Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced the availability of Circle to Search[1] with Google for select [2], furthering the democratisation of mobile AI to even more devices in the Galaxy ecosystem. This enhancement underscores Samsung and Google’s continuous dedication to providing the best of mobile technology to as many users as possible. Following Circle to Search’s availability on the selected Galaxy A series, the innovative search experience will also come to , where large displays and Galaxy S Pen bring a new dimension to discovery.

has quickly become a fan favorite since launching on the Galaxy S24 series, offering a transformative experience of discovery that goes beyond traditional search methods. As it expanded to more Galaxy devices, including the latest Galaxy Z Flip6 and Z Fold6, Circle to Search has continuously evolved to enhance its usability and intuitiveness, including adding full-page translation, homework help, and QR and barcode scanning capabilities. Now, with Circle to Search on the Galaxy A series and Galaxy Tab S9 FE series we’re bringing the ability to ask more complex questions about what you see to even more of Samsung’s product lineup.

“These updates unlock new possibilities for the Galaxy A series and Galaxy Tab S9 FE series and reinforce our commitment to providing cutting-edge technology for more Galaxy users,” said TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “We are dedicated to bringing best-in-class AI technology to a broader audience, empowering users with the option to work more efficiently, create more freely, and enjoy richer, more personalised interactions with their devices.”

Circle to Search¹  is a new way to search anything using a simple gesture – without switching apps. When Circle to Search is enabled, users can simply circle, highlight or tap anywhere on the screen to select the text, image or video they want to search. This feature — the result of a deep collaboration with Google — embodies the company’s long-standing commitment to openness and collaboration. With AI-powered results offering rich information and context, Circle to Search elevates the search experience to a new level of ease and excitement.

For more information about the Galaxy A series and Galaxy Tab S9 FE series, please visit: https://www.samsung.com/au/

[1] Circle to Search requires internet connection. Mobile data fees may apply. Circle to Search feature must be enabled. May not work on all visual elements. Google SafeSearch filter applies.

[2] To be rolled out beginning August 2024 for the following models: Galaxy A55, A54, A35, and A34. Availability of Circle to Search updates may vary by device model and market.

Despite the current economic climate, global sales of the Galaxy S23 series have been highly positive. TM Roh believes that this was made possible with the coming together of several new mobile innovations developed based on consumer feedback, which sets a new standard in premium smartphone experiences. This includes the advanced camera features in the Galaxy S23 series smartphones, represented by Nightography; smooth gaming experience backed by the devices’ powerful performance; convenient, easy-to-use One UI 5.1; the use of environmentally conscious recycled materials in components of the Galaxy S23 series and optimisation of third-party apps through open collaborations with global partners.

He reiterated that more than ever, consumers are now placing reliability on the top of their list of must-haves. TM Roh said, “Our consumers are looking for more reliable products, reliable brands, and premium high-end products that can provide a good experience.”

Three-pronged Approach to Lead in the Mobile Market

Noting that this user preference trend would be one for the long term, he laid out a three-pronged approach that Samsung is taking to effectively respond to challenges in the mobile market, and at the same time, pave the way for Samsung to reinforce its position as a market leader:

• Premium Quality: With Samsung’s flagship mobile devices at the core of this strategy, Samsung is focused on continuously improving the product quality of all Samsung Galaxy devices, ensuring that they deliver not just on the user experience, but also in empowering consumers to work better the way they want to.

• Enabling New Experiences and Possibilities: Samsung is focusing its efforts on enabling consumers with new experiences and possibilities through their innovative line-up of Galaxy products by continuously creating and providing new innovations and experiences not just in hardware innovations, but also in software and AI, that only Samsung can provide.

For example, Samsung not only pioneered the folding smartphone category but also took foldables mainstream, with the product category growing in popularity globally. This focus on premium experiences is also being driven by features such as the large screen experience on the Galaxy Z Fold series, the enhanced pocketability and selfie experience on the Galaxy Z Flip series, as well as the excellent Nightography and camera capabilities of the Galaxy S23 series, made possible through innovations in AI technology.

A Galaxy for Everyone: Finally, as much as smartphones are now a part of our everyday lives, there are still many consumers out there who have yet to own a smartphone. As such, Samsung wants to make Galaxy devices more accessible to all, and at more affordable price points, to help more users to live their best lives.

Delivering Great Mobile Experiences for All

“At the MX Business in Samsung Electronics, our goal is to provide a great experience to meet the needs of consumers, both now and in the future, through products of various segments,” emphasised TM Roh.

Guided by a firm understanding of the needs and preferences of consumers from different regions and segments, we want to ensure that we are delivering various quality mobile experiences that consumers want. This is especially important in the diverse markets of the Southeast Asia and Oceania region.

“For consumers who are looking for premium smartphones, we offer the Galaxy S series and foldable devices. For those looking for something more affordable yet be able to enjoy mobile experiences powered by 5G connectivity, we have the Galaxy A series,” he explained.

Innovating for the Future

Looking ahead, TM Roh said that consumers across Southeast Asia and Oceania and globally are increasingly expecting a more seamless device experience, centred on the ubiquitous smartphone.

He cites the Galaxy ecosystem, with smartphones, wearables, and tablets, as an example of this unmatched, continued experience that can simplify consumers’ lives.  “We’ve strengthened our entire multi-device experience to allow Galaxy devices to better connect with our TV line and home appliances such as air conditioners, and refrigerators. This is one of our biggest strengths that differentiates the Galaxy ecosystem from competitors. We will continue to build a more powerful and seamless multi-device experience, including strengthening localisation efforts to optimise how technology can blend into the everyday for our users through our SmartThings platform.”

TM Roh believes that there is still much potential to innovate in the mobile market across many areas. The innovation of form factors, such as foldables, will enrich the whole ecosystem, driving the development of third-party apps and new user experiences and that continue to redefine the limits of what a mobile device can do.

He also mentioned how the partnership with Google and Qualcomm, announced at Galaxy Unpacked 2023, will explore new possibilities for extended reality (XR) applications, while the creation of new AI-powered services and content, or intelligent in-vehicle experiences and even smarter home appliances, will also contribute towards smartphone innovation in the years to come.

“We will be kept busy bringing new innovations to our consumers. The whole smartphone and mobile industry will continue to evolve and grow in the future.”

As a pioneer in the smart home industry, Samsung has been a key contributor to the development of Matter from the very beginning and was one of the first companies to receive Matter certification. Earlier this year, Samsung revealed TVs and Family Hub refrigerators[3] that were selected to be updated to support Matter Controller functionality, simplifying experiences with both Samsung and third-party devices. In May 2022, SmartThings announced its Partner Early Access Program[4], the next step toward a Matter-compatible ecosystem, which granted select partners a head start in testing the Matter-supporting SmartThings hub and mobile software.

“We are now shifting from basic connectivity to building incredible experiences,” said Jaeyeon Jung, Corporate Vice President and Head of SmartThings, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “Matter is the future, giving consumers extensive choice and smart device compatibility at scale. Today marks the most significant milestone yet toward mass smart home adoption.”

SmartThings supports a feature called multi-admin, which allows users to control their Matter compatible devices from multiple platforms and apps. Earlier this year, Samsung and Google announced an expanded partnership to take multi-admin support to the next level, improving interoperability and offering better user experiences. SmartThings’ open platform offers one of the largest integrated ecosystems, and Matter-certified products will be rolled out across brands including Google Nest, Eve Systems, Nanoleaf, Yale, and more.

SmartThings’ Matter Controller support will begin with the second and third generations of the SmartThings Hub, as well as the Aeotec Smart Home Hub. All hubs will continue to support Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Local Area Network devices, including Wi-Fi and Ethernet, and will be upgraded over-the-network to enable support for Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Thread-based Matter devices.[5]

“We are committed to maintaining support for existing protocols while also helping the industry transition to a future built on Matter,” said Mark Tekippe, Vice President of Product at SmartThings and Connectivity Standards Alliance Board Member. “SmartThings has always provided customers with flexible connectivity options including Zigbee and Z-Wave. Adding support for Matter and Thread helps to ensure SmartThings remains a versatile ecosystem for consumers looking to build or expand their smart homes.”

For more information about SmartThings, please visit www.smartthings.com.

[1] SmartThings app requires each compatible device must be connected to Wi-Fi or other wireless network. For interoperability through SmartThings, all the devices should be registered with a single Samsung Account.

[2] For more information on Smart Things compatible devices, visit: https://www.samsung.com/au/apps/smartthings/. Australian Matter compatibility is yet to be announced.

[3] Matter support available on select 2022 TV models in Australia from 30 November. Australian availability for Family Hub Refrigerators yet to be announced.

[4] Program availability may vary by region.

[5] Available technology, functions, and features may vary by country, service provider, network environment, or product, and are subject to change without notice.

Starting today, Galaxy Watch4 users will also be able to download Google Assistant² on their devices, gaining access to fast, more natural voice interactions, quick answers to questions and on-the-go help. With access to both Bixby and Google Assistant, consumers will have more advanced voice assistant functionality right from their wrists.

​¹ Availability of the services may vary by market.

² Google Assistant will be available in 10 markets, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, The UK and USA. It will, also, support 12 languages, which include Danish, English (American, Canadian, United Kingdom, Australian, Irish), Japanese, Korean, Spanish, French (Canadian, France) and Taiwanese.

At last August’s Unpacked event, I shared my strategy to bring more empowering mobile technology to as many people as possible, especially at a time when they needed it most. Now, around one year later, our world is slowly but surely preparing to reopen in many ways. We’re all yearning for freedom and the possibilities that this new world has to offer thanks to advancements in technology that are set to make our world bigger than it ever was.

This past year, new technologies continued to reshape the way we live. Our collaboration with trusted industry partners allowed us to drive seamless experiences that offer more personalization and versatility than ever. As we enter this new era of agile transformation, I believe that open ecosystems are the only way to accelerate innovation and give people more freedom to create their own experiences that are best for their lifestyles.

Samsung Electronics is poised and ready to unveil visionary, purposeful mobile technology for a better world. In a few weeks, we will unleash our latest and greatest Galaxy Z series to reshape the smartphone category and completely reimagine your experiences.

Life Opens Up with Galaxy 

Today, the world needs flexible technologies that give people room to explore. At Samsung, people are at the heart of everything we do. We’re constantly listening to you to ensure that any new device and experience we create really brings meaningful innovations. We want to enrich everyone’s life, not just the lives of a select few. From epic cameras and vivid, immersive viewing experiences to long-lasting batteries and strong security, we’re focusing on what really matters to you.

As we explore new ways to empower you, we often venture into uncharted territory. That’s how we ended up creating a brand-new category with the launch of the Galaxy Fold. And we didn’t stop there. We kept improving the category with our second generation of foldables, the Galaxy Z Fold2 and the Galaxy Z Flip, with more screen and more of the features you now know and love. I’m excited to say our third generation of foldable devices will open up amazing new multitasking capabilities and enhanced durability for even more people around the world.  

Samsung is Bringing More People into the Fold

This will be especially important as the world leap frogs into new frontiers of connectivity that demand open ecosystems and reliable mobile experiences. At Samsung, “open” and “secure” are never mutually exclusive. In fact, our collaborations with trusted industry leaders like Google and Microsoft are why we are able to deliver mobile technology that is secure and optimized for today’s rapidly evolving and interconnected world. We constantly work with key partners to create cutting-edge security solutions that keep your devices and data safe every step of the way. This allows us to give you even more control over your apps, data and privacy, so you can curate your own experience — with total peace of mind.

Collaboration enables us to build mobile experiences that make your life easier and better. It fueled the development of a new unified wearable platform, which we built jointly with Google. On top of your favorite Galaxy apps like Samsung Health and SmartThings, there will be so many others in the new Google Play Store. Furthermore, our One UI Watch user interface is deeply integrated with our other Galaxy devices and provides consistent connectivity between your Galaxy Watch and Galaxy smartphone.

We are also working with Google to enrich our foldable ecosystems with popular apps and services. For our third generation of Galaxy Z phones, we have lined up even more partner apps that make the most of the versatile fold-out format. From hands-free optimized video calling with Google Duo and watching videos in Flex mode on YouTube to multitasking in Microsoft Teams, our foldable ecosystem will offer a wealth of seamless and optimized experiences.  

A New Chapter in Smartphone Innovation Is Here

The upcoming Galaxy Z Fold combines the very best that smartphones and tablets offer and delivers completely new ways of working, connecting and creating, while the upcoming Z Flip exhibits an even more refined style, armed with more durable, stronger materials. I firmly believe these devices will answer the call for the versatile mobile technology we need as we navigate the open road ahead.

We are out to set new heights and open up a whole new world of exciting experiences for even more people. I hope you’ll join us as we debut our next Galaxy Z family and share some foldable surprises — including the first-ever S Pen designed specifically for foldable phones. Instead of unveiling a new Galaxy Note this time around, we will further broaden beloved Note features to more Samsung Galaxy devices. In the meantime, mark your calendars and tune in to our Unpacked event on August 11 to see what unfolds.

by Dr. TM Roh

President & Head of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics