On December 8, Samsung officially started an Android 16-based One UI 8.5 Beta Program for the Galaxy S25 series. This beta update is currently available in the US, the UK, Germany, and South Korea. Since it has been more than a week since the beta was released, many Galaxy S25 users are still deciding whether to install it or wait for the stable version.
If you own a Samsung Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, or Galaxy S25 Ultra and live in one of the supported countries, you can join the beta program through the Samsung Members app. This beta update gives users a chance to access new features and improvements ahead of the official release.
These new features are not yet available on other Galaxy devices, even some latest flagship models like the Galaxy Z Fold and Flip 7. So, Galaxy S25 users are the first to experience Samsung’s latest software changes.
One UI 8.5 Beta offers several new features, UI enhancements, and performance upgrades to provide an amazing experience. It lets users explore upcoming changes and provide feedback directly to Samsung. As it is a beta version, it might also include bugs that cause performance issues during use.
Source – Samsung Mobile Press
Samsung Galaxy S25 users who enjoy testing and exploring new software and features early, One UI 8.5 beta can be exciting. On the other hand, if you rely totally on your phone for work or daily tasks, keep in mind that you may experience some bugs in the beta version. If you have multiple devices, you can try it out easily.
At the moment, the One UI 8.5 Beta program is limited to the Galaxy S25 series. Samsung is expected to expand it to more Galaxy devices and more countries in the Phase 2 rollout, but the company has not officially confirmed any timeline or details yet.
So, have you installed the One UI 8.5 Beta on your Samsung Galaxy S25 yet? If yes, share your experience with new features, performance, and bugs in the comments section of our social media platforms.
Samsung is running the One UI 8.5 Beta Program for the Galaxy S25 series to let users test new features ahead of release. Along with other new features and improvements, the Samsung Tips app has also received a fresh interface with One UI 8.5.
One UI 8.5 update support is now available for the Samsung Tips app, as it has been updated to version 8.5.00.29 (spotted via TarunVats). Compared to the previous version on One UI 8, the app now feels more polished and organized.
In One UI 8, the app had a big pink banner at the top showing “What’s new in One UI 8.” The Highlights section displayed Galaxy AI and Samsung account benefits. The icons were thin and outlined, and the sections were close together, which made the layout look a bit crowded and flat.
But with One UI 8.5, the design has improved significantly. The big pink banner is replaced with a soft Galaxy AI card at the top, which gives a more premium look.
The Highlights section now clearly shows “What’s new in One UI” along with the Samsung account benefits option. The app uses rounded cards, better spacing, and soft background colors. Instead of using different icons for each option, the app now shows a single bulb-like icon for all options.
Image via TarunVats
Some users like the new, clean look of One UI 8.5 and find it easier to use, while others think the older One UI 8 design was already good and simple enough. Users have different opinions depending on whether they prefer a fresh look or the familiar layout.
So, what do you think, do you prefer the new One UI 8.5 design or the old One UI 8? Let us know your preference via comments on our social media platforms.
The U.S. Travel Association and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have recently revealed significant changes to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), a program that enables travelers from countries in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), such as the UK, France, Japan, and Germany, to enter the United States without a visa. The proposed changes, published by CBP on December 10, 2025, would make the disclosure of social media accounts mandatory for all VWP travelers, starting in 2026. This sweeping policy revision has raised concerns in the travel industry, with questions about privacy, security, and the potential economic impact on U.S. tourism.
The move is part of the U.S. government’s ongoing efforts to enhance national security and streamline border vetting procedures. Under the proposal, travelers applying for ESTA will be required to provide their social media handles used in the past five years. Previously, disclosing social media details was optional. In addition to social media, the U.S. plans to collect other personal data, including email addresses, phone numbers, and detailed family information, such as names, birthdates, and residences of immediate family members.
What’s at Stake for UK, France, Japan, and Germany Travelers?
The proposed changes are particularly impactful for visitors from countries with high tourism numbers, such as the UK, France, Japan, and Germany, who are major contributors to U.S. tourism. By introducing mandatory social media disclosure, the U.S. government aims to improve its screening process to help identify potential security risks.
As of 2025, 42 countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program, with travelers from these nations enjoying easier access to the U.S. for business and tourism purposes. However, this policy change raises critical questions about privacy and data security. Travelers from the UK, France, Japan, and Germany—who represent some of the largest source markets for U.S. tourism—will need to reconsider their digital privacy practices before visiting the U.S.
How the Proposal Works: What’s Changing for ESTA Applicants
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has proposed expanding data collection under the ESTA program. In addition to the social media handles, applicants would be required to submit:
Email addresses used in the past 10 years.
Phone numbers used in the past 5 years.
Family details, including the names, birth dates, and residential addresses of parents, siblings, children, and spouses.
Biometrics, including a mandatory selfie (facial image) via a mobile app, and, where possible, iris or fingerprint data.
One of the most significant changes involves the transition from the ESTA website to a mobile-only platform, which will require all travelers to use the ESTA mobile app to facilitate biometric verification. This marks a shift in how travelers will engage with the system and could create challenges for users unfamiliar with mobile technology.
Here’s a detailed table to explain the key factors related to the U.S. ESTA proposal, based on the information provided:
Key Factor
Description
Impact
Mandatory Social Media Disclosure
Travelers must disclose their social media handles used in the past 5 years as part of the ESTA application process.
This expands the U.S. government’s data collection, raising privacy concerns for travelers.
Expanded Data Collection
Additional data will be collected, including email addresses (past 10 years), phone numbers (past 5 years), and family details.
Provides a more comprehensive profile of each traveler for national security vetting.
Biometrics Requirement
Travelers will need to provide a facial image (selfie) via mobile app, and, where feasible, iris or fingerprint data.
Enhances security by verifying traveler identities but raises concerns over data privacy.
Mobile-Only Transition
The ESTA website will be decommissioned, and all travelers must use the ESTA mobile app for biometric verification.
Increases reliance on mobile technology, possibly excluding travelers unfamiliar with apps.
Executive Order 14161 Compliance
The changes are aligned with the U.S. Executive Order 14161, mandating enhanced vetting and screening of international travelers.
Aims to improve national security by increasing data collection but may discourage travel.
Privacy and Security Concerns
The U.S. Travel Association has expressed concerns about the privacy implications of mandatory social media disclosure.
Could deter legitimate travelers from visiting the U.S., impacting tourism and business.
Chilling Effect on Travel
The U.S. Travel Association warns that these new requirements could negatively impact international tourism.
Potentially reduces travel from key source markets, such as the UK, France, Germany, and Japan.
Economic Impact
Millions of international visitors contribute billions to the U.S. economy, and concerns are raised about losing that revenue.
Loss of international visitors could weaken the U.S. economy, especially around major events.
Public Comment Period
The proposal is open for public comments until February 9, 2026, allowing stakeholders to voice concerns.
The feedback could influence the final decision on implementing the rules.
Impact on Major Events (e.g., 2026 FIFA World Cup)
The timing of the proposal raises concerns about its impact on international visitors for events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Potential to discourage travel to the U.S. for large events, affecting tourism-related revenues.
This table summarizes the key elements of the proposed changes to the ESTA application process, highlighting the data collection, biometric requirements, privacy concerns, and potential impact on international travel and the U.S. economy.
Why the Change Is Happening: Security vs. Privacy
The changes to ESTA are being driven by U.S. Executive Order 14161, issued on January 20, 2025, which mandates “vetting and screening to the maximum degree” to identify potential national security threats. The administration argues that this expanded data collection will help identify individuals who pose risks to U.S. security before they enter the country.
The primary justification for the inclusion of social media identifiers and additional data is to enhance the government’s ability to assess individuals’ security risks. While social media platforms can reveal valuable information about a person’s behavior and associations, critics worry that the expanded data collection could lead to privacy violations and unintended consequences.
U.S. Travel Association’s Response: Growing Concerns Over Privacy
On December 15, 2025, the U.S. Travel Association, a major advocate for the U.S. travel industry, issued a statement expressing significant concern over the proposed policy changes. The association warned that the mandatory social media disclosure could have a “chilling effect” on international travel.
The U.S. Travel Association emphasized that the policy might discourage legitimate travelers, including business leaders, academics, and tourists, from choosing the U.S. as a destination. This could have far-reaching consequences, particularly for the U.S. economy, as international visitors spend billions of dollars annually. The association expressed concern that travelers could choose alternative destinations with less stringent privacy requirements, potentially weakening the U.S. tourism sector.
Privacy Issues: How Will the Data Be Used?
The travel industry is also calling for more clarity on how the data collected through ESTA will be used. Although the government has emphasized that the data will be used for security purposes, travelers are left with legitimate concerns about how their private information will be handled and whether it could be exposed or misused. Without clear guidelines on data protection and privacy safeguards, these concerns are likely to grow as the proposal moves through the regulatory process.
Economic Risks: Impact on Upcoming Major Events
The timing of the policy proposal also raises concerns about its impact on major international events, such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The global sporting event is expected to attract millions of international visitors, including tourists from countries like the UK, France, and Japan. The U.S. Travel Association has warned that these new screening requirements could deter travelers from coming to the U.S. for such events, potentially damaging the local economies that depend on tourism-related spending.
What’s Next? Public Comment Period and Implementation
The public comment period for the proposed changes is currently open, and travelers, industry professionals, and other stakeholders are encouraged to submit their feedback. The comment period will close on February 9, 2026, after which the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will review the feedback before finalizing the rules. If approved, the new ESTA rules are expected to go into effect shortly after the comment period ends, with phased implementation potentially starting as soon as February 8, 2026.
Additional Rules Impacting International Travelers
This proposal follows a related rule issued by the State Department on December 15, 2025, which requires all H-1B (skilled worker) and student visa applicants to set their social media profiles to “public” for mandatory review by consular officers. This marks the latest move by U.S. authorities to implement stricter screening measures for foreign nationals seeking to enter the country.
Conclusion: A Delicate Balance Between Security and Privacy
As the U.S. government moves forward with these changes, travelers and industry experts are left grappling with the balance between ensuring national security and protecting individual privacy. The proposed expansion of social media screening for ESTA applicants is just one example of how security measures are evolving in response to modern threats. However, the potential economic and privacy implications could pose serious challenges for the U.S. tourism industry, particularly if travelers choose alternative destinations due to these new requirements.
The next few months will be critical for stakeholders to express their concerns and for the U.S. government to clarify how the expanded data collection will be used. For now, international travelers, especially those from the UK, France, Japan, and Germany, will need to stay informed as the regulatory process unfolds.
The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism is set to continue and expand its key initiatives into 2026, with a clear focus on enhancing Indonesia’s image as a premier destination for high-quality and sustainable tourism. The Ministry’s strategic plans prioritize community empowerment, innovation in tourism offerings, and the integration of technology to create memorable experiences for visitors. These efforts aim to ensure that the country remains competitive in the global tourism market while also promoting responsible and impactful growth for local communities. Through various programs such as the Tourism Villages and Quality Tourism initiatives, Indonesia is committed to attracting a diverse range of travelers while maintaining a sustainable tourism model.
The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism is gearing up to continue and expand its flagship initiatives into 2026, with a clear focus on strengthening Indonesia’s image as a top destination for high-quality and sustainable tourism. By focusing on the growth of the tourism sector and its benefits to local communities, the Ministry aims to reinforce Indonesia’s position as a leader in the global tourism market.
At the core of the Ministry’s plans is the Tourism Villages program, which has proven to be an effective tool for empowering local communities while promoting sustainable tourism. Over the past years, this program has made significant strides, including the recognition of two Indonesian villages as part of the UN Best Tourism Villages and the receipt of 15 awards across three categories at the ASEAN Tourism Awards. These achievements underline the program’s success in elevating tourism standards in rural areas while maintaining a deep respect for local culture and heritage.
The Ministry’s efforts have also led to the issuance of 2,885 halal certificates for tourism villages and five sustainable village certifications, ensuring that the tourism sector is aligned with the diverse needs of both local populations and international travelers. The Ministry is committed to guiding the development of 15 select tourism villages, ensuring they continue their journey toward further growth and success.
As Indonesia moves into 2026, the Ministry is placing a stronger emphasis on the Quality Tourism program. This initiative aims to innovate the country’s tourism offerings by creating specialized tourism packages that focus on gastronomy, wellness, and marine tourism. These thematic packages are designed to appeal to higher-spending tourists, thereby contributing to the overall growth of the tourism sector and ensuring that visitors have a memorable and enriching experience. By diversifying tourism offerings, the Ministry hopes to attract a more sophisticated and financially affluent audience, strengthening Indonesia’s appeal as a destination for high-quality travel.
In addition to quality tourism, the Ministry has shown its appreciation for stakeholders who support the development of sustainable tourism in the country. The Wonderful Indonesia Awards is one such initiative, created to recognize individuals and organizations that contribute significantly to Indonesia’s tourism growth. Through this program, the Ministry continues to build relationships with key industry players and acknowledges the collective effort to position Indonesia as a prominent tourism destination.
The Event by Indonesia program, another of the Ministry’s initiatives, has demonstrated its power in boosting the tourism industry and driving economic growth. In 2025, this program attracted more than 12.2 million visitors to various events throughout Indonesia, contributing to an impressive economic impact. These events have not only drawn international attention but also empowered more than 20,800 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), providing job opportunities for over 250,000 workers. The economic impact of these events reached approximately Rp23.76 trillion (around US$1.4 billion), showcasing the significant contribution of tourism events to the country’s economic development.
The Ministry is also committed to embracing new technologies to enhance the tourism experience. The Tourism 5.0 initiative, which will continue in 2026, introduces an AI-powered tourism assistant named MaiA. This tool provides travelers with fast and reliable information, helping them navigate Indonesia’s diverse tourism offerings more efficiently. By leveraging artificial intelligence, the Ministry aims to enhance the travel experience for both domestic and international visitors, making it easier for tourists to plan their trips and discover the unique attractions that Indonesia has to offer.
Furthermore, the Ministry has introduced the Tourism Safety Enhancement program, which is designed to improve the skills and competencies of tour guides, especially those leading visitors to extreme or high-risk tourist destinations. This initiative will help ensure that Indonesia’s tour guides are well-equipped to manage challenging environments, prioritizing the safety and security of tourists while enhancing their overall experience.
In an effort to maintain a high standard of cleanliness and hygiene at tourist destinations, the Ministry launched the Clean Tourism Movement in 2025. This initiative brought together over 9,000 participants and 22 strategic partners to improve the cleanliness of Indonesia’s tourist sites. The program’s focus on hygiene not only ensures that tourists have a pleasant experience but also contributes to the long-term sustainability of the tourism industry by maintaining the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the country.
The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism plans to expand its flagship initiatives into 2026 to strengthen Indonesia’s position as a top destination for high-quality and sustainable tourism. These efforts focus on community development, innovation, and enhancing visitor experiences to ensure long-term growth.
Through these comprehensive initiatives, the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism is positioning the country as a leader in sustainable tourism. The Ministry’s commitment to quality tourism, innovation, and local community empowerment ensures that Indonesia’s tourism industry will continue to thrive in the coming years. By embracing new technologies, expanding thematic tourism packages, and focusing on the safety and well-being of visitors, Indonesia is set to remain an attractive and competitive destination for travelers worldwide.
India Accelerator (IA), India’s leading multi-stage, fund-led accelerator, is set to launch its accelerator program in Saudi Arabia, backed by a dedicated $15 million fund to support Indian startups entering and scaling in the Kingdom. The initiative is supported by the National Technology Development Program’s (NTDP) Empowering Accelerators product, advancing Saudi Arabia’s growing innovation mandate under Vision 2030.
The initiative will focus on startups across AI, Sustainability, Electric Mobility (EV), PropTech, and DeepTech- sectors closely aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 priorities and NTDP’s mission to accelerate technology-led economic transformation.
The first cohort, scheduled for launch in March 2026, will support 8–10 high-potential startups, providing them with structured market-entry support, regulatory guidance, access to local partnerships, and investor connectivity. Applications for the inaugural batch opened on December 8, 2025, and remained open until February 28, 2026.
Ashish Bhatia, Founder, India Accelerator, said: “Saudi Arabia is emerging as one of the world’s most forward-looking innovation markets. Through this partnership with NTDP, we aim to offer Indian startups a trusted, structured pathway to scale in the Kingdom. This collaboration reinforces our commitment to enabling cross-border expansion and building meaningful linkages with global innovation ecosystems.”
Ibrahim Neyaz, CEO of the National Technology Development Program (NTDP), added: “Saudi Arabia and India are home to two advanced startup ecosystems. Through our partnership with India Accelerator, we are opening new pathways that enable Indian entrepreneurs to collaborate with Saudi partners, tap into the Kingdom’s evolving technology and investment landscape, and contribute to the growth of its digital economy. This partnership strengthens the connection between our ecosystems and helps deepen long-term collaboration between the two countries in technology and investment.”
The partnership with NTDP establishes a strong foundation for deeper engagement across the GCC, expanding India Accelerator’s global footprint and advancing its mission to support founders beyond domestic markets.
The National Technology Development Program (NTDP) is a flagship initiative of Saudi Arabia, dedicated to accelerating the Kingdom’s digital economy and positioning it as a global hub for emerging technologies. NTDP drives growth by enabling startups and technology companies through strategic funding, international partnerships, policy integration, and talent development.
Through Products spanning venture financing, incubation and acceleration, R&D-industry collaborations, and global scaling programs, NTDP empowers local and international entrepreneurs to innovate and expand from Saudi Arabia to the world. Aligned with Vision 2030, NTDP is unlocking opportunities in deep tech including AI, robotics, semiconductors, health, and sustainability; while catalyzing job creation, investment, and GDP growth.
India Accelerator (IA), the country’s preeminent seed-stage startup accelerator, and the recipient of the “Best Accelerator of the Country” award from Start-up India in 2022. Our commitment to fostering innovation and supporting upcoming founders has consistently positioned us at the forefront of the Indian start-up ecosystem. Along with the Accelerator, we are also very active in early-stage investments through its Joint Venture ‘Finvolve’ and its 3 AIFs & a Gift City Fund. IA is not just about funding; it is a holistic ecosystem enhancer that provides startups with the necessary tools, mentorship, and network to thrive in the competitive landscape.
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