If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then Google must be pleased as hell that Samsung is copying the essence of Google Now in its latest AI based features. Samsung is bringing Google’s once beloved assistant back to life by introducing Galaxy AI in its One UI 7 update bringing a tailored, predictive experience that is familiar but modern.
The Galaxy AI Experience: Google Now Reimagined
Samsung recently announced that its One UI 7 beta will be rolling out, and with it comes a suite of new features meant to make the user’s life simpler. The standout feature among those is the Now Bar, a lock screen integrated tool that combines personal habits with app functionality.
The Now Bar is clearly designed to do all the things: managing workouts and weather, checking the weather, and of course accessing music playlists, and getting to your next destination, all with a proactive, user centered design that carries Google Now’s ethos from as far back as years ago.
Now Bar uses on device machine learning to help predict user needs and simplify tasks. This feature attempts to automate the help that might be needed by providing ways, from chime coming from behind your earbuds as they pull up your go to playlist at noon, to nudging to ask for an Uber for the evening flight so you can arrive home more alcoholically coherent.
AI Meets Privacy: Samsung’s personal data engine
With data privacy now a hot topic, Samsung is looking to tackle it front on. On device data processing via the Personal Data Engine ensures that Galaxy AI is secure and protects sensitive personal information. The system also possessed security central to Samsung’s Knox Vault, which encrypted and protected sensitive data, whereas Google Now took the approach of not having as much local security.
The South Korean electronics giant emphasizes data remains private, not shared with external entities, a likely bid to assuage worries over private data being used in AI-powered systems.
One UI 7: An iOS flavor of AI Powered Innovation
On the whole, beta testers’ feedback about the One UI 7 update so far has been positive with many enjoying the polished interface and easy to use features. The design echoes a lot of things in iOS, but it’s Samsung’s marriage of Galaxy AI that positions this as a big addition to the mobile os space.
In addition to DJ Koh’s comments about One UI 7 as the “first true AI platform,” the company is marketing One UI 7 as “the industry’s first true AI platform,” which implies has machine learning and personally designed features deep into its commitment.
Excitement Meets Caution: The Future of Galaxy AI
Now Bar and other Galaxy AI features are a bold step forward, but it also means putting user trust in the hands of AI and the adoption of AI driven systems. Predictive assistance is convenient, but many will prefer to be wary of how their data is being used, even if that means with Samsung’s assurances.
One UI 7 is set to debut officially Galaxy S25 in January but it has the potential to change the way smartphone users experience. How it succeeds (or not) in recapturing much of the Google Now magic that made it great, and does so in a way that still feels like modern privacy expectations, remains to be seen.
Conclusion
Samsung’s Galaxy AI and the Now Bar are evidence of just what happens when we combine the power of personalized, AI-driven technology.
Leaning heavily on Google Now knowledge combined with modern machine learning and stellar privacy measures, Samsung is offering feature rich feature here. In the next few months, as One UI 7 begins to roll out, it will be interesting to gauge how consumers coopt nostalgia and innovation within this mix.
Ethan Cole is a tech aficionado dedicated to exploring the latest innovations and gadgets, providing reviews and insights to keep you updated in the tech world.
