Latest news with #OneUI
Android Authority
2 days ago
- Android Authority
6 features from other skins I want on One UI
C. Scott Brown / Android Authority One UI has been with us for six years now, and it's easily the best Android skin Samsung has made. One UI is smoother, more reliable, and easier to use than Samsung Experience or TouchWiz, the skins that preceded it. Aside from a blip with One UI 7, it's been updated quicker than ever, often beating other Android skins. The features One UI delivers have made it my favorite flavor of Android since I first used it on my Galaxy S10 Plus, but there are still things I'd like to change. Motorola, OnePlus, and others have added exciting features to their Android skins, and I'd love to see some of them adopted by Samsung in the next version of One UI. Which of these featurs would you like to see most on Samsung phones? 1 votes Moto: Gestures 100 % Moto: Easier customisation 0 % Pixel: Now Playing 0 % Pixel: Call Screening 0 % OnePlus: Screenshot pixelation 0 % OnePlus: Open Canvas 0 % Motorola: Intuitive gestures It's hard to believe it's been twelve years since the original Moto X hit shelves. That phone, along with the Moto G, shaped Motorola's future over the following decade, and one of the best things it introduced is what the company now calls Kinetic Gestures. The ones I want most are the two that started it all — Fast Torch and Quick Capture. On a Motorola phone, performing a double karate chop toggles the torch on or off, something that's incredibly useful when you're fumbling with keys in the dark and need to add some light to the situation. I use this a lot on my 2023 Razr Plus, where this gesture is much faster than unlocking the phone and swiping through quick settings. Quick Capture opens the camera or switches between the front and rear lenses if the camera is already open. This gesture requires a double flick of the wrist, and once you get used to it, it's the easiest way of quickly launching the camera so you don't miss an important shot. Motorola: Easy customisation One UI has plenty of theming options, more than Motorola does, but it's all split across too many different menus and apps. Theming icons is in Theme Park, fonts are in the settings menu, and the Material You colors are in a menu accessed from the home screen. It's even worse on Samsung's Z Flip series, where all of the options for the cover screen are spread across even more menus. It adds too much friction to customising your Samsung phone. Motorola has gone about things in a simple, thoughtful way. All of the options for themes, icons, fonts, home screen grid sizes, and the cover screen are in a single place. Long-press the home screen, open the personalise menu, and there are all of the options you could ever need. Sure, I miss some of the more advanced tweaks from One UI, but Motorola's approach of listing everything together is more approachable for users. Pixel: Now Playing Ryan Haines / Android Authority Now Playing is one of those small features that you don't think about until you use a phone that doesn't have it. I used a Pixel 9 Pro as my daily phone recently, the longest I'd used a Pixel since I owned a 3XL, and it reminded me how many subtle quality of life features you get on Pixels. Knowing what song is playing in the background wherever I am, without having to ask my phone to do it, is more convenient than the alternative. The Now Playing history is great, too. I've planned to listen to a song that I've heard and searched for when out and about, only to forget what the song was by the time I get home. Now Playing keeps a history of the songs it hears, so I don't have to rely on my memory. Pixel: Call Screening Andy Walker / Android Authority Pixel 8a Call Screening debuted on the Pixel 3 in 2018, but I never got to experience it as it didn't come to the UK until 2021. When I used it with the Pixel 9 Pro recently, I couldn't believe how much better it is than Samsung's alternative. Samsung's Call Assist can do the basics of screening calls, transcribing the conversation, and live translation. But it's the extras that Google has added to Call Screening over the years that Samsung can't keep up with. Call Screening on Pixels can wait on hold for you and notify you when the person you're calling comes back, tell you how long the average wait time is for a call to a business, and even map and label phone tree options. Samsung is off to a good start with Call Assist, but there's a lot more work to be done. OnePlus: Screenshot pixelation Zac Kew-Denniss / Android Authority I take a lot of screenshots in this line of work, and I often need to censor things like my email, address, and other personal information. One UI does have a blur and pixelation tool in the gallery, but it's a manual process that can be quite messy if you don't have an S Pen to make things easier. OnePlus and Oppo devices have an AI-powered auto mode that applies a neat blur to what it identifies as sensitive information. It isn't perfect. In the example above, I had to censor two elements that it missed manually, but that was much less painful than having to do the whole thing myself, and features like this will only improve with updates. OnePlus: Open Canvas OnePlus debuted Open Canvas on the OnePlus Open, and since then, it's come to many of the company's devices. It's a new approach to window management on mobile that is more intuitive and makes the most use out of the space available on a screen. Before OnePlus introduced this, One UI had my favorite multitasking system, but Open Canvas blows it out of the water. Google has taken some inspiration from Open Canvas, adding a 90:10 split to multi-window that you can try in One UI 8 on the Fold 7, Flip 7, Flip FE, and the S25 series running the beta. It's an improvement, but still doesn't come close to what OnePlus is doing, and I'd love to try Open Canvas on a big screen, like my Galaxy Tab S10 Plus. One UI 9 needs to impress Zac Kew-Denniss / Android Authority One UI 8 feels like a stop-gap update. One UI 7 made a lot of big changes to Samsung software, most of which were welcome, but the delayed and fragmented update rollout left a bitter taste. One UI 8 is shaping up to have a much smoother release, but there's almost nothing new here to be excited about. It feels like One UI 8 received only minimal changes so that Samsung could push it out the door quickly and act as damage control for last year. One UI 9, whenever we see it, needs to give us something to be excited about, and looking to other OEM skins for inspiration, drawing on what Motorola, Google, and OnePlus users love about their phones, would be a good place to start.
GSM Arena
2 days ago
- GSM Arena
Samsung is reportedly shifting its One UI update strategy, to give priority to the foldables Comments
Samsung is reportedly shifting its One UI update strategy, to give priority to the foldables Comments
Geeky Gadgets
3 days ago
- Geeky Gadgets
New Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7? 17 Essential Tips & Tricks
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 combines a sleek, foldable design with robust functionality, offering users a unique smartphone experience. To fully harness its capabilities, it's essential to set up the device properly and explore its wide array of features. This guide provides 17 essential tips and tricks to help you personalize and optimize your Galaxy Z Flip 7, making sure you get the most out of your device from the very first day. The video below from WhatGear gives us a look at a range of tips and tricks for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7. Watch this video on YouTube. 1. Start with Software Updates Keeping your Galaxy Z Flip 7 up to date is critical for maintaining optimal performance and security. Begin by updating all Google system apps through the Play Store. Next, update Samsung-exclusive apps and One UI features via the Galaxy Store. These updates often include important bug fixes, performance enhancements, and new functionalities. Additionally, ensure you install the latest security patches to safeguard your device against vulnerabilities. Staying current with updates ensures your phone operates smoothly and securely. 2. Secure Your Device Protecting your personal data is a top priority. Enable Samsung's built-in app protection to scan for potential threats and malware. Set up biometric authentication, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, for fast and secure access to your device. Additionally, activate Samsung's 'Find My' feature, which allows you to locate, lock, or erase your device remotely in case it's lost or stolen. These steps provide peace of mind and ensure your data remains secure. 3. Enable Gesture Navigation Switching to gesture navigation can enhance your overall user experience. By replacing traditional navigation buttons with swipe gestures, you'll maximize screen space and enjoy smoother, more intuitive navigation. This feature is especially useful on the Galaxy Z Flip 7's expansive display, allowing you to interact with your device more fluidly and efficiently. 4. Customize Display Settings Tailor your display settings to match your preferences and daily needs. Enable adaptive brightness to automatically adjust screen brightness based on your environment. Turn on motion smoothness for fluid scrolling and animations, and activate dark mode to reduce eye strain while conserving battery life. Additionally, customize your home screen by resizing the app grid and organizing apps into folders for a cleaner, more organized interface. These adjustments ensure your display is both functional and visually appealing. 5. Personalize Quick Settings The quick settings panel is a powerful tool for accessing essential features with minimal effort. Rearrange shortcuts for frequently used functions such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and power-saving modes. By customizing this panel, you can streamline your workflow and reduce the time spent navigating through menus. 6. Add Widgets for Convenience Widgets can significantly enhance your home screen's functionality. Add widgets for weather updates, device care, or digital well-being stats to access important information at a glance. You can also customize the cover screen with widgets and wallpapers, allowing you to check notifications or control music playback without unfolding the device. This feature adds both convenience and a personal touch to your Galaxy Z Flip 7. 7. Master the Edge Panel The edge panel is a versatile multitasking feature that can improve your productivity. Customize it to include your most-used apps, tools, and shortcuts for quick access. Use the edge panel to enable split-screen mode or floating windows, allowing you to multitask efficiently. For example, you can browse the web while taking notes or watch a video while replying to messages. This feature makes multitasking seamless and intuitive. 8. Explore Camera Features The Galaxy Z Flip 7's camera system offers impressive versatility and quality. Switch between 12MP and 50MP modes depending on your photography needs. Enable motion photo mode to capture animated moments, and use the cover screen as a viewfinder for selfies or group shots. These features make it easy to capture high-quality photos and videos, whether you're documenting everyday moments or special occasions. 9. Use AI Tools Samsung's AI-powered tools can enhance your productivity and simplify daily tasks. Use the Samsung Internet browser to summarize or translate web pages in real-time. The keyboard offers grammar checks and writing suggestions, while the voice recorder app can transcribe lengthy recordings into text for easy reference. These tools are designed to save time and improve efficiency. 10. Simplify Call Management Managing calls on the Galaxy Z Flip 7 is intuitive and convenient. Enable the 'open phone to answer calls' feature, which allows you to answer calls simply by unfolding the device. Additionally, explore advanced call recording and transcription options to keep track of important conversations. These features make call handling more seamless and efficient. 11. Organize Your Apps A clutter-free home screen improves usability and aesthetics. Organize your apps into folders and customize folder colors and transparency for a visually appealing interface. Save app pairs to launch two frequently used apps in split-screen mode with a single tap, making multitasking faster and more efficient. 12. Customize the Cover Screen The cover screen is one of the Galaxy Z Flip 7's standout features. Personalize it with widgets, wallpapers, and shortcuts to access essential functions without opening the device. This not only saves time but also helps conserve battery life by reducing the need to unfold the phone for basic tasks. 13. Optimize Battery Life Extend your Galaxy Z Flip 7's battery life by allowing power-saving modes and adaptive battery settings. These features limit background activity for less frequently used apps, making sure your device lasts longer throughout the day. Additionally, monitor battery usage in the settings menu to identify and manage power-hungry apps. 14. Use Flex Mode Flex Mode takes full advantage of the Galaxy Z Flip 7's foldable design. This feature splits the screen into two functional halves, making it easier to multitask. For instance, you can watch a video on the top half while taking notes on the bottom half. Flex Mode enhances usability and provides a unique way to interact with your device. 15. Explore Advanced Multitasking The Galaxy Z Flip 7 is designed for multitasking. Use split-screen mode and floating windows to work on multiple tasks simultaneously. Save frequently used app combinations for quick access, allowing you to switch between tasks effortlessly. These features are ideal for users who need to stay productive on the go. 16. Protect Your Privacy Samsung's privacy dashboard provides a clear overview of app permissions and data usage. Enable this feature to monitor which apps access sensitive information, such as your location or camera. Adjust permissions as needed to maintain control over your personal data and ensure your privacy is protected. 17. Explore Accessibility Features The Galaxy Z Flip 7 includes a range of accessibility features designed to improve usability for all users. Enable high-contrast text, magnification, or voice assistants to tailor the device to your specific needs. These features ensure the device is accessible and user-friendly for everyone. Unlock the Full Potential of Your Galaxy Z Flip 7 By following these 17 tips and tricks, you can maximize the functionality and personalization of your Galaxy Z Flip 7. From initial setup and security enhancements to advanced multitasking and customization, these steps ensure a seamless and enjoyable user experience. Take the time to explore these features and make your foldable smartphone work for you. Dive deeper into Galaxy Z Flip 7 setup with other articles and guides we have written below. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: Features, Pricing, and Release Date Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7: Release Date, Features, and Price Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7: Specs, Camera, and Performance Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7: Features, Specs, and More Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7: Features, Specs, and More Source & Image Credit: WhatGear Filed Under: Android News, Guides, Mobile Phone News, 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.
Phone Arena
3 days ago
- Phone Arena
Samsung's One UI 8 Now Bar will be getting a major boost by the end of the year
Part of this expansion could be helped by Receive the latest Samsung news Subscribe By subscribing you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy One UI 7 .0, you could only view Now Bar cards on the cover screen, but trying to interact with them would open the app or its widget. With One UI 8 , the Now Bar works the same way on both the cover and main screen, letting users interact with those cards directly from the outside display. That's a big improvement for those who like using their phone one-handed or while it's folded. Even though we don't yet know which apps will be added, it's a sign that Samsung wants to make Now Bar a bigger part of the Galaxy experience. If Samsung also decides to use Android's built-in live updates feature, it could make the Now Bar even more powerful and useful—not just for Samsung apps, but for all kinds of services. Part of this expansion could be helped by Android 16 , which includes a new tool for developers. This tool, called a standardized API, allows apps to show live updates—like a delivery or media playback—on the lock screen and status bar. Samsung's current version of One UI 8 doesn't yet use this system, but if it does in the future, it could open up Now Bar support to even more also a new improvement coming to Galaxy Z Flip phones. In.0, you could only view Now Bar cards on the cover screen, but trying to interact with them would open the app or its widget. With, the Now Bar works the same way on both the cover and main screen, letting users interact with those cards directly from the outside display. That's a big improvement for those who like using their phone one-handed or while it's though we don't yet know which apps will be added, it's a sign that Samsung wants to make Now Bar a bigger part of the Galaxy experience. If Samsung also decides to use Android's built-in live updates feature, it could make the Now Bar even more powerful and useful—not just for Samsung apps, but for all kinds of services. Samsung is getting ready to make its Now Bar feature more useful with the next big update to One UI. The Now Bar was introduced with One UI 7 .0, based on Android 15 , and lets users quickly see and control ongoing tasks—like music playback or timers—on the lock screen without needing to unlock the phone. It shows this information in a row of cards, which Samsung calls the Now biggest issue with Now Bar so far has been limited support, as only a small number of apps work with it, and most of them are made by Samsung. However, according to the official "Device Experience Guide" for the Galaxy Z Flip 7 , that's about to change. Right now, 20 apps support the Now Bar, but by the end of 2025, that number will grow to 35. Samsung didn't name the new apps, but it's clear the company wants to bring this feature to more parts of the phone experience.
News18
4 days ago
- News18
Samsung Galaxy S26 Edge Will Get Leaner And Come With A Fast-Charging Upgrade
Last Updated: Samsung Galaxy S26 Edge could opt for a leaner body once again but the company is likely to make some notable upgrades. Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge was a promising move by the company, to make an ultra-thin and lightweight device. The next Galaxy Edge model will have notable upgrades and the company plans to make it even leaner than the original model. The new details come via tipster Ice Universe who claims the brand could finally adopt the new silicon carbon tech to pack a bigger capacity on the Edge device. It is interesting to hear details about the S26 Edge which is not likely to be introduced before January 2026. The tipster says Samsung plans to make the S26 Edge even thinner than the 5.8mm dimensions of the S25 Edge. It will also get a bigger battery that is long overdue with brands like Samsung, Google and even Apple in the market. The tipster does not say how Samsung will manage to fit a bigger battery in the thinner chassis and we are eager to see what the company has to say when that becomes official. But will that affect the camera system offered on the phone? Quite likely, which will once again put conditions over the value and performance of the phone. The Galaxy S25 Edge comes with a 3,900mAh battery which is not even close to the figures that brands are able to offer these days. However, Samsung's optimisation means the phone is able to handle this limitation to a good effect. Now, it is time to take the bold step, upgrade to the latest battery tech, make it available with faster charging speeds that will give us the ideal premium Edge device from the company. Samsung Galaxy Watch users are now getting the latest One UI 8 update this week, but only if you have the Watch Ultra model from the company. The Wear OS 6 version was announced at the I/O 2025 and Samsung unveiled the new Galaxy Watch 8 series with this One UI update, which is now coming to the year-old premium Galaxy smartwatch as well. The One UI 8 beta program has started by the company but the company's new One UI update for the Galaxy Watch promises a host of new tools along with training and health features for the users. view comments First Published: July 25, 2025, 16:31 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
