Samsung almost never talks about its immediate plans to update Galaxy devices. Users are perplexed and at a loss as to when the manufacturers will update the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S8 to Android 8. But finally it happened and at the moment I still want to figure out what Samsung gave us for use and open testing.
What's new in android 8 for gelexi s7 and s8
As you and I know, each company releases their own builds of Android, and Samsung's version of Oreo is no exception. They released a completely different firmware from Google.
You and I have received a lot of new functionality that will improve the operation of the device, many improvements, widgets and applications. We will be delighted with completely new and redesigned emoji sets in the amount of 60 pieces. Auto-fill and state-of-the-art security features.
One of the unusual changes is that owners of Galaxy 8 with the system, unfortunately, will not be able to save their fingerprints, face or eye shots if they do not use the protection to lock the display, protect the device with a password or PIN-code.
Samsung Experience 9.0 update. New items, improvements and settings
The updates have also affected our Samsung Experience. The developers have made significant improvements over version 7 or 8. Let's go over all the points briefly.
- The quick settings panel has been updated
- New home screen
- Added new functionality for Edge
- Users can now create folders in different colors
- The security system has received a new confidentiality of the photo gallery
- The watch has been updated.
- Emojis have taken to the next level. Many new ones have been added.
- Keyboard update. Large selection of settings and templates.
- New search engine and algorithms.
- Do you use fast printing? New keyboards especially for you!
- Fresh GIFs, smilies and stickers
- Added color filters
- Information screens
The upgrade process to Android 8
The first people who were able to test the new update were residents of Germany, Poland and France. They received new functionality faster than ours and were able to paint it in all the details.
In February of this year, an update was released and now anyone can officially update their Galaxy S7 or S8 to Oreo.
An important point is that the update is really big and the update process itself should be approached quite responsibly if you want to save all your information.
- First, back up your data. Without this procedure, there is a small chance of getting a complete rollback of the system, where it will not be possible to return your data at all. Be sure to upload your contacts to Google, for example.
- Check the amount of free space on your device. During the upgrade process, additional temporary files will also be created, which serve as a kind of swap files. These temporary files allow you to retrieve and unpack the update archives.
- Fully charge your device's battery. Often users ignore this advice, but it is not written in vain. If the update process itself takes you no more than 5 minutes, then a slight failure may occur and the update will last about an hour or even three. The battery consumption is increased during the update process, which can lead to discharge. If your device runs out of power during the update process, it may become unusable.
- Remove the unlock pattern before upgrading. Unfortunately, there have been cases when the update failed and the pattern after the supposedly successful update did not fit. I had to do a complete rollback of the device, which led to the loss of all data.
We hope that the process of updating your Galaxy S7 or S8 to Android 8 will bring you only positive emotions. After all, Samsung has created really new and interesting functionality in its firmware.
Samsung kept a spartan silence about when the flagships of 2016 will receive Android 7.0.1, but in the end the update started on January 23 for Russian devices, the firmware can be downloaded over the air (1.2 GB).
The update itself will take from 20 to 40 minutes, depending on how much programs you have, how much memory is free. I advise you to put the phone on charge or fully charge it so that no problems arise during the update. If for some reason there is no new firmware in the "About phone" section, please be patient, it will soon appear in your device. For phones purchased in other markets, the release date of this firmware can be any, check with the country of origin of your device.
An important caveat - many have already installed Android 7.0.1 and are interested in how the phone's operating time has changed. The very formulation of the question shows ignorance of the fact that in the first days, or even a week, Android rebuilds the data in the system, which leads to increased power consumption. If you leave the device on charge overnight, it will be connected to the mains, then this process may take several hours or a day. But it will be possible to talk about the real time of work only in a week or two. According to the test firmware, which is in many ways similar to the one that flew by air, we can say that the gain in operating time is from 5 to 15 percent, it all depends on your settings and preferences. However, let's talk about everything in order.
Notification shade, redesigned icons and background - modes of operation
In the new version of Samsung's UI (Clean UI), the ideas that were laid down in the Note 7 were developed, here the fonts and background images were reworked as much as possible, they were adjusted in such a way that the phone consumes the least amount of energy. From version to version of Android, we are assured that power consumption is improving, but in Android 6 we practically did not notice this, in the seven changes, if present, they are not dramatic. Perhaps that is why Samsung conducted an audit of the entire farm and added new operating modes.
The first thing you will encounter after the update is that the screen resolution from QHD has dropped to FullHD, in the settings you can now change the resolution from HD to QHD at your discretion. The lower the screen resolution, the longer the device will work. Specifically for this business, they created usage profiles - they called them performance modes. You need to look for modes in the settings, the "Optimization" application (earlier it was Smart Manager).
What's the beauty of modes? First, for the first time, they affect the hardware specifications of the device, and it's not just the screen resolution and its brightness. For example, in the optimized mode, the music chip is disabled, the sound enhancers do not work, but it is possible to forcibly enable it. That is, each mode is also customizable.
Don't play with toys? Then you do not need softphones, which make it easier to work in games, and they turn off. Other modes are tailored to the scenarios of using the phone, for example, gaming, entertainment (video and sound enhancements are included), as well as high performance. Previously, by default, phones were always running at peak performance mode, unless you turned on power saver. I like the performance mode approach a lot more, it comes from needs, not from a desire to save battery. Back on the Note 7, having played with different resolutions, I found out that reducing the resolution to FullHD gives an increase in battery life by about 15%.
The first thing they pay attention to is, of course, the notification curtain, in which the background has changed, the icons have been redrawn, and this strangeness first hits the eyes. I also had it on the Note 7, but in a matter of hours you get used to it, and nothing seems wrong. Pull the shutter down and see six icons without labels, these are the main parameters that most people need. Below is the usual list of notifications, now they are with the ability to quickly respond wherever possible.
We pull the curtain down, and other icons are revealed, they are already with signatures. Moreover, you can change the grid, make the icons larger or smaller, the screen also scrolls to the right, there is another set of icons - there is practically no need for scrolling, since all the icons can be swapped and the main one can be brought to one screen.
A line has appeared, which shows the connected devices and, where possible, the battery charge level, for example, on the icon for the Gear S3 you can see that my battery is half full.
In the previous version of the UI, I constantly did not have enough space on the main screen for icons, I wanted them to fit more. Now you can choose a 4x4 grid (as before), 4x5 or 5x5 - the size of the icons will be adjusted automatically. As for me, this is a great solution, now there will be no need to climb into the menu with icons.
The shutter also contains a quick search bar, with its help you can search for information by voice or by typing text both in the phone and in the network.
For the line of notifications at the top of the screen, you can turn on the limitation of three icons so that this area does not get clogged, since many applications shit there with frantic force, this is the same Facebook that creates dozens of notifications of the same type and for some reason does not group them into one. It is impossible to say that something has changed in a revolutionary way - all these changes are cosmetic in nature and in many respects convenient.
When taking screenshots on your device, you can take “long” screenshots, for example, of the pages you are viewing. Traditionally, you can crop the screenshot right there or write something on it.
New UI features from Samsung
It is possible that some of the listed features have already been met, but for some reason I missed them, so do not blame me if I present them as new features. I'll start with the "little things" that usually do not reach your hands. So, in the "Phone" section there was a setting for roaming, when your smartphone automatically remakes numbers for calls to your home country or to another country. The scenario is very simple: for example, while in Russia, you wrote down your friend's number as 89250000000, but you cannot make a roaming call using it, you need a country code. The phone will automatically understand that you are in roaming and substitute the required code, in our case +7. A trifle, but very pleasant and uncomplicated.
Another "trifle" is the section "Marketing information" ("General settings"), you can refuse to receive advertising from Samsung in the form of Push messages in the shutter, then they will stop coming. For those who do not like any suggestions, this is a necessary setting.
The accounting of mobile data has been slightly redesigned, it looks different, but the essence remains exactly the same.
In the "Phone" section, you can now add a phrase to your profile, as well as medical information for emergencies, it will be available even when the device is locked (blood type, medications, something else).
In the "Messages" now there is a pop-up menu, click on the selected message, and a menu appears. But of interest is such a possibility as scheduled messages, you just choose the time and day when this message will be sent (you need the device to be online at that moment).
The mail client has been redesigned, e-mail has become more pleasant to read, since everything is in the UI style.
However, this also affected the calendar, everything seems to be the same, but it looks easier and more pleasant.
The Clock application has also been tweaked for the new look of the system.
In my opinion, having given uniformity to all applications, Samsung has done a great job, the new version of the software is perceived as one-piece and looks good, although this is a matter of taste, there will certainly be those who will not like this view.
The Samsung Pass function is a fingerprint entry (in S7 / S7 EDGE only this way) in the browser and stores, that is, the substitution of passwords by one application. While Pass is only taking the first steps, it needs the KNOX system, which is present in the devices, for its operation.
A few words about the operation of the fingerprint sensor, the algorithm has changed, it works much faster and more accurate. And before there were no complaints about how the fingerprint sensor worked, but now everything is even better.
The multitasking mode is now from Google, you can, as before, split the window in two, as well as open up to 7 applications and minimize them to an icon to open later. As for me, the Samsung version was better.
The camera interface has changed, but no modes have been added, they just changed the design of the application.
The AlwaysON screen mode has become the same as it was on the Note 7, now there are icons for different applications, you can quickly switch to the application by clicking on the icon. You can also set on the screen in the off state not only this or that clock, but any of your own picture or photo. I like this option of the always-on screen.
Impression
The interface has become more convenient, more information is placed, but at the same time there is no clutter of icons, confusion, it has become easier to navigate. Everything is in the same style, while the speed of work has increased, the interface has become more responsive. To some extent, we can say that we received a conditionally new apparatus, it is so different from what it was before. For many companies, the transition to Android 7 is imperceptible, the same shells and applications remain, only their number changes. Samsung, however, redesigned the UI and made it completely different, although it retained a certain consistency.
Tell us what you liked and what did not like about Android 7 on Samsung Galaxy S7 / S7 EDGE, what are your impressions of the update. Thanks.
The first Android Oreo release for Samsung Galaxy smartphones has finally hit the market, and today we want to tell you everything we know and think we know about Samsung's plans for the Galaxy S6 and other Galaxy phones and tablets.
Despite the release of an update for the first Galaxy phones, Samsung is still not talking about its plans for smartphones and tablets of the series. However, we can fill in a few gaps about Galaxy smartphones and tablets.
In this roundup, you will learn the important things about Samsung's update and Oreo release on popular mid-range smartphones and tablets.
We will update this article as we continue to receive new information on Samsung's plans for Android Oreo, so bookmark this page and check back frequently for updates.
UpdateOreo onSamsungGalaxyOreo: What's new?
Let's start with some things you should know about Android 8.0 Oreo and the new Samsung Experience 9.0 interface.
Samsung's Android Oreo version is not identical to Google's version running on Pixel and Nexus devices, but the two systems have a lot in common.
Google's Android 8.0 Oreo operating system is packed to the brim with new features, tweaks and improvements. The system comes with over 60 new and redesigned emojis, updated notifications, improved download speeds, deep colors, auto-complete, and several new security features.
Another notable change: Galaxy and Android Oreo users will no longer be able to store fingerprint, iris, or face data unless they use screen lock protections such as a pattern, PIN, or password.
On our site you will find a comparison guide between Android Oreo and Android Nougat. This is a helpful article for anyone looking to review the changes before Samsung releases these updates.
As for Samsung's version of Android Oreo, here's what we know so far.
The new Samsung Experience 9.0 user interface is packed with new features, enhancements, and customizations. Some of these features are:
Refreshing the home screen and quick settings panel;
Samsung keyboard update;
New Edge features;
Custom colored folders;
Improved privacy of the photo gallery;
Improving hours;
New emoji;
New and improved keyboardSamsung.
Fast and smart "Search".
New keyboards for fast typing;
New smilies, emoji,GIFs and stickers;
Color filters;
Galaxy S7 Active
Galaxy A8 (2016)
Galaxy A8 (2018)
Galaxy A8 + (2018)
Galaxy A7 (2017)
Galaxy A5 (2017)
Galaxy A3 (2017)
Galaxy J7 (2017)
Galaxy J5 (2017)
These devices are listed on the unofficial Android 8.0 Galaxy update list on China's Weibo, backed up by an unofficial update list from the XDA-Developer forum, and some have appeared on the US mobile vendor software update list.
T-Mobile has confirmed several other Android 8.0 Oreo updates ahead of Samsung's announcements.
The American service provider has pointed to the update of the Galaxy Note 8, Galaxy J7 Prime, Galaxy Tab E 8, Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge to Android 8.0.
It also promises Android Oreo updates for the Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 Edge, and Galaxy Note 5. The information seems to confirm an update for these devices. The rest of the smartphones and the update status are in the "Manufacturer Development" phase.
Several reports claim Samsung is focusing on developing the Android 8.0 Oreo update for the Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 Edge, Galaxy A5, Galaxy A3 and Galaxay Tab S3.
In fact, the Oreo update for the Galaxy S7 just recently leaked to the internet from Vietnam.
The US is also testing the Oreo update on the Galaxy S8 Active. The Galaxy S8 Active is the rugged version of the Samsung Galaxy S8. Unlike its predecessors, the smartphone model is less exclusive.
The following devicesGalaxy may not receiveAndroid 8.0Oreo
If you have a device that is two years old, or a device that has already received two big Android updates, the chances of getting Android Oreo are extremely slim.
This means that popular devices such as the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy Note 5 have passed the update age no matter what.
Along with the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy Note 5, here are a few other devices that might be limited to Android Nougat:
Galaxy S6 Active
Galaxy A7 (2016)
Galaxy A5 (2016)
Galaxy A3 (2016)
Galaxy J3 (2016)
Galaxy J2 (2016)
This is not an official list and we could see some models being excluded and, on the contrary, added to this list before all is said and done.
Unofficial device listGalaxy upgraded toAndroidOreo.
A Samsung customer service representative recently claimed that the Galaxy S6 Android Oreo update will see the light of day in January or February, but we wouldn't expect something like that.
Keeping these devices running Android Nougat doesn't mean that software support will end. Samsung and its manufacturing partners are supporting devices with security updates and various bug fixes well beyond the two-year support period.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and Galaxy Note Edge, two smartphones that are still on Marshmallow, however, recently received an update with the latest security fixes from the company.
UpdateSamsung in February
And while your mind is obsessed with Android 7.1.1 Nougat and Android 8.0, your next update is likely to be neither.
Samsung continues to release monthly security updates that provide fixes (from Google and Samsung) for potential problem areas and, in some cases, bug fixes for Nougat.
The company recently released another January security update and provided fixes for several critical security flaws. The update is rolling out to Galaxy S8, Galaxy Note 8, Galaxy S7, Galaxy S6 and more.
Google recently rolled out the February security patches and we expect Samsung to release its own version of the February update soon. Android Oreo for the Galaxy S8 arrives with a February update.
The company is reportedly working on a February update for the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 without Android 8.0, so there is a chance the Note 8 will receive these fixes before it gets Oreo.
To start working on a new firmware, you need a special tool - PDK (Platform Development Kit). This tool is created by Google for each new version of Android. Once the PDK is ready, Google sends it to Samsung and other smartphone and tablet manufacturers.
Then Google announces a new Android for users, and Samsung starts working on the firmware. On average, its creation takes 6 months, but the exact release date is unknown.
Samsung cannot start working on the firmware until it receives the necessary tools from Google.
You cannot get the firmware as soon as you hear about it - it needs to be adapted for a specific smartphone or tablet.
Why the exact release date of the new firmware is unknown
Before answering this question, let's look at what the firmware consists of. The firmware consists of several parts:
Source- a new Android with basic functions, which is being created by Google. This part cannot be immediately installed on any smartphone or tablet, because at least drivers are required to adapt the code for a specific device.
If we imagine the creation of firmware using the example of building a building, then the source code is a skeleton of a new structure.
Drivers- help to connect Android and the components that make up a smartphone or tablet: processors, memory, buttons, connectors, sensors and other microcircuits. Drivers are written by chip manufacturers - Samsung and companies that produce only certain parts.
If manufacturers do not write a driver for at least one microcircuit for a new firmware, the device will not be able to work normally with it. If the manufacturer of the chip for communication with the mobile network does not write the driver, the smartphone will not be able to call. If the camera manufacturer does not write a driver, the smartphone will not take pictures. The firmware will not be released until all manufacturers have written working drivers. Driver creation takes 2 - 4 months.
Drivers - cement for connecting the frame (Android) and the foundation (components), without which the building will collapse.
Device manufacturer services- are responsible for the appearance of the desktop, menu items, programs, for unique applications and functions. Without them, all tablets and smartphones would look the same and have the same feature set. This part of the code is written by Samsung.
Services are finishing materials: facing bricks, wallpaper, tiles, paint, parquet.
After all the parts are ready, Samsung's task is to combine and bring them into a workable form. At this stage, the firmware is thoroughly tested to find and fix all errors. The total number of tests is several thousand times.
The final firmware must be approved by Google - it's like accepting a building by a state commission. If she doesn't like something, the process continues until the desired option appears.
Nobody names the exact date of the firmware appearance, because: a) several companies are working on it; b) the process lasts until full adaptation and elimination of errors.
For which smartphones and tablets the firmware will be released
New firmware is released for flagship devices within 18 months from the date of release.
Flagship devices are smartphones and tablets of the Galaxy S, Galaxy Tab S, Galaxy Note series, some models of the middle segment.
New firmware is not released for all devices.
Over time, firmware for a specific device is no longer released.
Below is a preliminary list of models that will receive updates to Android 9 (Pie), with approximate dates. Model list and release dates are subject to change.
Already received the update:
How to know if a new firmware has been released
If new firmware is available for your smartphone or tablet, a notification will appear at the top of the display.
A similar notification will appear if you connect your device to your computer and run the program Smart Switch.
If there is no notification, then: a) the firmware has not been released yet; b) something is wrong with the device (the current firmware is incorrectly installed or modified, the device is not for sale in Russia). In the first case - expect, in the second - contact service center.
Where to download the new firmware
Samsung does not publish firmware in the public domain. The new firmware is installed through the device menu or program Smart Switch.
The firmware cannot be downloaded from the Samsung website.
How to update the firmware
We have made detailed instructions in a separate article.
How to return to the previous firmware
Officially, without loss of guarantee - no way. Therefore, we recommend that you make an informed decision before updating.
Changes in the new firmware
Not all changes that are in the source code will necessarily appear in the new firmware. A detailed list of changes appears before downloading each new firmware.
Changes that can make.
Last year's flagships Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge received an official update to Android 7.0 (Nougat). During February, the update became available for download for all regional versions, with the exception of some operator versions, which are updated through the servers of their telecom operators.
In particular, the update "arrived" to all owners of the original Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge in Russia (SER region). Installation is possible either "over the air" directly from a smartphone, or via Kies or SmartSwitch software on a PC / Mac. Enthusiasts can try installing manually via Odin.
If you have an alternative firmware installed, then to switch to the official one based on Android 7.0 (Nougat), you need to roll back to the original. For example, using the same Kies or SmartSwitch.
Owners of Galaxy S7 or S7 Edge purchased abroad and wishing to use the Samsung Pay contactless payment service in Russia may need to install the firmware with the SER region using the Odin software mentioned above. And sometimes even flash first, for example, the British version, and then the Russian version.
It is important to note that this operation to install the "left" five-file firmware is not officially authorized and leads to the loss of the warranty (but you can return the firmware of the original region before contacting the service). Also, in some cases, the Knox counter may be triggered (for example, when firmware SM-G930F for SEA).
What problems does the new Android 7.0 (Nougat) firmware have?
"Pioneers" who have updated their Samsung Galaxy S7 to the latest version of Android have repeatedly complained about the increased "gluttony" of the system, which drains the battery on average 10% faster.
So, in one of the tests carried out by the journalists of PhoneArena, the Galaxy S7 running Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow lasted 397 minutes, and the S7 Edge - 430. After the upgrade to 7.0, the battery life of the former dropped to 360 minutes, and the latter to 395 ...
This problem has already caused a storm of indignation on the part of smartphone owners on social networks and critical publications in the press. Samsung representatives seem to promise that an update will soon be released that will return the battery life to its previous values. However, it is not yet clear how soon it will appear.
