Android Auto 14.8 is now rolling out in beta, bringing subtle but significant changes. This update hints at the transition from Google Assistant to Gemini AI and introduces a handy Google Maps feature.

The Android Auto 14.8 beta renames the “Assistant” settings section to “Digital Assistant.” This change is visible immediately after installing the update. It’s a clear sign that Google is preparing to integrate Gemini AI into Android Auto.

However, no functional changes are present yet. The “Manage your digital assistant” section still links to Google Assistant settings. Similarly, “Hey Google” detection and messaging notifications retain the Assistant branding.

The rename to “Digital Assistant” suggests Gemini AI’s debut is near. While Android Auto 14.8 doesn’t include Gemini yet, the groundwork is laid. Google is expected to start rolling out Gemini integration soon, replacing Assistant in Android Auto.

A new Google Maps feature has been spotted in Android Auto. A “Work” shortcut button now appears next to the search bar. This allows quick navigation to a pre-set work address. A “Home” shortcut is likely to accompany it.

Android Auto 14.8 is available in beta for testers. Meanwhile, version 14.7 is reaching more users through the stable channel with the new Google Maps shortcut. These updates show Google’s focus on refining Android Auto’s experience.

Via – 9to5Google

After the official One UI 8, Samsung has started making its Good Lock modules ready for the latest software. Following MultiStar, the company is now bringing One UI 8 support to Samsung’s display setting plugin, Display Assistant.

The Display Assistant is a useful module inside the Good Lock app. It helps you control and customize your screen settings in more ways than the regular settings allow. You can change how your screen behaves, adjust timeouts, manage brightness in a smarter way, and much more.

With this new update, this display setting plugin now works smoothly with One UI 8. The fresh update for Display Assistant comes with version number 8.0.13, and the changelog is simple – Support for One UI 8.0. This means users who have Galaxy devices running One UI 8 can now use Display Assistant without any issues.

Image via SammyFans

You can easily download the latest update of the Display Assistant Good Lock module by opening the Galaxy Store on your Samsung device >> search for Display Assistant, and install or open it. You can also download the update directly from the Good Lock app.

Once updated, you’ll be able to enjoy all its features on One UI 8. If your Galaxy device is running the latest software, you can enjoy the Display Assistant feature without issues like crashing, freezing, and more.

Samsung is expected to update more Good Lock modules soon to support One UI 8. So if you use other suites from Good Lock, keep an eye out for new updates.

Samsung Good Lock brings a useful new camera feature

Samsung has introduced an exciting new camera feature in its Good Lock app that many users will love. This new feature, FlipShot, is designed especially for Galaxy Z Flip phones.

The Flip phone allows users to take cool mirror selfies using the phone’s small cover screen. With the FlipShot feature of Good Lock, you can even add stylish photos or messages to your selfies to make them more fun and unique.

FlipShot is part of the MultiStar module within Good Lock. MultiStar helps improve multitasking and app behavior on Samsung devices, and now it also offers this fresh new camera option. This makes it easier for Flip phone users to take creative selfies with their device camera.

The fresh update for the Samsung MultiStar app arrives with version 9.1.09. It adds support for One UI 8.0, the latest software version. This means the MultiStar app and its features will work smoothly on the newest Galaxy phones with One UI 8.0 installed.

Using FlipShot is simple and fun. It lets users take stylish mirror selfies using the cover screen. While taking a selfie, you can now show cool photos, short messages, or designs on the cover screen. It makes your selfies look more fun and attractive.

Image via SammyFans

This feature is only available on Flip devices, like the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE. It shows how Samsung is adding new tools with One UI 8 to make the most of its foldable phones.

To get this feature, first make sure your Galaxy phone is running One UI 8.0. Then, download or update the Good Lock app from the Galaxy Store >> Menu option >> Updates. Also, you can download the update with Good Lock >> go to the Samsung MultiStar module >> install the latest update if available.

New Good Lock feature lets you add custom wallpapers to cover screen

Samsung phones come with many cool features, and one of the most loved and popular apps is Good Lock. This app lets you change how your phone looks and works. Now, Samsung is adding a new option for cover screen wallpaper in the Good Lock app through a new update.

The Korean tech giant is rolling out a new update for Good Lock, bringing it to version 3.0.13.1. This latest update introduces a fresh feature aimed at enhancing personalization, along with important under-the-hood improvements for a more stable user experience.

With the new version, Samsung adds a new option in the wallpaper settings. Users can now set a custom image as the cover screen wallpaper, a highly requested feature, especially among users of foldable devices like the Galaxy Z Flip and Galaxy Z Fold series. The company is giving users more control over the appearance of their device, even when it’s folded.

In addition to this, the update also includes the latest stabilization code updates. It aims to improve the overall performance and reliability of the Good Lock app, ensuring a smoother and more responsive experience.

If you like to customize your phone or just want it to feel more personal, Good Lock is a great tool to try. With the ability to set your own cover screen wallpaper and enjoy better performance, it’s now more useful and fun than ever.

You can download the latest Good Lock update via Galaxy Store >> Menu option >> Updates.

Samsung’s next big launch event, Galaxy Unpacked, is just around the corner, where we expect to see new foldable phones and smartwatches, including the Galaxy Watch 8 series. While the company hasn’t officially announced the Galaxy Watch 8 yet, it appears that Samsung may have accidentally revealed the watch a little early through its app.

Surprisingly, the leak didn’t come from a tech insider or leaker this time. It came from Samsung’s own app, Samsung Health. A recent update to the app on the Google Play Store mentions support for the Galaxy Watch 8 series and the new Galaxy Watch Ultra.

That means Samsung accidentally confirmed its new smartwatches before the Galaxy Unpacked event. The update also reveals new health features that will work with these watches. Samsung first discussed these features in June, but didn’t specify which watches would support them until now.

Some of these features include checking oxidative stress using an antioxidant index, tracking vascular load during sleep to monitor heart health, and a Running Coach for personalized workout tips.

Still, with Unpacked just around the corner, this doesn’t come as a huge surprise. Many details about the Watch 8 and other new devices have already leaked online.

We now know that the Galaxy Watch 8 series is coming soon, and it will have new health and fitness tools built in. Stay tuned for more information.