Galaxy users Archives

AppWizard

April 8, 2026

Is Samsung Messages being discontinued? Here’s when and what we know

Samsung Electronics has announced the discontinuation of the Samsung Messages app, with support ceasing in July 2026. Users are encouraged to migrate to Google Messages, which will become the default messaging platform for Samsung Galaxy devices operating on Android 12 or newer. Devices running Android 11 or older will not be affected at this time. After July 2026, Samsung Messages will no longer send or receive texts, except for emergency contacts. Users can download Google Messages from the Google Play Store and set it as their default messaging app. Other messaging app options are available for users who prefer alternatives. Older Samsung Galaxy watches running Tizen OS will not support Google Messages after the transition, but will still allow text message functionality. RCS messaging, integrated into Google Messages, enhances the texting experience with features like read receipts and high-quality media sharing, whereas SMS is limited to basic text messaging.

AppWizard

April 6, 2026

Samsung’s Messages app is shutting down in 2026: Here’s what you need to do

Samsung will discontinue its Messages app in July 2026, requiring users to switch to Google Messages. After the shutdown, Samsung Messages will only send texts to emergency contacts and services. Users will receive in-app prompts to switch and can easily set Google Messages as the default. Devices running Android 11 or lower will remain unaffected. This follows Samsung's 2024 decision to stop pre-installing its Messages app on flagship Galaxy devices. The transition emphasizes the benefits of Google Messages, including enhanced security, support for Rich Communication Services (RCS), and improved multi-device connectivity.

BetaBeacon

January 15, 2026

Samsung shifts Gaming Hub focus toward discovery and social tools

Samsung is updating its Gaming Hub app to provide a more personalized gaming experience for Galaxy phone and tablet owners. The app will now offer recommendations based on the games users already play, making it easier to discover new titles.

AppWizard

January 13, 2026

6 Free Apps To Automate Tasks on Android

In daily life, people engage in repetitive phone actions that shape their routines, such as turning off Wi-Fi or silencing notifications. Android devices offer basic automation features, but true automation potential lies in apps that allow personalized routines. Samsung Galaxy users can utilize Modes and Routines, integrated into One UI 5.1, to create preset profiles and custom automations based on triggers like time and location. Google’s Action Blocks enable users to create customizable shortcuts for complex tasks with a single tap, leveraging Google Assistant. Automate by LlamaLab uses a visual flowchart interface for routine creation, allowing users to design automation flows with over 320 building blocks available. aProfiles focuses on profile-based automation, adjusting settings based on time and location, while IFTTT allows users to create applets for connected services, with limitations on custom applets for free users. MacroDroid offers a three-part structure for automations, with over 100 triggers and actions, and a template library for pre-made macros, while the free version limits users to five macros.

AppWizard

December 11, 2025

Samsung Might Finally Bring App Lock in One UI 9 (Android 17)

Samsung is developing a native App Lock feature for its upcoming One UI 9, based on Android 17, as indicated by the Android Canary 2512 build. This feature aims to allow users to lock individual applications directly, eliminating the need for the Secure Folder. An App Lock API and a new permission labeled LOCK_APPS have been identified in the Canary build, although the feature is currently disabled and in early development. Samsung has previously experimented with a similar solution in One UI 8.5, which allowed individual app locks using various security methods.

AppWizard

December 7, 2025

Creating your own Android wallpaper isn’t hard, and it’s totally worth it

A recent poll by Android Authority found that among respondents, 32% create wallpapers using images from their cameras, 7% use drawing apps or wallpaper creators, 9% let their phones generate wallpapers, 23% rely on wallpaper apps, 27% download wallpapers from the internet, and 2% indicated other methods. Users can create personalized wallpapers through drawing, photography, or by using smartphone features that generate wallpapers automatically. Online tools like Canva and Kapwing are also available for those who want to design their own wallpapers.

AppWizard

November 17, 2025

You Can’t Delete This Samsung App—And It Might Be Spying on You

Samsung faces criticism for allegations that certain budget-friendly Galaxy A and M smartphones are preloaded with unremovable spyware, particularly affecting users in the Middle East and North Africa. The Lebanese digital rights organization SMEX has highlighted a pre-installed application called AppCloud on some Galaxy A and M devices sold in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt. AppCloud, developed by ironSource, collects sensitive user data without explicit consent during device setup and is difficult to uninstall, often reinstalling after a device reset. Concerns have been raised about its potential use for surveillance and targeted cyberattacks, especially in politically sensitive areas. SMEX has called for increased transparency from Samsung, which has not yet responded. Independent research validating these claims about AppCloud's impact on privacy is currently lacking.

AppWizard

October 29, 2025

One UI 8.5 leak brings an exciting camera feature that unlocks next-level photography for Galaxy users

One UI 8.5 may introduce presets for Pro camera controls, allowing users to save and switch between settings for ISO, aperture, and white balance. Users can share these camera presets via the Quick Share app. The update will include adjustable settings for various camera features across Galaxy devices, with a focus on customization for different camera types (wide, ultrawide, telephoto) and settings such as focus type, ISO, shutter speed, and exposure.

AppWizard

October 3, 2025

How to deactivate AI on your Android phone

Artificial intelligence is prevalent in tech products, including smartphones and household appliances, but many consumers want to disable these features due to their limited utility. For Google Pixel users, AI features can be disabled as follows: - To disable the Gemini assistant: Long press the app icon, select App info, and tap Disable. - To turn off AI Mode in the Google search bar: Tap the G icon, click on your profile photo, go to Settings, select Customize Pixel search box, and toggle AI Mode off. - To streamline Google Search: Open Chrome, visit TenBlueLinks.org, conduct a search, access the action menu, go to Settings, select Search engine, and choose Google Web in the Recently Visited section. - To manage AI features in Gmail: Open Gmail, access the hamburger menu, navigate to Settings, select your Google account, and deselect Smart features. - To disable Circle to Search: Go to Settings, scroll to System, select Navigation mode, and toggle Circle to Search off. - To turn off Gemini in Messages: Open Messages, select your profile photo, go to Messages settings, navigate to Gemini, and toggle Show Gemini button off. - To disable the Magic Cue feature: Access Settings, navigate to the Magic Cue sub-menu, and toggle all options off. For Samsung Galaxy users, AI features can be managed by: - Opening Settings, navigating to Galaxy AI, selecting Call assist, and toggling the feature off. This process can be repeated for each of the 12 options listed under Galaxy AI.

AppWizard

September 16, 2025

Samsung’s Gallery Assistant in One UI 8 has the tools you need, but keeps them bare-bones

Samsung has introduced Gallery Assistant within its Members app, currently in beta testing for devices running One UI 8, including Galaxy S25, Z Fold 7, and Z Flip 7. Key features include batch editing capabilities, advanced cropping options, granular controls for compression strength, support for HEVC video formats, and the ability to batch extract up to 20 images. A watermark tool allows users to tile a pattern across an entire image. Users can join the beta by signing up through the Samsung Members app.