In Samsung’s quest to redefine smartphone functionality through the lens of generative AI, the Galaxy S24 lineup boasts an array of new features—some practical, some less so. Yet, amidst this technological symphony, one standout feature has captured my attention: Instant Slow-Mo.
True to its name, Instant Slow-Mo revolutionizes the way we interact with videos on the Galaxy S24. A mere press and hold on any video within the device’s gallery instantly transforms it into a mesmerizing slow-motion spectacle, courtesy of Samsung’s innovative use of generative AI to interpolate frames. This feature, part of Samsung’s new suite of Galaxy AI capabilities, promises to enrich the user experience across the Galaxy S24, S24 Plus, and S24 Ultra, with plans for eventual integration into the Galaxy S23 series.
During my exploration of the Galaxy S24 Ultra, Instant Slow-Mo proved to be a delightful diversion, particularly when capturing the antics of a Boston Dynamics robotic dog prowling the vicinity of Samsung’s research and development center.
However, Instant Slow-Mo isn’t without its quirks. While effortlessly previewing videos in slow motion is a joy, the process of saving them in this format feels cumbersome. Negotiating menus to adjust speed post-preview disrupts the fluidity of the user experience, highlighting an area ripe for improvement.
While Instant Slow-Mo may not serve as a revolutionary catalyst, its playful charm underscores the transformative potential of generative AI in reimagining everyday smartphone tasks. Much like portrait mode’s debut on the iPhone 7 Plus in 2016, Instant Slow-Mo exemplifies the incremental innovations that breathe new life into familiar features, albeit without warranting a phone upgrade solely for its inclusion.