Samsung Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip 6 arrive with Galaxy AI and...
Samsung unveiled the latest iterations of its two foldable phones Wednesday at its Unpacked 2024 event. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6 have been redesigned to be thinner and lighter compared to their predecessors. The Fold 6 introduces a significant update to its front display aspect ratio. Despite the sleek design changes, both devices come with higher starting prices of $1,900 for the Fold and $1,100 for the Flip, a $100 increase from earlier models.
The Role of AI in Samsung's Latest Devices
Samsung unveiled the latest iterations of its two foldable phones Wednesday at its Unpacked 2024 event. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6 have been redesigned to be thinner and lighter compared to their predecessors. The Fold 6 introduces a significant update to its front display aspect ratio. 
Despite the sleek design changes, both devices come with higher starting prices of $1,900 for the Fold and $1,100 for the Flip, a $100 increase from earlier models.
The highlight of these new devices is their integration of artificial intelligence. The press release announcing the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 emphasizes Galaxy AI, with a total of 25 mentions of "AI". The devices are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the same system on a chip found in the Galaxy S24. Samsung's foray into Galaxy AI began with the S24 in January, signaling a strong focus on mobile AI devices this year, in line with efforts from tech giants like Google, Apple, and Microsoft.
Google played a key role in Samsung's AI strategy, with collaborations such as the introduction of the Circle to Search feature on the S24. The close partnership between Samsung and Google led to developments like an Android fork for foldables and a new version of Wear OS. These advancements have solidified Samsung's position in the AI landscape, with innovations like Google Gemini making their way to the Z Fold 6, offering enhanced generative AI capabilities.
Google Gemini and the Future of AI
Google Gemini, a generative AI app, has gained prominence in Samsung's latest devices, overshadowing Samsung's Bixby. Gemini allows users to seamlessly access AI features for various tasks like writing, learning, and planning. Integrated with popular Google apps, Gemini enhances user experiences, from organizing travel itineraries to providing real-time information and insights. 
As Google continues to integrate Gemini across its ecosystem, the AI platform is evolving rapidly. The decision to embrace third-party solutions like Gemini reflects a broader industry trend, with even Apple partnering with OpenAI for generative AI offerings.
The Evolution of Galaxy AI
Samsung's Galaxy AI has evolved from imaging applications to more practical features in its latest devices. The Notes app now offers AI-driven assistance for tasks like transcription, translation, and voice recording summaries. Samsung Keyboard also receives updates, including a predictive text function. Galaxy AI even adapts to users' writing styles, particularly for social media content.
While the AI advancements may not be groundbreaking, Samsung's responsiveness to consumer feedback, as seen in the squarer aspect ratio of the Galaxy Z Flip 6, underscores the company's commitment to meeting user demands. Despite Samsung's dominance in the foldables market, continuous improvements reflect the evolving nature of this product category.
Both the Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip 6 are currently available for preorder, with shipping set to begin on July 24.
