When Samsung launched Galaxy AI nearly two years ago, it was always with the caveat that the free ride would one day end. Since then, Samsung has built out the Galaxy AI suite to one day exploit that newfound reliance on artificial intelligence by charging for it. Today, Samsung confirmed that certain “basic” features would remain free going forward, as outlined in the footnotes of its Galaxy AI page.
Galaxy brain move
“Galaxy AI basic features provided by Samsung are free. Future releases may include enhanced features or new services that are offered on a paid basis. Different terms may apply for AI features provided by third parties.”
The question is, which features does Samsung consider “basic” enough to allow the plebeians to keep suckling at that very expensive teat? Apparently, those “listed under “Advanced intelligence” in the current Samsung Services Terms and Conditions.” That’s a whole bunch, apparently, judging by the official document, which can be read here.
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The most useful is Call Assist, which provides real-time translations over a phone call on your Samsung device. Interpreter does the same thing, but allows the subjects to stand next to one another in real life, no call required. Transcript assist lends a hand when you’re trying to jot down those brilliant thoughts on a long drive home.
In fact, it offers most of the Galaxy AI features released to date. Writing assist, Photo assist, Note assist, Browsing assist, Photo ambient, Drawing assist, Bixby, Health assist, Now brief, and Audio eraser all make the cut, though Circle to Search is notably absent. Not bad, even if you’d rather forego all of these in favour of a cheaper device.
