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Samsung Android 12-based One UI 4 Beta Changelog is here!

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Samsung One UI 4 Beta Changelog

Earlier today, Samsung made a very big announcement which is about its Android 12-based One UI 4 Beta (changelog below) program for the Galaxy S21 series. Following this, the company has begun releasing the Beta 1 update to the Galaxy S21 units in South Korea, only for Beta members.

The first Android 12-based One UI 4 Beta build comes with a very big package that weighs more than 2GB. And obviously, it brings a large collection of new features and major improvements for current as well as several remarkable privacy functions inspired by Google’s Android 12 OS.

As the first Android 12-based One UI 4 Beta is initially rolling out to the Galaxy S21 series smartphone owners in South Korea, we got the changelog, courtesy of Samsung Beta Manager. You can see the official Samsung One UI 4 Beta changelog and instructions below.

One UI 4 Upgrade (Android 12)

Everything about One UI 4 starts with consideration for me. One UI 4 provides a comfortable design, a variety of ways to express your personality and emotions in a rich way, and protects your valuable personal information. Not only does it allow you to seamlessly switch to other Galaxy devices, it makes it easier to focus on what’s important, and gives you the option to personalize your Galaxy to suit your style. Meet One UI 4 now with intuitiveness and fun, safety and convenience.

Samsung One UI 4 Beta Changelog

Samsung One UI 4 Beta Changelog

Home screen

  • Both the design and function of the home screen widget have been improved so that you can easily access more information, and you can also get recommended widgets that are useful to you.

Lock screen

  • You can easily change audio output devices such as headphones and speakers on the lock screen, and control functions are provided according to the music app you are using.
  • A voice recording widget is provided on the lock screen, so you can record your voice without unlocking your phone.
  • A monthly calendar is displayed in the calendar widget so that you can check important events on the lock screen.

Always On Display

  • You can set the Always On Display to turn on whenever you receive a notification.
  • New animated stickers are available.

Quick Settings Window

  • To make it easier to view notifications, the layout (of individual notifications) has been improved, and sound notifications and silent notifications have been combined into one section.
  • The brightness adjustment bar in the quick settings window is enlarged, so you can easily adjust the screen brightness.

Dark Mode

  • Backgrounds, icons and illustrations are automatically dimmed to keep the overall consistency and eye comfort.

Charging Effect

  • When charging is started, different charging effects are visually provided depending on the power, allowing you to intuitively check the difference in charging speed.

Samsung Keyboard

  • Conveniently enter emojis, GIFs, and stickers with the press of a button on your keyboard.
  • You can combine 2 emojis and add animation effects to express your emotions or feelings more richly.
  • Animated stickers are provided to make the conversation more enjoyable.
  • Added ability to check spelling and grammar when writing English (provided by Grammarly).

Tips

  • When you open the Tips app, you can see a preview video that briefly explains the Galaxy features, so you can check the various features of your Galaxy at a glance.

Share

  • Customize the apps that appear when you open the Share panel, swipe left or right to quickly switch between the list of apps and the list of people you want to share with.
  • Added an easy fix when sharing photos that are out of focus or out of frame.

Camera

The layout of the camera screen has been streamlined so that you can enjoy shooting moments even more, and improved to display only essential information for shooting. The scene-by-scene optimization feature of Photo mode is retained, but the button is only visible at night or when scanning documents, and settings for Portrait and Night mode have been improved to be more intuitive.

  • Lens & Zoom: The lens button icon has been changed to a magnification indicator to clearly show the current zoom magnification, and a “1x” button is displayed for modes that only support wide lenses, allowing you to easily zoom in and out of the screen.
  • Recording a video without missing the desired moment: Unlike the conventional method, where you have to press the button and release your finger to start recording, video recording starts immediately when you press the button, so you can capture all of your precious moments without missing them. In photo mode, press and hold the button to start video recording, then drag in the direction of the lock icon to continue recording even if you release your finger from the button.
  • Single Take: An additional shooting time function is provided to capture precious moments longer, and the shooting option setting menu has been improved more intuitively, making it easier to select the desired content.
  • Pro/Pro video: By grouping various manual setting items with similar functions, the design is more concise, and when the vertical/horizontal guides are turned on, a level is displayed to prevent the screen from tilting during shooting.
  • Improved scanning function: A magnifying glass is provided for fine editing after scanning a document, and when scanning a QR code, the user can select and execute the desired option according to the type of QR code.

Gallery

  • A preview of the video is displayed on the story cover, you can play the highlight video by tapping the preview, and you can see on a map where the photos of the story were taken.
  • Various options have been added to make sorting albums with many photos more convenient.
  • When you open an album, the album cover is displayed at the top of the screen.
  • Suggested search terms have been improved to make it easier to find photos and videos, and recent searches are also included.
  • Remastered photos can be reverted back to the original at any time, even after saving.
  • You can edit the date, time, and location of photos and videos.

Photo/Video Editor

  • Add fun emojis and stickers to your photos and videos.
  • You can create a video collage by selecting various images and videos from the gallery.
  • A light balance option has been added that allows you to adjust the contrast, shadow, and emphasis of a photo like natural light.
  • The editor function has been improved to make it easier to control the highlight video.
  • You can easily return the edited video to the original at any time, even after saving.
  • A function has been added that allows you to cut out any part of a photo, such as a face, pet, or building, and paste it on another photo.

AR Emoji

  • You can use AR Emoji as a profile for your contacts and Samsung account. You can choose from over 10 poses or even take your own funny look.
  • Added a new AR Emoji sticker that only shows your face. Decorate your photos with new AR Emoji stickers and share them with your friends.
  • You can create a fun video of AR Emoji dancing. You can quickly find and select a template you want with hashtags such as #Hunjam, #Cutie, #Party, etc.
  • You can create AR Emoji’s clothes by drawing them yourself.

Multitasking

  • Pin the window options menu to the top of the pop-up window and make it easy to use when you need it.
  • You can easily enlarge or reduce the picture-in-picture (PIP) window with your finger.
  • The design has been changed so that the screen in use is not blurred when the Edge panel is opened.

Settings

  • Added safety and emergency menus to manage emergency contacts and safety information in one place.
  • The search function has been improved so that you can find the settings you want right away when you need them, and related functions can also be recommended depending on the search term.

Digital Wellbeing

– We’ve added a driving monitor to help you focus more on driving, so you can see how much you’ve been using your phone and which apps you’ve been using while driving.

Clock

  • The background color of the dual clock widget is changed according to the day and night according to the set time zone of the city.

Calendar

  • Add events faster in the Quick Add area, and the search functionality and layout have been improved to make it easier to find events.
  • Today’s events and monthly calendars are displayed on the home screen widget.
  • You can create a shared calendar and invite other Galaxy users.

Messages

  • You can view a variety of content, including photos, videos, and web links, directly from the search results of the Messages app.

My Files

  • The search function has been improved so that you can find the file you are looking for even if you misspell some of your search terms.
  • The Recent Files area has been enlarged to make it easier to find recently used files.

Samsung Internet

  • The design has been improved to make it easier to check real-time search results or search suggestions while entering a search term in the address bar.
  • A search widget is provided to search for what you want right from the home screen.
    – If you have previously used secret mode, Samsung Internet will automatically run in secret mode the next time to protect your personal information.

Samsung DeX

  • Improved app compatibility, allowing more app screen resizing.
  • You can set the touchpad scroll direction in DeX settings as you like.

Device Care

  • The main screen shows battery and security issues so you can quickly identify and fix them.
  • The overall status of your phone is displayed as an emoji for easy identification.
  • You can run the self-diagnosis function of Samsung Members directly from Device Care. When you run a self-diagnosis when your phone is having problems, you can quickly determine the cause of the problem and how to fix it.

Samsung Health

  • The tab layout at the bottom of the screen has been improved to make it easier to use the functions you want.
  • View your profile, weekly breakdowns, badges and highscores in the My Page tab.
  • When selecting gender, you can select “Other” or “None”.
  • You can invite friends to a team match by sending a link.
  • More snacks to choose from on the food tracker.

Bixby Routines

  • Routines can be started under more different conditions, such as during a call or when a specific notification arrives.
  • More ways to connect and disconnect Bluetooth devices, as well as perform more complex tasks with routines, such as optional battery settings for increased speed.
  • In the edit page, you can change the order by long-pressing the action, and an advanced option has been added to either wait for a certain amount of time before starting the action, or to let the user confirm it.
  • Eliminate the limitations of condition and action combinations, allowing routines to do more.
  • You can use images from your camera or gallery to create custom icons to use in your routine.

Accessibility

  • Move the mouse pointer to a corner of the screen to directly perform a specific action.
  • You can adjust the screen contrast and size at the same time in screen modes such as high contrast and large screen.
  • Quick access to accessibility features at any time by selecting the floating button.
  • You can select various screen options according to your needs, such as reducing transparency and blur, or making the screen darker.
  • Notifications can be colored differently for each app so you can quickly see which app sent the notification.
  • The Magnifier window has been integrated into the Zoom menu, allowing you to zoom in on screen content in more ways.

Privacy

  • You can check at a glance which apps are using sensitive permissions such as your location information, camera, and microphone from the permission usage status, and you can immediately revoke permissions for any app that is a little insecure.
  • When an app uses the camera or microphone, a green dot is displayed on the right side of the status bar, so you can immediately know which app is shooting or recording without your consent. You can temporarily block camera and microphone permissions for all apps in the quick settings window.
  • You can manage apps that use location information more precisely. For apps that don’t require your exact location, such as a weather app, you can use the service by sharing your approximate location.
  • You can set to send a notification when other apps access important information such as passwords and credit card numbers when copied to the clipboard.

For some apps, after updating to One UI 4, each app needs to update itself.

James is the lead content creator on Sammy Fans and mostly works on Samsung's firmware section. His first phone was the Galaxy S4 and continues to get new S series devices. Most of the time, James tries to learn about new technologies and gadgets but he also sneaks a bit of free time to nearby rivers and nature.

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Samsung Daily+ Hub now offers free workouts on 2024 TVs

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Samsung Daily+ Hub workouts

Samsung has collaborated with F45 Training to offer free access to a variety of workouts on 2024 Samsung Smart TVs through the Samsung Daily+ lifestyle hub. The company aims to make it easier for people to enjoy all types of content on their TVs, whether it’s movies, games, or fitness routines.

This partnership lets users enjoy a wide range of on-demand fitness classes, including cardio, strength, hybrid, and recovery workouts, all from the comfort of their homes.

F45 Training is a leading global fitness community known for its 45-minute group workouts that combine functional exercises to improve everyday movement. Now, with this new integration, users can access F45’s workout library directly on their Samsung TV, which makes it easier to stay active and fit without leaving home.

Samsung Daily+ Hub workouts

The Samsung Daily+ platform, powered by Tizen OS, gives users access to more than just fitness content. It also connects to apps like Samsung Health, SmartThings, and Workspace to help users manage their daily activities all in one place.

F45’s workouts are designed for all fitness levels to offer flexibility with different types of exercises. Whether you want to improve your strength, boost your cardio, or focus on recovery, there’s something for everyone.

In addition, the F45 community offers motivational content to keep users inspired and connected. More workouts will be added to the Samsung Daily+ platform in the coming months.

Samsung Health Monitor app ends support for Android 11 and older phones this December

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SmartThings introduces Hub Manager and Backup features for better control

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Samsung SmartThings Hub new features

Samsung has introduced some useful new features for its SmartThings Hub, which make it easier to manage your smart home and keep everything running smoothly. The fresh update improves connectivity, reliability, and performance to provide a seamless smart home experience.

Back in 2023, Samsung introduced Hub Group and Hub Replace to create more robust mesh networks and upgrade their hub seamlessly. We are in 2024, and Samsung has announced two new features for the SmartThings app, Hub Manager and Hub Backup.

Hub Manager

The new Hub Manager feature helps you easily manage your hubs and Hub Groups. A Hub Group lets you connect multiple hubs to extend the range of your smart home network.

With Hub Manager, you can create, edit, or delete Hub Groups, making it easier to organize your devices and ensure they stay connected across a larger area.

Create SmartThings Hub Group:

You can easily create a SmartThings Hub group, just need to follow a few steps. Open the SmartThings app >> Go to the Favorites page and tap the (⋮) More Options >> Select Manage Hubs >> If no Hub Group exists, you’ll see the option to Create a Hub Group.

If a Hub Group already exists, the new hub will be automatically added as a secondary hub.

Edit SmartThings Hub Groups

To edit a Hub Group, go to Manage Hubs from the Favorites page >> tap Edit a Hub Group. You can now change the primary hub for the group as well as add or remove secondary hubs.

Hub Backup

The Hub Backup feature ensures your smart home keeps working even if your main hub goes offline. If the primary hub stops working, a secondary hub automatically takes over, so your devices and automation continue to run without interruption.

Hub Backup is enabled by default in Auto Hub Backup mode. To disable or enable, go to Manage Hubs and toggle Auto Hub Backup off.

If you prefer, you can also manually switch to a backup hub, giving you more control over the process. To set a Preferred Hub, you just need to go to Manage Hubs >> select Preferred Hub >> Choose the hub you want to be the default primary hub when it comes online.

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Samsung drops massive SmartThings update with AI Home Insight feature

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Samsung SmartThings

Samsung just dropped a bold new SmartThings update, with he latest version adding a new AI-powered Home Insight feature. Samsung says the platform has upgraded with a new app home page, replacing Favorites.

The new SmartThings app homepage is designed to adapt to users’ lifestyles. The service will offer tailored features, which simplify home management and improve automation such as controlling lights, managing appliances, or creating custom routines.

Samsung SmartThings users can receive real-time summaries of their home’s status through the AI-enabled Home Insight feature. It will also present suggestions for necessary actions, achieved by analyzing various data sources, including:

  • User lifestyle patterns
  • Device usage history
  • Home and device status
  • Daily weather
  • Indoor temperature

Samsung SmartThings

For instance, if a device is left on while no one is home, SmartThings will recommend turning it off to conserve energy. Another notification could include changes in indoor temperature or humidity that deviate from the usual levels, which will prompt suggestions to adjust devices for optimal comfort.

Samsung has also updated the SmartThings to function even better with ecosystem devices. The expanded device card now allows users to access key functions without navigating to the devices’ detail page.

  • Available through the Device Control panel on Galaxy devices — as well as from the new Map View and the new SmartThings app on the Tab S10 Plus and Tab S10 Ultra.

Home Insight Widget

Samsung brought a Home Insight Widget to Galaxy Tab S10+/Ultra. It offers immediate access to SmartThings, transforming the tablet into a personalized home dashboard.

The major update to the SmartThings UX on Windows brings a panel-style interface. Key features include support for camera streaming and phone-finding functionality.

Additionally, users can instantly control important functions such as temperature while receiving doorbell notifications with a live streaming view that allows them to see who’s at the door.

  • Supported on PCs running Windows OS 10 20 H1 and more recent models.

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