Day: July 31, 2025

Closed Beta Registration Announced for Android 16 on Phone 3, Generating Enthusiasm

Here it is; you better prepare.

(Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)

Key information to note

  • Nothing has announced that the signup window for its OS 4.0 (Android 16) closed beta testing has ended.
  • Users of the Phone 3 can start registering, which will commence by showcasing the “native” features of Android 16 on the device.
  • The closed beta is projected to extend through August and into “early” September before transitioning to its Open Beta phase.

Those eagerly awaiting Android 16 on Nothing’s latest flagship can relish this teaser announcement.

This morning (July 30), Nothing declared the start of its closed beta signup window for OS 4.0 testing. As anticipated, this initial closed beta trial is designated for the Phone 3 model, which fully operates on Android 16. Nothing informs prospective testers that this initial build will concentrate on “delivering Android 16’s native features while also integrating a more robust design system that will lay the groundwork for a more cohesive UI in the future.”

The company did not disclose the features users may encounter on the Phone 3; however, it underscored the prerequisites that users must meet to participate.

Galaxy S25 Gets One UI 8 Beta 4 Update, Possibly the Last Beta Version

This might be the concluding phase.

(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

Key information

  • Samsung is reportedly launching its One UI 8 Beta 4 update for Galaxy S25 devices that registered for the beta.
  • This update, while appearing minimal in terms of new features, delivers a number of bug fixes for the series and associated software.
  • In July, Samsung worked on enhancing its Good Lock module toolkit, aligning those helpful features with One UI 8 ahead of a more extensive release.

As we approach August, it appears Samsung is introducing yet another beta for its Android 16-based platform.

One UI 8 Beta 4 was identified as rolling out for the registered Galaxy S25 series devices by SamMobile earlier today (July 30). The newest beta seems to be sparse on new functionalities, at least according to its update log. Notably, the patch notes indicate that Beta 4 has introduced “support for high quality voice, video, and enhanced chat services” within the Samsung IMS Service Emergency feature.

The update includes full-screen support for videos when utilizing Samsung DeX.

YouTube Unveils Functionality Enabling TV Audiences to Access Highlights Instantly

‘Jump Ahead’ identifies the typical segments people frequently skip to and directs you there immediately.

(Image credit: Jay Bonggolto / Android Central)

Essential Information

  • YouTube Premium subscribers can now jump directly to the significant portions on larger screens.
  • The Jump Ahead functionality is currently operational on gadgets such as the Nvidia Shield TV and Google TV streamer.
  • This feature analyzes where most users typically skip (advertisements, unnecessary content, awkward introductions) utilizing AI and propels you past the trivialities.

YouTube Premium viewers on television are beginning to receive the new Jump Ahead feature, allowing you to jump straight to the important segments of a video.

Mishaal Rahman from Android Authority discovered the Jump Ahead functionality working on his Nvidia Shield TV. It had been confined to YouTube’s desktop and mobile applications, but it’s now appearing on televisions as well.

The television version of Jump Ahead operates somewhat differently than on mobile or web platforms. Rather than displaying a “Jump Ahead” button when attempting to skip past a popular segment, it indicates the optimal skip point with a dot on the timeline. When you fast-forward with your remote, the dot is highlighted, and pressing it again transports you directly to that moment.