News
Samsung 5G vRAN 3.0 with AI tools coming to North America
Today, Samsung introduced the new 5G vRAN 3.0 and confirmed that it’s planned to roll out in North America in the first half of 2023. The company wishes to make its next-generation virtual RAN capabilities to global operators, starting in America.
The South Korean tech giant has been contributing to the earliest massive commercial adoption of 5G virtualized networks across the world. Notably, it has been the only major vendor that has conducted large-scale commercial vRAN deployments with Tier One operators in America, Europe, and Asia.
As disclosed by Samsung, the new 5G vRAN 3.0 technology is packed with a range of new “smart” features as well as it’s optimized to address the needs of forward-looking operators. Through a graphical roadmap, the company also showcased its vRAN has proved the capabilities of smart networking.
Samsung’s vRAN 3.0 features advanced capabilities including increased bandwidth support of Massive MIMO radios, analyzing hourly traffic patterns to optimize network operating conditions, and automating networks with “sleep mode” to save energy consumption.
“While Samsung’s 5G vRAN has successfully proven its performance by delivering results on par with traditional hardware-based equipment in commercial networks, we are moving fast into the next phase of vRAN software development — Samsung’s vRAN 3.0,” said Ji-Yun Seol, Vice President, Head of Product Strategy, Networks Business at Samsung Electronics.
Samsung’s next-level vRAN capabilities include the following:
Performance Optimization
- 200MHz 3 Cell Support
With a software upgrade, Samsung’s vRAN will be equipped with the ability to provide 3 Cell configuration with 200MHz of bandwidth support using its 64T64R Massive MIMO radios.
- Modem Algorithm Optimization
Modem algorithm optimization enables operators to receive software tailored to their needs, with only the required features and configurations, allowing for an optimized and efficient use of COTS servers.
Power Savings
- CPU Core Sleep Mode
This feature reduces power consumption by automatically putting the CPU in “sleep mode” — or turning off unused CPU Cores — during periods of low data traffic.
- Adaptive Core Allocation
This feature of Samsung’s vRAN software assigns a number of CPU Cores at cell setup proportional to the number of active cells. Unassigned or unused CPU Cores are set to idle mode to reduce power consumption.
- Energy Saving Feature Orchestrator (ESFO)
ESFO automatically analyzes hourly traffic patterns and optimizes the operating conditions of each Energy Saving feature, per sector and time zone.
The tool constantly updates the multi-level Energy Saving operations of multiple power-saving features — such as cell on/off and Tx path on/off — to reflect traffic pattern changes and prior results.
News
One UI 8 must have Android 16’s Advanced Protection features
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.
News
Samsung Daily+ adds Technogym app in the US
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
News
Samsung SmartThings gets a boost with Home Insight feature
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