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Google hails Samsung for its great Android software support!
Samsung and Google are great partners. In a recent development, Google quoted Samsung in its MWC 2023 press release for delivering longer Android and software updates support.
Google announced new upgrades and features coming to Android and connected devices as part of the Spring feature drop. At the same time, the company proudly praised Samsung and some rivals for supporting OS updates longer.
“Across our partners, brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus and OPPO are committing to longer support of OS and security updates to extend the lifetime of your device,” said Google.
Google offers up to three years of OS updates and five years of regular security patches to Pixel devices. A step up, Samsung is committed to delivering 4 major Android and up to five years of security updates to Galaxy devices.
Flagship Galaxy devices starting the S21 series are eligible for up to four major OS upgrades. Meanwhile, Samsung is also offering the same support to select Galaxy A phones like the Galaxy A53, A73 and successors.
For flagship and select mid-range phones, Samsung rolls out monthly security patches to keep them secure against threats in Android and One UI. And most of the time, the company rolls out patches faster than the Android maker.
Rivals like Xiaomi, OnePlus, and OPPO have also extended their software support offering. However, the South Korean tech giant has proven that it’s the best after-sales service provider with fulfilling each promise.
Google x Samsung
Samsung abandoned its own grown wearable platform to promote Google’s smartwatch operating system. This big partnership brought the One UI Watch operating system to the Galaxy ecosystem for smartwatches.
Based on Wear OS, the One UI Watch brings great new features and Samsung’s layer of the user interface. Third-party apps support is now on the next level, thanks to native Google services such as the biggest Play Store.
Time by time, both OEMs quote each other for innovation and consumer support. However, Google is one of the biggest consumers of Samsung and company as a report revealed, Pixel 7 Pro uses almost everything from Samsung.
Last but not least, Google’s routine Play System updates help bring critical security and privacy improvements. It ensures you can be in greater control of your data and protection through Android’s built-in security 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.
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
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.
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