Key Takeaways:
- Samsung is working on an AI-powered image sensor with low latency and can capture higher-quality photos and videos. The sensor will have a built-in processor that enables faster image processing
- The Korean tech giant’s semiconductor division recently announced plans to master generative AI capabilities and topple Sony in the smartphone camera sensor market
- Samsung is also developing a ‘humanoid’ camera sensor that is capable of capturing images in the resolution of the human eye
Samsung is set to introduce new AI capabilities to the upcoming Galaxy S24 series. However, according to a new report from Business Korea, the tech conglomerate is working on incorporating AI features directly into the camera sensors of its future smartphones.
Samsung is the world’s largest smartphone camera sensor manufacturer after Japanese giant Sony.
Although the news outlet did not reveal many details about the sensor, it suggests that the Korean multinational plans on toppling its main rival in the camera department with a helping hand from AI.
Samsung and SK Hynix Plan To Grabbing Sony’s Lunch With New AI-Powered Image Sensor
Earlier this year, Samsung introduced the latest generation of its 200-megapixel camera sensor that was included in the Galaxy S23 series. As a follow-up, the company announced ‘Zoom Anyplace’ – an AI-powered camera technology. That offers simultaneous 4K video recording of a full frame and a zoomed-in part of the same frame with automatic object tracking.
Business Korea suggests that Samsung plans on introducing a host of AI capabilities into its camera sensors. The tech firm’s long-term plan is to develop sensors that can replicate the vision of the human eye and even capture objects invisible to humans.
During Samsung’s System LSI Tech Day 2023 event held in October in Silicon Valley, the president of the company’s semiconductor division, Park Yong-in, emphasized the need for mastering generative AI, high-performance algorithms and technologies, and long-range communication solutions.
Meanwhile, Korean semiconductor company SK Hynix revealed during the SK Hynix TechSummit 2023 that it is working on an on-sensor AI technology for smartphone cameras. The technology involves embedding a dedicated AI chip into the image sensor, which the company claims will lower latency and improve image quality while reducing energy consumption.
SK Hynix argues that its AI-powered camera chip can process image data at a sensor level compared to existing solutions that rely on the phone’s main processor to compute the data received from the camera. The company added that it will use an AI-powered accelerator in the image sensor and is currently conducting a proof-of-concept for facial and object recognition.
Both Samsung and SK Hynix are trying to close the gap to Sony in the camera image sensor market. Sony dominates the sector with a market share of 54%, while Samsung trails with 29%, followed by SK Hynix with a measly 5% market share, according to a report by Counterpoint Research.
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Samsung Plans to Unveil “Humanoid” AI Image Sensor in 2027
Many smartphone brands have tried their hand at using sensors in their cameras that can capture image signals that are not visible to the human eye. Huawei attempted it with a sensor that could capture fluorescent photos when paired with a conventional camera.
In 2020, OnePlus released its 8Pro smartphone with a color filter camera that controversially included an unknown X-ray vision capability. It allows users to see through certain pieces of clothing.
Samsung is also working on the so-called “humanoid sensors” that could replicate the resolution of the human eye – which is said to be 500 to 600MP. The image sensor will be introduced on its flagship smartphones in 2027.
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