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Breaking: One UI 5.1 will rollout for old Samsung devices
Samsung is unveiling the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy Book 3 series at the Unpacked event. During the launch, Samsung officially confirmed the existence of the new One UI 5.1 software along with its availability for older Galaxy devices, very soon.
The new flagships come pre-installed with Android 13-based One UI 5.1 iteration, which is an upgraded version of the One UI 5.0. In addition to new features, the new version is better optimized with system and hardware so Galaxy users can make the most of their devices.
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I’m sure, you may have been wondering about the One UI 5.1 availability for your Galaxy device. I’ve a short and simple answer, if your Galaxy device is eligible for a major Android OS upgrade, One UI 5.1 would surely be delivered to your handset.
More specifically, the Galaxy S22 series, Galaxy S21 series, Galaxy Note 20 series and Galaxy S20 series are in line to received the One UI 5.1 software update along with the Galaxy Z Fold 4, Galaxy Z Flip 4, Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3. Check more in this article.
One UI 5.1 Features
Easier color tone change for selfies: It’s easier to change the color tone of your selfies using the Effects button at the side of the screen.
Quick access to Expert RAW: Expert RAW lets you take high-quality shots without processing or compression, perfect for those who want to have full control and edit photos later. Expert RAW is now easier to access from the More menu.
Shared family album: It’s easier than ever to share pictures with your family using Shared family album. Gallery will recommend pictures to add to your shared family album by recognizing the faces of your family members. You get 5GB of storage for each family member (up to 6 people).
Enhanced remastering: Remastering removes shadows and reflections automatically to make your pictures look great. You can also remaster GIFs for better resolution and clarity.
Simpler info display: When you swipe up while viewing a picture or video in your Gallery, you can see when and where the picture was taken, which device took the picture, where the picture is stored and more at a glance.
More powerful search: You can now search for more than one person or subject at the same time. You can even search for people without tagging their names just by tapping their faces.
Choose where to save screenshots: You can now store screenshots and screen recordings in the folder of your choice by setting it in Advanced features.
Use 3 emojis in AR Emoji camera: Take fun pictures and videos with up to 3 friends in Mask mode. You can replace your friend’s faces with different characters for fun by tapping the emoji.
Layout and edit option improvement in AR Doodles: Brushes are now available on the main AR Doodle screen for quicker access. You can also resize and move your doodles even after you create them, and the new eraser tool lets you erase just part of your doodle without removing the whole thing.
New Battery widget: The new Battery widget lets you check the battery level of your Galaxy devices. Right from the Home screen, you can see how much battery is left on your phone, Galaxy Buds, Galaxy Watch and other supported devices.
Intuitive weather widget: New illustration style and brief summary of the current weather condition lets you know the weather information intuitively if it’s sunny, cloudy, raining or snowing.
Different wallpapers based on your mode: Set a different wallpaper on your Lock screen and Home screen based on your current activity. Choose one wallpaper for work, one for exercising and more when you set the mode.
More conditions and actions for Routines: Automatically start routines when you use Airplane mode or Mobile Hotspot. Routines can now open an app pair, adjust the left/right sound balance and more. And now new actions let you control Quick Share and Touch sensitivity and change your ringtone and font style.
Collaboration in Samsung Notes: Create a shared note that several people can edit at the same. Write up a report with your coworkers, create notes for a study group, or draw a picture with a friend. The possibilities are endless.
Easier invitation to shared apps: You can now easily invite people to shared albums, notes and calendars using a link that can be shared via various apps such as messenger, email and social media.
Expanded Multi Control between Galaxy Book and phone: Share the mouse, keyboard or trackpad of your Galaxy Book with not only Galaxy tablet but also Galaxy phone now. You can copy and paste text, and drag and drop images from one device to another seamlessly — almost like they’re the same device.
Wi-Fi speakers on Media output: When you want to continue to listen to music on Wi-Fi speakers through Spotify Connect and Chromecast built-in™ just open Media output on Quick panel not music apps.
Continue browsing on PC: If you’re browsing with Samsung Internet on your phone and later go back to your PC, you can find the websites that were opened on your phone and continue browsing with the PC browser.
Use mobile hotspot on the PC with a single click: You can use the Internet by connecting to the mobile hotspot with a single click on your PC, without turning on the mobile hotspot on your phone and typing in the password.
Easily minimize or switch to full screen: You can now minimize or maximize an app window without going to the options menu. Just drag one of the corners of pop-up windows.
Easier access to the most used apps in split screen view: When you start a split screen view, the apps you use most often will be shown below your recently used apps to help you find the apps you need faster.
Improved multitasking in DeX: In split-screen view, you can now drag the divider in the center of the screen to resize both windows. You can also snap a window to one of the corners to make it fill a quarter of the screen.
Settings suggestions: Suggestions now appear at the top of the Settings screen to let you know about useful features to try or settings that need attention, so you can turn them on or check them right away.
Detailed weather info at a glance: Useful weather information now appears on the main screen of the Weather app. You can check severe weather alerts, daily weather summaries, hourly precipitation and color temperature graphs.
Bixby text call: Use Bixby text call to answer calls automatically and find out why the person is calling. You’ll see what the caller says in a text chat, and you can tap or type responses that will be read aloud to the caller. Bixby text call is only available in English and Korean.
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Does iOS 18 set a new standard that One UI 7 can’t meet?
Apple and Samsung’s mobile software bring their own set of features and innovations, but the question remains: does iOS 18 set a new standard that One UI 7 can’t meet? Let’s explore the strengths of both OSs and see how they compare.
iOS 18 is available on compatible Apple iPhone models internationally. Samsung is paying the price of reliance on the Android operating system. The delay in Android 15 seemingly caused One UI 7 Beta to be delayed and delayed.
Apple’s software is well known for its fluid animations and reliable functioning. Samsung is trying hard to challenge iOS reign but lags behind. Galaxy phones are literally unable to make sensible use of cutting-edge hardware specifications.
iOS 18 comes with many design enhancements, including updated widgets and improved notification management. These changes make a major impact on everyday usage, providing a more seamless and visually appealing user experience.
Apple Intelligence’s inclusion will help iOS lead further. The company has collaborated with OpenAI for AI capabilities on the iPhone. The software is deeply integrated with AI to deliver a seamless and reliable user experience.
It doesn’t mean iOS 18 is unbeatable.
iOS 18 is difficult to defeat but not impossible for Samsung’s One UI 7. The Galaxy AI suite is far ahead in terms of usability against Apple Intelligence. Galaxy phones have countless AI tricks that Apple would be able to adopt in years.
Samsung has to work on system stability and performance. The software always shines with its customization capabilities. The Galaxy’s hardware should be optimized for Android, so the processor, display, and camera would offer the most.
Whether you pick iOS or One UI, depends on your priorities. If you love the customization and openness of Android, One UI will be your first choice. Meanwhile, if you aren’t a power user and prefer reliable + stable UX, iOS would attract you.
One UI and iOS have their strengths. Samsung is expected to introduce the One UI 7 at the SDC24 event today. We are guessing the Stable rollout could be promised without the commencement of Beta testing activity as it’s already delayed.
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Samsung ‘ready to contest’ Epic’s lawsuit, Google disclaims involvement
Google clarified after Epic Games sued Samsung over One UI’s Auto Blocker feature. The company disclaims involvement in the creation or functioning of Auto Blocker. Meanwhile, Samsung said it is ready to contest a legal battle with Epic Games.
Recently, Google’s Head of Android Security and Privacy, David Kleidermacher, called Epic’s latest lawsuit a “meritless and dangerous” move. The executive clarified that Google did not request Samsung to “create” the Auto Blocker feature.
🧵Epic’s latest lawsuit is a meritless and dangerous move. Google did not request that Samsung create their Auto Blocker feature. (1/5) https://t.co/WFrPXAje9Z
— David Kleidermacher (@DaveKSecure) October 1, 2024
Following David’s clarification, MishaalRahman asked him about the functioning of Auto Blocker. He, then, explained that Google has no role in Samsung shipping Auto Blocker enabled by default in new Galaxy devices with One UI 6.1 and later.
TheVerge reached out to Samsung for a follow-up on the recent controversy. The company would not confirm or deny whether it worked with Google on Auto Blocker, but said “ready to contest” with Epic. Here is the full statement of a Samsung spokesperson:
- Contrary to Epic Game’s assertions, Samsung actively fosters market competition, enhances consumer choice, and conducts its operations fairly.
- The features integrated into our devices are designed in accordance with Samsung’s core principles of security, privacy, and user control, and we remain fully committed to safeguarding users’ personal data. Users have the choice to disable Auto Blocker at any time.
- We plan to vigorously contest Epic Game’s baseless claims.
Epic Games, in its lawsuit, claimed that Samsung intentionally crafted Auto Blocker to benefit Google. Epic highlighted that Samsung first debuted Auto Blocker and started shipping it enabled by default after a few months.
Samsung launched Auto Blocker in late 2023, which started arriving enabled by default in newer One UI versions. The feature disables app sideloading to secure your device against any unauthorized app installation.
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Samsung and NTT DOCOMO join forces for AI-powered 6G
Samsung and NTT DOCOMO unite to foster AI-powered 6G communication. Back in August, Samsung announced its partnership with Japan’s largest mobile carrier to jointly research the application of AI in next-gen mobile communications tech.
Samsung and NTT DOCOMO unite to foster AI-powered 6G communication.
The collaboration aims to use Samsung and NTT DOCOMO’s extensive technical expertise and business knowledge to accelerate AI research in 6G network communications. Notably, AI is expanding across various industries.
Samsung and NTT DOCOMO’s collaboration will also establish a foundation for the market’s transition into the 6G era. The technology is poised to enhance service quality for users and network operational efficiency for service providers.
Currently, communication quality optimization is conducted at the cell site level of mobile communication base stations. Moving forward, the goal is to achieve user-level optimization through the application of AI.
- For example, users entering areas between cell boundaries or areas with weak signals will be able to stream videos without interruptions and access more stable communication services.
Samsung and NTT DOCOMO have a long history of cooperation in mobile communication technology standardization within the 3GPP. The companies intend to leverage this joint technology research as an opportunity to deepen their cooperation.