Samsung Electronics America and SoundHound AI are teaming up at the 2025 National Restaurant Association (NRA) Show in Chicago, happening May 17–20.

SoundHound’s voice AI platform powers seamless ordering across multiple channels. It supports front-of-house, back-of-house, and off-premise operations.

A highlight at the booth is the Dynamic Drive-Thru solution, featuring a live demo from Burger King UK. It pairs Samsung’s 55-inch OH Series Outdoor Signage with SoundHound’s voice AI for an interactive, user-friendly ordering experience.

Samsung’s 55-inch displays will also showcase SoundHound’s innovations in vibrant color. These include Voice Insights, which pulls actionable data from customer conversations, and Smart Lane, a drive-thru solution that speeds up service.

Samsung teams up with SoundHound for AI-driven restaurant tech

Another exciting feature is SoundHound’s in-car voice commerce platform. Visitors can try placing real-time takeout orders, paying hands-free, and navigating to pickup locations, all using voice commands from a car’s infotainment system.

Smart Answering handles inbound calls using business-specific data. Employee Assist, an AI coach, provides instant answers to staff, boosting efficiency. These solutions may be demonstrated on tablets like the Galaxy Tab S10+.

Samsung’s One UI is a big part of what makes Galaxy phones and tablets unique. With One UI 7 finally rolling out to users as of April 7, 2025, attention is shifting to the next chapter: One UI 8. This upcoming software update, expected to be based on Android 16, should bring cool new stuff to Samsung gadgets.

There’s talk that it might come out earlier than usual, changing how Samsung normally releases software updates. In this article, we’ll discuss the release date, the beta testing program, which devices will get One UI 8 based on Samsung’s update policy, and what this could mean for Galaxy users.

Samsung One UI 8 Release Date:

Historically, Samsung has aligned its major One UI releases with the annual Android update cycle, typically landing in the fourth quarter, around October or November, following Google’s stable Android release. For instance, One UI 6 debuted on October 30, 2023, while One UI 7, delayed significantly, launched on April 7, 2025. However, rumors from the tech community suggest One UI 8 could break this pattern.

Android 16-based One UI 8 will be released this summer in 2025. This update, confirmed by Google, marks a significant acceleration in Samsung’s update cycle, aiming to align closely with Google’s timeline.

Samsung One UI 8 Beta Program:

Samsung’s One UI beta programs let fans check out new features early, and One UI 8 should keep doing that. Looking at how things usually go and the rumored July 2025 release, the One UI 8 beta should start around late May or early June 2025.

The beta usually kicks off with Samsung’s best phones, like the Galaxy S series, then adds foldables and some cheaper models later. For One UI 7, testing began on December 5, 2024, with the Galaxy S24, then expanded to include the S23, Z Fold 6, Z Flip 6, and more by March 2025.

If Samsung sticks to this step-by-step plan, the One UI 8 beta will probably start with the Galaxy S25, then bring in foldables like the Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 soon after. You’ll likely sign up through the Samsung Members app in places like the US, UK, India, Germany, and South Korea, so users can try out new stuff before it’s official.

Samsung One UI 8 Eligible Devices:

While Samsung hasn’t officially confirmed the One UI 8 device list, we can rely on its official software update policy to identify the devices guaranteed to receive the update. Samsung now offers up to seven years of OS upgrades for select flagship devices (starting with the Galaxy S24 series) and four years for others, alongside five years of security updates for many models. Based on this policy and the confirmed One UI 7 rollout, the following devices are certain to be eligible for One UI 8:

• Galaxy S Series: 
  • Galaxy S25 Edge, S25, S25+, S25 Ultra, Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra, S24 FE, Galaxy S23, S23+, S23 Ultra, S23 FE, Galaxy S22, S22+, S22 Ultra.
• Galaxy Z Series: 
  • Galaxy Z Fold7, Z Flip7 (expected to launch with One UI 8), Galaxy Z Fold6, Z Flip6, Galaxy Z Fold5, Z Flip5, Galaxy Z Fold4, Z Flip4.
• Galaxy Tab Series:
  • Galaxy Tab S10+, Tab S10 Ultra, Galaxy Tab S9, S9+, S9 Ultra.

Mid-range models like the Galaxy A55 and A35 may also qualify under the four-year policy. Older devices like the Galaxy S21 series could miss out, as four-year support may end before One UI 8 arrives.

One UI 8

The Summer 2025 launch of One UI 8 hints at a big change for Samsung, possibly bringing a major update way sooner than fans expect. If this happens on time, Galaxy users might get Android 16 features with the next batch of foldable phones, showing how Samsung can switch things up and keep improving. While we wait for Samsung to say something official, the idea of a faster One UI 8 release excites Galaxy fans—could this be Samsung’s biggest software step yet?

If you have any questions about One UI. Let me know on my X handle (SamsungSWUpdate), and I’ll help you figure out when it might get the update!

Following the online reveal, Samsung has now debuted the Galaxy S25 Edge at Samsung Gangnam in Seoul, South Korea. The company has also started pre-orders nationwide, offering exciting offers and benefits for consumers.

The Galaxy S25 Edge, hailed as a new milestone in Galaxy innovation, is available for pre-order from May 14 to May 20, with a “Double Storage” benefit offering twice the storage capacity ahead of official release on May 23.

Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge is available in three colors, namely Titanium Silver, Titanium JetBlack, and Titanium Icyblue, with prices set at 1,496,000 won for the 256GB model and 1,639,000 won for the 512GB model.

Pre-order benefits

South Korea’s three mobile carriers announced a support fund (subsidy) of up to KRW 250,000. The fund benefit varies from KRW 52,000 to KRW 250,000, depending on the rate plan; playing smartly can save up to KRW 287,500.

• KT – KRW 60,000 to KRW 250,000
• SK Telecom – KRW 80,000 to KRW 245,000
• LG Uplus – KRW 52,000 to KRW 230,000

Purchasing the unlocked model via the “New Galaxy AI Subscription Club” provides benefits like up to 50% residual value compensation upon device return, Samsung Care+ smartphone damage coverage, and discounted accessories.

Samsung Elec Korea President Sung-taek Lim opened with a welcome speech, saying:

“Today is a special day to experience a new standard in ultra-slim smartphones. The Galaxy S25 Edge, the thinnest and lightest in Galaxy S history, is being unveiled to the world for the first time here, and we’re thrilled.”

The Galaxy S25 Edge’s unveiling moment can be viewed in the video below.

It’s the last day of the Samsung 2025 Accessibility Festival Week in Europe. At this event in the UK, the company is showcasing accessible products and services designed to deliver inclusive experiences for all.

Organized in celebration of Global Accessibility Awareness Day, the Samsung 2025 Accessibility Festival Week also focuses on products centered on people with disabilities, older adults, and those with temporary physical limitations.

Day 1: Learning From Europe’s Accessibility Practices

The event began on May 13 with an Inspiration Tour. Accessibility leaders from Samsung and the AFW task force visited key sites to explore Europe’s best accessibility practices and spark ideas for future projects.

“The Inspiration Tour broadened my perspective on accessibility,” said Youngkyung Jung from the User Experience (UX) Strategy Group, CDO.

“So many breakthroughs in accessibility come from collaboration between companies, and today’s program showed how powerful inclusive partnerships can be.”

Day 2: Driving Innovation Through a Cross-Functional Accessibility Symposium

On May 14, Samsung hosted an accessibility symposium at the SEUK office. Employees from various divisions, including design, development, marketing, and Employee Resource Groups, gathered to discuss embedding accessibility into their work.

“Accessibility features originally designed for users with disabilities often become essential tools that benefit everyone,” said Ray Jessel from EO Marketing.

“It was especially helpful for my work to hear the unique experiences of different departments.”

Day 3: Building a Shared Accessibility Vision for Inclusive Innovation

Today, May 15, Samsung marks GAAD with a special session at the SEUK office. The event shares the company’s accessibility strategy and vision for inclusive innovation, uniting employees across Europe in a shared mission.

“AFW has been an inspiring and meaningful experience for us in Europe. Accessibility is no longer optional — it’s a strategic imperative that defines future competitiveness,” said Alice Jackson from the SEUK People Team.

Samsung Employees exploring AFW exhibition displayed in the Atrium

As AFW concludes, Samsung’s focus on accessibility continues to inspire. The event has fostered a culture of inclusive innovation, prioritizing better experiences for all. Samsung hopes this momentum will shape a more accessible future globally.

Google introduced the Wear OS 6 upgrade with Material 3 Expressive design and Gemini integration. The next wearable platform is set to elevate the smartwatch experience with Google’s new design language and AI assistant.

On top of that, Wear OS 6 brings smoother animations, better battery life, and enhanced personalization. Samsung announced Gemini for Galaxy Watch is coming later in 2025, while the Expressive design will be deployed gradually.

The design of Wear OS 6 focuses on the round display of smartwatches. Scrolling animations trace the curvature of the screen, creating a fluid feel. As you scroll, lists animate to add depth, making information easier to access and navigate.

Using the pin pad or controlling media now feels more responsive, thanks to updated motion and feedback by Material 3 Expressive. Shape-morphing elements adapt smoothly to the smaller screen, ensuring a seamless experience.

Get ready for power that lasts and style that pops. Wear OS 6 serves up:

– Platform upgrades for better battery life 🔋
– Fluid, responsive designs with Material 3 Expressive ✨
– And more 👀

Allow us to introduce you: https://t.co/2adfygmZ6K pic.twitter.com/a74ejwObkq

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— Wear OS by Google (@WearOSbyGoogle) May 13, 2025

Dynamic color-theming is a standout feature. The theme you pick for your watch face will apply across the entire system, creating a unified look. Wear OS 6 also introduces glanceable buttons that stretch to fit the display.

In addition, Wear OS Tiles are more engaging, offering quick access to actions like texting contacts or starting workouts. Google has optimized Wear OS 6 for better performance, delivering up to 10% more battery life.

Google also disclosed that more design enhancements are in the works with partners. Pixel devices, including the Pixel Watch, will get these updates first later in 2025. Galaxy devices would also be treated as a priority, along with Pixel phones.

Source – Google