Samsungs new AI Club will let you rent a robot

Date:
Thu, 09 Jan 2025 08:38:24 +0000

Description:
Samsung announces AI subscription service for tech.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Pay a monthly fee to rent the latest AI devices The program aims to make cutting-edge tech more accessible There are optional maintenance services as part of the subscription

Samsung has a new plan to put AI tech in your hands, though not via drone delivery. Instead, its launching the AI Subscription Club, a program that
lets you rent the companys latest AI-powered gadgets for a monthly fee. Its like leasing a car, but instead of a luxury sedan, you get a Galaxy phone or even the AI companion robot, Ballie, which debuted at CES this year.

On paper, it sounds great. You get shiny new tech, Samsung gets a predictable cash flow, and everyone walks away happy. But will it catch on? That depends on a few things. First, theres the question of pricing. If the subscription costs rival traditional financing plans or carrier upgrades, it might not
feel like much of a deal. Second, theres the whole ownership vs. rental mindset. Some people like knowing their gadgets are truly theirs, even if theyre a few years behind the latest trend.

Despite what AI Subscription Club might suggest, this isnt about subscribing to software features, at least for now, as Galaxy AI tools remain free
through the rest of the year. The hardware subscription model lets you rent devices like phones, tablets, and robots. Samsung promises this will make staying on the cutting edge more affordable and accessible while also guaranteeing them a steady revenue stream.

Subscribers who pay a monthly fee get access to some of Samsungs hardware catalog. It's like leasing a car in some ways. For instance, you can upgrade to new models without selling old devices. If you have an itch for new tech but don't want to pay for it every year or so, it's a good deal. Plus, it comes with optional maintenance services, so if Ballie accidentally rolls off a table or your phone gets an unplanned bath, Samsung has you covered.

It's notable that Samsung is pursuing this business model after similar attempts, such as the failure of the Google Pixel Pass. Still, Samsung may
see this as the best way to get people to try its more expensive tech, but
who don't want to pay the high price for the new toys. Then, if they like it, they may be more willing to fork over the cash. AI anticipation

Samsung isnt starting from scratch here. The AI Subscription Club actually began last year as a rental program for home appliances in South Korea. Consumers could subscribe to AI-powered washing machines, refrigerators, and TVs, complete with maintenance services. Expanding this concept to mobile devices and AI gadgets is a natural next step, though it remains to be seen
if the same appeal translates to smartphones and tablets.

The subscription model also raises an interesting question: are we moving toward a world where we stop owning our tech altogether? Between this and services like Googles Chromebook rentals, its easy to imagine a future where everythingfrom our phones to our fridgesis as-a-service. For some, thats exciting. For others, its a bit dystopian. Either way, its clear Samsung sees subscriptions as part of its future.

For now, the AI Subscription Club is sticking close to home, rolling out in South Korea first. Samsung hasnt confirmed plans for a global launch, but its not hard to imagine this program popping up elsewhere if it gains traction. And with the Galaxy S25 series expected to debut at the Galaxy Unpacked event later this month, this could be Samsungs way of keeping the buzz alive. You might also like Samsungs AI chief predicts artificial intelligence in "every corner of life" Hands on: Samsung Galaxy S24 FE review: AI doesnt come cheap until now The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE and Galaxy Tab S10 series have landed, with high-end specs and a whole lot of AI



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/computing/artificial-intelligence/samsungs-new-ai-cl ub-will-let-you-rent-a-robot


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