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Samsung ‘ready to contest’ Epic’s lawsuit, Google disclaims involvement
Google clarified after Epic Games sued Samsung over One UI’s Auto Blocker feature. The company disclaims involvement in the creation or functioning of Auto Blocker. Meanwhile, Samsung said it is ready to contest a legal battle with Epic Games.
Recently, Google’s Head of Android Security and Privacy, David Kleidermacher, called Epic’s latest lawsuit a “meritless and dangerous” move. The executive clarified that Google did not request Samsung to “create” the Auto Blocker feature.
🧵Epic’s latest lawsuit is a meritless and dangerous move. Google did not request that Samsung create their Auto Blocker feature. (1/5) https://t.co/WFrPXAje9Z
— David Kleidermacher (@DaveKSecure) October 1, 2024
Following David’s clarification, MishaalRahman asked him about the functioning of Auto Blocker. He, then, explained that Google has no role in Samsung shipping Auto Blocker enabled by default in new Galaxy devices with One UI 6.1 and later.
TheVerge reached out to Samsung for a follow-up on the recent controversy. The company would not confirm or deny whether it worked with Google on Auto Blocker, but said “ready to contest” with Epic. Here is the full statement of a Samsung spokesperson:
- Contrary to Epic Game’s assertions, Samsung actively fosters market competition, enhances consumer choice, and conducts its operations fairly.
- The features integrated into our devices are designed in accordance with Samsung’s core principles of security, privacy, and user control, and we remain fully committed to safeguarding users’ personal data. Users have the choice to disable Auto Blocker at any time.
- We plan to vigorously contest Epic Game’s baseless claims.
Epic Games, in its lawsuit, claimed that Samsung intentionally crafted Auto Blocker to benefit Google. Epic highlighted that Samsung first debuted Auto Blocker and started shipping it enabled by default after a few months.
Samsung launched Auto Blocker in late 2023, which started arriving enabled by default in newer One UI versions. The feature disables app sideloading to secure your device against any unauthorized app installation.
Samsung and NTT DOCOMO unite to foster AI-powered 6G communication. Back in August, Samsung announced its partnership with Japan’s largest mobile carrier to jointly research the application of AI in next-gen mobile communications tech.
Samsung and NTT DOCOMO unite to foster AI-powered 6G communication.
The collaboration aims to use Samsung and NTT DOCOMO’s extensive technical expertise and business knowledge to accelerate AI research in 6G network communications. Notably, AI is expanding across various industries.
Samsung and NTT DOCOMO’s collaboration will also establish a foundation for the market’s transition into the 6G era. The technology is poised to enhance service quality for users and network operational efficiency for service providers.
Currently, communication quality optimization is conducted at the cell site level of mobile communication base stations. Moving forward, the goal is to achieve user-level optimization through the application of AI.
- For example, users entering areas between cell boundaries or areas with weak signals will be able to stream videos without interruptions and access more stable communication services.
Samsung and NTT DOCOMO have a long history of cooperation in mobile communication technology standardization within the 3GPP. The companies intend to leverage this joint technology research as an opportunity to deepen their cooperation.
Samsung officially launched the Galaxy S24 FE, Galaxy Tab S10 series, and Fit 3 fitness tracker in Singapore. The new Fan Edition already went live on pre-order, while the tablet and fitness tracker will be available from October 10, 2024.
The Galaxy S24 FE is available in Blue, Graphite, and Mint, and 256GB and 512GB storage options in Singapore. The Galaxy Tab S10+ and Tab S10 Ultra are available in Moonstone Gray and Platinum Silver colors with 256GB storage.
Lastly, the Galaxy Fit3 is available in Gray, Silver, and Pink Gold colorways. The company has also announced several accessories for the newly released smartphone and tablets that will help you further elevate your Galaxy experience.
From 27 September to 9 October 2024, customers who purchase the Galaxy S24 FE can enjoy the following pre-launch special benefits:
- Up to S$150 Overtrade Bonus
- S$100 Samsung e-voucher
- 50% off their 2-year Samsung Care+ purchase (worth S$71)
From 10 October to 8 November 2024, customers who purchase the Galaxy Tab S10 series will receive the following launch promo bundle:
- Book Cover Keyboard Slim with Galaxy AI Key (worth S$321 for Tab S10 Ultra and S$260 for Tab S10+)
- Samsung EVO Plus 256GB MicroSD Card (worth S$44)
- 50% off 2-year Samsung Care+ (worth S$105)
- Up to S$250 Overtrade Bonus
Vivo beats Google and Samsung in the Android 15 rollout race. The Chinese phone maker started releasing the Stable Android 15 update to select models. This is surprising as Google has yet to push the update to Pixel phones.
Android 15-based Funtouch OS 15 is rolling out to Vivo X100 series, Vivo X Fold 3 Pro, and iQOO 12. It brings wonderful new features and enhancements. Notably, the company has scheduled the deployment for September 30.
September is almost finished and there’s no One UI 7 Beta announcement. Google could update Pixel phones with Android 15 in mid-October. Meanwhile, Samsung will be holding the 2024 Developer Conference on October 3.
Google usually debuts Android 15 first, then other OEMs follow. Last year, Oppo and OnePlus kicked off the rollout shortly after Google. Things are just different this year as the owner of Android is stuck and a vendor kicked off the release.
Pixel phones currently running Android 15 QPR Beta build. The company has ended the Beta Program and shifted Pixels to either Android 14 or QPR Beta. Users who didn’t wipe data are still stuck on Android 15 Beta, awaiting the Public build.
Vivo’s Android 15-based Funtouch OS 15 update comes with AI Eraser in Gallery – similar to Google’s Magic Editor. The Live Transcribe is also included as an accessibility tool, letting users follow conversations in real time.
The new software also adds partial screen sharing for enhanced privacy during presentations or collaborations, and native support for satellite connectivity, enabling communication in areas with limited or no cellular coverage.
[Via]