Apps
YouTube working on revamped Video Player UI for Android
YouTube is currently testing a new user interface (UI) for its Video Player. This updated UI introduces several changes to improve user experience. Some people think the new design looks cluttered, while others see the changes as useful improvements.
The fresh look of the Video Player reveals several changes in comparison to the previous UI, spotted by Mishaal Rahman (via Android Authority). Let’s check what’s coming.
WHAT’S NEW
Several changes have been noted in the new Video Player UI of YouTube. Now, the video title is located above the progress bar, and the channel icon along with the subscriber count is shown next to the channel name. Below the title, viewers can now find the view count and the date the video was published.
The expand button has been shifted to the top left of the screen and a new rotate button has been added. A second playlist button replaces the old expand button, just above the progress bar.
Moreover, the forward and backward buttons are not visible when watching in fullscreen mode. However, these buttons appear when the video is paused in portrait mode. The like, dislike, comment, and share buttons have been placed above the progress bar on the right side.
The bookmark feature is now shifted under a menu, while a new Remix button is shown by default. There’s also a button for video chapters added to the bottom left of the screen.
Users can now swipe up and down to switch between videos in a playlist. However, you can only swipe down to minimize a video if it’s the first one in that playlist.
Several users are sharing their opinions on Reddit, and most seem to prefer a simpler design. Currently, Google is testing these new changes and will soon release the final version.
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A new Google Wallet Tile is rolling out to Samsung phones on One UI. Google is continuously upscaling the Wallet experiences. It’s not only adding support for more banks and cards but also fostering the features’ availability.
9to5Google discovered the new Google Wallet Quick Settings Tile on Samsung Galaxy phones. With the latest Play Services update, Google is bringing the new Wallet Tile. Meanwhile, the feature’s rollout is taking place sequentially.
Once your Galaxy installs Play Services version 24.39, you will be able to access the new Tile in Quick Settings. If you have pre-applied settings for toggles, you may need to edit the section and add the Google Wallet toggle on the page.
Google Wallet offers easier and seamless payment functionality. The new Tile will offer quicker access to the Wallet dashboard for bus passes, plane tickets, and more. Digital IDs would also be accessible in supporting territories through Wallet.
Keep the Google Wallet updated to the latest 24.38 version on your Galaxy. Visit the Google Play Store and update the app if the new version is available. You should wait rather than sideloading an APK to keep your Galaxy’s security up to the mark.
Samsung has recently launched the Tap to Transfer feature on its Wallet app. It is Samsung’s answer to iOS 18’s Apple Cash feature. Leveraging on the NFC technology, it allows instant money transfer between Galaxy devices.
Several Samsung users have reported issues when trying to use the Dual Messenger feature alongside the One Hand Operation app. This issue is quite frustrating for those who want to use different accounts on apps. Users are looking for a solution that will allow them to switch between accounts easily.
The problem arises when users try to launch the Dual Messenger version of KakaoTalk using gestures on the Samsung One Hand Operation app. Instead of opening the KakaoTalk 2, the original KakaoTalk app (KakaoTalk 1) launched.
This means that no matter how users try to switch between the two versions like swiping left or right, they always end up with just the main version of the app.
In response to these concerns, a Samsung community moderator clarified the situation. He explained that the current One Hand Operation + app does not support running the Dual Messenger app, which is why users are having difficulty switching between the apps.
He also mentioned that the team is exploring the possibility of adding support for Dual Messenger in future updates of the One Hand Operation + app. However, a specific timeline for when this update will be available has not been provided yet.
Several users are expecting that future updates will make it easier to use both Dual Messenger and One Hand Operation together. With these improvements, they are looking forward to a better way to manage their messaging apps.
WhatsApp is rolling out 20 color Themes for chats with the latest Beta. Ahead of the Public rollout, developers testing the new personalization feature on the Beta channel. We expect the general availability in a future update to the app.
WhatsApp Beta version 2.24.21.34 introduces 20 color Themes for chats. Users enrolled in the Beta Program can download the latest update from the Play Store. However, it’s imp to note that not all beta testers may receive the feature, even on the latest version.
Color themes for chats are an upcoming feature for WhatsApp users. This feature will allow users to change the chat theme to match their style preferences. Selecting a theme will apply it across the entire application, whether for personal or group chats.
The app-wide implementation aims to offer a uniform and consistent look across the entire app. Once enabled, you can also alter the theme for specific chats, similar to how you apply conversation background wallpaper on WhatsApp.
Image: WABetaInfo
The ability to choose diverse themes will allow WhatsApp users to pick different designs for personal, work-related, and group chats. Users will have over 22 distinct themes and 20 color options to choose from within the app.
Changing the chat theme will also modify the message color to display a visually cohesive appearance. Message color in WhatsApp will be optimized itself to offer a unified look along with the chat themes.
At present, the new WhatsApp personalization tricks are available for select Beta testers. As soon as the development and testing progresses, the availability will expand. We with WhatsApp to soon announce the general availability of the feature.