Bucket Tech: Samsung Unleashes Awesome Intelligence on Galaxy A Series

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. celebrated the launch of its latest Galaxy A series - the Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G, and Galaxy A26 5G - at an exciting event in Johannesburg. Marking a bold new chapter for Samsung’s most popular smartphone line, the latest Galaxy A series comes with Awesome Intelligence, Galaxy’s first-ever comprehensive mobile AI tailored specifically for this range of devices.

For the first time, Galaxy A series users can enjoy fan-favourite Galaxy AI features, previously exclusive to flagship devices, now reimagined for a wider audience. Awesome Intelligence brings powerful, fun, and easy-to-use tools that transform how users create, connect, and explore.

“With Awesome Intelligence, we’re delivering an experience that’s smarter, more creative, and more personal to user and fans of the ever-popular Galaxy A series,” said Justin Hume, Vice President of Mobile Experience at Samsung South Africa. “These new devices bring flagship-level AI features and robust security to more people than ever before, while also debuting Samsung SOS+ – a true game-changer for personal safety in South Africa.”

Unlocking Creativity with Awesome Intelligence

Powered by One UI 7, Awesome Intelligence delivers cutting-edge AI innovations, including Circle to Search, which has taken searching on your phone to the next level. Featuring Awesome Intelligence enhancements, it’s now not just for images; it can now also recognise music playing in videos, helping users identify songs by tapping a button. With it, you can instantly identify songs playing nearby or from memory, thanks to advanced audio recognition.

The Galaxy A series also takes the camera experience to a new level with creator-focused tools, starting with a powerful triple-camera system featuring a 50MP main lens on all devices. AI enhancements ensure every photo and video looks sharp, vibrant, and perfectly lit, thanks to the improved camera set-up. Editing features like Object Eraser let users remove unwanted elements from images, while Filters offer personalised colour and style extraction for a unique visual flair. The result? Effortless creativity with every tap.

All three models feature a robust 5,000mAh battery[i], with Super-Fast Charging 2.0 (45W) support on the Galaxy A56 5G and A36 5G for all-day performance. The entire line-up is built to endure life’s surprises with IP67-rated dust and water resistance[ii] - now included even on the Galaxy A26 5G for the first time.

Introducing Samsung SOS+: Real-Time Emergency Assistance

Samsung also unveiled Samsung SOS+, a personal emergency service developed in partnership with AURA, the country’s leading emergency response platform. Samsung SOS+ connects users to a nationwide network of vetted medical and armed responders.

In an emergency, users dial the dedicated SOS+ number, which instantly shares their live location with AURA’s secure system. Help is then dispatched immediately, with a call-back from the SOS+ control centre to confirm assistance is en route. The service is free for the first 12 months with the purchase of any qualifying device, including the new Galaxy A56, A36, and A26. The Subscription service will be available from 01 May 2025.

Bucket Tech: HONOR Introduces Circle to Search

Global technology brand HONOR announced the availability of Circle to Search with Google on the flagship HONOR Magic V3, the world’s slimmest inward foldable smartphone, as well as on the HONOR 200 Series, delivering superior performance and an unrivalled studio-level portrait photography experience. The new enhancement ensures everyone can benefit from the latest AI advancements, bringing a seamless and intuitive search experience to smartphone users around the world.

“Enhancements in AI are transforming the way we work, learn, shop, create and interact with our devices. Whether you need translation assistance, homework help or simply want to find out more about an image that’s caught your eye on social media, our smartphones have become our go-to source for searching for this information,” said George Zhao, CEO of HONOR. “As a human-centric technology brand, HONOR is committed to bringing the benefits of AI to all. Thanks to our close industry collaboration with Google and by introducing this feature to not one, but two of our popular smartphone lines, it’s now possible to unlock a world of information at your fingertips, offering a whole new level of convenience in people’s daily lives.”

Circle to Search empowers users to instantly search for anything they see on their phone with Google. With Circle to Search, users can simply circle, highlight, scribble or tap anywhere on their screen to select the text, image or video they want to search for more information about, without switching apps. Circle to Search makes searching for whatever inspires you even easier.

HONOR’s AI Journey: Building a Comprehensive and Responsible AI Ecosystem

Recognizing the pivotal role of AI in shaping future lifestyles, HONOR has long viewed AI as a strategic priority. Through continuous R&D and open collaboration with industry partners, HONOR is dedicated to enriching its on-device AI ecosystem, delivering forward-thinking AI solutions to consumers worldwide. Earlier this year, HONOR unveiled HONOR’s Four-layer AI Architecture, a blueprint for industry-wide adoption that will ultimately benefit users everywhere. Embracing a hybrid AI strategy that fully integrates on-device AI and cloud AI capabilities, HONOR has developed a multi-layered security architecture and the HONOR Personal Cloud Compute, safeguarding user data and privacy during interactions with cloud AI services. 

Unveiled at IFA 2024, the latest flagship foldable HONOR Magic V3 features a host of pioneering AI capabilities. Teaming up with Google, the HONOR Magic V3 is equipped with AI Eraser, Face to Face Translation and HONOR Notes tools, empowering users with pro-grade productivity features. In keeping with its user-centric approach, HONOR has introduced the industry’s first AI Defocus Eye Protection Technology and AI Deepfake Detection Anti-Fraud Technology, addressing common health and safety concerns associated with smartphone usage. In addition, running on MagicOS 8.0.1, HONOR devices come with the intent-based Magic Portal and Magic Capsule, redefining human-device interactions to offer users optimal convenience.