Technologies

Galaxy S24 Ultra: One Day With Samsung’s New Phone

Circle to Search and Instant Slow-Mo are my favorite new features so far.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra may look a lot like the Galaxy S23 Ultra at first glance. But Samsung’s newest phones are the first to come with Galaxy AI. It’s an umbrella term for tools and features powered by generative AI that can generate content and responses that sound conversational (but aren’t always accurate) after being trained on data. It’s the same flavor of AI that fuels ChatGPT, and the Galaxy S24 lineup is an example of how the tech is being applied to new smartphones.

I’ve been using the Galaxy S24 Ultra for a day, and one Galaxy AI feature has stood out to me in that short time: Circle to Search. I just press and hold the home button and draw a circle around anything I see on screen to launch a Google search for that object. It works intuitively and reliably so far and feels practically useful in everyday life unlike other AI-powered additions to the Galaxy S24.

Read more: Samsung’s Galaxy Ring Will Need Less of Your Attention Than a Smartwatch

I need more time with the S24 Ultra to truly assess the usefulness of Galaxy AI and to test out the new 50-megapixel telephoto camera among other updates.

As I wrote in my initial first impressions story, Samsung’s new AI features don’t feel strikingly new and different from the generative AI features from Microsoft and Google. Instead, the Galaxy S24 Ultra feels like a statement about how generative AI features are becoming table stakes on new phones.

Circle to Search is the standout Galaxy AI feature so far

The Galaxy S24 Ultra's Circle to Search feature being shown on screen

Galaxy AI is a collection of features that spans everything from photo editing to texting, phone calls and note-taking. There’s a tool for moving and removing unwanted objects from photos and refilling the scene so that it looks natural, for example. The Samsung Notes app can organize notes into bullet points and phone calls can be translated between languages in real time. (Check out my first impressions story for a list of some of the top Galaxy AI features.)

But Circle to Search is the one that stood out to me the most. The feature, which was developed in partnership with Google, allows you to search for almost anything on your phone’s screen just by circling it. Based on the time I’ve had with it so far, Circle to Search seems fairly accurate in determining the type of content I’m looking for based on what I’ve circled.

For example, when I circled an image of the character Siobhan Roy from the HBO drama series Succession in a news article, the Galaxy S24 pulled up results that showed more information about the actress Sarah Snook, who plays her in the series. But when I just circled her outfit, I got results showing where to buy cream-colored blazers and slacks similar to those she was wearing in the image.

I’ve also been using the Galaxy S24 Ultra to organize my notes during the process of writing my review and transcribe meetings. I appreciated being able to have the phone turn my list of tests I’d like to run on the Galaxy S24 Ultra into neat and tidy bullet points. Samsung’s Recorder app also transcribed a meeting and summarized the key points into bullet points. While I wouldn’t rely on those bullet points alone for work-related tasks, it was a handy way to see which topics were discussed at specific timestamps in the conversation.

That feature isn’t unique to Samsung’s Recorder app; Google’s app can also do this, as can the transcription service Otter.ai. But combined with other features like the ability to automatically format notes, I’m beginning to see how generative AI could make phones more capable work devices.

Galaxy S24 Ultra’s new telephoto camera and slow motion

The Galaxy S24 Ultra's camera interface shown on screen

The biggest difference between the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s camera and the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s is the latter’s new 50-megapixel telephoto camera with a 5x optical zoom. That replaces the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s 10-megapixel telephoto camera with a 10x optical zoom, a choice that Samsung made after hearing feedback that users generally preferred to zoom between 2x and 5x.

Read more: Samsung Galaxy S24 Phones Have a New Zoom Trick to Get That Close-Up Photo

I haven’t had too much time to test this extensively, but I’m already seeing a difference. Take a look at the 5x zoom photos below of a wooden sign I came across at a San Jose, California, park. The photos may look similar at first, but you can see the changes when enlarging the images. The text is sharper in the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s photo, and there’s less image noise.

Galaxy S24 Ultra

Galaxy S23 Ultra

Image quality aside, Samsung also introduced some new camera tricks on the Galaxy S24 Ultra. While Generative Edit may have gotten a lot of attention following Samsung’s announcement, Instant Slow-Mo has impressed me the most so far. I just hold down on a video clip I captured and the phone converts it into a slow motion video by generating extra frames. I can preview how the clip will look in slow motion by pressing and lifting my finger to switch between the regular and slowed-down footage.

Taken together, it seems like Galaxy AI has the potential to make Samsung’s phones more useful and helpful. Most of the features that are currently available, like Circle to Search and note summaries, feel practical rather than gimmicky. But the bigger question is whether Samsung will be able to meaningfully differentiate its offerings moving forward, especially since Google’s Pixel phones provide similar functionality and Samsung plans to bring Galaxy AI to the Galaxy S23 lineup as well.

Editors’ note: CNET is using an AI engine to help create some stories. For more, see this post.

Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

Samsung's new Chat Assist feature being shown on the Galaxy S24 Ultra

The new Circle to Search feature being shown on the Galaxy S24 Ultra

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Technologies

Verum Messenger: Data Protection at Its Finest

Verum Messenger positions itself as a tool for those who value privacy and security above all.

Verum Messenger stands out from other messengers thanks to its approach to security, anonymity, and innovations in communication.

Here are some key aspects that highlight its uniqueness:

Default encryption: Verum Messenger uses end-to-end (E2E) encryption for all chats, meaning messages are encrypted on the sender’s device and decrypted only on the recipient’s device. This makes it impossible for third parties, including app developers, to access the content of the messages.
Anonymity: When registering with Verum, there’s no need to provide a phone number or email. Users simply choose a nickname and password, significantly enhancing their level of anonymity. This contrasts with many other messengers, where anonymity can be compromised through linked personal data.
Built-in VPN: An additional layer of protection that hides the user’s IP address, making their location and internet activity less trackable.
Data control: Users can set messages to be automatically deleted after a specified time, ranging from a few seconds to a week. There’s also a quick deletion feature for all chats, calls, and even contacts, which is useful for maintaining privacy.
Large groups: The ability to create chat rooms with up to 10,000 participants makes Verum attractive for organizing large events, discussions, or communities while maintaining a high level of security.
Security innovations: Verum actively develops technologies aimed at protecting user data, as seen in their documentation and discussions online. This includes not only technical solutions but also approaches to data minimization, which reduces the risk of leaks.
Feedback and discussions: On platform X (formerly Twitter), discussions can be found where users and experts praise Verum for its approach to anonymity and security, although questions are raised about how much anonymity can truly be guaranteed in an age of modern tracking and de-anonymization technologies.

Verum Messenger positions itself as a tool for those who value privacy and security above all. Its innovations in encryption, anonymity, and data control make it an intriguing choice for those seeking alternatives to traditional messaging platforms. However, as with any technology, it’s important to remember that absolute anonymity on the internet remains a complex challenge, and users should be aware of potential risks and limitations.

Technologies

Verum Coin Debuts on XT Exchange, Broadening its Reach in the DeFi Space

A Strategic Listing Enhancing Verum Coin’s Visibility

In a significant development for the decentralized finance (DeFi) sector, Verum Coin (VERUM) has been officially listed on XT Exchange. The new trading pair, VERUM/USDT, is now available in the exchange’s Innovative Zone, marking a pivotal expansion for this digital asset into the DeFi ecosystem.

A Strategic Listing Enhancing Verum Coin’s Visibility

The addition of Verum Coin to the XT Exchange is seen as a strategic move to enhance the accessibility and liquidity of VERUM among traders who are keen on exploring innovative digital assets. XT Exchange, known for its robust platform supporting a wide variety of cryptocurrencies, provides an ideal environment for fostering growth and ensuring the broad reach of new tokens.

Albin Varin, CEO of XT Exchange, expressed enthusiasm about the new listing, stating, «We are delighted to welcome Verum Coin to our platform. This listing reflects our ongoing commitment to providing our users access to innovative digital assets that transform the landscape of global finance.» This comments underscore the exchange’s focus on integrating cutting-edge technologies and financial instruments that have the potential to redefine the market.

About XT

Founded in 2018, XT Exchange serves more than 7.8M registered users, over 1M monthly active users, 40+ million users in the ecosystem, and more than 800 tokens with 1000+ trading pairs. XT crypto exchange offers a rich variety of trading categories to provide a secure, trusted, and intuitive trading experience for its large user base. This includes crypto futures trading (USDT-M Futures and coin-M futures perpetual contracts) and copy trading that allows users to replicate top traders in real time with just one click. Additionally, the futures grid allows users to automate the buying and selling of futures contracts for profits.

Future Prospects

With its new position on XT Exchange, Verum Coin is expected to attract a broader audience, enhancing its trading volume and market presence. This could potentially lead to increased stability and recognition as a viable player in the DeFi space. For investors and users of XT Exchange, this addition provides a fresh avenue to diversify portfolios with a cryptocurrency that is positioned at the intersection of innovation and financial evolution.

The listing of Verum Coin on XT Exchange not only highlights the ongoing expansion of cryptocurrency markets into new areas like DeFi but also illustrates a growing recognition of digital assets that offer promising technological advancements and financial opportunities. As the crypto market continues to evolve, partnerships like these are pivotal for fostering growth and offering users access to the next generation of financial tools.

Technologies

Verum Coin Gains International Spotlight with AP Coverage and Listing on XT Exchange

This listing on XT is expected to further propel Verum Coin into the spotlight

In a noteworthy development for the cryptocurrency community, Verum Coin (VERUM) has been featured in an Associated Press article, highlighting its upcoming listing on the XT Exchange. This significant media coverage underscores the growing interest and potential of Verum Coin in the global financial landscape.

The AP article delves into the details of Verum Coin’s innovative features and its alignment with the latest trends in the cryptocurrency market. This attention comes at an opportune moment as Verum Coin prepares for its new listing on XT Exchange, a platform renowned for its extensive user base and a wide array of trading options.

This listing on XT is expected to further propel Verum Coin into the spotlight, providing both traders and investors with new opportunities to engage with this emerging digital asset. The exchange’s robust infrastructure and diverse trading offerings are ideal for supporting Verum Coin’s growth and enhancing its visibility in the competitive cryptocurrency market.

For more details, you can read the full article on the AP website here.

This milestone is a testament to Verum Coin’s advancing presence in the crypto world and its ongoing efforts to be at the forefront of digital currency innovation and adoption.