Samsung Electronics’ new S24 series smartphone models enable users to circle or tap something on the screen to get Google search results. Photo courtesy of Samsung Electronics
SEOUL, Jan. 18 (UPI) -- Samsung Electronics unveiled its latest line of flagship smartphones loaded with artificial intelligence technology during the Galaxy Unpacked event in San Jose, Calif.
The new line consists of the base model Galaxy S24, the slightly bigger Galaxy S24 Plus and the largest of the lot, Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Included as part of their AI-powered functions is the communications feature to help make language barriers a thing of the past.
Samsung said Wednesday the new phone's built-in app will allow people two-way, real-time voice and text translation during phone calls without needing a third-party translation app.
The S24 line is also designed to translate mobile messages in real time in 13 languages. In driving mode, the phone will automatically summarize any incoming messages and suggest relevant replies.
The world's largest smartphone manufacturer also teamed up with Google to make mobile search easier using a simple gesture.
After a prolonged press of the home button, the user can circle or tap the Galaxy S24 screen and receive a full-page Google search result.
"Seeing a beautiful landmark in the background of a friend's social media post or a surprising fun fact on YouTube Shorts can quickly become an accurate search portal to more information," Samsung said in a statement.
Another feature of the phone's generative AI is its ability to suggest suitable tweaks to photos, as well as allowing users to fill in the parts to an image background.
"The Galaxy S24 series transforms our connection with the world and ignites the next decade of mobile innovation," Samsung President Roh Tae-moon said.
"Galaxy AI is built on our innovation heritage and deep understanding of how people use their phones. We're excited to see how our users around the world empower their everyday lives with Galaxy AI to open up new possibilities," he said.
The Galaxy S24 starts at $800, while the bigger Galaxy S24 Plus and the largest Galaxy S24 Ultra will be priced at $1,000 and $1,300, respectively.
They will be launched on Jan. 31, and preorders available soon at Samsung vendors, including Amazon, Best Buy and various mobile carriers.
Samsung also said much progress has been made with Galaxy Ring, a health and wellness device. It did not say when the new wearable would hit the market.
Early last year, Samsung filed a patent in the United States for a smart ring complete with EKG and smart home control.