Samsung has unveiled Android 16-inspired features in its One UI 8 beta for the Galaxy S25, promising enhanced multimodal capabilities and personalized AI-driven suggestions, but critics note that these enhancements may be limited.
Samsung’s One UI 8 Beta: Samsung’s Early Look at Android 16 with More AI
Samsung’s ‘one UI 8 beta program for the Galaxy S25 is now open to users in the US, Germany, Korea, and the UK.’ The update brings a slew of changes, but some may find it lacking in terms of new features.
Enhancing Multimodal Capabilities with AI
One UI 8 promises ‘multimodal capabilities, UX tailored to different device form factors, and personalized, proactive suggestions.’ However, after using the new OS for a few hours, it doesn’t seem like much has changed with Samsung’s AI implementation. The Galaxy S25 series launched with Now Brief, which aims to assimilate your data, process it privately inside the Samsung Knox enclave, and spit out useful suggestions. While Samsung claims One UI 8 will allow Now Brief to deliver more personal, customized insights, it seems to do the same handful of things it did before.
Non-AI Changes and New Features
One UI 8 does bring some notable non-AI changes. The update includes an enhanced version of Auracast, a Bluetooth LE technology that helps with device pairing. After the update, you’ll be able to pair quickly with QR code scanning, allowing multiple Bluetooth devices, like earbuds and hearing aids, to stream audio from your phone. Quick Share is also quicker to activate from the Quick Settings.
Additionally, there’s a new Reminder app baked into the OS, which Samsung describes as ‘easy-looking even for first-time users.’ The app does seem capable and straightforward, but it’s hardly something that should be getting top billing in an OS update.
A New Era for Samsung Software Evolution
Samsung’s decision to roll out the beta widely probably means this is very close to finished. According to Samsung, this update marks the beginning of a ‘new rhythm’ for its software evolution. That suggests it will stick to Google‘s new goal of releasing two sizable Android updates per year, with the first release making major changes and the second refining APIs and features. The One UI 8 update will also come pre-loaded on the next-generation Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 this summer.
Samsung's software has undergone significant evolution over the years, from its early days as a hardware-focused company.
In the 1990s, Samsung developed its first mobile operating system, but it was not widely adopted.
The company later partnered with Google to use Android, which became a huge success.
Today, Samsung continues to refine and customize Android for its devices, adding unique features like Bixby and DeX.
According to a report by Statista, Samsung's smartphone market share has steadily increased since 2010, with over 21% of the global market in 2020.
Joining the Beta Program
Signing up for the beta is a snap—just open the Samsung Members app, and the beta signup should be right on the main landing page. From there, the OTA update should appear on your device within a few minutes. It’s pretty hefty at 3.4GB, but the installation is quick, and none of your data should be affected. That said, backups are always advisable when using beta software.
Availability and Compatibility
The One UI 8 beta is compatible with the Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra—the new S25 Edge need not apply (for now). Users must be in the US, Germany, Korea, or the UK to join the beta, and US phones must be unlocked or the T-Mobile variants.
- arstechnica.com | Samsung drops Android 16 beta for Galaxy S25 with more AI you ...
