Samsung
Samsung unveils Galaxy SmartTag2 with new ways to keep track of valuables
Samsung officially unveiled the Galaxy SmartTag2, featuring new and improved ways to keep track of valuables. The company announced that the new product will be available globally on October 10. Thanks to upgrades to design and usability, the SmartTag2 is more helpful than ever before.
The new Galaxy SmartTag offers an improved Compass View feature to enhance the user experience. It provides arrows to show the direction and distance of the Galaxy SmartTag2 in relation to the user. However, this mode is available on any UWB-supported Galaxy smartphone such as the S23 Ultra.
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Upgrades SmartThings Find
- Newly registered Galaxy SmartTags now add a shortcut to the SmartThings Find app on the user’s smartphone, allowing quick and easy access.
- The app now features a full-screen map view and an intuitive interface, making the experience even more seamless.
- When switching Galaxy smartphones, SmartTag2 now automatically re-syncs with your new Galaxy smartphone using your Samsung account.
Power Saving Mode
With Power Saving Mode, Galaxy SmartTag2’s battery now lasts up to 700 days, more than twice as long as previous Galaxy SmartTag models. Even in Normal Mode, battery life is now extended up to 500 days, a 50% increase on previous models.
Sleek Design
Galaxy SmartTag2’s new compact size and ring-shaped design was created for ease. The large metal loop enhances product durability by using metal on the inside of the ring for greater resilience that can support accessories such as clips and keyrings. These accessories can also be attached to bags and luggage.
IP67 rating
Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2’s durability has also been upgraded with an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance. This enables users to keep track of their items in even more challenging environments, such as when travelling outdoors.
Peace of Mind, Repackaged
- Galaxy SmartTag2 retains many of the popular features from Galaxy SmartTag and Galaxy SmartTag+ including both Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and UWB capabilities.
- Users can also leverage Augmented Reality (AR) Find technology to visually guide themselves toward their item using their Samsung Galaxy smartphone camera.
- In addition, Galaxy SmartTag2 works within maximum Bluetooth range of 120 meters and can control smart home appliances through the SmartThings app.
Samsung has improved its Mobile Security Rewards Program by increasing the maximum reward amount to $1 million for security vulnerability reports from outside security experts. This change aims to encourage more collaboration and openness in mobile security, showing Samsung’s goal of keeping user data safe.
Since its launch in 2017, the program has introduced a new system for classifying security risks with Samsung Mobile Security Risk Classification. This system now offers clearer details about different types of vulnerabilities
Moreover, it includes new factors like the ability to lower a threat’s severity and a classification for threats considered to be minimal risks. Vulnerabilities are grouped into five levels – Critical, High, Moderate, Low, and Ineligible, which helps security researchers understand how serious each threat is.
The program applies to all Samsung mobile devices that receive monthly, quarterly, and biannual security updates. It also rewards reports of potential security issues in the latest Samsung Galaxy services, such as Bixby, Samsung Account, and Samsung Wallet, among others.
Samsung also commits to providing up to seven years of security updates for its mobile devices. The updated rewards program includes a special initiative called the Important Scenario Vulnerability Program, which addresses serious security issues, such as unauthorized access to data and harmful code execution.
In August 2024, Samsung released its first Annual Rewards Program Report to highlight its success since the program began. In 2023 alone, Samsung awarded over $800,000 to 113 researchers, with total payouts exceeding $4 million. This Mobile Security Rewards Program is effective immediately.
On November 19, Google dropped the Android 16 Developer Preview. It’s a very initial development stage of the new Android version. Samsung Galaxy devices may receive the new Android 16-based One UI (8) update in the second half of 2025.
Dozens of Samsung Galaxy devices are eligible for the Android 16 update. Galaxy smartphone users are currently waiting for the One UI 7 Beta Program to kick off. It will bring Android 15 to Samsung smartphones and tablets.
Samsung’s running way too late this year. It hasn’t yet started the new software’s beta testing. The public rollout is slated to be started early next year. Meanwhile, Google is shifting gears to streamline Android’s adoption across vendors.
In recent years, Samsung has significantly improved its software support. The majority of new phones come with at least six years of OS update support. The policy peaks up to 7 years on flagship devices starting the Galaxy S24 series.
Determining the Android 16’s eligibility for Galaxy isn’t a pretty difficult task. You will surely receive the update if your device is shipped with Android 14. It’s for entry-level phones, while for most there’s no concern for mid-range and flagships.
Samsung Android 16 Eligible Device List
Galaxy S Smartphones:
- Galaxy S22 Series
- Galaxy S23 Series
- Galaxy S24 Series
Galaxy Z Fold and Flip Phones:
- Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4
- Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5
- Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6
Galaxy S FE Phones:
- Galaxy S21 FE
- Galaxy S23 FE
- Galaxy S24 FE
Galaxy A Phones:
- Galaxy A33, A53 and A73
- Galaxy A14, A24, A34 and A54
- Galaxy A15, A25, A35 and A55
- Galaxy A06, A16
Galaxy Tab Tablets:
- Galaxy Tab S8, Tab S8+ and Tab S8 Ultra
- Galaxy Tab S9, Tab S9+ and Tab S9 Ultra
- Galaxy Tab S10+ and Tab S10 Ultra
Note: This is not a final device list nor shared by Samsung. Based on the official software support promise, the above-listed Samsung phones and tablets will surely receive a major OS upgrade in the second half of 2025.
The listing of the S21 FE may have caught your attention due to missing the missing S21 series. For those shocking, the S21 series and S21 FE are eligible for four OS upgrades. The S21 FE launched with Android 12, while the S21 series with Android 11.
Android 16 is the thing of next year, we eagerly await the One UI 7 Beta along with covering the latest insights. The official rollout will commence after unveiling at the Galaxy Unpacked next year, which could fall in late January.
Samsung has released the November 2024 update for the Galaxy S24 FE, which brings a new Auto Blocker feature. This update is currently rolling out in the US and will be available to more users soon.
The advanced Auto Blocker feature for Samsung Galaxy S24 FE helps improve your device’s security by blocking USB devices from connecting to your phone when Maximum Restrictions mode is enabled.
In the Maximum Restrictions mode, only charging is allowed through USB connections. This means other devices, like a computer or another phone, won’t be able to access your data if they try to connect via USB.
The extra layer of protection is useful for users who need stronger security, preventing unauthorized access to your data if someone physically connects to your phone.
Along with the new feature, the update also includes general improvements to system security and stability, making your Galaxy S24 FE more reliable and safer to use.
To get the update, Samsung Galaxy S24 FE users should look for the One UI build version S721USQS3AXK3, which is around 400MB in size. To install it, just go to Settings, tap on Software Update, and select Download and Install.
If you’ve received the update, it’s recommended to install it to benefit from the new features, enhanced security along new Auto Blocker support.
Samsung One UI 7 will provide extra security with advanced Auto Blocker feature