Samsung is developing revolutionary AI phones, which could be "radically different" from current phones

Samsung, the smartphone tech giant based in Korea, is reportedly exploring ways to redesign its smartphones to better accommodate generative AI applications and functions. The company is focusing a significant portion of its mobile R&D resources on developing AI phones that could be "radically different" from current smartphones.

According to TM Roh, president of Samsung's Mobile Experience (MX) unit, in an exclusive interview with Australians Financial Reviews, these AI phones may have a form factor that is very different from the ubiquitous rectangular smartphone design. In other words, the “AI phones” would look “radically different” from standard phones.

Roh mentioned that the AI phones will be more "mobile", which could mean they have bigger screens, more sensors, or a completely new design. Since the invention of Apple’s iPhone, most smartphones have adopted a sleek rectangular form factor available in various sizes. Samsung is also exploring new ways to design smartphones that are better suited to support generative AI apps and features. A successful implementation would make the “AI phones” more mobile and possible.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold6 leverage their S Pen support to allow AI to transform rough sketches into detailed images. Beyond image manipulation and creation, AI is also applied to audio, text, video, 3D, and more. Samsung is integrating its headphones into the AI toolset, featuring language translation, suggesting that accessories might be part of the strategy. Additionally, foldable phones are uniquely suited for using their dual displays for features like interpreter mode.

Roh also told the AFR that a significant portion of Samsung’s mobile phone research and development is now focused on these AI phones, though he did not disclose specific form factors the company is considering. However, the company is taking a human-centric approach to mobile AI development, focusing on practical features that provide meaningful experiences to users based on extensive research.

Samsung aims to develop AI phones that are safe, inclusive and give users choice and control over their data and privacy. Roh’s comments follow the rollout of Samsung's "Galaxy AI" system to several of its phones in May. This system aims to streamline existing features, introduce new tools for users, and enhance the overall functionality of Samsung phones.

However, recall that several market participants have tried creating AI devices with unique form factors, but these have yet to achieve mainstream success. A typical example is the Rabbit R1 generated considerable hype at its March 2024 launch for its voice-interactive capabilities but was criticized by tech reviewers like Marques Brownlee on X for poor functionality and battery life.

"This is the pinnacle of a trend that's been annoying for years: Delivering barely finished products to win a "race" and then continuing to build them after charging full price. Games, phones, cars, now AI in a box," tweeted by Marques Brownlee.

Similarly, Brownlee called the Humane AI device “the worst product I’ve ever reviewed.” In addition, Samsung’s major competitor, Apple, announced partnership with OpenAI in June to integrate AI features into the iPhone, while Google continues to incorporate AI into its smartphones and the Android operating system.

While details are limited, it's clear that Samsung sees AI as the future of mobile devices and is investing heavily in this area. The company is working with partners like Google and Qualcomm to provide strong on-device and cloud-based AI capabilities in its future smartphones