Samsung, SKT to introduce real-time AI translation services on smartphones

Galaxy AI [Courtesy of Samsung Electronics]

South Korean tech giant Samsung Electronics Co. and mobile carrier SK telecom Co. are each working on the development of a technology that enables smartphone users to engage in conversations with foreigners without the need for shared languages.

Samsung Electronics announced on Thursday that it plans to implement real-time translation features, among other capabilities, through Galaxy AI next year.

Galaxy AI represents a comprehensive mobile AI experience, integrating Samsung’s in-house developed On-Device AI technology and collaboration with industry partners.

The Galaxy AI is expected to be incorporated into major models, commencing with the flagship Galaxy S24 set to launch early next year.

The real-time translation during phone calls stands out as a key feature to be implemented through Galaxy AI.

Users with smartphones equipped with Galaxy AI will have access to the functionality without the need for external apps.

The process involves users speaking in their language, with the AI translating and conveying the message in real-time in the recipient’s language.

The recipient, even without a Galaxy AI phone, can listen to the translated conversation audibly or read it in text format.

English is the first foreign language being prepared for this feature, with additional supported languages to be confirmed later, according to the company.

SK telecom, in the meantime, is working towards unveiling its own real-time translation feature, A.Dot Translation Call, by the end of this year.

Developed using its proprietary Large Language Model (LLM) called A.Dot, SK telecom plans to offer bidirectional real-time translation services supporting Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese initially.

The service will also include translation scripts and aims to expand to 11 languages, including Vietnamese, Thai, and German in the future.

Drawing parallels to A.Dot’s success in providing call recording and summarization on iPhones, the expansion of services catering to consumer needs is at the forefront of these developments, the company said.