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Samsung Galaxy free update brings AI to your older phones

There's nothing like a free functionality update to brighten your day

Esat Dedezade
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I’ve got some good news for anyone with a Galaxy S23 series smartphone in their pocket – and those of you with an S23 FE, Z Fold5, Z Flip5 or Tab S9 series should pay attention too. Hell, there’s even good news if you’re rocking an even older device from the Galaxy S22 series, the Galaxy Z Fold4 and Galaxy Z Flip4 foldable phones, or one of the Galaxy Tab S8 series tablets. Samsung’s big free update is rolling out to these older devices from now, which includes all manner of AI features — all of which are found on the latest Galaxy S24, S24 Plus, and S24 Ultra handsets.

Rather than just a boring security update (which we appreciate, but they’re hardly exciting), owners can expect this Samsung Galaxy free update to bring OneUI 6.1, along with Galaxy AI. This clever box of tricks includes the ability to adjust message tone and translate messages in 13 different languages using Chat Assist. There’s also support for real-time translations for voice and text translations for phone calls, while an Interpreter feature does exactly what you’d expect — letting you engage with locals on your travels without any misunderstandings.

Circle to Search with Google is another clunkily-named (but useful) feature which generates relevant search results for anything you’ve circled on your screen. One of our favourite features, Transcript Assist, is also included, letting you quickly and easily transcribe meeting recordings while generating summaries and translations automatically. Note Assist also lets you generate summaries and translate notes, but we imagine it’s the photography wizardry that’ll appeal to most. Speaking of…

Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus hands-on AI replacement beforeSamsung Galaxy S24 Plus hands-on AI replacement after

Generative Edit — it’s one of the more impressive AI features found on the Galaxy S24 range, allowing you to remove or even replace unsightly objects from your photos with a few button taps. You can even create a rather smooth, convincing slow-motion video, letting Instant Slow-mp generate additional frames, even if your phone hardware doesn’t support that functionality natively.

Throw in AI-generated wallpapers for additional customisation, and you’ve got a rather comprehensive update that should breathe fresh new life into your existing handset. If you had a Galaxy S24 device ordered, maybe it’s worth reconsidering and waiting till next year…

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About

Esat has been a gadget fan ever since his tiny four-year-old brain was captivated by a sound-activated dancing sunflower. From there it was a natural progression to a Sega Mega Drive, a brief obsession with hedgehogs, and a love for all things tech. After 7 years as a writer and deputy editor for Stuff, Esat ventured out into the corporate world, spending three years as Editor of Microsoft's European News Centre. Now a freelance writer, his appetite for shiny gadgets has no bounds. Oh, and like all good human beings, he's very fond of cats.