Samsung Boosts AI in Phones, Health in Wearables

Wednesday saw Samsung Electronics introduce its latest foldable smartphones, making its flagship model lighter and smaller and adding AI functions to threaten Apple’s premium market supremacy

Samsung is also introducing more advanced health monitoring capabilities to stimulate demand for its smartwatch and a new ring that facilitates screen control and health monitoring.

In 2019, the foldable segment was first introduced by the world’s largest smartphone manufacturer. However, the launch on Wednesday is crucial because Samsung’s foldable phone shipment share decreased from 81% in 2022 to 63% in 2023 as competitors entered the market, according to data provider Canalys.

To entice consumers, Samsung has implemented its most lightweight and slimmest Galaxy Z Fold 6. The Galaxy Z Flip 6 is a clamshell phone with a longer battery life, a higher-resolution camera, and a new vapor chamber that helps keep the phone cooler. This feature has been designed to address the pain points identified during consumer interviews.

On Wednesday, the company announced that the Z Flip 6 would be priced at $1,099.99 and the Z Fold 6 would begin at $1,899.99. This represents a mere $100 price increase from the previous year’s model, even though materials costs have increased significantly and the launch prices have remained consistent for three years.

Samsung has introduced new AI capabilities, such as a “listening mode” that enables simultaneous vocal interpretation when Galaxy Buds earphones are connected. It also functions in conjunction with Alphabet’s (GOOGL.O) new AI search functions, including displaying the solution to a math problem with all the steps circling it on the screen. This is accomplished by opening a new tab on Google.

A 3-nanometer processor and new sensors were incorporated into the Galaxy Watch products, resulting in a threefold increase in application booting and processing efficiency compared to the previous year’s model. Additionally, a variety of new health functions were implemented.

It is currently a monitoring device for sleep apnea that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved. In addition, it measures a bio-marker associated with diabetes known as advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). It provides measurements of critical cycling data called functional threshold power (FTP) for biking devotees.

The new Galaxy Ring, a product that has been in development for years, is the culmination of Samsung’s wager that health monitoring will generate new demand.

It can continuously monitor heart rate and tension levels and assist in controlling a Samsung phone’s camera or alarm. It is lightweight, weighing 3 grams (0.1 ounces) or less. It can be worn in the shower or while swimming. The price is $399.

According to Jack Leathem, Research Analyst at Canalys, integrating AI-powered health and fitness features into wearables will be crucial for Samsung to distinguish itself from other smartwatch vendors and is “essential for attracting brand switchers in the premium segment.”

The products will be accessible in South Korea, North America, and Europe beginning July 24.