Galaxy S26 gets One UI 9 beta with new video tool
Samsung's My FanCam feature now available on S26 series
1What is My FanCam?
Samsung's AI-powered My FanCam feature, previously exclusive to Galaxy Z Fold 8, is now coming to the S26 series. This tool automatically crops and reframes pre-recorded videos to focus on specific people. Designed for social media creators, it supports various aspect ratios for platforms like TikTok and Instagram. However, the feature only works with human subjects, not pets or animals.
2How it works
My FanCam is integrated into the Gallery app and can analyze any video. When users select a person in the video, the AI tracks and automatically reframes the footage. If the feature struggles to identify someone, users can manually scrub to a suitable frame. Requiring a Samsung account, the company doesn't guarantee it will work on every video clip.
3Additional improvements
The One UI 9 beta update includes more than just My FanCam. The Now Brief experience has been enhanced with personalized cards. New security cards display potential risks and suggest preventive measures. The Now Nudge feature provides smarter contextual suggestions for daily tasks. Additionally, users can now remove the dedicated Google search bar from the home screen.
4Beta version details
The One UI 9 beta update is currently only available in select markets for registered beta program users. The update is approximately 1.28GB in size and delivered via notifications. Samsung hasn't announced a timeline for the public release. The Galaxy S26 FE will launch on September 4 with One UI 9 and My FanCam pre-installed.
5Social media impact
My FanCam significantly simplifies content creation for influencers and creators. It enables quick content preparation without professional editing software. The tool's ease of use aligns with Samsung's strategy to attract social media-focused users. Competitors are expected to rapidly adopt similar AI-powered features in their devices.
6Technology trends
Samsung's My FanCam reflects the rise of AI-powered content creation tools in smartphones. By 2024, AI-enhanced photo and video editing is becoming standard in flagship devices. Market research shows 68% of consumers consider such smart features important in purchasing decisions. Samsung continues to support this trend through its Galaxy AI ecosystem.
7Potential limitations
My FanCam's inability to recognize animals may disappoint pet owners. Performance varies depending on video quality and lighting conditions. Samsung's lack of guarantee for all clips might frustrate some users. Experts note these AI tools aren't perfect yet but are improving rapidly.
8Market implications
The One UI 9 update is a key part of Samsung's 2024 software strategy. Bringing Z Fold 8 features to the S26 series reflects Samsung's product longevity approach. This move responds to consumers keeping devices longer rather than upgrading annually. Analysts predict other Android manufacturers will follow with similar feature updates.