News
Android 13 QPR3 Beta 2.1 is out with Modem updates
Google releases Android 13 QPR3 Beta 2.1, which brings Modem updates to supported Pixel smartphones. This minor firmware update comes days after the Beta 2 release of Android 13’s QPR3. If you’ve participated in the Android Beta program, you may have got the update over the air.
Pixel users are quite disappointed seeing Samsung’s lead in the April 2023 security patch deployment. Unsurprisingly, the latest Android 13 QPR3 Beta build also lacks April 2023 patch, similar to last month’s delayed March patch distribution.
Google runs Android 13 QPR Beta to form the future Pixel Feature Drop updates. The company tests new features and brings optimizations on the Beta channel ahead of delivering them to general consumers on the Stable channel, as part of its quarterly Feature Drops.
Android 13 QPR3 builds on the updates in Android 13 QPR2 and the initial Android 13 release and includes the next round of refinements such as bug fixes and improvements to stability and performance. You can install Android 13 QPR3 Beta 2.1 on any of the following Google Pixel devices:
- Pixel 7 and 7 Pro
- Pixel 6 and 6 Pro
- Pixel 6a
- Pixel 5 and 5a
- Pixel 4a and 4a (5G)
Starting this month, Google kicked off the Android 13 QPR3 Beta 2 with a number of bug fixes and improvements. The release also brought some under-the-hood changes so Pixel users can have a better user experience. The following issues have been resolved in QPR3 Beta 2:
- Fixed an issue that caused the volume panel to flicker when adjusting the volume using the volume buttons.
- Fixed an issue that caused the system UI to get stuck in a blurry state in some cases, such as unlocking the device or finishing a phone call.
- Fixed an issue where the notification shade was closing immediately after a user opened it.
- Fixed an issue where the always-on display was displayed over apps and other content after unlocking the device.
- Fixed an issue where a device couldn’t copy apps and data wirelessly during first-time setup.
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News
PSA: Samsung’s Android 15 One UI 7 Beta Program is Now Official
Samsung has finally launched the Android 15-based One UI 7 Beta Program. The official announcement was made on December 5. The activity is initially available for the Galaxy S24, S24 Plus, and S24 Ultra in seven.
One UI 7 introduces radical interface tweaks, fresh new UI components, rich graphics, plenty of new features, and a lot more. The new software also uplevels the security system of your Galaxy smartphone to keep data safe.
What’s New in One UI 7?
Samsung’s Android 15-based One UI 7 Beta Program delivers a glimpse into a revolutionary smartphone experience powered by cutting-edge Galaxy AI features, enhanced personalization, and an overhauled interface.
One UI 7 integrates advanced AI agents and multimodal capabilities across the interface, enabling seamless and natural interactions.
Key AI enhancements include:
Writing Assist Tools: Users can now boost productivity with integrated AI-powered tools that summarize content, check grammar and spelling, and format notes into bullet points—all without switching between applications.
Call Transcriptions: Calls recorded on Samsung Galaxy devices running the latest One UI 7 can now be transcribed automatically, supporting 20 languages, offering a convenient solution for multitasking professionals.
One UI 7 introduces a streamlined design language centered around simplicity and user engagement.
Now Bar:
- Accessible directly from the lock screen, this feature offers instant access to activities like Interpreter, Music, Recording, and Stopwatch.
- Reduces the need to unlock the device frequently, transforming the lock screen experience.
Simplified Customization:
- Redesigned widgets and lock screens allow users to personalize their devices effortlessly.
- Enhanced control over every detail ensures a more intuitive and cohesive experience.
Refreshed Camera UX:
- Reorganized controls make advanced settings easier to access.
- Pro and Pro Video modes now feature a simplified manual settings layout and a new zoom control for smoother transitions during video recording.
Availability and Rollout
The One UI 7 beta program is now available for Galaxy S24 series users in Germany, India, Korea, Poland, the UK, and the US, starting December 5.
The official release of One UI 7 will begin in Q1 2025 with the next-generation Galaxy S series devices. Over time, it will expand to other Galaxy devices, reflecting Samsung’s commitment to extended OS upgrades.
News
Samsung Galaxy S25 production to outpace S24 despite overall cuts
Samsung seems to have revised its smartphone production target for 2025. Meanwhile, Samsung is aiming to foster Galaxy S25 series production than the S24 series. New input suggests that the production target is reduced by 7 to 8 million.
According to TheElec, Samsung is cutting smartphone production estimates for 2025, but the flagship Galaxy S25 series could be produced higher than the Galaxy S24 series.
Back in October, it was reported that Samsung is aiming to produce 237 million phones in 2025. As per the revised plan, the company has set a production target of 229.4 million.
In particular, the Galaxy S25 series is expected to be produced at 37 million units. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S24 series is estimated to be shipped 35 million units this year.
It seems the budget and entry-level phones would be produced in slightly lesser quantities. The aim is to maintain a conservative outlook without impacting premium sales.
On the flip side, the report also revealed production estimation of foldable smartphones, as follows:
- Galaxy Z Flip 7 – 3 million
- Galaxy Z Flip FE – 900,000
- Galaxy Z Fold 7 – 2 million
These figures sum up to a production target of around 6 million units. Combining a Fan Edition model, the sale is still estimated at 6 million – suggesting a slow pace of adoption.
The Galaxy S25 series will launch in late January next year, while the foldable devices may debut in July. Samsung is also preparing to introduce a Slim variant of the S25 series, while the launch timeline is uncertain.
Apps
Samsung Calendar icon receives more tweaks in One UI 7 Beta
Samsung Calendar app got a new icon with One UI 7, including new icons and enhanced features. The One UI 7 Beta update has been released, and a new report suggests that beta users just received the first app update, which is for the Samsung Calendar app.
The latest update of the Samsung Calendar app arrives with version 12.6.00.35. It brings a new tweak to the app icon, you can now see the name of the day along with the date. This update is truly useful as users no longer need to open the calendar to check the day, they can see its glance on the icon.
The new revamped icon of the Samsung Messages app is available for devices running Android 15-based One UI 7 beta, which means it’s currently only for the Galaxy S24 series. More devices will get this revamped icon with One UI 7.
Aside from this, the One UI 7 update makes handling your calendar easier. You can now reschedule events by simply dragging and dropping them in the Month view.
You can now choose which calendars to show on your widgets which lets you display different calendars on your home screen. With the “Add countdown widget”, you can add countdowns for events like birthdays to see the days left and right on your home screen.
Moreover, you can also move all events from one calendar to another without hassle, perfect for switching from a phone-based calendar to a cloud-based one. If you are a Galaxy S24 user, register and install the One UI 7 Beta to enjoy new Samsung Calendar features.