Google is updating the built-in QR code scanner on Android phones. This new version is easier to use, especially with one hand. The update has started rolling out via the Play System update, and more people will see it soon.

In the old version, some important buttons like the flashlight and feedback were placed at the top of the screen. This made them hard to reach, especially when using your phone with just one hand.

With the new design update, Google has moved these buttons to the bottom of the screen in the QR code scanner. Now, the flashlight, feedback, and “Scan from photo” options are all within easy reach of your thumb. This small change makes a big difference in how easy and comfortable the scanner is to use.

Image via Android Authority

Aside from this, the scanner also has a new animation when you open it. The square box where you scan the QR code now appears with a smooth and stylish effect. It gives the scanner a cleaner, more modern look.

Even though Google mentioned this update in its May 2025 changelog of the Play System update, not everyone has received it yet. The update is rolling out gradually, so you may need to wait a little longer before it shows up on your phone.

QR code scanners are used for payments, menus, tickets, and more. This update makes it faster and easier to scan codes. Keep an eye out, you should see the new design on your Android device soon.

Google has reportedly confirmed that it will merge Chrome OS and Android into one platform. Earlier reports in November suggested that Google was planning to merge Chrome OS with Android. A recent statement from a Google executive has now confirmed this plan.

Sameer Samat, President of Android Ecosystem at Google, mentioned this during an interview. He asked a journalist about their laptop use and then said, “We’re going to be combining Chrome OS and Android into a single platform.”

He asked why the journalist used an Apple Watch, iPhone, and MacBook. This shows that Google is thinking about how people use their devices and how to make things work better together.

This idea isn’t completely new, as it was reportedly explored earlier. Instead of creating a brand-new system, Google will integrate Chrome OS features into Android. This is already starting to happen, as Android 16 includes features designed for larger screens.

Android 16 now supports desktop-style windows, works better with monitors, and handles apps more smoothly on large displays. It seems Google is working to make this integration available soon. This means in the future, phones, tablets, and laptops might run on the same system.

Many people have different thoughts about this change. Some people liked the idea, but others are unsure. Some worry that Chromebooks might stop getting updates or that new Chromebooks will need stronger, more expensive hardware.

Still, this move could make life easier for users. It would mean less confusion between different systems and more power and flexibility from Android devices. It could also help Google compete better with companies like Apple.

As Google moves forward, users hope the company delivers a great, easy-to-use system that works well on all devices. More details about this are expected to arrive soon. Stay tuned.

Samsung officially launched One UI 8 with Android 16 on July 9, 2025, at its Galaxy Unpacked event. This is way earlier than the usual timeline. Samsung typically releases major updates in the fall, but this time it’s giving us a summer surprise.

Thanks to a closer partnership with Google, we have an early release of One UI 8. With this collaboration, Samsung becomes the first company to launch a new device with Android 16 right out of the box. Samsung’s latest Galaxy Z Fold7 and Flip7 are shipping with One UI 8 pre-installed.

Before going into supported devices, let’s find out the key features:

• Better AI: Your phone gets smarter. The Now Bar and Now Brief features work even better now.
• Smoother Experience: Everything moves faster and looks cleaner. The Gallery app and file manager got refreshed, and sharing files is now easier.
• Audio Improvements: Android 16’s Live Updates feature is now part of Samsung’s Now Bar, showing real-time updates like food delivery progress right on your lock screen.
• Better Security: Your phone stays protected with advanced security features and anti-theft tools that work even after a factory reset.
• Improved Multitasking: If you have a Galaxy Z Fold or Flip, you will love the improved multitasking and easier controls.

Let’s now talk about supported Samsung devices for Android 16:

Galaxy S Series

• Galaxy S25, S25+, S25 Ultra, S25 Edge
• Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra, S24 FE
• Galaxy S23, S23+, S23 Ultra, S23 FE
• Galaxy S22, S22+, S22 Ultra
• Galaxy S21 FE

Important Note: The regular Galaxy S21 series (S21, S21+, S21 Ultra) won’t get One UI 8 because these devices have reached the update limit. The S21 series came with Android 11 and has already received its four major updates.

Foldable Phones

• Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, Z Flip 7 FE (come with One UI 8 already installed)
• Galaxy Z Fold 6, Z Flip 6
• Galaxy Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5
• Galaxy Z Fold 4, Z Flip 4

Galaxy A Series (Mid-Range Phones)

• Galaxy A73, A56, A55, A54, A53
• Galaxy A36, A35, A34, A33
• Galaxy A26, A25, A24, A23
• Galaxy A16, A15, A14, A06

Tablets

• Galaxy Tab S10, S10 Plus, S10 Ultra
• Galaxy Tab S9, S9+, S9 Ultra
• Galaxy Tab S8, S8+, S8 Ultra

Remember: This list isn’t official from Samsung yet, but it’s based on the software update policies. Some Galaxy F and M series phones might also get the update.

When will your phone get the update?

Already Available:

The Galaxy S25 series has been testing the beta version since May 28, 2025, and should get the stable One UI 8 version by late July or early August 2025.

• August 2025: Galaxy S24, S23, and older foldable phones
• Later in 2025: Mid-range A-series phones and tablets

Samsung’s software rollout happens in phases. The company starts with its newest flagship phones and gradually moves to older models.

One UI 8 with Android 16 is a solid update that makes your Samsung phone smarter, faster, and more secure. If you have a Samsung phone from the last 2-3 years, you will probably get this update before the end of 2025. The exact timing depends on your specific model and where you live, but Samsung is moving much faster this time compared to previous updates.

Stay Updated: Keep checking your phone’s software update section and the Samsung Members app for the latest news about when One UI 8 will arrive on your device!

Android is getting a major performance upgrade, which is the transition to 16 KB memory page sizes. With Android 15, phones can use either 4 KB or 16 KB memory pages. Devices that use 16 KB pages, like the latest Pixel 8 and Samsung’s One UI 7 phones or later, can benefit from faster app performance, better battery life, and smoother operation.

As of November 1, 2025, Google Play will require all new apps and updates with native C/C++ code targeting Android 15+ to support 16 KB memory pages. Apps built only with Java or Kotlin are already compatible, but if your app uses native code, you’ll need to recompile and make updates.

Apps that support 16 KB pages will see clear improvements with a 5-10% performance boost. With 16KB pages, apps can launch up to 30% faster, use less battery by 4.56%, and improve camera launch speed by up to 6.6%. Even phone startup times can get faster. These changes make the phone feel smoother and faster for users.

Image via Android Developer Blog

This means that after this 16KB page size, Samsung’s One UI 7 and newer are optimized, offering noticeable performance improvements and improved battery life. However, to support this transition, Android Studio offers key tools. These are:

• APK Analyzer: Detect .so files and check 16 KB compatibility.
• Alignment Check: Warn if libraries or APKs are not 16 KB-aligned.
• Lint in Android Studio: Lint checks will warn you if something is not ready for 16KB pages.

You can test your app using a 16 KB emulator or on real devices like the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro with Android 15+. By making apps ready for 16 KB pages, Google is aiming to provide improved speed, better battery life, and give users a better experience.

Samsung is testing a key Android upgrade that speeds up everything

Samsung is working on a new Android upgrade, 16KB memory pages, that could make phones faster, smoother, and more efficient. It brings improvements to how your Android phone works.

Right now, most Android phones use 4KB pages to manage memory. Memory pages are small parts of your phone’s RAM, used to run apps and keep things working. Google says that from November 1, 2025, all new apps and updates must support 16KB pages instead. This means the phone will handle memory better, which helps speed things up.

Samsung has already started testing a 16KB memory upgrade on the Galaxy A56, the latest Galaxy A series phone. This shows that not only flagship phones will get the upgrade, but even affordable models will benefit.

Image via SammyGuru

Thanks to Samsung’s Remote Test Lab, app developers can already test their apps on the Galaxy A56 with 16KB support. This helps make sure apps are ready when Android switches to the new system.

Using 16KB memory pages helps phones run faster and more efficiently. Apps open more quickly on average 3.16% faster, and some open nearly 30% faster when memory is limited. This also helps save battery during app launches by about 4.56%.

The camera opens quicker, with 4.48% faster warm starts and 6.60% faster cold starts. Even the system boot time improves by 8%, saving nearly a second in start-up time.

Even though this change uses a bit more memory, this improvement helps your phone feel quicker and smoother. It’s a small tweak that really shows in everyday use.