Samsung's upcoming One UI 9 update is shaping up to be one of the most feature-rich iterations yet, with a leaked internal build revealing a host of new capabilities for the Galaxy S25 series. Among the most intriguing additions is a feature called 'My FanCam,' which leverages Galaxy AI to automatically reframe subjects in already-recorded videos. This marks a significant evolution from the existing Auto Track feature, which only works during live recording.
Leaked Screenshots and Beta Program Details
The leak comes from user Fahad Ali Javed, who shared screenshots of a One UI 9 internal test build for the Galaxy S25 Plus on X (formerly Twitter). Alongside the screenshots, a changelog for the S25 Plus was also posted, detailing several new features. While Samsung has already begun rolling out One UI 9 betas for the Galaxy S26 series, the S25 series has yet to receive its own beta program. However, the existence of an internal build suggests that the beta for S25 devices could launch soon, potentially aligning with Samsung's typical update cycle that brings major Android upgrades to older flagships after a brief delay.
The My FanCam feature is described in the changelog as a tool that 'uses Galaxy AI to track subjects in videos and automatically reframe shots to keep them in frame.' This is different from the current Auto Track feature, which adjusts the camera's framing during recording based on subject movement. My FanCam appears to work post-capture, giving users the ability to select a subject or person in a recorded video and have the system automatically crop, track, and center that subject throughout the clip. This could be particularly useful for concert footage, event recordings, or any scenario where the camera operator didn't perfectly follow a moving subject.
Comparison with Existing Features
Samsung's Auto Track has been available for several generations of Galaxy phones and is primarily designed for real-time use—say, when recording a child running or a pet playing. The feature locks onto a selected subject and pans the viewfinder to keep it centered. However, once the video is saved, the framing is fixed. My FanCam represents a significant upgrade by applying AI-powered reframing retroactively. This approach is reminiscent of similar capabilities found in professional video editing software, where users can set keyframes for subject tracking. By embedding this functionality directly into the Gallery or Samsung Video Player app, Samsung makes it accessible to everyday users without needing third-party tools.
Galaxy AI, Samsung's suite of on-device and cloud-based AI features, already powers tools like Object Eraser, Portrait Studio, and language translation. The addition of video reframing extends the AI's utility beyond still photography and into the realm of moving images. This could be a major selling point for content creators who frequently shoot impromptu videos and want to polish them without extensive editing.
Additional Features in One UI 9 for S25 Series
The leaked changelog also hints at other features coming to the S25 series via One UI 9, many of which appear to be borrowed from the Galaxy S26 series. One such feature is Horizontal Lock, which presumably locks the screen orientation when the device is rotated, preventing accidental flips. Other additions include Secure Locking, a new interface for adjusting Bixby voice settings, and a revamped 'Warranty and care' section in the settings app. These incremental improvements suggest that Samsung is focusing on both user experience and security enhancements in One UI 9.
It's worth noting that the My FanCam feature might also be available on Samsung's upcoming foldables: the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, Z Fold 8, and Z Flip 8. According to the leak, these devices are expected to launch on July 22 and could debut One UI 9 out-of-the-box. If true, this would mark a quicker adoption of the new software on foldables than in previous years.
Background: Evolution of One UI and Galaxy AI
One UI has evolved significantly since its introduction in 2018 as a replacement for Samsung Experience. Each version has brought refinements to the user interface, performance improvements, and deeper integration of Samsung's ecosystem. One UI 8, launched with the Galaxy S26 series, introduced several AI-driven features like Smart Suggestions and improved multitasking. One UI 9 appears to build on that foundation by pushing AI deeper into the camera and gallery apps.
Galaxy AI, first announced alongside the Galaxy S24 series, has been a key differentiator for Samsung's flagship phones. Features like Live Translate, Chat Assist, and Photo Assistant have garnered positive reviews for their utility and accuracy. The My FanCam feature is yet another example of how Samsung is leveraging on-device AI to solve common user pain points—in this case, the difficulty of keeping a moving subject framed in a video.
From a technical standpoint, video subject tracking requires significant processing power. Samsung's use of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or Exynos 2400 (depending on region) in the S25 series provides ample neural processing unit (NPU) capabilities to handle the task efficiently. The AI model likely analyzes the video frame by frame, detects the selected subject's features, and then applies a smooth crop and pan effect. This process needs to be fast enough to be usable without heavy lag, which the current generation of chips should manage well.
Market Context and User Expectations
With Apple's iOS 18 introducing similar features like automatic reframing in iMovie and the Photos app, Samsung is clearly aiming to keep competitive pace. Google's Pixel phones have long offered Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur, but video reframing remains less common in the Android space. By bringing My FanCam to the S25 and potentially the new foldables, Samsung is positioning itself as a leader in AI-powered video tools.
For consumers, the ability to reframe videos after shooting could save hours of manual editing. Imagine recording a family gathering where the camera pans too slowly; with My FanCam, you can simply tell the phone to track a specific person, and the video will be automatically adjusted. The feature is likely to be integrated into the Gallery app, possibly under an 'Edit' option similar to how Samsung's Photo Assistant works. Users might be able to select a subject by tapping on them in the video, then choose to remove background audio or apply stabilization alongside reframing.
However, there are potential limitations. The AI reframing might introduce cropping artifacts or reduce video quality if the subject moves rapidly. The feature may work best with a single subject against a clean background, while group shots or fast-paced action could pose challenges. Samsung will need to ensure that the output resolution is not compromised and that the tracking is smooth.
Additionally, privacy concerns may arise. My FanCam processes video locally on the device (as is typical for Galaxy AI features), but some users might be wary of AI analyzing their personal videos. Samsung will have to clearly communicate that all processing happens on-device to alleviate such fears.
Release Timeline and Future Outlook
As of now, Samsung has not officially announced a One UI 9 beta for the S25 series. Given that the S26 series already has betas, the S25 is likely next in line. Historically, Samsung has released major One UI updates for older flagships within two months of the new series launch. If the pattern holds, the S25 beta could begin in late July or early August, with a stable release in September.
The inclusion of My FanCam on the Z Fold 8 Ultra and Z Flip 8 would be a strong selling point for those devices, especially for users who enjoy recording videos on foldables. The large inner screen of the Z Fold 8 Ultra would provide an excellent preview of the reframed video, and the crease-less design improvements expected this year could make it an ideal companion for content creators.
In conclusion, the leak of My FanCam highlights Samsung's commitment to integrating AI into every aspect of the smartphone experience. While the feature is still in internal testing, its potential to simplify video editing is substantial. As more details emerge, we could see Samsung position this as a marquee feature of One UI 9, drawing users who want professional-looking videos without the complexity of desktop software.
The broader industry trend is clear: AI is moving from a gimmick to a practical tool. Google's Pixel 9 is expected to introduce even more AI photo and video features, and Apple's upcoming iPhone 16 line will likely enhance its computational photography. Samsung's My FanCam is a timely addition that could help the company stay at the forefront of this transformation.
For now, Galaxy S25 owners and potential foldable buyers will have to wait for official word from Samsung. But if the leaked screenshots are accurate, One UI 9 promises to be a significant update that not only catches up to the S26 series but also introduces unique capabilities that redefine how we interact with our captured memories.
Source:Android Authority News