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Samsung Galaxy users will gladly accept Android 14 upgrade
Android is the world’s most popular and widely used mobile operating system. Google is ready to add another member Android 14 to its already huge family this year and the development has already started in February. Samsung Galaxy users will gladly accept the Android 14 upgrade, why they don’t?
As per the recent Android distribution stats, Android 13 OS reached over 12 percent globally in eight months after release. Chinese phone makers are quite slow in Android 13’s distribution, when it comes to non-flagships and older models, while Samsung completed the task before 2023 began.
This year, Samsung Galaxy users will upgrade their phones/tablets to the new Android 14 OS. As the new version has just reached the Beta testing stage, consumers have to wait for at least four months to see the first preview of Samsung’s version of Android 14.
If history is any indication, Samsung fans will let the Galaxy-maker nourish the Android 14 for products. With participation in Beta testing, they will share feedback so One UI can gain stability as well as demand new features so the developers can consider bringing them.
Samsung Android 14 Upgrade
As Google has started to develop Android 14, Samsung is currently focussing to craft the next-generation foldable phones. These new phones not only bring futuristic innovations but also run the new One UI 5.1.1 skin with further optimization w/ Android 13.
At its annual event (I/O), the search engine giant will disclose the progress of Android 14’s development and possibly the deployment roadmap. At the same stage, there could be the announcement of the Android 14 Developer Preview for select non-Samsung/non-Galaxy smartphones.
Samsung ships the best Android smartphone in the industry and for sure, it’s required to drop the most stable and bug-free software to consumers. Hence, the company won’t do anything in hurry, and as far as the roadmap is concerned, we’re sure, all supported Galaxies will run Android 14 before 2023 ends.
Samsung Android 14 Beta
As the Android 14 Public Beta has begun, Samsung won’t directly work with Google in development and adaptation. Every year, the company waits until the new Android version reaches the platform stability milestone. This year, things may not change, however, we would see boosted distribution.
Samsung’s Android 14 Beta update will be available for a number of Galaxy models including flagships and mid-range. Since there’s no new Galaxy Note with compatibility for Android 14, the Beta upgrade will only make its way to S, Z and select A/M models.
As Google has just started the Android 14’s Beta program, it will take time to better optimize it for smartphone and vanish severe bugs. Until then, Samsung will introduce another new One UI iteration based on the latest Stable Android 13 operating system.
Hundreds of compatible models
For Samsung’s Android 14 Beta firmware, the Galaxy S23 series is the first in line, as per the previous rollouts. Additionally, the Galaxy S22 series, Galaxy S21 series and Galaxy Z Fold/Flip models will also be invited for the Beta testing program.
So far, the South Korean tech giant availed its One UI Beta program in limited markets. Galaxy consumers in China, India, Germany, Poland, South Korea, the UK and the US are usually invited for testing and feedback. It would be interesting if Samsung expands Beta to more European markets.
Nowadays, the Galaxy A and Galaxy M series phones are being eligible for 4 OS plus 5 years of security updates support. It helps the users keep a single phone longer with the latest mobile experience and industry-grade security, thanks to longer software support.
One UI 6.0
Samsung’s latest One UI version – One UI 5.1 is based on Android 13 OS. It’s a successor to the original One UI 5.0, which was also built on the 13th major version of Google’s mobile operating system. Accordingly, the next Android OS will bring a new iteration of One UI.
That said, the One UI 6.0 will probably be the next version of Samsung’s custom Android skin. It will start rolling out to Galaxy devices as soon as the testing concludes on eligible models. Like last year, we are guessing that Samsung’s Android 14 upgrade will go live later this year.
One UI 6.0 will bring more bells and whistles than just Pixel’s Android 14 OS. Samsung is known for innovation and the next One UI version would be a big hit for the company. As consumers prefer software nowadays, One UI unquestionably attracts them with neat and user-friendly UX.
Features we may see in Samsung’s Android 14
As showcased by Google, Android 14 focuses on minor yet noticeable user interface tweaks. There’s a new Dynamic Back Arrow, graphics upgrades (for devs), data access transparency, modem/driver updates, and enhanced system optimization among others.
Until the official version, the US tech giant will continue to test and add new features to the Android 14 OS. Beyond that, it maintains quarterly feature drops so Android stays updated with useful features and regular enhancements for a better user experience.
1. Satellite Connectivity
Since Apple and Huawei already debuted Satellite Connectivity on their flagship phones, Samsung should also consider bringing the feature as early as it can. Google’s senior VP for Android earlier Tweeted that support for such connectivity in Android 14 would be a reality.
2. Predictive Back Gestures
Android 14 introduces a prominent back arrow that matches your wallpaper or theme for clearer gesture navigation. One UI 6.0 should not leave cloning this feature for Galaxy consumers along with predictive back gestures, which afford you a glimpse of the screen that a swipe-back gesture will take you to.
3. Improved Share Options
Android 14 reportedly allows apps to add custom actions to system sharesheets and more app data is being used to determine the ranking of users’ potential share targets. As Google is further improving Android’s share menu, such fruitful things can’t be skipped in the One UI.
4. Restricting Photo and Video Access
Android apps usually want your permission to have access to all photos and videos stored on the smartphone. To make it further transparent, Android 14 unlocks the possibility to select the specific photos and videos it is allowed to access. Galaxy users may surely get this change with the Android 14-based One UI 6.0 update.
See you at SDC23!
Samsung revealed its Project Infinity, which aims to make your Galaxy devices safer against cyber threats. Android is vulnerable due to its open-source nature, making regular security updates necessary for your Galaxy phone’s security.
Project Infinity of Samsung is a classified operation, working on safeguarding Galaxy devices and users around the clock for safer operations. Samsung Newsroom has recently published a blog post, revealing insights from specialist meetings.
Cyber Threat Intelligence
Samsung’s Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) taskforce is a reconnaissance unit within Project Infinity along with the Red (RED), Blue (BLUE), and Purple (PURPLE) Teams, which go beyond lab conditions to identify real-world dangers.
- RED and BLUE perform proactive attack and defense functions, seeking out vulnerabilities and taking measures against them.
- PURPLE is a special operations unit that acts as both a sword and shield for specific critical areas.
It’s worth noting that Samsung has deployed RED, BLUE, and PURPLE teams in various countries including Vietnam, Poland, Ukraine and Brazil. CTI is dedicated to identifying potential threats and stopping hackers from taking control of your device.
“Once we spot these kinds of threats, we collaborate with developers and operators to lock everything down for preventing attacks,” said Ranger, a CTI member.
Samsung Security Updates
Earlier this year, Samsung announced it to support flagship Galaxy devices for seven years. The new policy applies to all flagship Galaxy devices launched after the Galaxy S24 series. It’s the longest software support offered by any mobile brand.
These updates mean customers can safely use their phones for longer. As cyber threats become more common than you think, security updates are much more crucial to safeguard your Galaxy from any potential threat of vulnerability.
Owners of select Samsung Smart TVs, monitors, The Premiere 7 & 9 projectors, or The Freestyle 2nd Gen can stream Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Flight Simulator 2024 and hundreds of other games with Gaming Hub Xbox Game Pass.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Flight Simulator 2024 are two of the most popular games of 2024. Thanks to Samsung Gaming Hub, you don’t need to download any of the Xbox Game Pass titles, no meaning no storage required – just jump in and play.
The company has also built an engaging gameplay experience designed by fans, for fans through The Six, challenging players’ knowledge and providing another way to interact with the world of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.
Notably, Samsung’s Gaming Hub is available on a variety of Samsung screens. It includes the AI-powered 2024 TV lineup, monitors, projectors, The Premiere, and The Freestyle 2nd Gen projector, offering instant access to console-free gaming.
Anyone with a Samsung Smart TV will be able to use their remote to jump in and play. This way, Gaming Hub provides a co-branded experience, giving Call of Duty fans another way to engage with the franchise they love.
For starters: The Six offers daily trivia where players can answer a series of six questions in competition with other players around the world. Correct answers with the fastest response time will achieve higher scores.
Samsung could launch the Galaxy ixi-O AI Phone next year. The company has collaborated with LG Uplus to develop a custom smartphone. The device is said to feature Galaxy AI and LG Uplus’s AI call assistant ixi-O.
Sources citing KEDGlobal revealed that Samsung and LG Uplus working together to develop the Galaxy ixi-O AI Phone. It’s a big development in the smartphone industry, while the handset is highly likely to be Korea-limited.
Samsung fans are well aware of the Galaxy AI feature suite. ixi-O is an AI-powered digital assistant developed by Korean carrier LG Uplus. The company plans to enter the smartphone market, featuring its own-developed AI assistant.
The report indicates that Samsung and LG Uplus’ ixi-O AI Phone will launch as early as next year. The development project focuses on crafting a “real AI phone” that goes beyond simply integrating AI assistant services into a smartphone.
ixi-O comes with useful features such as AI call answering, detecting voice phishing in real-time, recording and summarizing phone calls and converting voice conversation into text – all within an on-device environment.
Image: ixi-O AI | LG Uplus Newsroom
Based on specifications, the Galaxy ixi-O AI Phone will be based on a Galaxy phone available globally. The design will match with a global Galaxy smartphone, but the software may be tweaked as per the carrier’s requirements.
A custom Galaxy phone isn’t shocking or impossible in South Korea. Samsung releases Quantum, Buddy, and Jump-branded phones in the market. The company collaborates with Korean carriers to bring these devices to mainland Korea.
The carrier introduced an on-device AI-powered ixi-O assistant earlier this month. LG Uplus will initially target its consumer base for the new AI Phone. However, the AI Assistant may be expanded to a broader audience across Korea.