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PSA: Samsung will begin Android 14 (One UI 6) rollout with Galaxy S23
Samsung launched the Galaxy S23 series in February 2023. This new smartphone lineup introduces some meaningful upgrades in terms of hardware and design. Also, it’s the first time in years that Samsung is offering the same Snapdragon variant worldwide.
The Galaxy S23 lineup consists of three models namely the Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23 Plus and Galaxy S23 Ultra. Both non-Ultra models adopted the same design as their elder sibling as part of initiating Samsung’s 2023 signature design approach.
Talking about Ultra, the South Korean tech giant didn’t bring any notable design changes except for the thick middle frame. However, the primary camera has been upgraded to a monstrous 200-megapixel sensor, ditching the conventional 108-megapixel snapper.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Android 14 Update
Software side, the Galaxy S23 series comes pre-loaded with Android 13-based One UI 5.1. Do note that it’s still the latest version of the company’s proprietary skin for Galaxy devices. In the coming months, the Galaxy Z5 lineup will debut along with the One UI 5.1.1, pre-installed.
The Galaxy Z Fold 5 will become the most expensive Samsung smartphone after launch, however, Galaxy S is the flagship stream. As the company is getting a long time with the S23 series in terms of firmware, consumers will get benefited from the fastest Android rollout.
Google introduced the Android 14’s Developer Preview build in early February. In April, the operating system entered Public Beta testing on eligible Pixel phones, with the latest milestone achieved it second Beta. With all four major rollouts, the company added new features, changes, and improvements.
For Pixel phones, Android 14 will be bringing new customization tools, as Google showcased at I/O 2023. Meanwhile, it won’t be the same case for the Galaxy devices as they run One UI, which is based on Android but tweaked by Samsung.
That said, Galaxy users don’t care what’s happening at Google’s Android department. They are just eagerly waiting for the One UI Beta Program that usually begins after the official release of Android every year. Among others, the S23 lineup will be the first to let Samsung start Android 14 distribution.
Samsung Android 14-based One UI 6 (Beta & Stable), both will first rollout to the latest Galaxy S23, S23 Plus, and S23 Ultra. The Beta firmware may be limited to seven countries, while the Stable builds availability may reach a wide mark by the end of October 2023.
Are you excited about One UI 6?
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.