Samsung is in the process of testing the One UI 7 Beta. During the recent Samsung Developer Conference, the South Korean technology firm revealed that the stable version of One UI 7 is set to launch in 2025. This update will coincide with the debut of the Galaxy S25 series. Although many Samsung users are looking forward to the new One UI, this announcement may not please everyone. It appears that Samsung is choosing to postpone the full rollout to guarantee a better experience for its users.
Expected Beta Release Timeline
So, when can users expect the One UI 7 beta version? Samsung has stated that the One UI 7 beta will be available by the end of this year. The initial version will be rolled out to the Galaxy S24 series first, and possibly to the earlier Galaxy S23 series as well. However, the beta won’t just be for S-series devices. It is also anticipated to extend to Samsung’s latest foldable smartphones, including the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6, before the year concludes.
New Features and User Experience
One UI 7 is highly awaited since it is set to introduce a variety of new features and enhancements for Samsung devices. The company seems to be taking additional time for software testing to prevent significant bugs or problems, aiming to provide users with a stable and efficient experience upon the final release. In the meantime, those who take part in the beta program will get the chance to explore the new features ahead of the general public and provide valuable feedback to assist Samsung in refining the final product.
Considerations for Participation
Joining the beta program can be an thrilling opportunity. However, for individuals who favor a stable and smooth interface experience, it might be wise to wait for the stable release of One UI 7 in 2025. Regardless of the choice, Samsung is diligently working to offer a refined and sophisticated software experience with One UI 7. The company has officially stated that the new One UI 7 interface will be unveiled alongside the Galaxy S25 series.
While the seemingly negative news today may appear shocking at first glance, it’s important for readers to remember that PayPal has over seven months to rectify the situation. Currently, the issue revolves around the automatic sharing of data with external parties, as the well-known digital payment platform has introduced a "Personalized shopping" option and opted to activate data sharing by default, rather than leaving it unchecked.
Understanding the New Setting
The new setting described above is clearly highlighted with the statement, "Let us share products, offers, and rewards you might like with participating stores." It also notes that PayPal aims to create "more personal experiences" for users "starting early summer 2025." Additionally, users are informed that they can choose to opt in or out "at any time by adjusting this setting," which begs the fundamental question: Why not have this setting turned off by default?
Managing Data Sharing
At present, users can easily navigate to Settings > Data & Privacy > Manage shared info > Personalized shopping to disable the data sharing for personalized shopping experiences. However, a significant issue still exists. According to PayPal’s Privacy Policy, any information shared with third parties that is deemed necessary for completing transactions can be used according to those third parties’ privacy policies, regardless of the settings users have chosen in their PayPal accounts.
The Privacy Concern
Ultimately, it seems that no matter what unfolds with the personalized experience offered by the digital payment service, users who are concerned about their data privacy must also review the privacy policies of the third parties they decide to transact with through PayPal.
For those interested in learning more about PayPal’s background, they can currently find "The Founders: The Story of Paypal and the Entrepreneurs Who Shaped Silicon Valley" available in four formats (audiobook, Kindle, hardcover, and paperback), starting at just $0.99 for the audiobook with membership.
As previously stated, the well-known Windows Recall feature is making its return, but not for everyone (more on this shortly). It’s important to note that this isn’t a minor update; it’s included in Windows 24H2, which is also referred to as Windows 11 2024. This update for personal users also introduces Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC 2024. While Windows 24H2 is set to receive two years of support, the business version is granted five years (the IoT variant enjoys a whole decade).
Key Features of Windows 11 24H2
Moreover, it’s worth noting that the Recall feature is returning, but it will do so gradually. Windows Insiders utilizing Snapdragon devices will be able to access this feature later this month, while users on Intel and AMD platforms will need to wait until November. Information on the feature’s wider release will be shared in the coming months.
Update Rollout Process
Even though it was released yesterday, the newest feature update for Windows 11 will take some time to reach all eligible devices. Microsoft has mentioned that this will be
"a phased rollout that will begin over the coming weeks, starting with eligible devices running Windows 11, version 22H2 and 23H2 that have the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” set to On." If the update is ready for your device, it will automatically download and install."
Quick Update Options
For those who can’t wait, there’s an option to create installation media using the Media Creation Tool or to use the Windows 11 installation assistant for a quicker update process.
Garmin has rolled out a fresh stable update for its Fenix 7, Fenix 7 Pro, and other smartwatches such as the Tactix 7, which is currently priced at $879.99 for a refurbished model on Amazon. This new Software Version 18.16 comes less than a month after the previous update, Software Version 18.14, was introduced to the same series of smartwatches. Other devices that are part of this lineup include the Enduro 2, Epix 2, MARQ Gen 2, and Quatix 7.
Update Details
Interestingly, Software Version 18.16 was released just a day after Garmin provided a similar update through its Beta Program. In a few ways, this latest stable version has fewer modifications than what Garmin previously indicated was in the Beta Version 18.16. Specifically, the company outlines several enhancements for the latest Fenix 7 update, but it’s important to note that the changes may not be as extensive as expected.
Improvements and Fixes
In total, the update includes seven bug fixes along with one improvement when compared to Software Version 18.14. Garmin’s forum post states that Software Version 18.16 should now be available to around 50% of eligible smartwatches. If users want to bypass the staggered rollout, they can do so by navigating to System Settings, then Menu, System, Software Update, and selecting ‘Check for Updates’.
Apart from having a unique look, Nothing phones are known for offering an amazing software experience. Indeed, Nothing OS 2.5 was regarded as one of the finest custom skins built on Android 14. Therefore, there are high hopes for Nothing OS 3.0, which will be based on Android 15.
The company has revealed the eagerly awaited Nothing OS 3.0, providing information about both the beta and stable releases, along with the new features and enhancements it will include.
Release Timeline for Nothing OS 3.0
Nothing OS 3.0, which is based on Android 15, was officially launched on September 24 through the firm’s YouTube channel. Although there wasn’t a detailed roadmap provided, Nothing confirmed that the open beta will be available in early October 2024, and if all goes well, the stable version should start rolling out in December.
The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus, Nothing Phone (2a), and Nothing Phone (2) are expected to be the first devices to receive the Android 15-based Nothing OS 3.0 update, followed by CMF Phone 1 and the Nothing Phone (1).
Devices Eligible for Nothing OS 3.0
Nothing Phone (2a) Plus
Nothing Phone (2a)
Nothing Phone (2)
Nothing Phone (1)
CMF Phone 1
Nothing has promised three Android upgrades for all its smartphones, except the CMF Phone 1, which is limited to two OS upgrades. The Nothing Phone (1) is the oldest device on this list, originally released with Android 12. Therefore, Android 15 will be its last OS update.
New Features in Nothing OS 3.0
Here’s a look at the new features and enhancements coming with Nothing OS 3.0:
Nothing Gallery App The introduction of the Nothing Gallery app is confirmed in Nothing OS 3.0. Users had been asking for it for quite a while, and the company finally heeded their requests. As demonstrated during the launch, the new Nothing Gallery app opens a photo immediately when the user taps on it.
The app employs artificial intelligence (AI) to identify important moments in your photos, showcasing them in larger thumbnails for easy visibility. It also features AI image segmentation to spotlight the main object and separate it from the rest of the image in thumbnails, making it simpler to locate.Nothing acknowledges the lengthy transition time from Camera to Google Photos. The transition to the Nothing Gallery is said to be 1.4 seconds quicker, and HDR and portrait effects processing will be up to 25% faster. More automatic AI image categorization, natural language search, and various other AI features will also be added in the future, including AI upscaling, Super Resolution, and AI image generation capabilities.
Customizable Lock Screen The lock screen in Nothing OS 3.0 offers many more customization options. You can choose from various clock faces, some inspired by Apple’s iOS, while others are entirely original.
Users can tap the widget area and enable Expand widget mode to add additional widgets to the expanded area.
New Animation Features Nothing OS 3.0 introduces some exciting animations. The fingerprint animation is now enhanced, with dots that move and expand outward when your finger is pressed down.
The charging animation is also updated. Utilizing the dot design language that Nothing is known for, the dots shift from the bottom to the top when you plug in the charger, creating a more visually appealing effect than before.Additionally, the Weather app now features an animated icon in a dot matrix style.
Revamped Quick Settings Nothing OS 3.0 significantly upgrades the Quick Settings panel. It appears cleaner than in the past and aligns with Nothing’s design language. Initially, the sizes of the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth icons have been noticeably reduced to fit more icons.
OS 3.0 allows users to adjust tile sizes, similar to home screen widgets. Some tiles present extra options when enlarged; for instance, the 1×2 audio tile enables you to set the sound profile to vibrate or mute.Active tiles will now turn red, allowing for quick differentiation from inactive ones. While it’s a subtle change, the red accent enhances the overall aesthetic. Lastly, a brightness slider has been included.
App Pinning and Smart Categorization Nothing OS 3.0 introduces practical changes to the app drawer for faster access to your essential apps. It now allows you to pin your favorite apps at the top of the app drawer, potentially saving you a significant amount of time.
Another handy feature in Nothing OS 3.0 is app categorization, referred to as Smart Drawer. Drawing inspiration from iOS, this feature organizes your apps into various categories automatically.You’ll find a row with four AI-suggested apps, followed by categorized app groups.
Redesigned Settings Menu The Settings app in Nothing OS 3.0 has a fresh new look. The Network & Internet and Connected devices sections have been resized and arranged horizontally, similar to other options, which adds a sense of fluidity to the menu. Each option now has a small gap separating them.
Another modification sees the Dot Matrix text replaced with Roboto, a highly readable font, applied throughout the system.
New Widgets and Sharing Options Nothing phones currently have over 20 widgets, and the company plans to expand this range further, allowing users to access more information without opening the apps. In Nothing OS 3.0, a new countdown widget is introduced.
This widget allows you to track time leading up to a specific date or to display the year’s progress, or even your birthday.The new software also features Shared Widgets, enabling you to share widgets with others. It’s a fun way to show your fitness progress or screen time with someone else.
Potential Android 15 Features
The above features are those developed by Nothing’s team; however, the next upgrade may include additional features as part of Android 15. Nothing hasn’t disclosed which features from Android 15 will be included in the upcoming upgrade, but some possibilities are:
Private Space Android 15 introduces a Private Space feature that helps keep your data and apps secure from others, adding an extra layer of privacy. Activities within the Private Space are hidden from other users on the device, making it a safe zone for sensitive apps like dating or financial ones.
Theft Detection Lock This feature is especially useful in Android 15, designed to prevent data theft in case someone tries to snatch your phone. Using Google’s AI, the theft detection lock identifies when your phone has been taken from you and locks the device automatically to safeguard your information.
If the thief manages to perform a factory reset, they can’t activate the device again without the Google account credentials used initially.
App Archiving Android 15 will facilitate the uninstallation of unnecessary apps while keeping user data intact. This is akin to offloading apps on iPhones, ensuring no data loss; users can resume where they left off once they reinstall or unarchive the app.
Android already offers app archiving through the Google Play Store, but Android 15 will integrate this feature at the OS level, allowing users to archive and restore apps, even those installed outside the Google Play Store.
Nothing OS 3.0 appears to be an exciting update. What new feature(s) are you most excited about? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!
Qualcomm Technologies and Epic Games are teaming up to revolutionize the driving experience by incorporating Unreal Engine into modern vehicles. Unreal Engine, a well-known tool for crafting stunning video game graphics, will be seamlessly integrated with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Cockpit Platform.
A Personal Assistant on Wheels
Imagine entering a car where the dashboard serves as more of a personal assistant instead of just a set of dials and buttons. By merging Qualcomm’s powerful computing with Unreal Engine’s realistic 3D visuals, automakers can create rich, immersive digital experiences in your vehicle. This could mean advanced navigation systems, entertainment options, or even alerts for maintenance—ultimately making your time on the road easier, safer, and more connected.
Rethinking Cockpit Design
What’s thrilling about this partnership is the opportunity for car manufacturers to go beyond the usual cockpit designs. With Unreal Engine’s capability to produce stunningly realistic 2D and 3D images, vehicles could customize their displays to suit the driver’s preferences or suggest nearby EV charging stations.
A Joint Vision for the Future
Both Qualcomm and Epic Games view this collaboration as a significant leap towards the future of driving. Laxmi Rayapudi from Qualcomm shared her enthusiasm about how this alliance will “set new standards” in the automotive industry, while Bill Clifford from Epic Games highlighted the “unmatched possibilities” that Unreal Engine offers. Together, they’re not only aiming to create a “better car”—but they are also striving to develop a more intelligent and engaging system for what lies ahead. Let’s observe how this unfolds.
Messaging privacy is becoming increasingly unclear, especially with apps like Telegram altering their terms after facing scrutiny from government bodies. Users who prioritize privacy can’t rely solely on encryption for safety since the companies behind these services can easily reveal their identities. Fortunately, platforms like SimpleX Chat offer a different solution that helps users safeguard their privacy more effectively.
Unique Features of SimpleX Chat
In his recent video, Mental Outlaw highlights what makes SimpleX Chat distinct from other messaging apps. Firstly, SimpleX does not ask for a phone number during the registration process. Phone numbers are often the first details disclosed if a user is questioned. The messaging system in SimpleX Chat utilizes chat rooms, allowing users to create temporary invitations through QR codes or links for their chosen contacts. By default, users enter SimpleX chats in incognito mode, where a username is automatically generated to maintain anonymity. However, users can opt for preset profiles when joining chats and can establish long-lasting invitation links in the app’s settings.
Security Enhancements
A key advantage comes from the SimpleX network itself, which supports the chat application. This network employs unidirectional onion routing—a protocol from the deep web—for sending messages between users. Additionally, users have the option to choose which server they wish to receive messages from, and due to the project’s open-source nature, they can even create their own servers if they don’t trust the existing ones. SimpleX Chat goes beyond by implementing end-to-end encryption and encrypting messages saved on the user’s device. As a result, users cannot trace each other’s IP addresses, and even SimpleX Chat itself is unaware of the message origins.
Growth Potential
Despite its intricate design, SimpleX Chat has not yet attracted a large number of users. Nevertheless, its group chat features could lead to its success in the same way Telegram gained popularity. With no cap on the number of participants in a SimpleX Chat group, it is just a matter of time before the directory fills up with diverse groups that reflect the uniqueness of the platform.
Mental Outlaw’s Youtube channel and SimpleX Chat continue to draw attention for their commitment to privacy and innovative features.
Pebblebee has been producing trackers compatible with Apple’s Find My for some time now. Earlier this year, they introduced trackers that work with Google’s Find My Device network. Recently, they revealed a new series of Bluetooth trackers that support both Apple and Google’s tracking services.
Compatibility and Limitations
With the new Pebblebee Universal trackers, users can switch between Android and iPhone without needing to change their trackers. However, they do have a limitation: you cannot use the trackers on both networks at the same time. If you set up the tracker for Apple Find My, you’ll need to perform a factory reset to switch to Google’s Find My Device network.
Tracker Options
The Pebblebee Universal trackers include three models: the Pebblebee Card Universal, designed for wallets, passport holders, and laptop sleeves; the Pebblebee Clip Universal, which features a keyring for attaching to keys and bags; and the Pebblebee Tag Universal, equipped with adhesive and holes for straps, suitable for attaching to various items like remotes.
All three trackers come with LED lights, speakers, an IPX8 water resistance rating, and a rechargeable battery that charges via USB-C, though their battery lives vary. The Card offers 18 months of battery life, the Clip lasts for 12 months, and the Tag provides 8 months of usage.
Pricing and Availability
No matter which model you select, each tracker is priced at $34.99, slightly more than the Moto Tag available on Amazon for $29.99. Pebblebee also offers these trackers in 2-pack and 4-pack options, both of which come with discounts. You can purchase them from Pebblebee’s official store.
Garmin has revealed an upgrade to its Outdoor Maps+, which it promotes as its ‘premium mapping solution.’ While Outdoor Maps+ is offered globally, several new features are only available to customers in the United States. Garmin has detailed six features that are exclusive to US users.
Limited Features for Europe
In contrast, Garmin is introducing only two new features for Outdoor Maps+ users in Europe. Unfortunately, these updates are simply enhancements of existing functionalities that were already present in the US. European users can now make use of Expanded Relief Shading, which visually represents elevation changes and terrain characteristics using color gradients.
New Raster Maps Access
Moreover, Garmin has broadened access to Raster Maps for European customers, incorporating data from providers in France and Switzerland. This addition displays locations for camping, points of interest, water sources, trails, and trailheads, among other features. It’s important to note that the subscription for Outdoor Maps+ continues to be priced at $49.99 per year. For further details, you can visit Garmin’s official website.
With over ten years of experience, Manjaro is known as one of the most accessible Linux distributions, ideal for newcomers and advanced users alike, due to its straightforward installation and usability. Primarily developed in Austria, Germany, and France, this Arch-based distribution has recently rolled out a number of stable package updates, with the official release of version 24.1 just around the corner.
Upcoming Release Details
As mentioned in a recent forum post (refer to the Source(s) section for the link), the latest package updates signify the upcoming launch of Manjaro 24.1, also referred to as Xahea. Users can expect the new ISOs to be available shortly. While specifics are still limited, the changes included in today’s update feature Qemu 9.1, KDE Plasma 6.1.5, KDE Gear 24.08.1, LibreOffice 24.8.1, Firefox 130.0, VirtualBox 7.1, and ASUSCTL/ROG Control Center 6.0.12. The update also sees the removal of the 6.9 kernel.
Kernel Support
Although the 6.9 kernel has been discontinued (along with its predecessor, 6.8, which has also been removed from the repository), Manjaro Linux supports a wide array of kernels. The oldest supported kernel is 4.19, while the latest is 6.10.2_rt14.
Learning Resources
In a rapidly evolving Linux environment, the foundational aspects of the command line have remained consistent over the years. Those interested in mastering the basics may find value in Felix John’s book, Linux: Linux For Beginners: Your Step By Step Guide Of Becoming A Linux Command Line Ninja. Even after more than five years since its release, this book remains relevant and is available for free with Kindle Unlimited (or for $2.99 to purchase). For those preferring a physical copy, the paperback version is priced at $15.14.
