Samsung Brings Flagship Camera and AI Features to Galaxy S24 Beta

Samsung has begun rolling out the second beta build of One UI 9 for the Galaxy S24 family. This update arrives less than two weeks after the initial preview, signaling an aggressive pace for the next major software generation. The release brings several features that were recently showcased on the Galaxy S26 and the new Z8 foldable devices, allowing older flagship owners to test the latest tools before they become stable.

According to reports from GSMArena, the update can be identified by a firmware version ending in "ZZI4". While the core focus remains on bringing next-generation capabilities to the S24 hardware, the build also introduces significant changes to the user interface and AI integration. Users should note that this is a pre-release version, meaning it may contain bugs and is not intended for daily use.

Advanced camera tracking arrives on older models

One of the most notable additions is the My FanCam feature, a motion-tracking system originally designed for the Galaxy Z8 series. This tool uses on-device processing to identify and follow a specific person within a crowded scene. It automatically crops the video or photo to keep the selected subject in the center, effectively acting as a virtual camera operator. For S24 users, this means accessing a high-end video utility without needing to upgrade to the newest hardware.

The feature relies heavily on the phone's ability to distinguish between multiple individuals in a frame. While the system is designed to be responsive, the trade-off is increased processing load on the device. This can lead to higher battery consumption and potential heating during extended recording sessions, a common side effect of running complex real-time tracking algorithms on existing hardware.

AI-driven widgets offer deeper personalization

The update also enhances the Now Brief widget, a dashboard for quick access to information. In this beta, users can create custom cards by simply telling the AI what data they want to see. This removes the need for manual configuration of data sources, allowing the system to assemble relevant information dynamically. The interface aims to reduce the number of taps required to access daily updates like news or weather.

Additionally, a Call Brief feature is included, which likely summarizes call content or provides relevant context during a conversation. These AI-driven tools represent a shift toward a more proactive operating system. However, the reliance on generative AI for widget creation introduces a dependency on cloud services or heavy local processing, which may impact privacy preferences and device performance depending on the user's connectivity and hardware limits.

Beta stability remains a key concern

Despite the exciting feature set, installing a beta version carries inherent risks. These builds are often unstable, with potential issues ranging from app crashes to battery drain. Samsung explicitly advises against using beta software on a primary device. For most users, the safest approach is to wait for the stable release, which typically follows a period of extensive testing and bug fixing.

The rapid rollout suggests Samsung is eager to gather feedback on how these new features perform on the S24 architecture. While early access is appealing for tech enthusiasts, the long-term goal is a polished, reliable experience for the broader consumer base. Patience is generally rewarded in this cycle, as stable versions ensure that the advanced camera and AI tools function as intended without compromising device integrity.