Samsung's mobile boss teases that more AI features are coming, but you might have to PAY

SAMSUNG fans may have to pay for the privilege of using the tech giant's fancy new AI features.

The South Korean company recently unveiled mega AI-powered tools for the Galaxy S24 series, such as improved photo editing and the ability to translate a live phone call.

They're rolling out to a number of older devices this year, including the Galaxy S23.

But the company has warned users that it may charge for access at some point in the future.

For now, Samsung has committed to keeping its AI features free until at least the end of 2025.

However, bosses are still unsure about whether to charge people for it afterward.

Speaking to The Sun, Samsung's vice president who heads the MX division teased that more AI features are likely to come in the future.

But it's not clear how much such a plan will cost users.

Samsung isn't the only company willing to charge for bonus features

Analysis by Jamie Harris, Senior Technology and Science Reporter at The Sun

Everyone fears that AI will eventually take over their jobs, but right now the technology is expensive to develop and maintain.

Clearly, Samsung is testing the waters to see how people react to the “Age of AI” features and the prospect of paying for them.

And it wouldn't be the first to do so.

Last year, Apple expanded its Emergency SOS via Satellite tool for iPhone, giving users an extra free year. It has also not been revealed how much users will have to pay if they want to keep the life-saving function at the end of the year.

Keep in mind that Samsung is still deciding what to do and if it does charge, it will only be for the AI ​​features. You'll still get free Android software upgrades for the essentials, as you normally would. At its recent Galaxy event, the company said it will now offer seven years of security updates and seven generations of OS upgrades.

Part of the reason the smartphone maker is considering a fee is because of the amount of investment and research it has made into AI, James Kitto said.

It has already been reported that Google and ChatGPT's AI capabilities could cost a bomb as it requires more computing power and therefore more electricity.

Kitto explained that Samsung's commitment of free AI tools until the end of 2025 does not mean they will start charging from January 1, 2026.

“It's obviously the consumer's choice, you know, it will be presented very clearly to the customers,” he told The Sun.

“It won't be forced on anyone and those options will be made available at that time, so if you want to use those features or certain features, there may be an additional charge.”

He continued: “I'm obviously very confident that what we're doing here is great hardware and great AI software.

“That software will of course become richer and improve over time because AI and the core adoption of AI and just the technological improvements in AI in this new era of AI-powered phones are happening at a real pace.

“I'm sure there will be more features in the future and so we thought we would be very open and honest with our customers and say, look, for everything you get, we're not going to charge you now .at least until the end of 2025.”