Samsung continues its determined march to capitalize on the AI craze with an incremental update about its previous AI implementation plans. Instead of simply promising Galaxy AI Features on models one generation older, this newer announcement now confirms that it will be ported over on even older models like the S22 and Tab S8.
One More Generation Downward
This latest update sums up the previously teased Galaxy AI features, mainly showcasing the new models that will be included. Now, instead of just focusing mostly on 2023 models, the Galaxy AI rollout wishlist has been expanded to include models one generation further. Specifically, the Galaxy S22 series, Galaxy Z Fold 4, Galaxy Z Flip 4, and Galaxy Tab S8 series.
The One UI 6.1 update for these older devices will include pretty much all of the AI features of the older update. As such you can expect all of these features once again:
- Chat Assist
- Live Translate
- Interpreter
- Circle to Search with Google
- Note Assist
- Browsing Assist
- Transcript Assist
- Generative Edit
- Edit Suggestion
- Instant Slow-mo
- AI-Generated Wallpaper
The rollout is scheduled next month in early May, although no specific dates were specifically mentioned.
First Rollout
This announcement follows Samsung’s earlier reveal of the One UI 6.1 update back in February, which detailed the company’s plans to bring Galaxy AI features to more devices. The initial rollout began in late March and included the Galaxy S23 series, S23 FE, Z Fold5, Z Flip5, and Tab S9 series.
The press release was considered more as a blanket announcement, as revealed information was still limited. Nonetheless, it provided a sort of positive-ish message to the dedicated Samsung fanbase. After all, it looks like the AI features will not be reserved only for the latest and greatest. Even if some were critical of the fact that only the very next previous generation was initially included.
Another Mile for the AI Bandwagon
The expansion of Galaxy AI features to older devices aligns with Samsung’s goal of bringing the Galaxy AI experience to over 100 million Galaxy users within 2024, as stated by TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile Experience Business at Samsung Electronics, during the first February announcement. Indeed, by making these features available on a wider range of devices, Samsung comes closer to better capitalizing on mobile AI concepts, technically ensuring a more consistent user experience across its ecosystem.
As hopeful as the PR message may be, however, Galaxy AI implementation has not been without incident. Some Galaxy S23 users experienced issues with unresponsive touchscreens and third-party replacement screens after installing the early software update. We expect that the company will be more vigilant for these issues as the second rollout arrives next month.
