Google is reportedly paying Samsung an enormous sum to include its Gemini AI app on Samsung Galaxy phones. This was revealed during a historic antitrust between Google and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). It is about whether Google is using unfair methods to stay on top in online search.

This isn’t the first time Google has paid other companies to promote its services. In the past, it paid Apple billions of dollars to make Google the default search engine on iPhones and Macs.

Moreover, the company also paid Samsung $8 billion from 2019 to 2023 to include Google Search and the Play Store on its phones.

Now, Google is focusing on AI. Gemini is Google’s AI app, and it’s now showing up on Samsung’s latest Galaxy S25 phones. These phones have new AI features that were made together by Google and Samsung.

Image: Samsung

Because Samsung phones are used all over the world, this deal helps Google get Gemini in front of millions of users. For this reason, Samsung gets paid a large amount every month. The deal could even last until 2028.

The U.S. Department of Justice claims Google’s deal with Samsung gives it an unfair advantage by using AI to strengthen its search monopoly. As regulators apply pressure, the trial’s outcome could force major changes, possibly ending such deals and creating more room for fair competition in search and AI services across the tech industry.

For now, both Google and Samsung are winning, but the future of their deal is uncertain.

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Google is reportedly working on a new yearly plan for its Gemini Advanced service that could help you save money. The information recently shared by Josh Woodward, a VP at Google Labs, on X (formerly Twitter).

Right now, if you want to use Gemini Advanced, you have to pay $19.99 every month through the Google One AI Premium plan. This gives you access to powerful AI features like chat, writing help, and more. But over time, paying monthly can become expensive.

Now, Google is planning to offer a yearly payment option for this plan. This means you could pay once for the whole year and possibly spend less overall.

Google already offers yearly billing for other Google One storage plans. The 100GB plan costs $1.99 per month or $19.99 per year, and the 2TB plan costs $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year. These yearly plans save users a few dollars.

If Google uses a similar price tag, the Gemini Advanced yearly plan might cost around $199.99. That could save you about $40 a year compared to paying monthly.

Many Android phones come with free trials for Gemini Advanced, but once that ends, users must pay monthly. A yearly plan would be easier and more affordable for those who want long-term access.

We don’t know the exact launch date or final price yet, but the yearly plan could be a great deal for loyal Gemini users. Keep an eye out, saving on AI tools might soon get a lot easier with a new plan.

Samsung phones get Gemini Live camera and screen sharing without Gemini Advanced

Gemini Live camera and screen sharing features are now available on all Samsung phones with Gemini. Previously available with a Gemini Advanced, Google’s Astra AI feature suite is now free for all Android devices, including Samsung Galaxy.

These features were previously accessible on the Galaxy S25 series, thanks to the six-month Gemini Advanced trial. However, Google has now opened access to Gemini Live camera and screen sharing across the Android ecosystem, including Samsung.

Google has already replaced Assistant with Gemini on Android devices. Gemini Live is also available for the majority of Android users, offering effortless interaction with Google’s artificial intelligence-powered virtual assistant.

With screen sharing, you can ask questions to Gemini Live about what’s showing. The camera sharing access further uplevels the experience as you can show what you are seeing to Gemini and have a conversation for the same.

To get this feature, make your the Gemini app is installed on your Samsung Galaxy. Your device should meet the compatibility criteria to function well. If Gemini Live is available, the screen/camera sharing will go live shortly.

While Gemini supports Android 10 and later models, the experience may vary by the phone’s hardware and software. Having a device with modern hardware and the latest and optimized software will offer the best experience.

Samsung could soon give its smartphone users a new AI assistant option. According to recent reports, the company is in early talks to add Perplexity AI to its Galaxy devices. This could mean users may be able to choose Perplexity instead of Google’s Gemini as their default AI assistant.

Perplexity is a fast-growing AI assistant that’s been getting a lot of attention lately. It’s already made a deal with Motorola to be added to its phones, as per the Bloomberg report.

Several users and tech experts say Perplexity gives quicker, more useful answers than Gemini and handles tasks more smoothly. Some even say it makes Gemini look outdated in comparison.

Right now, Samsung has a close partnership with Google. Gemini powers many smart features on Samsung phones, such as Circle to Search and other AI tools. Google also works with Samsung on platforms including Wear OS and the upcoming Android XR, so Google still plays a big role in Samsung’s ecosystem.

Image – Samsung

Even so, Samsung has shown interest in Perplexity. Its investment arm, called Samsung NEXT, has already invested in the startup since last year.

If the deal happens, Samsung users could get Perplexity either as a pre-installed app or as a choice when setting up their phone as an AI assistant. This would give users more control over which AI assistant they want to use.

Currently, there’s no official confirmation of adding Perplexity as an AI Assistant on Samsung smartphones. Stay tuned for more updates.

Samsung Galaxy Watch may soon get Gemini upgrade

Samsung’s much-anticipated Ballie robot is finally making its way to the US this summer, and it’s bringing some exciting new features with it. First introduced in 2020, Ballie is a small, rolling robot that follows you around the house, controls smart devices, and can even check on your pets. Now, the Ballie robot is getting even smarter with Gemini AI, developed by Google.

Gemini AI will help Ballie understand more than just voice commands. It will be able to see and hear things around it to make it better at having real conversations.

For example, if you tell Ballie you’re feeling tired, it could suggest ways to help you feel more awake. If you need help with choosing clothes, it might even give you fashion tips. The idea is that Ballie won’t just react to what you say but will try to understand what you need before you even ask.

Moreover, it features a built-in projector. This means Ballie can show videos, calendar reminders, or even take video calls by projecting them onto any wall or surface nearby. This makes Ballie more than just a robot, as it becomes a useful tool for entertainment and staying organized.

Samsung is designing Ballie to be a real helper around the house, learning about your habits and preferences as it gets to know you. Ballie will be available in both the US and South Korea this summer, but Samsung hasn’t shared the price yet.

With the addition of Gemini AI, Ballie is turning into something more than just a gadget. It’s becoming a friendly, helpful companion that makes smart home technology feel personal and fun.

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