“Samsung Electronics unveiled its latest line of premium smartphones on Wednesday, incorporating multiple AI functions, including real-time translation of phone calls in different languages, in a bid to rival Apple.
After facing a decline in smartphone shipments compared to Apple in 2023, Samsung aims to compete by offering advanced AI features in its premium Galaxy S24 models. The new smartphones introduce a two-way voice translation feature for live phone calls conducted in two languages, making the Galaxy S24 series the first to provide this capability. Supporting 13 languages, the on-device AI function is powered by Samsung’s generative AI training.
Additional features include a “circle-to-search” function that allows users to search for any part of an image on the screen using Google. The phones also incorporate AI translation, message tone adjustment (casual, formal, business, or social media), AI summaries, translation of voice recordings, “generative editing” for photos, and a real-time video slow-motion feature achieved by using AI to fill in non-existent frames.
On-device AI refers to generative AI functions that are downloaded to each user’s device after being trained, eliminating the need to connect to the cloud. Companies like Qualcomm and Samsung emphasize the security of on-device AI for personal information, as it doesn’t require sending data to the cloud.
Although only 5% of smartphones shipped in 2024 are expected to be AI-capable, Canalys forecasts this number to grow to 45% by 2027. While generative AI on devices has the potential to significantly impact the smartphone market in terms of user experience, it may not immediately influence smartphone purchases. According to Jene Park, Senior Analyst at Counterpoint, the impact will become more significant over time as generative AI functions incorporate more and better data.
The Galaxy S24 series is set to be available for purchase starting January 31. In the United States, the base Galaxy S24 will be priced from $799, while the higher-specification versions, S24 Plus and S24 Ultra, will be priced from $999 and $1,299, respectively. Samsung has maintained the prices of the base model and Plus at the same level as last year, with a $100 increase for the Ultra model.”
