Samsung Partners with Glance AI to Roll Out Opt-In Generative AI Shopping Platform on Galaxy Phones

Samsung phones are set to receive a curious new AI-powered shopping platform, courtesy of Glance AI, a brand under the mobile advertising company InMobi. The partnership, announced through the Samsung Galaxy Store, will bring this e-commerce feature to Galaxy phones in the United States, starting today. The company refers to this system as a "Generative AI shopping platform," a term that might raise more eyebrows than it enlightens. The Glance AI app offers a unique, albeit unsettling, user experience. It comprises both a standalone application and a lock screen component designed to market clothing. By using generative AI and a photo of you, the app creates virtual images showing different outfits. New looks are added daily, and purchasing the clothes is just a tap away. Users can also save these AI-generated images as lock screen wallpapers, though for many, this might be a step too far. The platform is fully opt-in, which is reassuring. However, opting out seems like the sensible choice given how intrusive such features can feel. This move by InMobi highlights a growing trend where advertisers are turning to AI to personalize and intensify their marketing efforts. Whether you find it exciting or concerning, it's a sign of what the future might hold as technology continues to blur the lines between convenience and invasion of privacy. InMobi, known for its aggressive marketing tactics, has previously drawn criticism for cluttering Motorola budget phones with unwanted e-commerce apps. The Samsung version, however, appears to be more restrained. In India, where InMobi was founded, Glance lock screens display ads alongside useful content like news updates and sports scores. Fortunately, the U.S. implementation of Glance AI on Samsung phones does not include ads—at least for now. For those who value their device’s simplicity and privacy, this absence is a significant relief. Glance AI is initially rolling out to Samsung Galaxy S22, S23, S24, and S25-series phones. The company plans to achieve full deployment within the next 30 days. While it will likely debut as an optional download in the Galaxy Store, it wouldn't be surprising if users receive push notifications encouraging them to try it out. This development underscores the evolving relationship between consumers and advertisers in the digital age. As AI technologies advance, companies are exploring novel ways to engage with users, sometimes at the expense of user experience and privacy. Regardless of whether you choose to opt-in, it's worth keeping an eye on how such innovations shape the landscape of mobile commerce and user interaction.