Samsung's Galaxy AI Features Expand to Older Flagships, Leaving S22 Owners in the Dark

Galaxy AI rollout
Samsung's latest Galaxy S24 series has unveiled a suite of innovative AI-powered features promising an elevated user experience. While these features are currently exclusive to the new models, there's promising news for owners of select older flagships.

In an exclusive interview with TechRadar, Patrick Chomet, Samsung’s Head of Customer Experience, has confirmed that certain 2023 flagship devices will receive the new Galaxy AI features.

Eligible Devices and Rollout Schedule:

Chomet confirmed that the Galaxy S23, S23 FE, Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5, and Tab S9 are set to receive the Galaxy AI features through the One UI 6.1 update in the first half of 2024. This update promises to introduce a suite of AI-powered enhancements for a more enriched user experience.

However, a notable exclusion from this list is the Galaxy S22 series, despite their eligibility for the One UI 6.1 update. Chomet did not provide a clear explanation for this omission, stating only that the initial rollout is "limiting" itself to last-gen devices "for now."

Eligible Devices and Rollout Schedule

Uncertainty for Galaxy S22 Owners:

This decision has left Galaxy S22 owners in a state of uncertainty, as they remain unsure whether they will eventually access the full potential of their devices. Chomet's vague response provides no concrete timeline or guarantee for S22 users, leaving them in limbo regarding the anticipated Galaxy AI features.

Adding to the confusion is the inclusion of the Galaxy S23 FE in the rollout, a device equipped with the same chipset as the S22 in some regions. While there is a possibility that S22 owners might receive Galaxy AI features in the future, Samsung has not clarified the specifics.

Galaxy AI Features Overview:

Here's a quick overview of the Galaxy AI features that are set to enhance the user experience for the mentioned devices:

Galaxy AI Features Overview

1. Circle to Search: Users can draw a circle around an object or text on the screen, instantly providing more information about it.

2. Live Translation: Real-time translation of spoken and written content, both online and offline, facilitating communication in different languages and translating various types of content.

3. Chat Assistant: Seamlessly translates messages during chat without the need to switch between languages, enhancing communication across language barriers.

4. Note Assistant: Summarizes and organizes notes for easier review and retrieval, streamlining the note-taking process.

5. Voice Recording Assistant: Converts voice recordings into text with speaker identification, offering transcripts, translations, and summarizations of key points.

Verdict:

While Samsung's move to extend Galaxy AI features to older flagships is a welcome development, the exclusion of the Galaxy S22 series raises questions about the company's strategy. As S22 owners await further clarification, the exciting capabilities introduced with the Galaxy S24 series remain uncertain for these users. Samsung's decision to prioritize last-gen devices in the initial rollout leaves us anticipating updates and potential expansion to more devices in the future.

(Via)