News
Samsung One UI 5.1 will rollout on February 22, five Galaxy models are listed
Samsung officially unveiled the One UI 5.1 software on February 1st, while the rollout is starting on February 22. Canadian carrier Fido Mobile published its new software update support page, listing five Galaxy devices that will get One UI 5.1 on February 22.
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No doubt, the Galaxy Z Fold 4, and Galaxy Z Flip 4 smartphones are listed to get the One UI 5.1 update alongside the Galaxy S22, Galaxy S22+ and Galaxy S22 Ultra. In addition to the new features and improvements, the update will also include the latest security patch for excellent reliability.
At present, just five Galaxy models are listed for the One UI 5.1 release by Fido, however, the update would also be delivered to the Galaxy S21, Galaxy Note 20 and Galaxy S20 lineups. 2021’s foldable lineup is also confirmed to receive the next One UI 5 version update with new features.
As seen on the Galaxy S23 series, One UI 5.1 is the best One UI version in Samsung’s history when it comes to system animation and visual effects. Undoubtedly, One UI 5.1 is as smooth as butter! However, there are plenty of new features and minor improvements that will make the user experience epic.
Android 14 (One UI 6)
A few days back, Google released the first Developer Preview build of the Android 14 operating system. Google’s Developer Preview is currently limited to Pixel phones, whereas Samsung Galaxy devices would get access to the Beta build sometime in late July.
Ahead of the One UI 6, the forthcoming One UI 5.1 update will play a key role in enhancing overall usability and productivity of your device. For sure, it will have a big list of changes and features at the time of release, while the can take a sneek peak below:
Camera
- Changing the hue for a selfie just got easier
Easily change the hue of your selfies with the Effects button on the side of the screen. - Quick access to Expert RAW
The Expert RAW app allows you to capture high-quality images without any processing or compression, perfect for those who want to edit their photos later. Accessing Expert RAW is now easier from the Advanced menu.
Gallery
- Common family album
With Shared Family Album, sharing photos with your family is easier than ever. Gallery recommends photos to add to your shared family album by recognizing your family members’ faces. You also get 5GB of storage per family member (up to 6 people). - Improved handling
Processing automatically removes shadows and reflections to make your photos look great. You can also recreate GIFs for better resolution and clarity. - Convenient information display
If you swipe up when viewing a picture or video in your gallery, you can see at a glance when and where the picture was taken, on which device, where it’s stored, and more. - Search has become more powerful
You can now search for more than one person or item at a time. You can even search for people without tagging their names, just by clicking on their faces.
Choose a location to save screenshots
Now you can save screenshots and screen recordings in a folder of your choice by setting it up in the advanced features.
AR-Zone und AR-Emoji:
- Use 3 Emojis in AR Emoji Camera
Take fun photos and videos with friends (up to 3 people) in mask mode. You can replace your friends’ faces with other characters by clicking the emoji. - Layout and editing improvements in AR Doodles
The brushes are now available on the main AR Doodle screen for quicker access. You can also resize and move drawings after you create them, and the new eraser tool lets you erase just a portion of your drawings without completely erasing them.
Widgets:
- New battery widget
With the new battery widget you can check the battery level of your Galaxy devices. Right from the home screen, you can see how much battery your smartphone, Galaxy Buds, Galaxy Watch and other supported devices have left. - Intuitive weather widget
The new illustration style and a summary of the current weather conditions make it easy to know the weather information, whether it’s sunny, cloudy, raining or snowing.
Modes and Scenarios:
- Different wallpapers depending on the mode
Set different wallpapers on the lock screen and the home screen depending on your current activities. Choose a background for work, one for sport and more by setting different modes. - More conditions and actions for scenarios
Run scripts automatically when you turn on airplane mode or mobile hotspot. Scripts can now open some apps, adjust left/right audio balance, and more. New actions now let you control Quick Share and touch sensitivity, as well as change the ringtone and font style.
Connectivity:
- Collaboration in Samsung Notes
Create a shared note that multiple people can edit at the same time. Write a report with colleagues, take notes for a study group, or draw a picture with a friend. The possibilities are endless. - Inviting to shared apps made easy
Now you can easily invite people to shared albums, notes, and calendars using a link that can be shared across apps like messenger, email, and social networks. - Advanced multiple controls between Galaxy Book and smartphone
Now you can use your Galaxy Book’s mouse, keyboard, or trackpad not only with your Galaxy tablet, but also with your Galaxy smartphone. You can easily copy and paste text and drag and drop images from one device to another as if it were the same device. - Media output for WiFi speakers
If you want to continue listening to music on Wi-Fi speakers via Spotify Connect and the built-in Chromecast, simply open the media output from the quick access toolbar, not the music apps. - Continue surfing on the PC
If you surf the Internet on your smartphone with Samsung Internet and then continue browsing on your PC, you can find the websites you opened on your smartphone and continue browsing them with the PC browser.
Samsung DeX:
- Improved multitasking in DeX
In split screen mode, you can now drag the splitter in the middle of the screen to resize both windows. You can also snap a window to one of its corners so that it takes up a quarter of the screen.
Settings:
- Settings suggestions
Suggestions are now displayed at the top of the settings screen, letting you know about useful features to try or settings that need your attention so you can enable or try them right away.
Samsung-Internet:
- Improved search
You can now search by folder name in bookmarks or by group name in tabs. Improved search logic allows you to find what you’re looking for, even if something is misspelled.
Setup-Assistant
- Faster and easier initial setup of your new Galaxy
If you’re switching to a new Galaxy from a Galaxy or other Android device, simply scan the QR code on your old device to automatically migrate your Wi-Fi networks, Samsung account, and Google account to the new one Device to transfer without typing anything.
Weather:
- Detailed weather information at a glance
Useful weather information is now displayed on the Weather app’s main screen. You can check severe weather alerts, daily weather reports, hourly precipitation and color temperature charts.
Calls:
- Bixby text calls
Use Bixby text calls to automatically answer calls and find out the purpose of the call. You see what the caller is saying in a text chat, and you can tap or type replies that are read aloud to the caller. Bixby text calls are only available in English and Korean.
News
Samsung brings huge energy-saving opportunity to New York
New York became the first US state to bring retail consumer rebates for appliances under the Inflation Reduction Act. Applauding the move, Samsung launched a huge energy-saving opportunity for the residents of New York.
Samsung started offering up-front discounts to consumers statewide through New York’s IRA HEAR program. Consumers can now access IRA’s Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate (HEAR) program.
IRA HEAR rebate program advantages
- Save up to $840 on Samsung’s innovative ENERGY STAR products, including laundry appliances like heat pump dryers and all-in-one combo washers + heat pump dryers.
Visit Samsung’s home appliance page to learn more about the options available.
Samsung said this is just the beginning of its rebates journey in New York. The company looks forward to working with partners to expand these retail rebates to more products and in more states across the United States.
Pay attention, the IRA provides rebates and tax credits to households across America. New York is leading the way in providing direct retail point-of-sale appliance rebates, supporting an affordable clean energy transition.
Inflation Reduction Act
Signed in August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act is the single largest investment in climate and energy in American history.
It provides home appliance rebates for discounts on electric energy-efficient appliances like Induction cooktops, ranges, and heat pump laundry appliances.
News
Watch: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra conquers grueling military training
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra has undergone one of the most extreme military tests. The company has recently published a Watch Ultra test video, featuring Phillip Chu Joy.
Phillip participated in the Peruvian Navy’s Special Operations Course to showcase the watch’s capabilities. It is renowned as one of the world’s most challenging military training programs.
“The Galaxy Watch Ultra pushes technology to its limits, handling extreme conditions with ease,” Chu Joy remarked. “It’s undoubtedly designed for those seeking exceptional performance.”
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra proves its durability and functionality in water, mud, and sand — excelling even under the grueling conditions of Peru’s most extreme military training.
Galaxy Watch Ultra
The Watch Ultra boasts a Grade 4 titanium frame. It also features a shockproof cushioned design that meets MIL-STD-810H2 military standards and water resistance of up to 10ATM.
The product is capable of operating within a broad temperature range of -20°C to 55°C4 and performing at altitudes of up to 9,000 meters above sea level.
These capabilities make it ideal for tracking advanced physical activities like ocean swimming and cycling in extreme conditions; take the Perivian military training as a recent proven example.
Samsung’s Watch Ultra is the ultimate companion for sports enthusiasts and extreme adventurers. It’s crafted to endure the toughest conditions with its pro-grade features and premium materials.
Samsung’s Mauricio Revollar stated:
“We wanted the public to experience the Galaxy Watch Ultra like never before in the Peruvian market by creating the most extreme product review ever undertaken here.”
“This was made possible thanks to the collaboration of the Peruvian Navy, which allowed us to highlight and celebrate the commitment of the students in one of the world’s most demanding military training programs.”
Watch the video below:
News
OpenAI eyes AI integration on Samsung phones like Apple Intelligence
Apple collaborated with OpenAI to power Apple Intelligence features. The ChatGPT maker continues to create obstacles for Google. In a recent move, OpenAI discussed a potential AI partnership with Samsung.
TheInformation (via Reuters) reported that OpenAI has recently discussed powering AI features on Samsung-made devices. It seems the ChatGPT-maker wishes an AI partnership with Samsung to expand its reach in multiple folds.
The company is considering developing a web browser to rival Google’s Chrome. OpenAI recently introduced its search engine called SearchGPT. It is available to limited users alongside internal testers and strategic partners.
Samsung x OpenAI
Samsung and Google’s close partnership doesn’t need any elaboration. The friendship isn’t limited to services, as both firms work across an ecosystem. However, it doesn’t stop Samsung from partnering with OpenAI in favor of better service.
As the AI phone market is growing rapidly, OpenAI may innovate further. Google doesn’t lag, but there’s still room for a potential alliance. Apple Intelligence-like features might be deployed on Galaxy phones after Samsung’s partnership.
OpenAI knows Samsung holds the command of the worldwide smartphone market. Expansion of its services will be quite broader than Apple if its partnership with Samsung pens down. For now, take this information as a grain of salt!
Apple x OpenAI
Apple leads the worldwide premium smartphone market. Google and Samsung introduced their AI phones in October 2023 and January 2024, respectively. It forced Apple to immediately enter the segment to normalize the innovation gap.
Google’s availing Gemini Nano AI model, but Apple joined hands with OpenAI. To create a difference, OpenAI powering some of the coolest AI features on recent iPhones. The move is to attract other vendors to adopt source AI from OpenAI.
Well, Apple still reportedly considering bringing Gemini AI on iPhones. The company believes that iPhone users should have different AI providers available. Hence, a multi-collaborative approach is also in the pipeline, at least from Apple’s end.