Google has released the Android 16 beta 4, one of the last beta updates before the final release, it is also happening at a time when Samsung is still working on the Android 15 rollout.

The Android 16 preview program began in November 2024. Before this version, Google used to release only one Android version per year. However, Android 16’s development pace allowed the Android-maker to share the first preview after Android 15 launched in October.

The test program expanded with Beta 1 in January and this week, Google seeded beta 4 in the Android 16 development roadmap. For now, the latest Android may add another test build before its public announcement.

Source – Google

For starters, the Platform Stability milestone confirms that the software has reached final internal and external APIs, final app-facing behaviors and non-SDK API lists. A previous report suggests that Google could launch Android 16 in June or July, but we have to wait for an official announcement.

This achievement comes at a time when Samsung is going back and forth with Android 15 (One UI 7) rollout. The One UI 7 journey kicked off with beta program one month after the Android 16 preview.

One UI 7 has raised the bar of complication for Galaxy devices due to delayed rollout. A couple of reasons maybe responsible for this fallout, including generative AI expansion for mobile devices and late development and testing. The launch of a new Galaxy S25 series might have distracted Samsung from providing this update on time.

Earlier this month, The Korean tech giant conducted the first batch of software release via OTA update, which ended up in a pause due to some internal reason, but the rollout quickly resumed.

As of the time of writing this article, Android 15 has only reached the Galaxy S24 series, and Z Fold 6, and Z Flip 6 devices in a few markets. On the other hand, previous Galaxy device owners are still waiting for this OS upgrade.

Amid this One UI 7 saga, Samsung also started working on One UI 8 (Android 16) build, which suggests that the company maybe finding a way to untangle itself from Android 15 rollout mistake with an early release for the next major OS update.

Many Samsung smartphone users have reported a green line appearing on their screens. This issue has been seen on several Galaxy phones, and recently appeared on flagship models. For that, Samsung has extended its one-time free screen replacement program for green line-affected Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S22 Ultra smartphones.

A well-known tipster has shared that Samsung’s free screen replacement is now available for Galaxy S21 and S22 Ultra. This policy was earlier valid until December 2024 for some devices but has now been extended to September 31, 2025.

The green line issue reportedly appears after software updates, though it hasn’t been confirmed whether updates are the main cause. In many cases, users say the green line appeared without any updates at all.

Samsung hasn’t shared the full list of phones that are eligible for this policy for affected green line devices. But it is expected that other flagship models launched after the Galaxy S21 series may also be covered under this policy.

This offer is for users in India and is available just once per phone. If your phone is affected, you can visit a Samsung service center and get the screen replaced for free.

Notably, Samsung is not the only company facing this issue. OnePlus is also offering free screen replacements for their phones with the green line problem. On the other hand, Google Pixel users also face the same issue, but Google only gives free repairs for its newest models.

If your Galaxy S21 or S22 Ultra has a green line on the screen, don’t wait. Visit a Samsung service center and make use of this free replacement policy before the offer ends on September 31, 2025.

Samsung US adds Gift Ideas section for easy online shopping

Samsung US has made shopping for gifts easier by adding a new Gift Ideas section to its online store. With so many different products available, it can be hard to pick the perfect gift. This new feature helps consumers find great gifts quickly and easily.

The Gift Ideas section is divided into different categories, so you can easily shop based on what the person likes or how much you want to spend. Some of the categories are as follows:

• Gifts by Price (under $300, under $500, under $1000, and over $1000)
• Gifts for Sports Fans
• Gifts for Wellness
• Gifts for Gamers and Streamers
• Gifts for Tech Lovers
• Mini Gifts (Mini size, Mega features)

In addition to making it easy to browse, the Gift Ideas section is updated regularly to feature the latest Samsung products and special deals. This means that shoppers can also find pre-order options for the newest devices and appliances.

Samsung’s Gift Ideas page aims to make the online shopping experience easier, faster, and more enjoyable. Whether you’re buying a gift for a friend, family member, or even yourself, the new section helps you find the perfect gift in just a few clicks.

With this new addition, Samsung’s online store is making it easier than ever to find great gifts for any occasion. If you are also thinking of gifting to anyone, check out the Gift Ideas Section once on the Samsung US website for curated gift ideas.

Samsung displays fuel interactive fan experience at Mets House in NYC

Galaxy AI is the richest mobile AI feature among premium phones. However, Samsung has some China-exclusive Galaxy AI features that are not available for Global users, including Social Composer, Ask AI, Touch Assistant, and Samsung Assistant.

While these tools enhance user experience, not all seem suited for global markets, especially Social Composer. Galaxy AI is packed with innovative tools, but their availability varies by region, as these are exclusive to China, via FragmentedChicken.

Social Composer (Writing Assist)

Social Composer uses AI to create social media posts from images.

Exclusive to China, it aims to simplify content creation. However, it might produce bland or awkward posts, similar to other AI-generated content. Many believe global users are better off without it.

Source – FragmentedChicken / Reddit

Samsung Assistant

Samsung Assistant offers practical tools like a “clipboard assistant” that suggests actions for copied text, such as translating or searching. Its “app return assistant” and “feature suggestion assistant” also boost efficiency.

Ask AI (Gemini)

Samsung’s Ask AI is a chatbot that answers questions using web data. Since Google Gemini powers similar features globally, Ask AI fills the gap in China, where Google services are limited, so this makes its exclusivity understandable.

Touch Assistant (Circle to Search)

Touch Assistant processes on-screen text to improve reading efficiency, similar to the global Circle to Search feature. Exclusive to China, it’s likely duplicative elsewhere, explaining why Samsung hasn’t rolled it out globally.

Samsung Audio Eraser, introduced in the Galaxy S25 series, solves the problem of unwanted noise from videos by reducing background noise and enhancing desired sounds. This feature mirrors the Object Eraser feature, launched with the Galaxy S21.

One UI 7’s Audio Eraser allows users to adjust video audio by removing unwanted sounds and highlighting what matters. It scans videos to detect and separate sounds, working on both user-recorded clips and shared videos.

Samsung’s AI Solution Team at Samsung Research built Audio Eraser by collecting diverse audio data. They simulated real-world scenarios and recorded sounds like wind in the field.

“Wind was tough,” said Hejung Yang. “We even recorded outdoors on windy weekends.”

The team reviewed thousands of audio samples weekly to perfect the sound separation model. “Each developer analyzed over 1,000 samples under different conditions,” said Jiwon Kim.

Image – Samsung

Audio Eraser runs on-device, enabling real-time editing and better privacy. “We focused on fast, low-power AI models,” said Hosang Sung. Samsung’s expertise in on-device AI helped optimize Audio Eraser for smooth performance.

Samsung Research and the MX Business collaborated to ensure smooth playback during video and audio editing. Staff from both departments have also optimized processing for videos longer than an hour.

Audio Eraser identifies six sound types: voices, music, wind, nature sounds, crowd noise, and ambient noise. Here’s how it works:

• Using sound source detection, it pinpoints where sounds occur in a video.
• Sound source separation then isolates and categorizes each sound for precise editing.

“We’re committed to next-generation solutions,” said Hoonyoung Cho, Vice President at Samsung Research. Galaxy AI will continue to evolve with intuitive features.