Category: Software

February 21, 2025
Samsung Accelerates One UI 7 Beta Testing for Stable Rollout
Key Takeaways
1. Samsung is struggling to provide a stable One UI 7 software for Galaxy devices, with delays in rollout.
2. The fourth One UI 7 beta for the Galaxy S24 series was released recently, adding new features and fixes.
3. Future stable release of One UI 7 is expected in March or April, but it may face further delays.
4. User frustration is growing due to the delay, with some considering switching brands.
5. Samsung needs to provide a clear timeline for the One UI 7 rollout to regain user trust.
Samsung is having a tough time this year with providing a stable One UI 7 software for its Galaxy devices. They kicked off the One UI 7 beta program for the Galaxy S24 series in early December, and since then, users have been waiting without any clear information about the stable update. Now, it appears that Samsung is eager to finish the beta phase and start the stable rollout of One UI 7, beginning with the Galaxy S24 series.
Latest Beta Release
This week, Samsung launched the fourth One UI 7 beta for the Galaxy S24 series. This update includes a variety of fixes and some new camera features like AI filters and log video recording. Just a day after this fourth beta was released, another beta update came out for the Galaxy S24 series, whereas the gap between the third and fourth beta was about one and a half months. This could indicate that Samsung is keen on addressing the existing problems quickly and aims to release the stable update for the Galaxy S24 series in the near future.
Update Details
The most recent One UI 7 update, which was made available today, has the firmware version ZYBB and is approximately 436MB in size. The changelog notes that it resolves an issue with the visual voicemail (VVM) crash. Is this update the fifth beta or a fix for the fourth one? We can’t say definitively. However, it is encouraging to see Samsung putting out another update in just a day.
Future Release Expectations
A moderator for the One UI beta on the Samsung Community recently mentioned that the stable version is coming soon. Although no specific release date or timeline was provided, if what he said is correct, the Galaxy S24 series might see the stable One UI 7 update in March. Yet, recent leaks suggest otherwise. These leaks indicate that Samsung may release at least two additional One UI 7 beta updates for the Galaxy S24 series, with the stable version potentially arriving in April, coinciding with the release of the Galaxy S25 Edge.
The rollout of the One UI 7 stable version is already significantly behind schedule. Samsung has yet to update any Galaxy device to One UI 7, which is leading to user frustration. This situation isn’t favorable for the brand, as many users are considering switching to other brands and are questioning the future of Samsung’s software updates. There is a strong belief that Samsung should at least provide a timeline for the One UI 7 rollout.
Tags: galaxy s24+, One UI 7, Samsung
February 21, 2025
Instagram DMs Get Boost: New Translation and Scheduling Features
Key Takeaways
1. Message Translation: Instagram now allows users to translate messages in DMs by long-pressing on a message and selecting Translate, making communication across languages easier.
2. Music Stickers: Users can send a 30-second preview of their favorite songs in messages using the new music stickers feature available in the Stickers section.
3. Scheduling Messages: Instagram introduces the ability to schedule messages for a specific time, helpful for sending timely messages like birthday wishes.
4. Group Chat QR Codes: Each group chat will have a unique QR code for inviting new members, with group admins controlling access.
5. Pinned Messages: Users can now pin specific messages in one-on-one or group chats, enhancing the organization of important conversations.
Instagram is introducing several exciting updates to enhance its direct messaging service, including features like message translation, music stickers, and the option to schedule messages.
Message Translation Feature
While Facebook Messenger has had message translation since 2018, Instagram is just now integrating this feature into its DMs. It’s a bit surprising that Meta took this long to implement it—WhatsApp still lacks this capability—but at least it’s finally here. To translate messages in your Instagram chats, simply long-press on a message, whether sent or received, and select Translate. The translated text will show up right below the original message.
Music Stickers and Scheduling Messages
Another cool addition to DMs is music stickers. This feature allows you to send a snippet of your chosen song in your messages. You can find the new Music option in the Stickers section of your chat, where you can look for a song to share. Just remember that the sticker will only provide a 30-second preview of the track.
Instagram is also adding the ability to schedule messages, a great tool for sending birthday wishes right at midnight. You can long-press the send button to set up a message for a specific time, choosing from various customization options.
Group Chat Enhancements
Group chats are seeing a minor but helpful update too. Each group will now have its own unique QR code that can be shared for inviting new members. Nevertheless, group admins will still control who joins since they can refresh the QR code at any moment to manage access.
Finally, Instagram is building on last year’s feature that allows users to pin up to three chat threads in their DMs. Now, you can also pin specific messages in one-on-one or group chats, making it simpler to keep important conversations easily accessible.
These updates have begun to roll out worldwide, so if you haven’t noticed them yet, they should be available to you shortly.
Tags: Instagram, message translation, music stickers
February 19, 2025
Philips Hue App Update: New Tool for Better Organization
Key Takeaways
1. The Philips Hue iOS app has been updated to version 5.36.0, the first update of the month.
2. New features include improved organization tools for user scenes, allowing users to group and ungroup scenes easily.
3. Users need a Hue Bridge to set up multiple Rooms in the app.
4. Future updates may enhance search capabilities, potentially allowing QR code scanning instead of using serial numbers.
5. The release date for a similar update on Android is currently unknown.
The Philips Hue iOS application has been refreshed to version 5.36.0. This update marks the first for the smart home app this month. It comes after version 5.34.0, which was released in late January and introduced the Arming schedule Automation. The reason behind the absence of version 5.35 from public release is still unknown.
New Organizational Features
The latest Philips Hue app version 5.36 introduces a new tool for organizing user scenes. According to the release notes, users can now shift grouped scenes into a different group. In addition, there’s an option to ungroup these scenes. To use this feature, simply click on the three dots icon in any Room within the app. Just a reminder, you need a Hue Bridge (curr. $42 at Amazon) to set up multiple Rooms.
Upcoming Enhancements
There are rumors that Philips Hue is aiming to improve the app’s search capabilities. It appears that the upcoming features may allow users to scan a QR code instead of having to search for a serial number. However, it’s still uncertain when this enhancement will be available for users. You can download the Philips Hue app version 5.36 for iOS from the Apple App Store. It’s also unclear when a similar update will be launched for Android users.
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Tags: iOS app update, Philips Hue, Smart Home Automation
February 19, 2025
Microsoft Windows and Office Activation Cracked: New DRM Bypass
Key Takeaways
1. TSforge is a new tool by the hacking group Massgrave that permanently activates Windows and Office without the usual validation process.
2. The tool modifies key files (data.dat and tokens.dat) in Windows’ activation framework to insert fake activation data.
3. TSforge offers a more permanent solution compared to temporary KMS-based activators like KMSpico and KMSAuto Net.
4. It supports Windows 7 and newer versions, including Windows Server editions, and activates Microsoft Office versions starting from 2013.
5. TSforge is integrated into Microsoft Activation Scripts (MAS) 3.0, and Microsoft has not yet responded to or acted against this activation method.
Microsoft’s software activation system has been a target for many developers trying to get around its limitations for a long time. Recently, a new activation method has emerged that might be a game-changer. A hacking group called Massgrave has launched TSforge, a tool that permanently activates Windows and Office programs without needing the usual validation process. Unlike earlier activation hacks, TSforge operates at the heart of Microsoft’s Software Protection Platform (SPP) by inserting fake activation data directly into the trusted storage of the system.
How it Works
You might be curious about how this all happens. It involves modifying two important files in Windows’ activation framework: data.dat and tokens.dat. These files hold the licensing information for products. TSforge injects counterfeit data, tricking the operating system into thinking a phony product key or confirmation ID is genuine. This means that Windows can stay activated forever without the need for online checks or regular reactivations, making it a stronger solution compared to the KMS-based activators. Some popular KMS activators include KMSpico, KMSAuto Net, Microsoft Toolkit, and KMS VL ALL, which only provide temporary activation by simulating Microsoft’s Key Management Service (KMS).
System Requirements
As for compatibility, TSforge works with Windows 7 and newer versions, including Windows Server editions up to the year 2025. It can also activate Microsoft Office versions starting from 2013, as long as they are running on Windows 8 or later. Beyond just basic activation, TSforge offers functionalities like Extended Security Updates (ESU) for older Windows versions and continues Windows 10 updates past the official end-of-support date in October 2025.
The new activation method is incorporated into Microsoft Activation Scripts (MAS) 3.0, which is an open-source toolkit created by Massgrave. Despite the significant implications of this DRM bypass, Microsoft has yet to publicly respond to the TSforge method or take action against its availability as of now.
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Tags: Massgrave, TSforge, Windows Activation
February 18, 2025
Home Assistant Voice Chapter 9 Introduces Speech-to-Phrase Tool
Key Takeaways
1. Increased Accessibility: Voice chapter 9 aims to make a fully local voice assistant more accessible, now recommending Speech-to-Phrase for better performance.
2. Faster Speech Recognition: Speech-to-Phrase can transcribe speech in under a second on Raspberry Pi 4 and as quickly as 150 ms on Raspberry Pi 5.
3. Limited Voice Commands: The initial version of Speech-to-Phrase supports a limited set of commands, including controlling smart lights, media players, setting timers, and checking the weather.
4. New Features: Voice chapter 9 introduces broadcasts for sharing messages across devices and voice commands for adjusting smart thermostats.
5. Analog Phone Integration: Users can make calls to analog phones and leave voicemails, enhancing functionality with notifications like washing machine cycle completions.
Home Assistant has unveiled Voice chapter 9. This new version comes after the introduction of the Home Assistant Voice Preview Edition hardware back in December. Additionally, it follows the broader release of Home Assistant 2025.2 from early February.
Enhanced Voice Assistant Accessibility
Voice chapter 9 aims to make a fully local voice assistant more available to a wider audience. In the past, the company advised users to utilize the Whisper Speech-to-Text tool. This tool, when utilized on a Raspberry Pi 4, took about five seconds to transcribe speech, yielding mixed outcomes. Due to this, the company suggested using at least an Intel N100. Now, Home Assistant points users toward Speech-to-Phrase, which will be available in English, French, German, Dutch, Spanish, and Italian at launch.
Improved Performance on Raspberry Pi
Speech-to-Phrase can turn speech into text in under a second on a Raspberry Pi 4 or Home Assistant Green (currently $120 at Amazon). For those using a Raspberry Pi 5, speeds can be as quick as 150 ms. However, it’s important to note that Speech-to-Phrase has its limitations, supporting a reduced number of voice commands right out of the box. These commands include controlling smart lights and media players, as well as setting timers and checking the weather.
New Features in Voice Chapter 9
According to the release notes for 2025.2, Voice chapter 9 introduces support for broadcasts, allowing users to share messages across all connected devices, and the capacity to adjust a smart thermostat’s temperature using voice commands. Additionally, users can now make calls to their analog phones and leave voicemails, such as notifications that the washing machine has completed its cycle. For more detailed information, you can check the full release notes for Voice chapter 9 on the Home Assistant blog.
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Tags: Home Assistant, Raspberry Pi 4, Speech-to-Phrase
February 18, 2025
High School Student Develops LinuxPDF: Run Linux in PDF Files
Key Takeaways
1. Ading2210 created LinuxPDF, allowing users to run Linux within a PDF document.
2. The program builds on his previous success, DoomPDF, which runs the game Doom inside a PDF.
3. LinuxPDF uses TinyEMU, a compact RISC-V emulator, enabling Linux to run in a 15 MB file.
4. Emscripten is used to convert C code into asm.js for compatibility with PDF viewers.
5. Ading2210 overcame limitations of modern PDF viewers regarding Javascript execution, similar to his approach with DoomPDF.
A high school student known as ading2210 has introduced LinuxPDF, a program that allows users to run Linux directly within a PDF document. This follows the success of his previous creation, DoomPDF, which enables users to play the game Doom inside a PDF. Users can try the demo version of LinuxPDF through a Chromium-based web browser at the provided link.
Web Technologies in Action
Web browsers utilize HTML, CSS, and Javascript to build the interactive pages we encounter online today. Some parts of these languages are also available in current PDF viewers to enable code execution.
Emulating Linux in a PDF
TinyEMU is an efficient RISC-V system emulator that can run Linux, and the uncompiled TinyEMU code along with the Linux operating system can be downloaded in a compact 15 MB file. This small size makes it feasible to run within a PDF viewer, particularly when the PDF is opened in a web browser as mentioned earlier.
The Challenge of Compatibility
However, operating systems such as Linux are written in C, a programming language that isn’t natively recognized by web or PDF browsers. To address this, Emscripten, a cross-compiler, was employed to transform C code into a version of Javascript called asm.js, which is compatible with PDF files.
Modern PDF viewers have certain restrictions that limit the execution of Javascript code. Ading2210 addressed these constraints in his prior work, DoomPDF, notably in terms of text input and system display output, and he applied similar solutions in LinuxPDF.
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Tags: Ading2210, DoomPDF, LinuxPDF
February 18, 2025
Four Home Assistant 2025.2 Patch Releases Now Available
Key Takeaways
1. Home Assistant has released four patch updates since version 2025.2 launched earlier this month.
2. The latest patch, 2025.2.4, fixes a frontend issue and addresses a problem with the Tuya Smart Thermostat Radiator Valve.
3. The backup system now includes resumable uploads for Google Drive and individual metadata files for OneDrive.
4. New features include the “EMERGENCY_HEAT” state for the EcoNet Smart Thermostat and bug fixes for LG webOS TV and Govee products.
5. Home Assistant plans to continue releasing updates weekly, exceeding initial expectations.
Home Assistant has rolled out four patch updates since the introduction of version 2025.2 earlier this month. This update enhances the backup system that was refreshed in January, including better integrations with Google Drive and OneDrive.
Latest Patch Release Details
The most recent patch, 2025.2.4, was released on February 14th, featuring a small update for the frontend and addressing a problem related to the Tuya Smart Thermostat Radiator Valve (TRV). The prior patch, 2025.2.3, introduced a new state called “EMERGENCY_HEAT” for the EcoNet Smart Thermostat. Earlier updates have also ensured that the current temperature isn’t used for the External Temperature in the Shelly BLU TRV. Furthermore, they have fixed issues that could lead to crashes if a Telegram message fails to generate an ID.
Backup System Enhancements
In connection with the broader improvements to the backup system, users can now take advantage of resumable uploads for Google Drive and utilize individual metadata files for OneDrive. Additionally, there are a few fixes for bugs affecting LG webOS TV and updates related to Govee and Google Nest smart home gadgets.
Update Frequency
Up to now, the number of patch updates for Home Assistant 2025.2 has exceeded expectations; the company plans to release one per week. You can find the complete release notes for each of these updates on the Home Assistant blog.
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Tags: Google Drive, Home Assistant, Tuya Smart Thermostat
February 17, 2025
Garmin Launches Free To-Do List Smartwatch App: ComingUp
Key Takeaways
1. Garmin’s ComingUp app is free and available on the Connect IQ store for smartwatch users.
2. The app syncs with third-party task management apps like Google Tasks, Todoist, and Microsoft To Do.
3. Users can manage tasks directly from their watch, including adding and completing tasks.
4. Some users reported syncing issues and malfunctions on certain smartwatch models.
5. The app requires a connection to the Garmin Connect fitness profile and may affect battery performance.
Garmin has introduced a new app called ComingUp, which can be downloaded for free from the Connect IQ store. This app is designed to assist users of the brand’s smartwatches in managing their tasks and boosting their productivity. The company claims that the “utilitarian interface” will aid users in staying focused.
Features and Compatibility
The ComingUp app enables connections to third-party applications such as Google Tasks, Todoist, and Microsoft To Do lists, allowing for real-time syncing. Users can modify their to-do lists, including adding new tasks through the QWERTY keyboard or marking tasks as completed directly from their watch. Additionally, users have the option to receive notifications on their watch when a task is due. However, it’s important to note that users must allow the app to run in the background when inactive, which may influence the battery performance of Garmin’s smartwatches. Furthermore, it requires a connection to your Garmin Connect fitness profile.
User Feedback
Up to now, user feedback has been varied. Some users find the app to be a valuable tool, while others have mentioned that only default projects, lists, or inboxes were being synced. A few users also pointed out that the app appeared to malfunction on certain compatible models, such as the Venu 3 and Forerunner 955 Solar. The new Garmin ComingUp app is reported to be compatible with a broad selection of the brand’s smartwatches, including the latest tactix 8 and Descent G2, as well as the Fenix 8, Forerunner 255, and vivoactive 5 (curr. $245.89 at Amazon); a complete list of compatible devices is available at the Connect IQ store.
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Tags: Garmin, To-Do
February 17, 2025
One UI 7 Delayed: One UI 8 Release May Be Sooner Than Expected
Key Takeaways
1. Samsung’s rollout of One UI 7 has been slow, causing frustration among users.
2. Concerns exist about the timely launch of One UI 8 due to delays with One UI 7.
3. Early reports suggest One UI 8 may debut sooner than expected, potentially in the third quarter of 2025.
4. Android 16 is in development, with Google releasing public betas and planning a stable version by the end of Q2 2025.
5. Users with older Galaxy models may have to wait until at least April for the One UI 7 stable update.
From being a leader among Android brands in rolling out the newest OS updates to now lagging behind, Samsung has left many users disheartened with One UI 7. The rollout of this stable version has been frustratingly slow, with no clear timeline provided and not a single Galaxy device having received the update yet—much to the annoyance of fans. However, the outlook for One UI 8 may not be as grim.
Concerns Over One UI 8’s Timeliness
The significant delays in the One UI 7.0 rollout have sparked skepticism regarding Samsung’s ability to launch One UI 8.0 on schedule. Thankfully, early reports suggest a more promising scenario, according to reliable Samsung insider Ice Universe (@UniverseIce) on Twitter/X.
Ice Universe indicates that One UI 8 will likely debut sooner than anticipated. Although specific release details were not disclosed, this hints that the rollout might not be as delayed as One UI 7, which faced a delay of about a quarter. This assumption appears valid, especially with Google’s fast-paced release schedule for Android 16.
Android 16 Development Progress
Android 16 is already in development. Google has rolled out two public betas that are accessible for eligible Pixel device users. The stable version is expected to launch by the end of the second quarter. Samsung is likely to unveil One UI 8 sometime in the third quarter of 2025.
Also check out: New features coming in Samsung’s One UI 7
If you own a Galaxy S25 device, you’re probably already enjoying the benefits of One UI 7. However, those with older Galaxy models may have to wait until at least April for the stable update. For mid-range and budget Galaxy devices, the waiting period could be even longer. If you find yourself in the One UI 7 waiting line, take a look at the list of eligible devices to make sure yours is prepped for the forthcoming upgrade.
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Tags: Android 16, One UI 8, Samsung
February 16, 2025
Google Play Store Introduces Quality Warnings for App Selection
Key Takeaways
1. Google is introducing app quality warnings on the Play Store to help users choose better apps.
2. There are three types of warnings: high uninstall rates, low user engagement, and smaller user base.
3. These warnings aim to provide more insight into app functionality and popularity.
4. An app with a warning may still be suitable for specific needs; the warnings are not negative labels.
5. The feature is part of version 44.7.24 of the Google Play Store and may expand with more warning types in the future.
Finding the right application on the Google Play Store can feel like a roll of the dice. While user ratings and the number of downloads can provide some insight, they do not always give the full story. An app that has excellent reviews might actually be outdated and not work well with your device. On the other hand, an app that is not very popular may turn out to be a hidden treasure. To help users navigate this, Google is introducing a new feature that provides warnings about app quality.
Google Introduces App Quality Warnings
At this moment, there seems to be three different types of warnings. One type lets users know about apps that are often uninstalled more than others on the Play Store. This could mean that people find the app unsatisfactory or that there are better options available. Another type of warning shows that users interact with the app less than with similar apps. The last warning tells users that the app has a smaller user base compared to other apps in its category.
It’s crucial to realize that these warnings are not a mark of shame. An app that gets a “low engagement” warning might still be a suitable app for what you need it for.
A Positive Change for Users
These new quality warnings are a great addition to the Play Store. They provide a more thorough view of an app’s functionality and popularity, enabling users to make more informed choices. This feature has been seen in version 44.7.24 of the Google Play Store, and it is anticipated that it will be accessible to all users shortly. While the first set of warnings is beneficial, Google could add more types of warnings in the future to further improve the app discovery experience.
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Tags: app performance, App Quality Warnings, Google Play Store