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Google’s Gemini Nano AI deal with Samsung on EU antitrust radar
EU seemingly investigating if Google’s Gemini AI deal with Samsung violates antitrust law. Regulators of the European Union seeking input from industry to know if Samsung’s Gemini AI deal constitutes anti-competitive conduct.
An EU document seen by Reuters indicates that the Commission wants the opinion of industry officials. The inquiry is about whether Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series with Gemini Nano would limit the pre-installation of rival AI chatbot platforms.
The query also includes whether Gemini Nano limits interoperability with other chatbots and apps on the Galaxy S24 series. Details are also required if there were any cases of failure in signing contracts with phone makers to pre-install AI chatbots.
“EU antitrust regulators are asking industry participants if Google’s multi-year generative artificial intelligence (AI) deal with Samsung hinders rival chatbots on Samsung smartphones.” – Reuters.
Earlier, EU competition authorities hinted at an antitrust investigation into Samsung and Google’s AI deal. The Commission’s Deputy Competition Commissioner asked to “understand the impact of pre-installing Google’s Gemini Nano on Samsung devices.”
The report notes that the executive committee distributed an 8-page questionnaire, with a response required by this week. Samsung and Google may be in trouble if the EU Commission observes any anti-competitive practices.
The Galaxy S24 series is the first to use the Gemini Nano AI model developed by Google. Both companies signed a multi-year partnership to fuel future products with the AI model. The Pixel 8 Pro also came pre-installed with Gemini Nano for on-device AI capabilities.
Samsung also brought Gemini AI to Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6 devices. Google is also preparing to introduce the Pixel 9 series next month, equipped with Gemini Nano. Apple is also in close-door talks with Google to include Gemini in iPhone models.
South Korean President is scheduled to be on a state visit to the Czech Republic next month. Samsung chairman Jay Y. Lee along with three other high profile entities will be escorting the Korean president to foster economic diplomacy.
BusinessKorea reports that the heads of four major conglomerates will accompany President Yoon on his state visit to the Czech Republic in mid-September. It will mark marking a major moment in Korea’s international economic diplomacy.
The economic delegation will include Samsung’s Lee Jae-yong, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, Hyundai’s Chung Eui-sun, and LG Group’s Koo Kwang-mo. Doosan Group Chairman Park Jung-won will also join the delegation.
President Yoon stated, “We will do our best to sign the official contract by March next year.” Speculation is that Korea and Czech will sign a “Trade and Investment Promotion Framework” (TIPF) agreement during the visit.
On the other hand, Samsung, SK, Hyundai Motor, and LG could discuss future industry cooperation with Czech business leaders. Business forums, MOU signing ceremonies, and business consultation meetings will be held during the visit.
Google recently launched the Pixel 9 series with satellite connectivity. Samsung is also rumored to adopt the life-saving messaging service with its next-gen flagships. Meanwhile, Verizon confirmed to launch of its satellite messaging for smartphones.
Verizon announced its partnership with Skylo to introduce satellite messaging for smartphones. It has been revealed that the carrier’s satellite SOS functionality will use the same technology as the Google Pixel 9 smartphones.
The carrier will bring a “direct-to-device messaging service” that uses satellite connectivity. The functionality could go official later this year in the Fall. It would offer emergency messaging and location sharing when you are out of network.
- Starting this fall, customers on certain smartphones have access to emergency messaging and location sharing even when a terrestrial cellular network is not available.
- Coming next year, Verizon will offer the ability to text anywhere via satellite for customers with select devices.
Verizon confirmed the feature is coming later this year, allowing you to “text anywhere” using satellite connections. The company noted that “select devices” will be eligible, however, the list of devices hasn’t been shared.
At present, Apple and Google only support using satellite connectivity in emergencies. Picking up Skylo indicates that Verizon is ensure about the reliability. It would be interesting to see if Samsung Galaxies is also listed on the eligibility chart.
Honor is about to launch its new foldable smartphone. Ahead of the unveiling, Honor roasted the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 melodramatically. It’s a brief apology to Samsung users engraved on the hinge of the Magic V3 foldable.
The Chinese phone maker announced its collaboration with UK micro-artist Graham Short. The partnership resulted in a furious attack by Honor on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6. The artist engraved a 166-word apology on the Magic V3 hinge.
Since the text is difficult to read, here is the complete version (via Alvin/X):
“Dear Samsung Galaxy Z Fold owners, we’re sorry. We know you were excited to buy a phone that folds in half and fits in your pocket, awkwardly. You were promised the future, a technical marvel, a world of boundless multitasking and performance.
And now, you’re probably looking at the new HONOR Magic V3 and feeling a little… betrayed. Size matters, and we feel your pain. Like being tipped for a gold medal and then coming last in the race, the knowledge that a thinner, lighter, and more durable foldable exists is enough to make anyone question their choices.
We get it. You were an early adopter, a pioneer bravely venturing into the uncharted territory of foldable screens with questionable durability. You deserve better. In fact, you deserve a gold medal.”
Samsung recently launched the Galaxy Z Fold 6, which is 12.1mm thick when folded. The company is currently preparing to launch a slimmer variant. The upcoming Galaxy Z Fold SE is said to be 10.6mm thick when folded.
Meanwhile, Honor’s latest foldable phone holds the title of the thinnest on the market. The device has a folded thickness of only 9.2mm. Besides, it packs a 5150mAh silicon anode battery and is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor.