NEWS
Google Maps now supports Galaxy S24 series’ Now Bar much more useful
Samsung changed the Now Bar settings page with the One UI 7 beta 3 updates by removing the deleted Voice Recorder, Health, Google Maps, Samsung Notes, and, Bixby. Now seems that the Korean tech giant is slowly adding “Google Maps” on the Galaxy S25 and Galax S24 series’ Now Bar on the lock screen.
Recently, Google Maps received a new update with version number 25.05.01.719889437, which supports the Now Bar on the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S25 series’ lock screen. This development suggests that the company will soon release the stable One UI 7 update for the Galaxy S24 series in the coming days.
Once you’ve entered an address on Google Maps and started navigation, just lock your phone and the directions will transfer to the Now bar. A single tap will open a pill-shaped card, giving you more detailed information about your next turn. Also, you can end navigation from the Now bar once you’ve completed your trip.
Previous repeats suggest that the Korean tech giant would release the official version of One UI 7 for older Galaxy devices, including the Galaxy S24 series gradually after February 7. On January 22, the Samsung Galaxy S25 series launched with One UI 7 software update. The Galaxy S25 lineup will officially hit stores on February 7.
With the Galaxy S25 series, Samsung has also expanded the One UI 7 Now bar functionality by introducing Now Brief, you can get a personalized briefing of specific content that gets updated in the brief card throughout the day.
Additionally, a user recently shared an image that reveals that the Galaxy S25 series with One UI 7 now supports live activities on AOD (Always On Display) with the Now Bar.
Currently, the Now Bar feature is only available for Galaxy S24 beta users and the S25 series. We expect Samsung to bring this feature to older Galaxy devices including the Galaxy S24 series when the stable One UI 7 update rollout begins.
Samsung’s latest Fan Edition tablets, the Galaxy Tab S10 FE and the Galaxy Tab S10 FE+, are happy as they receive the latest January 2026 security update. Notably, the firmware contains the newest safety improvements that will improve the tablet’s current health for a reliable experience.
According to the inputs, the Galaxy Tab S10 FE series tablet with model numbers SM-X520, SM-X526N, SM-X620, and SM-X626N is receiving the latest patch via the One UI versions X520XXS6BZA3, X526NKOS6BZA4, X620XXS6BZA3, and X626NKOS6BZA3, and a software package of 500MB. Though the firmware doesn’t weigh much, we suggest using a stable Wi-Fi connection for installation.
This update doesn’t add any significant new features to the device, aside from the January 2026 security patch. However, you can expect some underlying performance optimizations and fixes for glitches that could have negatively impacted the user experience.
It’s important to note that this update will not harm your personal data. However, it’s always a good idea to back up your data beforehand. Also, the update package will be automatically deleted after the installation is complete.
Samsung’s January 2026 security patch addresses 55 security vulnerabilities. Google helped fix one critical vulnerability and 20 high-risk issues found in Android. Samsung also added 30 additional security fixes specifically for Galaxy phones. These fixes address both critical and medium-level risks.
The Samsung Galaxy S26 series has started emerging in the leaks, and the latest one has shed light on the camera button of the upcoming 2026 flagship.
As mentioned by Android Authority, a former employee at a Samsung supplier revealed on LinkedIn that they contributed to an initiative developing a new camera button with swipe gesture functionality for the Samsung Galaxy S26.
This report states that Samsung is working on an Apple-style Camera Control button for the upcoming Galaxy S26 series. An Apple-style Camera Control button on iPhone models lets you quickly open your iPhone camera and access common camera settings.
We can now say that the Galaxy S26 series will be the first Samsung phones in years to feature a dedicated camera button.
For your information, the last Samsung phone with a dedicated camera button was probably the Galaxy K Zoom from 2014, which was essentially an Android-powered digital camera that could also make calls.
On the other hand, Samsung has not yet officially confirmed the Galaxy S26 lineup. However, according to reports, the company may unveil the Galaxy S26 series at a Samsung Unpacked event in February 2026. This upcoming series could be available in early March. Stay tuned for more information.
Samsung is preparing to release its next major software update, One UI 8.5, which is expected to arrive next month with the Galaxy S26 series. Testing of the initial beta builds of this update has already begun, and new information suggests that Samsung is planning a significant upgrade to Game Booster+ in One UI 8.5.
Game Booster+ is the tool that improves gaming performance and controls on Galaxy phones. According to information via Samsung Community, the One UI 8.5 update with Game Booster+ will bring many new features, including Gamepad Touch Mapping, CPU and GPU Settings, Fast-forward Game Intros, and more.
The Gamepad Touch Mapping is one of the biggest additions, which allows you to control even touch-only games with the pad.
Moreover, this upcoming Game Booster+ update will replace the “Turn on Game Booster GPU Settings” with CPU and GPU Settings. Gamers can tweak their CPU and GPU for game-specific performance optimization.
Last but not least, One UI 8.5 also brings the Fast-forward Game Intros videos option in the Game Booster+, which lets users play much faster, so players can start gaming almost right away.
Currently, these features are only available on Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, and Galaxy S25 Ultra phones running One UI 8.5.
-
NEWS1 year agoAbout the Battery Health and performance of Galaxy S25
-
NEWS1 year agoSamsung Android 15 update: Which Galaxy devices will get One UI 7
-
NEWS8 months agoJoin the One UI 8 Beta Program: Experience the latest One UI with Android 16
-
NEWS12 months agoSamsung Galaxy S25 Ultra battery and Charging test: Upgrade results
-
NEWS1 year agoMore evidence suggests the Galaxy S25 Ultra may eventually adopt this Pixel security feature
-
NEWS1 year agoGalaxy S25 to integrate Bixby and AI into camera app
-
ANDROID10 months agoSamsung Galaxy phones and tablets that should receive Android 16 and One UI 8 update
-
NEWS1 year agoOne UI 7 battery icon to show charge levels with dynamic colors