Apps
Samsung enhances SmartThings app with Dark Mode for iOS and iPadOS
Samsung has updated its SmartThings app for iPhone and iPad, which adds new features for users with iOS 18 and iPadOS 18. Identified via version 1.7.19, the fresh update includes a Dark Mode icon to make it easier for users who prefer darker themes.
When you turn on Dark Mode on your device, the SmartThings app icon now changes to a black background with a blue SmartThings logo. This update helps the app look more stylish, especially in low-light settings. It also works well with tinted icons to create a consistent look on your iPhone or iPad.
In addition to the new icon, the update improves the Remote Controller section of the app. The buttons now have a more modern design with a slight shadow effect, making them easier to see and use. While these changes are a step forward, some users may still wish for more improvements.
Furthermore, the Samsung SmartThing app 1.7.19 update for iOS and iPadOS brings the ability to share SmartThings routines with others. This makes it simple for friends or family to collaborate on managing smart home tasks.
Aside from this, it also supports group management for those using a SmartThings Hub. It helps users control their connected devices more efficiently. Users can get this update via the App Store.
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
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
Google wants more third-party Android apps to support RAW photo capture. The company is preparing to upgrade the CameraX API. Following the update, Samsung users will also be able to capture RAW photo through third-party Android apps.
AndroidAuthority spotted that CameraX 1.5.0 will bring two new ImageCapture class output formats: OUTPUT_FORMAT_RAW and OUTPUT_FORMAT_RAW_JPEG. That said, RAW capture support will expand to more Android apps.
- OUTPUT_FORMAT_RAW: It captures a single RAW image.
- OUTPUT_FORMAT_RAW_JPEG: It captures both a RAW and a JPEG image.
CameraX API is mainly used by camera apps that users use for social media sharing purposes. Despite this fact, Google intends to allow developers to support their apps with RAW capture functionality for an elevated photography experience.
At present, it’s unknown which Android apps will add RAW capture support. CameraX API will upgrade first, allowing developers to make changes. You can expect some of the most popular camera apps will join the party with RAW support.
Expert RAW
Developed by Samsung, the Expert RAW app allows Galaxy smartphone users to capture RAW images. These pictures are heavily editable given storage without any software-level processing and compression.
The company has made Expert RAW a stunning application. It has recently added an Astro Portrait feature that allows you to be framed with an astrophoto in the background. The application continues to evolve with the addition of new functions.