Samsung begins Android 15-based OneUI 7.0 beta testing for Galaxy S phones

Samsung on Thursday (December 5) launched the Android 15-based OneUI 7 beta testing for select Galaxy devices worldwide.

The new Android 15-based One UI 7 brings several improvements in terms of user interface, and most customisation options for customers to use generative Artificial Intelligence (gen AI) to create their own wallpapers and themes for the phone.

It brings more features Galaxy AI writing tool. It offers AI-powered options to summarize content, check spelling and grammar, and automatically format notes into bullet points.

Call Transcript now support up to 20 languages.

It brings voice call transcription features to up to 20 languages. When call recording is enabled, recorded calls will automatically be transcribed for reference later on, eliminating the need to take notes manually while multitasking.

New notification feature of OneUI 7.0.

Also, Samsung OneUI 7 brings a new powerful AI-enabled notification system that streamlines communication with easy access from the device’s lock screen. It includes Now Bar, which highlights relevant activities across various features like Interpreter, Music, Recording, Stopwatch and more. By offering quick access to important notifications, the 'Now Bar' feature reduces the need to constantly unlock the device and allows users to engage with key information effortlessly.

New AI-powered writing tools.

The new update will also ensure that Samsung devices work smoothly and consume less power. The apps will load faster and the device will optimise the way background applications work and ensure there are fewer draining issues.

As far as security is concerned, the new Android 15-based OneUI 7.0 brings Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock and Remote Lock.

Theft Protection feature on Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

For the Theft Detection Lock, Google has fed critical information to the Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithm such as sudden speed associated with theft. Robbers usually snatch the device and run or drive away in a vehicle.

Theft Detection makes full use of the on-device AI tech and sensors to instantly know the phone has been snatched and initiates the screen lock process.

Exclusive features coming to Galaxy devices include the Knox Matrix feature. This security feature monitors devices through Trust Chain, a secure private blockchain technology.

It offers a new Knox Matrix dashboard, which shows the security status (permission granted to microphone and camera) of multiple Samsung smart devices, including Galaxy mobile devices, TVs and home appliances, at a glance.

The new OneUI 7.0 also brings Maximum Restrictions. It comes with added controls for network connections so users can enjoy the peace of mind that comes from boosted protection without losing access to key device functionalities.

It offers users the choice to block 2G service and prevent data from being intercepted when connected to potentially unsafe networks. Users can also prevent unintended automatic reconnection to certain Wi-Fi networks that may be less secure, ensuring data remains private while still having the option to connect manually if desired.

The One UI 7 beta program is available for Galaxy S24 series devices in Germany, India, Korea, Poland, the United Kingdom and the US from December 5.

The Galaxy S24 series users can apply to join the beta program via the Samsung Members app (here).

The final OneUI 7 update will be rolled out to all eligible devices starting in first quarter of 2025.

In a relate development, Samsung is reportedly planning to launch XR series Mixed Reality headgear along with the Galaxy S25 series in January 2025.

Samsung has been working with Google and Qualcomm to build the XR smart glasses since 2023.

Unlike Apple's bulky Vision Pro headgear, Samsung's AI XR smart glasses are said to come in a compact form factor weighing just 50gm.

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