One UI Archives

AppWizard

June 8, 2026

7 widgets I always add to my home screen on every Android phone

App widgets enhance the functionality of smartphones by providing quick access to information and features. The battery widget offers a comprehensive overview of battery levels for connected devices, displaying detailed information that surpasses the Quick Settings panel. The Brave browser widget features prominent bookmarks, a built-in search bar, and a shortcut for opening private tabs, improving the browsing experience. The Gemini widget allows immediate access to shortcuts for conversations, prompts, and screen sharing, replacing the traditional search bar. The Digital Wellbeing widget displays daily screen time usage and the three most-used apps, promoting mindfulness about device engagement. The Samsung Health widget tracks step count and daily activity, while Google Fit provides similar functionality for non-Galaxy phone users, emphasizing fitness monitoring. Google Maps includes location-sharing widgets for quick access to safety and coordination features with loved ones. The Google Keep widget facilitates quick note-taking, offering shortcuts for various types of notes, making it a versatile tool for users. Maintaining a balance between utility and clutter is important, and widget stacks in One UI can help organize the home screen efficiently.

AppWizard

June 5, 2026

Gemini Wants To Take Over Your Android Phone

Google introduced Gemini Intelligence, an enhancement to its Android operating system, designed to autonomously manage tasks on devices. Gemini will enable seamless interactions with apps, utilize contextual data from photos and emails, and facilitate automated payments. The rollout coincides with Android 17, expected on devices like the Samsung Galaxy S26 and Google Pixel 10 in summer 2026, though not all devices may feature Gemini. Key capabilities include scanning textbooks for shopping cart integration, booking concert tickets, and managing food deliveries. Gemini can analyze photos, reference emails, and enhance functionality in Google Chrome. Notable features include an upgraded Autofill and Rambler, an AI-driven speech-to-text tool. Opting out of Gemini may be complex due to its operating system integration, but Google plans for most features to be opt-in, requiring user consent. Similar features are found in Samsung's Galaxy AI in the S26 series, which may allow users to disable functionalities like Call Screening.

AppWizard

June 2, 2026

Google’s Safety app just picked up a few new tricks for your kids

Google has expanded the Personal Safety app to include children under 13, allowing them to display emergency contacts, their age, and allergies on their lock screen. Children can also activate Crash Detection, which contacts emergency services and priority contacts in case of an accident. Teens will have access to features like Safety Check for scheduling safety reminders and real-time location sharing. These updates will be available on Android devices running Android 12 or later, though a specific rollout timeline has not been provided. Some devices may refer to the app as "Safety," while Samsung includes similar features in its Safety and emergency menu.

AppWizard

June 1, 2026

Want More From Your Phone? Switching to Samsung Galaxy Is Easier Than You Think

A significant number of users are transitioning to Samsung Galaxy, with nearly half choosing the Galaxy S Ultra line. The Try Galaxy feature allows users to preview the One UI experience on their current devices. Samsung's Smart Switch facilitates the transfer of contacts, photos, messages, apps, calendars, and settings from old devices to new Galaxy phones, offering options for wireless, cable, or cloud backup transfers. Quick Share enables easy file sharing between Galaxy devices and recognizes nearby Apple devices for seamless transfers. The onboarding process for Galaxy is designed to be straightforward, allowing users to explore features and maintain connectivity across ecosystems.

AppWizard

May 18, 2026

After fixing a family friend’s phone, I realized Google Play Protect is not doing enough

An elderly relative and a friend were misled into downloading problematic apps due to deceptive advertisements that appeared as system notifications. These ads led users to the Play Store under false pretenses, resulting in the installation of apps that generated excessive ads and altered user interfaces. In one case, a user unknowingly installed a launcher app disguised as a messaging application, which compromised her device's functionality and privacy by requesting excessive permissions. Google Play Protect failed to identify the problematic app, which continued to generate ads even after its removal. The app's misleading title and vague description contributed to the confusion, highlighting the need for improved safeguards in the Play Store to protect less tech-savvy users.

AppWizard

May 15, 2026

One UI 9 makes it easier to spot sideloaded apps on your Galaxy phone

Samsung has begun the rollout of the One UI 9 beta for the Galaxy S26 series, featuring enhanced security measures. Key additions include the Auto Blocker with a security report feature and the reinstatement of USB connection blocking in Maximum restrictions mode. The beta version allows monitoring of "unknown" apps, alerting users to high-risk applications and blocking their execution and installation. Users can access the Manage unknown apps section in Settings to view and uninstall sideloaded applications from non-approved sources. This feature aims to improve user experience and security oversight, with expectations for inclusion in the stable release.

AppWizard

May 14, 2026

Samsung may be working on its most aggressive anti-distraction tool yet

Samsung is developing a feature for One UI 9 called “Network management for concentration,” which aims to help users manage distractions by controlling internet access for specific app categories, including Browser, Game, Social, Streaming, and Other. This feature is found in the hidden Connectivity Labs menu and allows users to restrict internet access without manual intervention. It includes a six-digit PIN system for security, ensuring only authorized users can modify settings, and features a “Downtime” mode to schedule automatic activation of restrictions. The feature is currently in the experimental phase, with its public release uncertain.

AppWizard

May 13, 2026

Samsung’s drawing app just got a big update on Galaxy devices

Samsung has released an update to the PENUP drawing app, now at version 3.9.22.23, which includes the following new features: - 53 new downloadable brushes. - Dual Brush Feature for combining two brush strokes. - Individual Brush Settings with organized access and preview options. - Export and Import Draft Options using the “.penup” extension for sharing incomplete drawings. - Auto Select Mode for the Lasso selection tool. - Automatic UI Rotation into landscape mode. - File Syncing across devices using a Samsung account. The update is available to all Galaxy device owners using the PENUP app, regardless of One UI version, and can be accessed through the Galaxy Store.

AppWizard

May 12, 2026

Samsung confirms Voice Recorder app bug on One UI 8.5, rolls out fix

Samsung's Voice Recorder app is experiencing a glitch on Galaxy devices, causing crashes when users attempt to summarize recordings that have been transcribed into text. This issue primarily affects devices running One UI 8.5 if the setting to “Process data only within the device” is activated. Samsung has acknowledged the problem and recommends users update the app to version v21.5.86.26 to restore functionality. Users can update the app through the Galaxy Store.

AppWizard

May 12, 2026

Samsung’s solution for apps with ‘excessive’ ads is rolling out now

Samsung's Device Care has introduced a new feature to block apps that generate excessive advertisements as part of the One UI 8.5 update. This feature includes two blocking options: a "basic" setting and an "intelligent" blocking feature that uses analytics to identify and manage ads. The rollout of One UI 8.5 began in the U.S. on May 11. The update version 13.8.80.7 includes the ad-blocking feature, which has been in development since December and may utilize AI to monitor ads across all installed applications. The update also brings AI call screening, enhanced editing tools, and minor user interface adjustments.