YouTube App to Get Major Refresh for Foldable Devices
Foldable smartphones have become the norm in recent years, giving users more screen to enjoy their multimedia experience. Most apps, including YouTube from Google, have not fully taken advantage of this extra screen space. Users have been frustrated by the lack of optimization, especially in landscape mode. Google is apparently doing something about this with an update that is meant to improve usability on foldables, tablets, and phones in landscape orientation. Current YouTube App Layout Issues At the moment, the layout of the landscape mode of the YouTube app leaves much to be desired. It looks cluttered and inefficient, displaying a row of subscribed channels at the top followed by the subscription feed with huge video thumbnails. Titles and video details are displayed on the right side of the thumbnails, but the design mostly fails to maximize the available screen space. This gives one a disjointed, as well as visually unpleasant, experience on even larger screens, like those found in foldables. Upcoming Changes for Landscape Orientation Developer researcher AssembleDebug, cited by Android Authority, has recently discovered changes to YouTube v19.50.36 of the app. It does seem that this new build is testing a refreshed interface that will supposedly improve its consumption on foldables and other devices in landscape orientations. Screenshots reveal that the redesign is a two-column layout. In this configuration, the left side will be for the subscribed channels, and the right side will have the subscription feed. This setup allows for full video thumbnails to be shown without white space wastage and easy navigation. Better Layout for Phones Changes aren’t only limited to foldables, though. For phones in landscape mode, YouTube is testing showing two video thumbnails side by side instead of showing just one. This helps optimize screen usage further; however, the exact implementation may depend on the size and width of the screen of the device. Testing and Future Rollout At the moment, this update is not available. YouTube sometimes does these tests with a few users first before it’s fully rolled out. So, there may already be some who have noticed this change. Google is indeed committed to making applications as user-friendly as possible. The news is not the first, considering this is Google’s move on creating high-quality designs for apps. YouTube just recently brought soft revamp upon its interface by replacing and updating the bottom navigation for a clean look. But these were not limited up until the new foldable-specific updates as it reveals what Google aims to refine among its diverse set of different gadgets. Updates for YouTube signal significant improvement to be delivered for foldable phone users as well as those preferring landscape views. Optimizing layouts to decrease unused areas means the app is in position to give users an effortless experience. With increased demand for foldable devices, it is a critical factor for apps to be improved along with other technology development. Images: Android Authority, Android Police
Samsung Starts Rolling Out One UI 7, Based On Android 15 In Beta For The Galaxy S24 Series
Samsung is continuosly revolutionizing its ecosystem by delivering major updates for both hardware and software. Recently, with Android 15 already rolled out for Google Pixel devices, Samsung has announced the One UI 7 beta for its Galaxy S24 series. With enhanced features, a redesigned interface, and improved security, the beta gives a sneak peek into the future of Galaxy devices. While currently limited to beta program participants, the full release is expected to arrive in early 2025. Introduction to One UI 7 This One UI 7, based on Android 15, introduces quite a leap for Samsung. Now that the Samsung One UI 7 official beta has been released for the Galaxy S24 series line, it’s coming a bit later than expected but hopes to justify the wait with its major redesign and feature set. The update was launched in September, proving that Samsung does not launch software prematurely but takes its time to ensure the product is polished and transformative. The most striking feature of One UI 7 is perhaps its all-new design. Everything, from widgets to the notification tray, has been redesigned. The notification tray and Quick Settings are now two separate entities, with users having an option to switch between the new layout and the classic combined look. Samsung has also brought bold changes to system icons in order to make them more modern and dynamic. Besides, it will give users more control over the lock screen by adding more personalization features. Introducing the “Now Bar” But probably one of the most highly-discussed features in One UI 7 is going to be the “Now Bar.” This will show real-time updates of actions-just think workouts-in notifications. It’s designed to mirror Apple’s Dynamic Island, and this new Now Bar is all about context at a glance. However, the exact integration with third-party apps is yet to be determined, and there’s definitely room for refinement. AI-Driven Enhancements Samsung has integrated AI to enhance productivity by simplifying user experiences. Some of the important AI features are: Writing Assist Tools: These tools help users summarize text, check spelling, and generally improve writing quality. Call Transcripts: This feature gives detailed summaries of conversations when call recording is enabled inside the Phone app. By leveraging AI, Samsung wants to make everyday tasks more efficient and intuitive. Upgraded Camera Experience The camera app is another area where One UI 7 shines. While details remain limited, the update promises significant improvements to functionality and performance, catering to photography enthusiasts and casual users alike. These changes underline Samsung’s dedication to enhancing the core features of its devices. Availability and Rollout Plans The One UI 7 beta is only available for Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24 Plus, and Galaxy S24 Ultra. However, the program is targeted at users of selected regions, including the United States, United Kingdom, South Korea, India, Poland, and Germany. A full release, which will reach all Galaxy users, is anticipated to come early in 2025. Samsung’s One UI 7 sets a new benchmark for Android-based user interfaces. Focusing on design, AI integration, and increased personalization, the update reflects the company’s vision for a more seamless and personalized digital experience. Be it trying out the beta or waiting for the final release, One UI 7 will surely redefine how users interact with their Galaxy devices. Source: Samsung