Author: Madhav Biradar

In New Update Samsung Added Couple of Features to Galaxy Watch 4
Since the launch, Galaxy Watch 4 duo is getting regular updates every week. In the last ‘CUJ2’ update, Samsung fixes minor issues, and the update is now rolling out in major countries. Meanwhile, a new firmware version has been released in South Korea for Galaxy Watch 4 & Classic. In this version, not Samsung has squashed known issues, but the company has added some new features. The firmware version R8**XXU1DUJA gets four new location watch faces. The new faces have been added to the Watch Face section of the Galaxy Wearable app.
Now you can set GIF as your watch face by using the My Photo dial. It has added to the demand of users. The users have also requested multiple photo selections in the face like the PhotoWear Photo app. The multiple photo display for the watch face hasn’t been introduced this time, though the Samsung rep said it is in the review. It has finally fixed the heart rate tracking issue, which had appeared in the ‘BUI5’ version.
Further, it has improved Samsung Health HR & Stress measurement. The sensitivity option has been added to the fall detection function. It also brings new gestures to launch apps or specific features. Currently, users can use gestures to answer calls and dismiss alerts & calls. The new gestures will be welcomed on Watch 4. The support for a Mute motion has been added, which syncs with a paired phone during calls.
The essential packs in watch faces and communication have also been enhanced. It enhances the usability of AR Emoji, Together, Bitmoji, Rnimal, and Cute Character. Finally, the company looked at known bugs to improve Galaxy Watch 4. The new firmware version is 477MB in size, and currently rolling out in South Korea for both LTE & Bluetooth variants. To install the update, open the Galaxy Wearable app, and head to Watch software update.
October 20, 2021
Huawei Watch 3 Update Brings SMS Reply, Hand Wash & Petal Maps Functions
Huawei has updated its two new watches Huawei Watch 3 & Watch 3 Pro with major firmware updates. The latest version brings a couple of new features and optimizations to the smartwatches. The firmware number 2.0.0.188 has been assigned to these HarmonyOS watches. It has brought a new quick SMS reply function which is a necessary part of any premium watch. The new Hand Wash detection which is already available on Wear OS, Apple Watch & Galaxy Watch devices, is now part of HarmonyOS too.
Users can now test any paid watch faces on their watch before purchasing them. Any paid theme will be set for five minutes on the device before you decide to buy it. It also brings more support to the local music formats to upload to the watch. The Petal Maps is now a pre-installed map app for the Huawei Watch 3 & Watch 3 Pro.
Further, the company has added the function of standard display of the charging watch face while charging to enhance the experience. Also, in the always-on display, users can lift their wrist to switch off the screen or to display the main watch face (choose any one option).
Meanwhile, it has optimized the display of the contacts for a better experience. Finally, Huawei has squashed known bugs to offer a better experience with its HarmonyOS-powered watches. It is a global rollout for Huawei Watch 3 & Watch 3 Pro. The update is now rolling out in China & major European countries.
October 18, 2021
New Galaxy Z Fold 3 & Flip 3 Updates Improve Camera Quality
The latest Galaxy Z Fold 3 & Flip 3 carry one of the top-notch cameras. Samsung has added plenty of new features to the camera of these foldable phones. Now, in the new software updates, both devices are receiving pet recognition functions to the portrait camera mode. It is part of Samsung’s Scene optimizer feature which is available since the Galaxy S9 smartphone. The Scene Optimizer has the ability to recognize over 30 objects, and pet recognition is one of them. Now the function has been applied to portrait mode.
The company has further enhanced the camera quality of the devices to get better results. As per the changelog, Samsung has given cover screen brightness settings to the phones. With the settings, users can adjust the brightness of the cover screen as per their requirements. Further, Samsung says it has stabilized essential functions on the Galaxy Z Fold 3 & Flip 3. The stabilization code has applied to screen, gesture, capture & multi-window functions. It is too early to tell what has changed in these functions.
Finally, it brings small bug fixes to enhance the overall quality of foldable phones. The new firmware comes with the same October security patch, and is currently available in South Korea. You can identify new firmware with the number F711NKSU2AUJ4 for Galaxy Z Flip 3, and firmware number F926NKSU1AUJ4 for Z Fold 3.
October 18, 2021
Zepp OS Update will not Come to Older Amazfit Watches
With the third-gen Amazfit GT series, Huami Or Zepp launched new Zepp OS platform. It is enhanced & polished software for Amazfit watches. Initially, it will run of Amazfit GTR 3, GTS 3 & GTR 3 Pro watches, and later, it will be installed on upcoming devices. The Amazfit trio models are now on purchase in first wave countries with positive reviews about the new software. Now, after release of the new OS update, the existing users are curious about getting Zepp OS on their current watches, specifically Amazfit GTR 2 & GTS 2 models.
Looks like the answer is not in the favor of users as official support team has answered it. As per the Amazfit representative called Tiffany, the older Amazfit smartwatches including Amazfit GTR 2 & GTS 2 will not receive Zepp OS update. Various users have asked same question from their origin country and received the same answer. The answer is applied to Amazfit GTR 2 & GTS 2 series, GTR & GTS series, T-Rex, T-Rex Pro, Amazfit Stratos lineup, Amazfit Bip lineup & Zepp Health series devices. To be clear, not a single device will receive the Zepp OS.
Further, the Amazfit rep says the main reason to not release next major software on previous model is lack of memory and the slow processor. She confirms all the current models are not suitable to handle heavy code of Zepp OS that could result in slow performance or unwanted crashes. The official Amazfit member on Weibo account China has given same answer few days ago. If you have bought new Amazfit GTR 3, GTR 3 Pro & GTS 3, then you can taste the new software before anyone else.
October 16, 2021
Garmin Announces Dexcom CIQ App to Track Diabetic Glucose Level
Garmin always put their user’s health on its first priority, and it is the reason it always launches new health services. In recent, the company has released HIIT workouts for select watches, a Pregnancy test for women users, and the new patent indicates the new driver drowsiness, as well as blood pressure features, will be coming soon. Along with these functions, Garmin has launched a new Dexcom CIQ app in the Connect IQ store. The app will help users track their real-time blood glucose levels using their supported Garmin devices.
Starting today, users can download the official Dexcom CIQ app from the Connect IQ store on Garmin watches. It will allow type 1 or type 2 diabetic users to put eyes on their real-time blood glucose levels on compatible watches and other devices. Once set up, you can check the level and its trends while doing the workouts. The app also shows real-time data and the history of the last three hours. This way, it will become easy to keep a close eye and take the right action.
At this time, not all the Garmin devices received app support. It works with Fenix 6 Pro, 6s Pro, 6x Pro, Fenix 6 Solar, Marq series, Vivoactive 4 series, Forerunner 245 Music, 745, 945, 945 LTE, Venu SQ Music, Venu series, Tactix Delta series, Quatix series, Edge 530, Edge 830, Edge 1030 & Edge 1030 Plus devices. Garmin promises the support will come to many other devices. Note that, right now it is compatible with only Dexcom G6 continuous glucose monitor (GCM).
Source
October 15, 2021
YouTube Music App Comes to Older Wear OS 2.0 Watches
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 & Watch 4 Classic were the first watches to get YouTube Music app. At that time, Google hadn’t revealed when it will release an app for other Wear OS watches. Later, it announces to release of the app for other Wear OS watches, which are powered by Snapdragon Wear 4100/4100+ chipsets. Now, as the company mentioned, the music streaming app is available for Wear OS 2.0 running smartwatches. The older watches from Fossil, Oppo, Suunto, and Mobvoi can download the app from the Play Store for Wear OS.
The music streaming app delivers all the latest songs to your smartwatch. Users can search for any songs or find them from the recommended song list. It also gives you the option to download the songs on the watch to listen to them later in offline mode. Though it has a download option, it is only available for premium users.
If you are not a premium user, then you have very limited options like the Spotify music streaming app. It also requires connecting your phone-running YouTube account to get all the features.
In a Play Store listing, it mentions the app supports Moto 360 & TAG Heuer. Both watches come with Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 3100 chipsets. Previously, the app was launched for watches built with Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100 & 4100+ processors.
The update has rolled out in all the major countries, and you can download it from Play Store. If you are not seeing it yet, then wait a while to come to your device.
Source
October 13, 2021
Garmin Adds New HIIT Workouts on Fenix 6 & Marq Series
Garmin has today released the latest 19.74 public beta update for Fenix 6 & Marq series watches. The new firmware has brought new workout modes and improvements to the current features. Unlike, the previous updates, which only launched to fixed various issues, the 19.74 beta version adds new workout profiles to these smartwatches. Garmin has included a HIIT activity profile and workouts along with snowshoe and tennis activities. The high-intensity interval training or HIIT workouts will challenge you and take your exercises to another level.
The snowshoe and tennis workouts are popular, and it is good to see them on Garmin watches. To add the workout modes on your Fenix or Marq watches, go to the Garmin Connect app. In the app, open the Menu – Training – Workouts – Create a Workout, and choose workout type. In this option, set up a new workout, and save it.
Further, the watch will now alert you about low battery life while music sync, so you should take action accordingly. The SpO2 measurement loading UI & Explore Sync app waypoint load times have been improved in the new update.
Furthermore, users will see enhancement in alarms that not going off when the watch is set on Max, Battery Mode. Also, the new piece of code comes to fix Connect IQ to improve its performance.
The new 19.74 beta firmware is available for Fenix 6, Fenix 6 Pro, Fenix 6s, Fenix 6s Pro, Fenix 6x Pro, and Marq series smartwatches. To install new firmware, you have to download the zip file on your computer and follow the given instructions.
Source
October 13, 2021
Stable One UI 4 Version to Start Rolling out in December
In mid-September, Samsung started One UI 4.0 beta testing program for Galaxy S21 trio in supported countries. It is now live in all those countries that are selected for the beta program. Samsung has recently released a second beta version for Galaxy S21 series, and possibly this week, it will release the third beta version. It is almost one month since the company has started rolling out the beta version, and now both beta & non-beta users are asking when they will get a stable version. Looks like the team member at South Korean community has answered this question.
The Galaxy S community moderator has responded to the query and said the final version likely be ready in December. He says, Samsung is developing an Android 12-based One UI 4.0 stable version for the Galaxy S21 series, and the firmware likely roll out in the last month of this year. This answer is for KT operators in South Korea, so the SKT, LG U+ & Unlocked variants too get the version. Here is the official answer from Galaxy S community manager (machine translated).
Currently, Galaxy S21 is also developing the Android 12 (One UI 4) version and the situation is changing, so it is difficult to give a clear answer. We are actively collaborating with KT operators, and it is likely to be possible by December at the latest.
Previously, Samsung had surprised everyone by delivering stable One UI 3.0 for Galaxy S20 users in the US along with South Korea. That means there are chances this could also happen this year.
One UI 4.0 beta version still has a long way to go. Samsung still has to fix many issues with the beta version, so it could take time. The company still has to open a beta program for other flagship devices. In recent, the company has spotted building beta firmware for Galaxy S20 series & Galaxy Z series phones.
October 12, 2021
Amazfit GTR 3, GTR 3 Pro & GTS 3 Launched with Major Changes
Zepp or formerly Huami has launched three next-gen smartwatches with stunning changes and Zepp OS software. The predecessors, Amazfit GTR 2 & GTS 2 had brought plenty of changes over the original Amazfit GTR & GTS, which were record-breaking devices in many countries. The third-gen watches are one step ahead in the looks and specs. The new Amazfit GTR 3 Pro has been added to the other GTR 3 & GTS 3. The Pro model comes with a beautiful design, third-party app & watch faces support, and crystal-clear 1.45” circular display.
The GTR 3 Pro has two physical buttons, SpO2, Amazon Alexa, sleep tracking, microphone, speaker, 2.3GB internal storage, and automatic workout modes. It has 10 loaded apps, and 150 watch faces that can support always-on display, and custom widgets.
It offers 12 days battery life in normal mode, and with GPS, it runs for 35 hours. The next Amazfit GTR 3 has a 1.39” display with 100+ watch faces, and AOD support but lacks custom widgets. It runs for 21 days in normal mode, and 35 hours in GPS mode.
The only rectangular display model is Amazfit GTS 3 with a 1.75-inch screen. It offers more than 100 watch faces with AOD support and custom faces. The GTS 3 can run up to 12 days on a single charge and 20 hours in GPS tracking.
The GTS 3 & GTR 3 lacks a loudspeaker and built-in music storage, so they can’t perform calls & listen to music without Bluetooth Headsets. The watches are available to buy in the US, the UK, Italy, Spain, France, and China in the first wave. The Amazfit GTR 3 Pro is priced at $230, and the GTR 3 & GTS 3 are available for $180 in these countries.
October 12, 2021
Samsung Nears to Open Android 12 Beta for Galaxy S20 & Galaxy Z Series
The Galaxy S21 lineup in listed countries is now on a second beta update for Android 12-based One UI 4.0. Samsung has included many features & changes in the upcoming version. The new Material You, color theme, RAM Plus, changed icons, and many other changes make it more forward-looking. Now, after Galaxy S21, the company is going to launch a beta version on Galaxy S20 & Galaxy Z series devices. The firmware buildup for these devices has been spotted in South Korea, which hints soon they will get a beta version.
The last year’s Galaxy 20, S20+ & S20 Ultra are some of those flagship models, which will receive a beta version. The foldable phones have also participated in the beta testing last year, so they will do the same this year. The code with firmware version G98*NKSU1ZUJ3 for Galaxy S20 & the numbers F707NKSU1UZUJ1 for Galaxy Z Flip 3 have been spotted. It could be a sign, next week, Samsung will open a beta testing program for these devices. The Galaxy Z Fold 3, Fold 2 & Galaxy Note 20 series to get a beta version later this month.
Samsung has hinted Galaxy S21 series will get stable Android 12 or One UI 4.0 firmware in December. Last year, Galaxy S20 had received Android 11-based One UI 3.0 firmware on December 3rd, following Galaxy Note 20 & other smartphones in the same month. The beta testing program still has to reach many devices including high-end Galaxy A smartphones.
October 9, 2021
Second Beta Update Now Rolling Out for Galaxy S21
Samsung is now rolling out a second beta update for Galaxy S21 series. The new version brings a couple of improvements over the first update, and there are newly added functions on the device. Samsung has brought virtual RAM Plus features to the Galaxy S21 to enhance the performance of the device. After Galaxy A52 5G & Galaxy Z Fold 3, it is another smartphone to get the feature. Samsung has come up with a Microphone mode for video calls. It applies to all the sounds during the video call.
In the new beta version, Samsung has applied a new color theme as well as improved Samsung Keyboard input accuracy. Further, it has fixed an issue where Secure Folder shuts down when running. To make the beta version more stable, Samsung has taken care of performance-related issues. The company further claims, it has applied many other improvements. I Hope, Samsung has fixed all the minor problems that users were facing while using the Galaxy S21.
The firmware version ends with ZUJ1 is now rolling out, and you can download it now. The new version also brings October security patch to the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+ & Galaxy S21 Ultra devices. The non-beta version has already got October security patch with Digital Car Key in many countries.
October 5, 2021
Samsung Removed Ads from Samsung Pay & Health apps
No one likes ads on their premium phones, especially from a company like Samsung. Like Xiaomi & Oppo, in the past, Samsung also started to show ads in its pre-installed apps. This August, Samsung has promised to remove advertisements from its default apps. Later, it has removed ads from the weather app, and now to continue its promise, it stopped showing ads in Samsung Pay & Samsung Health apps. The company has officially announced it, and now users in South Korea can experience these two apps without ads.
Both of the default apps become messy due to overloaded ads, and its other example is the Weather app. In these apps, Samsung was showing ads at the top, middle, and bottom of the main screen. After heavy criticism from users as well as from tech experts, Samsung decided to remove ads. After all, users have paid over $1,999 to buy a device to get ad-free & uninterrupted services.
Here is the official statement from Samsung Health Manager at the Samsung community.
This is the Samsung Health Operation Manager. Please note that the banner at the top of the Samsung Health app will not be provided from October 1st.
Also, you can read user’s better experiences after the removal of ads by visiting the below source. Some users claim, after removing ads from Samsung Pay, they have seen much faster speed in payment execution. Finally, the Samsung Themes is another service that will soon get an ad-free version.
Source (in Korean)
October 1, 2021
Galaxy S21 Series Update Get Digital Key to Control Supported Cars
Update: Samsung has now officially announced the first car to support Samsung Digital key is Genesis’ V60 model. The Genesis car in South Korea will be controlled by the car key to open & close doors, start the engine, adjust seats & mirrors, and to open trunk. The digital key in Samsung Pass has also come to Galaxy Note 20, Galaxy Z Fold 2, Fold 3 & Z Flip 3 smartphones.
Original: Samsung is now releasing its latest October security patch for the Galaxy S21 series devices. The new firmware version is now rolling out in Germany, the Philippines, India, and South Korea, at the time of writing this article. Though the new update in other countries comes to fix minor issues, in the home country, it brought one of the major functions. Yes, Samsung has finally brought Digital Key function for Galaxy S21+ & Galaxy S21 Ultra devices. At the launching of these devices, Samsung promised to bring the Digital key feature to add a car key to Samsung Pass.
With the digital key feature, users can register their car key to Samsung Pass. If you are still not using Samsung Pass, then you should start using it if you have a supported car. Samsung has already stated the selected models of Audi, BMW, Genesis, and Ford will get car key support. At present, we don’t know which car models are eligible for this Samsung feature. With the Car Key, you can open & close the doors using an NFC tag. Also, you can start the engine while placing your smartphone on the wireless charging pad.
The Digital key function in Samsung Pass will soon be available in other countries including the US & European countries. The update which is releasing in South Korea is different than the update now releasing in other countries. The Galaxy S21 series in other regions are getting firmware number G99*BXXU3AUIE. In South Korea, the S21 series is getting firmware ends with ‘AUIG’. To check for the latest October update, go to Settings and check for any pending update in the Software Update section.
September 30, 2021
Galaxy Z Fold 3 & Flip 3 Receive Digital Car Key in October Updates
The Galaxy Z Fold 3 & Z Flip 3 has received the Digital Car key function in the latest firmware update. Yesterday, Samsung has opened this feature for Galaxy S21+ & Galaxy S21 Ultra devices. Along with the new function, both foldable phones have received an October security patch to enhance their security and performance. Further, the company has improved existing features by taking care of known issues.
On the Z Fold 3 & Flip 3, users can register their car key to Samsung Pass. The feature will help users to open the door, close the door, adjust seats & mirror, and start the engine on supported cars. To start the engine, the user has to place the phone on a wireless charging pad.
Currently, cars from Ford, Audi, BMW & Genesis are supported, and Samsung said the supported car models will be confirmed later. Along with it, Z Fold 3 users will see improvements in screen, flex mode usability, and device security.
Furthermore, the firmware for Z Flip 3 brings improvements in Flex mode usability and camera performance. As per the changelog, the Z Flip 3 users will also get stability in device charging, screen, and notification. The firmware version F926NKSU1AUID has been released for Z Fold 3, and it weighs 403MB in size.
The Z Flip 3 gets firmware version F711NKSU2AUIE, and it comes with a 387MB file size. Both devices are receiving new firmware versions in South Korea. The other countries may soon receive the October security patch along with other improvements (not sure about Digital Key function) in the coming days.
September 29, 2021
Second Beta Update for Galaxy S21 Postponed to Next Week
The second beta update that is scheduled to launch today has been postponed to next week. The official Beta Operation Manager has stated the news in Samsung community South Korea. As per the previous report, the second beta version for Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+ & Galaxy S21 Ultra was supposed to release today in South Korea. Sadly, Samsung’s official member come ahead and confirmed it is not going to happen this week. However, the Beta Manager didn’t mention the main reason behind the delay, but he promised to bring a more stable version next week.
If there is an issue on Samsung’s side, then the other countries might also face delays. Also, it arises a question whether this week the company will release the first beta for Galaxy S21 in other countries like India, China & Poland. Here is the official answer from Beta Operation Manager.
The second version will be opened next week to provide the most stable version possible.
Sorry for the inconvenience, but please wait a little longer.
After Galaxy S21, Galaxy S20 & Galaxy Note 20 series devices are also in line to participate in Android 12-based One UI 4 beta testing. The beta testing may also come to Galaxy Z series and some Galaxy A series phones. As per the previous report, the stable version of One UI 4.0 may release in December for flagship models.
September 29, 2021
Why Camera Controller Missing on my Galaxy Watch 4?
After buying Galaxy Watch 4 or Watch 4 Classic, you may have searched for the official Camera Controller app, and were disappointed by not seeing it. Since launching, the app is part of the watch, then why you are not getting it in the first place. You are not alone, many users on social platforms like Reddit groups, Facebook, Samsung Community, and even on Twitter are asking the same question. Why Camera Controller app is not available in Galaxy Watch 4?
In short, most smartphones don’t support the controller app, that’s why the company disabled it from those phones. Like many other Samsung services, the app is limited to selected devices. If you are using a non-Samsung phone, then the app will not support it. Then what about Galaxy phones? Well, the sad part is, even it is Samsung’s official app, most of the Galaxy phones didn’t get support.
As per Samsung, right now, only Galaxy S series models can use the Camera Controller app on their Galaxy Watch 4 duo. In that too, Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+, and later models get the service. It means you can use it on Galaxy S9, S10, S20 & S21 series devices.
On Tizen-based Galaxy Watch Active 2 & Watch 3, you can use the app with Galaxy S9 & above, Galaxy Note 9 & above, and Galaxy Z Fold & later models. The controller app on Wear OS 3-based Galaxy Watch 4 only works with a few Galaxy S flagship models.
In a future update, Samsung may open the app for more Galaxy smartphones including upper Galaxy A devices like Galaxy A52s & Galaxy A72. We can’t say anything about app compatibility with non-Samsung phones for now.
September 25, 2021