Galaxy Z Series gets Gemini integration, Circle to Search enhancements, and more

At the Galaxy Unpacked event, Google today announced a series of upcoming updates designed to enhance the user experience on Samsung Galaxy devices, including the latest Galaxy Z foldable phones (Z Flip6 and Z Fold6) and the new Galaxy Watch lineup.

The integration of the Gemini app with the Galaxy Z series is a key highlight. Gemini, an AI assistant app on Android,allows users to learn about their surroundings, generate creative text formats, and perform actions across various Google applications like Gmail, Docs, and Maps.

For the Galaxy Z series, Gemini will offer contextual suggestions based on what's displayed on the user's screen. Users can access these suggestions by swiping a corner of the screen or using the "Hey Google" voice command. For instance,while watching a YouTube video, a suggestion to "Ask about this video" might appear. The large screen on the Galaxy Z Fold6 is particularly suited for multitasking, allowing users to watch a video while having the Gemini overlay open in a split-screen view.

The Gemini app is currently available in 29 languages across more than 200 countries. These specific updates for the Galaxy series are expected to roll out in the coming months.

Circle to Search Receives New Features

Circle to Search, a feature introduced earlier in 2024 that allows users to search information on their Android devices without switching apps, will also see improvements on the Galaxy Z series. Since its launch, Circle to Search has gained translation capabilities and the ability to provide help with various physics and math problems. Later this month, users can expect even more advanced features within Circle to Search, including support for complex topics like symbolic math and the ability to scan barcodes and QR codes directly from the screen.

The availability of Circle to Search extends beyond smartphones; it's also supported on tablets and foldable devices like the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Flip6. Furthermore, Google plans to bring Circle to Search to a wider range of Samsung devices throughout the remainder of 2024.

Wear OS 5 Debuts on Galaxy Watches

At its I/O event earlier this year, Google announced Wear OS 5, the latest iteration of its smartwatch operating system,promising improved performance and battery life. The new Galaxy Watch lineup, including the Watch Ultra and Watch7, will be the first smartwatches to leverage Wear OS 5. These smartwatches boast advanced health monitoring features like heart rate tracking and sleep monitoring, offer a personalized health experience, and provide access to a vast app selection through Google Play.

Multiview YouTube TV on Galaxy Z Fold6

For Galaxy Z Fold6 users who subscribe to YouTube TV, a new multiview functionality is on the horizon. This feature will allow users to enjoy up to four different YouTube TV streams simultaneously. Pre-selected combinations of channels,such as sports or news, will be available, or users can choose their own custom combinations.