Samsung has shared exciting news at its yearly developer conference about plans to bring together the software for all its devices under the One UI name. Originally, this unification was set for 2025, but in a surprising twist, Samsung has released a new update that introduces One UI to several of its smart TVs ahead of schedule.
Update Details
The update is being made available for Samsung’s 2023 smart TVs, including the S90C OLED model, as reported by SamMobile. This update comes as One UI, but it is built on Tizen 8.0, which is an enhancement over the previous Tizen 7.0 that the TV used.
Features of One UI
According to the report, the One UI upgrade introduces a refreshed user interface, enhancements to the UI, new Game Bar features, and more. Some of these interface updates are similar to those found on Samsung’s Galaxy smartphones, including app icons for Bixby, Gallery, Samsung Internet, and SmartThings, along with comparable animation styles.
Additional Capabilities
The changelog indicates that users with compatible Galaxy Watches, like the Galaxy Watch FE (currently priced at $179 on Amazon), will be able to track real-time workout data on their TVs. Also, the on-screen keyboard now supports additional languages, expanding its usability.
Before announcing its intention to unify software across its devices, Samsung stated that it aims to offer up to seven years of software support for its smart TVs, aligning it with the same duration of support given to its top-tier smartphones.
Samsung shared several important updates at its developer conference for 2024, with a major announcement about simplifying the software names across its range of consumer products.
Currently, Samsung has multiple names for the software that operates its consumer devices. For instance, mobile devices like phones and tablets use One UI, while Galaxy smartwatches, including the Galaxy Watch FE (which can be found on Amazon for $199), operate on One UI Watch. Meanwhile, smart TVs and refrigerators run on Tizen OS. The tech giant has announced plans to extend the One UI branding to all of its consumer products, moving away from Tizen OS.
New Software Experience
This shift means that the software for devices such as smart TVs, refrigerators, and other appliances will now all be labeled as One UI. Thus, it can be concluded that Samsung will retire the Tizen OS branding, which was first introduced back in 2012. The company aims to complete this transition by 2025.
Industry Trends
Samsung’s decision to adopt a single software name for its products mirrors strategies employed by other manufacturers. For instance, Huawei employs HarmonyOS not only for smartphones and tablets but also for its smartwatches, TVs, and IoT devices. Similarly, Xiaomi has adopted the HyperOS name for the software that powers its mobile gadgets, vehicles, and smart home devices.
Nevertheless, aside from the name and potential visual similarities, the core software tends to differ across platforms, and it’s likely that One UI will follow this trend across Samsung’s diverse product range.
Samsung offers a range of smartphones designed to meet various consumer needs. However, before deciding to invest in a Galaxy-branded device, there are several important factors to consider. Despite being a leading smartphone brand, Samsung is not without its criticisms. Below are some key points to be aware of before buying a Samsung smartphone.
No Charger or Case Included in the Box
A common annoyance for new Samsung users is the absence of a charger in the package. While many brands still include charging adapters, Samsung has followed Apple’s lead in omitting this essential accessory. This omission occurs not only in flagship models but also in budget phones. The official explanation is to cut down on e-waste, but it also helps Samsung reduce costs. If you don’t have a spare adapter, be prepared to purchase one separately from Samsung. Additionally, Chinese brands often include a free case with their mid-range and budget phones, a feature missing from Samsung Galaxy devices. This omission can be a downside for cost-conscious buyers looking for value.
No International Warranty
Despite following Apple’s example of removing chargers, Samsung does not offer another benefit that iPhones provide—international warranties. This means you will need to cover the costs for any official servicing or repairs. This can be an inconvenience for frequent travelers or those who buy devices from third-party sellers in different countries.
Samsung’s One UI Isn’t for Everyone
Samsung is known for providing one of the best custom Android experiences with its One UI. However, opinions on its design are divided. While some users appreciate it, others do not. Additionally, One UI includes some pre-installed Samsung apps that cannot be removed. If you are considering a high-priced Samsung smartphone, ensure that the user experience aligns with your preferences.
Resale Value
Samsung offers something for everyone, from mid-range devices with large batteries to flagship phones with stunning displays, impressive camera capabilities, and high performance. However, not all Samsung devices maintain strong resale value. In comparison to Apple, which is known for high resale value, only the more expensive Samsung models tend to retain their worth over time.
Samsung has been speculated to be developing the Galaxy S24 FE model. Recent reports have suggested that the smartphone would debut this summer. And now, a new sighting implies that its launch might be imminent. Here’s what we know so far.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE seen in One UI test build
The South Korean tech giant’s upcoming Galaxy S24 FE was earlier identified on the UK carrier list, revealing its SM-721U model number. Initial rumors suggested a summer release, but subsequent reports indicated that the launch might be postponed by a few months. To recall, the Galaxy S23 FE was launched in October 2023, so we might expect a release around November or later.
At present, the new Samsung FE model was reportedly noticed in the One UI test build. The build version on Samsung’s firmware server is S721BXXU0AXE3/S721BOXM0AXE3/S721BXXU0AXE3. This lists the device with the SM-S721B model number, suggesting it could be the European version of the Galaxy S24 FE. Unfortunately, this is all the information that has been disclosed about this smartphone.
Social Media Leak
BREAKING ‼️
Galaxy S24 FE: FIRST One UI test build spotted on the server today 👀
Samsung’s Galaxy S24 FE was spotted on the One UI test build by Tarun Vats, who shared this information on X (formerly Twitter). Although this is all the details we have at the moment, you can click here to check out our expected features list of the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE.
Xiaomi and Samsung stand out as prominent players in the smartphone industry, each offering devices equipped with robust hardware. However, a critical point of comparison lies in their respective software offerings, HyperOS and One UI, both of which are built on the Android platform. Despite their shared foundation, these custom skins exhibit significant disparities in terms of customization, design elements, and AI functionalities.
Divergence in Custom Skins
In this examination of HyperOS versus One UI, we delve into the primary distinctions between these two widely embraced software interfaces.
HyperOS: The New Entrant
HyperOS emerges as Xiaomi’s latest innovation, the culmination of extensive development efforts. Notably distinct from MIUI, a detailed comparison between HyperOS and MIUI can be found elsewhere. Here, we contrast HyperOS with the most recent iteration of Samsung’s custom skin – One UI 6.1.
Lock Screen Variations
The lock screen serves as one of the most frequently viewed interfaces on a smartphone. Both HyperOS and One UI 6.1 present users with an array of lock screen options. HyperOS, in particular, offers diverse lock screen layouts and the ability to incorporate depth effects. On the contrary, One UI 6.1 permits the addition of multiple widgets to the lock screen and features the display of wallpapers on the Always on Display (AOD) screen, albeit currently limited to the Galaxy S24 series.
Home Screen Customization
One UI 6.1 offers a broader selection of home screen widgets compared to HyperOS, enabling users to personalize their home screens extensively. HyperOS introduces super folders as a means to categorize apps efficiently. While One UI 6.1 lacks this feature, it does allow users to alter the background color of app folders for swift identification.
Control Center Preferences
HyperOS boasts an iOS-inspired control center characterized by prominent toggles for Wi-Fi and mobile data, along with sizable brightness and volume sliders for easy recognition. In contrast, One UI 6.1 divides the quick panel (control center) into distinct sections, providing a structured layout for various shortcuts and SIM selection functionalities.
Customization and Performance Analysis
One UI 6.1 introduces a range of customization options, including a color palette feature and enhanced AOD and home screen customization capabilities. The software also incorporates innovative features such as “Modes and Routines” for tailored user experiences. While both HyperOS and One UI 6.1 deliver responsive performance, HyperOS holds a slight performance edge over One UI, albeit marginally.
AI Features and Beyond
In the realm of AI functionalities, One UI 6.1 sets a new benchmark, offering a multitude of time-saving AI features absent in HyperOS. Noteworthy features include Circle to Search, AI-powered Gallery app enhancements, Live Translate for real-time call translations, AI Wallpaper generation, Browser Assist for webpage summarization and translation, and Note Assist for intelligent note formatting and translation.
HyperOS or One UI: The Ultimate Choice
In conclusion, the decision between HyperOS and One UI hinges on individual preferences and requirements. HyperOS offers a streamlined experience with superior lock screen customization and seamless integration with Xiaomi products. In contrast, One UI 6.1 excels in providing extensive customization options, diverse widgets, and a plethora of AI features. For users seeking enhanced integration with Windows, Samsung phones equipped with One UI 6.1 present a compelling choice.
To make an informed decision, prioritize your needs and desired features before selecting between HyperOS and One UI. Feel free to share your questions and further insights in the comments section below.
For more insights on HyperOS:
Top 6 HyperOS Features You Absolutely Can’t Miss
Install HyperOS on Xiaomi, Redmi, and Poco Devices in 3 Ways
These Devices Have Already Received the HyperOS Update
Samsung has already confirmed that not all phones receiving the One UI 6.1 update will immediately gain the suite of AI features seen on the Galaxy S24.
Initial Compatibility List
The initial compatibility list, as confirmed by Samsung officials, has revealed that the new AI features will be restricted to flagship devices released in 2023.
The company has stated that the Galaxy S23 series (including the S23 FE), Galaxy Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5, and Galaxy Tab S9 will eventually receive these AI capabilities. Looks like the company has taken the first step to preparing this rollout for smartphones.
Samsung On-Device Resource App Update
The company has seemingly updated the Samsung On-Device Resource app on the Galaxy Store whose description suggests new AI features will make use of it.
The app, which previously managed speech-to-text functionality for Bixby and the Samsung Keyboard, now provides the processing power for several of the S24’s new AI features.
For instance, the app includes features for real-time call translation and converting voice recordings to text. Now that the app is available on older flagships like the Z Fold 5 and S23 means that the One UI 6.1 update might be coming soon.
Potential Limitations
Whether Samsung will include these AI features directly within the One UI 6.1 update or release them separately remains to be seen.
However, things don’t look promising for users of the Galaxy S22 series or older Samsung flagship devices who want to access the new Galaxy AI features. The new Samsung On-Device Resource app update is reportedly only available on the mentioned older models, leaving the S22 series potentially without access.
Anyway, we will continue to provide further updates on this matter as the information becomes available.
