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Android 15 Introduces Satellite Communication
With the stable release of Android 15, along with several new features, satellite messaging has now become available for a few Android devices. The feature allows you to send and receive messages via satellite when you are outside of cellular or Wi-Fi coverage areas. It is particularly useful in emergencies or in remote areas where normal network coverage is unavailable.
To be specific, who can use this? Satellite messaging in Android 15 has started to come for users with compatible devices, like the Google Pixel series, and specific carriers like T-Mobile (thanks to Elon Musk’s Starlink).
For T-Mobile users running eligible devices with the latest Android 15 OS, you can access this feature by going through Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > T-Mobile and tapping on Satellite Messaging. Don’t forget, you still need an eligible T-Mobile plan to use satellite messaging.
As of now, this is limited to a few devices which are expected to be available for more devices with necessary hardware requirements in the future.
Keep in mind, even though Android 15 includes this emergency feature, you might not see it right away. This can depend on your phone model, where you live, or which mobile service you use.
Just for your information, Apple has already enabled satellite communication for its iPhones.
Samsung may use an AI-packed Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chip in the Galaxy A36 5G. A recent Geekbench listing suggests that the upcoming Samsung mid-ranger would be powered by Qualcomm’s SoC, rather than Exynos.
91mobiles spotted alleged Galaxy A36 5G with Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 SoC. The phone scored quite low scores in both single-core and multi-core performance tests. The switch from Exynos suggests a dramatic change in the segment.
Samsung’s A35 5G is selling well internationally. It isn’t the most-selling smartphone, but grabbed much attention since its initial launch. 2025 will be the year when the A35 5G will get a successor with a different application processor.
Recently, Samsung’s Galaxy A36 5G was spotted on Geekbench with the SM-A366B model number. The phone runs Android 15 operating system. The chipset is codenamed Parrot with 2.4GHz frequency, hinting at the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2.
Samsung could launch the Galaxy A36 alongside the A56 by March next year. The latter could use the next-gen mid-range Exynos SoC. Ray tracing and Generative AI capabilities could be worth seeing if the chipset supports them.
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor comes with a Kryo CPU that reaches peak speeds up to 2.4 GHz for lightning-fast, on-device experiences, while Quick Charge 4+ refuels power from 0–50% in just five minutes.
Additionally, the US chip designer’s AI Engine includes an AI-powered virtual assistant to help with daily tasks. This means, the mid-range phone would support more new Galaxy AI features – aligning with Samsung’s announcement at SDC.
Samsung has completely shuffled its software segment this year. The Beta is pushed back to late 2024 and Stable to early 2025. The uncertainty about the existence of One UI 7.1 in the Samsung Galaxy S25 series is seemingly answered.
A recent X post of IceUniverse suggests Samsung Galaxy S25 series could boot One UI 7.1. At the SDC24, the company pledged to bring the final version of One UI 7 with the new Galaxy S series early next year.
In the past, Samsung released new One UI updates by the end of the year. New Galaxy S phones debut in the first quarter, installed with x.1 iteration. Later, older Galaxy phones receive incremental updates with new features.
Following Samsung’s announcement, it was assumed that the One UI 7.1 could not come. However, the version strategy of One UI seemingly remains unchanged. The next-gen Galaxy S phones could indeed boot the One UI 7.1 software.
One UI 7 is definitely the biggest improvement in the history of One UI or the entire Samsung software.
But if you want to experience the most powerful One UI 7, please buy the Galaxy S25 Ultra 16GB RAMversion. It will provide the most powerful chip and the most ample memory…— ICE UNIVERSE (@UniverseIce) October 16, 2024
The leaker noted that Galaxy S25 Ultra with 16GB RAM and Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 will be the most powerful phone. Thanks to the exceptional chipset, the flagship will introduce breakthroughs in performance and efficiency.
One UI 7 will significantly improve experiences on existing Galaxy phones. But the new One UI 7.1 version will offer a whole new experience. We expect the One UI 7.1 update to be available for flagship phones by the end of March next year.
Samsung’s One UI 7 is expected to bring a whole new user interface. Quick Settings and Notification Panel could be separated for easier access. OS-wide component changes are also likely as teased in the development firmware.
Samsung officially launched the Galaxy Ring in India. This smart tracker was initially available in the US and select European countries. The company has now brought the device to the Indian market, with the price starting at INR 38,999 (~ $463).
Galaxy Ring will be available on Samsung.com, select retail stores, Amazon and Flipkart. Offered color variants include Titanium Black, Titanium Silver, and Titanium Gold. If you are unsure about the ring size, a Sizing Kit can be ordered first.
Samsung’s new smart ring comes with advanced sensors, which offer insights to help users understand lifestyle patterns, helping them manage health goals. It’s also equipped with Galaxy AI capabilities so you can make the most of it.
The Ring is IP68 water- and dust-resistant and can withstand depths of up to 100 meters with its 10ATM rating. The company says the product is engineered with premium materials, including a titanium finish for enhanced durability.
The device weighs only 2.3 grams for Size 5 with a width of 7.0 mm. It will be available in 9 different sizes, ranging from Size 5 to Size 13. The weight of Galaxy Ring varies with size, going up to 3 grams for the biggest size (Size 13).
Samsung’s tiny wearable offers up to 7 days of battery life encased in a specially designed charging case. It comes with a clamshell design reminiscent of a jewelry box and brings aesthetic LED lighting to indicate charging status.
The best AI features include Sleep Score, Energy Score, Sleep, Activity, Sleeping Heart Rate, and Sleeping Heart Rate Variability. The Ring also supports Gesture controls (like a double pinch) to easily take photos or dismiss alarms.
If you order Samsung’s Galaxy Ring until October 18, you will get a free 25W travel adapter. The premium wearable can also be purchased on EMI, starting at just INR 1,625 per month with 24 months No Cost EMI.