Samsung has been rolling out some remarkable AI features on their latest Galaxy phones, offering a range of tools that are truly innovative. Many users are integrating these features into their daily lives, finding them indispensable, while others might consider them gimmicky and not essential. Regardless of where you stand, the reality is that these features are highly functional and, as of now, available for free.
However, that’s set to change. In a significant industry shift, Samsung has announced its intention to introduce a subscription-based model for some AI features starting in 2025. This move is likely driven by several factors: the increasing computational power required to run advanced AI, the opportunity to monetize their cutting-edge technology, and the growing trend across industries toward subscription services.
With the recent launch of the Galaxy S24 FE and the Galaxy S10 series, Samsung has confirmed its future plans regarding these AI features. Their latest press release mentions, in one of the footnotes, that AI features on supported Galaxy devices will remain free until the end of 2025, though terms may vary for features provided by third-party apps or developers. This essentially means Samsung is preparing to charge for these features once we enter 2025, though there’s no clarity yet on whether this will happen immediately in January or later, after some time for strategy and rollout.
What AI Features are Available Now?
Samsung’s AI features are quite extensive. Here are some of the prominent ones currently available on Galaxy devices:
- Call Assist: Helps with real-time voice translation during phone calls.
- Chat Assist: Assists with writing formal emails and messages.
- Interpreter: Translates conversations in real time, especially useful when traveling abroad.
- Note Assist: A tool for helping users organize and manage their notes.
- Transcript Assist: Transcribes spoken words into text.
- Browsing Assist: Enhances web browsing by offering smart suggestions.
- Photo Assist: Helps enhance images, erase unwanted objects, or add effects.
- Drawing Assist: Assists with drawing and design work
- Photo Ambient Wallpaper: Customizes wallpapers with AI-generated imagery.
- Health Assist: Offers insights and recommendations for improving your health.
Many of these features are highly useful depending on the user’s daily needs, and Samsung is likely to add more to this list as they continue to develop their AI technology.
My Experience with Samsung’s AI Features:
Personally, I don’t use all of these features. For example, I don’t need Call Assist, as I don’t require real-time translation during voice calls. On the other hand, Chat Assist is something I use occasionally when drafting formal emails. Interpreter is another feature I rarely use maybe once or twice a year when I travel abroad.
When it comes to Note Assist and Transcript Assist, I don’t really use them. However, for people who take a lot of notes, Note Assist might be very helpful. Browsing Assist is another feature I don’t find much use for. Photo Assist, on the other hand, is something I occasionally enjoy. It’s great for playing around with images, erasing objects, or adding special effects.
Drawing Assist isn’t something I use, and honestly, I don’t quite understand why Photo Ambient Wallpaper is linked to AI, as I don’t use it either. Lastly, there’s Health Assist, which seems promising, but I haven’t gotten around to using it much yet.
So, while Samsung’s AI feature list is extensive, I, like many others, don’t utilize all of them. But that’s common, as not every user has the same needs or interests.
Should Samsung Introduce Subscription-Based AI Features?
The big question is: should Samsung introduce a subscription model for these AI features? After all, Samsung is a business, and monetizing these AI tools is likely part of their strategy. But as users, the real question is whether we will be willing to pay for these features.
If Samsung decides to offer the features as a package deal, I, personally, wouldn’t be interested. But, if they offered separate subscriptions for individual features, that could be more appealing. Depending on a user’s needs, they could pick and pay for the AI features that are most relevant to their lives.
For example, if someone frequently uses Photo Assist, they might find value in paying for just that feature. On the other hand, someone who uses Call Assist for international business communication might find that worth a subscription fee.
However, bundling all these features into a single subscription package might not appeal to users who only need one or two tools.
Pricing Concerns:
Another consideration is pricing. Google, for instance, charges around $20 per month for some of its AI-integrated services, which equates to around ₹1,900 to ₹2,000 in India. Many users have already expressed concerns that this price point is too high, and something similar might happen with Samsung’s AI features if they bundle them all together at a premium price.
Samsung might want to reconsider this approach. A flexible, feature-by-feature subscription model might be more well-received by users than a high-priced bundle.
What Do You Think?
That’s all we know for now, and it’s too early to predict exactly how Samsung will implement its subscription model for AI features. But I’ll keep you posted as more information becomes available. In the meantime, what’s your take on this? Are you using these AI features, and would you be willing to pay for them once Samsung starts charging in 2025?
Let me know your thoughts in the comments. Thanks for reading, and if you found this article informative, feel free to share it!
Stay tuned for more updates on the latest in technology, especially if you’re a fan of Samsung Galaxy phones, Android devices, and smart gadgets. Stay safe and take care!
