedded in intelligent and elegant product design.
It is well known that the limits of what (mobile) artificial intelligence can achieve are currently being constantly redefined. Galaxy AI, as Samsung calls the brand’s own solution, was developed in close collaboration with Google and aims to play a pioneering role in this area. The company is focusing in particular on a »human-centered approach« that sounds almost a little world-improving, as Won-Joon Choi, Executive Vice President and Head of the Mobile R&D Office at Samsung, explains: »Our users are now experiencing the tangible benefits of Galaxy AI innovated to provide an entirely human-centric mobile AI experience – and that was just the beginning. Within months we have democratized Galaxy AI, extending access to more models and form factors . An experience that has the potential to change lives.«
The sleek and elegant Galaxy Ring made of lightweight titanium: a health and fitness tracker that measures sleep quality, heart rate and breathing rate, analyzes them with AI and makes recommendations based on them.
Samsung’s vision of such socially beneficial AI is therefore particularly aimed at improving people’s quality of life through technological progress. In this context, the tech group is currently also referring to a study conducted in collaboration with Goldsmiths University of London. Study showing significant correlations between the use of mobile AI and quality of life indicators such as creativity, productivity, physical health and social relationships. Study director Dr. Chris Brauer, also one of the speakers at the current Galaxy Unpacked product presentation, emphasizes: »What we’re showing today is just a snapshot. It’s the first stage of exploring and understanding the relationship between AI and indicators we know correlate to a person’s life quality.«
As concrete application examples, Samsung presents, among other things, the Live Translate and Interpreter features, which are designed to eliminate possible language barriers (even without Internet access) and thus improve global networking and understanding. A truly democratizing innovation (leaving aside the disruptive variable of the device prices) with a wide range of potential applications. Galaxy AI also promises to have a positive impact in other areas – namely in increasing productivity and creativity. Functions such as Circle to Search and Note Assist really do represent a significant leap forward in terms of information retrieval and management, while AI tools such as Generative Edit and Sketch to Image offer users innovative ways to express their creativity.
The new Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 impresses with a symmetrical design characterized by clear lines and straight edges.
In addition to the AI functions mentioned as examples, Samsung has once again demonstrated a flair for functional and stylish elegance in the design of its new products. The folding design of the flagships Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6 in the latest generation is even more aesthetically pleasing and of higher quality. The Galaxy Z Fold6, with its symmetrical design and straight edges, is now lighter and significantly slimmer than its predecessors, which should improve both the look and user comfort. With a weight of just 239 grams and a thickness of 12.1 mm when folded, it offers a more compact design despite a larger screen. The improved width of the screen also makes it much easier to use when folded.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 offers a range of AI-supported functions that can also be activated and controlled directly via the front display.
The Galaxy Z Flip6, which is now also slightly lighter and thinner than its predecessor, scores particularly well with its 50 megapixel camera for truly impressive image quality and also offers innovative functions such as AI-supported portraits and night shots, which enable clear and detailed photos even in poor lighting conditions. The practical front display has also been further developed and now enables a number of the aforementioned AI-supported functions without users having to open their smartphone.
The microphones of the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 series analyze sound and ambient noise in real time, improving sound quality and active noise cancellation.
The new Galaxy Buds3 Pro also offer a revised design with improved durability and sound quality. With intelligent noise cancellation, they provide a first-class listening experience, while the improved fit and lightweight design ensure comfort even when worn for long periods. Exciting Galaxy AI use cases are also waiting here – for example, the Interpreter function can be used in combination with a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 or Galaxy Z Flip6 and simultaneous translation can be activated.
The new Galaxy Watch Ultra also offers a bold design – at least for a smartwatch – and a whole range of AI-based functions that analyze sleep, heart rate and (sports) activities, among other things.
With the latest generation of foldable and wearable products now presented, Samsung is definitely demonstrating its current innovative strength, not least of course thanks to its close cooperation with the global driving force Google. Given the ever-increasing pace of innovation in AI, it will be interesting to see what the near future holds and what impact the South Korean tech pioneer’s somewhat idealistic-sounding visions for responsible and human-centered technological progress will ultimately have. (Mobile) Artificial intelligence entirely in the name of positive and inclusive social change sounds almost too perfect a utopia. [Red.]
