The Galaxy S24’s unique selling point is its suite of Galaxy AI generative AI features, developed by Samsung. One of the standout features of Galaxy AI is Circle to Search, a feature that was initially launched exclusively on the Galaxy S24 and the Pixel 8.
Galaxy AI Rollout Plan
During the Galaxy S24 Unpacked event, Samsung confirmed that more Galaxy flagships would receive Galaxy AI features in the future, although a specific date was not provided. However, the company has now announced a rollout plan for Circle to Search and Galaxy AI. The Galaxy S23 series and other 2023 Samsung flagship devices will support Galaxy AI via the upcoming One UI 6.1 software update.
Circle to Search Feature
Circle to Search is arguably the most useful AI feature of the Galaxy S24. It allows users to perform a circle gesture on the screen to search the web for more information about the contents of that circle. This could be a piece of text, a part of an image, or something seen in a video. The AI will recognize the objects in that circle and attempt to find relevant information online.
Software Update and Availability
Circle to Search will be available on the Galaxy S23 flagships, the Galaxy S23 FE, and Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Flip 5 via the One UI 6.1 update. The software rollout will begin on March 28th, according to Samsung. Devices sold at AT&T, T-Mobile, US Cellular, Verizon, Amazon, Best Buy, and other retailers should receive the software update. Additionally, the Wi-Fi versions of the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, Tab S9 Plus, and Tab S9 will get the One UI 6.1 update this week.
Additional Galaxy AI Features
Besides Circle to Search, Galaxy AI will also introduce features like Live Translate, Generative Edit, and Chat Assist to these Galaxy smartphones and tablets. Live Translate offers two-way, real-life live translation of phone calls via the Samsung Phone app, including live captions. Generative Edit allows users to edit their photos with generative AI, including removing people and objects and filling in the background. Chat Assist offers translations, grammar tweaks, and style suggestions in various apps, provided the Samsung Keyboard is used.
These Galaxy AI features are available for free on the supported devices. However, Samsung has noted that the Galaxy AI features will be provided for free until the end of 2025. It is currently unclear what will happen after that, as Samsung has not announced plans to charge a subscription for any of the Galaxy AI features it has launched so far.
