If you haven’t upgraded to any of the new Galaxy S24 models and own any of the Galaxy S23 devices, you’re definitely waiting to see some of the new AI features trickle down with the next software update.
Worry no more, as Samsung has announced the rollout of their OneUI 6.1 update for supported smartphones and tablets across the MENA region.
The OS update will be releasing for the following Galaxy devices starting from late March: S23 series (S23, S23+, and S23 Ultra), S23 FE, Z Fold5, Z Flip5 and Tab S9 series.
Mirroring most of the features launched on the recent Galaxy S24 series as part of the Galaxy AI suite, this update elevates the standard of users’ mobile AI experience through a hybrid approach that combines on-device and cloud-based AI.
Galaxy AI suite of features
While this year’s Galaxy S24 has gone back to a partial split between Exynos (S24 and S24+) and Snapdragon (S24 Ultra) SoCs, the benefit of last year’s smartphones meant everyone who owns an S23/Z Flip 5/Z Fold 5 got a Snapdragon chipset. That alone will yield better performance for the many on-device AI features.
The only outliers are the S23 FE and Tab S9 series, which are powered by Exynos. However, it’s still a bright spot that they are capable of running many of the Galaxy AI features on-device.
Even more Galaxy users will now be able to take advantage ofthe communication-enhancing Galaxy AI features available on AI-supported models.
- Chat Assist: adjust message tone and translate messages in 13 different languages using Chat Assist.
- Live Translate: users can experience the power of real-time interactions with voice and text translations for phone calls.
- Interpreter: users can also engage in spontaneous conversations with locals while traveling as the split-screen feature generates text translations for live conversations.
If you’re the type that wants to be very efficient on a day-to-day basis by leveraging AI, you’ll be right at home with the below features:
- Circle to Search with Google: generates intuitive search results with a swift circle-motioned gesture.
- Note Assist: allow users to create formats, generate summaries and translate notes.
- Browsing Assist: stay up to speed faster by generating comprehensive summaries of news articles.
- Transcript Assist: transcribe meeting recordings, and generate summaries and translations.
If you’ve been eager to use some of the Generative AI features for your photos/videos, many of them will also be available including:
- Generative Edit: resize, reposition, or realign objects in photos to perfect a great shot. Polish any photo faster and easier than ever with Edit Suggestion, including removing minor reflections.
- Instant Slow-mo: generate additional frames for slow-motion videos to capture action-packed moments.
Pending release across MENA region
A reminder that the Galaxy AI suite of features uses a hybrid mix of on-device and cloud-based AI, and the small note did mention that the features would be free for all the supported Galaxy devices until end of 2025.
The exact release date is still not confirmed, so best you go into your Galaxy device Settings and then select Software update to check if it’s already available.
Image credit: Samsung Gulf
Update (26-03-2024): While the news has been trickling out on the availability of OneUI 6.1, there is speculation that not all features will be available to eligible devices.
The flagship Galaxy S23 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold5 will not have Super HDR photos (even when both models have a Qualcomm SnapDragon SoC). The Galaxy S23 FE is the odd one out that won’t have Instant Slow-Mo, while the other models will support it (likely boils down to the chipset itself).