The latest iteration of Samsung’s One UI, version 7, has begun rolling out, bringing with it a host of features that enhance user experience, particularly in media playback. Among the most notable additions is the introduction of Live Notifications, which provide users with real-time control over media applications directly from the notification shade.
New Features in One UI 7
As users dive into One UI 7, many are discovering features that were not prominently highlighted in the official changelog. One such feature, identified by tech enthusiast Zac Kew-Denniss, allows for ongoing media playback notifications from various applications. This includes popular platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and YouTube Music, whether users are playing content locally or casting it to other devices. Interestingly, while Netflix does not show a notification during local playback, it does support live notifications when casting.
Samsung’s changelog, however, offers a rather vague description of this functionality, focusing instead on general real-time notifications for tasks such as timers and voice recordings:
- Real-time notifications for ongoing tasks: These notifications appear on the lock screen, the Now bar, and the top of the notification panel, allowing users to stay informed about various ongoing activities.
To access these new features, users must ensure they are running the latest builds of One UI 7, particularly those that include the April 2025 security patch. Early versions of One UI 7, including initial stable releases for devices like the Galaxy S25, do not support this functionality, which may explain why it has gone largely unnoticed until now.
In addition to the live notifications, the update has sparked discussions around cross-device synchronization. While the specifics remain somewhat unclear, it suggests that users may have the ability to control media playback on different devices without needing to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. This could significantly enhance the user experience, particularly for those who frequently switch between devices.
Currently, YouTube does allow playback controls for connected smart devices, but this typically requires users to be on the same Wi-Fi network. The standard notifications provided under these circumstances are relatively basic, contrasting sharply with the richer, more interactive live notifications offered by One UI 7.
As the rollout of One UI 7 continues, users are encouraged to explore these new features and share their experiences. The integration of live notifications marks a significant step forward in how Samsung devices manage media playback, promising to streamline user interactions and enhance overall functionality.
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