Tech giant Samsung is reportedly investigating new smartphone form factors optimized for generative AI applications and functions.

In a recent interview with the Australian Financial Review, Roh Tae-moon, president of Samsung’s Mobile Experience unit, revealed that the upcoming generation of “AI phones” will look “radically different” from current smartphones. He emphasized that a successful implementation would make these “AI phones” more “mobile” and feature more sensors and larger screens than today’s devices.

Roh mentioned that a significant portion of Samsung’s mobile phone research and development is now focused on these AI-centric phones, though he did not specify the exact form factors under consideration. The form factor refers to the hardware design aspects, including size, shape, and physical specifications of components.

Since the launch of Apple’s iPhone, most smartphones have adopted a slim rectangular form factor in various sizes. Roh’s comments come a few months after Samsung introduced its “Galaxy AI” system to several devices in May. This system aims to streamline existing features, add new tools, and enhance the overall functionality of Samsung phones.

Meanwhile, other market players have attempted to create AI devices with unique form factors but have not yet achieved mainstream success. The Rabbit R1, which launched in March 2024, garnered significant attention by offering an AI device that users could interact with through voice commands. However, tech reviewers, including Marques Brownlee, criticized it for poor functionality and battery life, describing it as “borderline non-functional.”

Brownlee also labeled another similar product, Humane AI, as “the worst product I’ve ever reviewed.”

Samsung’s primary competitor, Apple, announced a partnership with ChatGPT creator OpenAI in June to develop AI features for the iPhone. Google is also incorporating AI into its smartphones and the Android operating system.

Samsung’s exploration of new phone designs reflects a broader industry trend towards integrating AI, aiming to enhance user experience and functionality in innovative ways.

Source: Cointelegraph