Galaxy devices

AppWizard
July 31, 2025
Google has expedited the release of Android 16, with Samsung launching its beta program for One UI 8 in May for the Galaxy S25 series. Samsung has rolled out the fourth beta of One UI 8, distributing it to testers in regions including the U.S., South Korea, Germany, and India. The Beta 4 update is approximately 1.3 GB and includes bug fixes for Galaxy AI, Bixby, and certain applications. It also enhances Samsung's IMS Service and supports full-screen switching during video playback in DeX mode. The stable One UI 8 release for the Galaxy S25 series may occur soon. It is uncertain if older Galaxy devices will receive the stable Android 16 update immediately after the Galaxy S25 series. One UI 8 introduces features such as enhanced camera controls, dynamic wallpapers, and improved multitasking. A sub-major update, Android 16.1, is anticipated by the end of the year.
AppWizard
July 29, 2025
Samsung has launched its new Z Fold and Z Flip devices with One UI 8, just a month after the public release of Android 16, thanks to the adoption of Google's "Trunk Stable" development model. This model allows all development to occur within a single, stable internal branch, facilitating faster feature integration and reducing merge conflicts. Android 16 debuted in June, marking a quicker release schedule compared to previous versions. Samsung has confirmed its adoption of this model for One UI development, operating from a single development branch and collaborating with Google to refine the approach. This shift has enabled Samsung to expedite the rollout of One UI 8, aligning its release schedule with Google's updates.
AppWizard
July 23, 2025
Samsung is updating its Good Lock toolkit to ensure compatibility with the One UI 8 update. Home Up has been refined to allow users to customize app launch animations, enhancing the experience beyond what was available in One UI 7. The update includes new tools for the DIY Home Screen feature, such as alignment guides, item grouping options, and a “Page Indicator Hiding” toggle. Users can now also enjoy horizontal scrolling for app sorting. MultiStar, NavStar, and QuickStar have been updated to align with One UI 8, introducing features like a “Launcher widget” for the cover screen. Additionally, two new multi-window settings have been added for devices with multi-window support, including a quick-access icon for flipping screen orientations and toggling between aspect ratios in portrait mode.
AppWizard
July 16, 2025
Samsung has addressed a vulnerability in its Secure Folder feature that previously allowed individuals with physical access to a device to view hidden apps and photos. This flaw arose from the Secure Folder being classified as a "work profile," which certain system components did not recognize as secure. With the release of One UI 8, Samsung has reclassified Secure Folder as a "private" profile, ensuring it is treated as a secure space by Google’s components. This change prevents unauthorized access to its contents, but the Secure Folder must be fully hidden for enhanced protection. However, it currently does not integrate with third-party launchers, as Samsung has not yet implemented the necessary APIs for compatibility.
AppWizard
July 9, 2025
Samsung is reportedly developing a new feature called "Auto DeX" as an alternative to Android Auto, designed to work on smartphones in vehicles that may not support traditional automotive software. The user interface, shared by a tipster, includes an off-center box for primary content, a "Brief" tile, a music application, and dual app bars for ease of use while driving. "Auto DeX" may be inspired by Samsung's existing DeX technology and is expected to be compatible with One UI 7 and 8, particularly for the Galaxy S25 series and the latest foldable devices. The feature is still in early development and has not yet entered internal testing. This development recalls Google's discontinued Android Auto for phone screens, which allowed access to features directly from smartphones. Additionally, Samsung is working on its own version of Android's earthquake alerts.
AppWizard
June 25, 2025
Google is developing a Handoff alternative for Android that aims to manage apps, tasks, media, and notifications across multiple devices. This feature will allow users to start a task on their phone and continue it on a tablet or Chromebook. Recent code discoveries from Google Play Services beta indicate the inclusion of a "Handoff" feature and an "App Cast" feature, which may enable streaming applications between devices. Unlike Apple’s Handoff, which does not handle notifications, Google's upcoming feature may provide a more comprehensive multi-device experience. Current Android users rely on third-party apps for synchronization, which often lacks seamlessness. Samsung has a similar feature called App Continuity, but it does not match the refinement of Apple’s Handoff.
AppWizard
June 3, 2025
A new wave of deals on Android apps has emerged on Google Play. The summer Discover Samsung sale offers significant discounts on Galaxy S25 devices, with savings up to 0, and includes a complimentary 32-inch 4K M7 smart monitor. Amazon has reduced the price of the Galaxy Watch Ultra by 0 and also lowered the price of the 256GB Google Pixel 9. Featured apps on Google Play include Undergrave, Rotaeno, and Dungeon Tracer.
AppWizard
May 28, 2025
The One UI 8 beta is now available for Galaxy S25 models in select regions, featuring enhanced AI capabilities, a tailored user experience for different device types, and proactive suggestions. It introduces improvements to the Reminder app, Quick Share, multitasking, Samsung Internet, and accessibility features. The rollout is limited to regions including Germany, Korea, the U.K., and the U.S., excluding the Galaxy S25 Edge. A stable version is expected to launch with new foldable devices this summer. Key features include multimodal capabilities, enhanced Now Bar and Now Brief features, local data processing options, and improvements to the Auracast feature. The Reminder app will consolidate tasks into a single interface, and Quick Share will receive enhancements. Additional features include improved file search, a redesign of Samsung Internet, multitasking enhancements, new Calendar features, and social health management options through Samsung Health. More features may be revealed as the beta progresses.
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