Tag: Samsung

  • Samsung One UI 7 Release in July: New Gallery Icon Leaked

    Samsung One UI 7 Release in July: New Gallery Icon Leaked

    Samsung’s One UI is frequently recognized as one of the leading Android skins available. With the anticipation building for One UI 7, it seems the wait for a glimpse of this new software might be drawing to a close.

    Anticipated Beta Program

    Ice Universe, a dependable source for Samsung leaks, recently indicated that the One UI 7 beta program is likely to commence in late July or early August, barring any unforeseen delays. This prediction stands in contrast to another tipster, Tarun Vats, who forecasted a September rollout in the US, Korea, and Germany. Given Ice Universe’s reputable history, the earlier timeline appears more plausible.

    Inspired by iOS?

    Preliminary details about One UI 7 suggest it may incorporate elements from Apple’s iOS. Expected changes include an updated notification panel, a revamped quick settings section, and new quick actions on the lock screen.

    Adding to the speculation, an image has emerged online, purportedly showing a redesigned Gallery app icon for One UI 7. Shared by @chunvn8888, the new icon moves away from the traditional monochrome design, opting for a more vibrant palette.

    Instead of the usual red background with white petal shapes, the new design features a white base with each petal in a different color, reminiscent of Google’s app icons.

    Icon Revamps and New Features

    This leak suggests Samsung might be overhauling other app icons as well. Similar updates could be expected for existing monochrome icons for apps like Email, Notes, and Camera. Additionally, there are murmurs about a native app-locking feature, akin to those found in other Android skins.

    Samsung’s annual SDC event, typically held in October, might serve as the platform for the stable release of One UI 7. Reflecting on last year’s schedule, Samsung unveiled One UI 6 at the SDC and completed the rollout within the same month.

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  • Samsung Q2 Profit Soars 13x, Boosted by AI and Chip Industry

    Samsung Q2 Profit Soars 13x, Boosted by AI and Chip Industry

    Samsung Electronics has projected a staggering 13-fold increase in its second-quarter profit, marking a notable recovery from the same period last year. The estimated operating profit for Q2 2024 is 8.8 trillion won ($6.34 billion), a significant rise from the 670 billion won reported in Q2 2023. This represents Samsung's highest profit since the third quarter of 2022.

    A key contributor to this profit spike is the rebounding performance of Samsung’s semiconductor division. This sector has dramatically improved, with an estimated operating profit of 4.6 trillion won in Q2 2024, reversing a loss of 4.36 trillion won from the same period last year. The surge in demand for high-end DRAM chips, especially those utilized in artificial intelligence (AI) applications, has driven this growth. Prices for DRAM chips have increased by 13% to 18%, while NAND Flash chips used for data storage have risen by 15% to 20%.

    AI Boom Boosts Chip Demand

    The thriving AI sector has significantly bolstered Samsung’s profits, with a heightened requirement for advanced memory chips like high-bandwidth memory (HBM) solutions employed in AI data centers. This trend has led to an uptick in prices and demand for Samsung’s premium DRAM chips, crucial for AI chipsets and data center servers.

    Despite the overall profit growth, Samsung’s mobile business has faced a decline. The projected Q2 operating profit for this segment is 2.2 trillion won, down from 3.04 trillion won a year earlier. This decrease is due to higher costs for parts and marketing, as well as investments in AI service development. The volume of smartphones shipped remains consistent with last year, suggesting that external factors like increased costs are affecting profits.

    Upcoming Product Launches

    Samsung plans to unveil its latest flagship foldable phones, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6, along with new mobile accessories, on July 10 in Paris. Additionally, the company is introducing a new health monitoring ring, aiming to rival Apple in the high-end market.

    Analysts have estimated Samsung’s Q2 operating profit to be between 8.547 trillion won and 8.8 trillion won. Samsung is expected to provide a detailed earnings report at the end of the month. The company’s strategy to expand and diversify its business divisions, along with the rising chip prices, indicates a promising future ahead.

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  • One UI 7 May Introduce New App-Locking Feature

    One UI 7 May Introduce New App-Locking Feature

    One UI is anticipated to get a new function called App Lock with the release of One UI 7. This information comes from tipster Tarun Vats on X (formerly Twitter). Interestingly, this won't be a completely new feature for One UI, as it existed in earlier versions in some regions. Apple is also working on similar functionality, which might have prompted Samsung to develop this feature for One UI 7.

    One UI 7 might include an App Lock feature

    The App Lock feature is currently absent from One UI 6. A screenshot above shows this feature available in a development version of One UI. It appears under the Advanced Features section in the Settings app. Currently, you won't find the "App Lock" feature below Dual Messenger in the Advanced Features section on devices running One UI 6.1.

    You can still hide your apps, documents, and files in the Secure Folder by setting up the feature for the first time and installing a new instance of the app. However, if you're not interested in the setup process and prefer a straightforward app lock, the upcoming feature could be beneficial.

    Existing Similar Features

    There are a few other useful features in One UI, such as Samsung Pass, Auto Blocker, Secure Folder, and Private Share.

    However, the App Lock feature is still under development, and it remains uncertain whether the company will include it in the forthcoming One UI 7.

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  • OneUI 6.1.1: Next Big Upgrade with New AI Features, Says Tipster

    OneUI 6.1.1: Next Big Upgrade with New AI Features, Says Tipster

    Samsung may deviate from its usual release pattern this year by launching the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 with OneUI 6.1.1 and postponing the release of the Android 15-based OneUI 7. The OneUI 6.1.1 update is expected to be a significant upgrade, featuring additional AI capabilities and camera enhancements. This information comes from the renowned tipster Ice Universe, who suggests that the build will be available for the Galaxy S24 series in August, though he did not specify an exact date.

    Galaxy Z Fold 6 to Feature New AI Capabilities with OneUI 6.1.1

    The tipster also reveals that Samsung will introduce a new graffiti generation AI-powered tool in the forthcoming One UI 6.1.1 update. According to him, this feature will make "very good use of S Pen and imagination," potentially allowing users to convert their S Pen writings into graffiti using AI.

    It’s worth noting that the AI features currently available in OneUI 6.1 do not utilize the S Pen. Samsung appears to be aiming to maximize the hardware capabilities it already offers with Galaxy AI. The new release may also bring improvements to system animations.

    Testing and Release Schedule

    Samsung generally starts testing new Android versions around July or August, releasing a stable build with the latest Android version around October, shortly after its public release. However, according to the tipster, the release of the Android 15-based OneUI 7 might be delayed this year. He mentions, "One UI 7 will not arrive very early, because there are special circumstances this year."

    Since its launch, the Galaxy S24 series has not received a significant firmware update. Ice Universe indicates that the OneUI 6.1.1 build, which will be available for the series in August, could also bring camera optimizations and resolve various image processing issues.

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  • Samsung Misses Launch, Gives Away Galaxy Watch FE

    Samsung Misses Launch, Gives Away Galaxy Watch FE

    Samsung has yet to officially announce the Galaxy Watch FE, but its release seems inevitable. The watch has already appeared in official images and on Samsung’s support page. Recently, Samsung inadvertently confirmed it once again by listing the Galaxy Watch FE on its official website.

    Promo Offer in Belgium

    The wearable was noticed in an interesting promotional offer in Belgium. Users can receive a free Galaxy Watch FE when purchasing a Galaxy S24, S24+, or S24 Ultra with a subscription plan from Orange or VOO before June 30. This is quite unexpected since Samsung hasn't officially revealed the Galaxy Watch FE yet.

    This understated approach is consistent with Samsung’s typical Fan Edition (FE) marketing strategy, which usually aims to clear out older inventory by repackaging existing models at a lower cost.

    Similarities to Galaxy Watch 4

    According to leaks, the Galaxy Watch FE seems to be merely a rebranded version of the three-year-old Galaxy Watch 4. Don’t expect any upgrades or new features. The FE will maintain the circular design, AMOLED display, and most features of the Watch 4, though there might be some differences in areas like battery life. For an in-depth look at possible changes, see our dedicated comparison article on the Galaxy Watch FE vs. Galaxy Watch 4.

    Expected Release Date

    The listing, accidental or not, indicates that Samsung plans to release the Galaxy Watch FE before the Galaxy Unpacked event next month, rumored to be on July 10. The promotional campaign for the Watch FE with Galaxy S24 pre-orders runs until the end of June, suggesting a launch either in the last week of June or the first week of July.

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  • Android 15 Instant Hotspot Not Compatible with Samsung Devices

    Android 15 Instant Hotspot Not Compatible with Samsung Devices

    As Android 15 gears up for its launch later this year, Google is making final adjustments to its new features. One notable addition is Instant Hotspot, a handy tool that enables Android tablets and Chromebooks to effortlessly connect to a phone’s hotspot. However, recent findings indicate that this feature will not be accessible on Samsung Galaxy devices.

    Instant Hotspot enhances the ease of connecting your tablet or Chromebook to your phone’s internet. When nearby and lacking Wi-Fi, a prompt will appear on your device, urging you to connect to the phone’s hotspot. It’s a straightforward and user-friendly experience.

    Familiar Territory for Galaxy Users

    For those using Galaxy devices, this might seem recognizable. Samsung’s One UI already includes a similar function named Auto Hotspot. Both features serve the same purpose of linking your tablet or Chromebook to your phone’s internet.

    The main distinction is in compatibility. Google’s Instant Hotspot is compatible with any Android tablet and Chromebook, whereas Samsung’s Auto Hotspot is restricted to Galaxy devices that are part of the same Samsung account or family group.

    Impact on Galaxy Users

    Although Samsung users have been benefiting from Auto Hotspot for some time, the lack of Instant Hotspot in Android 15 won’t significantly impact their experience. If you exclusively use Samsung Galaxy devices, you won’t miss out on the advantages of Instant Hotspot.

    However, if you were looking forward to using Auto Hotspot with other Android tablets or Chromebooks, you might be disappointed when Android 15 is released.

    Speculations on Feature Exclusion

    The reason why the Instant Hotspot feature won’t be available on Galaxy devices remains unclear. The feature is part of Google Play Services, which is accessible on all Google-certified Android devices, including Samsung’s.

    Samsung probably chose to exclude this feature due to its overlap with their existing Auto Hotspot. Nonetheless, with the introduction of Instant Hotspot, the practicality of Auto Hotspot seems somewhat diminished.

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  • Samsung to Outsource 67M Smartphones from China ODMs in 2024

    Samsung to Outsource 67M Smartphones from China ODMs in 2024

    Samsung’s reliance on outsourced production for its budget phone line appears to be on the rise. As reported by The Elec, the South Korean tech leader is expected to produce 67 million smartphones in 2024 through Chinese ODMs (original design manufacturers) and JDMs (joint device manufacturers).

    This marks a notable increase from 44 million units in 2023, accounting for 25% of Samsung’s overall smartphone production goal of 270 million units this year.

    Vietnam’s Role in Production

    The report also highlights Vietnam’s involvement in Samsung’s outsourcing strategy, with approximately 28 million units anticipated to be manufactured in Vietnamese facilities.

    Samsung’s heavy reliance on outsourcing aims to cut costs, enabling the company to offer more competitively priced budget phones.

    Samsung began outsourcing production for its affordable phone range in 2019. Although this strategy reduces production and R&D costs, it raises concerns about potential quality compromises that outsourcing might entail.

    Potential Quality Issues

    ODM partners may cut corners on materials or components to increase their profit margins, potentially affecting the overall user experience. For instance, the Samsung Galaxy A03s, believed to be an outsourced phone, was praised for its battery life and usability improvements but criticized for its cheap build quality and sluggish performance.

    Despite these possible downsides, Samsung’s strategy appears to resonate with consumers. The company was the only Android manufacturer to have phones listed among the top 10 best-sellers in both 2022 and 2023.

    Balancing Act

    Thus, the cost-effective approach achieved through outsourcing is delivering budget-friendly Android devices that find a market. Moving forward, it will be interesting to see how Samsung manages the balance between affordability and quality control in its outsourced phones.

    The company will need to ensure that its ODM partners uphold sufficient standards while providing competitive pricing for budget-conscious consumers.

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  • European Smartphone Market Grows 10% in Q1 2024 Led by Samsung

    European Smartphone Market Grows 10% in Q1 2024 Led by Samsung

    The European smartphone market exhibited encouraging signs of recovery in the first quarter of 2024, rebounding from a prolonged downturn with a 10% year-on-year rise in shipments, according to Counterpoint Research. This represents the first positive growth since Q3 2021, indicating a possible turning point for the region.

    Top Brands Drive Market Growth Amid Recovery

    Tech giants Samsung, Apple, and Xiaomi upheld their dominance, yet the dynamics within the top three varied. Samsung saw a 7% increase in shipments, securing the market leader position with a 32% share. This positive shift follows a period of decline, likely propelled by the success of their AI-powered Galaxy S24 series. The introduction of the new A35 and A55 models towards the end of Q1 may further enhance their standing in the upcoming months.

    Apple, conversely, experienced a minor 1% drop in shipments despite retaining a strong 25% market share. This decline can be attributed to the natural sales cycle of iPhones, with iPhone 15 sales waning due to seasonality. The lack of a new iPhone SE model in 2024 suggests further decreases until the much-anticipated iPhone 16 release later this year.

    Xiaomi consistently grew with an 11% shipment increase, cementing its role as the third-largest player with an 18% share. Their success was notably significant in Western Europe, particularly in Spain and Italy, driven by the well-received Redmi Note 13 series. However, Xiaomi faced hurdles in Central and Eastern Europe, where intensifying competition from Samsung and Tecno reduced their market share to its lowest since early 2022.

    Emerging Players and Market Dynamics

    Beyond the established leaders, the report identified notable trends. Realme experienced a substantial 59% growth, driven by strong performance in Western Europe and a resurgence in key markets like Italy and Spain. Their affordable C series remained top sellers, with the new Realme 12 gaining momentum as well.

    Another significant player, Honor, achieved an impressive 67% growth, surpassing Oppo to claim the fifth position in Europe for the first time. This remarkable accomplishment was fueled by their success in Western Europe, where shipments doubled year-on-year thanks to exciting devices like the Magic V2, Magic 6, and Honor 90.

    While the recovery is encouraging, Counterpoint Research analyst Jan Stryjak advises caution against over-optimism. The 2023 slump was considerable, and the European market has yet to return to pre-pandemic levels. Growth is expected to continue at a modest rate throughout the rest of 2024, but reaching pre-pandemic figures will likely require more time.

    European Smartphone Market Grows 10% in Q1 2024 Led by Samsung
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  • Galaxy Z Fold 6 Leak: Symmetrical Bezels on External Screen

    Galaxy Z Fold 6 Leak: Symmetrical Bezels on External Screen

    Samsung’s second Unpacked event of 2024 is anticipated for July in Paris, just before the Olympics. This event is expected to unveil the Galaxy Z Flip 6, Z Fold 6, along with new Galaxy Watch and Galaxy Buds models.

    Galaxy Z Fold 6 Display Changes

    Leaks about the Galaxy Z Fold 6 indicate a wider outer display compared to its predecessor. Credible source IceUniverse has seemingly confirmed this information. The insider recently posted an image of part of the Z Fold 6’s external screen on X (formerly known as Twitter), showing symmetrical bezels on the outer display.

    Samsung is reportedly increasing the screen ratio of the outer display to improve usability when the phone is unfolded. However, according to rumors, this wider display will not quite match the dimensions of the Pixel Fold or OnePlus Open.

    Model Variants and Rumors

    In response to an X user, IceUniverse clarified that there will likely be only one model of the Z Fold 6 this year. The Z Fold 6 Ultra might require more time before its release.

    There are also whispers about an affordable Galaxy Z Fold FE variant and a slim Galaxy Z Fold. However, these rumors seem improbable, as it would be difficult for Samsung to develop and differentiate three additional Fold models.

    We will keep you updated with any new information regarding the Galaxy Z Fold 6 or any other upcoming Samsung foldable devices.

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  • iFixit Ends Samsung Repair Hub Citing Misaligned Repairability Goals

    iFixit Ends Samsung Repair Hub Citing Misaligned Repairability Goals

    After two years of launching the Samsung Repair Hub together with the company, iFixit is now concluding this collaboration. Starting next month, they will cease to be Samsung’s designated third-party distributor for parts and tools.

    Samsung Galaxy A55 Teardown

    iFixit stated, “Our goal was to set the gold standard for repair documentation and empower local independent repair businesses with the necessary tools and parts, all while keeping Galaxy devices operational.”

    Samsung Reportedly Didn’t Want to Support Local Repair Shops

    However, iFixit has been unable to achieve their objectives. They argue that the high prices of repair parts and tools have led users to opt for replacing their devices instead of repairing them. Samsung hasn't been cooperative in aiding local repair shops. Additionally, Samsung has not provided official parts for its recent models since the Galaxy S22.

    As a result, iFixit is terminating its partnership with Samsung after two years of effort. They noted that Samsung’s repairability approach did not align with their own. The following changes will occur:

    • Starting June 2024, iFixit will no longer be Samsung’s designated third-party distributor for parts and tools.
    • Beginning next month, the limit of seven Samsung parts per repair shop per quarter will be removed.
    • Existing information on iFixit will remain, but there will be no new collaboration with Samsung to develop manuals.
    • iFixit will continue selling parts and repair kits for Samsung devices, sourcing OEM parts when available and indicating clearly whether parts are original or aftermarket, similar to their approach with Apple repair parts.

    Samsung has responded to a request for comment, essentially affirming their desire to maintain control over the process.

    Here’s what they said: “Samsung is committed to providing quality, accessible device care to our customers with flexible options to suit their needs, including walk-in, mail-in, and ‘We Come to You’ services. For those interested in our self-repair program, we offer Samsung-certified parts, tools, and information for our qualified products in one convenient location: SamsungParts.com, powered by Encompass. We’re proud of the work we’ve done with iFixit. We can’t comment further on partnership details at this time.”

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