Apps
Google Wallet just got huge boost with plenty of updates

Google Wallet is getting a huge boost with a series of updates. The latest updates to Google’s digital payments and wallet application span the Wear OS app (passes), website, and Gmail integration (train tickets).
As part of “improving the passes experience for Wear users,” the Google Wallet app on your wrist now supports:
- Grouped passes appear together in the list. When tapped, “each pass will be shown on a carousel.”
- Pass archiving: Open a pass and scroll down for “Archive” alongside “Delete pass” and “Open on phone.” Will move to “Archived passes” section at the very bottom of the Wear OS app
- “Unscannable passes”
Google announced that these updates are now widely available.
Earlier this year, the US tech giant debuted wallet[dot]google[dot]cot. It helps users manage Google Wallet and Google Pay on the web. With the latest update, the website is now available in many more countries.
- Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland
- France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein
- Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal
- Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, UK
- Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam.
Google says this is “just phase 1 of our journey of making it available to every GPay and Wallet user, everywhere!”
Apart from this, Google announced that Google Wallet for Android is also expanding to more markets including Bermuda, Cambodia, El Salvador, Guernsey, Kosovo, Morocco, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, and Tajikistan.
Other Google Wallet updates (for developers) include:
- “The closed loop transit API now supports physical to digital card conversion.”
- “Google Wallet now supports VDV (((eTicket Services Motics spec for secure mobile ticketing in Germany. Transit agencies and developers are welcome to leverage Google Wallet specifications here to cryptographically secure tickets from copying, falsification or fraud.”
Apps
New One UI Home update out for Galaxy S23 amid Samsung’s secret Android 16 (One UI 8) testing

Samsung has reportedly started testing the Android 16-based One UI 8 build on the Galaxy S23 series. At the same time, Samsung has released a new update for the One UI Home app on the Galaxy S23 series, aiming to make your home screen experience more stable and smooth.
The new update for the One UI Home app arrives with version 16.0.07.3. This update has currently been spotted for the Galaxy S23 Ultra smartphone, and it’s expected to reach other Galaxy devices soon.
This update improves the app’s performance by fixing bugs and making it more stable. If you’ve been experiencing any issues with the home screen, this update should make things run faster and smoother.
Samsung hasn’t shared exactly what bugs have been fixed, but users will likely notice a difference in performance after the update. The app is now more stable and responsive than before.
If you want to update the One UI Home app on your Galaxy S23 smartphone, you can do it through the Galaxy Store. Just go to the Menu, then tap Updates to check for the new version.
Sometimes the update installs automatically in the background, so you might not need to do anything. If you want to check the update manually, go to Settings, then Home screen, scroll down, and tap on About Home to see the latest version number.
One UI 8 for Galaxy S23
Samsung has begun testing Android 16-based One UI 8 internally on the Galaxy S23 series. This development indicates that the company is considering the 2023 flagships, adding to the Open Beta Program this year as well. Rumors indicate that the One UI 8 Beta Program might start in late May or early June 2025.
BREAKING: Samsung Galaxy S23 already testing Android 16 (One UI 8)
Apps
AR Emoji Editor turns into Avatar Editor on even more One UI 7 devices with May 2025 update

Samsung upgrades several app icons and names with One UI 7, one of which is AR Emoji Editor. Now, the company is making the new Avatar Editor available on more One UI 7 Galaxy devices with the May 2025 update.
With One UI 7, Samsung has renamed the AR Emoji Editor to Galaxy Avatar on Galaxy devices. In addition, several other AR Zone apps have also been renamed, including AR Emoji to Galaxy Avatar, AR Emoji Sticker to Avatar Stickers, and more.
We are in May 2025, and Samsung has started releasing a new update for AR Emoji Editor with version 7.0.01.3. This AR Emoji Editor update renames the app to Avatar Editor on more One UI 7 Galaxy devices.
One UI 7 not only changes the app name but also updates the app icon. The new icon features a gradient shade of blue and violet, replacing the older pinkish tone. The symbol in the middle of the icon has also been slightly redesigned to match the updated One UI 7 aesthetic.
With the Samsung Avatar Editor app, you can create personalized emojis by selecting from diverse styles to craft distinctive avatars, enhanced with makeup, attire, and accessories. The fresh update improves the overall experience to make it more intuitive and visually appealing.
You can download the update from the Galaxy Store >> Menu option >> Updates. If the update is available, you can download it to enjoy the new look.
One UI 7 AR Zone
Samsung has made some big changes to its AR Zone service with One UI 7. The AR Emoji feature has been renamed to Galaxy Avatar and can now be found under Settings > Advanced Features. It offers more ways to customize your avatar.
Also, features like AR Doodle, Quick Measure, and Deco Pic are no longer in AR Zone. They’re now separate apps that you can download from the Galaxy Store, so you can choose only what you need.
WhatsApp preps a bold Contrast booster as part of Accessibility upgrade

WhatsApp has pushed a new update for Android, which shows the Accessibility Menu is under development. The new update arrives with version 2.25.15.22 through the Google Play Beta Program.
In the latest beta update, WhatsApp is developing a new accessibility menu for Android users. It includes a setting to help users increase contrast. This means users will be able to make text, buttons, and other elements easier to see by making them more visible more from the background.
This is especially useful for people who have trouble seeing certain colors, have low vision, or who use WhatsApp in bright or dark lighting. When this feature is turned on, it will improve how clearly things appear on the screen to make the app easier to read and use.

Image via WABetaInfo
WhatsApp will add a new “Accessibility” menu to the app settings, so you can easily access the features. This section will be a place where users can find tools to make WhatsApp work better for their needs. The contrast setting is just the first feature, and more accessibility options are likely to be added in future updates.
The new contrast setting is currently under development and not yet available for use. It will be released in a future update. For now, users can download the latest beta version from the Google Play Beta Program and wait for more updates soon. Stay tuned for more information.
Good Lock
Samsung’s One UI 7 removes lock screen clock-off feature

Samsung’s One UI 7 update brings new features and changes to its Good Lock app, which many Galaxy users love for customizing their phones. While there are some new modules and improvements, one amazing clock feature has quietly been removed from the Samsung LockStar Good Lock module.
In One UI 6.x, users could tap on the clock in Samsung LockStar settings and see a minus (–) icon to remove it from the lock screen. This gave users the choice to have a clean look without a clock on the lock screen.
But now, after updating to One UI 7, the clock-off function is no longer available. Tapping the clock only shows basic customization tools, but not the remove (minus icon) option.
Many users noticed this and shared their disappointment through Reddit and the Samsung Members app. Galaxy smartphone users reported that they want to remove the lock screen clock, but after updating to One UI 7. It seems that the function to turn off the lock screen clock has disappeared in Good Lock.
- One UI 6.1
- One UI 7
Samsung community moderator has responded to these concerns. The reply confirmed that the clock-off option of LockStar is no longer supported in One UI 7. Moreover, the moderator also mentioned that the feedback will be passed on to the development team for future review.
This change has upset several Galaxy users who enjoyed having full control over their lock screen layout. They are now hoping Samsung will bring back this feature in a future update.
For now, users will have to keep the clock on their lock screen unless Samsung decides to bring back the option.
In addition to the clock-off function, Samsung has also removed the LockStar’s notification customization options like adjusting the transparency, size, color, and type of notifications with One UI 7.
Samsung’s One UI 7 ditches lock screen notification customization in LockStar app
Apps
Samsung updates One UI 7 Galaxy Store app to version 4.5.91.3

Samsung has released a new update for the Galaxy Store app with version 4.5.91.3. This update is for Galaxy users who have One UI 7 running devices, bringing some improvements and fixes to make the app work better.
While Samsung hasn’t shared the exact details of what’s new, the update is likely to make apps faster, easier to use, and more responsive. So, users can expect a smoother experience when browsing and downloading apps from the Galaxy Store.
The update fixes bugs or issues that users might have faced in the previous version to make the app more reliable. In addition, the update also enhances some functions to provide a better experience.
Moreover, the update improves the app’s speed and performance. Whether you’re looking for new apps or updating your current ones, the Galaxy Store should now work better, with a quicker load time. This will make it easier for users to manage their apps on their Galaxy devices without any interruptions.
The update is easy to download. Simply open the Galaxy Store app on your device, a new update page pops up, and let it install. Once updated, the app will be ready to use with its new improvements. At that moment, the update spotted on Galaxy S series phones running Android 15 in Korea, and the update will gradually expand to more models soon.
If you’re using a Galaxy device with One UI 7, this update will ensure the Galaxy Store works smoothly and efficiently. Make sure to download the update soon, so you can enjoy the latest version of the app.
Samsung Clock app limits you to only 100 alarms – Here’s how to manage them effectively
-
Samsung2 days ago
These Samsung Galaxy Devices Will Get Android 16 (One UI 8) Update
-
One UI2 days ago
Current software update status: How long will your Samsung device continue receiving the major One UI updates
-
One UI2 days ago
These Samsung Galaxy devices received One UI 7 (Android 15) update
-
Samsung3 days ago
Have you received the May 2025 One UI update on your Samsung Galaxy device?