Samsung’s ongoing development of One UI 7 continues with the release of the third beta for the Galaxy S24 series, showcasing a commitment to refining the user experience. This latest iteration introduces a host of improvements, adjustments, and even some temporary removals, signaling a dynamic development process leading up to the stable release. Let’s delve into the key changes and what they mean for Samsung users.
One UI Home Gets a Performance Boost
The One UI Home app, the foundation of the Samsung user interface, receives a significant update to version 16.0.03.21. This update focuses on enhancing performance and addressing issues encountered in previous beta versions. Users testing the beta should notice a smoother, more responsive home screen experience.
The update is seamlessly integrated into the overall software update, requiring no separate installation. Users can verify the updated version by navigating to Settings > Home Screen > About Home screen. This update also brings exciting news: features from the popular Good Lock module, Home Up, are being directly integrated into One UI Home settings, streamlining home screen customization.
The Now Bar: A Work in Progress
One of the more intriguing aspects of this beta is the temporary removal of certain elements from the Now Bar. Samsung has clarified that this is intentional, with a moderator explaining that these features are undergoing refinement and will return in the stable One UI 7 release. This affects several features, including Voice Recorder, Health, Google Maps, Samsung Notes, and Bixby.
While these elements are still functional, the option to toggle them on or off within the settings has been temporarily hidden. The current Now Bar settings now only list Interpreter, Clock, Emergency Sharing, Media Player, and Current Mode. This move suggests that Samsung is actively listening to user feedback and working to optimize the Now Bar before its final release. The company has assured users that these features are not gone for good, but rather being polished for a better user experience.
Battery Icon Refresh: A Subtle but Significant Change
The battery icon, a constant presence on the status bar, has received a visual refresh. While One UI 6 featured a vertical icon, One UI 7 introduced a horizontal, pill-shaped design with new animations for charging, battery-saver mode, and low-power states. The Beta 3 update further refines this design, making the icon slightly taller and less wide, creating a more balanced rectangular shape with rounded edges.
This change not only improves aesthetics but also allows for a larger, more legible battery percentage display. This subtle tweak demonstrates Samsung’s attention to detail in even the smallest UI elements.
Bixby’s AI Evolution: A Leap Forward with LLMs
Perhaps the most significant development is the anticipated upgrade to Bixby, Samsung’s voice assistant. Rumors and official hints suggest a major overhaul powered by AI and large language models (LLMs), potentially Samsung Gauss. This upgrade aims to bring Bixby in line with advancements seen in other voice assistants like Siri, Google Assistant with Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot.
Samsung’s TM Roh previously confirmed plans to enhance Bixby with generative AI capabilities. Leaks and teasers point towards a more intelligent, capable Bixby that can better understand natural language, handle complex commands, and engage in more sophisticated interactions. This potential upgrade positions Bixby as a key selling point for upcoming Samsung devices and a crucial component of the One UI 7 experience.
Improved Image Sharing in Samsung Messages
The Samsung Messages app has also received an update to version 16.0.10.13 in Beta 3, focusing on improving the image-sharing experience for non-RCS messages (MMS). Previous beta versions had issues with saving images received via MMS, a problem that has now been addressed. This update ensures a smoother and more reliable experience when sending and receiving multimedia messages.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Stable Release
The One UI 7 Beta program, currently limited to the Galaxy S24 series, provides valuable feedback for Samsung as they finalize the software. The adjustments to the Now Bar, the refined battery icon, the anticipated Bixby upgrade, and the messaging improvements all point towards a comprehensive and polished user experience.
With the expected launch of the Galaxy S25 series on January 22, 2025, likely, Samsung will also unveil the official One UI 7 release and its rollout schedule. This constant iteration and refinement process underscores Samsung’s dedication to delivering a refined and innovative mobile experience to its users.