While Samsung is light on details prior to the official launch, they have hinted at full integration with Google’s conversational AI system Bard. This could allow Galaxy S24 devices to perform complex tasks through natural voice commands.
So far, on-device AI on smartphones has amounted to little more than tech demos. The Pixel 8 Pro, released last October, boasted Google’s foundation models for basic AI features. However, capabilities remain limited. For example, the AI-powered summarization tool cannot handle recordings longer than 10 minutes.
The potential of AI assistants on phones is apparent, as evidenced by the enthusiasm for the Rabbit R1 at CES 2024. This separate AI gadget books flights, orders food, and more based on voice instructions. With the R1 pre ordered by tens of thousands shortly after launch, consumer demand for practical AI is clear.
The central question is whether the Galaxy S24 can truly deliver useful AI capabilities beyond novelty demos. With Google still working out kinks in Bard, it seems unlikely Samsung’s implementation will be seamless. But if they can demonstrate concrete ways AI can simplify smartphone tasks, it may justify claims of revolutionary AI integration.
Rather than Bixby, Samsung’s forgotten digital assistant, the S24 may focus on collaborating with Google’s more capable Bard system. The AI era requires rivals to work together more closely to achieve consumer-ready implementations.
While true phone-based AI likely remains years away, Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked this week will reveal whether the S24 represents an incremental step in the right direction. For now, a healthy dose of skepticism makes sense when tech giants tout ambitious AI at product launches. But if Samsung manages to impress, the S24 could show what our AI-powered mobile future may eventually look like.
