Apps
New Samsung Home Launcher app update rolling out to One UI 6.1 devices
Following the One UI 6.1 expansion, Samsung has started releasing a new update for One UI Home (System Launcher). The update arrives with version 15.0.03.55 and is available on the Galaxy Store with an installation package size of 24.12 MB.
The fresh update improves the performance and stability of the launcher, as well as fixes some bugs and issues. It does not include any changelog but it is likely to bring some improvements and fixes. It is expected to fix issues that users encountered in the previous version for a smoother and faster experience.
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Users of Galaxy devices running One UI 6.1 can install the latest version of the One UI Home Launcher app through the Galaxy Store or download it directly from the third-party source link mentioned here.
One UI Home app or System Launcher handles the home screen and app drawer of Samsung devices. It also provides features such as themes, widgets, gestures, and app icons. The app is updated regularly to enhance the user experience and address any problems that may arise.
Samsung recently started rolling out One UI 6.1 update and Galaxy AI to Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy Z Flip 4, and Galaxy Tab S9 series.
Apps
Nearby Share’s ‘use mobile data’ toggle arriving on Quick Share
Quick Share could soon get Nearby Share’s “use mobile data” toggle. Earlier this year, Google announced the merger of Android’s Nearby Share with Samsung’s Quick Share. Now, the unified version is preparing to retain a useful feature.
AndroidAuthority discovered that Quick Share could soon add a “use mobile data” toggle for even faster file sharing. The latest Google Play Services Beta brings a toggle to enable file transmission over mobile data.
Android’s Nearby Share had a mobile data file-sharing toggle. When enabled, it allowed a “Data may be used for small files” as part of making sharing faster. The unified Quick Share removed the toggle, but it will finally return to the function.
Quick Share intelligently utilizes Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for file sharing. If the file’s size is not much, it would be transmitted over Bluetooth. Larger files usually transfer through Wi-Fi by pairing both devices with each other via Hotspot and Wi-Fi.
Sometimes, the lack of a proper network or functional glitches ruin the sharing experience. In that case, the accessibility to mobile data would work as a bridge, allowing Quick Share to use an internet connection for data and file transmission.
The toggle is currently barred by strings and flags within the app’s code. Tinkering those flags would immediately make the new toggle accessible. However, general availability will remain due with a future release of the app.
WhatsApp introduces new shortcut feature for contacts and group chats
WhatsApp for Android is releasing a new beta update, which includes a new feature that helps to manage contacts and group chats. This new update is available with version 2.24.21.35 via the Google Play Beta Program.
The fresh update of WhatsApp adds a new shortcut feature that will allow users to quickly add contacts and group chats to personalized lists. This feature can be accessed directly from the chat info screen. It simplifies the process and eliminates the need to navigate through settings.
Additionally, WhatsApp plans to introduce a similar shortcut in the top app bar during active conversations. This top bar shortcut will provide an easy way to organize contacts and groups while chatting. The company aims to enhance the overall user experience.
In an earlier version 2.24.19.25, WhatsApp was working on improving how users organize their contacts and groups. The new shortcut will allow users to quickly add people and groups to lists directly from the chat info screen.
Currently, WhatsApp is developing this new shortcut feature. It is expected to be included soon in the final version and available for Android users. Stay tuned, we will keep you updated on any new information regarding the release of this feature as it becomes available.
Apps
Google App bringing back Material 3 design for bottom bar
Google App is updating its bottom navigation bar by bringing back a more modern design called Material 3. This change introduces a new pill-shaped indicator that shows which tab you’re using.
The revamped bottom navigation bar arrives with the latest beta version 15.40 of the Google App, thanks to 9to5Google. With the fresh design, Google aims to make it easier for users to navigate.
Instead of just highlighting the tab icon you’re on, the new design surrounds the icon with a pill shape to make it clearer and more appealing. Google app initially introduced this design in 2023 but later decided to revert to its previous look. Now, after some changes, the app has once again been back with the updated look.
Aside from the testing new design, the company is also looking into a new verification feature for its Search function. This feature would give verified businesses a blue checkmark, similar to what you see in Gmail to help users easily identify trustworthy sources online.
Not everyone has access to Google App’s latest beta update yet, but users can force-stop the app through their device settings if they don’t see the new look right away. With the return of Material 3 design and new features on the way, users can look forward to a more enhanced experience in the Google App.
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