Samsung unveiled its latest flagship Galaxy S24 models, providing a glimpse into the future of smartphones. With its focus on artificial intelligence (AI), Samsung aims to usher in a new era where AI takes center stage. The Galaxy S24 line-up boasts a range of new AI-powered features, including live translation during phone calls, Google’s “Circle To Search” functionality, and advanced image manipulation capabilities. These technological advancements also come with a higher price tag, with the Galaxy S24 Ultra priced at $1,300 – an 8% increase from last year’s model. On the other hand, the Galaxy S24 Plus maintains the same price as its predecessor at $1,000, while the basic Galaxy S24 starts at $800.
Samsung’s push for AI in smartphones aligns with Google’s own efforts to infuse AI into its Pixel phones. The introduction of Google’s “Circle To Search” tool allows users to circle snippets of text or parts of photos/videos, instantly obtaining search results related to the highlighted content. While both Samsung and Google compete in the sale of mobile devices, they collaborate through their reliance on Google’s Android operating system.
With this head start in AI, Samsung has the opportunity to gain an advantage in a market where it has lost ground to Apple. The use of AI in smartphones is expected to have broad implications on productivity, creativity, and privacy. As smartphones become more intelligent, they may eventually provide users with summaries of their day or listen to conversations throughout the day. However, concerns about privacy and data ownership may arise as smartphones collect more information. Samsung is addressing these concerns by highlighting that AI features can be kept on the device, with some applications requiring connections to data centers in the cloud. Additionally, Samsung emphasizes the security of on-device activities through its “Samsung Knox” security.
As smartphones evolve to become AI assistants in users’ pockets, younger generations are likely to embrace these capabilities more readily. Millennials and Gen Z, who have grown up in the mobile-computing era, may prioritize the benefits of AI over privacy and security concerns. However, older generations may have reservations about leveraging AI to its full potential. The integration of AI into smartphones is expected to continue shaping the future of mobile technology, offering new possibilities for users worldwide.