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Samsung challenges Apple iOS 18 with One UI 6.1.1 launch in the US, EU
To counter Apple’s iOS 18 launch, Samsung will roll out One UI 6.1.1 update in the US and EU today. Last week, the company pushed initial deployment, starting with South Korea. The new firmware is scheduled to be distributed starting today.
Last week, Samsung confirmed the One UI 6.1.1’s expansion to older models. The rollout will cover various flagships including the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy Z Flip 5, and Galaxy Tab S9 series.
Apple is set to unveil its new iPhone 16 series today. The new iPhones boot iOS 18 and Apple Intelligence features. We are excited to see what the Cupertino-based firm has left in its bags to debut with the latest iPhone models.
With the One UI 6.1.1, Samsung significantly upgraded Galaxy AI’s capabilities. Several features got major usability improvements. However, the new additions are just mind-blowing, taking the Galaxy experience to another level.
Samsung says the One UI 6.1.1-based Galaxy AI features elevate user experience to deliver greater intelligence and convenience. While Samsung’s approach is expansive, Apple is keeping AI features limited to the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.
The iPhone 16 will launch pre-loaded with artificial intelligence capabilities. The last year’s iPhone range isn’t entirely eligible. On the flip side, Samsung dropped most of the S24 features on the Galaxy S22 series launched in 2022.
New Galaxy AI features:
Sketch to Image is the most wonderful feature of the One UI 6.1.1. It helps enhance photos by generating a selection of image options, which perfectly complement the original image based on simple sketches.
Portrait Studio now allows you to instantly create portraits in many styles such as 3D cartoon or watercolor. Instant Slow-mo is also getting enhanced to maintain smooth image quality before quickly saving and sharing without saving separately.
The upgraded Note Assist’s new transcript feature can quickly create notes based on voice recordings. Besides, its PDF Overlay Translation translates and overlays text in PDF files or even translates text in images and graphs.
Galaxy AI’s fan favorite Circle to Search is also being upgraded with new skills. It can now deliver step-by-step instructions for solving complex math problems. The newly added Sound Search feature recognizes and searches audio on-screen or nearby.
Samsung Wallet getting an instant Tap to Transfer feature for Galaxy users. The latest addition unlocks instant and seamless money transfer. This move reiterates Samsung’s commitment to upscaling the Galaxy ecosystem.
The Tap to Transfer feature allows users of Samsung Wallet on Galaxy phones to instantly transfer money by tapping the backs of their devices together. The transfer process is powered by NFC technology embedded in Galaxy phones.
Samsung confirmed that the feature will be gradually supported through app updates in Samsung Wallet. The Tap to Transfer feature eliminates the need to ask for or input the recipient’s account number during transfers.
This seamless process will help Galaxy users save time and effort as well as reduce the risk of sending money to the wrong account. It’s an answer to Apple iOS 18’s Tap to Cash feature, which allows users to transfer funds with nearby ecosystem devices.
Samsung Wallet allows the recipient to set a representative account for receiving funds and can receive ‘Tap to Transfer’ payments even when their Galaxy’s screen is off – even without opening the Samsung Wallet app.
Here’s how it works:
The user who wants to send money enters the password for their registered account in Samsung Wallet, inputs the transfer amount, then taps their phone against the recipient’s phone and completes the transfer through the default unlock method.
The recipient’s account number transmitted during the ‘Tap to Transfer’ process is encrypted and sent to the sender. Instead of displaying the full account number, only the last four digits of the recipient’s mobile phone number are shown.
The feature is currently available in South Korea and supported by Woori Bank.
Samsung could use the next-gen display across the Galaxy S25 series. A limited number of users reported display graininess issues on the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which is reportedly eliminated in the upcoming Galaxy S25 series.
IceUniverse reports Galaxy S25 series resolves the display graininess issue from the S24 Ultra. The tipster mentioned that the “Galaxy S25 series screen is great.” It suggests the inclusion of an upgraded screen tech in the flagships.
Pixel 9 series debuted Samsung’s best display technology. Industry expects that the Korean tech giant will now expand the cutting-edge screen to its upcoming flagships including the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, and Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Upgraded display is usually meant to offer vibrant colors while keeping efficiency. However, it’s a big development for Samsung consumers as the alleged graininess issue from the Galaxy S24 Ultra is finally eliminated.
Galaxy S25 series screen is great
Getrid of the screen graininess problem in S24.— ICE UNIVERSE (@UniverseIce) October 10, 2024
Samsung is ensuring the upcoming flagships won’t lag in any way. From processor and memory to display and camera, pro-grade specifications coming to the next-gen Galaxy S line. The company could launch the S25 series in January next year.
Galaxy S24 Ultra screen graininess
Some S24 Ultra owners notice a grainy, pixelated, or textured appearance on the display. It occurs the most in certain lighting conditions or when viewing darker colors at low brightness. The anti-reflective glass was also suspected to be blamed.
However, graininess in screens could be caused by several factors such as OLED pixel arrangement, brightness levels, and software calibration. Samsung seemingly heard consumer feedback and improved the screen hardware.
Samsung is working on further refining the new One UI 7 interface. We just got confirmation about the availability of the Beta Program. Now, a new report says Samsung is still working on refinements of the new One UI 7 interface.
Galaxy users are eagerly waiting for the Beta Program to begin. Samsung already confirmed the One UI 7 Beta will launch by the end of this year. The final version, however, is pushed to early next year’s Unpacked event.
ETNews, in its latest report, highlighted that Samsung is still refining the new software. The Beta Program is unexpected to last longer. With Beta coming later this year, the final version of Samsung’s Android 15 is set to launch early next year.
“Samsung is currently conducting internal tests to improve the stability and completeness of the new One UI 7 interface,” ETNews sources say.
At the SDC24, Samsung’s Sally teased some One UI 7 changes and advancements. The upcoming software promises a fresh new design and revamped components across the user interface for a completely refreshed feel.
Samsung is, therefore, working to seed the first Beta without any bugs and issues. A delayed rollout is better than sticking to software that ruins the entire UX. New design changes require additional testing to ensure overall stability and reliability.
Apple is expected to fully deploy Apple Intelligence by early next year. The company will start rolling out new AI features to iPhone models starting this month. Apple has partnered with OpenAI to fuel iPhones with AI capabilities.
Galaxy AI already has a wide range of mindblowing features. Meanwhile, Apple always comes with new challenges for Galaxy models. This year, Samsung is seemingly already prepared to challenge the iPhone’s AI in all the ways.