Speed...

A few days ago, Samsung unveiled its latest addition to the Galaxy lineup—the Samsung Galaxy S24. Design-wise, the S24 closely resembles the S23, shares a strong resemblance with the S22, and doesn't deviate significantly from the S21, which happens to be my current smartphone. It's evident that tech giants like Samsung aren't unleashing all their innovations in a single year; instead, they opt for incremental improvements annually, enticing consumers to constantly pursue the latest model.

This strategy seems to have been borrowed from Apple, with Samsung now releasing a new phone every year compared to the biennial launches of the past. For current owners of the Samsung S21, S22, or S23, upgrading to the S24 may not be a compelling need. The differences lie in minor software tweaks, similar cameras, displays, and batteries. The standout feature that sets the S24 apart from its predecessors is the integration of AI.

Recall when the S20 was rumored to feature a crypto wallet? Despite owning the S21 for over a year, there's no sign of an integrated crypto wallet. Some sources online suggest that Samsung implemented a service allowing users to securely store keys on their phones, but neither the S20 nor the S21 includes a non-custodial wallet.

Contrary to mere hype or elusive advertising, AI plays a significant role in the new models of the Galaxy S flagship line, introducing intriguing capabilities. For instance, users can easily circle an object in a photo and prompt AI to conduct a Google search for relevant information. This feature is revolutionary to me.

Reflecting on my early experiences with a PC, aside from playing hacked NFS games, my primary activity was searching for tunned cars on Google. The internet in the early 2000s had limited information, and access to it wasn't as swift as it is today. Smartphone cameras have had AI integration for a few years, but it often operates behind the scenes without much user interaction. Samsung changes this dynamic by enabling flagship users to translate phone calls in real-time—a notable advancement in AI application.

This is a game-changer, in my opinion. Having worked abroad for several years and faced challenges learning foreign languages, particularly German, this feature is a game-changer. Whether opting to hear the voice of the person on the line while reading translations on the screen or muting their voice and reading the translated text, the convenience is unparalleled.

Massive...

Expanding on this theme, a recent Twitter video showcased the president of Argentina delivering a speech at the WEF meeting in Davos. Instead of the usual voice translation, someone utilized AI to process the original video, resulting in "Milei speaking in English" during the speech. These AI-driven technological innovations are propelling humanity into an era where interaction and access to "understandable information" are nearly instantaneous.

While I wasn't initially a fan of Chat GPT's debut, witnessing the advancements in AI and how such technology positively impacts our species' evolution has shifted my perspective. I acknowledge that it will soon be utilized in warfare, social media, mass influence, and various other potentially negative contexts. However, every leap forward in our evolution brings tradeoffs.

The allure of the S24 isn't solely about its AI capabilities, and I won't rush to purchase it solely for that reason. Yet, it's fascinating to observe how AI is gaining traction and enhancing our lives, albeit with certain reservations. On the flip side, the excessive use of technology also has the potential to further divide us. The impact of platforms like Facebook and Instagram on humanity over the past decade serves as a stark example.

Thanks for your attention,
Adrian