Samsung Introduces Real-Time Visual AI on Galaxy S25 Series With Gemini Live Update

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. have announced the rollout of a new AI experience with Gemini Live, bringing real-time visual conversations with AI to Galaxy users. This feature is currently available on the Galaxy S25 series available for any users free of charge.

Through AI-powered assistance, Galaxy users can more naturally engage in conversational interactions that make everyday tasks easier. Just press and hold the side button to show Gemini Live what you see while simultaneously interacting with it in a live conversation.

Imagine picking out an outfit or reorganising a closet. Gemini Live can now make those everyday decisions easier. By simply pointing the camera, users can get suggestions on how to categorise items and optimise space, or share their screen while browsing online retailers to receive personalised style advice. With the ability to see what the user sees and respond in real time, Galaxy S25 series feels like a trusted friend who’s always ready to help.

Together with Google, we are marking a bold step toward the future of mobile AI, delivering smarter interactions that are deeply in sync with how we live, work and communicate,” said Jay Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of Customer Experience Office, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “With this new visual capability, Galaxy S25 series brings next-generation AI experiences to life, setting new standards for how users engage with the world through their devices.

Gemini Live with camera and screen sharing capabilities are available to all Galaxy S25 series users at no additional cost.

See our Samsung reviews

The Latest Advances in OTT Technology for Advertisers

The world of advertising has experienced a seismic shift with the rise of over-the-top (OTT) platforms. As more viewers migrate away from traditional cable TV to streaming services, advertisers are increasingly turning to OTT technology to engage consumers in new and innovative ways. In this article, we explore the latest advances in OTT technology that are reshaping digital marketing and offering advertisers new opportunities to enhance campaign performance.

Understanding OTT Advertising

OTT (Over-The-Top) advertising refers to ads that are delivered through internet-connected devices rather than traditional cable or satellite television. OTT platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube are becoming dominant forces in the media industry, providing advertisers with a unique avenue to reach targeted audiences across multiple devices.

OTT advertising allows advertisers to deliver personalized, data-driven ads to consumers watching their favorite shows or movies, creating a more engaging and less disruptive experience than traditional TV ads. As OTT consumption continues to grow, leveraging OTT technology for advertising is becoming increasingly important for businesses looking to remain competitive in a digital-first world.

The Shift from Traditional TV to OTT

Traditional TV advertising has long been a cornerstone of the advertising industry. However, in recent years, there has been a clear shift toward OTT platforms as viewers increasingly cut the cord and opt for streaming services. According to recent studies, over 50% of U.S. households have adopted some form of connected TV, making it an essential platform for advertisers.

This migration presents both challenges and opportunities for advertisers. The challenge lies in navigating the fragmented landscape of OTT platforms and devices, while the opportunity is in leveraging the power of digital tools like data analytics and programmatic advertising to reach more precise audiences.

Latest Developments in OTT Technology

1. Advanced Targeting Capabilities

One of the most significant advances in OTT technology is the ability to target specific audiences with high precision. Thanks to the vast amounts of data available through digital streaming services, advertisers can now reach their target demographic more effectively than ever before.

Modern OTT platforms offer advanced targeting options that allow advertisers to target users based on:

  • Demographics: Age, gender, income level, etc.
  • Location: Geographic targeting to local, regional, or national audiences.
  • Viewing Habits: Based on the type of content viewers consume (e.g., sports, drama, comedy).
  • Device Type: Whether viewers are watching on smart TVs, mobile devices, or desktops.

By using this rich data, advertisers can deliver more relevant, personalized ads, improving both engagement rates and ROI.

2. Programmatic Advertising in OTT

Programmatic advertising has become a game-changer for OTT advertising. This automated buying and selling of digital ad space allows advertisers to optimize their campaigns in real-time, targeting the right viewers at the right time with minimal manual intervention.

With programmatic advertising, advertisers can leverage:

  • Real-Time Bidding (RTB): This feature allows advertisers to bid on ad inventory in real-time, ensuring they pay the optimal price for ad placements.
  • Data-Driven Optimization: Ads can be optimized based on viewer behavior, maximizing effectiveness and return on investment.
  • Cross-Platform Integration: Programmatic ads can be served across various devices, ensuring consistent messaging regardless of the viewer’s screen.

This level of automation and data-driven optimization helps advertisers achieve more efficient campaigns and reduces the complexity of managing multiple ad placements.

3. Connected TV Advertising

Connected TV (CTV) is one of the most significant trends in the OTT space. CTV refers to any television set that is connected to the internet, including smart TVs and gaming consoles. Advertisers are increasingly turning to CTV as a way to combine the targeting capabilities of digital with the expansive reach of traditional TV.

The key benefits of CTV advertising include:

  • Broad Reach with Precision: CTV allows advertisers to reach a mass audience, but with the ability to target viewers based on data insights.
  • Engaging Ad Formats: CTV ads offer more engaging formats compared to traditional TV, such as interactive ads that allow viewers to take immediate action.
  • Seamless Integration: CTV ads integrate well into the streaming experience, making them less intrusive and more likely to be viewed in their entirety.

CTV offers an opportunity for advertisers to leverage the power of both TV and digital, allowing for a more integrated and effective advertising strategy.

4. Interactive and Shoppable Ads

With the increasing demand for more interactive and engaging ad experiences, OTT platforms are introducing new formats that go beyond passive viewing. Interactive and shoppable ads are gaining popularity as they allow viewers to engage with the content directly.

  • Interactive Ads: These allow viewers to interact with ads by choosing their preferred options, watching additional content, or even participating in polls or quizzes. These ads lead to higher viewer engagement and brand recall.
  • Shoppable Ads: Shoppable ads enable viewers to purchase products directly from the ad itself, providing a seamless transition from viewing to buying.

By incorporating these interactive features into OTT ads, advertisers can create more immersive and actionable experiences, driving higher conversion rates and improving campaign performance.

5. Advanced Analytics and Attribution Models

As the OTT advertising space matures, the importance of advanced analytics and attribution models has become more evident. Advertisers now have access to sophisticated tools that provide insights into how ads are performing across various platforms and devices.

  • Cross-Device Tracking: With OTT technology, advertisers can track users across multiple devices, providing a more holistic view of their behavior and interactions with ads.
  • Attribution Models: New attribution models allow advertisers to understand which touchpoints along the customer journey contributed most to conversions, helping them optimize future campaigns.
  • Real-Time Analytics: Access to real-time data enables advertisers to adjust their campaigns on the fly, making improvements to targeting, messaging, and ad spend allocation.

These advancements in analytics empower advertisers to make data-driven decisions and ensure that their OTT campaigns deliver maximum ROI.

6. Privacy and Data Protection

As the digital landscape evolves, so too do concerns around privacy and data protection. OTT platforms are investing heavily in securing user data and complying with regulations like the GDPR and CCPA. Advertisers must also stay ahead of these regulations to ensure their campaigns are compliant and transparent.

  • Data Security: Advanced encryption methods are being implemented to protect user data from breaches.
  • User Consent: OTT platforms are adopting clear consent mechanisms, allowing users to control the types of data they share.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Advertisers must navigate increasingly stringent privacy laws to ensure their campaigns adhere to legal standards while still delivering personalized ads.

As privacy concerns continue to grow, advertisers must find ways to balance personalized targeting with consumer privacy rights, ensuring they maintain trust and comply with regulations.

The Future of OTT Advertising

The future of OTT advertising looks promising, with continuous innovations in technology creating new opportunities for advertisers. From AI-driven targeting to enhanced programmatic capabilities, the potential for highly effective, data-driven advertising is greater than ever. However, as the OTT space becomes more competitive, advertisers will need to adapt quickly to stay ahead of the curve and leverage the latest tools to connect with their audiences.

Key Takeaways

  • OTT Technology is revolutionizing the advertising landscape by offering advertisers more precise targeting, better campaign optimization, and improved ROI.
  • Programmatic Advertising enables real-time bidding and data-driven optimization, streamlining the ad-buying process.
  • Connected TV Advertising combines the reach of traditional TV with the precision of digital, allowing advertisers to deliver more relevant, engaging ads.
  • Interactive and Shoppable Ads offer more immersive experiences, driving higher engagement and conversion rates.
  • Advanced Analytics and Attribution Models enable advertisers to optimize campaigns with real-time insights and data-driven decisions.
  • Privacy and Data Protection are crucial considerations as advertisers navigate the growing complexities of user data management and regulatory compliance.

Conclusion

OTT tech continues to reshape the advertising landscape, offering new and innovative ways for advertisers to reach and engage with consumers. As the industry evolves, staying up-to-date with the latest advancements will be key to maximizing the impact of your advertising campaigns. By leveraging the power of OTT, connected TV, and programmatic advertising, businesses can drive more effective, targeted, and engaging campaigns, ensuring they remain competitive in an increasingly digital world.

Portal Art Installation will connect Dublin to New York in Real-Time

A ground breaking public art installation known as ‘The Portal’ is set to form a visual bridge between New York City and Dublin, launching this May.

‘The Portal’ installation is part of programme of events that will be taking place as part of Dublin’s recent designation as European City of Smart Tourism 2024. The official handover will take place this evening in the CHQ in Dublin city-centre.

Conceived by Lithuanian artist and entrepreneur Benediktas Gylys, these Portals are an invitation to meet fellow humans in a way that transcends borders and differences to experience our world as it really is – united and one. The livestream of Portals provides a window between distant locations, allowing people to meet outside of their social circles and cultures.

‘The Portal’ in Dublin will be installed facing the capital’s main street, O’Connell Street and will capture the iconic vista of both Dublin’s famous GPO building and the Spire together offering the public a real-time, visual livestream that connects these two iconic cities.

In New York City, the Portal will be installed on the Flatiron South Public Plaza at Broadway, Fifth Avenue, and 23rd Street, next to the famed Flatiron Building, and will be presented by the Flatiron NoMad Partnership in collaboration with the New York City Department of Transportation’s Art Program (NYC DOT Art) and the Simons Foundation.

The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Daithí de Róiste announced the partnership, highlighting its importance as Dublin embraces the title of European Capital of Smart Tourism 2024:

“As we celebrate our official handover for the EU Capital of Smart Tourism designation, the Portals project symbolises Dublin’s commitment to connecting not just within the EU but also with cities like New York, which we share a deep historical and cultural bond with. This project exemplifies the fusion of technology and engineering to bring communities from across the world closer together. One of our key objectives in Dublin is to improve innovation in tourism through a number of initiatives, and this project is an example of the exciting things to expect during 2024 and beyond.” 

James Mettham, President of the Flatiron NoMad Partnership in NY commented:

We are honoured to host the Portal’s North American debut on the Flatiron Public Plazas, at one of New York City’s most dynamic intersections. This real-time connection between two iconic public spaces in global cities on either side of the Atlantic will bring people together, both physically and digitally, becoming a captivating attraction for New Yorkers and visitors alike.

Ya-Ting Liu, New York City Chief Public Realm Officer commented on the importance of the collaborative installation: 

“Two amazing global cities, connected in real time and space. That is something you do not see every day! We are so excited to have The Portal as a public interactive art installation, showcasing the vibrancy of our city streets and providing a new point for human connection between New Yorkers and Dubliners.  We thank the City of Dublin, NYC DOT Art Program, the Flatiron NoMad Partnership, and the Simons Foundation for bringing this vision to life.” 

Benediktas Gylys, shared his perspective on the project’s significance:

“Portals aim to be a bridge to a united planet. I am grateful to the cities of Dublin and New York for pioneering innovation and welcoming their Portal sculptures, which is a significant milestone after years of work. From the initial two cities of Vilnius, Lithuania and Lublin, Poland, Portals are now expanding to be a global network. This is just the beginning and our team will continue bringing Portals to large cities and little towns of planet Earth.”

The ‘Portal’ New York City and Dublin Ireland connection will be from spring 2024 through the Autumn of the same year.  In addition to the real-time connection, there will be scheduled programming, including cultural performances at each city’s Portal that will be enjoyed by people in the other city via the livestream. Programming will kick-off in mid-May with a visual program to celebrate the New York Design Week Festival.

‘The Portal’ is made possible through the collaborative efforts of Dublin City Council, the EU Capital of Smart Tourism, Flatiron NoMad Partnership, Simons Foundation, DOT Art, and portals.org team.  Their support and dedication have been instrumental in bringing this visionary project to life.

For more information and to find out what’s happening and will be taking place in Dublin for the 2024 European Capital of Smart Tourism visit here.