News
Phone makers should offer 7 years of security updates: Germany govt
Big news coming from a famous European country, Germany, as it wants phone makers should offer security updates for 7 years. According to the information (via Engadget), the govt of Germany is forcing the European Union to make 7 years of security updates and spare parts for smartphones mandatory.
To be mentioned, the European Union has recently passed a proposal, which requires nearly 5 years of security updates support for smartphones in order to make s/w experiences like PCs. Following the proposals, a group of major OEMs, DigitalEurope, emerged to oppose and said to make 3 years of software updates mandatory.
On the other hand, the industry advocacy group also wants to limit spare parts to screens and batteries rather than cameras, speakers, and other components that are supposedly more reliable. The report suggests that DigitalEurope is appealing for the status quo to the government of Germany.
What’s the current policy of OEMs?
Apple is leading the world when it comes to software updates support for mobile phones. Usually, all the Apple iPhones get at least 5 years of major/minor software updates support. After Apple, Google and Samsung offer the same 4 years of security updates and 3 generations of OS upgrades for flagships.
Aside from these major phone makers, the software updates policies of Chinese companies are not clear as some promised for three years of OS security updates, while some of them haven’t shared perfect after-sales software support terms.
So, what will happen next?
No doubt, several OEMs are bounded with Qualcomm’s software updates support promise and compelled to offer at least three years of updates to each Snapdragon-powered phone, however, some OEMs don’t think about that.
Join Sammy Fans on Telegram
Well, the new information clearly reveals that if this extended software support might become crucial a day. Besides, the European Union’s proposal is likely to start coming into effect by 2023 as part of helping the environment by letting you keep phones for longer.
Stay tuned for further development on the matter!
Samsung’s One UI 8 must bring Android 16’s Advanced Protection features. Google is reportedly developing new Advanced Protection features that could debut in Android 16, which we want to arrive on Galaxy phones with One UI 8 update.
One UI 7 is based on Android 15, scheduled to enter Beta this year and Public early next year. Galaxy phones will get Android 16 update with One UI 8 update – only if Samsung keeps stuck to its current version strategy.
Google is working to develop Advanced Protection integration for Android 16. The program includes new settings and a new API that’ll allow apps to change their behavior depending on whether users have Advanced Protection enabled.
Android could add Samsung’s Auto Blocker-like features. The feature restricts apps to be installed on Galaxy phones from unauthorized sources. However, you can still sideload APKs by disabling the Auto Blocker from Privacy settings.
Android 16 could allow you to enroll in Advanced Protection through Settings. Once enrolled, you will have to keep your Google Account signed in, and the OS will not allow you to install apps from sources other than Play Store and Galaxy Store.
Mishaal discovered a new patch in the AOSP Gerrit, which refers to a “new Service for Android Advanced Protection Mode.” It will allow apps to see whether Advanced Protection is enabled on-device, and to adjust their behavior accordingly.
A comment on the patch from a Google engineer clarified that the service in question “allows users to enroll into ‘advanced protection’ via Settings, and for apps to check if the user is enrolled” using a new API.
When enabled, Android 16 could require additional authentication if you try to access certain content, like protected files or banking details. Details are unknown, but we expect to see the Advanced Protection added in the Android 16 version.
Samsung US partnered with Technogym to bring a fitness app to Daily+. The Technogym introduces personalized fitness routines with equipment-based and bodyweight exercises for a comprehensive home workout experience.
A study* says more than half of Americans say their favorite place to exercise is at home. Grabbing this opportunity, Samsung joined forces to launch a new Technogym app on the Daily+ platform for 2024 Smart TVs in the US.
Samsung says Technogym will offer more than 130 sessions to help you reach your goals. The fitness application on Samsung Daily+ is set to elevate your at-home workouts and makes it easy to keep wellness at the center of your routine.
Additionally, the app provides a broad and diverse library of video training sessions, including strength, yoga, cardio, Pilates, meditation and body weight-based exercises. It offers workouts for different skill levels, from beginner to advanced.
The platform will also refresh the workouts feed by regularly publishing new workouts. Users can also download the Technogym mobile app to access personalized profile and effortlessly track workout history across devices.
The newly released Technogym app on Samsung Daily+ is available in a basic version that’s free for all users, with the option for a premium subscription that provides access to exclusive, more in-depth workout content.
* Source: Statista: Home fitness in the United States – statistics & facts
Samsung has unveiled a new feature for its SmartThings platform called Home Insight at SDC24. This feature makes smart home management easier and more efficient by using artificial intelligence (AI).
Jaeyeon Jung, the Executive Vice President of SmartThings, explained that Home Insight is designed to understand how people live in their homes. It provides helpful home reports and personalized recommendations based on how you use your devices, your preferences, and even the time of year.
Samsung Home Insight makes it easier for people to manage their smart homes. For example, if you often forget to turn off the lights during the day, Home Insight can remind you to do so.
To make these features easy to access, Samsung introduced the Home Insight Widget, which will be available on the new Galaxy Tab S10. This means users can turn their tablets into a controller for managing various smart devices, all from one app.
It is expected that Samsung will soon expand the SmartThings Home Insight feature through a new update. Currently, you can access this feature in the Galaxy Tab S10 series.
Last month, Samsung launched the Galaxy Tab S10 series. The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra features a massive 14.6-inch panel, while the Tab S10 Plus sports a 12.4-inch screen. Both models have premium Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays and offer a vibrant yet natural viewing experience.
Galaxy Tab S10+/Ultra unveiled: Samsung shows Apple the ‘REAL’ anti-reflective screen