The problem with Google Play system updates has returned on Samsung phones. Various Galaxy devices (phones and tablets) have stopped receiving new updates from Google, leaving them behind in this important aspect.

It came to light that many Samsung phones have not received new Google Play system updates for months. A handful of Galaxy models are stuck on July and August releases, which raises concerns of security and reliability.

Well, it’s not the first time we’re reporting such news. Galaxy users complained many times about the issue with the Play system updates. Even though new One UI updates are coming, Play system updates feel totally stuck.

Samsung’s Galaxy S25 series, Z Fold 7, and Z Flip 7 have September’s Play system update. A newer version is available on One UI 8.5, which is a follow-up to One UI 8. Hopefully, the stalled rollout will kick-start soon.

It’s not Samsung’s fault but Google’s.

Samsung is providing timely security updates to Galaxy devices. The company is already expanding the latest December patch. However, Google isn’t matching Samsung’s standards and keeping the Play system updates on hold.

Some Samsung devices have received September’s Play system update. It’s the latest mark on the majority of Galaxy devices, which falls significantly behind. There seems to be an internal collaborative issue, holding key updates.

Samsung and Google should work closely to find the problem, if there’s any. A collaborative work will ensure Galaxy users also get the latest Play system updates and don’t fall behind Pixel phones in this software release part.

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This feature could help give emergency dispatchers context in circumstances like car accidents, fires, or medical crises.

Google is launching a new safety feature, Android Emergency Live Video, which lets people share live video from their phone with emergency responders. This feature is now starting to roll out across the United States, as well as in some regions in Germany and Mexico.

The new feature works on Android phones running Android 8 or newer with Google Play services. It is very simple to use. When you call or text your local emergency number, the dispatcher may ask to see what is happening around you. They will send a request to your phone, and you can choose to accept or decline it by tapping “Share” or “No thanks.” You are always in control.

If you choose to share, your camera will open in a small window on your screen. You can make it bigger, stop sharing at any time, turn on your flashlight, or switch between the front and back cameras.

Also, Google says that the video is encrypted, which means it is protected while being sent. Emergency services may view and record the video only for your active situation.

Google explains that this feature can help responders understand what is happening faster. During an emergency, it can be hard to explain everything clearly, especially when you are stressed. Live video can help dispatchers quickly see the scene and guide you through important steps.

This new tool shows Google’s effort to improve safety on Android phones. It builds on features like Emergency Location Service, Car Crash Detection, Fall Detection, and Satellite SOS. Google is also working with safety organisations worldwide to make this feature available in more places.

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During an emergency call or text, a dispatcher can send a request to your Android phone to share live video.

Today, on December 8, Samsung started rolling out the Android 16-based One UI 8.5 Beta 1 update for Galaxy devices. The stable version is expected to debut with the Galaxy S26 series next year. Since the stable version is still months away, Samsung will release more beta versions for testing. Here you can check the expected release date of One UI 8.5 Beta 2.

According to the latest information shared by @ya_sking12767, Samsung will release One UI 8.5 Beta 2 on December 22, 2025. This date is about two weeks after the Beta 1 rollout. While Samsung has not officially confirmed this release date, it is currently the most expected timeline based on early information.

One UI 8.5 Beta 2 update is expected to include several improvements. Testers may receive new features, performance upgrades, and fixes for bugs found in the first beta. These updates help Samsung refine the software before the final version is released to the public.

Samsung usually expands beta programs over time, so more Galaxy devices and more countries are expected to be included in the One UI 8.5 Beta program with Beta 2 release. It means that more countries’ Galaxy users might soon get a chance to test new features.

At the moment, users of the Samsung Galaxy S25 series can experience the One UI 8.5 features and improvements by participating in the Beta Program. This update is only live for users in the US, Germany, Korea, and the UK. With Beta 2, One UI 8.5 Beta Phase 2 might start and include India and Poland too.

For now, users can look forward to December 22 as the expected release date for One UI 8.5 Beta 2. Stay tuned for more information.

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WhatsApp is always working to improve its security features, and in its latest beta update, the app has added a new feature to make your account even safer. The new feature allows you to apply the best privacy protections with just one tap.

The latest beta update of WhatsApp is rolling out a new feature called Strict account security settings. This feature is designed to make your WhatsApp account more secure with just a single switch.

Once you activate it, WhatsApp will automatically apply the best privacy and security settings for you. No more manually changing each setting to stay protected, as everything is done for you by turning on this new feature.

The new security feature blocks media from unknown contacts, silences unknown calls, and limits group invites to only your contacts. It also turns on two-step verification by default and ensures your profile details are visible only to people in your contacts.

This feature is perfect for people who want better security without going through settings. The strict security settings make everything much simpler.

This new security feature is currently available to some beta testers using WhatsApp version 2.25.36.15. It will be available to more users in the coming weeks.

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Google is testing a new Android feature that could make riding buses and trains easier. Right now, commuters often lower the volume, turn on Do Not Disturb, or change settings manually to avoid distractions.

Android phones can already detect when you are driving. They use motion sensors and Bluetooth to know you are in a car. Driving Mode then silences calls and notifications to help you stay focused.

Now, Google seems ready to do something similar for public transit. The new feature is called “Transiting Mode.” It could automatically adjust your phone settings when it detects you are on a bus or train.

Modes in Android let you set custom sound, notification, and display profiles. Some Modes turn on automatically, like Driving Mode, when certain motions are detected. Transiting Mode will likely work the same way.

In the Android test version, developers found a new option – While Transiting. When this is active, your phone could automatically lower volume, limit notifications, or change display settings like dark mode.

It may also work with Google’s upcoming Motion Cues feature. Motion Cues is designed to reduce motion sickness while traveling in moving vehicles. Together, these features could make commuting much more comfortable.

Transiting Mode is expected to appear in the Android 16 QPR3 update, possibly next March. Google has not confirmed the release yet, but more details should come when the beta version launches. Stay tuned for more information.

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Sideloading UI on Android 16 has gained subtle new tweaks. With the latest update, Google is finally bringing Material 3 Expressive perks to the Package Installer.

Android 16 now has a redesigned UI for sideloading apps. The pop-up card has been enlarged, and the placement of text is also improved. The header has become a text-based progress bar, and buttons have adopted Expressive design.

The pop-up card’s header now shows the step-by-step progress of app installation, via AndroidAuthority. The “Permission required” card features the concerned app’s icon and label, followed by the next steps to be followed.

You can hit Settings and allow the OS to install APKs downloaded from the app.

As you allow, “Install this app” card will trigger with Expressive buttons termed Cancel and Install. Once you press Install, the installation process will be shown in the following card.

When the app is installed, you will have two options on the next card: Done and Open. Hitting Done will return you to the already opened app or webpage. If you press Open, the newly installed app will be launched on your device.

The Package Installer procedure is the same as before. Google has elevated the user experience by bringing Expressive design components. Your sideloading experience will be a lot better than ever on your Android device.

Note that the UI changes appeared in the Android 16 QPR2 update. Pixel phones have recently received this update, while Samsung’s One UI 8.5 is expected to be based on this Android version, which Google termed as a “Minor SDK” release.

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