A huge free Android update is coming to Galaxy phones, and here’s how you can be one of the first to try it.
After months of waiting, Samsung has finally confirmed the launch of its upcoming One UI 7 upgrade. This software update comes packed with changes including a refreshed appearance, improved AI, better camera controls and improved security.
Samsung says that it is now rolling out this update via its public beta programme – which anyone can join to give things a try before it’s pushed out to the masses in a few weeks time.
The only thing you will need to try out the latest features is the latest Galaxy S24 in your pocket, as these are the only Samsung devices that are compatible with this early beta.
“Samsung Electronics today announced the public release of the One UI 7 beta program, boasting powerful AI features, simplified controls and a preview of scalable AI ecosystems of the future,” the Korean technology giant confirmed.
“The One UI 7 beta program will be first available for Galaxy S24 series devices in Germany, India, Korea, Poland, the UK, and the U.S., from December 5. Galaxy S24 series users can apply to join the beta program via Samsung Members.”
So what’s new in this release?
There are a swathe of changes in One UI 7 including improvements to Galaxy AI which will help you write emails and documents faster along with the usual bonus options of being able to summarise content, check spelling and grammar, and automatically format notes into bullet points.
There is a new look to the notification system which Samsung says will streamline communication and give you easy access to things right from the device’s lock screen. That update now also includes a Now Bar, which highlights relevant activities across various features like Interpreter, Music, Recording, Stopwatch and more.
Samsung is hoping that by offering instant access to important notifications, the new Now Bar will reduce the need to constantly unlock the device and allow users to engage with key information effortlessly.
A simplified home screen is also coming which will grant users granular control over every detail and make customisation intuitive and seamless.
Finally, there’s a redesigned camera UX which allows more intuitive control over advanced settings. Camera buttons, controls, and modes have been reorganised to make it easier to find the features you need and to give you a clearer preview of the picture you’re taking or the video you’re recording.
Along with those features, Samsung is also boosting security via something called Knox Matrix. This is Samsung’s vision for the future, enhancing protection through multi-layered, intelligent threat monitoring between connected Samsung devices. One UI 7 sets the foundation for the next frontier of security.
One UI 7 also introduces even more ways users can adjust security settings to best suit the ways in which they use their device. Users can choose to block USB connections to prevent any other access through the USB port while the device is locked, except for battery charging.
And to protect against malicious apps that come from sideloading, One UI 7’s new Safe Install system works alongside Auto Blocker to send a warning when a user attempts to download from an unauthorised source, alerting them of security risks and preventing unintentional sideloading on Galaxy devices worldwide.
Expect a full release of One UI 7 in the coming weeks.