Key Information You Should Know
- Code present in the One UI 7 beta indicates that Samsung’s Now Brief feature might be available for older Galaxy devices.
- Although this feature is presently inactive, its inclusion in the beta suggests potential future availability.
- Samsung has mentioned that not every AI feature in One UI 7 will function on older devices due to hardware constraints.
Now Brief: A Peek into Samsung’s AI-Enhanced Future
Samsung’s One UI 7 is developing into a major upgrade, particularly with its deployment of AI-driven features. Among the most discussed is Now Brief, a feature resembling a smart assistant, aimed at simplifying user interactions and providing tailored information at a glance. Initially believed to be exclusive to the upcoming Galaxy S25 series, recent discoveries indicate that Now Brief may not be restricted to merely the latest hardware.
Findings in the Beta: An Unexpected Reveal
The conjecture started when leaker Mehmet Kaya found indications of Now Brief in the One UI 7 beta for the Galaxy S24. Utilizing the Activity Launcher tool, Kaya succeeded in locating the feature’s official page and its relevant app settings. Although the feature is currently switched off, its presence in the code suggests that Samsung is at least examining its compatibility with older models.
Another user, That Josh Guy, confirmed the finding, mentioning that the code showed up in One UI 7 Beta 4. They pointed out that the code only unveils the framework and customization sections for Now Brief, without any live functionality available yet. Accessing this data required an in-depth exploration of system files, indicating that Samsung may be experimenting with broader device support in the background.
Hardware Constraints: An Obstacle for AI Features
Despite these findings, Samsung has clearly stated the challenges in providing advanced AI capabilities to older devices. In a recent discussion, Sally Jeong, EVP and Head of Framework R&D at Samsung, elaborated that numerous AI features in One UI 7 are heavily dependent on strong hardware. Particularly, features like the Personal Data Engine necessitate the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset for efficient operation.
Consequently, numerous mid-range or previously released flagship devices might not access the complete range of AI functionalities. However, the presence of Now Brief in the beta code for devices such as the Galaxy S24, Z Flip 6, and Fold 6 suggests that this specific feature might be less dependent on high-performing hardware than others.
Reasons Why Now Brief May Be the Exception
While many AI functionalities in One UI 7 are anticipated to be confined to newer devices due to processing needs, Now Brief could stand out as an exception. Its apparent integration into the beta versions for several devices suggests a more lightweight approach. If Now Brief relies more on cloud computing or simpler on-device algorithms, it could potentially operate on devices with moderately older hardware.
This would be a welcome development for Samsung users who frequently feel overlooked when innovative features are reserved for the latest models. It also aligns with Samsung’s recent initiatives to enhance software accessibility.