Tag: Source: Androidcentral.com

Samsung has formally introduced the One UI 9 Beta program, providing Galaxy S26 users with initial access to features of Android 17. One UI 9 enhances customization options in Samsung Notes, incorporating decorative tapes and additional pen styles. The beta program is being launched first in Germany, India, Korea, Poland, the UK, and the U.S. via the Samsung Members app.

After extensive anticipation, Samsung is at last revealing its next significant software phase, and it seems the wait for Android 17 is in its final stages.

Samsung has proclaimed the commencement of the One UI 9 Beta program, and if you own a Galaxy S26, you are at the forefront of experiencing how Samsung is reimagining the mobile experience this year.

While most users are still holding out for stable One UI 8.5 updates, Samsung is already beta testing the upcoming major release. And it’s quite transparent about the new features.

Samsung Notes now includes decorative tapes and additional pen line options. The Contacts app now connects directly to Creative Studio, allowing you to create custom profile cards without navigating between apps. However, Creative Studio still requires a separate installation and Samsung Account login, but once configured, it operates smoothly.

Accelerated beta releases and earlier testing are expected to result in fewer delays and quicker access to Android 17 features. Nonetheless, while launching betas early appears advantageous on paper, it will be meaningless if the company reverts to delayed regional rollouts and incomplete feature releases that have previously left users dissatisfied. Galaxy owners desire updates that are prompt, function properly, and don’t feel as if they have been stuck in software limbo for months while Google and Pixel users have already advanced to the next iteration.

The Quick Panel receives a much-needed update. Brightness, sound, and the media player are now independently adjustable, featuring more size choices.

For accessibility, adjustable mouse key speed is provided for enhanced cursor movement, alongside a combined TalkBack package that integrates what Google and Samsung previously offered separately. The new Text Spotlight feature enlarges selected text in a floating window — a minor adjustment that significantly simplifies reading on a phone.

Regarding security, One UI 9 actively prevents high-risk applications. When something suspicious is identified, it alerts you, obstructs execution and installation, and suggests deletion.

The beta program launches this week in Germany, India, Korea, Poland, the UK, and the U.S. Simply open the Samsung Members app and register for the beta program.

That said, sign-ups aren’t yet active at the time of writing, and the beta program isn’t currently visible on the eligible Galaxy S26 devices we’ve inspected. But we will monitor for updates.

If you haven’t been keeping tabs recently, the Samsung Messages application on your Galaxy smartphone is set to be discontinued. Samsung revealed the termination of the Samsung Messages app back in April 2026, indicating that the app will lose the functionality to send and receive text messages starting in July 2026.

Although the Samsung Messages app still excels in several areas compared to other options, such as providing extensive chat customization and a more streamlined experience without Gemini integrations everywhere, Samsung has made a definitive decision. This implies that the app will essentially become ineffective later this year.

This also signifies that you’ll ultimately need to transition to a different messaging app on your device. Luckily, you won’t have to begin anew, as your chats and discussions can be switched over quite effortlessly. Here’s the process.

Google Messages will seamlessly transfer your chats in one step

With the discontinuation of Samsung Messages, Samsung is officially advising users to transition to Google Messages as the primary messaging app on their smartphones. Google has dedicated the last few years to enhancing Google Messages, and now it stands as a robust alternative for most Samsung users.

Fortunately, after you shift from Samsung Messages to Google Messages, your chats and ongoing conversations will automatically transfer over. There’s really no additional effort required aside from designating Google Messages as your default messaging application.

Samsung indicates that, depending on the One UI version on your Galaxy phone, you will receive an in-app notification in the Samsung Messages app urging you to transition to Google Messages. Subsequently, you’ll be prompted to download Google Messages from the Play Store if it isn’t already installed on your device.

After you install and launch Google Messages, you’ll encounter a prompt asking you to set it as your default SMS app. Just tap Set default SMS app, choose Google Messages, and then tap Set as default once more. And that’s pretty much all you need to do.

Samsung mentions that once Google Messages is set as the default, all your discussions will automatically transfer from Samsung Messages.

However, depending on the volume of messages and media files you possess, it might take some time for everything to be fully visible. Samsung points out that some conversations may appear temporarily missing while the app indexes your messages, and this procedure could extend up to a full day.

What’s convenient is that Samsung is also aiming to make the transition smooth. On newer Galaxy phones, the company will automatically substitute the Samsung Messages icon on your home screen with the Google Messages icon, eliminating the need to rewire your muscle memory.

Nevertheless, users on Android 12 or Android 13 might need to manually place the Google Messages app on their home screen themselves.

What to do if your Samsung Messages chats don’t transfer right away

Several users have recently reported challenges with messages temporarily disappearing after switching applications, but Samsung assures that those conversations aren’t genuinely lost. The data and media remain stored locally on the device while Google Messages re-indexes everything in the background.

Once the indexing procedure is complete, all your conversations should appropriately appear within Google Messages. So if your messages aren’t showing up immediately after the transfer, expect to see them within 48 hours.

It’s also important to mention that even with the discontinuation of Samsung Messages, Samsung states that users will still be able to utilize the app for emergency communication, including contacting emergency services and emergency contacts.

Samsung also indicates that this discontinuation presently only pertains to users in the U.S. region. There isn’t much clarity regarding other regions, so for the time being, the app may continue functioning elsewhere.

That said, if you’re in the United States, you can still use Samsung Messages as your default app for a couple more months before the shutdown is fully implemented.

However, Google Messages has made significant progress in recent years, and if you prefer not to wait for the deadline, you can simply download Google Messages from the Play Store and switch over immediately.

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**Enhanced Hardware and Extended Support, Yet a Significant Price Hike for Access**

The newest version of the Motorola Razr lineup, the Razr Plus 2026, introduces considerable advancements compared to its forerunner, the Razr Plus 2025. Nonetheless, these improvements come with a significant price hike, raising doubts about whether these enhancements are worth the expense.

**Design and Construction Quality**

The Razr Plus 2026 preserves the signature design of its previous version, retaining its elegant, foldable shape. The most notable design modification is the adoption of a titanium hinge, replacing the aluminum hinge used in the 2025 iteration. This alteration not only boosts the device’s sturdiness but also offsets the extra weight from the larger battery, keeping the overall weight the same.

**Screen and Camera Upgrades**

The Razr Plus 2026 boasts genuine 10-bit displays, providing a more pleasant viewing experience by minimizing flicker. The camera setup has also received significant improvements, with the primary sensor now capable of Ultra HDR mode, offering a broader dynamic range. The telephoto lens from the 2025 version has been substituted with an ultrawide camera, enhancing the device’s photography adaptability.

**Power and Performance**

With a bigger 4,500mAh battery, the Razr Plus 2026 delivers enhanced battery longevity, a much-appreciated upgrade for users who seek more from their devices. Both versions are powered by the same processor, RAM, and storage, ensuring uniform performance throughout.

**Software and Upgrades**

Motorola has prolonged the software support for the Razr Plus 2026, providing five years of security updates versus four years for the 2025 variant. This extension offers users reassurance, knowing their device will stay secure and updated for an extended duration.

**Pricing Factors**

The enhancements in the Razr Plus 2026 come with a higher price tag, driven by worldwide component shortages. While the advancements in hardware and support are substantial, the price increase could dissuade some buyers, particularly when the Razr Plus 2025 presents a similar experience for a lower price.

**Final Thoughts**

The Motorola Razr Plus 2026 is an attractive option for those in pursuit of the forefront of foldable phone technology with better durability and longer support. Nevertheless, the Razr Plus 2025 continues to be a practical choice for price-sensitive consumers, offering numerous features at a lesser cost. The ultimate choice rests on whether the extra expense of the 2026 model matches the user’s needs and financial plan.

RingConn Gen 3 Introduces Vascular Insights and Finally Incorporates Haptic Alerts

Key details to note:
– The RingConn Gen 3 monitors long-term vascular health patterns, examining workout recovery and circadian rhythms instead of merely providing a single heart rate measurement.
– You continue to receive comprehensive daily health tracking, including heart rate, SpO2, stress levels, sleep stages, skin temperature, and sleep apnea evaluation.
– Preorders are available until May 28 for $314, after which the price increases to $349.

Smart rings are advancing beyond basic sleep monitoring and step counting, and RingConn seeks to elevate the experience with its newest offering. Preorders are currently being accepted for the RingConn Gen 3, which emphasizes vascular health monitoring and introduces upgraded alerts, extended battery life, and a more streamlined design.

The highlight of this year’s update is what RingConn terms vascular insights. Unlike typical wearables that provide isolated blood pressure measurements, the Gen 3 tracks long-term vascular patterns. It takes into account factors such as sleep respiration, variations in circadian rhythms, recovery following exercise, and daily physiological stability, offering users a more holistic perspective on their cardiovascular health over time.

In addition to vascular monitoring, the Gen 3 includes the standard health tracking capabilities typical of high-end smart rings. It continuously tracks heart rate, blood oxygen levels, sleep stages, stress, respiration rate, activity, and skin temperature. Women’s health features include menstrual cycle tracking and fertility insights. Sleep apnea monitoring is also featured, which RingConn highlighted in previous models, including the RingConn Gen 2.

Soft vibrations replace wrist vibrations:
A practical addition is the vibration alerts. The Gen 3 employs gentle haptic nudges for activity reminders, health notifications, and low battery alerts, instead of illuminating your wrist like a smartwatch. RingConn claims these notifications are designed to be discreet enough for meetings or conversations without attracting much attention.

Battery life is another notable strength. RingConn states that the Gen 3 lasts 11 to 14 days on a single charge with vibrations turned off, or around 10 to 12 days with haptic feedback enabled. That duration surpasses many other smart rings, including some premium ones that require recharging every few days.

The hardware has also seen enhancements. The Gen 3 is constructed from titanium, features a slim 2.3mm profile, and weighs between 2.5g and 3.5g based on size. It is rated IP68 and 10ATM for water resistance, allowing you to wear it while swimming, showering, or sleeping. New color selections include Brushed Silver, Brushed Rose Gold, Future Silver, Royal Gold, and Matte Black.

RingConn indicates that preorders are available until May 28, with shipping commencing on May 29. The smart ring is priced at $314 during the preorder phase, increasing to $349 at retail. As with prior RingConn products, there is no subscription fee, which remains a significant advantage over competitors such as the Oura Ring 4.

During the testing phase of One UI 8.5, it was speculated, and now it has arrived for its complete launch.

Samsung has officially launched One UI 8.5, which introduces a highly awaited feature designed to improve user experience by addressing the problem of excessive advertisements in applications. This feature was previously rumored during One UI 8.5’s testing period and has now officially arrived.

The fresh update brings a Device Care feature that allows for blocking apps notorious for showing too many ads. Users have the option to select either “basic” or “intelligent” blocking methods. The basic method targets applications that frequently display ads and mutes them. Meanwhile, the intelligent method takes it a step further by assessing notifications from apps to identify whether they are ads, placing them into deep sleep mode if found to be excessive.

This function is part of Samsung’s larger initiative to bolster user experience by minimizing the disruption caused by unwanted ads. The update has begun to roll out in the U.S., providing users with a more seamless and less intrusive engagement with their devices.

Samsung’s decision to incorporate this feature in One UI 8.5 demonstrates its dedication to addressing user feedback and enhancing the overall effectiveness of its devices. As the update progressively arrives, users can anticipate a more polished and user-centric experience on their Samsung Galaxy smartphones.

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Pixel Comfort View enhances color harmony for your eyes, marking the inaugural appearance of such a dedicated feature.

In a comparison of OLED versus almost any other display technology, the distinctions become apparent instantly. OLED is celebrated for its impressive contrast ratio, profound blacks, and strikingly vibrant colors. The affection for OLED’s vivid characteristics is so prominent that “controversies” arise when a smartphone lacks a vibrant color option upon launch.

However, it appears that not all individuals appreciate these intense colors. Some people actually find them uncomfortable, a sentiment that diverges significantly from a mere aesthetic preference. While certain manufacturers are tackling OLED discomfort through hardware solutions, Google recently unveiled a software update that uniquely addresses the color issue.

This update is referred to as Comfort Filters, merging the existing Night Light feature with a new setting named Comfort View. The premise is straightforward: modify the display color to suit a user’s comfort level. This may involve transitioning to warmer hues to encourage improved sleep patterns, converting the display to greyscale to limit phone usage, or simply adjusting the color palette to more soothing pastel shades—Comfort Filters represent Google’s latest innovation in this realm.

The psychology of color

Color holds profound significance within the human psyche. While specific colors and their connotations can be culturally based, many meanings are perceived as universal. For instance, red is typically associated with strength or aggression, while yellow often signifies hope or joy. Over time, smartphone makers have realized that a lack of color can reduce user engagement with their devices, which is why monochrome settings are featured in the bedtime mode of smartphones.

Similarly, studies have indicated that lighter, desaturated, and pastel shades frequently evoke feelings of calmness or relaxation. TCL has integrated this color scheme into its NXTPAPER devices, such as the NXTPAPER 70 Pro, branding it “Color Paper mode.” This mode desaturates all hues and simplifies visual elements on-screen to produce a less distracting, yet still colorful, interface for the apps on your device.

“Comfort View establishes a new, more pleasant aesthetic for the content displayed when users desire it,” Google mentions. Remarkably, this feature wasn’t conceived primarily as an accessibility tool. Instead, it aims to provide users with greater flexibility regarding their phone’s display appearance.

“This feature is crafted for anyone who finds the ‘gentle aesthetic’ appealing. We’ve received feedback from users who appreciated this experience particularly in dimly lit environments, valuing the more palatable color palette while maintaining visibility of diverse shades.”

I have compiled a straightforward chart above displaying standard RGB colors in Photoshop alongside their pastel counterparts. To demonstrate the difference, cover the standard colors with your hand and observe the pastel shades for a few seconds, then cover the pastel colors and turn your gaze back to the standard ones.

The contrast is striking, and it may feel even more pronounced depending on how sensitive you are to light and color. Comfort View employs a color palette much akin to the right side of the chart, and I noticed the intensity shift the moment I activated the feature.

Pastel hues are often tied to the spring season, which offers significant comfort to individuals in colder, snow-laden climates, reinforcing the notion that pastel colors foster an exceptionally positive sensation. Thus, it’s appropriate that Google launched this feature in the spring! If you are currently using a Pixel and are on the April build of Android 16 (or newer), here’s how to activate it:

1. Access system settings on your Pixel. You can either open Settings from the app drawer or swipe down twice on the status bar, then tap the gear icon.
2. Choose Display & touch from the options.
3. Scroll down and select Comfort Filters.
4. Tap the switch next to Comfort View to enable it.
5. To manually modify the intensity of Comfort View, uncheck the Dynamic box and adjust the slider to your desired filter strength.

While you are in the Comfort Filters menu, you can also enable the Night Light feature, which will tint the display amber and reduce blue light emission. This feature can be used simultaneously with the pastel Comfort View option and is commonly activated at night to help preserve your circadian rhythm from disruption by the blue light typically emitted by your phone’s display.

Continued improvements ahead

Although Comfort View offers an excellent way to enhance viewing comfort on the Pixel display, Google still must resolve additional issues to ensure that its displays remain pleasant for all users.

Last year, Google rolled out a new Sensitive Eyes feature for the Pixel 10 Pro range, which increased the PWM dimming rate to align with that of Samsung and Apple. The dilemma is that all three companies are considerably lagging behind in certain technologies, and the slow PWM rate represents one of the most serious concerns.

Unfortunately, speculation suggests that the Pixel 11 will not alter its PWM.

Samsung has officially commenced the distribution of the stable One UI 8.5 update for the Galaxy S25 series in the U.S. This update brings a multitude of features from the Galaxy S26, including call screening and AI image editing capabilities. Users of the Galaxy S25 can now take advantage of Quick Share to transfer files directly to Apple devices. Furthermore, the update features a revamped user interface, enhanced Samsung DeX, and a Bixby powered by Perplexity. The U.S. variant of One UI 8.5, marked by version number S938USQU9CZDP, has a size of approximately 4.4GB and includes the April security patch. Although the update is presently accessible for the Galaxy S25 series, Samsung intends to extend One UI 8.5 to older Galaxy devices worldwide, encompassing the Galaxy S24 series and foldable devices such as the Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip. Users who have not yet received the update are advised to look in the Software update section under Settings, as the rollout is in progress. Galaxy S25 devices locked to carriers may experience a minor delay in obtaining the update.