Samsung
One UI 6.1.1 update will be as big as One UI 6.1, Samsung mod says
Samsung has officially confirmed that its upcoming One UI 6.1 update will be equivalent to One UI 6.1.1. This major update aims to address specific user interface concerns recently reported.
A user recently highlighted an issue where, after updating to One UI 6.1, the alignment of the clock and date elements became irregular when using the default font. However, this issue was not observed with other fonts.
In response to this, a Samsung community moderator acknowledged the issue and assured users that they are actively working on a fix. Further, he explained that adjustments to UI elements like the clock and date alignment require specific corrections.
The fix for the issue will be implemented in the next One UI 6.1 update. He also mentioned that the next One UI 6.1 is equivalent to the One UI 6.1.1. This update will be delivered to users as a binary-level patch to ensure a seamless experience.
One UI 6.1-based upcoming software update for some Galaxy devices, excluding foldable and large screen models, will include features from One UI 6.1.1. Some Galaxy flagships are expected to receive these One UI 6.1.1 features by late July or early August 2024.
Samsung
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra release will mark the end of an era
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is set for release in a few months and one of its upgrades will mark the end of an era. It will bring a completely different look yet much closer to the iPhone.
It’s about the ‘Curve’
Samsung was the first company to introduce curved edge screens in smartphones. The company picked up this display as a revolutionary technology to offer something different. The Galaxy S and Note series introduced curved display variations from 2015 to 2018.
Since then, the unique display outlook has been well received by customers. However, it isn’t the only thing in previous flagships, it is also the frame.
These devices were sold with a curved/rounded frame, creating an arc between the rear and front. This build helps to support device grip and improve aesthetics.
This was certain
However, the upcoming change was not imminent, instead, it was gradual. That brings me to the S9 and S10+. These two models are the turning point for this entire conversation.
The Galaxy S9 and Note 9 have the largest curved edges in Samsung’s flagship lineup. This display feature was highly noticeable and the same goes for the Galaxy S10+ but for a different reason.
Its display curves shrunk to almost 30-40% alongside the frame. Afterward, these curves keep on shrinking not only for display but also for the frame to date.
In the meantime, there’s one more thing that happened, Samsung ended the Note series and merged its features into the S flagship including the S-Pen.
S24 Ultra – The Final Milestone
Earlier this year, Galaxy S24 Ultra unveiled a flat screen, which completed the last step in this flat device transition.
Compared to Ultra, the standard and Plus models already received a new makeover and a similar frame. Compared to these two phones, the S24 Ultra retained its curved frame but the message was clear for the successor.
S25 Ultra – Completing the Circle
A month ago, OnLeaks collaborated with Android Headlines to share the first Galaxy S25 Ultra CAD renders. These images have revealed a whole new chapter for the Ultra model and the entire S series lineup.
Samsung introduced titanium with the S24 Ultra but still looks identical to its predecessor. The S25 Ultra has implemented this material with a flat side but no curves in either direction.
The rear, the front, and the frame are creating a complete flat phone experience just like the s24 (base and Plus model).
This new design has also removed those clear sharp corners. Instead, S25U has rounded all four corners. This gives us an iPhone vibe but there’s another side to look at it.
Existing and previous Ultra models come with low bezels but its round frame completely overshadowed this display feature. That means the frame’s radius (curve) contributes as an extra bezel outside of the display.
With a flat frame, the phone looks thin on corners and sides. This change will highlight the slim bezels and full-view visuals. The phone maker has already experimented with this change with the S24 and S24 Plus and well received by customers.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Release
Samsung decided the end of this curve era years ago and the S24 Ultra set the course straight. Now, Samsung is ready to complete this flat-screen flagship transition with the S25 Ultra and there’s a high chance that we’ll see this change in action with the phone’s release early next year.
Samsung
Google’s Circle to Search Lens removed from your Galaxy: Here’s Why
Several Samsung Galaxy users have noticed that the Circle to Search Lens feature is missing on the home screen. This feature was accessible by long-pressing the Home key. Now, Samsung has officially confirmed that this lens feature has been removed due to changes in the Google app.
Google’s Circle to Search Lens provides a useful way to find information by taking pictures or scanning text around you. Its removal may feel frustrating, but the good news is that you can still use similar features through the ‘Google Lens’ app.
Google Lens is a separate app that allows you to do many of the same things. You can identify objects, translate text, and find more information about images.
First, you need to install the app via the Google Play Store, search for “Google Lens,” and download the app. Once it’s installed, you can open it whenever you need to.
Using Google Lens is easy and can make your daily tasks simpler. For example, if you want to know about any dish is, or if you need to translate a file into another language, Google Lens can help you out.
The removal of the Circle to Search Lens might seem like a hassle for some Galaxy devices. It is easy to use but switching to the Google Lens app is a great alternative as it provides the same features.
Circle to Search: Samsung, Google’s AI Magic on Galaxy S24 FE
Samsung
Would you consider a new premium Samsung smartphone brand over ‘Galaxy’
There’s a rumor that Samsung is searching for a new brand name for premium smartphones to show the company’s utmost competition against the iPhone.
The term ‘Galaxy’ defines Samsung’s entire smart device ecosystem but it primarily relates to smartphones. The Korean tech company has remained the sole champion in sales and market share for years.
The reason for this dominance is the Galaxy brand. It sells millions of smartphones each year in different categories including budget, mid-range, and premium. All of these have one word in common “Galaxy”.
The word Galaxy popularized this brand with premium smartphones in the S-series and Note-series. Since it also offers budget devices, Galaxy made a debut in the J series.
Later the Galaxy adopted for A and Y/F/M series. Ultra-premium foldable phones (Z series) also became a Galaxy member.
Hard to differentiate
A Korean media outlet Etoday recently reported that Samsung is having an internal discussion about a new premium smartphone brand. It says the company has no specific identification for its premium segment because all of its smartphones are now Galaxy.
This aspect would hurt its competitive edge against the iPhone, the best-selling premium device. Some analysts also see this situation as a lack of innovation.
Moreover, the innovation part is taking its global market share away each quarter. In the past two years, we’ve seen iPhone shipments taking over Galaxy devices.
Still, a new identity for the premium segment is a key to this whole conversation. Besides, Samsung is serving tablets, earbuds, smartwatches, and notebooks under the Galaxy brand. That makes the entire brand scenario a big complex for consumers.
In that case, bringing a new identity for premium smartphones will make more sense. This could also increase its efforts in competition against the Apple.
Chinese smartphone companies have become a nemesis for Samsung’s Galaxy brand in the past few years, especially Xiaomi.
The 2023 smartphone shipment data from Canalys ranked Samsung in second spot. It also lost more than 10 percent annual growth compared to 2022.
Though, it wasn’t the only one to lose its growth but Apple and Xiaomi reduced their decline to the lowest. Especially Apple, which releases only four iPhones a year and sells millions of units. On the other hand, Samsung rolled out many new devices in a year but now lags behind in shipment.
Despite being a high-priced device, the iPhone still rules sales over Samsung. That sums up a need for the Korean company to upgrade its strategy and strengthen competition with iPhones.
Why it’s important
Despite an edge-to-edge competition with Apple, Xiaomi, and other Chinese brands, Samsung still has huge advantages.
It uses in-house displays and cameras, brings powerful performance, and provides the latest Android + self-developed One UI features and after-sale software support. It optimizes these aspects to achieve durability and performance simultaneously.
You can get all of these in Samsung’s premium S-series smartphone. No other Android phone maker has this magnitude of self-reliance and user experience.
Some might side with Chinese smartphone maker but their after-sales experience may cool down these arguments. So, Samsung’s S-series phones are the sole competitor for iPhones.
A new smartphone IP would automatically represent Samsung’s top-of-the-line performance, power, better camera, and design for consumers.
Eventually, it will help them to understand the brand value of Samsung’s premium devices before and after launch. Furthermore, it would be able to bundle a few more features into these devices.
Will it happen?
Samsung has not published any statement on this matter but we’ll update this article if it arrives.