Latest news with #S26
Tom's Guide
2 days ago
- Business
- Tom's Guide
The Samsung Galaxy S26 could feature a completely different AI assistant — here's what we know
The next generation of Samsung devices could drop Google Gemini as the default AI assistant, as Samsung reportedly comes close to finalizing a deal with Perplexity to include its app on the Galaxy S26. Originally, we had heard that Samsung and the AI startup Perplexity were in talks back in April. However, as revealed in a recent report from Bloomberg, the two companies are apparently close to finalizing a deal with an announcement possibly coming this year. As a result of the deal, the Perplexity app will reportedly come preinstalled on the Galaxy S26, while also integrating the startup's search features into Samsung's default web browser. Bloomberg's sources also claim that the two companies have discussed integrating Perplexity's tech into the Bixby digital assistant. This would be a massive step forward for Perplexity, primarily because shipping as the default AI will massively boost the visibility of the company's assistant. However, this isn't the only work that the company is doing with Samsung. According to the report, both companies were discussing building an AI-based operating system that can tap into functionality from Perplexity and other AI assistants. On top of that, Samsung is reportedly on track to be one of the company's biggest investors, further deepening their relationship beyond the S26's AI features. Both Google and Samsung have worked together to develop some fantastic features over the years. For instance, we saw the release of the fantastic Circle to Search on the Galaxy S24. Google also showed off the improved power of its Gemini AI during the announcement of the Galaxy S25. However, it would seem that Samsung is looking to reduce its reliance on Google and instead follow Apple's lead by working with a mix of different AI developers. This could be an issue for Google as it relies on having its programs pre-installed on devices to extend its reach and secure revenue. Considering Samsung is one of Google's biggest partners, this could be a pretty major disruption, although we imagine Gemini will still be available to those who want it, and that Samsung won't be jumping from the Android operating system any time soon. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. For the time being, we'll need to wait and see what Samsung officially announces. However, the specific details have yet to be finalized, meaning that certain parts could be subject to change before then. We will aim to keep our eyes open for any more information and update you when we know more.
Mint
3 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Samsung tapping Perplexity AI for all devices — what does this mean for you?
Samsung Electronics is close to signing a significant investment deal with Perplexity AI, to integrate the startup's artificial intelligence tech across the South Korean electronics giant's devices, Bloomberg reported citing sources. Representatives for Samsung and Perplexity declined to comment, the report said, citing sources to add that the two sides met in South Korea over the past few weeks. According to the report, the 'wide-ranging deal' would put Perplexity's AI search technology at the forefront of Samsung devices. So, what would this mean for customers? We explore… According to the report, talks include preloading Perplexity's app and assistant on upcoming Samsung devices, including the S26. It also includes integrate the startup's search features into the Samsung web browser, sources said. Besides this, Perplexity's tech could also be 'weaved into' Samsung's Bixby virtual assistant, the sources added. Sources also noted that the goal is to include the service as a default assistant option in the Galaxy S26 phone line scheduled for launch in H2 of 2026. The announcement is expected as early as this year, but specifics are not yet finalised, they added. Other features being discussed include building an AI-infused operating system and an AI agents app that can tap into functionality from Perplexity and a range of other AI assistants, the sources added. Sources told Bloomberg that Samsung Electronics is also expected to be among the largest investors in Perplexity's new funding round and is in 'advanced discussions' to raise $500 million at a $14 billion valuation. This could signal a departure from Samsung's reliance on Alphabet's Google search engine, and 'pave the way for it to work with a mix of AI developers', the report added. For Perplexity, the arrangement would mark its biggest mobile partnership to date and follows a recent integration deal with Motorola. According to a report by Bloomberg News, iPhone maker Apple has also shown interest in working with Perplexity, as an alternative to Google Search and ChatGPT (integrated in the Siri voice assistant). 'We've been pretty impressed with what Perplexity has done, so we've started some discussions with them about what they're doing,' Eddy Cue, Apple's senior vice president of services, said during recent testimony at a Google antitrust trial. It's unclear how Perplexity's relationship with Samsung, one of Apple's fiercest rivals, would affect that, the Bloomberg report added. (With inputs from Bloomberg)
India Today
28-05-2025
- India Today
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra's camera leak hints at slimmer module design
Samsung may be gearing up to shake things up with its next flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S26 Ultra — and no, it's not just about megapixels this time. A new leak suggests the upcoming device could feature a reimagined camera module that finally trims down the bulky bump we've all grown used to. The latest report comes from The Elec, which claims Samsung Electro-Mechanics, the conglomerate's own components arm, is working on a new type of camera module aimed at making the Galaxy S26 series slimmer and more refined. The trick? A fresh approach to how camera optics are Galaxy S26 Ultra camera moduleTraditionally, smartphone camera modules use thin cover films between lenses to combat unwanted effects like ghosting and light flares. Samsung now reportedly plans to swap these out for an inkjet-printed anti-reflective layer. This innovation allows for a tighter optical stack, shrinking the overall size of the module without compromising image potentially big news for Ultra models like the S26, where the rear camera bump has been both a technical necessity and a design complaint. Thinning it down could lead to a noticeably sleeker device — not just in appearance but also in how it feels in-hand or sits flat on a table. Interestingly, Samsung filed a patent for this camera construction method back in 2018, and it now appears the concept is inching closer to production. This means the company could be about to deliver one of its most significant design improvements in years — all while preparing to upgrade its imaging Galaxy S26 Ultra camera specs leakadvertisementAnd what of those capabilities? Leaks have been somewhat contradictory. A report from March claimed that the Galaxy S26 Ultra might sport just three cameras: a 200-megapixel main sensor, a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a second 200-megapixel sensor for 4x optical zoom. This would be a departure from the quad-lens system seen on recent Ultra a more recent leak argued that Samsung will keep the four-lens layout, just with better specs. These may include a 200-megapixel main sensor with variable aperture (ranging from f/1.4 to f/4.0), along with a trio of 50-megapixel shooters covering ultra-wide, telephoto, and periscope zoom the Galaxy S26 Ultra unlikely to debut before Q1 2026, there's still plenty of time for plans to change. But between the push for slimmer hardware and a continued focus on premium photography, Samsung appears poised to balance design elegance with imaging power. And if they finally solve the camera bump problem while they're at it? That's a win for pockets everywhere.
Tom's Guide
23-05-2025
- Tom's Guide
Samsung Galaxy S26 camera rumored to stick at 50MP — but there could be a brand new sensor instead
It's going to be several months before the Samsung Galaxy S26 arrives, but we're already starting to hear rumors about what the phone could have to offer. A new leak claims that the phone will get an upgraded camera, but those of you hoping for any meaningful bump in resolution are going to be rather disappointed. According to a report from GalaxyClub, the entry-level Galaxy S26 will retain a 50MP main camera — the same resolution we've had since the Galaxy S22. But resolution doesn't mean much in the grand scheme of things, certainly not compared to the upgraded sensor apparently coming to the phone. The report claims that the S26 will finally ditch the ISOCELL S5KGN3 sensor in favor of a newer ISOCELL GN sensor. It's unclear which sensor may come to the phone, and it's speculated that it might even be one that hasn't been officially announced yet. While often ignored, the sensor can make a great many differences to the overall photo quality. A larger sensor captures more light, for example, which can boost low-light performance among other things. Presumably, we'll find out more after the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 this summer, as the rumor mill pivots towards next year's flagship release. One of the biggest upgrades we've heard about for the Galaxy S26 series comes from the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Word is that the phone will offer a 200MP telephoto lens, with 5x optical zoom. Meanwhile, the secondary telephoto shooter is said to be jumping to 50MP with 3.5x optical magnification. To top it off, the main camera may feature a ridiculous 324 megapixel resolution sensor. You thought 200MP was a lot? Well, this one is more than 50% bigger, and if you ask me, that might be rather excessive for a smartphone. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. There's also speculation that Samsung may scrap the Galaxy S26 Plus and release the skinny Galaxy S26 Edge in its place. Considering how close the S25 Plus's hardware is to the S25 Ultra, that would certainly help the third Galaxy phone stand out from its compatriots. Let's just hope that the rumors that Samsung is switching back to Exynos chips don't come to fruition. It's been rather nice having Snapdragon performance on the flagship around the world, rather than just the U.S.
Phone Arena
22-05-2025
- Phone Arena
Samsung's base Galaxy S26 could get a crucial camera hardware upgrade
Whether it will be unveiled "on schedule" at the beginning of 2026 or earlier than usual to better compete against the iPhone 17 roster, Samsung's Galaxy S26 family is all but guaranteed to make dozens of headlines on our little website here between now and the end of 2025. You probably already knew that if you've been following the mobile industry's camera advancements for more than five minutes, but if you were somehow still not aware, let me stress once again that it's not (necessarily) bad news that the "vanilla" Galaxy S26 is expected to retain the 50 megapixel count of the S25's main rear-facing snapper. That's because the imaging sensor itself is tipped to change, and while we don't have any details on the new sensor just yet, it's safe to assume that any change on this front will be for the best. Simply put, there's a very good chance now that the S26 will produce better photographs than the Galaxy S25, S24, and S23, which can only make Samsung's hardcore fans happy. The Galaxy S25 and S24 come with the exact same primary rear-facing camera. | Image Credit -- PhoneArena The S25, S24, and S23, mind you, actually share the exact same Isocell GN3 camera sensor in common, so clearly, this S26 upgrade was a long time coming. The improved 50MP sensor is likely to join the same Samsung-made Isocell GN family, but the new name might not be as easy to guess as you think based on the company's branding history. As our Galaxy S25 review suggests, the GN3 camera performance is pretty solid, but of course, there's always room for improvement... and bridging the gap between a "base" Galaxy S series handset and Ultra models. Most definitely... if the S26 + exists. That's a big "if" right now, with multiple insiders anticipating a discontinuation of Samsung's non-Ultra Android giant. Instead of a Plus-branded variant, the Galaxy S26 family could include a super-slim Edge member in addition to "regular" and Ultra models. Of course, this plan could be tentative at the moment and its ultimate execution might depend on the mainstream success (or lack thereof) of the just-released Galaxy S25 Edge. If Samsung's first-of-a-kind ultra-thin flagship performs in line with internal expectations (not to mention better), a Galaxy S26 Plus may not make much sense after years and years of disappointing sales results for devices like the S25 Plus, S24 Plus, and S23 Plus. The Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus also share a 50MP Isocell GN3 sensor in common. | Image Credit -- PhoneArena Both the Galaxy S26 Edge and S26 Ultra are obviously virtually guaranteed to pack better cameras than the Galaxy S26 , with a 200MP sensor likely to headline the rear-facing snapper systems of the two ultra-high-end 2026 smartphones. But if the S26 moves past the Isocell GN3 sensor of so many of its forerunners, the S26 Ultra and S26 Edge could well replace the 200-megapixel Isocell HP2 monster found on the back of the S25 Ultra, S25 Edge , S24 Ultra, and S23 Ultra with a new and even better sensor that's probably not official yet. In case you're wondering, no, I don't have any information on the rest of the S26 family's camera sensors, but naturally, there's plenty of time for everything to be revealed well before Samsung's first big Unpacked event of 2026... or its last one of 2025.
