Apps
Samsung Camera app is getting December 2022 update [13.0.00.99]
Samsung seeded the new December 2022 update of the One UI Camera app for Galaxy devices. Identified via version number 13.0.00.99, the Samsung Camera app December 2022 update brings regular improvements to the functions and some under-the-hood changes.
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At present, Samsung Galaxy devices are getting the Android 13-based One UI 5.0 firmware update. For the camera department, the One UI 5 introduces various new and useful features that help users capture images and record videos with enhanced experiences.
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Notably, the Samsung Camera v13.0.00.99 update is available on Galaxy Store, but the availability varies by region and carrier. Therefore, we recommend you wait for a little time until the official version becomes available for your Galaxy device.
- Meanwhile, you can also sideload the new version via APKMirror
What’s new with One UI 5 Camera
With the One UI 5, Samsung enhanced the usability of the stock camera app in various ways. The Camera app’s zoom bar has been condensed so you can zoom in or out farther with a single swipe. Moreover, the application now provides you with helpful tips while capturing in Pro and Pro video modes. More features include:
- Histogram in Pro mode
- Add watermarks to your pictures
- Telephoto lens is now supported in Food mode
- Revamped Single take
- Choose filters more easily
- Customize albums in Gallery
- All-new look for Stories
Apps
Google Messages to let users customize group chat icons
Google Messages is finally adding a feature that many users have wanted for a long time, the ability to set custom icons for group chats. At the moment, group chats in the app use a default icon, which is just a grid of users’ initials or profile pictures.
Many people have asked for the option to change the grid option, and it looks like Google is finally bringing it soon. This new feature has been discovered in a beta version of the Google Messages app by AndroidAuthority.
The codes of the fresh version of the Google Messages app show that users will soon be able to upload their own images to use as group chat icons. It means you can choose a picture that represents the group, instead of just the default grid.
Moreover, the future update will make group chats easier to recognize and more fun. It will also bring Google Messages like other popular apps including WhatsApp, which already lets users set custom images for group chats.
Custom icons will make it easier to identify which group chat you’re in, especially if you’re part of many different groups. Since RCS works over the internet, the custom icon should appear for everyone in the group, not just the person who set it.
However, it’s unclear whether anyone in the group can change the icon or if only admins will be able to do it. It’s also not clear if iPhone users will be able to see the custom icons, as RCS works differently on iOS. Stay tuned for more information.
WhatsApp introduces quick media sharing to Instagram, Facebook, and more
WhatsApp is testing a new feature that will make it much easier to share messages, photos, videos, and other media with other apps. This new beta update WhatsApp Beta for Android arrives with version 2.24.25.20, available through the Google Play Beta Program.
The new feature adds a bottom bar to the WhatsApp app, allowing users to quickly share content with other platforms. When you want to share a message, photo, video, or GIF, you’ll have the option to send it directly to apps like Instagram and Facebook.
It means you can post media from your WhatsApp chats as stories on Instagram or Facebook without needing to download and upload the content manually.
Moreover, WhatsApp is also planning to expand sharing options to include other popular platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Snapchat. If you want to share an update from a WhatsApp channel, the app will generate a special link, making it easy to share channel content across other platforms.
To give users more flexibility, WhatsApp will add a “More” option to the new interface, allowing you to share content with even more apps beyond those listed in the bottom bar.
This new sharing feature is currently under development, but it will be available in a future update. For now, beta users can test this feature by installing the latest version. Keep an eye out for this feature in upcoming updates as WhatsApp continues to improve the sharing experience.
WhatsApp redesigns chat list interface with latest beta update
Apps
Gemini AI enables calls, texts without unlocking your Samsung phone
Your Samsung phone will soon update Gemini AI to enable calls and texts without unlocking the lock screen. Google is continuously working to evolve Gemini with new features and improvements, making it a one-stop assistant solution.
Samsung phones have three choices for digital assistant on mobile: Bixby, Google Assistant, and Gemini. Bixby is crafted by Samsung, while the other two options are from Google, and you can use only one of those at a time.
Gemini has taken over Google Assistant, thanks to its AI and Generative AI capabilities. Now with the lock screen functioning support, Gemini AI allows Android and Samsung phone users to make calls and send texts without unlocking.
Google app’s upcoming 15.48 update will deploy the feature on compatible devices. The app’s build is currently in the Beta testing stage. Gemini already supports calls and texts, but the update aims to ditch the requirement of unlocking the phone.
How to enable:
- Open Gemini and go to the app’s Settings section
- Now, access the Gemini on lock screen page
- Next, enter the Outgoing calls and messages section
- Enable the Make calls and send message without unlocking toggle
- NOTE: Only works on Google app v15.48.
9to5Google discovered that Gemini would take more time to get the same functionality as Gmail. While phone calls and text messages are enabled on the lock screen, Gmail still requires the phone to be unlocked by the user.