Embrace AI on Your Next Pixel or Galaxy – It’s No Big Deal Yet

My Dad’s got a Galaxy S22 and he’s pretty happy with it, but it’s time for an upgrade. With Verizon owing him a new phone after paying off the old one, I suggested an iPhone 15, partly for my own sanity as his tech support. However, he’s sticking to Samsung, so I offered to help set up a Galaxy S24. Surprisingly, he refused, citing concerns about AI. But here’s the thing: AI on phones isn’t as ominous as it sounds.

First off, there’s no actual artificial intelligence (AI) on your phone. Samsung deserves credit for terming their new features as “advanced intelligence,” which is a more accurate label. If you’re worried about AI taking over the world, rest assured, the AI on smartphones today is nowhere near that level.

Let’s clear up some misconceptions. AI on your phone won’t start making decisions for you or send texts on your behalf. It’s not capable of taking action without your consent. The new AI features on phones like the Samsung Galaxy S24 and Google Pixel 8 simply make suggestions for photos or messages, but it’s up to you to approve them.

This AI isn’t sentient; it’s just a sophisticated computer system. It doesn’t form opinions, dream, or possess consciousness. It’s essentially a network of tiny switches doing what it’s programmed to do.

Moreover, this AI doesn’t judge you. However, be mindful that your interactions with it are monitored by Google or Samsung. While the technology itself isn’t a concern, it’s the misuse of AI by individuals that poses potential risks.

So, what does AI on smartphones entail? Essentially, it’s about improving user experience through two forms: visible AI and background AI.

Visible AI includes features like personalized app recommendations based on your habits. For instance, if you frequently use certain apps in the morning, your phone might suggest them on your home screen for easy access. Similarly, it might recommend relevant apps at specific times, such as suggesting the banking app when you’re near an ATM.

Then there’s background AI, which optimizes your phone’s performance without your direct involvement. It learns from your usage patterns to offer timely features or conserve battery power.

As for AI making suggestions and edits, it’s primarily about advanced pattern recognition. When your phone suggests edits to a text message or photo, it’s drawing from a vast database of examples to offer improvements. This technology doesn’t generate original ideas; it merely refines existing content based on learned patterns. PIX PIX PIX PIX PIX PIX

While this AI is impressive, it’s far from the apocalyptic scenarios often portrayed. The real concern lies in how individuals might exploit AI for malicious purposes, such as crafting scam emails or creating fake images. However, with responsible usage, AI on smartphones remains a valuable tool for enhancing user experience.