Latest news with #OneUI8
Indian Express
12 hours ago
- Indian Express
Samsung's Sally Hyesoon Jeong shares insights on developing OneUI 8 interface for the Galaxy Z Fold 7
When Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Z Fold 7 last week at its Unpacked event in Brooklyn, New York, what made headlines was its thin and light design, and how the company managed to deliver a bar-style smartphone with a foldable form factor. However, a lesser-known but equally important factor that plays a critical role in differentiating a foldable phone from a traditional smartphone is the user interface. Samsung has said its new One UI 8 is designed to be 'context-aware and naturally responsive,' and has been optimised specifically for the flexible format of foldables. While the user interface is evolving on smartphones, a consistent criticism of foldables is that the UI doesn't look much different from what you get on regular smartphones, calling into question the differentiated experience that companies like Samsung promise as part of the foldable appeal. Responding to this criticism, Sally Hyesoon Jeong, EVP and Head of Framework R&D, Mobile eXperience Business, Samsung, explained why the company opted for a basic app layout on foldables. However, Jeong also offered a glimpse into how the user interface might evolve in the future. 'The user interface you see on foldables is being used broadly across their larger screens. That's the layout, and we have gone with a more basic app interface. But as AI advances and we receive more feedback from users, a voice-centric UI is something we could consider as we move forward – and this isn't just about foldables,' said Jeong, who has been with Samsung for over 25 years. 'It's not a form factor issue. As AI continues to evolve and we move more toward this kind of voice-centric or even app-less interface, I think there's real potential to apply that approach, whether it's on a bar-type phone or a foldable.' Voice-based vs app-based interface The user interface on devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 supports a voice-based AI agent, and it is deeply integrated with Google's Gemini Live, which has been improved with new multimodal capabilities. It can better understand what users want, see, and do, while also providing contextual answers without requiring users to switch back and forth between different apps. In fact, Gemini Live on the new foldables also supports the Live Screensharing feature, allowing users to ask Gemini about what's on the screen or within view of the camera, and get instant answers. As Jeong indicated, a voice-based user interface on smartphones — instead of an app-based interface — could be a possibility in the future, but it won't be limited to foldables alone. Samsung pioneered foldables with the launch of its first foldable phone in 2019. Since then, it has released multiple generations of foldable devices in two form factors: Flip and Fold. The Flip is more akin to a traditional smartphone, where a single screen folds in half, whereas the Fold opens like a book to reveal a larger, tablet-like display. Weighing in on software and hardware Companies like Samsung have a long-term product roadmap, and often work on multiple generations of devices simultaneously. This means Samsung has to take a differentiated approach when developing software and hardware, where, at times, development happens in parallel, and at other times, the software is developed independently when the hardware dependency is not there. 'In cases where there's some hardware dependency, we have to build the software experience together. For instance, in a large-screen environment, we continuously develop and prototype software specifically for that use case. But when there's no hardware dependency, we develop the software independently. For example, we try to identify consumer pain points or areas for improvement,' Jeong said. 'We also conduct our own AI development, researching and evaluating what kinds of features to introduce. That kind of independent software development can take place without relying on hardware.' One UI 8, which is built on top of Android 16, isn't designed solely for foldable, and also runs on standard bar-type phones as well as tablets. Samsung says that with One UI 8, the emphasis was on making large-screen multitasking possible and optimising AI for larger screens. For instance, Samsung offers a feature called AI Results View that displays AI-generated results in a split view or floating window. This means Samsung had to maximise the amount of space used while multitasking. Another feature, called Drag & Drop, lets users move AI-generated content between app windows by simply pressing, holding, and dragging it to the relevant screen. This way, you can save time transferring content from one app to another. Working across devices One wonders if Samsung also draws insights from how multitasking features are received on tablets, and then brings them to devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 7, which now features an expansive 8-inch screen. 'When we developed and designed One UI 8, we looked at bar-type phones, foldables, and tablets together, and considered how to implement features across each form factor. We developed them as a unified experience – starting with a feature for a bar-type phone, then adapting it for foldables to ensure continuity, and finally considering how to express it on tablets,' said Jeong. 'We design all of this together. For large-screen applications, features like multi-window, pop-up windows, and desktop modes will be available. For example, tablets have a bigger lock screen, so we considered how to display widgets there – whether to include them or not. This whole process is done together. When designing for a particular form factor, especially those with larger screens, we think about how to apply and adapt each feature,' she added.
GSM Arena
14 hours ago
- GSM Arena
Samsung starts testing One UI 8 for two more smartphones
Sagar 15 July 2025 Samsung Android Firmware Updates Samsung recently began testing One UI 8 for the Galaxy A55 and Galaxy S24 FE, and now we learn that the Korean brand has started testing One UI 8 for two more smartphones - the Galaxy Z Fold4 and the Galaxy Z Flip4. The One UI 8 firmware for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 and Galaxy Z Flip4 was spotted on Samsung's servers, indicating the beginning of One UI 8's development for these foldables. However, it's going to be a while before Samsung releases the One UI 8 update for both smartphones. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 and Galaxy Z Fold4 That said, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 and Flip4 have already received the One UI 7 update in multiple regions, and if you haven't received it yet, you can check for it manually by going to your phone's Settings > Software update menu. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 Samsung Galaxy A55 Samsung Galaxy S24 FE Via
Tom's Guide
14 hours ago
- Tom's Guide
I just tried the new Samsung DeX on the Galaxy Z Flip 7 to replace my laptop — here's the good and the bad
Last year when Samsung launched its foldable phones, it was a no-brain decision on which one I wanted to make my new daily driver. Since it offered support for Samsung DeX, I chose the Galaxy Z Fold 6 without hesitation over the Galaxy Z Flip 6. In fact, I even managed to ditch my laptop for 2 weeks with the Z Fold 6. Samsung has long neglected to bring DeX to its flip-style phones, but that all changed this year with the reveal of the Galaxy Z Flip 7 — and I couldn't be more thrilled about it. Ever since the first Flip, I've been wanting to use one as my daily driver, but no support for DeX was a big dealbreaker. In my Galaxy Z Flip 7 hands-on, I say how it feels like perfection due to the bigger upgrades it's been given over previous years. I've been testing out the new Samsung DeX for the last few days now, so here's the good and bad about it. Samsung DeX has been a long time coming for the Galaxy Z Flip line, so needless to say I'm stoked for its arrival. First and foremost, Samsung DeX on the Galaxy Z Flip 7 supports either a wired or wireless connection. I'd recommend the former since I've seen some latency issues whenever I connected it to my Amazon Fire TV OMNI. Just like DeX running on other new phones, like my Galaxy S25 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold 6, I get access to that PC-like desktop experience that lets me run multiple apps simultaneously. It makes me almost as productive as using my Windows 11 laptop, complete with the ability to have apps running side-by-side with one another. When I do this, I can even resize one of the windows and the other will dynamically adjust to fill out the rest of the screen. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Apart from the new set of wallpapers included with this version of DeX, which is running on top of One UI 8, there's nothing visually or functionally different. The bottom left corner of the task bar has buttons for the home, back, and recent apps; the middle packs buttons for the apps panel, pinned apps, and opened apps; and the icons on the right lets me access different settings. I've even connected my Galaxy Z Flip 7 to my Xreal Air 2 Pro glasses for that private experience when I'm in a public space. The beauty of Samsung DeX in this particular situation is that I can continue to use DeX even when my phone's turned off. Unlike the traditional screen mirroring feature in many of today's best phones, it's a totally separate experience from my phone — so I can even watch something on Netflix without the need to keep my phone on. As much as I'm thankful for the utility that Samsung DeX brings to my Galaxy Z Flip 7, I was hoping for Samsung to bring new features and changes. Just not long ago, Google revealed how it was building a desktop mode for Android 16 with help from Samsung, but it doesn't influence the DeX experience on the Galaxy Z Flip 7. Considering how it's running One UI 8 on top of Android 16, I was hoping for bigger changes with the experience. Unfortunately, the bad thing about DeX on the Galaxy Z Flip 7 is that Samsung does nothing to refine it — and I think it's a big missed opportunity — much like the sentiments I had when I tried DeX on the Galaxy S25 Ultra earlier this year. Samsung's the only one who's really offering this kind of feature, even though Motorola has something similar with its Smart Connect feature in some of its phones like the Razr Ultra (2025). The difference is that DeX can run through a wired connection, whereas Smart Connect is exclusively a wireless one. One particular feature I was hoping to see would be something along the lines of Snap Layouts with Windows 11, which would allow for better snapping between the open windows. You're only able to snap two windows at one time, leaving others to float on their own. This continues to be my biggest criticism about DeX because it has the potential to make me more productive if it could do this, but it doesn't. Despite the lack of anything new, Samsung DeX on the Galaxy Z Flip 7 is a big deal. Although I'm disappointed by the lack of innovation around it, there's still time for Samsung to work on it with subsequent updates. It's one of those features you can't appreciate until you begin to use it and realize how much it can satisfy your daily routine. More work is obviously needed before it can totally replace my laptop, but I can tell you from experience how helpful it is to use as a fallback. I like to travel as light as possible, and given the compact size of the Galaxy Z Flip 7 over the Z Fold 7, it proves a point that you can still have the power of a computer in your pocket.
Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Khaleej Times
Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 to debut with One UI 8: Top AI features to look out for
Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 has officially been unveiled — and while the sleek hardware, refined hinge, and stunning 7.6-inch display continue to define the flagship foldable, the real headline is what's happening inside. Meet One UI 8, launching July 25 with Android 16 pre-installed in the new devices, and bringing with it Samsung's most intelligent, AI-native software experience to date. Built specifically for foldables, One UI 8 is more than just a version update. It reimagines how users interact with large-screen devices, combining context-aware AI, multimodal assistance, and next-level multitasking in a seamless way. Here's a look at the top One UI 8 features that elevate the Galaxy Z Fold 7 into a powerhouse. Smarter sound with enhanced Audio Eraser If you shoot videos on your Fold, this one's for you. The Audio Eraser tool is now deeply integrated into the Gallery and powered by enhanced AI. With a single tap, it can detect and remove background noise, whether it's traffic, wind, or crowd chatter — saving you time and improving your content quality without the need for third-party apps. Gemini Live: Multimodal AI built for the big screen With the Z Fold 7, Google's Gemini Live takes full advantage of the foldable's expansive display. It now features multimodal understanding, which means the AI can process what's on your screen or seen via your camera, and respond with real-time, context-rich information. Even better, screen sharing with Gemini allows you to simply point to something, ask a question, and get answers instantly — whether you're planning a trip, analysing a document, or shopping online. Circle to Search The fan-favourite Circle to Search feature is now enhanced with an AI mode that's especially tuned for the large display. Not only can you circle an image or object to learn more, but One UI 8 adds a new "Dive Deeper" function — giving you layered, follow-up results and smart suggestions. Gamers, rejoice: this feature is now optimised for in-game use on the Fold 7. Circle any in-game item — a puzzle, boss, or quest marker — and get real-time tips without exiting your session. Multitasking reimagined with AI The Galaxy Z Fold 7 was made for multitasking, and One UI 8 finally brings the software to match the hardware. AI Results View allows you to pull Gemini's responses into a split screen or floating window, making research and planning more fluid. The new Drag & Drop AI content system means that anything generated — a paragraph, a product list, a summary — can be instantly moved between apps. Samsung also promises more intuitive layout optimisation, letting you maximise space usage across the unfolded display. The new Galaxy Z Fold7 The Galaxy Z Fold7 features Samsung's largest and most refined folding display to date — an expansive 8.0-inch QXGA+ main screen paired with a fully functional 6.5-inch FHD+ cover screen. At just 215g, it's the lightest Fold ever, and at 4.2mm unfolded, also the slimmest. One of the most significant upgrades is the introduction of a 200MP wide-angle rear camera. The device is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chip, with configurations up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage. Availability and pricing in the UAE Samsung has confirmed that the Galaxy Z Fold7 is available for pre-order in the UAE, with retail availability starting from July 25. The price for the Galaxy Z Fold7 starts from Dh7,599 with 12GB RAM and 256GB Storage. It comes in four colours: Silver Shadow, Jet Black, Mint and Blue Shadow. Prices go up to Dh9,349.
Mint
3 days ago
- Mint
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro reportedly receiving Gemini AI support: Details
Gemini is slowly taking over as Google's main assistant and Google Assistant is fading away. We have seen the evidence of this in Google's recent push for Gemini on WearOS watches from Pixel, Samsung, OPPO, OnePlus and Xiaomi. And now, Gemini has also reportedly made its way to a pair of truly wireless earbuds; in this case, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. Android Authority spotted a user on X who said that they received the option to choose Google Gemini as the main voice assistant on their earbuds. On a Samsung device running One UI 8, once they enabled this option, they could use Gemini on the earbuds by saying the "Hey Google" hotword. At the very same time, the publication says it isn't clear if the support is exclusively for One UI 8 devices, or if it would work on devices running One UI 7 as well. Google has been offering Gemini as the standard assistant on a variety of its own Pixel Buds, including the Pixel Buds Pro 2. The new Gemini AI integration now offers full access to Google Gemini. The good part is that Gemini is available on all Google Pixel Buds models. However, Google has specified several conditions to use Gemini on the Pixel Buds, including: having an Android device with Android 10 or later, having the latest version of the Gemini app installed, having the latest version of the Google app installed, and having the latest version of the Google Pixel Buds app installed. You then need to set Gemini as your default voice assistant. You can ask Gemini to do a variety of things on the Google Pixel Buds, and now the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, including saying, "Hey, Google," and then asking something, like summarising emails that you may have received today, creating a workout, adding events to your calendar, and more.
