Samsung
US Government helps Samsung to ramp up chip production in Texas
The South Korean tech giant is building a new semiconductor manufacturing unit in Taylor, Texas, and for that, the maker was in talks with the US to obtain fab subsidies. However, a new report hints that the US Government might have finally decided to help Samsung ramp up its chip production in Texas.
As per the Reuters report, the US government has plans to award more than $6 billion to Samsung, helping the chipmaker expand its chip production project in Texas which it has already announced. Notably, Samsung has not yet confirmed anything officially on this matter, but we can expect to get a confirmation soon.
As the subsidies for Samsung are among several awards that the US Commerce Department is expected to announce in the coming weeks, including a grant of more than $5 billion to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing.
Follow our socials → Google News | Telegram | X/Twitter | Facebook | WhatsApp
Simultaneously, these larger-than-expected subsidies from the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act will likely come with the condition that Samsung, the world’s largest memory chipmaker, commit to extra US investments beyond its ongoing project in Texas.
This funding signifies a crucial step in the US government’s efforts to support domestic chip production amid a global semiconductor shortage. Consequently, the mass production at the Texas facility was expected to begin in the second half of 2024, but it was delayed to 2025.
Following the recent SDC24 event, many attendees and tipsters have shared videos showcasing the early build of Samsung’s One UI 7.0 on social media. These videos highlight amazing new features and improvements of One UI 7, especially in the Samsung Camera app.
One UI 7 aims to make the Samsung Camera interface more simple and easy to use. A recent video highlighted the revamped look of the app interface, which features in early builds.
In One UI 7, camera modes like Photos, Videos, Portraits, and more are now placed at the bottom of the screen. This makes it much easier to switch between different modes while taking photos or videos.
Moreover, it brings significant changes to the camera controls. One UI 7 has introduced a single button at the bottom of the camera interface. This replaces the Night Shot option that is currently available in the One UI 6.1.1 software.
Users will able to see Camera control options like Settings, Flash, Timer, Aspect Ratio, and Motion Photo at the lower middle of the screen. This change lets users navigate the app more quickly and with less clutter on the screen.
Additionally, for those who prefer using their phone with one hand, some options are still available in the top right corner of the camera layout.
Notably, Samsung made these changes to the camera interface in the early build of the next One UI software, aiming to provide a more intuitive and enjoyable camera experience.
Samsung is going to release the One UI 7 Beta at the end of this year for developers and will make the stable version available alongside the Galaxy S25 series in 2025.
We’ve recently explored official design changes showcased by Samsung in One UI 7. During the event, Samsung’s Sally mentioned that the team is exploring a brand new UX design and preparing a fresh new look for the entire interface in One UI 7.
Samsung will open One UI 7 Beta for Developers by the end of this year. The final version is scheduled to be launched with new Galaxy S phones next year. The company has made a strategic change in software release time.
During SDC24, Samsung confirmed the integration of AI across its portfolio. It’s all aimed at enhancing customer experiences across products. All Samsung consumer products will be equipped with a unified One UI version next year.
“Samsung plans to extend One UI beyond mobile devices to become the software experience for all consumer products.” Sally during SDC24.
The Korean tech giant will continue to expand Galaxy AI features. Currently, most of the flagship features are limited to flagship models only. However, a selection of Galaxy AI experiences will be coming to A series devices.
The official showcased some changes in the upcoming Galaxy software. Samsung and Google working closely to offer epic experiences on Galaxies. A new design is officially confirmed, with many details were not shared at the event.
“We’re exploring a brand new UX design,” Jeong added. “One UI 7 will bring a fresh new look to the entire interface.”
At Code Lab, Samsung offered a Galaxy S24 Ultra running One UI 7. The software includes a revamped Quick and Notification Panel, enhanced Apps Screen and Recents, rounded UI components across the entire OS, and more.
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra is almost confirmed to feature satellite communication. Qualcomm and MediaTek are all set to debut their new processors this month. There’s big news for Samsung fans who are eagerly waiting for satellite SOS.
Recently, the Chinese Galaxy S25 series has passed 3C certification, featuring Satellite Communication. Among them, the SM-S9380 model, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, is marked as a satellite communication-supported smartphone.
It remains to be seen whether it will specifically use the BeiDou or TianTong system. The certification reveals that the satellite SOS technology might not be supported on the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25 Plus models.
3C also confirmed that the Galaxy S25 series will lack in box charger, with the cable included only. The S25 Plus and S25 Ultra could continue to offer 45W Super Fast charging technology, while the base variant could feature 25W speed.
Satellite SOS
It could be a paid feature after a limited period of complimentary availability. In case of emergency, you will be able to connect with rescue authorities even without network connectivity. Your phone will allow you to send SOS through satellite communication.
Google also debuted its satellite communication tech with Pixel 9 series. Verizon also confirmed to be working on the adoption of this futuristic SOS functionality. It could become a boon in case of emergency when you have no access to the network.
At present, Apple is the only international vendor that has brought satellite features to global models. Huawei devices also support emergency SMS through satellite, however, the availability is limited to certain models.
[Via]