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EXCLUSIVE: Samsung preps ‘Message Guard’ feature for older Galaxy devices, third-party messaging apps
Samsung Message Guard is currently limited to the Galaxy S23 series, while our sources told us that this feature is under preparation for older Galaxy devices and will work across third-party messaging apps other than Samsung Messages and Messages by Google apps.
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Currently, the Samsung Message Guard feature works on just Samsung Messages and Messages by Google apps on the Galaxy S23 devices, without the ability to work across third-party messaging applications. As the company begins preparation, several older Galaxy users will get it before 2023 ends.
To make it happen, the company is closely working with prominent social media platforms to let Samsung Message Guard keep your phone’s messaging apps protected from zero-click exploits. Firmware updates will add support on compatible devices, while app updates will make it accessible.
As of now, our sources lack information about eligible devices for the feature, but we will keep you updated as soon as any new and authentic input arrives. Several Galaxy devices are running Android 13-based One UI 5.1, which should be eligible for the Message Guard feature.
Thanks to the award-winning Samsung Knox, Galaxy smartphones and tablets already feature industry-leading security and privacy protections across the user interface. The Knox suite introduces end-to-end protection across every layer of hardware and software, as well as real-time threat detection.
During the Galaxy Unpacked, the company revealed that Samsung Message Guard is an advanced “sandbox,” or a kind of virtual quarantine.
When an image file arrives, it is trapped and isolated from the rest of the device. This prevents malicious code from accessing your phone’s files or interacting with its operating system.
Samsung Message Guard checks the file bit by bit and processes it in a controlled environment to ensure it cannot infect the rest of your device.
Samsung confirmed One UI 7 Beta coming by the end of this year for developers. We were guessing a short and limited Beta availability this year. In a shocking development, the company announced One UI 7 rollout will start next year.
We observed a major reshuffle in Samsung’s software strategy this year. The company fueled many features in the One UI 6.1 update. The One UI 6.1.1 is also a big update, which expanded in much time as compared to previous versions.
One UI 7 Beta was not announced in August, its usual release month. September was also left waiting and seemingly October will also change nothing. Samsung says, One UI 7 Beta will release for developers by the end of this year.
Previous Beta activities still had wider availability among users. However, we don’t expect the same to repeat this year with One UI 7. With “developers” the company might have meant to a limited audience for a limited period.
The Beta release is scheduled for later this year, quite close to January’s Stable debut. So, flagship Galaxy users have to be satisfied with One UI 6.1.1 features. The next big thing would arrive when you would have guessed the 7.1 release.
At SDC24, the company also teased core design elements of the One UI 7. The firmware will bring a new user experience focused on simple, impactful, and emotive design. The home screen layout will also add intuitive grid functionality for better UX.
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.
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.