Category: Android News

One UI 5 Beta Program Now Open for Galaxy S21 Series
Samsung has finally opened its One UI 5 Beta testing program for the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+ & Galaxy S21 Ultra smartphones. It is now officially recruiting users in South Korea, and soon it will open in other countries. After Galaxy S22 series, the last year’s flagship models are the second to get the beta version. The users who participated have a chance to use all the Android 13 features before others, and send their feedback to the company.
In the One UI 5.0 firmware update, Samsung has introduced many new features, improved existing ones, and listened to the users to fix several bugs. The notification center has been enhanced to display better visuals, app icons, and other minor changes. It has also sped up animation to get smooth performance.
The Galaxy S22 series will get a stable version in the mid of October, and in the same month, the Galaxy S21 series may also receive a stable version. The Galaxy S21 could also get the One UI 4.1.1 version in the coming days.
Yesterday, Samsung has launched a major camera update for the Galaxy S21 series, and now it is rolling out another major update.
To participate in the beta testing program, users should open the Samsung Members app and sign up for the program. Once they sign up for the program, then they can download the beta firmware on their Galaxy S21 smartphones.
Source
August 30, 2022
Galaxy Z Fold 4 & Flip 4 Pre-Orders Started in India
Samsung has officially announced its new foldable phones Galaxy Z Fold 4 & Flip 4 in India. Both products are now available for pre-orders in the country with a couple of offers. The company has increased the prices of both devices compared to the previous foldable. With the Fold 4, users can also choose the 1TB memory option, which has the first time launched with the new device. It will cost Rs. 1,84,499 for the 12GB + 1TB storage option.
In the Flip 4 range, Samsung has even introduced a new Bespoke Edition with only one storage option. In the different color options, you can choose Bespoke Edition in 12GB RAM + 256GB memory option. The Flip 4 special edition is available for Rs. 97,999.
The Z Fold 4 12GB + 256GB option is priced at Rs. 1,54,999, and 12GB + 512GB memory option is available for Rs. 1,64,999. The clamshell designed Z Flip 4 comes in two options – 8GB + 128GB and 8GB + 256GB memory option.
The Flip 4 8GB + 128GB has a price tag of Rs. 89,999, and 8GB + 256GB has Rs. 94,999. The Fold 4 is available in Gray-green, Phantom Black, and Beige color options. The Flip 4 is available in Graphite, Bora Purple, and Pink & Gold color options.
There are also promotional offers by the company on both products. In India, users can purchase it from Samsung.com, Flipkart, Amazon, and other offline stores. Users can also pre-book, Galaxy Watch 5 series and Galaxy Buds 2 Pro products in India.
August 16, 2022
Early Feedback by Users in One UI 5.0 Beta Firmware
Yesterday, Samsung has rolled out Android 13-based One UI 5.0 beta software for the Galaxy S22 series. It is now available in Germany & South Korea, and many users have now downloaded it on their smartphones. In this little time, most of the users are now sharing their feedback on social media & Samsung community platforms. Looking at the post shared by Users, it looks like most of the users are satisfied with the current beta version, though there is some negative feedback too.
In the positive feedback, users share they have noticed improved One UI Home animation. It is much faster and more responsive compared to the One UI 4.0 version. Samsung has mentioned enhancing this section, and it has worked hard to achieve it.
The quick panel has been redesigned and the app icons have been enlarged. The quick panel has improved a lot, and the new design is much more neat and concise. It has also brought separate language settings for every app, so you can set it differently as you prefer.
In One UI 5.0, the company has given the choice to make smart widgets by overlapping widgets. Previously, you have to go to the Widget section to create a smart widget, but now you can do it by combining many widgets.
In the negative feedback, many users mention that some apps are not working in the first beta version. Well, some apps may crash in the early version. These app issues will be solved in the next beta version, where Samsung might open it in more countries.
Source (Korean)
August 6, 2022
One UI 5.0 Beta Update for Galaxy S22 Released
In a big update, Samsung is releasing the One UI 5.0 beta software update for Galaxy S22 series smartphones. The Android 13-based beta version is now rolling out in South Korea & Germany. It is a big surprise for users, as Samsung first gives prior notice to users that the beta testing program will start soon. Later, after a few weeks, it was officially released. This year, it has directly dispatched a beta version. It may be because of the delay in the previously scheduled schedule.
In a new One UI 5.0 beta version, users can test new features, changes, and other services before others. It brings changes to the notification center, app icons, increased background opacity, and many more.
The Optical character recognition, app permission pop-up menu, improvements in the Gallery app, and speed and smoothness in animation are major highlights in the Android 13 version. Some changes have directly borrowed from Google’s Android 13 skin.
The users of Galaxy S22, S22+ & S22 Ultra can apply and download the beta firmware version. You can identify the new beta version by S90*BXXU2ZHV4 firmware number. It is an initial build, so there may be some bugs in the software code.
Samsung will soon release a beta update for Galaxy S21 series, Galaxy S20 series, Galaxy Note 20 series, Galaxy Z Fold 3, and Galaxy Z Flip 3 smartphones. It will soon roll out in other countries in the coming days. In supported countries, it will be available in the US, UK, Poland, India & China.
Source
August 5, 2022
Galaxy Z Fold 4 & Flip 4 to See Increment in Memory Storage
A new source has claimed memory expansion on the next Galaxy Z fold 4 & Flip 4 foldable. The source for Fold 4 & Flip 4 is from SamMobile, and we know how they are trusty when it comes to Samsung products. The tech website now claims Samsung will offer a Flip 4 with a 512GB internal storage option. It is the first time the company will offer that much storage on its clamshell foldable.
On Galaxy Z Flip & Flip 3, Samsung has only offered 256GB storage space. The first flip phone launched in 2020, and at that time, the company was dealing with many problems. The demand for new smartphones was very low, so obviously the production was also low.
Now, everything is in Samsung’s favor including market shares, and it doesn’t want to miss the chance. Further, the company has removed microSD slots from all its flagship phones, so more storage will give relief for hard users who want to save everything on their phones.
The other Galaxy Z Fold 4 is to see memory expansion this year. As per the report from the same source, highly confident in 1TB internal memory storage. SamMobile mentions that this time Fold 4 will have a 1TB storage option. It will be the first time any phone offers such a huge amount of storage.
Most users may not require this amount of storage, but as we said, there are power users who might use it. Also, the technology is moving ahead like 4K camera recording consumes much space. In this situation, Samsung might want to stay ready. Will you buy a foldable phone with such a crazy amount of storage?
June 8, 2022
Galaxy S22 Camera Features Released for Galaxy Z Fold 3 & Flip 3
Samsung is now bringing plenty of new Galaxy S22 camera features to Galaxy Z Fold 3 & Flip 3. These features have already rolled out for Galaxy S21 series, and now it comes to foldable phones. In May, Samsung announced to release of these new camera functions to its older devices, and it started with Galaxy S21. For the Galaxy Z Fold 3 & Flip 3, it seeded the telephoto lens support in Pro mode. It is a useful camera feature for many users and it is good that the company has brought it.
Night photography has also been added with a telephoto lens in portrait mode, which offers stunning and bright portraits in the darkness. In supported video mode & video call, users will get auto picture adjustment. It provides a zoom-in & zoom-out tracking function by knowing the positions of up to 10 people within a 5-meter distance.
Further, it has also improved the video call effect that you can use with third-party video calling apps. The company says it supports WhatsApp, Google Meets, Duo, Microsoft Teams, Facebook Messenger, Zoom, BlueJeans, and more video calling apps.
With the camera enhancement, users can take better quality pictures default camera apps, and social media apps. Recently, Galaxy Z Fold 3 has received Expert RAW app support. Now, with additional features, Samsung enhanced camera quality on foldable phones.
The software update is now rolling out in the European region, starting with Germany & Italy. You will soon receive it in your country. The firmware version F926BXXU1CVEB is seeded on Fold 3, and the version F711BXXU2CVEB for Flip 3. To get the update head to the Settings – Software update section of your smartphone.
June 8, 2022
Smart Widgets Function Comes to Galaxy Z Fold 2 in June Update
Samsung is one by one releasing its smart widgets function to foldable phones. After successfully installing it on newer Galaxy Z Fold 3 & Flip 3 devices, it is now coming for the previous Galaxy Z Fold 2. First, it was introduced on Galaxy S22 series and then launched for other flagship models. On your foldable device, the function will save space on the home screen and receives contextual information.
In this version, the settings related to ‘Apps from Unknown Sources’ have been improved. Since last week, Samsung is also rolling out this new setting to its major devices. As we covered, it has been installed on Galaxy Z Fold 3, Flip 3, Galaxy S21 series, Note 20 series, and Galaxy S20 series smartphones.
The added App-related settings let you control malicious apps by blocking them. Also, users can select the ‘Disallow All’ option to get rid of all the listed malicious apps. Further, it has fixed known bugs to improve user experience.
The latest software also brings a June security patch to the Galaxy Z Fold 2. The previous June update has been rolled out for Galaxy Tab S7 series and Galaxy S21 series devices. The firmware is available to download in South Korea, and it will soon cover other countries.
You can identify the new version with the F916NKSU1FVE9 sequence number. It is 1.2GB in size, so I recommend you download it on a Wi-Fi network. To check for a new update, go to Settings – Software Update, and tap on Download & install option.
June 2, 2022
Galaxy Z Flip 3 Gets Smart Widget Function
Samsung has now brought the smart widget function to Galaxy Z Flip 3 foldable phone. Last week, it was successfully released for Galaxy Z Fold 3 smartphone, and now another device received it. The smart widget function is already available for flagship Galaxy S21, Galaxy S22 & Galaxy Note 20 series devices. As Galaxy Note_Fold in charge said, it rolled out just before June for both foldable phones. It is a useful feature for most of the users, so they were curious about its release date.
The smart widget will gather all essential widgets in one place to utilize screen space. It shows context-sensitive information on the front which matters to you.
To install the smart widget on Galaxy Z Flip 3, press & hold on the wallpaper screen. It will show you the Widget selection option on the below side. Open the Widget section, and here, you can select the smart widget option.
Along with it, Samsung brings extra security to Flip 3 in the Apps from Unknow Source section. It added to disallow all apps which have been silently downloaded on the device. It will secure the device and block unwanted malicious apps.
The firmware update F711NKSU2CVEE for Galaxy Z Flip 3 rolling out in South Korea. It will soon release in other regions.
May 31, 2022
Samsung’s Solution Against Malicious Apps Come to Galaxy Note 20
Samsung is today seeding new software updates for Galaxy Note 20 & Note 20 Ultra smartphones. The latest version brings extra security to the device from malicious apps. On May 18, Samsung announced to release of a solution to tackle the problem with app installation from unknown sources. After the installation, users have more control over the apps to decide whether to allow them or block them entirely. It adds new setting options in the Unknown Sources section on Galaxy Note 20 & Note 20 Ultra.
Samsung has added the “Disallow All” function to the device, where users can entirely block malicious apps. When the user activates this function, then the smartphone will not respond to any suspicious apps from unknown sources. It will also show you a list of unidentified apps and let you control each app. The previous settings to install third-party apps will not go anywhere. If you trust the app, then you can also change the settings in the Unknown Sources section. By mistake, if you install a malicious app, then it will alert & warn you to take action.
Samsung says the new security solution will guard users against voice phishing. It will block the installation of apps with a verified history of use for voice phishing. The new app security update was first supposed to release for Galaxy S21 & Galaxy S22 series devices, but Note 20 comes first in line. The latest firmware version N98*NKSU1FVE9 has been released in South Korea. It is 1.2GB in size and carries a May security patch. The other Galaxy S21 & Galaxy S22 devices will soon receive this version.
May 25, 2022
Samsung Opens One UI 4.1 Beta for Galaxy M31 & M32
In the surprize mode, Samsung has released One UI 4.1 beta updates for mid-range Galaxy M31 & Galaxy M32 smartphones. It is beat surprise both M series devices were not the part of One UI 4 beta version, but the company has opened the One UI 4.1 beta testing program. Since yesterday, Samsung’s flagship models have been receiving the latest One UI 4.1 version. For now, the new version has reached to Galaxy S21 series, Z Fold 3 & Flip 3 smartphones.
The beta program has opened in India, but within a few hours, it has closed due to a huge response. The Galaxy M31 & Galaxy M32 smartphones are currently running on the previous Android 11-based One UI 3.1 software. As per Samsung’s Indian schedule, Galaxy M31 will get an Android 12 update in May, and Galaxy M32 & M32 5G will get it in June 2022. Now, by looking at a current beta program, devices will jump to the One UI 4.1 version instead of the 4.0 version.
To participate in the beta testing program, you should visit the Samsung Members app. The login banner will appear in the Notices section.
Sadly, all the seats are full for now, but you can count on the next beta (if there is any). Talking about the current beta, users say Galaxy M31 received M315FDDU2ZVB8, and Galaxy M32 receives M325FDDU2ZVB4 firmware numbers.
March 16, 2022
One UI 4.1 Update Released for Galaxy S21 Series
Yesterday, Samsung announced the One UI 4.1 version for older Galaxy smartphones. It is now rolling out for Galaxy Z Fold 3 & Flip 3 smartphones in some countries. Looks like foldable phones are not the only devices that are receiving the update. The Galaxy S21 users are also getting One UI 4.1 updates in Canada. As per the Galaxy S moderator in South Korea, the update was supposed to release early next week in the home country. Now, the rollout indicates the statement is only applicable for South Korean users.
According to the users in Canada, Galaxy S21 series receive a new firmware version G99*WVLU5CVBA in the country. With the One UI 4.1 version, Samsung has brought plenty of new features including camera functions. Not all the camera features will land on three devices. The S21 Ultra users can use the Expert RAW app and all other added features. For Galaxy S21 & S21+ models, the company brings Night portrait mode for the front camera, Lightning position editing, Telephoto lens support for portrait video, and enhanced Director’s view.
Further, it comes with separate storage for front & rear camera videos and pop-up window control functions. Apart from that, it gets Google Duo integration and Snapchat for Samsung services. Finally, it includes updates for Gallery, Samsung Health, Calendar, and Samsung Keyboard apps. The new version is available in Canada, and it comes with Android’s February security patch.
March 16, 2022
Second Beta for Galaxy Z Fold 3 & Flip 3 Now Rolling Out
Right after the Android 12 update for Galaxy S21 series, Samsung has released a second beta version for Galaxy Z Fold 3 & Z Flip 3 phones. Two weeks ago, both foldable phones have joined the beta testing program, and now receiving their second beta with plenty of fixes. The firmware version ‘ZUKA’ has been deployed to solve major issues and know bugs. As per the changelog, it has improved camera-related & lock screen-related behavior. The freeze, blur, and slowness issues have been tackled for the lock screen in the latest beta.
The Wi-Fi automatic connection error and the screen not working at a 120Hz refresh rate have also been solved. The known bugs in rebooting the device and screen freeze are also on the radar to get a better experience. On the cover screen, users will get enhancement in incoming text overlapping, widgets, and GIF settings. The stuttering behavior has improved when sharing the batteries. Further, it has talked about known issues with the Camera app, Samsung Health app, and other services.
In this version, Samsung has a list of errors that have been solved quickly, and it is a good sign to move to a stable version. The update is currently rolling out in the home country, and soon to enter other countries. As per the official roadmap in South Korea & Brazil, Galaxy Z Fold 3 & Z Flip 3 will receive a stable Android 12 update in December 2021.
November 16, 2021
Samsung Announced official Android 12 Roadmap for Galaxy Devices
Samsung is finally starting to announce an official roadmap for Android 12-based One UI 4 update to its Galaxy devices. The first schedule has now been spotted in Brazil, where the company has announced when the Galaxy devices will receive a stable Android 12 update. Note that this schedule is for Brazil, so other devices in major countries may receive it before these dates or later these dates. Like Telus operator in Canada has announced Galaxy S21 will get Android 12 version on November 23.
According to the post, the new Galaxy Z Fold 3 will first receive a major update in December. The Galaxy S21 series will be getting it in January along with Galaxy Z Flip, Fold, Fold 2 & Flip 3 devices. In February, Samsung will roll out a new version for its older flagship devices. The Galaxy S20, S20 FE, Note 20, Galaxy S10+, A52s, A72 & Tab S7 will join the squad in February. In March, Galaxy S10, S10e, S10 Lite, Note 10, Note 10+, Note 10 Lite, and A52 have been scheduled.
The Galaxy M62 will be the first M series model to receive it in May. The new Tab S7 FE, Tab S6, Tab S6 Lite will get it in May along with Galaxy A51 & Galaxy M52. All the remaining mid-range smartphones, tablets, and older devices have been listed in June 2022 and later months.
As we said earlier, the schedule is only for Brazil. If you look at the past, then these dates may change. The major countries like the US, the UK, Germany, South Korea, India & China may receive a totally different roadmap. Refer images below for exact schedule.
Schedule Image 2
Schedule Image 3
Schedule Image 4
Source
November 13, 2021
Galaxy S21 One UI 4 Beta 4 Tackles Plenty of Bugs Fixes
It is the month of November and we are heading to the stable version of Android 12 or Android S. As talking for Samsung Galaxy S21, Galaxy Z Fold 3 & Flip 3, they have been testing with new beta versions. The Galaxy S21 series is today receiving the fourth installment of the One UI 4 Beta update. The new beta version has tackled some serious bugs to the devices, reports SamMobile. As per the news, it has resolved the Wi-Fi hotspot not working issue as well as decreased performance while selecting the highest screen resolution.
The stretch effect that enables when reaching the end of the screen has been removed by Samsung for no reason. The company had added stretch effect in the previous beta and quickly removed it in the current one. The problem with phone restarting during a voice call, keypad stopped forcibly while typing, and One UI Home force terminate & restart while closing recent apps have been solved. Further, you can see improvements with fingerprint, stock apps, and other settings in the new beta update.
It could be the last beta for Galaxy S21 series. The Beta Operation Manager has recently announced it will not recruit more users in the beta program. The Good Lock & Galaxy Labs modules are slowly updating in the support for the Android 12 version. The Galaxy S Manager has hinted the stable version will roll out by December. For Galaxy S20 & Galaxy Note 20 devices, the One UI 4 Beta will start in the current month.
Source
November 3, 2021
More Galaxy Phones receiving One UI 3.1.1 Features
The One UI 3.1.1 features are no longer exclusive to the new Galaxy Z Fold 3 & Flip 3. Only Galaxy foldable phones will indeed receive One UI 3.1.1 update, but some features are coming to older models. Last week, Galaxy Z Fold 2 & Z Flip received it along with firmware change. Now, more devices are getting some of the features of One UI 3.1.1. Along with Galaxy Fold, Galaxy A52 4G, Galaxy M21 are getting the new features. In that, Galaxy Fold receives new functions along with One UI 3.1.1 firmware change.
The first-gen Galaxy Fold can now use the taskbar, which is a shortcut for your favorite apps. The drag & split let you open the URL in the split-screen mode instead of in the new tab. In the Rotate all Apps, it forces all apps to open in landscape orientation, and also you can set Custom Aspect Ratio to the app. The improvements to the Multi-active window where you can open three apps side-by-side, let users choose the width & the height of opened apps. The Galaxy Fold also got a new Bedtime mode in the notification bar.
The other smartphones Galaxy A52 & Galaxy M21 have received Bedtime mode and some UI changes along with app icons. The Samsung Pay Mini service has come to Galaxy M21 with the update. On all these devices, the ads in the core apps including the Weather app have been removed. The new firmware on these three phones also brings camera load, animation, and pop-menu load faster, and Samsung Messages get a direct video call option.
The Galaxy Fold, Galaxy A52 & Galaxy M21 get firmware version F907NKOU3FUHB, A525FXXU4AUH3, and M215FXXU2BUH6 with September security patch, respectively. The Galaxy A52 & M21 updates rolling out in India, while Galaxy Fold is in South Korea, and some parts of Europe.
September 7, 2021
Galaxy S21 Camera Features Come to Galaxy A52
Galaxy A52 launched with every feature that a mid-range smartphone must-have in the first place. It is the next successor of the Galaxy A51 and comes with plenty of enhanced features over the last one. It has a better camera, improved battery, display, and chipset. Now, in the new software version, Galaxy A52 has received more camera features and improvements for the existing functions. First, Samsung has added some Galaxy S21 Camera features to the Galaxy A52 smartphone. It has added three effects in Portrait mode for a better camera experience.
In the camera Portrait mode, users can now use high-key mono, low-key mono, and backdrop effect. These effects will let you change the background color to black, white, or the one which has been selected by the camera app. The update also promises better camera quality & performance after the installation. Further, users will experience better call quality and stability in the touch screen performance. Finally, the company has applied advanced security to the device.
The firmware version A525FXXU1AUD2, and it is rolling out in Indonesia. The file size is 415MB in size, and Samsung has also brought an April security patch for the Galaxy A52. If you are waiting for this new firmware, then check for any pending updates. This version will soon launch in the other regions in the coming days or weeks.
April 27, 2021