Author: Madhav Biradar

New Galaxy Buds Update Brings Buds+ Features
Samsung always releases some exclusive features to its newly launched devices. Either it is Galaxy S20, Galaxy Z Flip, or Galaxy Buds+, all the devices received some never seen before functions on Galaxy devices. And later, after a few weeks pass, Samsung brings those features to the older models. The firmware fully loaded with features of Galaxy S20 recently came to the Galaxy S10 & Note 10 series. Now the company is doing the same with Galaxy Buds. The latest software update is now bringing exclusive functions of Galaxy Buds+ to the previous Galaxy Buds.
The firmware version R170XXU0ATD2 is now rolling out for Galaxy Buds that download 1.39MB in size. After the update, users can pair their Buds with the laptops more efficiently, thanks to Microsoft’s Swift pair. The PC running on Windows 10, version 1803, will automatically detect your Buds. With the Siwft Pair option, you can connect multiple earbuds at once. The Buds now allow you to experience Ambient Sound automatically. By simply putting your Buds on, you can hear surrounding sounds.
Ambient Sound can also work when using only one earbud while watching movies or listening to music. Finally, Galaxy Buds users can play the music without touching their phones, makes them true wireless earbuds. Users can play Spotify music that offers you personalized songs in a single press. For it, just Tap & Hold to launch the Spotify and play the music and also from where you have left. The update is now rolling out globally, and soon you will see it in your Galaxy Wearable app.
April 27, 2020
Software Updates Won’t Solve Some Galaxy S20 Ultra Camera Issues
Since the launching of Galaxy S20 Ultra, the smartphone is facing some issues with the camera performance. In the beginning, it had severe autofocus issues, which was later fixed by a software update. If I am not wrong, then all the firmware updates released by Samsung were to fix camera related problems. Samsung is releasing new firmware every month, but it looks like there are still performance issues with the camera. Now some users are facing short distance focus, which captures blurry images when users try to take pictures closer than 10cm.
Samsung’s Galaxy S20, S20+ & Galaxy S20 Ultra smartphones have the industry’s one of the best camera sensors, but still few issues should be solved. When many customers in South Korea asked for a new software update to fix the short distance focus issue, then Camera Moderator & and later Camera Manager answered that the lens of S20 Ultra is designed to take images of objects longer than 10cm. When you take pictures closer than that, then the background may be blurred. Here is the translation of Camera Moderator:
“First of all, we are sorry for the confusion about the use. The S20 Ultra model is equipped with a high-pixel image sensor, which increases the size of the sensor, resulting in a shallow depth of field and a longer focal length of 10cm or more compared to previous Samsung models. Therefore, when shooting a close object, the background may be blurred, or out of focus may occur. The focal length is determined by the lens specifications, making it difficult to correct with software. We apologize for not being able to fully explain the focal length in advance. Thank you.”
Many users are really unhappy with this. In everyday usage, users have to take pictures of closer objects like ID cards, documents, or other files. When reviewers spotted an issue with the camera autofocus function of S20 Ultra, then Samsung promised to enhance the camera performance by releasing new firmware. Still, now it looks like some issues are will not be fixed by software updates.
April 22, 2020
Latest Galaxy Buds+ Update Fixes Wind Noise Problem
To enhance the quality of the earbuds & to fix the known issues, Samsung always releases software updates from time to time. First Galaxy Buds+ update was also such an update that fixes the white noise issue and the delay in pairing the earbuds. Now to squash more bugs and to improve the overall quality of the Galaxy Buds+, Samsung has pushed out firmware version R175XXU0ATD3. The two notable changes in the latest version are, it solves the issue with wind noise & improves the effects of listening to the surrounding sounds.
First, it solves the problem with the function where it fails to suppress the sound of the wind when Ambient sound is enabled. Sometimes, in the windy weather, it was quite difficult to get better results where wind noise was heard loudly while on the call, and now it has made way for surrounding sound. The other change is that during the call when Ambient sound is enabled, it makes the effect of listening to the surrounding sounds a little more natural. We haven’t seen any problem with it though it is good to get better quality while on call.
Some of the users have also mentioned white noise issue has been solved. Actually, in the first Buds+ version Samsung has taken care of this side but looks like it was still there for some users. As per the changelog, the company has improved stability & reliability though you will also notice many improvements. To get the latest version on Galaxy Buds+, go to Wearable app on your paired smartphone and check for the newest firmware. The update is currently rolling out in South Korea & UK, and soon it will hit in other regions.
April 13, 2020
Galaxy S20 Update Improves Various Camera Functions
Along with Google’s April security patch, the Galaxy S20 series devices are receiving the latest firmware to improve camera performance. Since the first firmware version, Samsung has rolled out almost all the firmware updates to fix various camera issues. The firmware version G98*NKSU1ATCT is seeding on all three models, which are 440MB in size. Recently, the April update with firmware version ‘ATCT” had released in Hong Kong & Taiwan, but that was different from this, though, enhanced camera performance.
Now, the new firmware version pushed out to fixes various camera features, including autofocus. As per the changelog, it comes with autofocus accuracy & speed improvement immediately after switching from a wide angle to the telephoto camera. Along with it, the software change has brought performance boost to the super slow motion low light performance & wide angle of view. It has also improved the phenomenon of moving subjects being too blurry and intermittent improvement in dark & pale skin color.
Apart from that, the new version will fix the minor bugs to improve the overall quality of the devices. The firmware is now rolling out in South Korea for Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+ & Galaxy S20 Ultra smartphones. The update will soon hit the other regions in the coming days. To check for the new update, go to Settings and then the Software update menu.
April 2, 2020
New Mi Band 3 & Band 4 Updates Allow to Unlock Your Laptop
After months of waiting Xiaomi’s fitness trackers are now receiving the latest firmware versions with the new features. The Mi Band 3 & Mi Band 4 are getting new updates that now allows them to unlock your laptops. Since the November, it is the first time both trackers have received some changes. Mi Band 4 gets new updates every month to fix some issues but not received any new function. Now, Mi Band 4 has jumped to V1.0.9.42 version from the previous V1.0.9.34 firmware. As some users noticed there is a minor improvement in the step counter & the company has taken care of ghost steps.
The new function that allows you to use your band to unlock laptop is quite useful. It supports Windows 10 running laptops and currently available for Indian users. Previously, you have to install a third-party side app on paired smartphones to unlock the laptop but now Xiaomi has loaded the support for the Mi Bands. It makes easy to unlock your computer & this way you can also secure your laptop.
Mi Fit app is now upgraded to 4.0.17 app version & it now supports Apple ID Sign-ins. The app has also killed known bugs to improve the user experience. Note that to install the new update on Mi Band 3 & Mi Band 4, first you have to update Mi Fit app to 4.0.17. Once you install a new Mi Fit update, then automatically your Mi Band 3 or 4 starts the update.
April 1, 2020
Activation of ECG on Galaxy Watch Active 2 Will be Delayed
Galaxy Watch Active 2 smartwatch launched in August is the first Samsung smartwatch with an ECG sensor. Though, the company didn’t activate the ECG function on the launch date. In the announcement, Samsung promised to enable it in the first quarter of 2020 once it gets certified by authorities. The first three months of 2020 are almost going to end, and we are heading to Q2, 2020, so most users are now started to complain about it. And in the answer, Samsung said the company needs more time to work on stable ECG service. Users are actually right because it’s almost seven months end since the launch of Active, and in few upcoming months we will see Galaxy Watch 2 or Active 3 smartwatch.
Today, in charge of the operation of Samsung Health Service at Samsung community said Samsung needs more time to release a stable version of ECG function. He posted, “We are currently preparing for the electrocardiogram service for Galaxy Watch Active 2. Please note that it may take time to provide a stable service, and we will notify you when the service is available. Thank you.” He hasn’t mentioned any specific activation date for ECG function.
Many users said that they had bought Active 2 because of the ECG sensor. Galaxy Watch Active 2 is one of the best smartwatches in the market with top-notch features. Though, many users purchased it because of the function. We know how Apple Watch has become a lifesaver for some users, thanks to the Electrocardiogram. Users expect the same from the Samsung watch, and they have expressed it on Reddit, Samsung communities, Facebook Groups.
March 27, 2020
Galaxy S10, S10+ & S10e Received One UI 2.1 Update
In the new firmware update, Samsung has updated last year’s premium smartphone series Galaxy S10 to the One UI 2.1. The new firmware version brings all the exclusive features of Galaxy S20 to the Galaxy S10, Galaxy S10+ & galaxy S10e smartphones. Last wee, the moderator at Samsung Korea had already hinted about the new version, but he mentioned releasing it in the next month. Now it is good that the company brought it before the schedule. The firmware version G97*FXXU4CTC9 is now available in Germany, which counts 1556MB download.
It is the first major version for the Galaxy S10 lineup in the new year. It brings a new version of AR emoji to make rich conversation. There are now various menus, modes & filters to the camera like a single take, AR Zone, professional video, own filters, selfie sound & time lapse for the night mode for recording videos with the front camera in FHD/UHD at 60 fps. Quick crop setting in Gallery, as well as Samsung Keyboard with multilingual translation, stickers & undo/redo function, has also added.
The Quick share will allow you to share files with other Samsung devices in a secure mode. To share the music with your friends, you can now use the Music share function. Galaxy S10 lineup is also the first to receive Android’s latest 1st April 2020 security patch. The One UI 2.1 update is now rolling out in Germany & soon it will hit all remaining major regions. Galaxy Note 10, Note 9 & Galaxy S9 devices will also get this firmware version in the next few days or weeks.
March 25, 2020
Fitbit Premium Free for 90 Days, Unlocks all Paid Features
The world is now fighting with Coronavirus. All the governments are asking to stay at home or take all the necessary precautions. Fitbit has done the same and requests users to take care of health & wellness. Fitbit CEO & Co-founder James Park has today sent a letter to all Fitbit users to spread the awareness about the COVID-19. He said the company is working with various research institutes & healthcare communities, where Fitbit shares user’s data (not personal) for better study.
As per the research by Scripps Research Translation Institute, it has found that Fitbit is significantly better at finding influenza-like illness when the users wear the Fitbit wearables. Fitbit doesn’t have shared more data about this research, but the company says it will provide data to institutes who work to fight against COVID-19. James Park has also announced free 90 days trial of Fitbit Premium for all the users with 40 new premium content along with 150+ workouts from third-party companies. In these 90 days, users won’t be charged, and they can cancel it anytime.
In this situation, staying fit is the only option, so he requests people to eat healthy food, sleep well, stay active, and manage stress. Premium membership is also open in those countries where Fitbit hasn’t launched Premium or Coach services. Users in these countries can stream videos on their phones or computers. The Enterprise users can also unlock the feature at no extra cost to help their employees or colleagues.
March 21, 2020
Samsung Preparing for One UI 2.5 Update, Reveals First Feature
We know in the coming weeks, Samsung will be releasing One UI 2.1 version for its flagship & some Galaxy A series of smartphones. The One UI 2.1 with Android 10 will bring all the goodies of exclusive functions of Galaxy S20 series to the older Galaxy S9/S10 & Galaxy Note 9/Note 10 smartphones. Now to move ahead, we have a piece of information about the next One UI 2.5 version & its first feature. It supposed to first release with the upcoming Galaxy Note 20 smartphone and after that, it would come to Galaxy S20, Galaxy S9/S10, Note 9/10 series and selected Galaxy A & M series smartphones.
We received this information from the HomeScreen Moderator at the Samsung Community of South Korea. These moderators are highly accurate about their posts so we can trust the news. The HomeScreen moderator not only revealed the One UI 2.5, but the person has also told us the first feature of the upcoming update. The first feature is that the Google gesture will be available for third-party launchers.
Here is the translated post from the Samsung Community,
Hello, I am in charge of the Home operation. Are you using 3rd party launcher? Currently, the new Google gesture is not available on other launchers, so the More button option button is disabled. When updating One UI 2.5, we are using Google gestures in the third-party launcher. Please note that the exact schedule for One UI 2.5 update for each model is not confirmed.
Android 10 has come up with a new gesture navigation method for third-party launchers. Till now, it is available on a few launchers like LawnChair on Google Pixel devices. Samsung has yet to implement these functions, and finally, we know when it will come to Galaxy smartphones. In the second half, Samsung will unpack Galaxy Note 20 series devices, and we think we will see One UI 2.5 with Android 10 for the first time. As time goes, more functions of this new version will come into the light.
Source
March 19, 2020
Galaxy S20 Series Camera Update Now Rolling Out
To enhance the camera performance of the Galaxy S20 Ultra, Samsung is rolling out second firmware update. The update is now rolling out for Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+ & Galaxy S20 Ultra to improves the camera performance. A few days ago, Samsung promised to deliver firmware updates for all these flagship phones to enhance the camera quality and to take care of the autofocus problem of S20 Ultra. Now as the company said, it is rolling out the latest software update in the home country.
The firmware version G981NKSU1ATC2 rolling out for Galaxy S20, G986NKSU1ATC2 for Galaxy S20+ and G988NKSU1ATC2 is available for Galaxy S20 Ultra. As per the changelog, the update improves the camera quality and functionality. Yes, it is the most waited camera update. Most users say they have experienced better autofocus and manual focus after getting a new version on their Galaxy S20 Ultra. The update also has enhanced touch gestures for the better user experience.
It is a nearly 250MB size update and currently available in South Korea. The Galaxy S20 series in most countries are now receiving the first update. Samsung may release the second update in other regions soon as it is essential for those users who bought the Galaxy S20 series devices to experience its high camera performance, specifically Galaxy S20 Ultra. To check the update manually, go to Settings and then head to Software Update.
March 5, 2020
Galaxy S10 Lite Update Gets New Camera Features
The affordable version of Galaxy S10 series, the Galaxy S10 Lite is now upgrading with new camera features. It has promoted with 48MP primary camera and 32MP front camera and the newly added features will surely give wide options to take advantage. The first firmware version for Galaxy S10 Lite is now rolling out in India that gives Super Steady Mode option to the UHD video recording of the rear camera. After the installation of the update, the smartphone will upgrade to firmware version G770FXXU2ATB2 that counts 416MB in size and secures Android’s February 2020 security patch. The device will also get an option to record videos in 16:9 UHD (3840×2160, 60fps) mode.
As per the changelog, the company has improved the overall picture quality of the Galaxy S10 Lite and also taken care of its stability. All flagship Samsung phones allow users to use Super Steady Mode in FHD, but here the company adds UHD recording to the Lite version. Apart from that, Samsung has improved the performance of the Fingerprint recognition system. We haven’t heard any issue in this department but still, it is good to get faster & secure performance. The phone has received February 2020 security patch level, it would have been better if they had given the March 2020 security patch like the other Galaxy S10 series devices. Anyway, Samsung might release the March security patch in the coming weeks.
To update the latest version on your Galaxy S10 Lite, go to Settings, and then Software Update, where you can check it manually. The Update is now distributing in India and soon it will come to other countries via OTA. These days, Samsung has become very fast to dispatch new firmware for its newly launched smartphones. Last week, the company had released its first software versions for Galaxy S20 Ultra & Galaxy Buds+, and now the Galaxy S10 Lite has received its first update.
March 2, 2020
First Galaxy S20 Ultra Update Improves Camera Quality
Samsung has pushed the first firmware update to its newly launched Galaxy S20 Ultra smartphone. The first update is here to improve the camera quality of the phone and enhance the protection with March 2020 security patch. The firmware version G988NKSU1ATBR is now releasing for the Galaxy S20 Ultra smartphone and other models may follow in the coming days. The update is currently rolling out in South Korea and soon the users who got the S20 Ultra in other countries will see the update on their smartphone.
The 418MB software update will improve the camera quality of the Galaxy S20 Ultra, which is in the market for its 108MP camera sensor. It is one of the best cameras on any Samsung smartphone yet the company tries to enhance its quality. As per the changelog, it has improved the camera quality, and the Auto-Flash of the camera has been solved to get better results. Galaxy S20 Ultra also the first device that received the March 2020 Android security patch.
This month, Samsung has launched its flagship devices, Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+ & Galaxy S20 Ultra. In major countries, all the models will ship to customers from March 6. It is good that Samsung has released the new update before it is available for most of the users. For promotion, the company is offering free Galaxy Buds and Duo pad in most countries. In South Korea, the company is giving free Galaxy Home Mini to the customers who pre-orders any of the Galaxy S20 series smartphones. If you have got your Galaxy S20 Ultra, then head to the Settings and upgrade to the newest version.
February 25, 2020
Fitbit’s Blood Oxygen Monitoring Now Available in More Countries
Fitbit is now activating blood oxygen monitoring feature in more countries. When the company enabled the function it was only available for a small fraction of users in the US to test the functionality. Now the company has released it for the users in the UK & Canada as blood oxygen saturation data has appeared in the app. As we confirmed with many users, it has now available for Fitbit Versa, Versa Lite, Versa 2, Ionic and Charge 3 wearables.
The company has also enabled this feature for more US users on the mentioned Fitbit wearables. There is also some chatter about the availability in Sweden but we haven’t confirmed it yet though you can check it manually in the Fitbit app. The blood oxygen monitoring sensor on the back of the device uses to detect the sleep apnea and also track your sleep quantity & quality—the sensor work by detecting blood flow through the outer layer of the skin.
The Fitbit CEO Jack park said it is the first step and the company’s goal is to get FDA clearance for a sleep apnea diagnosis feature. Further, he noted Fitbit is collecting clinical data to test & develop FDA-cleared function. Like before, the blood oxygen variation will be available for limited users in UK & Canada and later, more users will get it. To see the enabled function open the Fitbit app and head to the Sleep section.
February 20, 2020
At Current Samsung Will Not Sell Galaxy Home Mini Separately
In answer to the query of a customer, Samsung representative in South Korea says for now there is no plan to sell Galaxy Home Mini separately. At the current, the home speaker is only available as a gift when customers in South Korea pre-order Galaxy S20 series smartphones. That means the customers who pre-ordered Galaxy S20, S20+ or S20 Ultra will use it first though they will receive it on March 6. At the deleted post, Samsung had mentioned launching Galaxy Home Mini on February 12 but later canceled it without proper specification.
Here is the reply from Samsung representative at South Korea (Translated),
“Hello, I am in charge of your Samsung mobile phone. I’m sorry for the late reply. Thank you for contacting Homi Mini. We will guide you through inquiry. At present, the Galaxy home Mini is not going to be sold separately when the relevant department is confirmed, and it is currently only available as a free gift of S20 pre-order purchase benefits.”
Many Samsung customers are eagerly waiting to get their hands on the home speaker but the official says they don’t have any specific release date. The other tragedy is the customers who have waited for a long time to purchase the home speaker are not in the mood of Galaxy S20. As per the deleted post, the Galaxy Home Mini will be available for $83 in the market so I don’t think any user will pay for galaxy S20 to get a free gift.
Samsung has to come up with a fixed launch date as the Galaxy Home Mini was announced in 2018 along with Galaxy Note 9. Last year, Samsung had also started a beta program to test the speaker and recently, the leaked videos and photos told us more about it. Google & Amazon is now in the market with its Google Home Mini & Amazon Echo respectively so Samsung should take one step further.
February 18, 2020
Samsung Offers Free Galaxy Home Mini with Galaxy S20
Samsung announced the next decades of Galaxy smartphones – Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+ & Galaxy S20 Ultra devices in the special event. To boost sales, Samsung announced to give free credits or gifts to customers in many countries. Now to attract the customers in South Korea, Samsung is giving free Galaxy Home Mini, who pre-orders the new Galaxy S20. To get benefits of the offer & to pre-register Galaxy S20, users can visit the Samsung Digital Plaza in the nearest place or from the official website. Once you book any of the Galaxy S20 series devices, then you will get your free gifts when the company starts shipping the product.
The customers that don’t want to get Galaxy Home Mini as a gift then they can choose Nemonic sticky note printer. In the other benefits users also get 4 months free YouTube premium & 50% off on the cost of display damage repair insurance in a year. Last week, Samsung accidentally leaked the release date for Home Mini as February 12 but later removed the post. There is no independent sale for the smart speaker but the Galaxy S20 users can now use it. In South Korea, the pre-orders will start from February 27 and the pre-sale will start from February 14 till February 26. The offer to get Galaxy Home Mini will begin from February 14.
In the presence of global media & exclusive fan members, Samsung has introduced its new decades of Galaxy S20 & Galaxy Z Flip smartphones. We hope Galaxy Z Flip will walk on the path of Galaxy Fold and avoid the mistakes that the first-generation foldable phone had made. The event was all about Galaxy S20, Galaxy S20+ & Galaxy S20 Ultra smartphones. There was also room for Galaxy Buds+ to show its glory in the same event.
February 12, 2020
Galaxy Home Mini Scheduled to Launch on February 7
This week, Samsung posted an article about the official release date for Galaxy Home Mini in South Korea. Later, Samsung deleted the post that was mentioned on the February 12 release date with other information. Now, the Samsung customer support in South Korea says the rescheduled launch date for Galaxy Home Mini is February 7. Many users have asked about the release date and all got the same answer. If we go with this, then Samsung will release its smart speaker on Friday in the home country.
One of our reader sent a screenshot that we captured from the official website and asked Samsung customer support team about the actual release date. Here is the answer from the in charge of Samsung Mobile Phone of South Korea. It is in the South Korean language so below is the translation in English.
“Hello, I am in charge of Samsung Mobile Phone. Sorry to let you wait a long time first. I received the attached file which sent well. The release date is scheduled for Friday, February 7, but please note that it may change depending on the situation. The price is expected to be 99,000 won. Thank you for taking the time to contact us and we look forward to providing you better products and services.”
The Samsung representative has again mentioned that the company could change the release date as per the situation, that will be clear on February 7th. The price for the Galaxy Home Mini will be 99,000 in South Korea. Still, there is no word on the release date for other regions.
February 5, 2020