Now Bar Archives

AppWizard

June 20, 2025

Google might give At a Glance a Gemini makeover with extra smarts

Google is planning to develop its own version of Samsung’s Now Bar to enhance the At a Glance experience on Pixel devices. The upcoming Pixel 10 may feature a significant upgrade, potentially rebranded as Gemini Space, which could include live sports scores and financial market summaries on the lock screen. Initial hints of this feature were found in the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1, with a system configuration file labeled "Ambient Data" discovered in the firmware for the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 8 Pro. References to an "Ambience Hub" have also been found, suggesting a new way to present information on the lock screen. The Android System Intelligence app, which supports the At a Glance widget, has revealed mentions of Gemini Space and features like finance recaps and sports updates. These upgrades are expected to be incorporated into the Pixel Launcher’s At a Glance widget, although they remain speculative.

AppWizard

June 13, 2025

Samsung snuck in a surprise for its latest SmartThings app update

Samsung has released an update to its SmartThings mobile application, version 1.8.33.25, which includes several new features: - Home Life Survey: A survey for users to provide details about their household and interests to receive tailored recommendations. - Flexible Routine Configurations: Enhanced control over routines, including notifications before initiation and delays between actions. - Galaxy Tag Location Sharing: Temporary links to share the location of Galaxy Tags with options for expiration (12 hours, 24 hours, or a week). - Enhanced Map View Navigation: Map View is now the default interface, with simplified navigation between Map View and the Home tab. - Support for SmartThings in the Now Bar and Live Notifications, allowing toggling SmartThings on or off from the Now Bar settings. The update is being rolled out in phases to ensure smooth performance across the platform.

AppWizard

June 11, 2025

Android 16 is here

Today marks the rollout of Android 16, initially available for supported Pixel devices, with plans to extend to additional phone brands later this year. This release is the earliest launch of a major Android update in recent years. Android 16 introduces the new Material 3 Expressive design, focusing on accessibility and user-friendliness. It features streamlined notifications and real-time updates for food deliveries, initially with compatible ride-share and food delivery applications. This capability is being integrated into Samsung’s Now Bar and the Live Alerts features on OPPO and OnePlus devices.

AppWizard

May 28, 2025

Samsung is rolling out its first One UI 8 beta for the Galaxy S25 series

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.

AppWizard

May 28, 2025

This rumored One UI 8 feature might be just what runners need

Samsung is developing a personalized virtual Running Coach as part of its One UI 8, based on Android 16. This feature will provide tailored assessments to enhance running performance and offer guidance during longer runs. The coach will evaluate users' progress and intensity, helping them balance their training. Integration with Galaxy Watch may allow for real-time heart rate monitoring. A One UI 8 beta banner has appeared in the Samsung members app, indicating the upcoming upgrade. Additionally, One UI 8 may include a redesign of the Gallery and Files Manager apps, and an upgraded Secure Folder with new Private Space functionality for secure content storage. The rollout of One UI 8 is anticipated as Google prepares to launch Android 16 in Q2 2025.

AppWizard

April 11, 2025

Stable One UI 7 rolls out to users both in the U.S. and European regions

The stable version of One UI 7 has started rolling out for eligible Galaxy users in the U.S. and Europe, beginning with the Samsung Galaxy S24 series, Z Fold 6, and Z Flip 6. The update, approximately 5.2GB in size, includes the April security patch and enhances the AI experience with new writing tools and image generation capabilities. Users can check for the update by navigating to Settings > Software Update > Check for updates. One UI 7 features a refreshed Notification panel, a vertically-scrolling app drawer, and a new "Now Bar" for quick access to various controls. Samsung plans to extend the update to older devices, including the Galaxy Z Fold 4, Flip 4, S23 FE, A34, A35, S22, S21 series, and Tab S9/S8 series, by May. The rollout is occurring in phases.

AppWizard

April 10, 2025

One UI 7 brings Live Notifications for your favorite media apps, including YouTube and Spotify

Samsung's One UI version 7 has begun rolling out, introducing features that enhance media playback, including Live Notifications for real-time control over media applications from the notification shade. Users can receive ongoing media playback notifications from apps like Spotify, YouTube, and YouTube Music, although Netflix does not show notifications during local playback but does support live notifications when casting. To access these features, users must have the latest builds of One UI 7, particularly those with the April 2025 security patch. The update also hints at cross-device synchronization for media playback control without needing to be on the same Wi-Fi network. Currently, YouTube allows playback controls for connected smart devices but typically requires the same Wi-Fi network.

AppWizard

April 2, 2025

How to change to a vertical scrolling app drawer on One UI 7

Samsung has introduced a vertical scrolling app drawer in One UI 7, responding to user demand. This update is available for the Galaxy S25 series and for users who upgrade to One UI 7. The rollout for older devices has faced delays, with beta versions currently available for Galaxy S24 owners and a final build expected in early April. New features in One UI 7 include the Now Bar, which provides real-time updates, and Now Brief, offering personalized briefings. Other features include cross-app action, audio eraser, auto trim, and AI drawing assist. The Galaxy S25 Ultra features a larger display, improved ultrawide camera, and lighter design compared to its predecessor.

AppWizard

March 25, 2025

Samsung wants third-party apps to be compatible with Now Bar

Samsung is planning to enhance its One UI 7 experience by integrating several third-party applications into the Now Bar feature. Speculated apps include Kakao T, Naver Sports, YouTube, and YouTube Music. The inclusion of Naver Sports may allow users to stay updated on their favorite teams and events, similar to Google Sports. Additionally, Samsung intends to implement "forced" support for all third-party applications, broadening the Now Bar's capabilities. There are also rumors of a dedicated Good Lock module for customizing the Now Bar's appearance. Samsung has already improved access to sports scores and team updates with a recent Google Sports update.