Apps
One UI 7 (Android 15) support now live for Samsung Parental Controls
Samsung is actively updating its apps to ensure compatibility with the upcoming One UI version. Currently, the company is rolling out support for One UI 7 (Android 15) for the Samsung Parental Controls app with a new update.
The new version 2.4.80.4 is being released now to make sure the Samsung Parental Controls app works smoothly when One UI 7 arrives on Galaxy devices.
The Parental Controls app helps parents manage their children’s Samsung accounts, and it needs specific permissions, like sending notifications, to keep parents informed of any requests.
The fresh update update makes the app compatible with the new features and changes coming with One UI 7. It also ensures the app won’t crash or cause problems when the new software is available on devices.
By rolling out support early, Samsung is making sure that its apps will work well with the upcoming One UI 7 software. The company just aims to ensure that users can keep using their favorite apps without any interruptions once the new software update is available.
Moreover, the fresh update version fixes bugs and improves the app’s overall performance. If you want to download the update, you can go to the Galaxy Store, tap the Menu option, and select “Updates” to check for the latest version. You can also use a third-party app link if you prefer.
As the One UI 7 beta approaches, Samsung will continue to update more apps to make sure they are ready for the new Android 15 software. It means Galaxy users can look forward to a better and more feature-rich experience when the stable update is released.
WhatsApp lets you search shared images on the web
WhatsApp is rolling out a new feature for Android users, which allows them to search images shared in chats on the web. This feature is currently available to some beta testers and helps users check the authenticity of images they receive to make it easier to spot fake or edited images.
Previously, WhatsApp hinted at working on the Search images on the web feature in the 2.24.21.31 beta update. Now, it’s being tested with a select group of beta users with version 2.24.23.13.
With this latest beta update, WhatsApp users can now search for images they receive in chats by using a Search on Web option. This option appears when you tap the three-dot menu on an image in your chat.
This new feature allows you to perform a reverse image search through Google to help you find more information about the image. This is especially useful for checking images that may be misleading or fake.
Instead of downloading or manually uploading an image for a search, you can now do it directly within WhatsApp with this new feature.
Notably, the feature is optional, meaning users can choose whether to use it or not. If you decide to search for an image, it’s sent to Google for the reverse search, but WhatsApp itself doesn’t store or process the image to ensure your privacy.
This feature is available to some beta testers who have installed the latest WhatsApp beta update from the Google Play Store. It will be rolled out to more users over the next few weeks
WhatsApp replaces camera shortcut with gallery access in chat bar
Apps
Google Photos gets a makeover with ‘Updates’ feed
Google has made a significant change to its Google Photos app by replacing its “Sharing” page with a new “Updates” feed. Back in August 2024, the app changes the “Library” to the “Collections” tab to enhance user experience.
The Updates feed has a new notification bell icon, which is located in place of the Sharing option in the app bar, between the ‘plus’ menu and profile picture. It allows users to see recent sharing updates, including conversations and shared links.
When you click on the bell icon, it opens the “Updates” feed, which lets you access two options including Sharing activity and Conversations in the overflow menu.
The Sharing activity shows all your sharing activity in one place, which makes it easier to keep track of what you’ve shared, along with any shared links and memories. On the other side, the Conversations option displays a list of conversations.
In the old version, users could find sharing options by clicking a ‘people’ icon. The Sharing page had shortcuts for creating shared albums and sharing with partners, along with an “Albums and Memories” section and a list of “Conversations.” Now, all of this has been simplified.
The use of a new bell icon is similar to what you find in other Google apps like Home, the Play Store, and YouTube, which helps make the app feel more familiar and user-friendly.
Right now, the “Updates” feed is being rolled out for Android users, but there’s no news yet on when it will be available for iOS devices.
Apps
Android Auto 13.2 update adds new charging options for EVs
Google has rolled out the new update for Android Auto with version 13.2, which comes with some exciting updates. It is available on the Google Play Store for Android devices.
Android Auto 13.2 update brings support for more charging connectors, including the NACS (North American Charging Standard) for Tesla cars. Additionally, it introduces two new types of connectors, Type 6 and LECCS (Light Electric Combined Charging System).
LECCS is mainly used for light electric vehicles, like electric scooters. It is designed in India for LEVs like Ather. This suggests that we might see some Android Auto features for scooters in the future.
In addition to LECCS support, the latest Android Auto update improves the experience for electric vehicles by allowing connections to various cars that use NACS. This includes vehicles from brands like Ford, GM, Kia, Volvo, and Rivian. This update shows that Google is making things easier for electric vehicle drivers.
In addition to LECCS support, Android Auto 13.2 improves the experience for electric vehicles by allowing connections to various cars that use NACS. This includes vehicles from brands like Ford, GM, Kia, Volvo, and Rivian.
The fresh update shows that Google is making things easier for electric vehicle drivers. If you’re interested in trying out the new features, you can download the Android Auto 13.2.644404 stable update right now.
Goodbye to Android 8
Android Auto has recently ditched its support for Android 8 phones. It means that if you have a phone running Android 8, you can no longer use Android Auto. While the features work well on older software, the newer versions like Android 9 include better new features and better experience.