I remember attending the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE presentation, disappointed that Samsung touted AI as the phone’s main selling point. The company highlighted all of the Galaxy AI features now available at a lower price, but that didn’t strike me as a reason why I would spend more on a device.
AI is a fantastic tool, but it’ll take more than Circle to Search to convince me it’s worth paying more. If companies want AI improvements to replace camera improvements as the flagship feature, a lot of work needs to be done.
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AI must move away from novelty
I don’t know how many cat pictures I need
I don’t know how many generative images of cats I need, whether I’m using Samsung’s Sketch to Image or Google’s Pixel Studio. It’s a cute idea, and I’ve always wondered what my black cat Xavi would look like in a sailor cap, but that’s no reason to pay $150 more for a phone or choose a device over another. AI seems like a solution in search of a problem, which is unfortunate because I think there are legitimate uses for it.
I need to see manufacturer-specific AI improvements, features that I can’t get on several other devices at different price points.
If manufacturers want AI to add value to phones, they need to get serious about releasing apps and features that feel more productive and less like distractions. I think Gemini Live is a step in the right direction, as I have used it more than any AI chatbot. However, Google needs to continue adding features to make it a full-fledged Google Assistant replacement. Gemini Live brings me to the next AI issue, though.
It can’t be the same in all areas
There’s no reason to buy a Galaxy over a Pixel for AI
It’s heartening to see Samsung and Google’s collaborations with AI; Features like Circle to Search and Gemini Live were quickly released to my Galaxy phones, and I didn’t feel like having a Pixel was an advantage for getting the latest and greatest features.
However, there is a downside to this; this fails when Samsung tries to use features like Circle to Search as a selling point for the Galaxy S24 FE. Why would I consider AI a reason to buy the Galaxy S24 FE when I can have the same features on a much cheaper Google Pixel 8a?
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I need to see manufacturer-specific AI improvements, features that I can’t get on several other devices at different price points. I had a similar problem when Google announced Pixel phones featuring Magic Eraser, only to find it on other Android phones within weeks.
I understand that Google is in a difficult position as a phone maker and custodian of Android, but I’m not convinced that there isn’t a way for companies to leverage the features as a competitive advantage for their telephones.
Maybe it shouldn’t be obvious
UI experiences can change for the better
If Google doesn’t retain features from Samsung and others, there may be another way to create AI differences worth paying for. We’ve already seen how Google and Samsung handle computational photography, emphasizing different areas to create varied looks for photos. The side-by-side images show how a Galaxy S24 Ultra processes the same image differently than a Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. I want this to flow through to the user experience.
I want to see One UI and Material You embrace AI for more than just wallpapers. The underlying tools might be the same, but the presentation would be different enough to justify choosing one manufacturer over another. A future version of One UI, completely rebuilt, could better integrate productivity features into the user experience.
Beyond that, I’d really like to see something like a smart version of Microsoft’s old Metro UI, allowing us to stay up to date with family and friends via social media in real time while presenting also the information we use most fluidly. home screen. I think there are many possibilities for anyone bold enough to try.
Something must be done
It’s hard to get excited about smartphones with more powerful chipsets and better cameras when we’re barely using the capabilities we currently have. AI can change much of that, but the way companies are using it currently seems more novel than revolutionary.
Galaxy AI and Google Gemini have potential, but seem plagued by a lack of vision; manufacturers default to what they feel is safest due to the risk of alienating customers. Yet a huge change awaits Samsung, Google, Apple or whoever can step up first and bring us AI in a way that creates value – not just more cat photos.