As Apple attempts to launch a newfangled computer headset, rival Samsung is focused on the established smartphone market with new handsets enhanced with artificial intelligence.
Samsung Electronics on Wednesday introduced its Galaxy S24 series smartphones, ushering in what it calls "the new era of mobile AI."
The next-generation handsets promise barrier-free communication with intelligent text and call translations, smart photo-editing tools, and a gesture-driven "Circle to Search" with Google feature.
"Galaxy AI is built on our innovation heritage and deep understanding of how people use their phones," TM Roh, president of Samsung's Mobile eXperience Business, said in a news release. "We're excited to see how our users around the world empower their everyday lives with Galaxy AI to open up new possibilities."
Preorders For Samsung Phones, Apple Vision Pro
Samsung is releasing three new handsets featuring its Galaxy AI: a standard Galaxy S24, a midrange Galaxy S24+ and premium Galaxy S24 Ultra. The handsets sell for $799.99, $999.99 and $1,299.99, respectively. The smartphones will be available beginning Jan. 31, with preorders starting Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Apple will begin taking preorders on Friday for its pricey spatial computing headset, the Apple Vision Pro. The computer goggles combine elements of virtual reality and augmented reality. The device starts at $3,499, and goes on sale Feb. 2.
The Apple Vision Pro faces a skeptical market. Analysts have questioned the utility of the device and its steep price tag.
At the same time, Apple won't release a new smartphone until this fall. That smartphone, the iPhone 16, reportedly is an incremental upgrade to the current iPhone 15 series.
Real-Time Voice And Text Translations
Meanwhile, South Korea-based Samsung unveiled its new smartphones on a global webcast Wednesday.
The Galaxy S24 handsets include Live Translate for two-way, real-time voice and text translations of phone calls within the native app. On-device AI keeps conversations private.
The new smartphones also have an app called Interpreter. With it, live conversations can be instantly translated on a split-screen view so people standing opposite each other can read a text transcription of what the other person has said. It works without cellular data or Wi-Fi.
Another capability, Chat Assist, can translate messages in real-time in 13 languages.
For voice recordings, even when there are multiple speakers, Transcript Assist uses AI and speech-to-text technology to transcribe, summarize and even translate recordings.
Further, Note Assist in Samsung Notes can do AI-generated summaries of text.
Teams With Google For 'Circle To Search'
Samsung's new smartphones also have AI-powered tools for improving photo capture and editing.
Plus, Galaxy S24 looks to improve search by adding gesture-driven Circle to Search. Samsung worked with Alphabet unit Google on the function. It allows users to circle, highlight, scribble on, or tap anything on Galaxy S24's screen to see high-quality search results, Samsung said. Circle to Search works with text and photos.
Samsung hopes its latest devices will put it back on top of the global smartphone market.
Last year, Apple was the No. 1 smartphone vendor by unit shipments for the first time ever on an annual basis, surpassing longtime leader Samsung, research firm IDC said. Samsung's smartphone shipments fell 13.6% while Apple's rose 3.7%, IDC said.
Follow Patrick Seitz on X, formerly Twitter, at @IBD_PSeitz for more stories on consumer technology, software and semiconductor stocks.
