Samsung’s Galaxy Buds series has been a go-to for Galaxy users because they simply work better within the ecosystem. Furthering that notion is an AI-based update that brings live translation to the Galaxy Buds series. The Galaxy Buds series is also finally getting Android’s auto-switching feature when using multiple devices.
The overall tone from Samsung in 2024 has been all about AI. The Galaxy S24 series takes that and runs with it, adding a ton of productivity value that makes use of the SoC specifically built to handle on-board artificial processing.
A new update for the Galaxy Buds shifts the earbud lineup into a position that can better match the S24 series. It looks like these features will be Galaxy-only and limited to those that pair their Buds to Samsung’s own phones and tablets, which is something not unexpected.
The biggest feature in the update is Samsung’s interpreter tool. The concept is not too dissimilar from what Samsung did with Live Translate in the Galaxy S24, allowing you to have full-on phone conversations with people who speak a different language. This update with AI-powered interpreter mode on the Galaxy Buds will allow the same, except you’ll need to wear earbuds while the other person listens to your translated speech through your Galaxy phone. Their speech will come through the earbuds, translated into your preferred language.
Samsung also notes that auto switch will be coming to the Galaxy Buds series. The feature essentially allows for an easier experience when using Bluetooth multi-pairing. When connected to two devices at the same time, Android will automatically switch the playing device if there is a phone call. This allows you to grab the call without thinking about stopping media on the other end and messing with whichever device is live at the moment.
Google’s Pixel phone debuted this feature with the Pixel Buds Pro, and it works seamlessly. A notification appears when the audio is switched, and as soon as the call ends, the other device takes over again. This is a huge feature that we’ve been waiting for on Samsung’s own earbud lineup.
The update also includes Samsung’s Auracast feature and 360 audio for immersive listening on TVs, specifically. Auracast allows multiple devices to connect to one audio source, and now Samsung’s phones and tablets will be able to stream to multiple sets of Galaxy Buds. On the other hand, the 360-degree audio feature is now coming to TVs, where users can listen in virtual surround sound through their Galaxy Buds.
According to Samsung, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, Buds 2, and Buds FE will get this update in late February, which should be a matter of days.
