Apps
Matter 1.4 to make SmartThings even smarter with Wi-Fi router support
Last month, Samsung SmartThings introduced several new features, including Home Insights, Daily Routines, Quick Remote, and Automatic Hub Backup. Now, a new report suggests that SmartThings might soon support Wi-Fi routers with the upcoming release of Matter 1.4.
Matter has been part of SmartThings for a few years, and the upcoming 1.4 version is expected to arrive next year with some exciting new features.
Matter 1.4
Matter 1.4 details have been arrived today. It highlights the “Enhanced Multi-Admin” feature, which makes it easier to control Matter-enabled devices across different smart home ecosystems at the same time.
It shows that you could use a Matter device with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Home, and SmartThings all together without any hassle.
Moreover, the update also improves device compatibility. For example, Wi-Fi routers can now work with Matter and SmartThings. They can also act as Thread Border Routers to help connect devices and simplify the setup process.
With this, Wi-Fi routers, modems, and other devices like set-top boxes will be controllable through the SmartThings app.
Matter 1.4 supports energy devices like solar panels, electric water heaters, heat pumps, solar system inverters, and batteries for battery energy management. It can even take local electricity prices into account and help you optimize your home’s energy use to save on costs.
However, the support for security cameras is expected to be added in a future update, Matter 1.5. As Samsung was quick to adopt Matter 1.3, we can expect SmartThings to add 1.4 support sometime in 2025.
Samsung SmartThings 1.8.21.28 Update Arrived: Home Insights, Routines, Quick Remote, and more
Samsung Internet Browser is a web browsing app exclusive to Galaxy devices, which offers a range of features designed to enhance the browsing experience, such as a Video Assistant, a customizable menu, Secret Mode, and more. However, Samsung has removed two customization features for the scroll bar with the recent Internet Browser update.
The scroll bar features that are no longer available after the latest update of Samsung Internet update are:
- Change the scroll bar position
- Hide the scroll bar
Users of the Samsung Galaxy smartphones will no longer be able to adjust the position or hide the scroll bar after installing version 27.0.0.79.
While some users may find this change disappointing, Samsung is simplifying the app’s appearance for a cleaner, more streamlined look. This move also indicates preparations for the next One UI 7 update, which is expected to bring further enhancements.
In addition to the scroll bar changes, the latest update introduces a search function for Internet Settings and enhances the app’s security by implementing end-to-end encryption for synced data.
Although some features have been removed, the latest update also makes the browsing experience better overall with these new improvements. If you use Samsung Internet for browsing, it’s essential to update to the latest version to take advantage of these new features and enhanced security.
With the removal of scroll bar options, Samsung Internet aims to focus on providing a cleaner, safer, and more user-friendly browsing experience.
Samsung has pushed a new update for its Internet Browser app with version 27.0.0.79. This update brings helpful new features and improvements to enhance user experience, security, and functionality.
The new update is available on the Galaxy Store with a package size of 152.77MB for Galaxy devices. You can check what’s new it brings:
Internet Setting Support
The fresh update of the Samsung Internet app adds an Internet Setting Search support. This allows users to quickly find and change browser settings without having to scroll through long menus. It’s just a small change but it makes customizing your browsing experience a lot easier and faster.
End-to-End Encryption for Synced Data
Moreover, the update includes stronger protection for data that synced across devices. With end-to-end encryption, any data you sync, like bookmarks and settings, is now more secure. Notably, this encryption is available for devices running One UI 6.1 or higher. With this feature, your information is better protected.
Removal of Some Options
Samsung Internet 27.0.0.79 update also brings change to how the browser handles scroll bars. Samsung has removed the options to change the scroll bar position or hide it. While these settings allowed for some customization, they have now been removed in favor of a simpler and more stable design.
These options removal could be a bit disappointing for users who liked adjusting the scroll bar. Samsung has planned the removal of certain options to improve the overall Galaxy browsing experience.
Users of Samsung Galaxy devices can install the update via Galaxy Store >>Menu option >> Updates. Also, you can download the update from the third-party app link mentioned here. Notably, the update is compatible with Galaxy devices running Android 15 or below.
Samsung enhances Internet Browser functions for Wear OS devices
WhatsApp has released a new beta update with version 2.24.23.23, which introduces the ability to delete preset chat lists. This new feature lets WhatsApp users have more customization and control over how they organize their chats.
With the fresh update, WhatsApp users can now delete some of the default chat filters, like Unread and Groups, directly from the chat screen. Previously, these filters could not be removed.
To delete a filter, users just need to simply tap and hold on it, and they’ll see an option to delete it. This helps users clean up their interface by removing filters they don’t find useful.
Moreover, users can manage these filters through the app’s settings. So, if you accidentally delete a filter or want it back later, you can easily restore it from the settings menu. This gives you the flexibility to customize the app to suit your needs.
This feature is especially helpful for users who prefer a clean, minimalistic interface. Also, it’s great for business users, who may want to prioritize chats based on customer or order-related conversations.
The Delete Preset Chat Lists option is available to some beta testers who have installed the latest WhatsApp beta update from the Google Play Store. It’s expected to roll out to more users in the coming weeks.
WhatsApp bringing Instagram-like sticker prompts for status updates