A reliable source on X has recently revealed that Samsung is preparing to launch two new sizes of its Galaxy Ring wearable next month. This move is expected to address a common concern among users with larger fingers, as Samsung will now offer sizes 14 and 15, set to become available for purchase in January.
The Galaxy Ring size 14 will feature an inner diameter of 23mm, with the model number SM-Q514. The size 15 variant will have a slightly larger inner diameter of 23.8mm, and will be identified by the model number SM-Q515. Both versions will weigh approximately 3.2g, ensuring that they remain lightweight and comfortable to wear, regardless of their size.
The rumors surrounding the introduction of these additional sizes first emerged in September, with initial speculation suggesting an imminent launch. However, it appears that Samsung has taken some additional time to finalize the product. While it remains unclear whether these delays were part of the original development timeline, the imminent release of the new sizes is now confirmed.
For consumers who had previously refrained from purchasing the Galaxy Ring due to sizing concerns, the upcoming availability of sizes 14 and 15 presents an ideal opportunity to reconsider. With these new size options, it is anticipated that many users who previously struggled to find a comfortable fit will be eager to explore this innovative smart wearable.
As the new sizes approach market availability, it is expected that the extended sizing options will cater to a broader audience, further bolstering the popularity of the Galaxy Ring. Those who had been waiting for the right fit will likely be quick to embrace the added choice, cementing the Galaxy Ring’s place in the expanding wearable market.
Nearly two years ago, the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) introduced the Qi2 wireless charging standard, heralded as a breakthrough in the field. With Apple’s endorsement, Qi2 promised to bring MagSafe-style charging capabilities to Android devices—assuming manufacturers adopted the technology.
However, that assumption proved overly optimistic. As reported by 9to5Google, only one Android device, the HMD Skyline, currently supports Qi2. Even Google opted out with its recent Pixel 9 release, stating—rather unconvincingly—that Qi2 offers no significant advantages over Qi1.
This decision by Google, the steward of the Android ecosystem, could be seen as a pivotal moment. If Google doesn’t support Qi2, why would other manufacturers invest in it?
A Glimmer of Hope with Samsung Galaxy S25
Despite the slow adoption, there may still be hope for Qi2’s future. Reliable leaker Ice Universe hinted on X (formerly Twitter) that Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S25 series will support Qi2. However, this claim reportedly originated from a private message on Weibo, so it should be treated cautiously.
That said, Samsung has a history of equipping its flagship devices with cutting-edge features. Adding Qi2 support would align with this strategy. The only detail mentioned was a charging speed limit of 15W, consistent with the WPC’s January 2023 guidelines for Qi2-certified chargers.
If Samsung includes Qi2 in its Galaxy S25 lineup, it could set a precedent for other manufacturers to follow. This move might finally fulfill the WPC’s initial promise, ushering in a more user-friendly and versatile charging ecosystem for Android users.
Samsung’s One UI 7 operating system has officially launched in beta, with a strong focus on security and privacy enhancements—critical in today’s digital landscape.
Key Features and Improvements:
1. Enhanced Security with Knox Matrix
One of the major updates in One UI 7 is the deeper integration of Samsung’s Knox Matrix security protocol. First introduced in 2023, Knox Matrix uses a secure private blockchain to continuously monitor devices and display their security status through a central dashboard. This dashboard shows the security health of all connected Samsung devices, including phones, tablets, TVs, and appliances.
Green status: If a device shows as green in the dashboard, that means that it’s “up to date and no risks are detected.” If something is at risk, Knox Matrix will provide actionable recommendations. All Samsung devices will soon fall under the One UI umbrella, which should make this integration more seamless.
2. Cloud Data Protection
One UI 7 improves cloud data protection to ensure that all connected devices remain secure and synchronized. The Enhanced Data Protection feature allows users to set up a robust backup plan to safeguard against potential data loss. Additionally, users can now sign in to new devices by verifying the credentials of their previous device, enhancing both security and convenience.
3. Passkeys and Network Controls
To strengthen account security, One UI 7 introduces passkeys for Samsung account logins, providing a more secure alternative to traditional passwords. Users are also given more control over network connections, including:
The ability to block 2G networks, which are considered insecure.
Preventing automatic connections to unknown Wi-Fi networks, enhancing protection against unauthorized access.
4. Improved Privacy for Texts and Photos
One UI 7 introduces several privacy features aimed at protecting personal data:
Location data removal: Users can strip location data from photos before sharing them.
Text message security: Hyperlinks in text messages can be blocked to prevent phishing or malicious content.
Shared album privacy: Users can lock shared photo albums and disable automatic attachment downloads.
USB security: Users can block USB connections for anything other than charging, adding an extra layer of protection.
5. New Theft Protection with Identity Check
Samsung adds a new Identity Check feature to improve device theft protection. If a user’s PIN becomes compromised, this opt-in software forces them to verify their identity to access the device. This adds another layer of security for remote locking, which was already available in previous versions.
Design and Usability Updates
Simplified User Interface: One UI 7 features a cleaner, more streamlined design that focuses on usability and accessibility.
AI Tool Integration: Samsung has expanded its use of AI tools, enhancing overall device performance and user experience.
Redesigned Camera App: The camera app receives a refresh, making it easier to use and more feature-rich.
Teased Features
Samsung also teased an upcoming feature called the Now Bar, which is expected to transform the lock screen experience in a similar way to Apple’s Dynamic Island and Live Activities. However, this feature is not yet available in the beta version.
The One UI 7 beta is currently available for Galaxy S24 series devices in several countries, including the US, Germany, India, South Korea, and Poland. Interested users can apply for the beta through the Samsung Members program. The full release is expected to arrive in the first quarter of 2025.
Back in 2017, Samsung released the first showing of DeX (short for “desktop experience”) that allowed high-end Samsung Galaxy phones to plug into a special dock and be used like a desktop PC. In 2019, the dock was eliminated, and in 2020, wireless DeX came out — on Windows, Samsung DeX could be accessed via the DeX app.
But starting with One UI 7, the DeX app for Windows will no longer work; at that point, users are encouraged to switch over to Microsoft’s Phone Link app. One UI 7 is rumored to enter beta testing in mid-December and will likely start rolling out in the US early in 2025.
Spotted by Windows Central, the UK page for Samsung DeX now has a tiny footnote that says as much:
“The DeX for PC on Windows OS will end support from One UI 7 version. We encourage customers to connect mobile phone and PC through the Link to Windows feature.”
However, the US page for Samsung DeX has no such footnote. We’re not sure if this means the page hasn’t been updated yet, or that the outage will only affect some users.
Samsung is poised to make waves in the tech world with the anticipated launch of its first smart glasses, a groundbreaking step in the wearables market. According to Yonhap News, these glasses are likely to be unveiled during the company’s January 2025 Galaxy Unpacked event, where the Galaxy S25 series will also take center stage. However, the smart glasses may steal the spotlight with their innovative features and sleek design.
Focus on Simplicity and Usability
Weighing approximately 50 grams, Samsung’s smart glasses aim to closely mimic traditional eyewear, providing a familiar and lightweight user experience. This design ethos aligns with the trend of creating subtle, unobtrusive wearable devices. Unlike earlier AR devices, these glasses reportedly forego complex hardware like built-in displays or projectors for augmented reality applications, focusing instead on functionalities such as gesture recognition, audio playback, and possibly payment capabilities.
This approach contrasts with Samsung’s ongoing collaboration with Qualcomm and Google on an ambitious XR device powered by smartphones. The new smart glasses, designed in-house, suggest a more conservative and refined take on wearable technology, emphasizing comfort and everyday usability.
Learning from the Past and Competitors
Samsung’s foray into smart glasses is not its first venture into high-tech eyewear. The company previously launched the Samsung Gear VR, a virtual reality headset co-developed with Oculus. While the Gear VR offered an immersive experience, it was hampered by its reliance on specific smartphone models, leading to its eventual discontinuation.
In crafting these new glasses, Samsung appears to be drawing inspiration from the success of Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, which combine stylish designs with practical features. By leveraging its Galaxy AI technology, Samsung may incorporate advanced functionalities, potentially integrating AI assistants like those seen in Solos AirGo 3 smart glasses.
Anticipated Timeline and Competitive Edge
While the January Unpacked event will likely feature only a teaser for the smart glasses, a full launch is expected in the third quarter of 2025. Samsung’s history of unveiling innovative wearables, such as the Galaxy Ring in 2024, highlights its capability to deliver cutting-edge devices.
The introduction of these smart glasses signifies a growing competitive landscape in the wearable tech market. As Meta, Apple, and other players continue to expand their offerings, Samsung’s entry is poised to bring more choices to consumers, driving innovation across the industry.
By combining user-friendly design, innovative technology, and its established ecosystem, Samsung’s smart glasses could redefine what consumers expect from wearable devices, ensuring a competitive edge in this burgeoning market.
Judging by what we’ve seen from leaks and official channels alike, One UI 7.0 will be full of pleasant surprises.But not all news is good news for Galaxy fans, especially since Samsung announced the end of Edge Panel downloads.
One UI 7 will not support the Edge Panels Galaxy Store
The company issued a termination notice earlier this week (via @theonecid), informing Galaxy device users that they will no longer be able to acquire and download Edge Panels from the Galaxy Store on devices running One UI 7 or later.
Edge Panels have always been a unique way to further customize your Samsung device. The Galaxy Store had a variety of panels, some of which were premium and cost money. This is a panel on the side of the screen that can be swiped open to provide quick access to frequently used apps. The Galaxy Store provided neat skins and customizations for the Edge Panel.
Samsung says that, even though you won’t be able to acquire and download new Panels, the ones already on your phone before updating to One UI 7 will be available in the “My apps” section of the Galaxy Store.
But it’s worth noting that Samsung also says that once you upgrade to One UI 7, you won’t be able to re-download its own Edge Panel after uninstalling it.
So, as long as you have a third-party Edge Panel installed at the moment of updating to One UI 7.0, you can continue to use it. But if you uninstall said Edge Panel after you upgrade to One UI 7.0, you won’t be able to re-acquire it — not even via the aforementioned “My Apps” section.
This is seemingly true for both free and paid Edge Panels. If you want to hold on to your paid Edge Panels after you update to One UI 7, you will have to avoid uninstalling them. If you remove them, it looks like they’ll be gone for good.
What this means for us
Aside from the Edge Panel storefront, the Edge Panel feature itself will not be removed in One UI 7.0.Nevertheless, this might be the first step in a lengthier process of slowly phasing out Edge Panels.It wouldn’t surprise us if Samsung may want to discontinue this feature altogether at a later date.
One UI 7.0 promises to deliver a lot of useful features, but apparently, edge panels are not one of them.
New leak suggests alongside the expected trio of Samsung Galaxy S25 phones, new ‘Slim’ version of the phone is going to be available worldwide.Given Samsung has released new Galaxy S devices every year since 2010 and that we’re now up to the S24, it shouldn’t be a huge surprise that a new version is just around the corner.
According to the reported Erencan Yılmaz, who posted on X the model number: SM-S937B/DS. This indicates two things: the ‘B’ means the handset will be sold in all regions that Samsung operates in, while the ‘DS’ stands for dual-Sim support.
In other words, this won’t be a situation like we have with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition, which is only available in Samsung’s home country of South Korea – at least as far as direct retail sales are concerned.The latter detail is not particularly surprising, but still welcome as it means you can use two different phone numbers at the same time (for different countries, if you regularly travel, or to keep work/home correspondences on the same device).
All the indications so far point to the Galaxy S25 Slim being something along the lines of a Galaxy S25 FE (Fan Edition).
Details of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Slim are, appropriately, somewhat thin on the ground, but it’s likely Samsung’s answer to the rumor that Apple will be launching an iPhone 17 Slim model next year. These two devices could be going after very different markets if Samsung’s is indeed a rebadged Galaxy FE, as Apple’s Slim model is rumored to be the most expensive iPhone ever.
Even with the possible price discrepancy, Samsung could have one big advantage over Apple. According to the reliable leaker Ice Universe, the company aims to make photography the focus with a camera “stronger than S25, and more similar to the idea of vivo X200 Pro mini”.
We’re expecting to see regular S25, Plus and Ultra models arriving in January, the Slim model could yet come much later in the year, with an April date mooted.
Samsung launched the Galaxy Tab S10+ and S10 Ultra this year,these tablets come as successors to the Galaxy Tab S9 lineup. Now the highly anticipated Galaxy Tab S10 FE series appears to be on the horizon, as the company has officially listed these tablets on its US website.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE series launch could be soon
While Samsung hasn’t disclosed specific details about the devices yet, there’s a notable promotion on the website that offers US customers free one-year access to Goodnotes, a popular note-taking app for Android, for those who purchase and activate any Galaxy Tab S10 or Tab S10 FE models by July 31, 2025. This further confirms that the FE series launch is imminent.
What to expect from the Galaxy Tab S10 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE lineup is expected to follow the strategy of its predecessor, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE series, which included two models: the regular Tab S9 FE and the slightly more expensive Tab S9 FE+. It’s likely that the upcoming Tab S10 FE series will follow a similar approach, offering at least two models to cater to different price points.
Tab S10 FE models will likely continue to use the Exynos chipset, with speculations pointing toward the Exynos 1580, which is also expected to power the upcoming Galaxy A56. This would be an upgrade from the Exynos 1380 used in the Tab S9 FE series, suggesting improved performance and efficiency.
There are also rumors that the Tab S10 FE series could feature a 12MP primary camera, a significant upgrade from the 8MP lens found in the Tab S9 FE models. This would likely improve the overall camera experience, making it more suitable for casual photography and video calls.
According to a report, Samsung and OpenAI are in talks to form a partnership and potentially integrate ChatGPT into Samsung Galaxy AI services.
Earlier, The Information suggested that a potential partnership between Samsung and OpenAI might be happening, but now analyst Dan Nystedt took it to X to share that OpenAI is in talks with Samsung over bringing its AI technology to Samsung’s devices. This could be bad news for Google because Samsung is already a key partner.
Google seems to have been the target of the DOJ for its monopolistic practices for quite some time. The regulatory authorities are firm on breaking Google’s dominance in the search engine industry and even pushing the company to sell off Chrome. While Google’s hands are full dealing with legal matters, the Department of Justice is not the only thing it has to worry about.
Google’s established presence in the search engine market is already being challenged actively, with tech experts suggesting that if the company is to sell off Chrome, it would make more sense for OpenAI to acquire it, keeping in view its vigorous attempts to bring robust AI-driven experience. With OpenAI not only challenging Google’s position as the search engine giant but also looking for integration with Google’s partner, Samsung, it can pose some serious threats to the company.
As of now, Samsung uses its own LLM and Google’s Gemini AI to power its Galaxy AI features. It will be interesting to see how ChatGPT fits in all of this.For instance, Apple leverages OpenAI’s ChatGPT for its own Apple Intelligence, but only when the on-device models aren’t sufficient for the task at hand. That’s when the system asks ChatGPT for help.We could see a similar implementation in Galaxy AI or use ChatGPT’s service altogether.
OpenAI becomes increasingly competitive toward Google with the announcement of its Search service and is now trying to snatch Google’s long-term partners.The same report claims that OpenAI is even working on a ChatGPT-powered browser. The company has already hired developers who have worked on Chrome.
But until either of the companies officially confirms its ongoing initiatives, the leaks or reports should be taken with a grain of salt. If OpenAI does end up collaborating, it would not only mark an intense wave of competition in the AI ecosystem but also could change the dynamics of the industry, given how the company is determined to establish itself extensively and advance AI technology.
Samsung Electronics today hosted the Samsung Developer Conference Korea 2024 (SDC24 Korea), the company unveiled the second-generation Gauss2 multimodal AI model, which supports up to 14 languages and various programming languages.
During the keynote address, the company unveiled Samsung Gauss2, the second generation of its proprietary AI model, and highlighted its improved performance, efficiency and various application possibilities.
“Samsung Electronics is committed to developing cutting-edge software, including AI and data analytics, to enhance user experiences,” said Paul Kyungwhoon Cheun, President, CTO of the Device eXperience (DX) Division and Head of Samsung Research. “With three distinct models, Samsung Gauss2 is already boosting our internal productivity, and we plan to integrate it into products to deliver higher levels of convenience and personalization.”
Samsung Gauss2: A Multimodal Language Model Catering to Diverse Needs
Samsung Gauss2 offers improved performance and efficiency in simultaneously handling various data types as a multimodal model integrating language, code and images. It is available in three distinct models catered to different purposes: Compact, Balanced and Supreme.
Compact is a small-sized model built for speed and efficiency and is ideal for on-device usage “by maximizing the utilization of the device’s computing resources.”
Balanced offers a mix of performance and efficiency aimed at diverse tasks that require consistency. Supreme is built for performance, and Samsung says it reduces “computational costs during training and inference processes while maintaining high levels of both performance and efficiency.”
Depending on which model is used, Gauss2 supports 9 to 14 human languages and several programming languages. Samsung says that Balanced and Supreme match or beat other AI models on tasks in English and Korean. Even better, “their processing speed per hour is 1.5 to 3 times faster”, which reduces costs and wait times for services powered by the AI model.
Customizable for Various Productivity Tasks and Product Development
Having an internal generative AI model allows easier customization so that optimal performance can be achieved for specific goals and applications.With the power of Samsung Gauss, the in-house coding assistant ‘code.i’ assists the company’s software developers.Now upgraded to Samsung Gauss2, it is being utilized by business units within the Device eXperience (DX) Division and overseas research institutes.
Since its launch last December, the monthly usage of code.i has quadrupled, with about 60% of all software developers in the DX Division are now using it. The service was expanded to overseas subsidiaries in April. In addition, starting from August, Samsung is using Samsung Gauss to call center staff to automatically categorize and summarize customer calls.
Under the AI vision of “AI for All,” Samsung will continue to expand the reach of its AI-based services across all product lines so that users can experience more convenient and enjoyable daily lives. And by integrating knowledge graph technology with AI, Samsung expects to provide even more enhanced personalization services.
