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Samsung's latest foldables, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, are making waves with record preorder sales, but the real hidden value lies in a $120 software bonus that could redefine how developers and power users interact with AI. As part of a strategic partnership with Google, new owners of these devices can claim six months of Google AI Pro—a premium subscription tier typically costing $20 per month—at no extra cost. This move isn't just a sales incentive; it's a calculated bet on accelerating mainstream adoption of generative AI tools, with significant implications for app development, cloud integration, and the future of mobile productivity.

What's in the Google AI Pro Package?

The free subscription unlocks a suite of high-end AI features designed for technical users:
- Gemini 2.5 Pro: Google's most advanced multimodal AI model, excelling in complex coding tasks, data analysis, and contextual understanding. Developers can leverage it for real-time debugging or prototyping.
- Veo 3: An AI video generation tool that creates high-fidelity clips from text prompts, useful for content creators and UX designers.
- 2TB of Cloud Storage: Ample space for project backups, datasets, or collaborative work, far exceeding standard free tiers.
- Early Access to AI Tools: Previews of upcoming features, giving tech professionals a head start on integrating new capabilities into their workflows.

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Caption: Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7, featuring enhanced AI integrations. (Image: Kerry Wan/ZDNET)

How to Redeem the Offer

Claiming this bonus is straightforward but manual—a deliberate choice that underscores Samsung's push for user engagement:
1. Download the Google One app on your eligible Galaxy device (Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, or Z Flip 7 FE).
2. Log in with the Google account you want linked to the subscription.
3. Accept the promotional offer when it appears on-screen, agreeing to the terms.

Post-redemption, users can manage the subscription via the Google One app's "Membership plans" tab, choosing to renew at $20/month or cancel before automatic billing kicks in after six months. This trial model mirrors industry trends where companies like Microsoft and Adobe use temporary access to hook professionals into sticky, high-value ecosystems.

Why This Matters for the Tech Ecosystem

Samsung and Google's collaboration here is more than a perk—it's a microcosm of the AI arms race in mobile hardware. By bundling Gemini Pro with flagship devices, Samsung not only differentiates its foldables but also creates a fertile testing ground for on-device AI applications. For developers, this means:
- Lower Barriers to AI Experimentation: Access to cutting-edge tools without upfront costs encourages innovation in apps leveraging generative AI.
- Data Handling Shifts: The 2TB cloud storage incentivizes migration from local to cloud-based workflows, aligning with broader industry moves toward decentralized computing.
- Subscription Fatigue Considerations: While the offer is generous, it tests user willingness to pay for premium AI post-trial—a cautionary note for startups banking on similar monetization.

As foldables evolve into productivity powerhouses, this promotion highlights how hardware and AI services are converging. For now, it's a no-risk opportunity to explore Gemini's potential, but its long-term success hinges on whether these tools prove indispensable enough to justify another monthly fee in an increasingly crowded landscape.

Source: Based on reporting from ZDNET.