Apps
Matter 1.4 to make SmartThings even smarter with Wi-Fi router support
Last month, Samsung SmartThings introduced several new features, including Home Insights, Daily Routines, Quick Remote, and Automatic Hub Backup. Now, a new report suggests that SmartThings might soon support Wi-Fi routers with the upcoming release of Matter 1.4.
Matter has been part of SmartThings for a few years, and the upcoming 1.4 version is expected to arrive next year with some exciting new features.
Matter 1.4
Matter 1.4 details have been arrived today. It highlights the “Enhanced Multi-Admin” feature, which makes it easier to control Matter-enabled devices across different smart home ecosystems at the same time.
It shows that you could use a Matter device with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Home, and SmartThings all together without any hassle.
Moreover, the update also improves device compatibility. For example, Wi-Fi routers can now work with Matter and SmartThings. They can also act as Thread Border Routers to help connect devices and simplify the setup process.
With this, Wi-Fi routers, modems, and other devices like set-top boxes will be controllable through the SmartThings app.
Matter 1.4 supports energy devices like solar panels, electric water heaters, heat pumps, solar system inverters, and batteries for battery energy management. It can even take local electricity prices into account and help you optimize your home’s energy use to save on costs.
However, the support for security cameras is expected to be added in a future update, Matter 1.5. As Samsung was quick to adopt Matter 1.3, we can expect SmartThings to add 1.4 support sometime in 2025.
Samsung SmartThings 1.8.21.28 Update Arrived: Home Insights, Routines, Quick Remote, and more
WhatsApp bringing one-tap quick reply feature for voice messages
WhatsApp has pushed a new beta update with version 2.24.26.6 for Android users via the Google Play Beta Program. This update makes it easier to reply to voice messages with just a tap to save time and improve the chat experience.
The new feature adds a quick reply button for voice messages. When you listen to a voice note, you’ll see a button that allows you to immediately record and send your reply.
It means you no longer need to swipe or tap the “reply” option as you did before. With just one tap, you can respond directly to keep the conversation flowing smoothly.
This new quick voice reply feature is similar to a feature WhatsApp introduced earlier for video messages. Users could reply to video messages with a simple tap, without any extra steps.
Now, with this new update, WhatsApp is adding the same feature for voice messages. It makes replying to voice messages quicker and easier than ever.
The quick reply feature is currently available to limited users who are testing the WhatsApp Beta program with the latest version. It is being rolled out gradually, so more people will be able to try it over the next few weeks. If you’re a beta tester, you can update your app through the Google Play Store to access this new feature.
Apps
Galaxy App Booster now supports One UI 7 and Android 15
Samsung has released a new update for its Galaxy App Booster app, now upgraded to version 7.0.10. This update brings enhanced compatibility, making the app functional with devices running One UI 7, the latest iteration of Samsung’s custom skin based on Android 15.
Galaxy App Booster is one of Samsung’s Good Guardian modules, which helps to improve the performance of your Galaxy phone. The app helps manage and optimize the apps installed on your device to ensure they run smoothly. It can fix common problems, like app crashes or slow performance, so your phone stays fast and efficient.
With the fresh update, the Galaxy App Booster app now receives One UI 7 support. This app is now compatible with the latest One UI iteration, so users can get the best experience.
One UI 7 is the latest version of Samsung’s custom Android interface, which includes a more user-friendly design, improved performance, and better multitasking features. Currently, the Galaxy S24 users only are eligible for One UI 7 beta testing in limited countries.
Samsung’s Galaxy App Booster ensures that everything continues to run smoothly to keep your device optimized for daily use. This update also brings some enhancements to the app’s overall functionality for a better experience.
If you’re using a Samsung Galaxy device, install the latest update of Galaxy App Booster. For that, you just need to visit Galaxy Stor or download it directly from the third-party app link mentioned here.
Fresh One UI 7 icons for Samsung Notes and Internet Browser apps leaked
Apps
Samsung’s Walkie-Talkie app just got better on Galaxy Watch
Samsung has rolled out a new update for the Walkie-Talkie app on Wear OS-based Galaxy Watch models. The update arrives with version 2.4 01.10 and is available now on the Galaxy Store with a package size of 35.85MB.
This latest update for the Samsung Walkie-Talkie app addresses some bugs that users have encountered to optimize the app’s performance and enhance overall functionality. Samsung has also included usability improvements to ensure that the app is easier to use with a streamlined interface and better connection.
The Walkie-Talkie app is exclusive to Samsung Galaxy Watches that run Wear OS. It lets users have quick, walkie-talkie-style conversations with others who have the app on their Galaxy Watch. You can create a channel on your watch and talk to friends, family, or coworkers who also use a Galaxy Watch.
With this update, Samsung is making sure that the Walkie-Talkie app is more reliable and easier to use to improve the Galaxy Watch experience. If you use this app on your Galaxy Watch, install the fresh update now.
To install the latest update on your smartwatch, you just need to visit the Galaxy Store app and install it. Also, you can download the update from the third-party app link mentioned here.
Samsung recently released One UI 6 Watch update to the Galaxy Watch 4, Galaxy Watch 5, and Galaxy Watch 6 series with a bundle of new features. It brings Sleep Apnea detection, Energy score, new watch faces, and more.
One UI 6 Watch: Here’s how to use Sleep Apnea feature on your Galaxy Watch