Sure, Samsung has its own AI playground it wants fans to spend time in, but Google’s making sure Galaxy users also have to consider the Android makers’ Gemini chatbot. Now that the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6 are official, Google is ensuring its Gemini AI capabilities are just a swipe or “Hey, Google” away, just as it’s done with the latest Pixel phones.
With the following slate of Samsung foldables, Google promotes that users can access Gemini by swiping up from the corner of the screen or intoning the classic “Hey Google.” This will bring up the Gemini chatbot interface in a floating window on the Z Fold 6’s unfolded display. You can move it around and resize it in a floating window like any Samsung split-screen interface. Most of these updates should be available “in the coming months.”
Google said that YouTube TV subscribers can multiview on the Fold 6’s larger screen. While that might start to cramp things, those who want to beam multiple sports games directly to their eyes while texting a friend could take advantage.
In a blog post, Google promoted how the Gemini app on Android can offer information about any YouTube video you’re watching. The AI will prompt you with an “Ask about this video” suggestion. If you’re not interested in AI describing a video you’re already watching, you can also bring up Gemini to take action in Gmail, Docs, Drive, and other Google apps.
Google also brings its handy Circle to Search feature to the Galaxy Z phones. That feature was last introduced with the Pixel 8 and Galaxy S24, but it’s had some improvements since then. The latest Galaxy Z phones include Google Lens-like translation capabilities and features that help with math and physics. It’s a feature that works best on bigger screens, and if you opt for the Z Fold 6 case with the built-in stylus, it will make it a bit easier to highlight whatever you want to search on your screen.
Now that the Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra have finally arrived, we also have a better idea of their packing software. Both watches will sport WearOS 5, which isn’t too big of a surprise, but Google is promising the next version of its software will lead to better battery life and performance. While there’s the expected slate of new watch faces and UI improvements, the Mountain View tech giant has emphasized a three-times improved battery life. It will be interesting to see how much more life span we’ll see from the Watch 7.
WearOS 5 has been in beta over the past several months, so folks have already been able to test its capabilities. The OS is built off Android 14 but contains more watch-specific capabilities, like more accurate running data. WearOS 5 can also track users’ health data even if the tracking apps aren’t actively running, so long as users permit them.