Samsung's latest Unpacked event has come and gone, leaving many to wonder if the tech giant's new AI-powered phones are enough to revitalize the stagnant smartphone industry. The event, which took place on January 24, 2025, saw the unveiling of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, S25, and S25 Plus, all of which boast improved AI capabilities. However, despite the hype, many are left feeling underwhelmed, with some even calling it one of the most boring phone launches in recent memory.

According to David Pierce, editor-at-large and Vergecast co-host, the new phones may be among the best Android phones of 2025, but the launch event itself felt lackluster. This raises questions about whether the smartphone industry has entered a new phase, where companies are simply launching incremental updates rather than game-changing innovations. The Verge's Allison Johnson joined Pierce and Nilay to discuss the vibes at Unpacked, where the thinner S25 Edge inspired some enthusiasm, but Samsung's attempts to make the case for AI-driven improvements fell flat.

The event also gave a glimpse into Project Moohan, Samsung's upcoming AR headset, which could potentially shake up the virtual assistant landscape. Additionally, Google's Gemini AI assistant is gaining traction, with its ability to work across multiple apps in a single prompt. However, despite these advancements, the overall feeling is that the smartphone industry is stuck in a rut, with companies struggling to innovate and differentiate themselves.

In other news, the TikTok ban saga continues, with the latest update seeing the app reinstated for now, but with an uncertain future. The Verge's Lauren Feiner explains the latest developments, including the $500 billion AI data-center plan announced at the White House, and the controversy surrounding Elon Musk's salute. The United States Digital Service has also gone full DOGE, adding to the confusion.

In the lightning round, Pierce and Nilay discussed Netflix's latest price hike, the Sensify standard that turns lightbulbs into always-watching sensors, and more. With so much happening in the tech world, it's clear that 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for innovation and regulation.

As the smartphone industry continues to evolve, one thing is certain – companies like Samsung will need to do more to stand out in a crowded market. With AI capabilities becoming increasingly ubiquitous, it's time for manufacturers to think outside the box and deliver truly groundbreaking innovations. Until then, the question remains: are we entering a new phase of the smartphone industry, where companies basically just launch the same thing over and over?

For more information on Samsung's new phones, Project Moohan, and the latest TikTok updates, check out the links below:

This is the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge

Samsung Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus hands-on: more of the same

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra hands-on: smoothing out sharp edges

Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. S25 Plus vs. S25 Ultra: specs comparison

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra stylus: back to boring basics

Here’s what Samsung’s first Android XR headset looks like in person

Google Gemini now works across multiple apps in a single prompt

Google’s Gemini is already winning the next-gen assistant wars

The Stargate Project is a $500 million AI data center plan for OpenAI

Elon Musk, White House adviser, says OpenAI deal announced at White House is a sham

The United States Digital Service is now DOGE — here’s what it was responsible for.

Trump signs order refusing to enforce TikTok ban for 75 days

Trump says he’s open to Musk or Ellison buying TikTok

TikTok’s service providers still risk billions in penalties for bringing it back online

Bluesky and X launch new video feeds amid TikTok uncertainties

Instagram announces a blatant CapCut clone

Apple says it’s following the law by removing TikTok from the App Store

Two lawmakers introduce a bill to repeal the TikTok ban.

Trump is absolutely going to make ByteDance sell TikTok or shut down again.

Welcome to the era of gangster tech regulation

Netflix is raising prices again

YouTube Premium gets more experimental features that can now be tested all at once

Instagram profile grids are going to feature rectangles instead of squares

Here’s the tech that could turn millions of Zigbee light bulbs into motion sensors with a single update

Samsung is bringing ambient sensing to SmartThings