One UI
One UI and One UI 2 Recap: How Samsung made software usability friendly for smartphones users
Compared to the past, where cell phones have physical buttons and a limited number of features, smartphones now offer a wide range of functions that can be accessed by interacting with the touch screens of our devices. However, using the same component that serves as the device’s viewing experience for the primary input tool that can sometimes present difficulties for users.
This is where the user interface (UI) of the device is enabled, referred to as the user experience (UX). In 2018, Samsung introduced an improved version of its standard user interface called One UI and proceeded with the Samsung Experience.
In addition to working to make them real, consistent, and effective, UX designers try to create user interface interactions on the use of physical objects around the world.
For example, users can turn a digital page into an e-book such as a physical page or slide their card into the Samsung Pay app and assume how the card is removed from their wallet. What do UX designers do when there is no way to communicate in real-world activities.
Read More: Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ getting October 2020 security update in the U.S.
An interface that helps you stay on top of work
One UI was launched with the idea of helping today’s busy users by simplify communication and focus on their smartphones. Explaining that the interface is based on the concept of ‘everyday simplicity’, the One UI is designed to focus on important tasks without distracting users.
Now, the One UI has been further developed into ‘One UI 2’, which was unveiled late last year. This upgrade interface combines icons from the One UI into new styles and configurations, including updated colors and motions. Additionally, One UI 2 makes specifies icons with different color tones and movements, for example, when the ‘Settings’ icon vibrates to notify users that updates are taking place.
Simplicity helps you focus on the important things
Simplicity is a top priority for designers when developing One UI 2. Therefore, the pop-up screens at the top and bottom of the screen are more compact and simple, keeping the features out of the user’s view.
The camera app has been simplified to ensure that the basic functionality of the app is continuous and to prevent users from getting distracted while taking their pictures. UX designed for the camera app and further enhances the user experience.
Basic photo and video modes can be accessed at the bottom of the screen, but special modes such as Food and Night modes can be accessed by selecting or swiping and more, which simplifies the screen display so that users can focus on capturing their image.
Comfort for your convenience so it can be easily taken with your eyes and fingers
Helping to make user interactions more convenient, streamlined, and one-handed is at the lead of One UI 2 development. At the same time, the upper and lower parts of the UI screen are divided into ‘view’ and ‘interaction’ areas, respectively, allowing the One UI 2 to complete most tasks at the bottom of the screen.
Furthermore, it minimizes unnecessary finger movements to improve comfort and convenience, for activities that require interference at the top of the screen.
The same principles apply to the keyboard, allowing users to do other things while placing their fingers in the keyboard area. For example, the long-pressing of the space bar allows users to control the position of the cursor inside the keyboard window without interacting with the main text body.
Additionally, users can undo and repeat actions by swiping left or right with two fingers and adjusting the keyboard dimensions to fit by hand.
Dark Mode
The Dark Mode feature has been shown to reduce eyestrain and expand the number of applications that One UI 2 applies to. Dark mode has been extended to many applications that were previously difficult.
It also applies dark filters to background wallpaper displays to make tools darker. The combined algorithm automatically displays the color-time that analyzes the background image on the lock screen, which looks great toward the background.
Convenience effectively enriches great experiences
The Single Take feature comes with the One UI 2 in the Galaxy S20, which can deliver different photo styles and effects in a single shot with Ultra-wide, Live focus, and short video features. In addition, it introduced a new type of viewer to allow the user to see different results at once on the same screen.
The video calling feature has been further upgraded by integrating Google’s Duo, Google’s simple and high-quality video calling application.
Some other user experiences specifically for Galaxy devices, this integration brings the first 5G video calls to smartphones, allowing users to enjoy FHD video calls and use AR emojis and widescreen mode with their video calls. They continue to develop innovative and integrated communication experiences integrated with phones, messaging, and contact applications.
Galaxy Foldable Designed Features
The Galaxy Z Flip represents a completely new style device with a revolutionary design. Therefore, designers need to think outside the box, the question is how to provide the best level of usability and functionality in a new smartphone.
The Designer is responsible for developing the UI for the Galaxy Z Flip. We do not have access to any sample devices that apply to the new UI. In this unique UI design, the designers include a cover display, extending the interface outside the phone to a smaller screen. Thus allowing users to check the time, read notifications, and take selfies when the phone returns.
Special efforts have been made to develop a UI for the Galaxy Z Flip ‘Flex Mode’, a feature that split the screen in half when the phone is folded in half and set at a 90-degree angle. The design team handles this unique form element.
The real challenge is to create a UI that is compatible with the phone used in Flex mode. We have created a new layout that reflects the UIs found on older foldable phones.
Accessibility to everyone
Accessibility means the availability of the device’s convenience and features by a wide range of users. The designers of the One UI 2 worked to provide an equally accessible experience for all, despite age or disability
With features such as high-visibility themes that maximize the use of visually impaired users. Samsung has approached users from various abilities to receive feedback on accessibility in the UI and to understand user’s thoughts on where to improve.
As a result, color adjustments and higher visual contrast features have been implemented in the UI to increase usability for more efficient users. These changes make it easier for users to access special features such as light sensing, which detects nearby lights and notifies users of their status via vibrations and is a Live transcribe used by Bixby to copy audio messages and nearby sounds.
One UI to satisfy individual user
Since the first and second matters of One UI are intended to set the framework for the interface, the next steps will focus on feeding more individual users. “Going forward, the UI will provide more customized content,” says Yim. “Bringing active customization to improve the personal user experience.”
As they continue their development work, UI designers work to provide the best possible environment for Galaxy users, while at the same time integrating the interface and making old-fashioned content reminiscent of the past.
Samsung Galaxy users are eagerly waiting for the rollout of One UI 7, the next iteration of Samsung’s custom interface built on Android 15. Known for enhancing user experience with each update, Samsung’s One UI has become a hallmark of innovation and user-centric design in the smartphone industry.
With rumors and expectations increasing daily, we looked into the details surrounding the release of One UI 7, exploring when users can expect to get their hands on the beta version and when the stable update might finally land on their devices.
This article will tell you the possible timeline, features to look forward to, and which devices might be first in line for this major software update. Based on information from various sources, here’s what we know about the One UI 7 release:
Samsung One UI 7.0 Beta Release Date:
Samsung has announced that the One UI 7.0 beta will be available to developers before the end of 2024. Additionally, it has been confirmed that the beta will not be restricted to just developers; a public beta will also be available, although exact dates haven’t been specified, most likely in December 2024.
Samsung One UI. 7.0 Stable Release Date:
The stable version of One UI 7 is expected to launch next year, most likely alongside the release of the Galaxy S25 series. This indicates that users might have to wait until early 2025 for a stable update on their devices.
Therefore, if you’re looking to try out One UI 7, keep an eye out for announcements regarding the public beta towards the end of 2024. For the stable version, expect it to be rolled out with or shortly after the launch of Samsung’s next flagship phone series in 2025.
The Samsung Galaxy devices eligible for the One UI 7 update include:
- Galaxy S Series: Galaxy S24, Galaxy S23, Galaxy S22, and Galaxy S21 (including FE devices).
- Galaxy Z Series: Galaxy Z Fold 5, Flip 5, Fold 4, Flip 4, Fold 3, Flip 3.
- Galaxy A Series: Galaxy A73, A55, A54, A53, A35, A34, A33, A25, A24, A23, A15, A14, A05, A05s.
- Galaxy M Series: Galaxy M55, M54, M53, M35, M34, M33, M15.
- Galaxy F Series: Galaxy F55, F54, F34, F15.
- Galaxy Tab Series: Galaxy Tab S9, S9+, Ultra, FE, FE+, Tab S8, S8+, Ultra, Tab A9, A9+, Tab S6 Lite (2024).
NOTE: This list is prepared based on Samsung’s software update policy and the devices that launched with Android 13 or later, which are generally guaranteed to receive further updates including One UI 7. However, for the most accurate and up-to-date list, always refer to Samsung’s official announcements or their software update policy details around the time of the update’s release.
Why Samsung has delayed the One UI 7.0 beta program?
Samsung aims to ensure that the One UI 7.0 update is as stable as possible before starting the One UI 7.0 beta program. This focus on stability might be in response to previous updates where users experienced issues like battery drain, animation lag, and overheating. By carefully testing the alpha build internally, Samsung intends to minimize bugs in the beta version, providing a smoother experience for participants.
According to serious discussions on social media and within Samsung’s official community, the One UI 7.0 is expected to introduce significant design changes, new functionalities like a revamped camera UI, support for satellite connectivity, and enhancements to the user interface, including a possible split notification panel. These require additional time for development and integration.
In October 2024, Samsung updated its Galaxy Enhance-X app, which brings the popular Camera Shift feature to more devices. This feature helps you take and edit full-body photos easily. If you own a compatible Samsung device, you can take advantage of the Camera Shift feature.
Camer Shift Feature
The Camera Shift feature lets you enhance your photos by focusing on specific subjects. It was initially available only on the Galaxy S24 series, but now it’s expanded to other models.
The latest update includes a simpler and user-friendly design. Instead of navigating through three separate menus, you can now access everything from a single menu.
With improved recognition capabilities, the Camera Shift feature can now better identify children, upper body shots, and group photos. You can also apply special effects to specific people in group images, giving you more creative control.
Moreover, the update also includes a Colorization feature that adds color to black and white images and a Motion Clipper feature to allow you to create GIFs from Motion Photos.
Eligible Devices
The Camera Shift feature is available for several Samsung flagship devices. Here’s a list of the eligible models:
Galaxy S series
- Galaxy S24
- Galaxy S24 Plus
- Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Galaxy S23
- Galaxy S23 Plus
- Galaxy S23 Ultra
- Galaxy S22
- Galaxy S22 Plus
- Galaxy S22 Ultra
- Galaxy S21
- Galaxy S21 Plus
- Galaxy S21 Ultra
Galaxy F Series
- Galaxy Z Fold 6
- Galaxy Z Fold 5
- Galaxy Z Fold 4
- Galaxy Z Fold 3
- Galaxy Z Flip 6
- Galaxy Z Flip 5
- Galaxy Z Flip 4
- Galaxy Z Flip 3
Galaxy Tab series
- Galaxy Tab S8
- Galaxy Tab S8+
- Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
- Galaxy Tab S9
- Galaxy Tab S9+
- Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
- Galaxy Tab S10+
- Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra
If you have any of these devices, you can use the new features. It is worth mentioning that your Galaxy device must be updated on One UI 6.1.1 or a later version to enjoy the new feature of the Camera Shift feature. However, the company is preparing to make these features available for devices running One UI 6.1
Be sure to download or update Galaxy Enhance-X through the Galaxy Store to explore new features.
How to use One UI 6.1 Camera Shift feature on your Samsung Galaxy
Hey there, Sammy Fans! If you’ve been eagerly waiting for the One UI 7.0 beta program, you might have heard news of a delay. While the initial reaction might be one of disappointment, let’s dive into why this delay could be a silver lining for all of us Galaxy users.
First off, anyone who’s been around the Samsung community knows that rushing software development can lead to a buggy One UI 7.0 build. Do you recall when we installed the first stable One UI 6.0 update, only to find our once smooth devices suddenly full of glitches?
Samsung’s decision to delay the beta might just save us from a repeat. By taking extra time, Samsung’s developers are likely fixing those terrible bugs, ensuring that when One UI 7.0 does roll out, it’s as stable as a rock. This means fewer headaches for us, with a system that runs smoothly, enhancing our daily phone interactions rather than slowing them.
There’s a strong chance that Samsung will opt for a brief One UI 7.0 beta program this year due to the delay. A smaller beta group means Samsung can manage feedback more effectively. Each bug report and crash log becomes significantly more meaningful, allowing for targeted fixes. From my experience, a focused beta test often results in a much more refined final build.
Delays often mean that the features we’re excited about – like enhanced privacy settings, new camera functionalities, or even that rumored seamless integration with other Galaxy devices – get more time in development. Quality developments require patience; we’re probably on the verge of witnessing them shortly. Enhanced features mean more utility out of your Galaxy devices, perhaps even features we didn’t know we needed but wouldn’t be able to live without.
For those noting important dates, despite lacking precise timings, Samsung’s track record emphasizes quality. According to official confirmation, we are likely to see the One UI 7.0 beta program by the end of 2024, with a stable release likely following in the early months of 2025, assuming all goes well. This timeline ensures we’re not just getting an update, but an upgrade.
I, along with my extensive community of Galaxy users, recommend patience, prioritizing quality above being the first to receive an update. Many of us have been through enough update cycles to know that the wait often leads to a better experience. There’s a collective understanding that if Samsung is taking their time, it’s for a good reason.
In the end, while the wait for One UI 7.0 might test our patience, it’s shaping up to be well worth it for Galaxy users. Here’s to hoping for a seamless, feature-rich update that will make our Galaxy devices feel like new again. Keep your apps updated and your expectations high; good things come to those who wait. Enjoy!
