
Android 12 Features: Google’s biggest and radical design update in years!
Update: Google officially launched Android 12 on October 4, 2021. Read more
On May 18, 2021, Google introduced the twelfth major generation of its mobile operating system, Android 12. Unlike every version, the company has made countless noticeable changes with this version such as new design, bubbly buttons, shifting colors, smoother animations, and much more.
At the same time, Sameer Samat, VP of product management, Android and Google Play revealed that it is “the biggest design change in Android’s history.”
No doubt, Android has always been about personalization and allowing you to select the device, service, and experience that’s right for you from the beginning. Google’s mobile phone operating system has grown to over 3 billion active devices around the world by providing an open ecosystem that gives you choice.
However, the public beta program of Android 12 has already begun for select smartphones from several companies except for Samsung, but we get to see the new feature directly from the company. Let’s start exploring them, in detail, one by one!
A more personal experience
As Google official revealed during the I/O, Android 12 comes with the biggest design change in Android’s history. Starting the colors to the shape, light and motion, Google entirely revamped the experience. As result, Android 12 is more expressive, dynamic, and personal than ever before.
Personalization
As always, every single change of the newer version of Android will be implemented on Google’s Pixel phones. At the conference, Google said that Pixel device owners will be able to completely personalize their phones with a custom color palette and redesigned widgets.
With the Android 12, you only have to choose your wallpaper and the system will automatically decide which colors are dominant, which ones just look great, and which ones are complementary. Later on, it applies those colors across the entire OS including notification shade, lock screen, volume controls, widgets, and much more.
Google did this work in deep collaboration between its software, hardware, and Material Design teams. Not that all, the company is unifying its software and hardware ecosystems under a single design language called Material You. The company confirmed that Material You comes first to Google Pixel this fall.
Fluid motion and animations
Google has also simplified interactions and recrafted the entire underlying system to make user’s experience more fluid and efficient. With Android 12, your Android device will be faster and more responsive with better power efficiency so you can use your device for longer without a charge.
Redesigned system spaces
Notification shade, quick settings and power button, are some of the most important spaces on your phone, which have impressively revamped in order to help you get things done.
The Notification Shade is more intuitive and playful, with a crisp, at-a-glance view of your app notifications, whatever you’re currently listening to or watching.
Quick Settings that allows you to control the entire operating system by just a swipe and a tap, is totally refreshed to include Google Pay and Home Controls. While it still lets you customize as per your own preference.
Power Button will now allow users to access the Google Assistant by long-pressing on it, you can easily take the help of Assistant to make a phone call, ask questions, open apps, play songs, and many more.
Private and secure by design
Google’s latest Android 12 operating system brings new features, which presents more transparency around which apps are accessing your data, and more controls so you can make informed choices about how much private information your apps can access.
Furthermore, the new Privacy Dashboard offers a single view into your permissions settings and what data is being accessed, how often and by which apps. Besides, it also enables you to easily revoke app permissions right from the dashboard.
According to Google, it has added a new indicator at the top right corner of the status bar that indicates users when an app is accessing the phone’s camera or microphone. While if you want to remove app access to these sensors for the entire system, Android 12 comes with two new toggles in Quick Settings.
Aside from this, Android 12 also highlights more control over how much information you share with apps. The search engine giant claimed that apps can be limited to seeing just your approximate location instead of a precise one with the new approximate location permissions.
Additional Features
In addition to the above-mentioned features, Android 12 packs several useful features such as improved accessibility features for people with impaired vision, scrolling screenshots, conversation widgets that bring your favorite people to the home screen, and ways for all your devices to work better together.
What about stable Android 12?
Last but not least, Google confirmed that there are more features coming later this year with the stable release of Android 12. However, the US tech giant has not announced the launch date of the stable Android 12, but it could happen somewhere in September this year.
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News
Could OnePlus Watch 3’s battery make Samsung sweat?

The upcoming OnePlus Watch aims to crush Samsung with insane battery life. OnePlus will soon introduce the new Watch 3 in the market. The Wear OS smartwatch is set to crush the Galaxy Watch Ultra with OnePlus-claimed battery life.
The OnePlus Watch 3 could outpace the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra with double the battery life. The smartwatch is said to come with a 631mAh “Silicon NanoStack Battery,” up from the 590mAh battery of the Galaxy Watch Ultra.
OnePlus claims the Watch 3 can last up to 5 days in Smart Mode, while massive 16 days in Power Saver Mode. The claimed battery life is double of what Samsung features with its Galaxy Watch Ultra smartwatch.
The Chinese OEM is offering a significant boost in battery life through a unique dual-chip method. The OnePlus Watch 3 comes with two processors: Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 and Bestechnic BES2800 for performance and battery life.
OnePlus Watch 3 is set to go official on February 18 in key markets. The smartwatch’s debut in Canada, Europe and the US is highly likely in the first phase itself, with price starting from $300.
Samsung’s latest Galaxy Watch Ultra is equipped with a 590mAh battery, which is on par with some of its predecessors like the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro.
Battery life:
Normal Use: The Galaxy Watch Ultra can last up to 48 to 60 hours on a single charge. This is with features like the always-on display (AOD) active, regular notifications, and occasional GPS usage.
Power Saving Mode: Enabling the power-saving mode can extend battery life to up to 100 hours. This mode, however, disables some features like the AOD and reduces screen brightness.
Exercise Mode: One UI Watch software has an exercise power-saving mode aimed at conserving battery during workouts, promising up to 48 hours of tracking.
News
Samsung Galaxy S24 receives February 2025 security patch without One UI 7, but not in the US

Samsung has begun rolling out the February 2025 security patch for the Galaxy S24 series. However, this update does not include the much-anticipated One UI 7 upgrade, and it’s worth noting that it is not currently available for users in the US.
The Galaxy S24, S24+, and S24 Ultra are now receiving this security enhancement in a select few regions. This software update focuses solely on improving the security of these devices, fixing vulnerabilities that could potentially harm user data or compromise device functionality.
Unfortunately, this patch doesn’t bring new features and interface improvements. Many Galaxy S24 users have been eagerly waiting for One UI 7, which promises significant UI enhancements, but all of us have to wait a bit longer as this security update comes without it. Samsung has already released three One UI 7 beta builds for the S24 trio in eligible regions.
The February 2025 security patch for the Galaxy S24 comes with software version AYA1 and a file size of 300MB. It runs on One UI 6.1, which is based on Android 14.
If you are a Galaxy S24 user in the US, you won’t see this security patch in your notifications just yet. Samsung often rolls out updates in phases, prioritizing different regions based on various factors including carrier and local regulations.

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To check if your device is eligible for the update, go to ‘Settings’, then ‘Software update’, and click on ‘Download and install’. If you are outside the US and in one of the regions where the update has started, you should see the option to install the February 2025 patch.
Stay tuned for further updates as Samsung continues to roll out this patch globally, and hopefully soon to the US market.
News
These Samsung devices support T-Mobile Starlink in the US [Full List]

T-Mobile is revolutionizing mobile satellite connectivity. In alliance with SpaceX’s Starlink, T-Mobile has made a massive announcement, opening up Satellite Messaging service for many Samsung devices in the US.
The carrier’s satellite texting is available as a Beta Program. After signing up (limited slots), you will be able to send and receive satellite-powered text messages. T-Mobile also promised to bring data and voice capabilities in the future.
Starlink-powered T-Mobile satellite messaging service functions differently on Samsung and other compatible devices. It doesn’t require you to manually establish a connection with a satellite, which is a bit tricky step to follow in an emergency.
The service can be used on many smartphones as old as four years. As satellite networks work differently, your device needs to be optimized accordingly. Compatible hardware will ensure the best possible experience for emergency texting.
These devices will work with T-Mobile Starlink:
Galaxy S Series
- Galaxy S21, S21+ and S21 Ultra
- S21 FE
- Galaxy S22, S22+ and S22 Ultra
- Galaxy S23, S23+ and S23 Ultra
- S23 FE
- Galaxy S24, S24+ and S24 Ultra
- S24 FE
- Galaxy S25, S25+ and S25 Ultra
Galaxy Z Flip Series
- Galaxy Z Flip 3
- Galaxy Z Flip 4
- Galaxy Z Flip 5
- Galaxy Z Flip 6
Galaxy Z Fold Series
- Galaxy Z Fold 3
- Galaxy Z Fold 4
- Galaxy Z Fold 5
- Galaxy Z Fold 6
Galaxy A Series
- Galaxy A14
- Galaxy A15
- Galaxy A16
- Galaxy A35
- Galaxy A53
- Galaxy A54
Galaxy XCover Series
- Galaxy X Cover6 Pro
This list will be updated regularly.
Interestingly, T-Mobile is not keeping it exclusive to carrier-branded models. You can sign up for satellite messaging of T-Mobile even on your Verizon or AT&T device—and the beta test is free until July this year.
Following the Beta closure, T-Mobile’s satellite messaging will be offered on the Go5G Next plan. Consumers having other plans can secure $5 off per month by adding T-Mobile Starlink now with the Early Adopter Discount.
- Register for the Beta test here.
News
Five Warner Bros channels now free on Samsung TV Plus in India

Samsung TV Plus has launched five new channels in collaboration with Warner Bros in India. The company today announced its partnership with Warner Bros. to launch five new FAST channels.
The new Warner Bros TV channels deliver premium storytelling to streaming audiences on Samsung TV Plus in India, and the best part, you don’t have to buy any subscription.
In collaboration with Warner Bros. Television, Samsung TV Plus now streams five channels namely House of Crime, Foodie Hub, Wild Flix, Wheel World, and XXtreme Jobs.
House of Crime: It’s curated for crime enthusiasts, and delivers a mix of intense dramas and intriguing investigative series.
Foodie Hub: This channel aims to offer popular food shows, recipes, and gastronomic journeys.
Wild Flix: It’s a pleasant destination dedicated to the animal kingdom. The channel shows captivating insights into zoo life and animal rescue stories.
Wheel World: If you are an automobile fan, Wheel World is now on Samsung TV Plus to stream car and bike shows, and restoration stories from the best garages.
XXtreme Jobs: The channel showcases some of the world’s riskiest jobs and the brave people who do them.
With a strong focus on Hindi programming, these new channels are designed to engage both regional and urban audiences across Smart TVs alongside Galaxy smartphones.
News
Galaxy Watch reportedly spots dangerous heart condition for emergency care

Samsung’s Galaxy Watch has spotted a critical heart problem, possibly saving the user’s life. The smartwatch comes with irregular heart rhythm detection, which has reportedly spotted an undiagnosed case of atrial fibrillation.
Recently, a Galaxy Watch user posted on Reddit about how the watch’s heart health features worked perfectly and found their previously unknown atrial fibrillation.
The user, a 61-year-old woman, explained that her Galaxy Watch alerted her around midnight on Saturday about an irregular heart rhythm. Following the instructions on the watch, she did an ECG, which confirmed atrial fibrillation.
She didn’t pay much attention to the first alert, but after getting four more alerts by 3:30 AM, she decided to head to the ER. She said that after the ECG confirmed atrial fibrillation, she called her health insurance’s nurse line.
Around that time, she started feeling some pain in her neck and shoulder. She’s currently waiting for the results of an echocardiogram but doesn’t know what caused the atrial fibrillation. She’s been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation at the ER and is getting medication.
Atrial fibrillation is a type of irregular heartbeat where the upper chambers of the heart beat erratically. It’s not life-threatening, but if you don’t get it treated, it can increase your risk of a stroke.
Last year, Samsung launched the irregular heart rhythm detection feature with the Galaxy Watch 6 series. When enabled, the feature constantly checks your heartbeat and alerts you if it detects an irregular pattern for a certain period.
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