Android
AV1 codec update coming to Android for better video playback
Most applications including Netflix, YouTube, inbuilt video players, and more on Android devices, play AV1 videos using the operating system’s libgav1 software decoder. Due to the lack of hardware, most smartphones still use h.264 or h265 codec, which is not as efficient as AV1 in terms of video playback performance.
Therefore, to offer users better and smoother video playback a new AV1 codec update coming to Android. According to the information of Mishaal Rahman, Google is planning to push an update to Android phones that could dramatically improve AV1 video playback on budget devices.
Google is expected to release the AV1 codec update to all Android devices, which means the optimization for video playback will also come to budget Galaxy smartphones such as Galaxy M, F, and some A series models.
However, currently, there’s no information available about when Google will roll out the libdav1d decoder. While the tipster suggests that, the company might offer it with the March 2024 Google Play System Update.
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What is the AV1 codec
AV1 is an open, royalty-free, next-generation video coding format from the Alliance for Open Media. It was designed to succeed Google’s VP9 and compete with H.265/HEVC. AV1 can provide 30% bandwidth savings compared to VP9 and HEVC and drastically improves visual quality at equivalent bitrates.
Google is planning to push an update to Android phones that could dramatically improve AV1 video playback on budget devices. The March 2024 Play System Update may swap Google's libgav1 codec with @videolan's libdav1d codec.
Here's why that matters👇https://t.co/VAbs66iA5w
— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) February 27, 2024
Android 15’s Easter Egg includes a secret Landroid screensaver mode that One UI 7 might borrow. Samsung’s next One UI iteration will be based on Android 15 OS. Core Android features such as Easter Egg will be included in Galaxy’s next major upgrade.
Debuted as a Landroid screensaver, Android 15’s Easter egg was added with the latest Beta. Google News Telegram channel’s Nail Sadykov discovered that the Easter egg game is equipped with an integrated screensaver mode.
To activate Easter Egg, head into Settings followed by About phone and Android version. Once done, tap the displayed Android version several times until you see the Android 15 bugdroid logo floating in space.
Space travel mini-game will be available to play added with Android 14. When you initially trigger the mini-game, you should have unlocked the new screensaver, tucked away under Settings → Display & Touch → Screen saver → Landroid.
After activating the screensaver, you can set your phone on your desk. Now, the phone will let you watch the Easter egg game take over in autopilot mode, as the spacecraft automatically dodges planets – it provides a better experience on a tablet placed on a dock.
Google introduced the AI Wallpaper feature with the Pixel 8 series. The same functionality is also available in Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series thanks to Genini Nano. Now, Google is preparing to make AI-generated wallpapers sharable with Android 15.
Pixel’s ability to create AI-generated wallpapers is quite popular among users. Currently, the feature only allows users to generate stunning wallpapers and apply on the home screen and lock screen. Sharing with someone presently requires to be saved as a screenshot.
Threads user @the_husbandalorian discovered interesting evidence in the latest Beta. The company is working on a new option in Android 15 to share AI-generated wallpapers. A new share button is added on the preview screen in the wallpaper picker interface.
Post by @the_husbandalorianView on Threads
The preview will display how the wallpaper will be applied to your phone’s home or lock screen. The pencil button will allow you to refine the prompt used to create the wallpaper. Share button is all you need to share AI-generated wallpaper with others.
At present, the ability to share AI-generated wallpaper is broken. It suggests the feature is still under development and requires additional work. The next Beta might make it functional for Beta users, and we guess public availability with a Stable rollout.
AI Wallpaper in One UI 6.1
Samsung is very well known for its excellent after-sales service and software support. The company announced that it will provide up to 7 years of major OS upgrades and security updates for its flagship devices, starting with the Galaxy S24 series. This is a remarkable achievement that will allow Samsung users to enjoy the latest features and security enhancements for a long time.
Not all Samsung devices will be eligible for the upcoming Android 15-based One UI 7 update, which is expected to bring several new features and improvements. Some older and lower-end models of the Galaxy A, Galaxy M, and Galaxy F series have reached the end of their software upgrade cycles, and will not receive any further OS updates.
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However, these devices will still receive security patches for another year, but they will miss out on the new features and benefits of One UI 7.
Android 15 Easter Egg [Customized by Camila Foster, Sammy Fans]
Samsung Android 15 One UI 7 Ineligible Device List
The following is the list of Samsung devices that will not get the Android 15 One UI 7 update:
Galaxy A series
- Galaxy A04s
- Galaxy A13
- Galaxy A23
- Galaxy A72
- Galaxy A52
- Galaxy A52 5G
- Galaxy A52s
Galaxy M series
- Galaxy M53 5G
- Galaxy M33 5G
- Galaxy M23
Galaxy F series
- Galaxy F23
If you own any of these devices, you may want to consider upgrading to a newer model that will support One UI 7 and beyond.
Note: The list is compiled on software update policy and previous rollouts.