Category: Software

  • Samsung Confirms One UI 8 Beta Details and Rumors

    Samsung Confirms One UI 8 Beta Details and Rumors

    Key Takeaways

    1. Samsung is facing delays in launching One UI 7, causing disappointment among Galaxy users.
    2. The One UI 7 beta update has been released for select flagship models, but is limited to a few countries.
    3. There are rumors about the early development of One UI 8, which will be based on Android 16.
    4. A Samsung community moderator clarified that One UI 8 has not been officially announced and is still in early development.
    5. Samsung’s beta team is focused on completing One UI 7 before moving on to One UI 8, so users should not expect an early release of the latter.

    Samsung is putting a strong emphasis on the launch of One UI 7, but the delay in its release has left a number of Galaxy users feeling upset, which is understandable. Despite the slower progress, certain flagship models like the Galaxy S24, S23 series, and the 6th generation foldables have received the One UI 7 beta update. However, this beta rollout for the S23 lineup is restricted to a handful of countries.

    What’s Next for One UI?

    While Samsung has not yet kicked off the stable launch of One UI 7, which is based on Android 15, there are talks about One UI 8, built on Android 16. Recent leaks suggest that the company is already in the process of developing this new Android 16-based skin. This has sparked mixed feelings among Galaxy fans regarding Samsung’s pace of Android updates.

    Rumors of an Early Release

    It was recently thought that One UI 8 might show up sooner than expected. A picture of a Galaxy device running One UI 8 appeared online, which fueled speculation about an early beta release.

    Focus on One UI 7 First

    To clear up any potential confusion or unrealistic expectations, a moderator from the Samsung US Community clarified that One UI 8 has not been formally announced. The moderator pointed out that the device seen in the leaked image is an internal Samsung test unit, meant solely for early-stage development. This indicates that users shouldn’t expect the One UI 8 beta update anytime soon.

    The moderator also addressed community inquiries about fast-tracking to One UI 8, stressing that the beta program follows a clearly defined process. Although the concept of skipping One UI 7 to deliver the next major upgrade early is appealing, Samsung’s beta team is dedicated to wrapping up One UI 7 before moving on to One UI 8. So, for those who qualify for One UI 7, be sure to check out the rollout timeline provided.

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  • Chromecast with Google TV Gets Android 14: Hold Off on Update

    Chromecast with Google TV Gets Android 14: Hold Off on Update

    Key Takeaways

    1. Google has released a software update for Chromecast with Google TV, upgrading from Android 12 to Android 14.
    2. The update, version UTTC.241218.004, is 809MB in size and adds compatibility for a new Voice Remote.
    3. The update includes a security patch that extends support until January 2025, along with system improvements and stability enhancements.
    4. Some users have reported issues after updating, including problems with local media support and USB drive recognition.
    5. Potential users are advised to consider waiting before installing the update due to mixed feedback.

    Google has started to release a new software update for the Chromecast with Google TV streaming device. This update represents an upgrade from Android 12 to Android 14 for the now-discontinued device. Originally, this update was expected to be available last year, but it faced some delays.

    Update Details

    The update is identified as version UTTC.241218.004 and has a size of 809MB. According to the changelog, this update upgrades the Android TV version from 12 to 14. Additionally, it appears to add compatibility for the Google TV Streamer’s Voice Remote, which is sold on Amazon for $99.98. This remote includes features such as Find My Remote and a customizable button. Other enhancements include a security patch that extends support until January 2025, along with general system improvements and stability.

    User Feedback

    Before you decide to install this update, you might want to think twice, as there have been several complaints from users who have already done so.

    One user mentioned that the update has caused issues with local media support, resulting in a low power warning even though they are using a 30W power brick. Another user noted that their USB drive was no longer recognized despite multiple attempts to reboot the streamer and reconnect the drive. While these are only a few isolated incidents, it might be wise to hold off for a bit longer to gather more opinions.

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  • Samsung Phones with Stable One UI 7 Software Available Now

    Samsung Phones with Stable One UI 7 Software Available Now

    Key Takeaways

    1. One UI 7 introduces significant advancements, including UI enhancements, new widgets, and improved animations.
    2. The stable version of One UI 7 is expected to launch next month, but no Galaxy device has received it yet.
    3. Several Galaxy phones, including budget options, come with One UI 7 pre-installed, allowing immediate access to the software.
    4. Samsung is expanding the One UI 7 beta program to more devices, with high-end models likely to receive updates first.
    5. Users can try One UI 7 early by participating in the beta program or by purchasing a Galaxy device that already includes it.

    The excitement around One UI 7 is understandable, given that it represents a major advancement in software over recent years. There are a lot of new features to look forward to, including significant UI enhancements, fresh widgets, smooth animations, and various improvements that solidify this upgrade. However, the update process has not been very quick. To date, no Galaxy device has received the stable version of One UI 7.

    Upcoming Rollout

    The stable version of One UI 7 is expected to launch next month. That said, there are already a few Galaxy phones that come with One UI 7 pre-installed. If you want to experience the stable software right away, your best bet is to buy a Galaxy phone that already has it. Below is a list of devices that fit this criteria:

    – Galaxy S25
    – Galaxy S25+
    – Galaxy S25 Ultra
    – Galaxy A56
    – Galaxy A36
    – Galaxy A26
    – Galaxy A06 5G
    – Galaxy M16
    – Galaxy M06
    – Galaxy F16 5G
    – Galaxy F06 5G

    Affordable Options Available

    These Galaxy phones are equipped with the stable One UI 7 software from the factory. Interestingly, there are also some budget-friendly options available in the M and F series. This means that even more affordable phones can use One UI 7, while high-end models like the Galaxy S24, Fold 6, and Flip 6 are still waiting. This situation leads many to believe that Samsung may not prioritize updates for older devices, including premium ones, which raises concerns about the company’s software update strategy.

    Stable Update Timeline

    Samsung is actively working on broadening the One UI 7 beta program to include more Galaxy devices. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 are the most recent additions to the beta group, with additional devices expected to join later this month. The stable release is set for next month.

    Although Samsung has not given an exact timeline, it’s likely that the Galaxy S24 series will be first to receive the update. Other high-end models like the Galaxy Z Fold 6, Z Flip 6, and the Tab S10 series are also anticipated to get the update within the same month. Following that, the rollout will extend to mid-range and budget Galaxy phones.

    Even though the stable update is still a month away, you can try out One UI 7 ahead of time through the beta program. To participate, you need a compatible Samsung device (like the Galaxy S24 series, S23 series, Tab S10 series, Z Fold 6/Flip 6, or Galaxy A55), and you must live in a country where the beta program is offered (eligible countries include India, Korea, the US, and the UK). Alternatively, you could purchase a Galaxy device that already comes with One UI 7.

    Related Articles

    1. One UI 7 will be the last major upgrade for these Galaxy devices
    2. Massive One UI 7 delay making me lose trust in Samsung’s software update policy
    3. One UI 7 on older Galaxy devices might not get this Galaxy AI feature

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  • FreeBSD 13.5 Released: New Tweaks, Fixes, and Updated Packages

    FreeBSD 13.5 Released: New Tweaks, Fixes, and Updated Packages

    Key Takeaways

    1. FreeBSD 13.5 is officially launched and will be supported until April 2026.
    2. The update includes fixes for ten security vulnerabilities, improving overall security.
    3. Hardware support enhancements include compatibility for new keyboards and USB-to-Serial adapters.
    4. Disk latency measurement in gstat has been improved to provide microsecond precision.
    5. The KDE desktop environment has been removed from the installer due to compatibility issues with OpenSSL 1.1.1.

    After nearly four years, the sixth and final release of FreeBSD 13.x has been announced. The development team, however, will keep supporting the stable/13 branch until the end of April, 2026. Officially launched today, FreeBSD 13.5 is now available for a wide range of architectures: amd64, i386, aarch64, armv6, armv7, powerpc, powerpc64, powerpc64le, powerpcspe, and riscv64.

    Security Improvements

    With the 13.4 update, FreeBSD 13.5 has fixed ten security vulnerabilities, with the earliest dated back to September 19, 2024, and the latest one reported on February 21, 2025. The updated software contributions feature libpcap and tcpdump, both supported by The FreeBSD Foundation, along with expat, less, file, xz, and a handful of others.

    Hardware Support Enhancements

    In terms of hardware support, FreeBSD 13.5 now includes compatibility for Purism coreboot keyboards and Brainboxes USB-to-Serial adapters. Furthermore, the support for Realtek 8156/8156B has been transitioned from dce to ure. Additionally, disk latency in gstat now provides microsecond precision.

    Notable Changes

    The documentation has seen several minor revisions, but a significant alteration is the exclusion of the KDE desktop environment from the installer images. This choice was made due to KDE’s compatibility problems with OpenSSL 1.1.1, which could lead to future package issues.

    You can find FreeBSD 13.5 downloadables on this page. For those looking to upgrade, FreeBSD 14.2-related files are also available here. Both sets of files come with installers, VMs, and SD card images.

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  • OpenAI Launches Tools and API for AI Business Development

    OpenAI Launches Tools and API for AI Business Development

    Key Takeaways

    1. OpenAI has launched new software tools for developers to create customized AI agents for business applications.
    2. AI chatbots, like ChatGPT, are primarily limited to basic question answering and struggle with complex queries.
    3. Agentic AI can perform in-depth research and handle intricate tasks, such as creating tailored travel plans.
    4. The Research API allows developers to build AI agents easily with minimal code, replacing the older Assistants API by 2026.
    5. The Agents SDK enables the development of multi-agent systems, allowing specialized agents to collaborate on customer queries.

    OpenAI has launched new software tools designed for developers of business applications to create AI agents tailored to meet specific customer demands. These tools merge various features from OpenAI’s AI products, making it easier to program these agents.

    The Rise of Chatbots

    AI chatbots, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, have gained traction because they can respond to user prompts effectively. Yet, these chatbots are primarily limited to answering basic questions that don’t require extensive analysis or research, like “What is the height of Tokyo Tower?” They rely heavily on the data they were trained on and struggle with generating complex answers.

    Enhanced Capabilities of Agentic AI

    Agentic AI can search the web for information and utilize a computer similarly to a person while tackling intricate queries, like “Create a travel plan to Tokyo that includes popular anime shops and sites with a budget of $2,000.” These AI systems are capable of thorough research and can thoughtfully approach complex tasks.

    To facilitate the development of these AI agents, OpenAI has introduced the Research API, enabling programmers to build agents using only a few lines of code. This new API is derived from the beta version of its Assistants API, with user feedback incorporated to enhance usability and efficiency. The Research API is an expanded version of the existing Chat Completions API, which generates text responses from prompts, and it is now OpenAI’s suggested API for use. The Assistants API is set to be phased out in 2026.

    Multi-Agent Workflows

    OpenAI has also introduced the Agents SDK, which aids developers in creating multi-agent systems where a specialized agent collaborates with others to fulfill customer queries. For instance, one agent could forward product return inquiries to a returns specialist and direct shopping suggestions to a shopping-focused agent.

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    OpenAI Launches Tools and API for AI Business DevelopmentOpenAI Launches Tools and API for AI Business Development
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  • Home Assistant Now Matter Certified for Smart Home Automation

    Home Assistant Now Matter Certified for Smart Home Automation

    Key Takeaways

    1. Home Assistant is now officially certified for Matter by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA).
    2. Two certifications were achieved: one for the Home Assistant user interface and one for the Open Home Foundation Matter Server.
    3. The Open Home Foundation Matter Server is the first open-source project to receive CSA certification.
    4. Existing users of Home Assistant will see no immediate changes due to the Matter certification.
    5. The certification aims to build trust with new users and encourage more brands to join the Works With Home Assistant program.

    Home Assistant is now officially certified for Matter. This open-source software for smart home automation has long been compatible with Matter as well as other protocols like Zigbee and Z-Wave. Recently, it received certification from the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), which oversees the Matter standard.

    Two Certifications Achieved

    Home Assistant has actually achieved two different certifications. The software itself is recognized as a certified user interface component, while the Open Home Foundation Matter Server is acknowledged as a certified software component. The latter is the very first open-source project to receive CSA certification. The company mentioned that having these two distinct certifications means there’s no need for recertification whenever Home Assistant is updated. Therefore, the Open Home Foundation Matter Server will continue to function as an add-on, instead of being directly incorporated into the Home Assistant Core.

    No Immediate Changes for Users

    Currently, this Matter certification does not affect existing users of Home Assistant. The company has promised to keep updating the Matter Server and its integration in the same way as before. What Home Assistant aims to achieve with this certification is to build trust with potential new users and to motivate more brands to participate in the Works With Home Assistant program. This program already features several Matter devices, including the Aqara Smart Lock U200, priced at $229.49 on Amazon.

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    Home Assistant Now Matter Certified for Smart Home Automation

     

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  • iPhone and MacBook to Launch iOS 19 and macOS 16 This Fall

    iPhone and MacBook to Launch iOS 19 and macOS 16 This Fall

    Key Takeaways

    1. Apple will release a major redesign for iOS 19, iPadOS 19, and macOS 16 in late 2025.
    2. The new design will focus on improved navigation and a consistent look across platforms.
    3. The updates will draw inspiration from visionOS, featuring depth, transparency, and floating windows.
    4. Apple plans to maintain separate branding for Macs and iPads despite the design changes.
    5. There may be user resistance to the extensive changes, which could overshadow delays in AI advancements.

    On September 18, Apple unveiled iOS 7, giving the iPhone’s operating system a complete makeover. Since that launch, the company has enhanced and fine-tuned the system over the years, refraining from attempting another significant redesign until now. Recent insights from Bloomberg indicate that Apple is set to roll out a dramatically revamped design with new icons, menus, applications, window styles, and buttons in iOS 19, iPadOS 19, and macOS 16.

    Upcoming Updates

    The anticipated updates for these three operating systems are slated for release in the latter half of 2025, aiming to make navigation and usage simpler for users. The new design is expected to ensure greater consistency across all platforms. Reportedly, this fresh look will take cues from visionOS, the operating system for Apple Vision Pro, suggesting that Apple is planning to incorporate more depth, transparency, and floating windows for its menus.

    Design Consistency

    While iOS, iPadOS, and macOS are expected to share a more unified appearance post-update, Apple is not looking to combine the operating systems. The company still aims to market both Macs and iPads separately. Overall, the new design is meant to enhance sales but also to divert attention from the delay in the AI-driven Siri upgrade and the fact that Apple lags behind competitors when it comes to AI capabilities. Bloomberg further notes that such extensive changes might be challenging for many users to adapt to, meaning Apple might face some backlash.

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    iPhone and MacBook to Launch iOS 19 and macOS 16 This FalliPhone and MacBook to Launch iOS 19 and macOS 16 This FalliPhone and MacBook to Launch iOS 19 and macOS 16 This Fall
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  • Mistral OCR: Convert Complex Documents to Editable Files Easily

    Mistral OCR: Convert Complex Documents to Editable Files Easily

    Key Takeaways

    1. Mistral has launched Mistral OCR, an AI-powered API for converting printed documents into editable digital formats.
    2. The tool excels in handling complex, multilingual documents, supporting 11 languages with accuracy rates from 97.00% to 99.54%.
    3. Mistral OCR outperforms Microsoft and Google’s OCR technologies, especially in converting intricate documents like those with tables and mathematical content.
    4. Document size limits for Mistral OCR are set at 50 MB and 1,000 pages; printed documents must be digitized first, while PDFs and images can be processed directly.
    5. Users can find more information and updates about Mistral OCR through Mistral’s press release and YouTube channel.

    Mistral has released a new tool called Mistral OCR, an API powered by AI that is crafted to excel in transforming printed documents into digital formats.

    The Importance of OCR

    There are countless printed documents and non-editable PDF files out there, such as historical birth certificates and various books. Optical character recognition (OCR) software works by taking the text and layout from these sources and turning them into editable digital formats. While OCR tools can accurately handle simple text documents, they often struggle with intricate tables, graphs, and texts in other languages.

    Mistral’s Multilingual Capabilities

    Mistral OCR is designed specifically to handle the conversion of complex, multilingual documents. The software boasts impressive accuracy in converting text across 11 languages, with results ranging from 97.00% at the lowest end to an outstanding 99.54% at the highest. This performance surpasses that of both Microsoft and Google’s OCR technologies. Additionally, Mistral OCR is more proficient than its competitors when it comes to complex document conversions, including those that involve mathematics or tabulated data.

    Document Limitations and Processing

    Currently, the Mistral OCR API has some restrictions, allowing documents that are up to 50 MB in size and no more than 1,000 pages long to be uploaded. For printed documents, users need to first digitize them using scanners, like the ones available on Amazon. On the other hand, PDF files, images, and websites can be processed directly without any extra steps.

    For more information, check out Mistral’s press release and their YouTube channel for updates on Mistral OCR.

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    Mistral OCR: Convert Complex Documents to Editable Files EasilyMistral OCR: Convert Complex Documents to Editable Files EasilyMistral OCR: Convert Complex Documents to Editable Files Easily
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  • Google Pixel 10: New Android 16 Features Unveiled in Videos

    Google Pixel 10: New Android 16 Features Unveiled in Videos

    Key Takeaways

    1. Android 16’s developer previews and beta versions have been released, with major user features expected at Google I/O 2025 on May 20, 2025.
    2. New lock screen widgets, previously available on Google tablets, will be introduced to Pixel phones with Android 16 QPR1.
    3. The lock screen widget feature will also be included in the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), allowing other manufacturers to adopt it.
    4. Android is aiming to enhance its desktop capabilities, allowing users to mirror and extend their display on external monitors with improved multi-display features in Android 16.
    5. Users will have more control over their multi-display setup, including adjusting positioning, using input devices, and customizing settings like refresh rates and text/icon sizing.

    The first developer previews and beta versions for Android 16 have been released, although many of the new features important for regular users likely won’t be revealed until the Google I/O 2025 conference scheduled for May 20, 2025. Android specialist Mishaal Rahman has found a way to enable two of these upcoming features ahead of time on the latest Android 16 Beta 2.1.

    New Lock Screen Widgets

    Users of the Pixel tablet might already know about the first noteworthy feature: lock screen widgets. This functionality has been on Google tablets since Android 15, but it hasn’t appeared on smartphones running the current version of Google’s operating system. In a recent announcement, Google stated this handy feature will be coming to Pixel phones starting with Android 16 QPR1, which is the first quarterly update following the Android 16 launch, internally referred to as 25Q3.

    Expanding Access and Functionality

    Even more exciting is that Google plans to include this new feature in the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) during the summer, making it accessible to other Android manufacturers if they choose to implement it in their own interfaces. Mishaal provides a glimpse of how this feature could look on a smartphone in the video below, although some aspects may still be altered appearance-wise and function-wise before the final rollout.

    In a move similar to Apple, Google aims to strengthen Android’s position as an alternative to traditional desktop operating systems like Windows, macOS, or Linux. Evidence of this shift can already be seen in Android 15, which allows users to mirror their display content on an external monitor. The Pixel 10 Pro could serve as an even more efficient temporary desktop alternative due to advancements in the multi-display feature set to debut in Android 16. Rahman also got to tinker with this newly activated feature ahead of time.

    Enhanced Multi-Display Experience

    The video shared below reveals that in the future, users will not just mirror their Pixel screen on a second display; they will also be able to extend it. The “External Display” section in Android settings has seen enhancements, allowing users to adjust the positioning of the second display in relation to their smartphone. Plus, input devices like a mouse or touchscreen can be used to smoothly transition the cursor between the screens. Google is also working on dedicated settings for refresh rates and text/icon sizing. However, it’s still unclear when exactly this feature will become available; like the widgets, it may be included in a future Android 16 feature drop.

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    Google Pixel 10: New Android 16 Features Unveiled in Videos

     

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  • Microsoft Encourages Windows 11 Installation via Support Page Updates

    Microsoft Encourages Windows 11 Installation via Support Page Updates

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft is actively encouraging users to upgrade to Windows 11 by highlighting its benefits on their support site.
    2. Windows 11’s market share has increased to 42.07%, while Windows 10 has decreased to 54.79%, indicating a trend of users switching to the new OS.
    3. The new feature Smart App Control in Windows 11 helps protect against unwanted software by blocking unsigned applications.
    4. Smart App Control has improved with updates, enhancing its effectiveness in safeguarding PCs.
    5. A clean installation of Windows 11 is required to use Smart App Control, along with enabling optional diagnostic data during setup.

    It appears that Microsoft is really pushing hard to encourage users to migrate to Windows 11. Recently, the company made some updates to its support site to show off the advantages that the new operating system offers. It looks like these efforts are starting to pay off, as more users are moving from Windows 10 to the latest OS.

    Windows Market Share Changes

    According to Statcounter, Windows 11 now holds 42.07% of the overall desktop Windows market share, which is a significant rise from 26.68% in March of last year. In contrast, Windows 10 now occupies 54.79% of the market, down from 69.07% in March 2024, showing a clear trend of users switching to the newer version.

    New Features to Attract Users

    Microsoft is aiming to attract users who are particularly careful about the applications installed on their computers. Specifically, the company has updated one of its support pages again, focusing on how to safeguard PCs against unwanted software. The new guide now points out that Windows 11 includes a feature called Smart App Control.

    Smart App Control, as Microsoft explains, is powered by cloud security and is capable of blocking unsigned and potentially harmful software. Initially, this feature wasn’t very effective, but with subsequent updates, it has improved in protecting computers from unwanted applications.

    Installation Requirements

    However, it’s important to note that to use Smart App Control, a clean installation is necessary. This means that simply upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 won’t suffice. Additionally, during the setup process, users must enable optional diagnostic data for the feature to work properly.

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