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Samsung's One UI 6.1 Unveils Exciting Features for Galaxy S24 Series and More

One UI 6.1
Samsung introduced the One UI 6.1 update at its recent Unpacked event, stealing the spotlight with the Galaxy S24 series. While the event primarily showcased the impressive new phones, some noteworthy features of the One UI 6.1 update took a backseat. Let's delve into these hidden gems that are set to elevate the user experience.

1. Always On Display (AOD) Wallpapers:

For years, the Always On Display (AOD) background has been a consistent black canvas. However, the One UI 6.1 update brings a subtle yet impactful change. Users can now opt for the AOD to display the wallpaper from the lock screen, albeit with a dimmed effect. This small tweak adds a personal touch to the ambient screen, and the feature comes activated by default. Users, however, have the flexibility to deactivate it if they prefer to save battery or find it less appealing.

Always On Display (AOD) Wallpapers

2. Generative AI Wallpapers:

Samsung embraces the power of generative AI with a feature reminiscent of Google's Pixel 8 series. Users can input text prompts to generate AI-created images, offering a unique and personalized home screen background. The process involves selecting preferences from predefined choices to create artistic wallpapers. Samsung's adaptation maintains a familiar structure for its users, ensuring a seamless and creative experience.

3. Photo Ambient Wallpaper:

Adding a weather twist to static wallpapers, the Photo Ambient Wallpaper feature integrates weather data into any chosen image. Users provide Samsung with a photo or graphic, and the app overlays it with real-time weather information. This means a quick glance at your wallpaper tells you whether it's sunny, raining, or snowing in your location. Accessible in the Labs section of One UI 6.1, activating this feature is a breeze through the Advanced Features settings.

Photo Ambient Wallpaper

4. Lock Screen Widgets:

One UI 6.1 streamlines access to lock screen widgets, eliminating unnecessary steps. Unlike the previous versions, where tapping the clock icon was necessary, most widgets now automatically appear on the lock screen when pulled up. Positioned below the clock, these widgets offer at-a-glance information without unlocking the phone. Supported widgets include battery status, Samsung Health, and a preview of upcoming calendar events, providing convenient access directly from the lock screen.

5. Samsung Find:

A game-changer akin to Apple's Find My and Google's Find My Device, Samsung introduces the Find application. Merging features from the SmartThings app, it acts as a centralized hub for tracking functionalities. Divided into People, Devices, and Items tabs, users can share locations, track Samsung devices, and monitor objects with SmartTags. Samsung Find offers a comprehensive tracking experience, enhancing user control and convenience.
Samsung Find

6. Navigation Bar Conundrum:

In a surprising move, One UI 6.1 removes the option to hide the navigation bar when using gesture navigation. Previously, users could conceal the bar if they found it undesirable. However, with the introduction of Circle to Search, this flexibility is no longer available. Activating Circle to Search now requires a long press on the navigation bar, rendering it essential for users who prefer gesture navigation. Unfortunately, there's no workaround for this change, leaving users accustomed to a clean display with no choice but to accept the presence of the navigation bar.

Verdict:

The One UI 6.1 update brings a mix of aesthetic enhancements and functional improvements, catering to both creative and pragmatic users. From personalized AOD wallpapers to the practicality of lock screen widgets and the robust tracking features of Samsung Find, Samsung continues to push boundaries. While the removal of the option to hide the navigation bar may irk some users, the overall package showcases Samsung's commitment to enhancing the user experience on the Galaxy S24 series and beyond. As users adapt to these changes, Samsung's innovation remains at the forefront of the Android experience.

(Via)