Samsung has revealed which AI tools in its Galaxy AI suite are the most often used, and the surprise is the feature at the top of the list isn’t one made by Samsung at all. It calls into question the overall usefulness of Samsung’s much-hyped AI features, such as the Daily Brief and various translation and summarization tools.
The most used Galaxy AI feature is apparently Circle to Search, a feature not made by Samsung, but by Google. The information comes from Samsung itself and was reported by South Korean news outlet ETNews.com, in a report about Galaxy AI’s adoption in Asia and Oceania.
Why Circle to Search wins
Circle to Search is a quick way to search for anything displayed on the screen of your phone, where a simple gesture circling your on-screen choice is all that’s needed to start the search. It’s a helpful feature, and it’s no surprise to see it at the top of the list due to not only its effectiveness, but also its simplicity and obvious real-world benefit.
However, while Circle to Search may be part of the Galaxy AI suite, it was developed by Google (and uses Google Search) and released in January 2024. Initially, Circle to Search was an exclusive Galaxy S24 and select Pixel phone feature, before it was released on other Galaxy devices, and eventually, non-Google and Samsung phones too.
There are a lot of Galaxy AI features, and Circle to Search’s popularity says plenty about the everyday use potential of the other tools. What about the other most popular features? According to Samsung, Photo Assist and Instant Slow-mo are also popular, both of which are used to edit photos and videos. Instant Slow-mo uses AI to slow down video recordings and ensure the frame rate remains smooth by filling in the blanks as it goes. Like Circle to Search, it’s fast, easy to use, and the results are immediately obvious.
AI, but useful
Samsung isn’t the only one pushing AI as a reason to buy its latest phones. Google spent a lot of time talking about Gemini and other AI features during the Pixel 10 launch event, but the features — including Magic Cue and Camera Coach — have yet to fully impress on the otherwise excellent Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro XL.
Circle to Search’s popularity indicates manufacturers may need to focus on the less complicated, more obviously useful AI features and less on the flashier, tech-demo-friendly tools we’re used to seeing during launch events to convince phone buyers that AI is a genuine benefit.
