Samsung’s new camera app Expert RAW has finally launched for the latest Galaxy S22, Galaxy S22+ & Galaxy S22 Ultra devices. Also, with the new version, Samsung has released the first stable version of the app. It was first launched for Galaxy S21 Ultra in beta version, and it recently received a 1.0.00.28 beta version. Now, in the stable 1.0.00.29 version, the company has improved some of its functions. The main purpose of the app is to extend the capability of in-built camera performance.
In the Expert RAW app, users can use Linear DNG 16 bit raw with extended dynamic range to produce better pictures in dark to the bright area. It also supports all the lenses on the Galaxy S22 series smartphones – UW, wide, Tele 3x & Tele 10x. It includes professional mode functions such as ISO, EV, Shutter-speed, Histogram, White balance & Manual Focus. Users can create lossless JPEG images and also control the HDR function. With the High-efficiency option, users can manage their storage space.
Finally, through Adobe Lightroom, users will get extra capabilities and dedicated profiling. The stable version will only support Android 12 or a higher version. The Expert RAW stable version is now available in Galaxy Store for Galaxy S22 series. The Galaxy S21 Ultra will get the stable version on March 07, and Galaxy Z Fold 3 sometime in April. The remaining supported Galaxy S20 Ultra, Note 20 Ultra & Z Fold 2 will get the app in first half of this year.
Every user thought Samsung has stopped supporting Galaxy Fit 2, and there will not be any update in the future for the band. Now with the surprise, Samsung has released a new firmware update for the Galaxy Fit 2 that brings major features. The company has brought a Camera Controller feature for the smart band. Apart from that, the users will see a call rejection message on the main screen. Further, it has added the Rope Jumping counting feature to the fitness tracker.
The camera controller feature is not new to Galaxy Watch users. It has launched with Galaxy Watch Active 2, and since then, it is part of every Galaxy smartwatch. Even the Fit 2 rivals like Mi Smart Band 5 & Band 6 support it. The feature is only supported with Samsung Galaxy devices and Android 7.0 or higher versions. It is not confirmed whether the controller function will come to other non-Samsung smartphones.
The previous update for the Fit 2 was distributed at the starting of last year, and since then, the fitness tracker never received any single software. Most users are waiting for the next-gen Galaxy Fit 3, but there is no word from Samsung about it. The latest 2.16MB firmware version R220XXU1AVB8 is available in India & South Korea, and soon, it will come to other countries. Head to the Galaxy Wearable app to install a new version.
Samsung has finally revealed which previous Galaxy devices will get the Expert RAW support. As expected, only high-end Galaxy smartphones are lucky to use the app with a regular camera. As per the official list, Galaxy S22, Galaxy S22 Plus & Galaxy S22 Ultra devices will get the app at the end of this month. Later, the previous Galaxy S21 Ultra will get it, but as it has already received a beta version, it will receive a stable version in March. Samsung has excluded Galaxy S21 & Galaxy S21+ from the list. In the foldable phone, Galaxy Z Fold 3 will get the app in April, and Z Fold 2 is scheduled for H1 2022. Sadly, the app is not available for Galaxy Z Flip series models.
For even old models, only Galaxy S20 Ultra & Galaxy Note 20 Ultra are listed for the Expert RAW app. The Camera Manager explains other devices like Galaxy S20, S20+ Note 20 & Z Flip 3 don’t have the required features, so they will not get the support.
Here is the official answer from Camera Manager why some Galaxy devices are not supported the Expert RAW app.
The 64MP telephoto lens mounted on the S21, S21+, S20, S20+, Note20, etc. is a 1.1x optical zoom lens, providing hybrid zoom in photo and other modes. However, since Expert RAW requires at least 2x optical zoom magnification and Bayer RAW output at that magnification, please understand that this model is inevitably not supported.
For supporting Galaxy models, Samsung has taken these criteria in mind to launch the app.
AP Exynos 990, SM8250 or higher;
More than 8 gigabytes of memory,
A model equipped with a telephoto lens that supports Bayer RAW with an optical zoom magnification of 2x or more
In the previous report, an official member has mentioned the stable version of the Expert RAW app will launch on February 25 for Galaxy S22 series. At current, the Expert RAW app is available for only Galaxy S21 Ultra.
Samsung has launched the Expert RAW app for Galaxy S21 Ultra in November with the promise to release it for more devices. The app gives extra wings to photography lovers to take better pictures from their smartphones. Now, Samsung has decided to bring this app to more Galaxy devices in the current month. In the official answer, Camera in Charge has mentioned that the company will release the Expert RAW app on February 25 for more Galaxy devices. On the same day, the app will also come out from its beta version to a fully stable version.
The Camera in Charge has stated the app will not come to every Galaxy device, but only high-end or flagship models will get it. In the answer, he has also tried to clue it might only release for Ultra models like Galaxy Z Fold 3, Flip 3, Galaxy S20 Ultra, Note 20 Ultra, and newly launched Galaxy S22 Ultra models. For the supported devices, the company will look for all the models from the last two years. Though before any conclusion it is better to wait to see an official list.
Further, he mentioned there is also less chance app will come to Galaxy A series devices, not even high-end Galaxy A72 & Quantum 2 devices. Samsung has promised to announce the list of supported devices before February 25. The company says it will sort out devices according to the AP and lens sensor specifications.
Garmin is very serious when it comes to new software updates for its all smartwatches and fitness trackers. Where last week the new Venu 2 Plus gets its first software, now the latest Fenix 7 lineup & Epix 2 watches are receiving their first software updates. The new firmware version 7.24 has been assigned to both smartwatches that comes with some major fixes and improvements. In the new version, Garmin Epix 2 has gained a display never turns off features when on the wrist. It has added after many users complained about it.
As per the changelog, both watches have received, “Added the ability to tap the left side of an item in the alarm list to edit that alarm. The right side of the item still toggles on/off, and press and hold anywhere still opens edit as well.” Apart from that, Garmin has fixed many other functions. Here is the full list of changes in the 7.24 version.
For both Fenix 7 series & Epix 2:
Added the ability to tap the left side of an item in the alarm list to edit that alarm. The right side of the item still toggles on/off, and press and hold anywhere still opens edit as well.
Fixed potential shutdown when using Wifi.
Fixed issue where a user could get stuck in saving spinner in Health Snapshot.
Fixed Satellite setting for “Max Accuracy” power mode (multi-band models).
Fixed potential shutdown in indoor climb activities.
A fixed potential issue with post-activity summary for pool swim activities.
Fixed issue with Race Predictor watches faces Pace and Time.
Fixed issue with button operation in Wallet pin entry.
Improvements were made to on-device sleep detection and sleep staging.
Improved vehicle position on a map.
Improved Wifi for some network types that previously had issues.
Only for Epix 2:
The display will now never turn off when on the wrist.
Set display on/off as a default power control and added to the existing power controls if necessary.
Fixed a UI issue in InReach messaging.
It is a public rollout and you can now install the latest firmware on your new Garmin smartwatches. The rollout will take a few days to reach all the regions, so wait until it hits your country.
While other Wear OS smartwatches are waiting for Wear OS 3 version, Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 4 series has received Wear OS 3.2 version. In the massive firmware, the South Korean company has seeded plenty of new features to the watch. The company always releases new updates, but this one also changes software version, which means Google has also part into it. Yesterday, Google has further announced updated Google Assistant & YouTube Music streaming for the Galaxy Watch 4.
Both the Assistant & YouTube Music will come later, but Samsung has already launched many new features. Users can now get eight new watch faces along with Galaxy S22 live wallpaper. The Sleep Coach function will guide users to achieve improved sleep, and the Centr app will provide tips and insight for Body composition. The watch will automatically turn off SmartThing connected devices when you are asleep. The new Orientation function lets users change the direction of the watch, so left-handed users can use it better.
Coming to the point, when Samsung is receiving another major update with Wear OS 3.2, other companies are still silent. Fossil & Mobvoi have confirmed to launch a new version of their Fossil Gen 6 & TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra in 2022. Now, the first month has already passed, but still, there is no sign of an update for the smartwatches. Like Samsung, other Wear OS partners should release major updates faster.
After taking months of a gap, Samsung has issued a major firmware update for Galaxy Watch 4 & Watch 4 Classic. The Galaxy Watch 4 duo launched with tons of features, and now, the company has added some more essential functions. With the new software version, the users will get a sweat loss monitor, sleep coach, matching straps & new watch faces. At the time of Christmas, Samsung has introduced some exclusive watch faces, and now, there are more with matching straps.
For the Watch 4, users can purchase new watch straps from Samsung or other partner retailers from February 10. It has announced Sport Band, Fabric Band & Link Bracelet straps, and the same colors of watch faces in the Galaxy Wearable app. In the health section, the company has given a sweat loss monitor that measures how much sweat you have lost during the workout sessions. The real-time VO2 Max percentage and Recovery heart rate functions will also help daily workout users.
New Galaxy Watch 4 Straps
New Galaxy Watch 4 Features
The Sleep Coach function gives you a custom mode to set your sleeping habit to receive a better sleep score. It also provides personalized tips based on your sleep and automatically switches off connected SmartThing devices when you went to sleep. Finally, the Body composition target mode will help you to stay with healthy habits to achieve your fitness goal. The new software update will start rolling out on February 10 for Galaxy Watch 4 & Watch 4 Classic
The new Expert RAW app has become an essential tool for camera performance. It is initially supporting on Galaxy S21 Ultra, though soon available for other flagship models. It is today receiving a third improvement update 1.0.00.21 to enhance the capability of the app, and to put all the broken pieces in the original place. As per the changelog shared by Ice Universe, the new version fixes issues with bad pixels while using a telephoto lens. There is also a fix for image quality in highly bright or saturated schenes.
In the previous version 1.0.00.16, the company had made its promise by providing better UI design for Adobe Lightroom. It had even fixed issues regarding picture quality in low light performance. With the 1.0.00.21 app update, users can see the clear difference in enhanced camera quality. It is not confirmed but the problem with shutter speed when getting long exposure images, and compatibility with voice command may have been fixed.
The Expert RAW app is exclusive to the Galaxy S21 Ultra since its launching in November last year. As per the Camera Incharge in Samsung Community, more devices will get support. The expected devices to receive the app are Galaxy S21, S21+, S20, S20+, S20 Ultra, Note 20, Note 20+, Note 20 Ultra, and the entire Galaxy Z Fold & Flip series. The compatible device list will be announced in February along with Galaxy S22 & One UI 4.1 launch event.
In February, Samsung will announce Galaxy S22 series devices, and with it, Samsung will release the next One UI 4.1 version. Later one by one, the new version will come to older Galaxy devices. As per the information shared by Galaxy S Manager, in February, the Galaxy S21 series & Galaxy Note 20 series phones will first receive the upcoming One UI version. Now, as per the spotted firmware, Samsung is already started working on a new version for the Galaxy S21 lineup.
The leaked firmware shows, the number G99*BXXU4CVA2 has been assigned to the Galaxy S21 models. Though Galaxy Note 20 is also expected to get in the same month, the firmware build is not started yet. It means Samsung is near to launching the next version somewhere in February. The Galaxy S22 will be announced on February 08, so the older models may receive the next version at the end of February in major regions.
There is not much information about the upcoming One UI 4.1 version. According to SamMobile, in the next version, we could see better virtual RAM Plus management & better wallpaper-based color theme integration with Google apps. We will learn more about it when Samsung unveils it along with Galaxy S22.
As per the sources, Garmin could launch the next Fenix 7 Series smartwatches this month. Though the company will announce new smartwatches, it hasn’t shifted its focus from older models. Garmin is releasing a public version of the 20.30 software version to its Fenix 6 series and Marq series. It is big firmware with several changes, improvements, and fixes to the existing features. Further, it has fixed known issues that have been notified by users in the beta versions.
In the Bike activity, you will notice additional support for eBike, eMTB, Cyclocross, Gravel Bike, Bike Commute, Bike Tour, and Road Bike. Also, the new activities have been added to the HIIT, Snowshoe, Tenis, Pedal, and Pickleball activity profiles and workouts. In the Pulse Ox measurement, it will popup-up an alert if hand movement is too high or enable to get accurate results. Further, the Fenix 6 series has received supports in other features.
Here is the full changelog for Fenix 6 Series watches.
Added ability to turn off recording activity during a golf round.
Added an alert to notify a user when a battery is critically low during a music sync.
Added HRV Support from chest strap for Yoga and breathwork.
Added pop-up to Pulse Ox Measuring feature if the device detects too much movement and cannot get an accurate measurement.
Added support for new biking activity profiles: eBike, eMTB, Cyclocross, Gravel Bike, Bike Commute, Bike Tour, and Road Bike.
Added support for the HIIT activity profile and workouts.
Added support for the Pickleball profile.
Added support for the Padel profile.
Added support for the snowshoe activity profile.
Added support for the tennis activity profile.
Added new tips to indicate which activities support Incident detection.
Improved Explore Sync app waypoint load times.
Improved Lactate Threshold and Altitude Acclimation algorithms.
Improved measurement loading UI when taking a SpO2 measurement.
Update the altimeter’s auto-calibration to be either be “On” or “Nightly”. Setting to “On” will set the device to periodically calibrate altitude throughout the day. Setting to “Nightly” will set the device to calibrate altitude at night and before the start of an activity.
Fixed issue with alarms intermittently not going off when the device is set in Max. Battery Mode.
Fixed display issues on the device after navigating to a point initiated by the Garmin Explore App.
Fixed issue where selecting a single point on a map that contained multiple items would not display the items properly.
Fixed issue that would corrupt open water swim activity files.
Fixed issue where PacePro bands would not be recognized by the device.
Fixed issue with activities reporting incorrect Activity Calories and Training Effect data.
Update (Jan 08): By beating major companies, Samsung has proved it is one of the fastest smartphone brands to deliver Android 12. After the latest flagship devices, the company is now getting Galaxy S10 Lite, Galaxy W22, Galaxy Z Flip, Galaxy Fold, Galaxy A52, Galaxy A72 Android 12 updates. In several countries, many users have confirmed it by installing One UI 4. Some users on Galaxy A52 & Galaxy A72 have reported some minor issues on the Samsung Community app, so make sure are sending errors to the company. The sources say the version is released in India, the US, UK, Germany, South Korea, China, Russia, Italy, Canada, and other major regions.
Update (Dec 29): Galaxy S20 & Note 20 are not the only flagship devices to get the latest version. Samsung has today seeded One UI 4 update for more Galaxy devices. The official Android 12 update is now available for Galaxy S10, Galaxy Z Flip 5G, Galaxy Tab S7 & Tab S7+ devices. After the fixed software of the One UI 4, Samsung is not stopping with a few models, but it is trying to cover all the models. The new firmware is launching in all the major countries as covered by the SamMobile team. You should check your smartphone or tablet for the latest software.
Update (Dec 28): It took some time for Samsung to fix major issues in the latest version, and this whole schedule was running in a late situation. Though there were many issues in the software, Samsung has finally fixed them. Now, as reported by SamMobile, the Galaxy S20, Galaxy Note 20 & Galaxy Z Fold 2 smartphones are receiving One UI 4 update. The firmware version G98xxXXSCEUL7 has been released for the Galaxy S20 series and the version N98xxXXS3EULF has been released for Galaxy Note 20 series phones. The latest year’s Galaxy Z Fold 2 is getting version F916BXXS2FULE in Android 12 update. All the updates are rolling out in the European countries for now.
Update (Dec 06): The latest foldable phones are now getting Android 12-based One UI 4 stable version. The Galaxy Z Fold 3 & Flip 3 are the devices to get major Android 12 updates along with Samsung’s skin. As per the report, Z Flip 3 gets firmware version F711BXXU2BUKM in Siberia, where Fold 3 is receiving it in South Korea, though the firmware version is unknown for now. The other major markets may follow soon in the coming days. It is the rollout for beta signed users, and non-beta users might receive it soon. Do check for new major updates on your devices.
Update (Nov 15): After taking one & a half months in the beta testing program, Galaxy S21 users are finally receiving a stable One UI 4 update. The update is massive and rolling out across all the major countries that participated in a beta program. Samsung has today officially announced it along with the release schedule in the home country. The update includes plenty of new features, changes & improvements for the mighty Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+ & Galaxy S21 Ultra smartphones.
In the combination with One UI 4 & Android 12 firmware, users can notice new Material You design-inspired color theme on the system. It has enhanced user privacy and security to take it to a whole new level. Samsung has finally decided to remove all the ads from its stocks apps to provide better services. The rolled-out update is 222MB in size for the beta users as they have already installed the necessary files on the device. It comes with a November security patch and is available in all the beta-supported countries.
As per the South Korean roadmap of Android 12, the update will soon release to foldable phones and later to the older flagship models. The company has unveiled a roadmap for Brazil, which tells another story. In Brazil, the first device to receive One UI 4 update will be Galaxy Z Fold 3. Later Galaxy S21, Note 20, Z Fold 2, Galaxy S20 & Z Flip 3 smartphones will join in January & February. Do check for this massive update from the Software Update section on Galaxy S21 series.
Since the release of the One UI 4 version, many users are facing serious issues with their devices. The Galaxy S21 series was the first to receive the major update, followed by Galaxy Z Fold 3 & Flip 3. Later, Samsung has to suspend the rollout due to known issues with all these devices. Now, looks like Samsung has once again fixed all these major & minor problems because it is once again releasing new updates based on the One UI 4 version.
The Galaxy S21 series, Z Fold 3, Flip 3, Galaxy Note 10 & Galaxy S10 series are receiving the new versions. The Galaxy S21 series gets firmware version G99*BXXSBULC in South Korea & India. The Galaxy Z Fold 3 is receiving firmware version F926NKSS1BUL6 in South Korea for now. The new version still brings December security patches by solving known issues. We still have to hear from the end users about these issues and whether they have been solved.
For the Galaxy S10 & Note 10 lineups, it is the third beta version that comes with a couple of fixes. As per the changelog, it fixes photos taken by camera or from social media not saving on the device, improvements in system slowdown when a notification occurs, and AKG N400 earbuds connection errors. The third beta version is releasing in South Korea and will come to other countries soon.
We are heading towards the end of December or the current year, but most of the devices are still in a waiting line to receive the official One UI 4.0 update. Samsung has promised to deliver the Android 12 version for most of its flagship devices in December. Looks like it is very difficult for the company to keep that promise as it has stopped rolling out a new version. Yes, Samsung has officially confirmed that it has suspended One UI 4 update on any device.
As per the Samsung moderator, the compatibility issue has been found in the Google Play system on some devices, so the company has decided to hold the update. Further, the moderator mentioned Samsung will start redistributing One UI 4 update when Google’s actions are complete. It has seeded a new version on Galaxy S21, Galaxy Z Fold 3 & Flip 3 devices in some regions. The third-gen foldable phones have been received stable Android 12 in South Korea.
Here is the official statement from the Samsung S Moderator (Google Translated):
With the third-gen Amazfit GT watches, Huami has launched one of the finest and affordable wearables. The Amazfit GTR 3, GTR 3 Pro & GTS 3 are available in all the major markets with top-notch features like Galaxy Watch 4 & Apple Watch Series 7. The GTR 3 Pro also comes with third-party app support, making it a true smartwatch. Now, to make it internally more advanced and future-proof, Zepp Health has released second software to these three watches.
In the latest 8.26.3.1 version, the GTR 3 Pro gets a GoPro Mini app in Zepp’s app store. Initially, the company has launched a few apps in the store, and now you can see it growing day by day. The new background application status indicator has been introduced on watch faces, and soon you will see it on them. Further, the company has given a screen lock function in the control center. It makes it easy for you to lock the watch to avoid accidental touches or use.
Also, It has added manual altitude calibration to the watches. Finally, Zepp has improved system stability and fixed some known bugs in the latest version. The Amazfit GTS 3 is getting firmware number 7.30.3.1, and there is no information about GTR 3 firmware. The changelog for these three watches is the same except new app, and it is now available to install in all the major countries.
Samsung is busy releasing the official Android 12-based One UI 4.0 version to the flagship models. It has been successfully installed on Galaxy S21 series, Galaxy Z Fold 3 & Flip 3 devices, and soon Galaxy S20 & Note 20 series will receive it. Also, Samsung is conducting a beta program for Galaxy S10, Note 10 & older Galaxy Z series devices. Along with it, as per the information we received, the company is planning to launch the One UI 4.1 version in February for flagship smartphones.
As per the Samsung representative, the company is working on a new version with a release date of February 2022. The upcoming software will come pre-installed with Galaxy S22 models, which has a launch scheduled in early February. According to the Samsung rep, after Galaxy S21 Ultra, Galaxy S21 & Note 20 series smartphones will first receive the update. Later, One UI 4.1 version may come to Galaxy S20, Z Fold 3, Flip 3, and other flagship & mid-range devices including Galaxy tablets.
Here is the main part of the official answer from the Samsung team member (Google Translated):
Thank you for waiting for our reply. I carefully checked the attached file you sent. Galaxy S21 Ultra product One UI 4.1 software has February 2022 release date. Currently, Galaxy S21, Note 20 series One UI 4.1 update is in progress, and we ask for your kind understanding as it is difficult to guide One UI 4.1 progress and schedule. We are currently preparing for the review, and in the event of a future decision, we will notify you.
Update (Dec 16): We all know last week Samsung has delivered faulty firmware for its new foldable phones. The One UI 4 software brick many devices and also created many issues on the phones. After that, Samsung had suspended the official rollout and conduct another beta testing for Galaxy Z Fold 3 & Flip 3. Now, Samsung has fixed all those problems and resumed the stable One UI 4 update for these foldable phones. The users in South Korea are now seeing update notifications on their devices.
Surprisingly, the users which are running on the Android 11 version are getting updates for Android 12. The beta users may receive a stable version in the coming days. The other countries will get refreshed or fixed versions in the coming days or week.
Previous: This week, Samsung has officially started to distribute the official One UI 4 version for the Galaxy Z Fold 3 & Flip 3 devices. The rollout has been dispatched in South Korea for both foldable phones and many customers have downloaded it. Now, after installing a new major update, most of the customers are having major issues with their devices. It is stable rollout after testing it in beta, so it is supposed to run smoothly on the phones with all the functions, but that didn’t go well.
Many customers have complained their Galaxy Z Fold 3 & Flip 3 has bricked and caused issues like the phone entering into recovery mode. Further, some users faced issues like screen flickering, failed to take screenshots, apps like Netflix, Zoom, YouTube, and their functions are not working. A couple of users have also complained about the camera, dark mode, and sound quality. In the Camera section, users face captured photos deleting automatically from internal storage, and the screen goes black.
Other issues like dual apps not working, lowered refresh rate to 60Hz, and some apps are not loading are also there. After listening to all these complaints, Samsung has decided to stop the rollout. The stable Android 12-based One UI 4 version for Galaxy Z Fold 3 & Flip 3 has now been postponed to a later date. The company says the rollout will begin when all these issues have been solved.
