Samsung devices Archives

BetaBeacon

July 24, 2026

Samsung is playing a dangerous game with the Galaxy Z Fold 8’s missing S Pen support

The absence of the S Pen in the Galaxy Z Fold series is becoming more glaring with the introduction of the Motorola Razr Fold, which offers a similar stylus experience. Samsung's decision to remove the S Pen to make its foldables thinner is being challenged by the technology used in the Motorola Razr Fold, which allows for stylus interaction without adding thickness to the device. Samsung's reluctance to evolve its S Pen technology is causing the company to fall behind in the foldable market as competitors embrace foldable styluses.

AppWizard

July 15, 2026

You Can Install Even More Apps On Android Auto Using This Simple Trick

Android Auto has introduced a new app that allows users to read PDF documents in their vehicles. Users can enhance their Android Auto experience by sideloading apps, which involves installing applications not officially available on the platform, such as CarStream for YouTube playback. To sideload apps, users must enable Developer Mode on their Android device and Android Auto, allowing access to hidden features and enabling the installation of third-party apps. The process includes navigating to Settings, tapping the Build number multiple times to enable Developer Mode, accessing Developer Settings in Android Auto, and enabling Unknown Sources. Users can then download the Android Auto Apps Downloader (AAAD) from GitHub, which is an unofficial app storefront that allows downloading additional applications. AAAD is free with optional in-app purchases, and a PRO version is available for a one-time fee. Sideloading can unlock various functionalities, but it is recommended for advanced users due to potential complications.

AppWizard

July 11, 2026

This underrated Samsung feature is the first thing I set up on any new Android phone… except Pixels

The taskbar feature at the bottom of the screen enhances user experience on tablets and foldable phones, allowing quick access to frequently used applications. This feature is also available on regular non-folding smartphones, such as Samsung and Motorola devices, where users can enable and customize a side panel known as the Sidebar or Edge Panel. On Samsung devices, users can download the Good Lock app and install the Home Up module to activate the Edge Panel, which offers customization options for quick access to apps, contacts, and shortcuts. The upcoming One UI 9 update is expected to introduce more customization options for the Edge Panel. Motorola users can enable a similar sidebar feature through Settings > Gestures > Sidebar. OnePlus users can find it under Settings > Accessibility & convenience > Smart Sidebar. Pixel smartphones lack a built-in sidebar feature, with users relying on third-party applications to replicate this functionality. The closest alternative on Pixel devices is the App Bubbles feature for multitasking, but it does not provide the same experience as a dedicated sidebar.

AppWizard

July 1, 2026

Why B3 chose Android for secure AI-enabled productivity

B3 has deployed a secure mobile solution to 1,000 employees in two weeks using Android Enterprise, enhancing security with AI threat detection and Managed Google Play. The transition is expected to yield a 30% cost savings over the next decade. B3 prioritized security and compliance while providing devices that ensure constant availability and productivity. The deployment process was streamlined through collaboration with Samsung and Android Enterprise's zero-touch enrollment, allowing centralized management of devices. Employees received lightweight devices with 7-inch screens and longer battery life, leading to positive feedback. B3 is also expanding its use of AI to improve productivity and plans to refresh hardware more frequently due to the anticipated cost savings.

AppWizard

June 30, 2026

Google rolling out per-app controls for Android Backups

Google has introduced per-app backup controls for Android devices, enhancing user experience. For Pixel users, the backup settings can be accessed through Settings > Accounts and backup > Google Backup > Other device data, now featuring a structured “App data” section that highlights the top three apps and their backed-up data. Users can toggle backup options off for individual apps, with notifications explaining the implications of disabling backups. These controls do not apply to the Device data section, which includes SMS, call history, and device settings. The rollout is confirmed for Pixel devices on stable Android versions 16 and 17 with Google Play services version 26.24, while Samsung users have not yet received these controls. Additionally, Google One for Android has been visually updated to an edge-to-edge design.

AppWizard

June 23, 2026

5 Things You Didn’t Know Your Samsung Phone Could Do

Older Samsung phones are receiving the One UI 8.5 update, which includes several features: - Users can separate app audio streams between devices, allowing navigation instructions to play through one device while music plays through another. - The side button on newer Galaxy devices can be customized for various functions, including opening different apps or tools. - Samsung offers a Secure Folder feature for storing sensitive apps and data privately. - The Dual Messenger feature allows users to clone messaging apps for managing multiple accounts simultaneously. - With One UI 5.1 and later, users can extract subjects from photos to create cutouts or stickers for use in other applications.

AppWizard

June 21, 2026

The Useful Privacy Feature That Isn’t Enabled By Default On Your Android Phone

Private Space is a privacy feature available on Pixel and select Android devices, while Secure Folder is exclusive to Samsung devices. Both create a secure area within the smartphone for sensitive applications and data storage, operating independently from the primary user profile. Users can install apps and store files in these secure spaces without compromising their main profile's integrity. To activate Private Space, users navigate to Settings > Security and Privacy > Private Space, requiring a Google Account sign-in and a unique lock. For Samsung devices, the path is Settings > Security and Privacy > More Security Settings > Secure Folder, requiring a Samsung account. Private Space cannot be used on managed devices or with supervised accounts, and only the primary user can manage these secure areas. The Private Space or Secure Folder icon can be hidden for added security. The private area is distinctly separated from the core user profile, preventing open communication between the two spaces to safeguard against data harvesting. Android allows granular control over app permissions, and users are advised to isolate questionable apps within Private Space or Secure Folder to protect sensitive information.

AppWizard

June 19, 2026

These crucial Google services on Samsung phones may be waiting for you to update

Google has begun rolling out updates for the Android System SafetyCore (version 1.0.925574157), Android System WebView (version 149.0.7827.91), and Google Play Services (version 26.22.33) on Samsung devices. Users must manually update these apps by navigating to the Settings menu, locating the Apps section, and selecting "App details in store" for each app. The updates are available for devices running One UI 8.5 and One UI 9 in India, with uncertain availability in other markets.

AppWizard

June 17, 2026

Google Might Have Finally Fixed Android Auto’s Worst Connection Issue

Issues with Android Auto related to device connections have been prevalent, particularly for Samsung Galaxy S26 series and Google Pixel devices, due to software glitches. Google released Play Services version v26.15 in April to address these problems, but it did not fully resolve them. The latest update, Google Play Services v26.22, began rolling out on June 8 and includes bug fixes for device connection issues. The changelog notes '[Auto] Bug fixes for Device Connections related services.' Users can check for this version in the Settings app under Google > All services > System Services. Version 26.23, which is also rolling out, includes performance enhancements and bug fixes for system management and diagnostics. Additionally, Android Auto has undergone a significant update in 2026, introducing support for Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader and four new features, including expanded widget support.

AppWizard

June 10, 2026

Samsung Wallet now holds your passport: Where it works (and where it doesn’t)

Samsung Wallet now allows users to store a TSA-approved digital passport for use at TSA checkpoints in the U.S., thanks to a collaboration with CLEAR. The wallet is available in multiple countries, including Australia, Canada, Germany, India, the U.K., and the U.S., and supports various features such as storing debit, credit, and loyalty cards, passwords, and digital keys. However, the digital ID feature is only valid for domestic travel within the U.S., and travelers must carry their physical passports for international trips.