By Rob Waugh, Tech Correspondent For [0] Web
Just a little over a year has passed since the introduction of ChatGPT, a development that sparked immense interest within the Artificial Intelligence community.
It is no longer surprising that technology firms are now keen on integrating and promoting artificial intelligence capabilities across a wide range of products, from laptops to televisions.
However, the spotlight seems to be on smartphones as the primary arena for artificial intelligence innovations. The upcoming release of Apple’s highly anticipated phone is heavily rumored to feature a plethora of new AI-driven functionalities.
Both Samsung and Google have also fully embraced AI in their devices, with their latest offerings – the S24 Ultra and Pixel 8 Pro (expected to debut this year and last year, respectively) – being prominently marketed for their AI-centric features.
The question remains: does artificial intelligence truly enhance the quality of our lives?
To delve deeper into this inquiry, I conducted a comparative assessment between Google’s flagship Pixel 8 Pro and Samsung’s top-tier S24 Ultra, evaluating the efficacy and significance of their AI capabilities in everyday scenarios.
Google’s Perspective
Google’s Pixel series has been at the forefront of AI integration, with the tech giant previously incorporating AI features in applications like the Recorder app, which leverages AI for real-time voice transcription in earlier Pixel models.
Having utilized this feature for an extended period, I acknowledge that while the voice transcriptions may not be as flawless as those generated by competing services like Otter.ai, the real-time access to recorded conversations is immensely beneficial for my work as a journalist.
The Magic Eraser tool, designed to automatically eliminate unwanted elements from images, is a notable inclusion in Google’s imaging app. While it can be entertaining, there are instances where it may inadvertently remove essential elements, such as a rider without their accompanying bike.
Moreover, the Magic Editor tool enables users to manipulate and relocate subjects within images, with AI seamlessly filling in the background details. Despite its impressive capabilities in resizing and relocating subjects, I remain ambivalent about incorporating the results into my photo collection.
On the other hand, the Best Take app proves to be exceptionally practical, allowing users to capture multiple shots and select the optimal frame where subjects are well-composed. This feature, characterized by its user-friendly interface and reliable performance, stands out as a valuable addition.
Additionally, Google introduces AI wallpapers, a novel feature that enables users to generate unique and occasionally whimsical wallpapers by providing prompts like “a painting of robots in the expressionist style.” Despite its playful nature, this innovation has garnered a dedicated following, particularly among younger users.
Samsung’s Approach with the S24 Ultra
In terms of hardware capabilities, Samsung’s S24 Ultra surpasses the Pixel series with its cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. However, as a relatively newcomer in the realm of AI-powered smartphones, how does Samsung’s offering measure up?
Samsung’s AI wallpaper feature, while effective, bears striking similarities to Google’s counterpart. Nevertheless, since adopting this feature, I have refrained from reverting to traditional wallpapers on my phone.
The Generative AI photo-editing tool by Samsung showcases impressive potential for novices, albeit exhibiting occasional glitches compared to Google’s Magic tools. Notably, I encountered some anomalies in the background following edits, highlighting room for improvement in this aspect.
A standout feature unique to Samsung is the Home button functionality, enabling users to conduct image-based searches seamlessly across various applications, including the ability to extract images from paused videos. This distinctive feature adds a touch of innovation to Samsung’s repertoire.
Furthermore, Samsung leverages AI capabilities for efficient searches, allowing users to initiate searches by tapping on the screen or utilizing the S Pen to highlight specific content. While the search outcomes may not significantly diverge from Google’s Lens results, the user experience is enhanced by the novel selection and search options.
Samsung’s AI transcription application delivers precise and polished transcripts, albeit lacking the real-time functionality present in Google’s counterpart.
The “live translate” feature within the phone app stands out for its ability to instantaneously translate between languages, catering to diverse communication needs. While its practical utility may be niche, it exemplifies Samsung’s commitment to enhancing user experiences through AI-driven functionalities.
Additionally, Samsung’s Notes app boasts a suite of AI features, including automated formatting, bullet-pointing, and summarization capabilities – features conspicuously absent in the Pixel series. These functionalities prove invaluable for individuals frequently engaging in note-taking activities.
In conclusion, both smartphones present distinct value propositions: Samsung’s S24 Ultra boasts formidable processing power and premium components, albeit at a premium price point of \(1299. Conversely, Google’s Pixel series offers a compelling blend of features at a more accessible price of \)999.
While Google currently holds an edge in the realm of AI integration, Samsung is rapidly closing the gap with its diverse array of innovative and potentially indispensable features.
One thing remains certain – the future of smartphones will be heavily influenced by AI advancements. Apple’s strategic acquisitions of 21 AI startups since 2017 signal a strong emphasis on AI integration in their upcoming iPhone releases, underscoring the pivotal role of artificial intelligence in shaping the future of mobile technology.
