Samsung doesn't want budget Galaxy phones to use exclusive AI features
TL;DR Samsung has apparently removed a workaround that allowed people to get Browsing Assist on their unsupported devices.
The workaround was purportedly removed in version 28.0.0.59 of the Samsung Internet Browser.
Browsing Assist allows users to access features like summarization, Read Aloud, and translation capabilities in their browser.
Reddit users recently discovered a way to unofficially enable Samsung's Browsing Assist AI features on unsupported Galaxy phones. This meant you could use the Samsung Internet Browser's summarization, Read Aloud, and translation features on your phone, even if it didn't ship with these features in the first place.
Now, Samsung has updated its Samsung Internet Browser to apparently remove Browsing Assist on unsupported phones. Twitter user @Feruzbek_101 (h/t: SammyGuru) and Redditor Interesting_Sea_5189 both reported that this new Samsung Internet update removes AI features on unsupported devices. Another user in the original Reddit thread also claimed this workaround is missing after the new browser update.
We haven't been able to verify this removal just yet, but users specifically claim that Samsung Internet version 28.0.0.59 is the offending update. The app changelog doesn't specifically mention closing this loophole, but it does point to 'fixed bugs and improved stability,' as seen below.
Galaxy Store
There's no official word on why Samsung would disable this method of activating Browsing Assist on unsupported devices. My best guess is that the company may have done so for market differentiation reasons. That is, it wants to keep these Galaxy AI features exclusive to flagship-tier phones and tablets to give people one more reason to buy these expensive devices.
Still, it's clear that many cloud-based AI features don't require fancy hardware. So we can understand if you're a little annoyed Samsung isn't bringing tools like Browsing Assist to low-end or mid-range Galaxy devices just yet.
We've asked Samsung for a statement on the matter and will update our article accordingly. Nevertheless, you should probably skip this update if you've unofficially enabled Browsing Assist or plan to do so on your cheap Galaxy phone.
Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at
Email our staff at news@androidauthority.com . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Android Authority
39 minutes ago
- Android Authority
Galaxy Watch Classic fan discovers bezel trick that looks like magic
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority TL;DR A Reddit clip shows the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic's bezel still works when held above the screen, thanks to magnetic sensing. The bezel uses a Hall sensor to detect changes in a magnetic field, rather than a mechanical connection. The same system is used on the latest Galaxy Watch 8 Classic. The rotating bezel is one of the Galaxy Watch Classic's signature features, but it turns out that it doesn't actually need to touch the smartwatch to work. It's one of those quirks that makes sense when you see it, but still impresses. Don't want to miss the best from Android Authority? Set us as a preferred source in Google Search to support us and make sure you never miss our latest exclusive reports, expert analysis, and much more. A Reddit post from a Galaxy Watch 6 Classic owner shows the watch responding to bezel turns even when the ring is held about a centimeter above the display. Not only is it a neat visual demo, but it also reveals that the sensing is all done magnetically. Check it out below. In the comments, other Galaxy Watch fans explained that the bezel movement is detected by a Hall sensor, a tiny component that registers changes in a magnetic field. Small metal balls under the ring provide the familiar tactile clicks that trick the mind into thinking the system is mechanical. This magnetic setup also explains a few quirks, like accidental scrolling when the watch is on a magnetic charger. Samsung has used this same system for multiple generations, including the latest Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, so the hover-and-spin trick should work there too. However, now that you know it's magnets doing the magic, it's probably not worth dismantling your watch just to prove it. Follow
Yahoo
42 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Google is testing customizable calling cards for Android that show up when your friends call
Google has started rolling out customizable calling cards for the beta versions of its Android Contacts and Phone apps. Android Authority found clues that the company was working on the feature back in July when it did an APK teardown. Now, you can give it a try if you decide to install the beta versions of the apps. As the publication notes, Google's implementation is the direct opposite of Apple's. On iOS, your set your own photo and name that you want to show up on other people's phones when you call them. You cannot alter other people's Contact Posters, as Apple calls the feature. Meanwhile, on Android, you can't make your own calling card. The feature instead gives you a way to set a photo and a name for your contacts that show up on your screen when they call you. If you do have access to the beta Contacts app for Android, you'll now see a note that says "Try adding a calling card" when you view a contact's details. From there, you can choose a photo you have of that contact from your gallery or take a new one of them with your camera. You can also adjust the font type and color for their name. Whenever they call, that calling card will take over your phone screen. If this sounds nothing new to you, it may be because Samsung has had a profile card feature for a while now that works just like Google's implementation. It's already widely available and accessible from your contacts' profile pages.
Engadget
4 hours ago
- Engadget
Google is testing customizable calling cards for Android that show up when your friends call
Google has started rolling out customizable calling cards for the beta versions of its Android Contacts and Phone apps. Android Authority found clues that the company was working on the feature back in July when it did an APK teardown. Now, you can give it a try if you decide to install the beta versions of the apps. As the publication notes, Google's implementation is the direct opposite of Apple's. On iOS, your set your own photo and name that you want to show up on other people's phones when you call them. You cannot alter other people's Contact Posters, as Apple calls the feature. Meanwhile, on Android, you can't make your own calling card. The feature instead gives you a way to set a photo and a name for your contacts that show up on your screen when they call you. If you do have access to the beta Contacts app for Android, you'll now see a note that says "Try adding a calling card" when you view a contact's details. From there, you can choose a photo you have of that contact from your gallery or take a new one of them with your camera. You can also adjust the font type and color for their name. Whenever they call, that calling card will take over your phone screen. If this sounds nothing new to you, it may be because Samsung has had a profile card feature for a while now that works just like Google's implementation. It's already widely available and accessible from your contacts' profile pages.
