Samsung unveiled several Galaxy AI features during the Galaxy 24 launch event. While some of these features will remain exclusive to the S24 series for hardware-related reasons, others are expected to be introduced to older Galaxy smartphones and tablets through the One UI 6.1 update.
That said, here’s a comprehensive summary of the Galaxy AI features set to roll out to older Galaxy phones:
Communication breakthroughs
- Live Translate: This is arguably the standout feature in the Galaxy AI suite. It translates phone calls in real-time using the Phone app. You can activate it during a call with a tap on the “Call Assist” button. The translated conversation occurs on the device which makes it fast and seamless, and it supports multiple pre-downloaded languages. At the moment, it supports 13 languages in 17 regions across the globe, although you’ll have to download some of them on top of the pre-loaded pack.
- Interpreter: Need face-to-face translation? “Interpreter” acts like a portable translator, listening and displaying translations for both sides of the conversation. Just like the “Conversation” feature in Google Translate, users can select two languages, and the phone takes care of back-and-forth translations, with one side facing you and the other facing the other person. The microphone icon alternates to indicate the speaker. This, too, occurs on the device. Sounds cool, but unfortunately, some of the languages in my bucket list will probably never be added.
Enhanced text tools
- Chat Assist: Built into Samsung Keyboard, this feature can handle several tasks. Within any chat app, “Chat Translation” can translate messages on-device, displaying both the original and translated versions for a comprehensible conversation. On the other hand, “Writing Style” rewrites your text to expand, change tone, or match specific scenarios. The One UI 6.1 update will also keep your spelling and grammar in check through the “Spelling and Grammar” feature.
Smarter notes and recordings
- Note Assist: Samsung Notes gets an AI boost with “Note Assist.” You can summarize notes, reformat them for different uses, or even translate them to another language – all within the Notes app.
- Transcript Assist: Once this feature arrives, you should be able to record things like lectures, interviews, or meetings, and “Transcript Assist” will transcribe them, identify speakers, and even translate the text. Although similar to the Google Pixel Recorder app, the Transcript Assist in One UI 6.1 doesn’t support real-time transcription.
Camera creativity unchained
- Generative Edit: This feature, just like the Magic Editor in Google Pixel 8, lets you manipulate objects in photos. It uses AI to resize, move, or remove objects from photos, with generative AI filling in the gaps left behind. However, unlike other on-device Galaxy AI features, generative editing needs an internet connection.
- Edit Suggestions: This feature analyzes your photos in Samsung Gallery app and proposes improvements like removing reflections when you tap the “info” button, similar to how edits are suggested in Google Photos.
Bonus goodies
- Pixel-inspired AI Wallpapers: Samsung Galaxy S24 comes with Google’s Pixel 8 AI Wallpapers feature that lets users generate wallpapers based on various topics with customization options for colors and objects. Although unconfirmed, this is a feature I expect to get wider adoption across the Android industry with the update to Android 14.
- Circle to Search: This handy tool, debuting on Galaxy S24 and Pixel 8, lets you circle anything on your screen (text, images, videos) regardless of the app in use and instantly search for it using Google Lens. No more app switching or tedious typing! Again, similar to AI wallpapers, I expect to see Circle to Search coming to more Android phones in future.
As you can see, Samsung’s One UI 6.1 update promises a significant AI-powered upgrade for older Galaxy devices. From effortless communication to creative photo editing, these features are poised to transform your smartphone experience. We’ll be here to let you know when the new update arrives on your Galaxy phone, so stay tuned.
