Samsung is quietly updating the Always On Display feature on the Galaxy S25 series. It’s not a groundbreaking update but you must install it as soon as it goes live for your device.

Owners of the Galaxy S25 smartphones getting the Always On Display version 8.8.27.70 update. Initially dropped in South Korea, it should soon show up on Global and US models.

Samsung’s changelog isn’t exactly chatty about the details, but based on the track record, expect it to address any glitches from the last rollout while making the S25 series even more reliable.

A small update like this keeps it running smoothly, especially with One UI 7 on the horizon for older devices including the Galaxy S24 series, the Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6.

With the previous update, Samsung has integrated Now Bar tricks with Always On Display. As the official One UI 7 nears, the company is bringing functional enhancements to the latest models too.

Galaxy Store is the first resort for checking if there’s a new update available for Samsung apps. You can also directly head up to Always On Display within Settings to check the update.

Here’s how:

• Open Settings.
• Tap Lock screen and AOD.
• Scroll down and hit About Always On Display.
• If the update’s ready, you’ll see the option to download it right there.

(Source)

One UI 7 brought several new features and significant changes to Samsung LockStar, but it also removed a popular notification customization feature. With the release of One UI 7, Samsung LockStar no longer allows users to customize lock screen notifications.

Before this update, users who installed the Samsung LockStar module could personalize their lock screen notifications in various ways. This included adjusting the transparency, size, color, and type of notifications, making the lock screen look unique and created as per the user’s preferences.

However, after updating to One UI 7, many users discovered that these features no longer worked. Even if you installed the LockStar module, options to change the appearance of notifications on the lock screen, such as their transparency or size, would not take effect.

Image via SammyFans

This change has been a disappointment for many Galaxy device users who liked customizing their lock screen’s notifications. They are sharing the concerns with the community.

Now, Samsung has officially confirmed that with One UI 7, notification customization is no longer supported in the LockStar app. The community moderator has explained that Samsung won’t be supporting this feature in the current version.

Although the company is still listening to customer feedback so it may consider adding this feature back in future updates if enough users ask for it.

For users still on One UI 6.1.1 or older versions, the Samsung LockStar app continues to support full notification customization. Unfortunately, those who update to One UI 7 will no longer have access to these options.

It remains unclear whether Samsung will reintroduce these features in future updates, but the company is monitoring feedback from users.

One UI 7 integrates Samsung LockStar settings with lock screen editor

WhatsApp has released a new beta update for Android, which brings the ability to share motion photos. This feature has been spotted in the latest beta version 2.2.25.12 and will be available in a future update.

Motion photos are different types of images that capture a few seconds of movement and sound before and after the picture is taken. They’re different from regular photos because they combine a short video clip with the photo, which makes the moment feel more lively and real.

Several devices, including Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and iPhones, feature motion photos. It has different names on different smartphones, like Motion Photo, Top Shot, or Live Photos.

In the new WhatsApp update, users will be able to share these motion photos in individual chats, group chats, and channels. This gives users more flexibility and options for sharing photos.

When you select a photo to send, there will be a new button that lets you choose whether to send the still photo or the motion photo. The feature will work in both individual and group chats and even channels.

The motion photo feature is still in development, but it will be available in a future WhatsApp update. Stay tuned for more information as this feature becomes available soon.

Google Messages is working on reintroducing YouTube’s Picture-in-Picture (PiP) functionality, which was removed last year. In the latest version of the Google Messages app, some code has been spotted related to YouTube.

The PiP feature was quietly taken down in August 2024, which allowed users to view YouTube videos in a floating window while continuing to use the messaging app. However, the latest beta version of Google Messages (v20250319) has shown new evidence that the feature is set to return.

Before, Google removed all the code and settings for PiP, which made it stop working. Many people thought it was gone for good, possibly because not many people were using it or because Google wanted users to pay for YouTube Premium. But now, new codes from the beta version of the app show that Google might be bringing back the feature.

Image via Android Authority

The new version of Google Messages includes some new settings for YouTube videos. These updates allow the PiP window to appear, though it’s not fully working yet.

Once Google fully enables the feature, users will likely be able to watch YouTube videos in a resizable PiP window, just as they could before the feature’s removal. While it’s not fully ready yet, it looks like the feature will be available again soon to Android devices, including Samsung Galaxy devices.

Samsung devices could soon get WhatsApp-like sharing shortcut in Google Messages

Samsung has released a new update for its Nearby Device Scanning feature with version 11.1.19.5, which brings a host of new enhancements and improvements for users. This update is available on the Galaxy Store with an installation package size of 8 MB.

The fresh update enhances the overall user experience. It brings new functionalities and addresses several stability issues to provide a smoother experience.

The update brings support for DJI Gimbal devices. This new compatibility ensures that users with DJI Gimbals will have an easier time connecting and managing their devices through the Nearby Device Scanning feature. Users can now seamlessly integrate their equipment with their Samsung devices.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (Credit – Sammyfans)

Moreover, it improves Text To Speech support in the Buds battery pop-up. This new feature enables Samsung Buds users to receive audio notifications regarding their battery status. This functionality aims to enhance the overall user experience.

The update addresses various stability improvements and bug fixes, which further optimize the performance and reliability of the Nearby Device Scanning feature. Samsung continues to improve the performance of its devices to ensure smoother and more consistent interactions.

You can download the update via Galaxy Store >> Menu option >> Updates. Also, you can download the update through third third-party app link mentioned here.