Google Announces Four Major Updates for Samsung Devices at Galaxy Unpacked 2024

What to know

New features and integrations: Gemini AI with screen-based suggestions, expanded Circle to Search capabilities, Wear OS 5 on new Galaxy Watches, and YouTube TV multiview on Galaxy Z Fold6.
Collaboration and ecosystem expansion: Google and Samsung are working together to integrate AI technologies across the Galaxy ecosystem, with Galaxy AI expected to be available on 200 million devices this year.
Focus on AI-powered experiences: The event showcased Samsung’s commitment to developing safe and inclusive AI technology, emphasizing personalized healthcare solutions, productivity enhancements, and improved communication features across their latest devices.

At Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event held on July 10, 2024, Google unveiled four significant updates coming to Samsung’s latest devices, including the Galaxy Z Flip6, Z Fold6, and the newest Galaxy Watches, AirPods-resembling Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pro, and a Galaxy Ring — a new genre even for Samsung. These updates aim to enhance user experience and leverage the power of AI across Samsung’s ecosystem.

Gemini Integration with Screen Context

Google’s AI assistant, Gemini, will soon provide relevant suggestions based on what’s displayed on the screen of Samsung’s new Galaxy Z series.

Users can access Gemini by swiping the corner of the screen or saying “Hey Google.” For instance, when watching a YouTube video, Gemini might suggest “Ask about this video.” The Galaxy Z Fold6’s large screen will allow for a split-screen experience, enabling users to multitask while interacting with Gemini.

Enhanced Circle to Search Functionality

Circle to Search, a feature that allows users to search without switching apps, will receive new capabilities.

Later this month, it will be able to assist with complex topics like symbolic math, and scan barcodes and QR codes directly from the screen. This feature will be available on the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Flip6, with plans to expand to more Samsung devices later in the year.

Wear OS 5 Debut on New Galaxy Watches

Samsung’s Watch Ultra and Watch7 will be the first smartwatches powered by Google’s new and shiny Wear OS 5.

This updated operating system promises improved performance and battery life. The watches will offer advanced health monitoring features, including heart rate tracking and sleep monitoring, along with access to a wide range of apps from Google Play.

YouTube TV Multiview on Galaxy Z Fold6

YouTube TV subscribers using the Galaxy Z Fold6 will be able to enjoy a multiview feature, allowing them to watch up to four different streams simultaneously. Users can choose from pre-selected combinations of content, including football, news, weather, and simultaneous sporting events.

These updates highlight the ongoing collaboration between Google and Samsung to bring cutting-edge features to Galaxy products. FYI, the Gemini app is already available in 29 languages across 200+ countries, with the new updates for the Galaxy series expected to roll out in the coming months.

As the consumer tech industry continues to evolve, this partnership between our two favorite tech giants shows a commitment to enhancing user experiences through AI integration and innovative features. Besides, they need it desperately to go up against the fruit company we all know, whose iOS 18 update is creating great excitement to be honest. The Galaxy Unpacked event not only showcased Samsung’s latest hardware but also emphasized the growing importance of software and AI in modern mobile devices.