Samsung to introduce AI-powered real-time call translation in new flagship phone

Samsung Electronics has announced that they will be launching a real-time call translation service using AI technology next year. The service will be incorporated into the new Samsung Galaxy flagship model, set to launch early next year.

Samsung claims that this service will allow real-time translation in audio and text as the callers are on the line. The translation feature will work even if a call partner uses a non-Samsung smartphone as the new model will leverage “on-device AI technology”. The company said the process will be as simple as “turning on closed captions” on streaming shows, ensuring private conversations are safely locked in on the phones.

However, industry analysts have expressed skepticism regarding the efficacy and practicality of the AI-powered translation feature. One expert stated that the entire process will take at least three to four seconds, during which the AI will understand the original content, translate it into a foreign language and then verbalize it to the listener. Moreover, questions surrounding the quality of the translated content and the method of verbalization remain.

Samsung is racing to develop its AI model called Samsung Gauss, designed for language, code, and image processing, which is currently used among company staff. They plan to incorporate this system into a wide range of products in the near future.

This announcement comes as Samsung aims to integrate generative AI into various applications, such as language assistance for emails and document summarization, easy coding for developers, and the capability to enhance low-resolution images, edit images, and generate new ones.

While the potential of AI technology has been widely acclaimed, there are growing concerns around data privacy and disinformation. Governments and watchdogs have heightened regulatory measures to address these issues. Despite concerns, Samsung has assured that the GalaxyAI will run on its devices and should allay privacy concerns by stating that “private conversations never leave your phone”.

With Samsung joining the AI gold rush and unveiling a host of intelligent services, analysts await the practical application and user experience once the new flagship model is released.