Press Conference Timeline

Here’s the chronological sequence of events from the press conference:

Opening Remarks and Vision for AI

• Introduction of TM Roh • No explicit timestamp, but implied to be at the start of the main presentation.

  • The CEO and Head of Device Experience Division, TM Roh, is welcomed to the stage.

• TM Roh’s Opening Address • No explicit timestamp, but implied to be immediately after his introduction.

  • Roh discusses the evolution of technology into infrastructure, stating that AI is at this pivotal moment. He emphasizes the need for AI to be responsible, accessible, and seamless.
  • He outlines Samsung’s priorities for AI: reach, openness, and confidence.
  • Reach: Expanding Galaxy AI across the entire ecosystem.
  • Openness: Designing AI to be effortless and adaptable.
  • Confidence: Building AI with advanced security and privacy, evolving the Samsung Knox platform.
  • He introduces the concept of “agentic AI,” a phone that anticipates needs and acts on your behalf.
  • Introduction of Galaxy S26 Series • No explicit timestamp, but implied to follow TM Roh’s vision.
    • The Galaxy S26 series is announced as the embodiment of this vision.

Galaxy AI Features and Capabilities

• Rachel (SPEAKER_18) Presentation on Galaxy AI • No explicit timestamp, but implied to follow TM Roh’s introduction of the S26 series.

  • Rachel highlights Galaxy AI’s integration into daily life, focusing on practical help.
  • Notification Summarization: Galaxy AI can understand notifications to filter important ones.
  • “Now Brief”: A personalized daily overview that pulls information from notifications, like a reservation confirmation.
  • Call Summarization: Galaxy AI can provide summaries of missed calls.
  • All-New Bixby: Bixby is enhanced to be smarter, understand users better, and provide information directly within conversations.
  • Samsung Browser and Perplexity Partnership: The browser will integrate “Ask AI” for faster research, summarizing across tabs and using conversational AI.
  • Circle to Search Enhancements: Circle to Search now allows searching for multiple objects simultaneously to find entire looks.
  • Chat Assistance (“Nudge”): Galaxy AI assists within chat by understanding context to suggest photos or check calendar availability.
  • Transition to COO • No explicit timestamp, but implied before the next speaker.
    • Rachel introduces the COO, Wan Jun Choi.

• Wan Jun Choi (SPEAKER_08) on Platform-Level Innovation • No explicit timestamp, but implied to follow Rachel’s presentation.

  • Choi discusses the evolution of smartphones from hardware breakthroughs to app-driven experiences, positioning AI as the next inflection point.
  • He emphasizes “platform-level innovation” that is personal, adaptive, and agentic.
  • Personal Data Engine (PDE): Transforms scattered device data into usable information for AI.
  • Security and Privacy: Introduces “Keep” for app data isolation and Samsung Knox’s vault for physical security of sensitive information.
  • Cloud AI Data Handling: Data is processed for an answer and then deleted.
  • Agenting: The third pillar, turning understanding into action, simplifying the user’s intent to action flow.
  • Partnership with Google and Gemini: Gemini is core to the agent experience, with expansion planned.
  • Evolution to Intelligent OS: Working with Android to create an AI-integrated operating system.
  • Introduction of Android Ecosystem President • No explicit timestamp, but implied before the next speaker.
    • Choi introduces Samir, President of the Android Ecosystem.

• Samir (SPEAKER_22) on Android and Agentic AI • No explicit timestamp, but implied to follow Choi’s introduction.

  • Samir discusses the evolution of Android into an “intelligent system.”
  • Gemini Preview on Galaxy S26 Series: An early preview of Gemini’s evolution, inspired by Circle to Search.
  • Agentic AI Demonstration (Pizza Order): Gemini uses reasoning and multimodal capabilities to process a family group chat, order pizza from a delivery app in a virtual window, and confirm the order.
  • App Availability: Initially available on a limited set of apps like DoorDash and Grubhub, with more to come.
  • Partnership Confirmation: Reaffirms the partnership with Samsung in defining mobile intelligence.
  • Return to Wan Jun Choi • No explicit timestamp, but implied after Samir’s segment.
    • Choi thanks Samir and expresses excitement for the future.
    • He introduces Rachel (SPEAKER_18) back to discuss the underlying technology.

Hardware and Display Innovations

• Rachel (SPEAKER_18) on Galaxy S26 Series Hardware • No explicit timestamp, but implied to follow Samir’s segment.

  • Focuses on the engine powering the AI experiences.
  • Custom APs: Co-developed with partners for the Galaxy S26 series.
  • Galaxy S26 Ultra Performance:
    • 39% more powerful NPU for faster on-device AI.
    • 19% faster CPU for instant AI and quick app launches.
    • Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, with a 24% improved GPU for gaming.
    • Vulkan optimization for fluid visuals.
    • 17% boost in ray tracing performance for console-level graphics.
  • Thermal Management: Largest vapor chamber for improved performance and a redesigned internal structure.
  • Battery Life: Optimized power consumption for all-day battery life (up to 31 hours video playback).
  • Fast Charging: Up to 75% in 30 minutes.
  • Display Enhancements:
    • MD&IE for enhanced image processing, better colors, and smoother gradients.
    • AI Enhanced Pro Scaler for richer and clearer photos/videos.
  • Introduction of Privacy Display • No explicit timestamp, but implied to follow display enhancements.
    • Rachel introduces a new display capability.

• Privacy Display Demonstration (SPEAKER_19) • No explicit timestamp, but implied to follow Rachel’s introduction.

  • Explains the engineering behind the world’s first privacy display on mobile.
  • Black Matrix and Narrow Pixels: Narrows light from pixels for viewing only by the user.
  • Customization: Can be activated for specific apps or notifications.
  • Maximum Privacy Protection: Adjusts pixel contrast for further side-viewing obscurity.
  • Introduction of Tech Creator • No explicit timestamp, but implied before the next speaker.
    • Rachel introduces tech creator, Miles Above Tech.

• Miles Above Tech (SPEAKER_23) Hands-on with Privacy Display • No explicit timestamp, but implied to follow the privacy display explanation.

  • Demonstrates the privacy display’s functionality with a helper (Riley).
  • Highlights its game-changing nature and how it works with smaller screen elements.
  • Briefly mentions excitement for the camera on the S26 Ultra.
  • Introduces Mason (SPEAKER_04) to discuss cameras.

Camera Innovations

• Mason (SPEAKER_04) on Galaxy Cameras • No explicit timestamp, but implied to follow Miles’ segment.
  • Discusses the philosophy of capturing emotions and life’s language.
  • ProVisual Engine and Galaxy AI: Features for social media-ready content.
  • Front Camera: AI image signal processor for finer details and natural skin tones.
  • Rear Camera: Wider aperture for more light, sharper detail, and vibrant images.
  • Low Light Photography:
    • Instant balancing of sunlight for softer shadows.
    • Nitography Video: Captures atmosphere in low light with reduced grain and sharp details.
  • Film Director Testimonial (Monique Yvonne) • No explicit timestamp, but implied to follow camera features.
    • Monique Yvonne shares her experience shooting a short film on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, impressed by its low-light performance and feeling like a cinema camera.
  • Motion and Stabilization:
    • Super Steady with horizontal lock for steady footage.
  • Professional Workflow:
    • APV Codec: Available for the first time, supporting high bit rates and near lossless quality up to 8K.
    • Direct recording to external storage.
    • Log Video: For advanced editing.
  • AI in Camera Workflow:
    • Scan Assistance: Automatically creates clean copies, smooths wrinkles, removes fingers, and combines scans into PDFs.
    • Photo Assist: Extends AI Eraser by helping to add elements that should have been there, merging pets from other shots.
    • Prompt-Based Editing: Adjusting outfits or restoring missing food bites.
    • AI-Generated Content Tagging: Transparency for AI-enhanced content.
    • AI Animation Photos: Transforming photos into watercolors, anime, or 3D styles.
    • Creative Studio: Generating stickers, collections, and unique wallpapers.
  • Summary of Galaxy S26 Ultra Camera and Display • No explicit timestamp, but implied to follow camera features.
    • Reiteration of the custom AP, pro-grade camera, and world’s first privacy display.
  • Pricing and Availability Announcement • No explicit timestamp, but implied after product features.
    • Galaxy S26 Ultra: Starting at $1,299.
    • S26 and S26 Plus: Starting at $899 and $1,099 respectively.
    • Available starting March 11th, pre-orders begin today.
    • Exclusive colors available on Samsung.com.
  • Introduction of Galaxy Buds 4 Series • No explicit timestamp, but implied after phone announcements.
    • Transition to audio products.

Galaxy Buds 4 Series

• Galaxy Buds 4 Series Presentation (SPEAKER_02) • No explicit timestamp, but implied to follow phone announcements.
  • New Design: Iconic metal, premium blade design.
  • Full-Spectrum Sound: Controlled bass, distinct instruments, tonal balance.
  • High-Fidelity, Full-Range Tuning: Accurate to original recordings.
  • Galaxy Buds 4 Pro Enhancements:
    • Upgraded two-way speaker system with a wider woofer (20% expanded vibration area).
    • Dual amplifier architecture.
  • Samsung Seamless Codec: Optimizes data transmission for clear, smooth audio.
  • Call Quality: Advanced deep neural network for noise reduction and super-wideband for clearer voice.
  • Demonstration: Baseline call vs. super-clear call during construction noise.
  • Customizable Equalizer: Users can shape their sound.
  • Adaptive Noise Reduction: Generates opposing sound waves to cancel noise, adjusts for fit changes.
  • Comfort: Computational design based on extensive ear data simulations.
  • AI Integration: Hands-free AI agent activation.
  • Effortless Setup: Instant pairing upon opening the case.
  • Buds Panel: Accessible in the Quick Panel.
  • SmartThings Find: Locate misplaced buds or case.
  • Galaxy Buds 4 Pro Details:
    • White, Black, exclusive Pink Gold (Samsung.com only).
    • Starts at $249.
  • Galaxy Buds 4 Details:
    • White, Black.
    • $179.
  • Availability: March 11th, alongside the Galaxy S26 series.
  • Ecosystem Integration: Emphasizes the powerful, personal, and seamlessly integrated ecosystem.

Sustainability Commitment

• Introduction of Sustainability Speaker • No explicit timestamp, but implied after product announcements.

  • Transition to the company’s commitment to sustainability.

• Cassie (SPEAKER_17) on Sustainability Efforts • No explicit timestamp, but implied to follow the introduction.

  • Emphasizes that technological advancement should not compromise the planet.
  • Past Achievements (2025 Goals):
    • Increased use of recycled materials.
    • Rethinking packaging design.
    • Reduced standby energy from power adapters.
    • Zero waste to landfill in global facilities.
  • Future Goals (2030):
    • Materials: Expanded use of recycled materials (plastics, glass, cobalt, tantalum) across all Galaxy products and modules.
    • Water Management: Aiming to return more water than consumed, restoring reservoirs in India and improving water access in Brazil.
    • Biodiversity: Conserving ecosystems equal in size to the global operational footprint through restoration projects and community partnerships.
    • Coral Reef Restoration: Partnering with SeaTrees and Scripps Institution of Oceanography, bringing “Ocean Mode” to Expert RAW on S26 series.
  • Employee Testimonials: A video showcasing employee efforts in sustainability.

• Employee Testimonials (SPEAKER_03, SPEAKER_00, SPEAKER_15, SPEAKER_14, SPEAKER_21, SPEAKER_17, SPEAKER_16, SPEAKER_01, SPEAKER_20, SPEAKER_10) • No explicit timestamp, but implied to follow Cassie’s introduction.

  • These speakers provide brief statements on various aspects of Samsung’s sustainability journey, including recycled materials, packaging, energy efficiency, zero waste, 2030 goals, water conservation, ecosystem conservation, circular design, and the purpose-driven nature of their technology.

Closing Remarks

• Wan Jun Choi (SPEAKER_08) Closing Remarks • No explicit timestamp, but implied to be at the end of the presentation.
  • Reaffirms commitment to enhancing lives and protecting the planet.
  • Reiterates the vision for Galaxy AI as a true AI companion.
  • Expresses excitement for attendees to try the new Galaxy S26 and Buds 4 series.
  • Thanks attendees and concludes the event.