SAN JOSE, CA – At today’s Galaxy Unpacked event, Samsung, in collaboration with Google, unveiled a suite of groundbreaking Android updates set to redefine the smartphone experience with the upcoming Galaxy S25 series. These advancements, powered by cutting-edge AI, promise a more intuitive, accessible, and connected user experience.
1. Gemini Takes Center Stage: A More Powerful and Integrated AI Assistant
The Galaxy S25 series will see a deeper integration of Gemini, Google’s powerful AI model, transforming it into a truly context-aware mobile assistant. Accessible with a simple press of the side button, Gemini will understand and respond to user needs based on what’s displayed on the screen.
Ready. Press. Gemini.
Gemini Extensions will further expand its capabilities, allowing it to interact with a wide range of apps and services. Beyond existing integrations like Google Maps, YouTube, Google Messages, and Spotify, new Extensions for Samsung Reminder, Calendar, Notes, and Clock will enable users to manage their schedules and tasks directly through Gemini.
The power of multi-app actions is also coming to Gemini. Users can now issue a single prompt to execute complex tasks across multiple apps. For example, asking Gemini to find nearby outdoor restaurants and share the options with a friend will trigger the AI to search Google Maps for suitable locations and draft a ready-to-send message via Google Messages.
Gemini Live, a real-time conversational experience, is also being enhanced. Rolling out today, users can now incorporate images, files, and YouTube videos into their Gemini Live interactions, making the experience even more multimodal and personalized.
2. Galaxy S25’s Now Bar: Your Personalized Information Hub on the Lock Screen
The Galaxy S25 introduces the Now Bar, a dynamic information hub that brings relevant updates directly to the lock screen. Sports enthusiasts can follow their favorite teams with live score updates, match schedules, and key game highlights, all powered by Google Search and accessible with a single glance.
Google Maps integration in the Now Bar provides timely navigation assistance, displaying directions and notifications like when to leave for appointments based on real-time traffic conditions.
3. Circle to Search Gets Smarter with AI Overviews and One-Tap Actions
Circle to Search, the intuitive search feature launched last year, is receiving a significant upgrade. AI Overviews will now be integrated into more visual searches, providing users with concise summaries and relevant information about circled objects, from viral food trends to historical landmarks.
Furthermore, Circle to Search now features one-tap actions, automatically identifying phone numbers, email addresses, and URLs on the screen and offering quick actions like calling, emailing, or visiting the website with a single tap.
4. Enhanced Accessibility: Improved Hearing Aid and Braille Display Support
Samsung and Google are committed to making technology accessible to everyone. The Galaxy S25 series will bring LE audio features, the next generation of Bluetooth, to enhance the experience for users who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing. This update enables hands-free calling, personalized audio adjustments, and low-latency connectivity with compatible hearing aids like GN Hearing and Oticon Intent when paired with a Galaxy S25 device running Android 15.
For users who are blind or have low vision, TalkBack 15 on Galaxy S25 devices will now offer compatibility with braille displays that use the HID protocol, simplifying the connection process. Additionally, TalkBack will soon provide more detailed image descriptions powered by Gemini models.
5. Galaxy Watch for Kids: Enhanced Connectivity and Parental Controls
Parents can now set up and manage LTE smartwatches for their children with the new Galaxy Watch for Kids experience, powered by Google Family Link. This feature allows parents to approve contacts, monitor their child’s watch location, manage apps, and set up school time to minimize distractions during school hours. This update is rolling out today in the U.S. with support from major carriers including AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon.
Conclusion:
The Galaxy S25 series, with its suite of Android updates, promises to deliver a more intelligent, accessible, and connected smartphone experience. From the enhanced capabilities of Gemini to the innovative Now Bar and improved accessibility features, Samsung and Google are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with mobile technology. Consumers can learn more about Samsung’s new Galaxy S25 smartphones now.