Latest news with #SammyFans
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Samsung just dropped four widely used midrange Galaxy phones from its update plans
Samsung has removed four Galaxy models from its monthly security patch roadmap as of August 2025: the Galaxy A22, F22, M32, and M42 5G. All were launched in 2021 with a promise of two major Android upgrades and four years of security updates. Those terms have been fulfilled, and all mention of the models was quietly removed from the Korean tech giant's upgrade plans (Source: Sammy Fans). Good night, sweet midrangers We hardly knew ye Over the past couple of years, Samsung has dramatically expanded its software support commitments. Its recent flagship lineup now benefits from up to seven years of security updates and seven Android upgrades. Even mid-range Galaxy A and F series are now routinely guaranteed several full OS versions and years of patches. Still, the A22, F22, M32, and M42 5G are relatively old by today's standards, having completed their full support term. Samsung dropped them from the August plan without fanfare, giving them their last updates amid widespread circulation of One UI 8 and Android 16. If you're using one of these models, expect no more patches or firmware updates. Your phone will keep working, but any newly discovered vulnerabilities will go unpatched. That's a critical risk if the device holds sensitive data. For users reliant on stronger guarantees, Samsung's most recent 2025-era devices offer the safest bet, with robust hardware and extended support lifespans. While you might not personally own an A22, F22, M32, or M42 5G, this update cutoff is a crystal clear warning. If Samsung ends support for these entry-level and budget mid-range phones, it's a fair assumption that later entries in those families — especially those nearing their fourth year on the market — will be next in line. For example, Galaxy A32 or A33 models could easily follow suit once their promised update window closes in the coming month. Samsung's proactive software policy page continues receiving monthly updates, giving users visibility into what's coming and what's going. Most OEMs lack that kind of transparency. So, while Samsung is upping its update game across premium and mid-tier, these older Galaxy A, F, and M phones have run their course. If you're still using one, now might be the time to plan at least a generational upgrade, if not a jump to a much longer-supported Galaxy phone.
Forbes
25-07-2025
- Forbes
Google's Unbeatable Pixel Update Leaves Samsung Behind Again
Bad news for Galaxy owners. Ignore the PR-fueled product launches and exciting new software features. There's a major problem weighing down Android and it's now getting worse. It's hard to see how this is fixed without some major changes in how Android actually runs. Samsung is Android's most important manufacturer, with a user base that dwarfs all but China's leading OEMs. It's sells ten times more phones than Google's Pixel, for example. And yet Android itself is run by Google, which means the company both supplies and competes with other OEMs. It's hardly a surprise that Pixel is first to everything. This is especially acute when it comes to security and privacy. With new features, such as network defense, live threat protection or scam detection, Pixel is there first. And the same is true for monthly security bulletins and new versions of Android's OS. Samsung was so late with One UI 7 and Android 15, that Pixel was rolling out Android 16 by the time Galaxy users were getting the prior version. Per SamMobile, 'the One UI 7.0 delay becoming the new normal would be disaster for Samsung.' And yet the bad news for Samsung users, it seems, is that we are here again. SammyFans warns that 'One UI 8 is facing endless delays as Samsung repeats One UI 7 mistakes,' with 'a concerning pattern of poor communication and confusing release strategies that have become all too familiar to Galaxy users.' Just as with the Galaxy S25 and Android 15, new phones still come first. This is about the tail, especially when it comes to recent $1000-plus flagships. 'While new devices like the Fold7 and Flip7 come with One UI 8 pre-installed, existing customers are left guessing about when their phones will get it, raising questions about why Samsung keeps struggling to be clear about software updates.' Meanwhile, Google is making headlines with its Pixel 10 teases and is also rolling out its 'new Android Canary 2507 for Pixel devices.' This replaces the old developer previews and it not for everyday users wanting to beta test. But it's still Pixel-centric. While all this is a good Pixel strategy, it's a terrible Android strategy. With background speculation that China's key OEMs could start to look to Huawei's independence as a model for the future with a Chinese-owned OS instead of Google's Android, the stakes are high. At some point this becomes a decision for Samsung to stick or twist. 'Samsung's ongoing struggles with communication point to bigger problems that need serious attention,' SammyFans says, 'not just quick fixes.' And while Samsung needs to 'sort this out,' the reality is that it can't do so until there's a different way of working across Android. The reality, though, is that we're heading in the wrong direction.
Forbes
11-06-2025
- Forbes
Google Confirms Unstoppable Pixel Update—Tick-Tock For Samsung
Pixels first again — the clock is ticking for others. Pixel comes first. That has just been made clear once again, with Google confirming the release of Android 16 'rolling out first to supported Pixel devices with more phone brands to come later this year.' The clock is now ticking for Samsung. This is the latest foray in Google's mission to narrow the security gap with iPhone, and critically Android 16 brings Advanced Protection Mode, which makes an Android phone more like an iPhone, restricting sideloading along with other safeguards. With this Android 16 release to all supported Pixels, Google says, you can now activate its 'strongest mobile device protection.' This enables 'security features that protect you from online attacks, harmful apps, unsafe websites, scam calls and more. Whether you're a public figure or you just prioritize security, Advanced Protection gives you greater peace of mind that you're protected against the most sophisticated attacks.' Google says 'this is the earliest Android has launched a major release in the last few years, which ensures you get the latest updates as soon as possible on your devices.' Good news for Pixel owners. Less good news for Samsung owners rocking a new Galaxy flagship. There is a relatively short window before those users will expect an upgrade. According to SammyFans, while there's 'confirmation it will arrive earlier than usual, marking a significant change in how Samsung releases software updates,' there's no firm date. 'The company is targeting an ambitious summer 2025 stable release timeline, potentially arriving as early as July, months ahead of its traditional fall update.' Advanced Protection Mode is less a change for Samsung users than Pixel users, given Samsung has already taken steps to restrict risky activity on its devices. But I recommend users enable the setting anyway. It's a single click to be much safer, and it stops inadvertent activity that might see your data (or worse) compromised. Per Engadget, with this Android 16 release Google has also 'tied all of its security features together, so users can now be protected from 'online attacks, harmful apps, unsafe websites, scam calls and more in just a tap'. This includes new scam detection features that were previewed back in May.' All critical given the raft of ongoing attacks. After the nightmare One UI 7 delays — both for beta and stable releases, the expedited One UI 8 (Android 16) beta has landed more favorably, but the stable rollout schedule is all that really matters. Users of Galaxy S22 series and above, covering the last three years, will be especially keen to see upgrades beyond the S25 and S24, and this year's new foldables, which should run One UI 8 out of the box from next month.
Hindustan Times
08-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Samsung Galaxy A56, A36 get this flagship Gemini feature with latest May update: Report
Samsung's Galaxy A56 and Galaxy A36, the latest additions to the A Series, have received a brand-new update that introduces the ability to trigger Gemini using the side button. This functionality comes with the May 2025 update and has been rolled out for the Galaxy A56 and A36, as reported by Sammy Fans. Essentially, this update enables users to activate the Gemini assistant using the side button on both the A56 and A36 models. To trigger Gemini, you can now choose which assistant the side button activates. In your Galaxy phone's settings, you can select between Gemini or Bixby. To launch it, simply press and hold the side button, and the Gemini AI assistant will spring to life. Previously, this feature was exclusive to Samsung's Galaxy S Series, such as the Galaxy S25 series. Samsung's Internet changelog also notes that Gemini now works with other Samsung apps, including Calendar, Notes, Reminders, and even Clock. You can complete tasks in these apps using Gemini. Additionally, you can ask Google Gemini to search for a particular YouTube video and save the results in Samsung Notes, as well as find sports team schedules and add them to your calendar. Also read: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 likely to be world's slimmest foldable- Here's what we know Alongside the AI tricks and quick access to Gemini, both phones also receive Samsung's May 2025 security patch, providing protection against various vulnerabilities and security threats addressed in this update. Reports indicate that Samsung had previously promised to bring the same update to other A Series devices as well. However, it remains to be seen when these features will be rolled out for those models. Also Read: iPhone 18 Pro likely to ditch Dynamic Island for under-display Face ID- Details
Forbes
25-04-2025
- Forbes
Samsung's Android Update—What Galaxy Owners Must Do Now
Here's what Galaxy owners must do Samsung will be delighted to put its One UI 7 rollout in the rearview mirror, and now seems to be accelerating its upgrade process after months of delays and frustrations. In addition to a raft of feature updates, the new OS brings major security and privacy improvements from both Google and Samsung, and a new, Apple-like ecosystem. After waiting so long, Galaxy owners will be keen to jump straight in. But there's a timely note of caution from SammyFans before you do: The "essential practice of downloading apps updates that you should perform after completing the installation." This won't come as a surprise — but it's easy to overlook as your phone reboots. Most of these updates will be around alignment with the new OS to ensure a seamless, bugfree experience. But there will also be security updates and patches that you need. 'A new OS update incorporates security patches and better data protection, which also improves user data stored within the app.' But while updating third-party apps is fairly obvious, you also need to update stock Google apps on your phone and, just as critically, the background Play and other services that run your phone need to be updated. Open both Google's and Samsung's stores and check for updates. You'll also find services updates there. There is a note of caution here. One recent background update that's causing controversy is Google's SafetyCore app. This was installed across Android's ecosystem some months ago without any notification or warning. It provides a content scanning capability that is run on-device and doesn't share data with Google or anyone else. Its first live application is scanning images for nudity within Google Messages, whether those are being sent or received. It's on by default for minors and off for adults. You can find details on disabling this photo scanning and uninstalling SafetyCore here. It's likely to be reinstalled with future Play Services updates though, so check regularly if you do decide you don't want it on your phone. Per SammyFans, here are step-by-step instructions on updating your apps: "Google Play Galaxy Store Just as you finally get Android 15, its successor Android 16 has reached Beta 4. This is due for a stable release in the summer, likely July, and the question now is how much longer will Samsung owners wait behind Pixels for the upgrade. If you have a Galaxy S25 you should certainly expect a fast update. That has now become critical.
