Tech Desk 
Jul 10, 2024
Samsung Galaxy Unpacked kicked off with a spectacular display as artificial intelligence (AI) beams illuminated the cityscape of Paris. Live from the venue, the screen prominently displayed the message "Galaxy AI is here."
Viewers were treated to a demonstration of innovative AI features, including the Circle to Search functionality, showcasing the seamless integration of artificial intelligence into everyday user experiences.
Preseident of the MX business TM Roh announced that Samsung is making significant strides in advancing the next frontier of AI. Galaxy AI, a pivotal element of today's announcements, aims to empower users across a wide range of devices.
Roh revealed that Galaxy AI will be rolled out to 200 million devices throughout this year, marking a substantial integration of artificial intelligence into Samsung's product ecosystem.
Samsung is teasing its upcoming devices: the next Galaxy Watch Ultra, Galaxy Ring, Galaxy Buds, all powered by Galaxy AI. According to TM Roh, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 emphasises productivity, while the Z Flip 6 focuses on self-expression.
The latest Galaxy innovations were unveiled, led by Dr Matthew Wiggins, showcasing Samsung Health's ability to provide a thorough assessment of users' current health status. With the integration of Galaxy AI, these innovations promise to deliver meaningful and actionable insights.
Among the new features introduced is the Energy Score, which offers users a holistic gauge of their well-being. Galaxy AI will utilise this score to provide personalized tips tailored to individual health needs, empowering users to make informed decisions about their lifestyle and wellness.
Samsung unveils Galaxy Ring
Samsung has officially unveiled the Galaxy Ring following an earlier teaser this year. The device boasts a sleek design and is equipped with three sensors that monitor sleep, heart rate, activity, and more. Users receive personalised insights without the need for a subscription, directly competing with products like the Oura Ring.
The Galaxy Ring offers up to seven hours of battery life, surpassing most smartwatches in endurance. Made from titanium, it is designed for everyday wear in any environment.
At the Unpacked event, cheers erupted for the Galaxy Ring's features, including its seven-day battery life and subscription-free model. Samsung emphasized the device immediately after highlighting its AI capabilities and health tools, underscoring the crucial link between technology and health insights.
With a wealth of technology packed into its compact form, the Galaxy Ring aims to set a new standard in health monitoring. It promises to deliver impressive functionality and stands ready to compete with rivals like the Oura Ring.
Galaxy Watch Ultra is here
Samsung's second fitness device, the Galaxy Watch Ultra, emerges as a direct rival to the Apple Watch Ultra, boasting a robust design with 10ATM water resistance and a sleek modern appearance. Its titanium cushion frame adds durability.
Enhanced power management provides up to 100 hours in power saving mode, complemented by a 3nm processor that delivers up to three times faster performance than its predecessor.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra features a precision dual-frequency GPS system for enhanced accuracy and introduces advanced technology tailored for serious athletes. Cyclists, for instance, benefit from a new FTP metric that calculates maximum power within four minutes.
The addition of an AGE index monitors overall health status. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Watch 7, starting at $299, offers similar features in a more mainstream design, receiving minimal stage time compared to the Galaxy Watch Ultra.
Introducing Galaxy Z Fold 6 & Galaxy Z Flip 6
Samsung's latest foldables have made their debut: the book-style Galaxy Z Fold 6 and the clamshell Galaxy Z Flip 6. Both models are thinner and lighter than their predecessors, equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and refined folding displays.
The standout feature of the Z Fold 6? Unfolding into a small tablet-sized 7.6-inch display for gaming, offering ample screen space for immersive gameplay in titles like League of Legends Wild Rift or enjoying expansive views in Genshin Impact without obstructing critical gameplay elements with on-screen buttons.
The new Galaxy Z Fold 6 boasts a brighter display, reaching up to 2,600 nits, a significant improvement over the Z Fold 5's 1,750 nits. The South Korean tech giant is promoting the benefits of Circle to Search, integrated into both the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6. With a long press, users can now translate everything visible on the screen or receive step-by-step assistance with homework by circling a math problem.
Google Gemini to make debut on Samsung foldables
Google's Gemini AI assistant will debut on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6, introducing enhancements to search functionality. Many of the features showcased today aren't entirely new; they were recently demonstrated at Google's IO development conference, while others like "Circle to Search" have been available on Android phones for some time.
However, Samsung remains a crucial partner for Google. By showcasing AI advancements at events like Unpacked, both companies aim to emphasise the significance of AI in their products and collaborations.
Galaxy AI goes next level with Circle to Search
Samsung highlighted Circle to Search during their discussion of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6. This feature allows users to translate content on-screen with a long press and assist with homework by providing step-by-step solutions to math problems.
Originally an Android feature, Circle to Search enables searching directly from the screen without app switching. Samsung demonstrated its capabilities by translating a restaurant menu and aiding in solving mathematical equations for educational purposes.
Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
Introducing the new Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, Samsung unveiled earbuds sporting a blade-like design reminiscent of AirPods, though they claim significant improvements in comfort and fit.
The Buds 3 Pro promise an enhanced sound experience with machine learning for clearer calls and adaptive noise control to minimise unwanted background noise. They feature a siren detect mode to ensure crucial sounds like emergency sirens are not overlooked.
Samsung highlights the Buds 3 Pro's capability for ultra high-quality audio, incorporating an upgraded woofer and tweeter to deliver pristine sound quality described as akin to a studio experience, ensuring every detail is clean and clear.
Galaxy AI features
Samsung is expanding the capabilities of its devices with new features like Live Translate, which will support 16 languages by the end of July and 20 by the year's end. This feature will integrate into third-party apps like WhatsApp, ensuring seamless communication.
Flex mode on the Galaxy Z Flip 6 introduces real-time translations through the Interpreter app, available on both front and back screens. This privacy-focused feature extends to the Z Fold 6 as well.
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 introduces Sketch to Image, requiring an optional S Pen for users to convert their sketches into artistic images. Powered by Galaxy AI, this feature interprets drawings and renders them in various artistic styles, producing visually stunning results.
Portrait Studio on the Z Fold 6 offers artistic effects like Sketch and Water Colour, demonstrated with a portrait generated of Sydney Sweeney during the event. Additionally, the Samsung Notes app facilitates recording, summarising, and transcribing meetings directly within the app, providing a quick summary for efficient note-taking.
