Discovering MyFanCam

The latest Samsung Galaxy Z 8 lineup places a heavy emphasis on hardware improvements, yet it also introduces several compelling AI-driven software enhancements. Among these, the standout feature is undoubtedly MyFanCam. This tool allows users to reframe existing videos, shifting the focus to track a specific person rather than keeping the entire wide shot in the frame.


How the Technology Works

It is important to clarify that MyFanCam is not a real-time recording mode like the long-standing "Video Auto Framing." Instead, it functions as an advanced AI-powered post-processing tool. It analyzes footage—even clips recorded years ago on non-Samsung devices—and identifies human subjects to create a new, reframed perspective. This is particularly useful for creators who want to highlight a specific individual in a group, such as focusing on a single performer within a dance troupe.


The Unexpected Limitation: Pet Tracking

As a pet owner to two high-energy dogs, I had high hopes that MyFanCam would simplify the process of capturing their playful moments. Unfortunately, I hit a significant roadblock. The AI architecture behind MyFanCam is strictly trained to recognize human subjects.


When I attempted to apply the feature to videos of my dogs, the software failed to register them entirely. My tests revealed some humorous inconsistencies:

  • Human performance: The AI successfully tracked a street performer doing a handstand on a skateboard.
  • Zoo observations: Adolescent gorillas did not trigger the tracking mechanism.
  • Theme park characters: Interestingly, the AI recognized characters like Pluto and Chip at Disney World, though it curiously struggled with Goofy—perhaps highlighting the ambiguity of his character design.

Why Are Animals Ignored?

The reliance on human-only tracking is likely a conscious design choice by tech manufacturers. AI camera features are typically trained on extensive datasets consisting primarily of human interaction, as that is the primary use case for the average consumer. Pets, with their vast variety of species, shapes, and movement patterns, present a much more complex challenge for current AI models compared to the relatively standardized proportions of humans.


Final Thoughts

While the absence of pet support is disappointing, MyFanCam remains an impressive achievement in non-generative video editing. It offers a powerful way to breathe new life into older footage without destructive editing. I remain optimistic that Samsung will expand the training parameters of this AI in future software updates, eventually allowing us to capture our energetic pets with the same ease as our human family members.