SEOUL, South Korea – Samsung is set to extend its latest AI features to its S23 series, including the S23 FE, as well as recent foldables and tablets as part of the One UI 6.1 update, which will be rolled out in late March. This expansion will make the AI features available to a wider range of devices, eventually reaching as many as 100 million phones this year, according to Samsung’s plans.
The AI features included in the update boast live translation capabilities, generative photo and video editing, and Google’s Circle to Search feature. This move to make AI more accessible to users with older devices is a thoughtful and beneficial step forward, especially considering the mixed but generally positive reception of Galaxy AI’s current capabilities.
In addition to the AI updates, the One UI 6.1 update will also introduce useful non-AI features such as lockscreen widgets and a unified Quick Share feature, which are expected to enhance the overall user experience on Samsung devices.
However, the long-term availability of these features for free is uncertain, as Samsung has hinted that users may have to pay for access to the AI features after 2025. This raises questions about the company’s approach to the monetization of AI and the potential implications for users in the future.
Overall, Samsung’s decision to extend its AI features to a wider range of devices is a positive development, offering users access to advanced functionality and increasing the longevity of their devices. As technology continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Samsung adapts its approach to AI and whether it seeks to further expand the accessibility of these features to a global audience.