Bixby Plays A Starring Role In Samsung’s New Galaxy S9, S9+

Samsung has announced the upcoming launch of the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+, with both smartphones available for preorder later this week.

In an email, the company detailed some of the phones’ new features, including Samsung’s “most elaborate camera ever” that offers a new dual aperture lens and Super Slow-mo video capabilities.

“The way we use our smartphones has changed as communication and self-expression has evolved,” said DJ Koh, president and head of IT & mobile communications division, Samsung Electronics. “With the Galaxy S9 and S9+, we have reimagined the smartphone camera. Not only does the Galaxy S9 and S9+ enable consumers to shoot the best photos and videos anywhere, it’s a smartphone that’s designed to help them connect to others and express themselves in a way that’s unique and personal to them.”

Another new addition to the Galaxy S9 and S9+ is AR Emoji, which will allow customers to create a personalized emoji through a data-based machine learning algorithm that can take a 2D image of the user and create a 3D model that can mimic actual expressions.

In addition, Bixby, Samsung’s intelligence platform, will be integrated into both phones and boasts new features such as real-time foreign language translation, a food calorie counter and Makeup with Sephora and CoverGirl. There are also powerful stereo speakers and a refined edge-to-edge Infinity Display for an enhanced entertainment experience.

And with security on everyone’s minds, the phones are protected by Knox 3.1, Samsung’s latest defense-grade security platform, and support three biometric authentication options: iris, fingerprint, and facial recognition.

In the U.S., Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ will be offered in a variety of colors. Available for preorder on March 3, the Unlocked Galaxy S9 retails for $719.99, and the larger Unlocked Galaxy S9+ is available for $839.99.