Samsung Rolls Out One UI 6.1.1 Update to Galaxy Devices: What's New and Which Devices Are Eligible

Image: Samsung

Samsung has commenced the rollout of its latest software update, One UI 6.1.1, to its Galaxy smartphones and tablets. While not a major update, One UI 6.1.1 brings several new features and enhancements to the table, including additional Galaxy AI features, improved animations, and support for new accessories.

What's New in One UI 6.1.1?

One UI 6.1.1 introduces several new features, including:

• Additional Galaxy AI features, such as "Listening Mode" in Interpreter, "Composer" for Chat Assist, and "Suggested Replies" on select devices
• "PDF Overlay Translation" in the Samsung Notes app, alongside other improvements to Note Assist
• "Sketch to Image" feature, which allows users to add content to an existing image based on a rough sketch
• A dedicated section in the Settings app for Galaxy AI
• Enhanced animations and app updates
• Support for new accessories, such as the Galaxy Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pro

Eligible Devices

As of September 20, the following Galaxy devices have received the One UI 6.1.1 update:

• Galaxy S24
• Galaxy S24+
• Galaxy S24 Ultra
• Galaxy S23
• Galaxy S23+
• Galaxy S23 Ultra
• Galaxy S23 FE
• Galaxy S22
• Galaxy S22+
• Galaxy S22 Ultra
• Galaxy Z Flip 5
• Galaxy Z Fold 5
• Galaxy Z Flip 4
• Galaxy Z Fold 4
• Galaxy Tab S9
• Galaxy Tab S9+
• Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
• Galaxy Tab S8
• Galaxy Tab S8+
• Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra

Samsung has also pre-installed One UI 6.1.1 on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6.

How to Check for the Update

To check for the One UI 6.1.1 update on your Samsung Galaxy device, follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings > Software update
2. Tap "Download and install" to check for any new updates

Future Updates

While the above list includes devices that have already received the update, Samsung is expected to roll out One UI 6.1.1 to other Galaxy devices in the future. This will likely include past generations of flagship Galaxy phones, as well as mid-range smartphones and tablets.

Stay tuned for further updates on the rollout of One UI 6.1.1 to other Galaxy devices.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Charging Speed Lags Behind Other Flagship Models

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, a highly anticipated device in the tech industry, has been found to have a slower charging speed compared to its counterparts in the Pixel series. Despite its sleek design and advanced features, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold's charging capabilities have been confirmed by Google to be limited to a maximum rate of 21W over a wired cable.

This slower charging speed puts the Pixel 9 Pro Fold at the bottom of the list among Google's current flagship devices, including the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro, which boast faster charging speeds of 27W and 37W, respectively. The Pixel 8a, Google's most affordable device, charges at an even slower rate of 18W.

The slower wired charging speed is further compounded by the device's limited wireless charging capabilities. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is restricted to a maximum Qi wireless charging speed of 7.5W, which is significantly slower than the wireless charging speeds of other devices in the market. Additionally, the device is not compatible with the Pixel Stand, a feature that has been a staple in previous Pixel models.

Despite its slower charging speed, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold's 4,650 mAh battery capacity is only marginally smaller than the 4,700 mAh batteries found in the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro. This means that the device's charging time may not be drastically longer than its counterparts, but it is still a notable difference.

The slower charging speed of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold may be a concern for some users, particularly those who rely heavily on their devices throughout the day. However, it is essential to consider the device's overall performance, features, and design when evaluating its value.

In conclusion, while the Pixel 9 Pro Fold's charging speed may be a drawback, it is crucial to weigh this against the device's other attributes and determine whether it is a significant trade-off for the benefits it offers.

WhatsApp Beta Introduces Custom Chat Filters for Android Users

WhatsApp has rolled out a new update for its beta version on Android, introducing a feature that allows users to implement custom chat filters. This enhancement is designed to improve user experience by providing more control over chat organization and accessibility.

The latest beta update, version 2.24.19.16, enables users to filter their conversations based on specific criteria. This functionality is particularly beneficial for individuals who manage numerous chats and wish to streamline their messaging interface. With custom chat filters, users can easily sort messages by categories such as unread, personal, or business chats, thereby facilitating a more efficient communication process.

To access this feature, users need to ensure they have the most recent version of WhatsApp Beta installed on their Android devices. As this is a beta release, WhatsApp is likely gathering user feedback to refine the feature before a wider rollout.

This update reflects WhatsApp's ongoing commitment to enhancing user experience by incorporating features that prioritize organization and user control. As the app continues to evolve, users can expect further improvements and innovations aimed at optimizing their messaging capabilities.

For those interested in testing the new feature, joining the WhatsApp Beta program on the Google Play Store is recommended. This will not only provide early access to new features but also allow users to contribute feedback that can help shape future updates.

Samsung Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus Charging Speed Revealed

Recent listings on the 3C certification website have confirmed the charging speed revealed

Samsung's upcoming flagship smartphones, the Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus, have had their charging speeds revealed through a recent 3C listing. The certification authority listed the SM-S9360 and SM-9310 models, which correspond to the Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus, respectively. According to the listing, the Galaxy S25 will support up to 45W (15V, 3A) charging, while the Galaxy S25 Plus will support 25W (9V, 2.77A) charging.

It is worth noting that the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which has not yet appeared on the 3C listing, is also expected to support 45W charging. However, the battery capacity of the Galaxy S25 series is not expected to increase, with earlier leaks suggesting that the battery capacity will remain the same as the previous generation.

Samsung's decision to stick with 45W charging on its flagship phones is likely due to the company's prioritization of product reliability. While some of Samsung's mid-range phones have offered support for 45W charging, the company has not gone beyond this speed for its flagship devices.

The Galaxy S25 series is expected to be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset, which is manufactured on TSMC's 3nm process node. This is expected to offer a marginal improvement in efficiency and consumption.

In related news, Samsung has rolled out the September 2024 security update for the Galaxy S20 FE 5G in Brazil. The update enhances the security and stability of the system and fixes several security problems.

Additionally, Samsung has announced the pre-reservation for the Galaxy Ring in Mexico, with potential consumers able to register from September 18 to October 2 to receive exclusive benefits.

The Galaxy Ring features an AI sleep algorithm that analyzes sleep patterns and offers personalized insights, as well as a Heart Rate Alert that unlocks notifications of exceptionally high or low heart rates.

In other news, Samsung has updated the Galaxy XCover 5 to One UI 6.1 with new features, including AI editing suggestions and image copying, new lock screen widgets, customizable alert styles, and sticker support.

YouTube Introduces Ads on Paused Videos, Sparking User Backlash

YouTube has officially confirmed the introduction of ads on paused videos, a move that has been met with widespread criticism from users. The new ad placement, which was first spotted by users last week, displays advertisements on the pause screen, shrinking the paused video to a smaller size.

According to a statement from YouTube's communications manager, Oluwa Falodun, the platform has "widely rolled out Pause ads to all advertisers" following a successful experiment with picture-in-picture (PIP) mid-roll ads in August. The PIP ads allowed videos to continue playing in a smaller window while an ad was displayed, and it appears that this concept has been adapted for paused content.

Users have taken to social media to express their frustration with the new ad placement, with many calling it "ridiculous" and "disruptive." Some have even threatened to install ad blockers or switch to alternative platforms.

YouTube has defended the move, stating that the ads are designed to be "less disruptive" and are intended to provide a new revenue stream for creators. However, many users argue that the ads are an intrusion and detract from the viewing experience.

The introduction of ads on paused videos is part of YouTube's ongoing efforts to increase revenue and combat ad blockers. The platform has been experimenting with various ad formats, including server-side ads, which would allow ads to be inserted into videos without the need for third-party ad blockers.

While some users may find the new ad placement annoying, it is likely to be a lucrative move for YouTube and its advertisers. As Google's Philipp Schindler noted during the company's Q1 2024 earnings call, "Advertisers unsurprisingly love" the new ad format, and it is "commanding premium pricing from advertisers."

As the online video landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how users respond to the new ad placement and whether YouTube will continue to push the boundaries of advertising on its platform.

Key Takeaways:

• YouTube has introduced ads on paused videos, sparking user backlash
• The new ad placement is designed to be "less disruptive" and provide a new revenue stream for creators
• Users have expressed frustration with the move, calling it "ridiculous" and "disruptive"
• YouTube is experimenting with various ad formats, including server-side ads, to increase revenue and combat ad blockers.