Samsung's One UI 8 beta introduces innovative photo and video viewing features - here's what's revealed
Samsung has taken a significant step forward in its Android 16-based One UI 8 update, releasing the third beta version. This update, expected to be officially unveiled during the upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event on July 9, promises to bring a host of new features and enhancements to Samsung Galaxy devices.
One UI 8 is set to introduce a new reminder app, designed with holiday planning in mind, and a multimodal AI that aims to be more conversational and aware of on-screen activities. The multimodal AI is expected to make interactions more intuitive and streamlined, enhancing the overall user experience.
Beyond these features, One UI 8 introduces several additional notable enhancements. For instance, the update brings smoother performance and fluid animations, thanks to a new kernel update. This improvement results in a more seamless and enjoyable user experience across apps and menus.
Home screen improvements are also on the horizon, with better gesture animations and transition effects for smoother navigation. The Samsung Gallery and Camera apps will receive new versions, potentially introducing new modes and effects, such as a pet portrait studio option that offers studio-like effects for pets.
New UI animations and dynamic interactions are expected, making for smoother, faster animations and realistic effects for actions like locking and unlocking the device. One UI 8 will also include new quick dial widgets and a revamped file app, both designed for improved usability.
The built-in browser, Samsung Internet, will feature a brand-new design, aiming to improve the browsing experience. Moreover, third-party app integration in live activities and the Now Bar is planned, allowing apps like food delivery and ride-hailing services to provide more contextual and timely information at a glance.
In addition, One UI 8 is expected to introduce Auracast, a new Bluetooth feature that allows for multiple audio connections via a QR code. The third beta for One UI 8 includes updates to the Gallery app, and Samsung is testing a new Dynamic Effect feature in the One UI 8 version of the Gallery app.
The Audio Eraser tool, another anticipated feature, is reportedly capable of removing background noise in videos without the need for editing mode. This tool's functionality has been demonstrated by Ice Universe in a video shared on their Weibo account.
The One UI 8 beta is currently available for Samsung Galaxy S25 series devices in the U.S., U.K., Korea, and Germany. The update is scheduled to launch broadly in Summer 2025, promising a more polished, smarter, and more intuitive user experience on Samsung Galaxy devices running One UI 8.
The multimodal AI feature in One UI 8, designed for more conversational interactions and awareness of on-screen activities, aims to enhance the user experience on smartphones. Additionally, with the introduction of Auracast, a new Bluetooth feature allowing multiple audio connections via QR code, One UI 8 promises to revolutionize gadget usage, not just smartphones.
