Android
Samsung devices to get ‘power off finder’ feature: Track your Galaxy when powered off
Apple devices can be tracked even when powered off. This crazy feature appears to be coming to Android soon as Google reportedly begins preparation. Samsung Galaxy devices may also receive the ‘Power Off Finder’ feature to let the owner track even when turned off.
According to 91mobiles, Google is preparing to bring the Power Off Finder feature to Android (or at least Pixel phones). The company is said to be building a huge network of all Android devices, including optional support or UWB, and locator tags and these include Google’s own tag codename “grogu” and more.
Ahead of its annual I/O event, Google has shared the early source code of Android 14 with OEMs that are enrolled in the Early Access Program (EAP). The source code includes a new Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) definition, called “hardware.google.bluetooth.power_off_finder.”
Going further with the code content, Android may add precomputed Finger Network keys to the device’s Bluetooth chip. Through this, the Bluetooth function will keep turned on even when the phone is powered off due to low battery or in case of theft.
Since the Power Off Finder feature requires hardware support to keep the Bluetooth chip-enabled all the time, it’s uncertain whether older Android devices may get it or not. It’s also possible that the company may debut this feature with Pixel 8 series and later share it with other Android models.
Samsung devices may also receive the useful Power Off Finder feature so Galaxy users can find their phone even when it’s powered off. At present, there’s no indication from either Google or Samsung regarding the under-development tracking function.
At the I/O 2023 next month, the US tech giant could start Android 14’s Public Beta program. It’s expected that the Beta build of the new OS would bring code content of hidden features alongside the finalized additions. For more information on the topics, stay connected with us via socials.
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Samsung is already rolling out support for One UI 6 to a native app, up for download for some. The company is internally testing the Android 14 Beta on the Galaxy S23 series and today begins to update stock apps months ahead of the software’s debut.
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The South Korean tech giant often updates One UI apps, bringing support for unreleased software iterations. It helps the app continue to work after upgrading to a new version of the operating system or a major One UI switch. It brings “added colors following One UI 6.x” the changelog reads.
Notably, the Samsung Calculator app with support for One UI 6 is not available to download for all consumers. It rolled out to a limited number of users having the latest flagship smartphone. In the coming days, we are expecting a wider rollout of this upgraded app version.
Download Samsung One UI 6 app
One UI 6 Release Date
Google is expected to release the Stable Android 14 operating system by August this year. Around the same timeframe, Samsung is likely to announce the One UI 6 Beta program for select Galaxy devices. However, the Stable One UI 6.0 update rollout could begin in October 2023.
One UI 6 Eligible Devices
All the Samsung devices released with Android 12-based One UI 4 out of the box are eligible to get the Android 14-based One UI 6.0 update. In addition, a number of flagship devices (phones and tablets) will also get the major upgrade, thanks to the four OS guarantee. Check the list below:
- Galaxy S23 Lineup: S23, S23 Plus & S23 Ultra
- Galaxy S22 Lineup: S22, S22 Plus & S22 Ultra
- Galaxy S21 Lineup: S21, S21 Plus & S21 Ultra
- Galaxy Z Fold Lineup: Z Fold 5, Fold 4 and Fold 3
- Galaxy Z Flip Lineup: Z Flip 5, Flip 4 and Flip 3
- Galaxy A Lineup: A72, A52 and newer A phones
Android 14 officially debuted for testing and development, and a number of Samsung Galaxy devices will receive it with One UI 6.0. Google is likely to push the official version of Android 14 by August this year, whereas the One UI 6 Beta might start by late July.
Millions of Galaxy devices have already upgraded to the Android 13 operating system, but, Samsung consumers have now started to discuss the Android 14 update. Pay attention, Galaxy devices eligible for a more major OS upgrade might get One UI 5.1.1 as well, based on Android 13, before v14.
In early February, Google kicked off Android 14 on the Developer Preview channel, with the 2nd build released in March. April and May are the months of Android 14’s Public Beta rollout (Beta 1 and Beta 2), however, Platform Stability could be reached in June / July.
Various non-Pixel phones are now eligible to install the Android 14 Beta, thanks to Google’s announcement at I/O 2023. Regardless, Samsung hasn’t participated in Google’s activities as it runs its own One UI Beta testing for Galaxy handsets.
The current One UI 5.0 is based on Android 13, whereas the last year’s One UI 4.x versions were based on the Android 12 OS. Accordingly, the company will introduce the One UI 6.0 software for Galaxy devices, which will be based on the Android 14 OS.
Samsung is committed to bringing up to four generations of Android plus One UI and five years of security updates. Thanks to this solid policy, we have a pretty clear idea of which Galaxies will be receiving the next Android version upgrade.
Samsung Galaxy devices eligible for Android 14 (One UI 6.0)
Galaxy Z series
- Galaxy Z Fold 4 (2nd)
- Galaxy Z Flip 4
- Galaxy Z Fold 3 (3rd)
- Galaxy Z Flip 3
Galaxy S series
- Galaxy S23 Ultra (1st)
- Galaxy S23+
- Galaxy S23
- Galaxy S22 Ultra (2nd)
- Galaxy S22+
- Galaxy S22
- Galaxy S21 FE (2nd)
- Galaxy S21 Ultra (3rd)
- Galaxy S21+
- Galaxy S21
Galaxy A series
- Galaxy A14 (1st)
- Galaxy A04s
- Galaxy A73 (2nd)
- Galaxy A53 (2nd)
- Galaxy A33
- Galaxy A23
- Galaxy A13
- Galaxy A72 (3rd)
- Galaxy A52s 5G (3rd)
- Galaxy A52 LTE/5G (3rd)
Galaxy M series
- Galaxy M53 5G
- Galaxy M33 5G
- Galaxy M23
Galaxy Tab series
- Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
- Galaxy Tab S8+
- Galaxy Tab S8
Note:
- The list is based on update policy and previous rollouts.
- Samsung has not revealed which Galaxy devices will get Android 14.
- Some unlisted devices may also receive One UI 6 update.
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Google is changing Android’s sync functionality for contacts stored in the user’s account. As soon as your Samsung phone installs Google Play services v23.20 update, contacts stored in your Google Account may disappear if you turn off the sync toggle.
According to the information, Google Play System May 2023 update includes a major change leading your Samsung phone to lose contacts stored in your account if you switch off the sync feature. People often change synch settings intentionally or it gets changed if you enter Battery Saver mode.
In that case, you may no longer have access to Google Contacts, but there’s no need to worry. You just need to switch on the contacts sync toggle again and let your Galaxy device refresh the contacts list with account storage. You will get them back, check steps below to ensure sync setting for contact.
- Go to Settings > Passwords & accounts, select your Google account, and ensure that the toggle is on for Contacts and it shows a recent date.
Changelog:
- [Phone] Turning off sync with Google Contacts sync will now remove the previously synced contacts from your Android phone.