Author: Madhav Biradar

Gear S2 Update Improves Battery Life & Adds New Interface
Good news for Gear S2 users, Samsung has released a new firmware update for a 4-year-old smartwatch. The Samsung Gear S2 has received a new version after almost two years. The last update had seeded on the watch in 2018. The firmware version R730AUCU3CQK1 is now releasing for the watch that weighs 6.79MB in size. The new update has got the new interface of Galaxy Watch Active 2 that you will see all the icons & widgets the same as the new Galaxy watches.
The new version will improve the battery usage time of the Gear S2 smartwatch. It is now a very old smartwatch so Samsung tried to enhance its battery life. After the use in daily life, we will get a clear picture of the battery life though it is good that Samsung is trying to drive it longer. The company has also implemented a stability code for device security. It kills minor bugs to increase the overall quality of the watch.
As we noticed, users can now delete all the notifications at once. Previously, you have to clear all the notifications one at a time. The firmware number of the new version and the last update are the same but this time it releases to improve the security & battery life of the wearable. To get the latest version go to Settings – About Gear & Update Gear.
February 3, 2020
Galaxy Home Mini Will Release on February 12
Samsung is working on Galaxy Home Mini for quite a long time. Since the announcement, Samsung had never announced the release date. We got the first sign when Samsung opened a beta testing program for Galaxy Home Mini in August last year. Now after long waiting, the company has finally revealed the launch date for its AI-based smart speaker. Samsung will officially launch Galaxy Home Mini on February 12. South Korea will be the first country to get Galaxy Home Mini smart speaker for 99,000 won.
Last month, In the CES 2020 event CEO of Samsung’s consumer electronics division, Hyunsuk Kim hinted to launch the product in early 2020. That means, soon the smart speaker will land in other major regions. On the reason for the delay, the company said it delayed due to the company focused on making it control hub for other smart home devices rather than just Bixby voice assistant. The beta program for the smart speaker was also part of it.
Update: Samsung has removed the original article from its official website for some reason or to update the information. You may encounter the broken link so here is the screenshot (in Korean) from official website, taken before it went down.
The Samsung Galaxy Home Mini was introduced in August 2018 and since then, it had seen many launch dates. Now finally, Samsung decided to make it official for the customers, at least in the home country. Samsung will unveil Galaxy S20 series smartphones on February 11 and the next day we will see the first smart speaker from the company. In the market, it will compete with Google Nest Mini & Amazon Alexa Echo smart speakers.
February 3, 2020
New Amazfit GTR & GTS Update Improves GPS Speed & Accuracy
Huami has listened to all its customers who have complained about slow & inaccurate GPS functionality. The Amazfit GTR & Amazfit GTS were the two smartwatches that have GPS issues for an extended period. Now Huami has released a new software update in China to improve the GPS positioning on both watches. The firmware version 1.6.7.41 is available for Amazfit GTR 47mm and firmware version 0.1.0.47 is available for 42mm model. The Amazfit GTS is getting a 0.0.8.37 firmware version in China.
In the last update, both devices have received an automatic screen timeout feature for Always-on Display along with fixes for the black screen problem. Both missed dealing with the actual problem of having since the beginning. The latest update only mentions, “Optimized GPS positioning speed and accuracy.” It means that Huami has rolled out this version solely to tackle with GPS issue and to improve the speed and accuracy. Most of the customers have a problem with slower GPS and its accuracy while doing outdoor activities and we hope the company has solved it.
The new firmware is rolling out In China so, at this time, we can’t review the GPS on both watches. If any of you have installed it, then you can share your experience with updated GPS in the comment box below. The new version for both Amazfit GTR & Amazfit GTS will available soon in other countries.
January 17, 2020
Fitbit Activates Blood Oxygen Monitoring (SpO2) Feature
Finally, Fitbit has activated blood oxygen monitoring or SpO2 feature on its Versa family, Ionic & charge 3 wearables. Today, many Fitbit users are reporting first-time blood oxygen saturation data with a graph inside the Fitbit app. Fitbit included a SpO2 sensor on Versa series & Ionic to improve the health tracking powers. The recent fitness tracker, Charge 3, had also come with it but the company postponed to activate the function. It is impactful to track the stop breathing during sleep and monitoring blood oxygen levels so most of the fitness-centric users were waiting for it.
Earlier this year, Fitbit CEO, Jack Park, promised users to enable the function for all users in the coming fall. He said the SpO2 graph would be available for all the devices that have a SpO2 sensor. Now, almost a year after the launch of Charge 3, the company has opened the feature for all the users. The function is helpful in the sleep score metric to measure sleep quantity and quality. Also, it best in the detection of sleep apnea.
You will notice the Estimated Oxygen Variation option enabled in the Fitbit app when you receive the new update. As per the report we received while writing this article, the update is available in the USA. It is now rolling out on first-generation Fitbit Versa, Versa Lite, Versa 2, Ionic and Fitbit Charge 3 devices. The SpO2 is already available on Honor Band 5, 5i, Huawei Band 4 Pro and some Huami Amazfit smartwatches.
January 15, 2020
Galaxy Watch Active 2 Now Supports WhatsApp Images
Samsung has today launched a new firmware update for Galaxy Watch Active 2 smartwatch. It is the little update as per the changelog but it brings one of the most crucial support to the watch. The firmware version R820XXU1BTA1 is now rolling out in South Korea & Germany. After the update, users can now see WhatsApp images on their Galaxy Watch Active 2. When the users receive WhatsApp notifications with pictures inside then users can view it. It is the first Samsung smartwatch to get this support and the WhatsApp is the first app to get it.
Before it, When users get any messages they were only able to view the text from the message and the images show a camera icon. Previously, to view the pictures users have to open the app on a smartphone. These days most of the WhatsApp notifications come with pictures inside. Specially, on the occasion of festivals & New Year, users send or receive image only messages. It is better to view all the incomings on watch, and again it is one step forward to use your smartwatch without mobile.
As we said earlier, the new firmware is available in South Korea & Germany. It has also brought general stability & improvements to the smartwatch. It is possible in the upcoming updates all the other apps like Facebook, Instagram & Twitter will get the same treatment. There is also a chance to release it on older Galaxy Watch & Galaxy Watch Active smartwatches with their future updates.
January 10, 2020
Mi Band 5 Will Have 1.2-inch Screen, Google Pay Support
Xiaomi Mi Band 4 is now widely available in all major countries. It became one of the best selling fitness bands all across the world because of its future-packed functions at a low price. Now, Xiaomi is moving ahead to launch Mi Band 5 with more advanced features. As we got the exclusive information, Xiaomi will increase the touch screen size to 1.2-inch on Mi Band 5. It will be lighter and more contrast, which makes it better readable in the sunlight. The current Mi Band 4 has a 0.95-inch display so the next tracker will have more readable space. Of course, it will be a full-colored AMOLED screen.
As we said in October, the next Mi Band 5 will support NFC function outside China. Now we have insider news confirms NFC on a global version for contactless payments. It opens the door for Google Pay & other payment services to take advantage of it. Currently, only Mi Pay works on Mi Bands to pay any purchases and to pay for travel in transit. At present, the NFC is only supported on Mi Band 3 & Band 4 in China & only for residents. It will be going to change on the next band as the demand for the NFC version is growing fast.
The price for Mi Band 5 will be 179 Yuan in China, which is nearly 26 US dollars. The prices may vary in other countries. Mi Band 4 is selling at $35 so we could see a little price bump with the next band. Huami has confirmed that it is making Mi Band 5. Huami said there is no exclusive deal signed between both companies though it will work with Xiaomi on many upcoming projects. It is now confirmed Xiaomi will launch Mi Band 5 in June and China will be the first country to get it.
January 9, 2020
Samsung Releases New Update for Galaxy Fit e
It’s been a while since the Galaxy Fit e has received a new firmware update. The last update for Galaxy Fit e had been released in September where it received plenty of watch faces with new brightness & timeout settings options. Now, at the beginning of the new year, Samsung has released new firmware to fixes the known issues. The firmware version R375XXU0ASL1 that weighs 1.81 MB in size is rolling out to squash the two major problems on the fitness band. The latest software version is currently available in India.
As per the changelog, these two issues have been fixed. First, the vibration error that occurred while receiving calls in certain circumstances has been fixed. Second, the issue where the heart rate icon disappeared has been fixed. After the last version, many users had complained about the disappearance of the heart rate icon. Finally, Samsung brings it back so users can use it with a quick tap.
We have thought Samsung would introduce a music control feature on Galaxy Fit e, but we missed it in this version. The company has already introduced music control on the Galaxy Fit band so we think in the upcoming updates there is a chance to see the function on the Galaxy Fit e. To get the latest firmware, go to Wearable app, and then tap on Update band software. The update is rolling out over the air and it will take some time to reach in your country.
January 7, 2020
Amazfit GTR Update Brings Screen Timeout to Always-on Display
When Huami launched Amazfit GTR at that time the watch came up with basic features. In the beginning, Mi Band 4 & the GTR watch shared almost same functions. It made a huge difference when the company had released some significant updates to the Amazfit GTR. Like the last two updates wherein the November, it got PAI function to motivate you in a workout session. And in December it received custom watch face to add your style to the main screen. Now, the latest firmware is rolling out for the Amazfit GTR with a couple of features.
The firmware version V1.3.5.32 brings a screen timeout feature for Always-on Display. It will now allow users to set a specific time so after that watch will go on sleep. Previously, when you enable Always-on Display function then it always stays active until you turn it off. It always puts pressure on the battery life so to deal with now you can set time. For the lazy persons, the alarm ring time has increased to 30 seconds so yes, you have some extra seconds to wake up.
The other notable change in the new software is when the AGPS session expires, it will now remind you by pop-up. As per the changelog, it has fixed an occasional black screen problem. We haven’t received or heard any issues in this area but still, it is good that the company is taking care of every user. The new version is now available in Malasia and soon it will hit in India & other regions. To get the latest version, head to Settings -> Check for update in the Amazfit app.
January 7, 2020
Galaxy A30s & Galaxy A50s Launched in the US & UK
Samsung has today launched its two mid-range smartphones – Galaxy A30s & Galaxy A50s in the US & UK markets. Samsung is selling both smartphones through Amazon in both countries. The company has announced Galaxy A30s & Galaxy A50s in August and India was the first country to get both devices in September. Now to expand in the more countries, both smartphones have come to the US & UK. The price for Galaxy A50s in the US is $379.99 (6GB/128GB) and Galaxy A30s available for $222 (4GB/64GB). Right now, the other variant of Galaxy A50s, 4GB/128GB and 4GB/128GB model of Galaxy A30s is not available for sale.
In the UK, Galaxy A50s has set to £297 and Galaxy A30s priced at £210 on the Amazon UK site. Both smartphones are slightly upgraded versions of Galaxy A30 & Galaxy A50. The galaxy A50s offers a 48MP triple camera, NFC-based Samsung Pay and Exynos 9611 processor with Night Mode and Super Steady Mode camera features. In the storage, it comes with 6GB/128GB & 4GB/128GB memory space. The Galaxy A30s is a cheaper model that gives you 4GB/64GB & 4GB/128GB storage space. It has a triple rear camera (25MP+8MP+5MP) and a 16MP secondary camera. It powered with Exynos 7885 SoC Samsung Pay feature.
The game booster feature to enhance the experience of gaming comes with both Galaxy A30s & galaxy A50s smartphones. Currently, official Samsung website pages in both countries not mentioning any of these smartphones. To purchase any of these, head to the Amazon listing pages of both smartphones.
Sources: Amazon US 1, 2 | Amazon UK 1, 2
December 23, 2019
December Update for Galaxy A50 Improves Wi-Fi & Camera
Samsung always seeds two updates in a month for the Galaxy A50 smartphone. Now the second firmware is here, with some improvements to the device & new Smart Capture function to enhance the user experience. The last fingerprint update version by the company was unexpectedly not gone well for users. After installing, users were unable to set the fingerprint scanner lock on the device. Later, in the first week of December, Samsung released a new version to fix the issue. Now the latest firmware version starts with A505FDDU3ASL5 is now rolling out to improve Wi-Fi connectivity & Camera quality.
The latest version brings Google’s current December Android security patch. The newly added Smart Capture feature will allow users to scroll to capture more of the screen, draw on the screenshot, crop the screenshot and share the screenshot. Samsung Galaxy A50 offers one of the best cameras in the mid-range category so Samsung improved its camera & picture quality. Samsung has also enhanced Wi-Fi connectivity & stability as well as the security of the device. The recent Galaxy A70s has received Link to Windows & Type-C headphone support but the Galaxy A50 only comes with Smart Capture & some improvements.
The latest version has dispatched in India and soon hit in the other regions. To get the most recent version, go to Settings -> Software Update -> Download and install option. Samsung has recently upgraded Galaxy M20 & Galaxy M30 smartphones to the latest Android 10 version. The roadmap for Galaxy A50 hints Android 10 for it in April but Samsung’s previous moves indicate that Galaxy A50 would get a new version earlier than expected.
December 17, 2019
Galaxy M20 & Galaxy M30 Gets Android 10 Update
Samsung has surprised everyone by releasing Android 10 updates for Galaxy M20 & Galaxy M30 smartphone. Everyone was baiting on Galaxy Note 10 series to get the stable Android 10 version but the Galaxy M20 & Galaxy M30 received it first. It became the first two mid-range smartphones to get the stable Android 10 version, that even hadn’t participated in the beta testing program. The firmware version M305FDDU3CSL4 is rolling out in India that weighs 1293MB in size. The firmware for Galaxy M20 is M205FDDU3CSL4 that is 2022 MB in size. Both the smartphones upgrades to Google’s December security patch.
The update brings all the new features of One UI 2.0 with the Android 10 version. As the roadmap for Android 10 in India, both Galaxy M20 & M30 suppose to receive Android 10 in January, but the company surprised all users with the latest version. The beta version was only opened for the few premium smartphones. Not any Galaxy A series or Galaxy M series of smartphones had taken the part in beta testing program. It is good that Samsung has finally launched stable version.
Before these two mid-range smartphones, Galaxy S10, S10+, S10e & S10 5G are the only premium smartphones that are running on stable Android 10 versions. As per the Samsung Russia, the Galaxy Note 10 series will get a stable version before the end of the year. You can download the latest version by visiting Settings and then Software updates. Now we have to see when Samsung will update Galaxy M30s to Android 10 version.
December 12, 2019
Galaxy Note 10 Receives fifth Android 10 Beta Update
Samsung has released 5th Android 10 beta update for Galaxy Note 10 & Note 10+ devices. The latest firmware rolled out to fix various issues & bugs by improving user experience. It has fixed the problem of camera memory leak and some Android app crashing. The new version, N97*FXXU1ZSL7 is for Galaxy Note 10 & Note 10+, and N976NKSU1ZSL7 for 5G version, with 136 MB size, are now pushing out in South Korea & India. Samsung has confirmed in the official statement that the stable Android 10 will release before the end of the year.
The issue when switching to landscape mode during subscription setting & clipboard edge is not displaying has fixed. The lock screen goes black after the fingerprint unlocks the main concern for Galaxy S9 duo & now on Galaxy Note 10 series; thus the company sets it in the latest software. The smartphone resetting after installing new FOTA and Live message camera video issues have taken care of in this piece of code.
The new version of Android 10 beta is out for South Korean & Indian users. In the next few hours, it may reach to other regions. There was chatter about the previous fourth version that could be the last update before we getting stable One UI 2.0 on both Galaxy Note 10 & Note 10+. It now looks like it may take some to get an official launch date.
December 11, 2019
Galaxy S9 & S9+ Gets Second Android 10 Beta Update
Samsung has pushed a second beta update of Android 10 for Galaxy S9 & Galaxy S9+ smartphones. The latest version brings many fixes to the existing features to provide stability & improve the overall quality. The firmware version G96*FXXU7ZSL2 is now rolling out in India with the December security patch. Some major fixes are, the data leak by GPS, S Health measurement error, slow hotspot speed issue, can not enter security folder pattern, the noise of the Bluetooth devices.
It has fixed the rebooting issue that occurs while connecting mobile hotspot and when the VPN runs. Samsung Internet has also improved and the terminating problem while opening page with lots of text & images have been fixed. Samsung Dex has improved by solving the crashing issue to give the uninterrupted usage. The latest version also promises, the message ‘Call/text on other devices’ does not disappear in the quick panel.
For gamers, the heating problem has solved so they could play high graphics games for longer duration without device fever. Specifically, it mentioned that fixes come to Clash Royale game where smartphone reboots while playing. It also fixes, screen black right after unlocking the device with fingerprint recognition.
The new firmware has also dispatched with fixes for link sharing app and unsupported mobile hotspot 5GHz. The update for both Galaxy S9 & Galaxy S9+ has released via OTA. You can check for the latest version from Settings > Software Update > Download & install. The stable Android 10 version for both galaxy S9 duo has scheduled in January 2020 in some countries.
December 10, 2019
Galaxy A Series Not Getting Android 10 Beta
The community manager at Samsung’s South Korean Samsung Member app has stated that the Galaxy A series of smartphones will not get One UI 2.0 with the Android 10 Beta version. The news coming from South Korea, where community beta manager at Samsung forum replied to a user’s query regarding the beta program for Galaxy A series of smartphones. The users asked whether in the last month of this year will release a beta version for any Galaxy A of series smartphones, and the official team replied to the user, with ‘No’ answer.
Till now, only premium smartphones have received the latest beta version. The Galaxy S10 series, Galaxy Note 10 series, Galaxy Note 9 & Galaxy S9 duo has ever taken part in the beta testing program. Samsung Galaxy S10 has got seven beta updates, Galaxy Note series has received three beta updates and the Galaxy S9 series will get the second update in the next week. We were thinking at least Galaxy A90, Galaxy A70 & Galaxy A50 should have tested the beta version. But it looks like Samsung has finally decided to release a stable version for all Galaxy smartphones.
As per the roadmap, Galaxy A30 will be the first smartphone to get the Android 10 beta version. The Galaxy A50, A70, A80, A6, A7 & A9 series devices will get it in April. The South Korean Galaxy A9 Pro users may receive a new version in January. The roadmap could change as Galaxy S10 is now getting a stable version so you can hope that your device will get the latest Android 10 release at the beginning of 2020.
Via
December 5, 2019
Samsung Rescheduled Original Android 10 Roadmap
This week, Samsung has officially released a roadmap of stable Android 10 updates for some Galaxy smartphones. Now, today, the company has rescheduled its roadmap by changing original dates for some smartphones. It is has officially posted in Samsung Members app of India about the changes in previous timetable. This changed reschedule maybe not good for some users but the Galaxy S9 & Galaxy S9+ users will be happy as their devices will get Android 10 versions in January 2020. The Galaxy M30 & Galaxy A30 is also getting new software in January along with Galaxy M20 and Galaxy S10 & Galaxy Note 10 series.
Previously, Galaxy S9 & Galaxy S9+were supposed to get Android 10 in April, as well as Galaxy M30 & Galaxy A30 were scheduled to February. Now Samsung has changed the dates and gave priority to these devices by releasing updates earlier than expected.
The mid-range smartphones Galaxy A50 & Galaxy A70 will get the new update in April 2020 along with Galaxy Fold in same month. Samsung has also posted Galaxy M40 will get the latest version in March 2020. And as always, Galaxy tablets will be getting in the second half of 2020, except Galaxy Tab S6 that gets update in April.
As per this official confirmation, in January, Samsung will release One UI 2.0 with Android 10 for eleven devices. Samsung has already said the company could change the roadmap if there is an issue in the process. We will inform you if there is another news from Samsung regarding the official Android 10 roadmap.
November 28, 2019
Android 10 Beta Released for Galaxy Note9
Samsung has finally started to roll out One UI 2 Beta with Android 10 for older galaxy smartphones. The Galaxy Note9 is the new smartphone that is now receiving Android 10 Beta in South Korea with firmware version starts with N960NKSU3ZSK6. This week, the official community manager at Samsung community South Korea has promised to deliver a beta update for Galaxy Note 9 users. And as promised, today, Samsung is now rolling out Android 10 Beta updates in the home country.
To participate in Beta testing users need to download the Samsung Member app on the Galaxy Note9. The official banner is now posted on the Samsung Member app or Samsung community website page of South Korea. To get the latest version you have to click on the register link and then you can download new version from Settings – Software Update on your smartphone.
At the time of the Galaxy S10 series, Samsung has allowed the first 1000 users to download the new version. This time we have to see how many users the company will allow entering beta testing.
Samsung Galaxy S10 has received its fifth beta update and recently Galaxy Note 10 users have got a second beta update. The Galaxy S9 & S9+ users will get the Android 10 beta update next week. After South Korea, Germany & the US users will get the latest One UI 2 with Android 10 Beta version in the coming days.
Update: Android 10 Beta for Galaxy Note 9 is now rolling out in UK. Many users have joined the program and downloaded latest beta update on the smartphone.
Source
November 20, 2019