Latest news with #AndroidPolice
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Samsung's 'default' Galaxy AI features will remain free indefinitely — here's what you need to know
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Samsung has shut down the lingering rumors that it was going to start charging users for the Galaxy AI features it launched alongside the Galaxy S25 series last year. In a report from Android Police, the site says it has direct confirmation from Samsung that default features will remain free "indefinitely". Earlier in the year there was some heavy speculation Samsung would put Galaxy AI behind a paywall after it stated Galaxy AI would be "provided for free until the end of 2025." Android Police doesn't give any reasoning for the U-turn, but Samsung told the publication it will never charge for the features that "are on your phone by default." This likely covers the following: Live Translate Note Assist in Samsung Notes Zoom Nightography Audio Eraser Browsing Assistant Generative Wallpapers Samsung users are also able to access Google's Gemini features for free — and anyone upgrading to the Galaxy Z Fold 7 or Z Flip 7 will receive a six month Google AI Pro subscription for free. That gets them access to advanced features like Veo 3 Fast. Lingering questions The fact Samsung is making these features available for free, indefinitely, is obviously good news. But it does leave a lingering question about whether Samsung may develop better, non-default AI features down the road and charge for that. This could be a single paywall or a tiered system similar to what Google does with its Pro and Ultra plans. The pace (and cost) of AI is not going to slow down any time soon and Samsung faces tough competition in the space from Google, Meta and Microsoft. If this does prove to be the case, time will tell whether or not Samsung has the goodwill to upsell users from free features to paid-for alternatives. Alternatively, this could be the start of something very good for Samsung owners if the company continues to keep handing out its AI developments as freebies. Especially since it just launched a whole set of great new AI features earlier this year alongside the S25. If you're a Samsung owner and new to Galaxy AI, then check out these tips for getting started. More from Tom's Guide Samsung Galaxy S25 AI features — here's everything that's new Galaxy AI beats Gemini for me — 5 features that make it smarter Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 hands-on: The first foldable I'd actually want to buy
Geeky Gadgets
6 days ago
- Geeky Gadgets
iOS 26 vs. Android 16: A Deep Dive into the Next Generation of Mobile OS
The beta releases of iOS 26 and Android 16 mark a pivotal moment in the evolution of mobile operating systems. Both platforms introduce significant updates that emphasize design, customization, and functionality, reflecting the growing importance of software-driven innovation in the mobile market. While iOS 26 refines its minimalist aesthetic, Android 16 adopts a more utilitarian approach, catering to a diverse range of user needs. These updates signal a shift in focus toward enhancing the user experience, particularly as hardware advancements slow in pace. The video below from Android Police gives us a look at the two mobile OS. Watch this video on YouTube. Design Overhauls: Contrasting Philosophies The design philosophies of iOS 26 and Android 16 underscore their distinct approaches to creating user-friendly interfaces. iOS 26: Apple introduces a 'liquid glass' aesthetic, blending polished, translucent visuals with improved readability. This design evolution builds on Apple's tradition of sleek, cohesive interfaces, appealing to users who prioritize elegance and simplicity. Apple introduces a 'liquid glass' aesthetic, blending polished, translucent visuals with improved readability. This design evolution builds on Apple's tradition of sleek, cohesive interfaces, appealing to users who prioritize elegance and simplicity. Android 16: Android takes a different route with high-contrast visuals, focusing on usability and accessibility. This approach ensures clarity in various lighting conditions, making it particularly practical for users who value functionality over refinement. These contrasting design strategies highlight the platforms' core philosophies: Apple's focus on visual harmony and refinement versus Android's emphasis on practicality and inclusivity. Customization: Empowering Users Customization takes center stage in both iOS 26 and Android 16, offering users more tools to personalize their devices. iOS 26: Enhances lock screen widgets, allowing quick access to critical information without cluttering the interface. This feature maintains Apple's commitment to a clean, user-friendly design while adding a layer of functionality. Enhances lock screen widgets, allowing quick access to critical information without cluttering the interface. This feature maintains Apple's commitment to a clean, user-friendly design while adding a layer of functionality. Android 16: Expands customization options with advanced wallpaper features, including live effects, weather integration, and depth effects. These tools allow users to create dynamic, immersive home screens tailored to their preferences. This focus on personalization reflects a broader trend in mobile technology: empowering users to make their devices uniquely their own while maintaining usability. New Features: Expanding Functionality Both operating systems introduce features designed to enhance functionality and bridge the gap between mobile and desktop experiences. Android 16: Introduces a desktop mode, transforming smartphones into mini-computers when connected to an external display. This feature is particularly appealing to professionals and multitaskers seeking greater productivity. Introduces a desktop mode, transforming smartphones into mini-computers when connected to an external display. This feature is particularly appealing to professionals and multitaskers seeking greater productivity. iOS 26: Adds call screening and estimated charge times—features that Android users have long enjoyed. These additions demonstrate Apple's willingness to adopt cross-platform innovations while maintaining its signature design ethos. These updates cater to the evolving needs of modern users, whether through professional tools or everyday conveniences, and reflect the platforms' commitment to staying relevant in a competitive market. Animations and Haptic Feedback: Enhancing Interaction Both iOS 26 and Android 16 aim to elevate the tactile and visual experience, albeit through different methods. iOS 26: Focuses on fluid animations, creating a seamless and polished interface that feels intuitive and responsive. These animations enhance the overall user experience by making interactions feel natural and engaging. Focuses on fluid animations, creating a seamless and polished interface that feels intuitive and responsive. These animations enhance the overall user experience by making interactions feel natural and engaging. Android 16: Prioritizes haptic feedback, offering tactile interactions that improve usability and engagement. This feature is particularly beneficial for users who rely on physical cues to navigate their devices. While these enhancements contribute to a more immersive experience, they also raise questions about potential impacts on battery life, especially for devices with limited hardware upgrades. Consumer Impact: Shaping Preferences The updates in iOS 26 and Android 16 are likely to influence consumer preferences, particularly for those considering a switch between platforms. By prioritizing visible, user-facing changes over backend improvements, both operating systems aim to capture attention in a market where hardware advancements are becoming less dramatic. The emphasis on design, customization, and functionality reflects a strategic effort to retain user loyalty while attracting new audiences. These updates also highlight the platforms' understanding of shifting consumer expectations, where software innovation increasingly drives purchasing decisions. Market Implications: Adapting to Change The redesigns in iOS 26 and Android 16 underscore the platforms' responses to evolving market dynamics and competitive pressures. By focusing on aesthetics, usability, and customization, both systems aim to remain relevant in an increasingly saturated market. However, the reliance on software updates to drive innovation raises questions about the long-term trajectory of mobile technology. As hardware advancements slow, the ability of software improvements to sustain user interest becomes a critical factor. These updates may set the stage for future developments, but they also highlight the challenges of maintaining momentum in a rapidly maturing industry. The Future of Mobile Operating Systems The beta releases of iOS 26 and Android 16 offer a glimpse into the future of mobile technology, emphasizing the importance of software-driven innovation. With their distinct approaches to design, customization, and functionality, these updates reflect the platforms' efforts to redefine the user experience in an era of slowing hardware advancements. Whether you value sleek aesthetics or bold functionality, these updates demonstrate how mobile operating systems are evolving to meet the needs of modern users. As the public release approaches, the impact of these changes on consumer preferences and market dynamics will become clearer, shaping the next chapter in the evolution of mobile technology. Find more information on iOS 26 by browsing our extensive range of articles, guides and tutorials. Source & Image Credit: Android Police Filed Under: Android News, Apple, Apple iPhone, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Tom's Guide
15-07-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
Samsung's 'default' Galaxy AI features will remain free indefinitely — here's what you need to know
Samsung has shut down the lingering rumors that it was going to start charging users for the Galaxy AI features it launched alongside the Galaxy S25 series last year. In a report from Android Police, the site says it has direct confirmation from Samsung that default features will remain free "indefinitely". Earlier in the year there was some heavy speculation Samsung would put Galaxy AI behind a paywall after it stated Galaxy AI would be "provided for free until the end of 2025." Android Police doesn't give any reasoning for the U-turn, but Samsung told the publication it will never charge for the features that "are on your phone by default." This likely covers the following: Samsung users are also able to access Google's Gemini features for free — and anyone upgrading to the Galaxy Z Fold 7 or Z Flip 7 will receive a six month Google AI Pro subscription for free. That gets them access to advanced features like Veo 3 Fast. The fact Samsung is making these features available for free, indefinitely, is obviously good news. But it does leave a lingering question about whether Samsung may develop better, non-default AI features down the road and charge for that. This could be a single paywall or a tiered system similar to what Google does with its Pro and Ultra plans. The pace (and cost) of AI is not going to slow down any time soon and Samsung faces tough competition in the space from Google, Meta and Microsoft. If this does prove to be the case, time will tell whether or not Samsung has the goodwill to upsell users from free features to paid-for alternatives. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Alternatively, this could be the start of something very good for Samsung owners if the company continues to keep handing out its AI developments as freebies. Especially since it just launched a whole set of great new AI features earlier this year alongside the S25. If you're a Samsung owner and new to Galaxy AI, then check out these tips for getting started.
Forbes
12-07-2025
- Forbes
Google Confirms Most Pixel Users Must Not Install This Update
Sometimes new is not best. It's one of the key differentiators that sets Pixel apart from the rest of Android — fast access to the latest betas and features before anyone else. But sometimes — even for Pixel owners — you just need to sit tight and wait. As Droid Life says, 'part of the perks of owning a Google-made phone is that you get the earliest builds of Android before anyone, allowing you to play with all that is new.' But Google's announcement this week heralded 'a significant evolution in our pre-release program. Moving forward, the Android platform will have a Canary release channel, which will replace the previous developer preview program.' Per Droid Life, 'testing beta software on your Google Pixel phone is just something we do as Pixel owners… What if you could have even earlier builds of Android? Yeah, well, you can starting today, thanks to the release of the first Android Canary build." This runs 'alongside the existing beta program,' Google explains, 'providing a more streamlined and continuous opportunity for you to try out new platform capabilities.' But it also carries a major warning for Pixel users — this almost certainly is not for you. Google warns this new Canary channel is intended only for developers and 'you should expect bugs and breaking changes. These bleeding-edge builds will not be the best choice for someone to use as their primary or only device.' As Android Police says, 'this new program is still meant for developers, and typical users shouldn't expect Canary builds to be stable enough for daily use. They're likely to contain bugs that won't (or shouldn't) be present in public beta or stable builds.' Droid Life echoes this: 'In other words, the answer is 'NO!' – you should not flash this and it won't be a good experience on the only phone you own.' And so while polished OS betas that are clearly for public use are one thing, don't stretch the point too far. If you own a Pixel you'll still be miles ahead of any other device when it comes to new features — especially Samsungs, which still await Android 16.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Yahoo
Samsung Confirms Core Galaxy AI Tools Will Stay Free for Users
Samsung is continuing to rely heavily on Google for Gemini AI, but the company is not entirely giving up control over its AI future. Since the launch of the Galaxy S24 series in early 2024, Samsung has been investing in its own set of Galaxy AI tools, such as Live Translate for calls and messages, One UI 8's Now Briefs, Audio Eraser, Generative Edit, and others. These tools have been free to use, with Samsung earlier saying that they would be free 'until the end of 2025.' The company has not made any public changes to this stance. But there has been more clarity on Samsung's plans. In a briefing ahead of its latest foldable phones, Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, and Z Flip 7 FE, Samsung told Android Police that all Galaxy AI tools that are on the phone by default will remain free for users. This statement clears up rumors about a paywall for essential Galaxy AI tools. Users will not be charged for tools like Live Translate, Note Assist in Samsung Notes, Zoom Nightography, Audio Eraser, Browsing Assist, and Generative Wallpapers. At the same time, most of Google's Gemini-powered tools are still free on Samsung devices. New Gemini-powered tools are also free for the next six months for early buyers of the Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7. For now, Samsung is keeping core Galaxy AI tools free and giving users more certainty about what they can use without extra cost.
