Samsung is preparing to launch One UI 8.5, based on Android 16, alongside the Galaxy S26 series early next year. However, ahead of that, new details are already emerging about the next version, One UI 9, which will be based on Android 17. One of the major improvements Samsung is focusing on in One UI 9 is addressing an issue with the NotiStar filter.

Good Lock’s Samsung NotiStar app helps users manage notifications from different apps, but it has been causing frustration. Some Galaxy users have reported seeing a large number of default apps in the NotiStar filter list, even though they didn’t select them.

Some apps can’t even be unchecked, leaving users confused about why these apps are showing up in the first place. A user raised this concern on the Samsung community, asking why apps they didn’t choose were appearing in the filter, and why they couldn’t remove them.

In response, a Samsung community moderator has explained that this issue arises from a mismatch between the apps that can send notifications and the apps listed in NotiStar. The moderator has mentioned that NotiStar now shows all apps that can send notifications, including hidden system apps that aren’t usually visible to users.

Moreover, the moderator also mentioned that the “disabled” list in NotiStar shows apps that are blocked from sending notifications. If users want to see these hidden system apps, they can go to Settings >> App Notifications >> More >> Show system apps.

Image via Samsung Community

Samsung acknowledged that the NotiStar filter list doesn’t always match what’s shown in the actual system settings and that the list of apps in the filter may change unexpectedly. The company confirmed they will address the issue and improve NotiStar in the next Android OS update, Android 17, set to arrive with One UI 9.

So, Samsung’s One UI 9 wishlist includes a major improvement to the NotiStar filter for better notification management. Stay tuned for more information.

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Samsung Art Store has partnered with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), to bring Winslow Homer’s beautiful watercolor paintings to homes and galleries simultaneously. This unique partnership allows people to enjoy Homer’s art both in person at the museum and on Samsung Art TVs at home.

The collection, Of Light and Air: Winslow Homer in Watercolor, includes some of Homer’s most famous watercolors. These paintings show his skill in capturing nature’s beauty using soft, flowing colors.

The MFA’s exhibition features works that haven’t been seen together for nearly 50 years. It includes scenes from the Maine coast, the Adirondack Mountains, and the Caribbean.

Image via Samsung

For the first time, these paintings are available on Samsung Art TVs, like The Frame and The Frame Pro, with stunning 4K clarity. These TVs bring the artwork to life. With features like anti-reflection screens and accurate colors, the TVs make it feel like the paintings are displayed in a real museum.

By offering this collection on Samsung Art TVs, the MFA is able to share Homer’s work with a global audience. Samsung is making world-class art available in homes around the world, letting people enjoy famous paintings on TVs.

This new collection of Homer’s watercolors offers a variety of art through the Samsung Art Store. With partnerships with top museums, Samsung makes it easy for people to enjoy art in different styles and from different artists, all from the comfort of their homes.

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Samsung introduced a new professional video format called Advanced Professional Video (APV), which is similar to Apple’s ProRes. APV is designed to produce high-quality videos while using less storage space. Ahead of the launch of the Galaxy S26, DaVinci Resolve, one of the most popular video editing apps, has added support for this new format.

The latest version, DaVinci Resolve 20.2, allows editors to encode and save videos in APV. Samsung says the format offers professional-grade quality but takes about 20% less storage than other professional video formats. APV supports multiple resolutions, including 2K, 4K, and 8K, and works with HDR10 and HDR10+ for brighter and more detailed colors.

APV also comes with advanced features useful for creators. It supports alpha channels, depth data, and preview content. It also allows frame tilting for immersive experiences like VR and XR, and can handle parallel encoding and decoding.

These features make editing faster and smoother. The codec works with different color formats and bit depths without lowering video quality. Android 16 now supports APV, meaning most phones and tablets with this version can use the format unless blocked by the manufacturer.

Samsung plans to let users record APV videos directly on the Galaxy S26. This will allow creators to capture high-quality footage on their phones and edit it on compatible devices like tablets, laptops, or PCs using apps like DaVinci Resolve.

APV is already supported by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip, and Samsung’s upcoming Exynos 2600 chip is expected to support it as well. With APV, the Galaxy S26 could become one of the most advanced smartphones for video recording and editing. The Galaxy S26 series is expected to be released early next year. Stay tuned for more information.

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Many Samsung users see the “Battery Protection” feature and think they must use it. This feature limits charging to 80%, which aims to make the battery last longer. But the truth is, most people don’t really need it.

Nowadays, Samsung phones already have smart charging. When the battery reaches 100%, the phone automatically stops charging. This prevents overcharging and keeps your battery safe.

Using the 80% limit all the time means the Maximum Battery Protection feature has a minor downside. You don’t get the phone’s full battery power, which means it may run out faster during the day. You might end up charging it more often, which can be inconvenient.

Samsung batteries are designed to handle hundreds of full charging cycles. They are built to last for years if you use them normally. The main things that can harm the battery are extreme heat and letting it drain to 0% too often, not charging to 100%.

The “Max Battery Protection” option is optional. It can be helpful if you plan to keep your phone for many years and want to be extra careful. But for regular use, it’s not needed. Charging your phone to 100% occasionally is completely safe.

So, don’t worry too much about max battery protection as charging the battery to 100% isn’t anything wrong. Your Samsung phone already manages its battery well. Charge it in a way that suits your day, and enjoy your phone without stressing over charging percentage.

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Google has released the Android Auto 15.6 update, which brings several useful improvements and fixes for better performance. This new version addresses some big problems users were facing, especially with connectivity and audio.

Android Auto 15.6 update comes with the ability to add custom widgets to the homescreen. This allows users to personalize their experience by adding widgets like Google Gemini, though it seems to be available only for Google Pixel devices right now.

To try out this feature, you’ll need to use a special app like Activity Launcher or APK Analyzer to unlock it. Once activated, you can adjust the size of the widgets for a better fit.

Along with the new widgets, the update also fixes a number of annoying bugs. For example, many Android Auto users had trouble with a grey screen that showed up on their car displays, which made Android Auto unusable. This problem has now been fixed to make it easier to connect your phone to your car’s display.

The update also restores the music and media controls that some drivers were having trouble with. Before the update, users had issues with fast-forwarding or rewinding music, forcing them to touch their phone while driving. Now, these controls work properly again, improving safety.

The update also solves a bigger problem where users couldn’t hear anything through their car speakers, whether it was navigation, calls, or music. This fix makes sure your car’s audio system works smoothly.

For people who were facing Wi-Fi connection issues, Android Auto now shows clearer notifications about your wireless connection status. It helps you diagnose problems. Android Auto 15.6 is available for download on the Play Store, but the update may take a little time to reach all users.

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Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2024 recently received the One UI 8 Watch update, based on Wear OS 6. The update added new features like the Now Bar and redesigned watch tiles. While these changes improve the user experience, many users have noticed an unexpected side effect as their watches are giving “high stress” alerts far more often than before.

The issue seems to affect multiple Galaxy Watch models. Users report receiving frequent stress notifications even when they feel perfectly calm.

Reddit user oHomemCansado said their Galaxy Watch 7 started sending multiple high-stress warnings throughout the day, something that didn’t happen before the update. Other users with a Galaxy Watch 8 have experienced the same problem, suggesting it’s linked to the One UI 8 update rather than a specific watch model.

Image via Reddit

Galaxy Watches track heart rate and heart rate variability to detect stress. If the watch notices unusual patterns, it sends an alert and offers guided breathing exercises to help users relax.

With One UI 8, Samsung may have changed the way stress is measured or lowered the thresholds that trigger alerts. This could explain why users are receiving so many notifications, even if they aren’t actually stressed. While the update adds helpful features, the increase in stress warnings has left many users frustrated.

Samsung has not officially commented on the issue yet. For now, users can manage the alerts by turning off stress notifications or ignoring them until a software fix arrives.

If you own a Galaxy Watch and notice more stress alerts than usual, it’s best to keep your device updated and check Samsung’s support channels for any future updates. Stay tuned for more information.

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Samsung has finally started expanding an Android 16-based One UI 8 update for the Galaxy S21 FE smartphone. The update is now live for users in Europe and India.

One UI 8 update for Samsung Galaxy S21 FE comes with build number G990B2XXUFIYJ1 (via TarunVats), is about 2.3GB in size, and includes the September 2025 security patch. The update is available for the Galaxy S21 FE Snapdragon variant in these countries, and the company will soon make this update available for all models.

One UI 8 brings several new features and visual upgrades. A key highlight is Gemini Live, a smart AI assistant that helps you interact naturally with your phone. You can point your camera at something and ask Gemini what it is, or share your screen to get help without switching apps.

Image via Tarunvats

The update also adds Wallpaper Recommendations, which suggests the best photos from your Gallery to use as wallpapers. The Lock Screen gets a new look with stylish clock designs and fonts that adjust beautifully around faces or animals in your photos. You can also control your Galaxy Buds directly from the Settings app without needing the Galaxy Wearable app.

To update your phone, go to Settings >> Software Update >> Download and install. Make sure your phone is charged and connected to Wi-Fi before starting the update.

Once installed, you can enjoy the latest Android 16 experience with improved performance, smarter AI tools, and a fresh, more personalized design. This major update makes the devices ready for future updates and also for One UI 8.5.

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Google Wallet is working on a new feature, the “Express Transit Card”, which will make paying for buses, trains, and other public transport much faster. This new option will let you choose a specific debit or credit card to use only for transport payments.

Right now, paying for transport with Google Wallet can be a bit slow if you have several cards saved. You often need to unlock your phone, open the Wallet app, pick the right card, and then tap it.

With the new Express Transit Card, you won’t have to do any of that. Once you set it up, you can simply tap your phone on the transit terminal so no unlocking or password is needed.

Image via Android Authority

This feature isn’t completely new. Apple and Samsung already have similar features in Apple Pay and Samsung Wallet. Apple’s and Samsung’s versions both let users pay for rides quickly without unlocking their devices.

Google’s upcoming version will work in much the same way, based on information found in the latest Google Wallet app version 25.43.826060251. In the past, Google Wallet let users skip verification for some transit payments, but this new feature goes further. Now, you’ll be able to pick one special card just for travel.

When the Express Transit Card officially launches, it will make commuting smoother and more convenient. You’ll be able to get through ticket gates or board transport quickly, without stopping to unlock your phone.

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Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold, the highly anticipated foldable smartphone, has recently been spotted on the Bluetooth SIG certification site, which brings us one step closer to its official release. While we’ve seen several leaks and rumors about the phone, this certification gives us more details about where it might be launched first.

The Galaxy Z TriFold has appeared with several model numbers, including SM-D6390, SM-D639N, SM-D639B, SM-D639U, and SM-D639U1. These different model numbers point to different markets.

Model numbers like SM-D6390 and SM-D639N are likely for China and South Korea, two places where Samsung is expected to launch the device. But more interestingly, the models ending in U suggest that US customers might also see the Z TriFold soon.

Source – Chosun

There’s also a model ending in B, which could be for an international version of the phone. This might mean Samsung plans to bring the Z TriFold to markets like the UAE. This is in line with earlier rumors that the phone could launch in Asia first, with other regions getting it later.

Earlier reports suggested that the US launch might not happen until 2026, but these new Bluetooth SIG listings suggest the launch could happen sooner than expected.

While we don’t know the exact release date yet, the Galaxy Z TriFold is clearly getting closer to hitting the market. We’ll keep an eye out for more details.

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Google is working on a new look for Google Maps on Android Auto. After a previous attempt earlier this year caused problems, the company is now testing a centered map again. This time, it looks like users might actually like the change.

Earlier this year, Google updated Android Auto to center the map instead of keeping it on the right side. However, the update caused the destination menu to block part of the route, which made it hard to see the road. Many users found this annoying, and Google quickly switched back to the old layout.

Now, the centered map is back in testing, but without the menu blocking the screen. Drivers can see their route more clearly, and navigation looks cleaner.

Image via Reddit (steelbreeze9)

Some users report that centering works automatically when navigation starts, though it may disappear sometimes. If that happens, it can be restored easily by tapping the three-pane button and then the Maps screen.

Centering the map helps drivers see more of their route and surroundings. Before, the main issue was the blocked view, but now that problem seems fixed. A centered map can make it easier to follow directions without constantly moving the screen around.

After a first attempt, Google may have finally found the right way to center maps on Android Auto. If it works well, Android Auto users may soon get a clearer, less cluttered map view. Stay tuned.

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WhatsApp is introducing a new feature to help channel admins grow their audience and make their channels more interactive. The latest beta version 2.25.32.15 for Android brings a tool that lets admins invite their contacts to follow their channels, making it easier to attract more followers.

Admins can easily choose contacts from the channel info screen and send an invitation through a simple message. The invite will contain a button that lets the recipient join the channel with just one tap. This makes it easier for admins to directly reach people they know, helping them grow their audience in a more personal way.

The feature aims to make channels more discoverable and engaging, especially for smaller creators or communities that may not get noticed easily. When users receive an invite from someone they know, it feels more authentic and trustworthy to follow the channel and interact with the content.

Image via WABetaInfo

The invite feature is currently under development, so it’s not available to all users yet. WhatsApp is currently testing it to make sure everything works smoothly before releasing it to everyone.

Once it’s fully ready, it will help admins quickly grow their follower base and create a stronger connection with their audience. In addition to this new invite feature, WhatsApp is also working on other tools to make channels more interactive, like polls and quizzes.

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Samsung is rolling out the October 2025 security update for three more Galaxy devices in the US. The devices receiving the update are the Galaxy S20 FE, Galaxy Tab S9+, and Galaxy Tab A9+. The new update improves the overall security and stability of the devices.

Users of these three Samsung devices can verify the October 2025 security update via the One UI builds listed below.

• Galaxy S20 FE 5G – G781VSQSLHYI1
• Galaxy Tab S9+ 5G – X818USQS6DYJ2
• Galaxy Tab A9+ 5G – X218USQS9DYJ5

Right now, the update is available for users on Verizon’s network. Samsung will soon release it for more carriers, so more users will be able to install it in the coming days or weeks.

October 2025 update fixes several security issues and improves system performance. Samsung releases these updates often to keep its devices secure and to make sure they work reliably.

Installing the latest security patch not only protects your device but also improves its performance and stability. By keeping your software up to date, you make sure your Galaxy device stays safe, fast, and smooth.

To get the update on your Samsung device, go to Settings >> Software update >> Download and install. After downloading, your device will have the latest security fixes and improvements.  If you haven’t received the update yet, don’t worry, as it should be available soon.

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Samsung‘s One UI 8.5 is currently in development and is expected to bring several improvements and new features over One UI 8. A recent report reveals that the One UI 8.5 will introduce significant changes to Samsung’s Phone app.

According to a reliable tipster, TarunVats, the Samsung Phone app will bring notable changes with One UI 8.5. Samsung is to introduce a blur effect on buttons, which gives the interface a more sophisticated, layered look.

This blur effect may seem minor at first glance, but it represents a shift in Samsung’s approach to UI design.

Image via Tarunvats

In addition to the blur effect, leaks suggest One UI 8.5 may include further design enhancements to the Samsung Phone app. This update will reportedly improve the UI elements of the phone call screen. The new subtle effect separates functional elements from the background to make key actions more visually.

Aside from these changes, some leaks revealed that the One UI 8.5 update to include further design enhancements, such as liquid-glass-inspired elements, smoother transitions, updated icons, a new AI feature, a fully customizable Quick Panel, and more.

One UI 8.5 is currently under internal development, and Samsung has not confirmed a release timeline. This major update will reportedly debut with the Galaxy S26 series next year. However, Samsung might start the One UI 8.5 Beta Program at the end of November 2025. Stay tuned for more information.

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Samsung has released a new update for the Display Assistant app, bringing it to version 8.1.02. This update doesn’t add new features, but it focuses on making the app more stable and fixing bugs. These improvements help the app run more smoothly and reduce problems that users may have faced before.

Display Assistant is part of Samsung’s Good Lock suite, which lets users customize their Galaxy device in many ways. With Display Assistant, you can adjust display settings like screen timeout, brightness, and other visual options. It gives you more control over how your screen behaves.

The new 8.1.02 update of Samsung Display Assistant ensures the app works better in the background. Even if you don’t notice visible changes, this update is important because it keeps your device running reliably.

Image via Sammy Fans

You can get the latest version through the Galaxy Store by going to the Menu >> Updates section. If you use the Good Lock app, you can also update Display Assistant directly from there.

Samsung frequently updates its apps to make sure users have a smooth and reliable experience. Even small updates like this one can make a big difference in how your phone runs every day.

If you haven’t updated yet, it’s important to install Display Assistant version 8.1.02. With this update, your display settings will work better, your phone will be more stable, and managing your screen will be easier than ever.

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Samsung has rolled out the new One UI 8.0 update based on Android 16 for its popular mid-range phones, the Galaxy A53 5G and Galaxy A16 5G. The update is already available in several countries and has also reached users in the US. It is currently live for users on the Verizon network carrier.

One UI 8 update for the Galaxy A53 5G arrives with version A536VSQUIGYJ2, while the Galaxy A16 5G gets the update with version A166USQU3CYIC. This is a major update that brings Android 16 features, security improvements, and performance upgrades to make your phone smoother and safer to use.

One UI 8.0 comes with many new and useful features. The most exciting one is Gemini Live, a smart AI feature that helps you talk and interact naturally with your phone. With Camera Sharing, you can ask Gemini about things you see through your camera. You can also use Screen Sharing to show Gemini what’s on your screen and get quick help or information.

Image: Samsung

The update also adds Wallpaper Recommendations, which suggests the best photos from your Gallery to use as wallpapers. The Lock Screen gets a new look with stylish clock designs and fonts that adjust beautifully around faces or animals in your photos.

For Galaxy Buds users, you can now manage all Buds settings directly from your phone’s Settings menu. It means no need to open the Galaxy Wearable app anymore.

To get the One UI 8.0 update, go to Settings >> Software Update >> Download and install. Make sure your phone is charged and connected to Wi-Fi. Once installed, you can enjoy the latest Android 16 experience with improved design, AI tools, and better performance.

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