One UI 6 lets you choose which apps to update when installing new Android versions

Summary

  • In the latest One UI 6 beta update, Samsung now allows users to choose which system apps they want to update alongside the Android OS.
  • This new feature gives Android users more control over their smartphones, allowing them to customize their device to their preferences even further.
  • While opting out of app updates may speed up the OS update process, it’s important to note that apps can still update on their own depending on your settings in the Galaxy Store or Google Play Store.


Android smartphones are renowned for the level of control people have over the OS. Whether that’s from gaining root access and really changing the look and functionality of your phone, or simply getting to place apps in specific places on the home screen grid, the possibilities are basically endless. Samsung added a very small touch to its latest One UI 6 beta update adhering to user control, as people can now choose whether to update specific apps alongside Android updates.

Previously, Samsung simply updated system apps — the preinstalled ones that weren’t downloaded from Google Play or sideloaded — in bulk only alongside software updates, and there was nothing you could do about it. Now, users can pick and choose which system apps get updated when installing a new Android version.

Tucked away in a small section of the Software update screen when installing One UI beta 3 is a box that reads, “Some apps can be updated along with this software update.” Underneath is an option that lets you Choose apps to update. Tap that, and you’re directed towards a new settings screen with a list of all Samsung system apps. Here, you can select which ones you want to update along with the system update. Any not chosen will need to be

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The Pros And Cons Of Installing A Custom ROM On Your Android Phone

The most obvious advantage of installing a custom ROM on your Android device is gaining better control and customization over the operating system. Many Android smartphones come with customized versions of the OS, often accompanied by manufacturer-specific interfaces and pre-installed apps. Users can break free from these limitations by opting for a custom ROM and enjoy a more streamlined and personalized user interface. Custom ROMs offer a wide range of customization options, allowing users to select their preferred launcher, theme, icon packs, and other visual elements.

Customization isn’t the only benefit of installing a custom ROM on your Android device; they have also been proven to enhance performance and overall speed. Through resource optimization, fine-tuning settings, and efficient algorithms, custom ROMs provide a smoother and more responsive user experience. These improvements can be particularly advantageous for lower-end and mid-range devices that may struggle with the resource demands of stock firmware and can be particularly useful for older phones that aren’t receiving updates anymore because frequent updates align with the release of new Android versions, which means custom ROMs are available in multiple versions. 

In this perspective, the advantage of using these Custom ROMs lies in their ability to bypass limitations and the lack of support that often accompanies official Android installations on older devices. Remarkably, even on aged devices, the latest Custom ROMs can be effortlessly installed, ensuring a seamless and futuristic experience with compatible software. Moreover, there are additional perks, such as the removal of bloatware and unwanted pre-installed apps, extended device compatibility, and support.

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At least 2 Android users lost about $100k in CPF savings after installing apps , Singapore News

SINGAPORE – At least two Android users have lost no less than $99,800 of their Central Provident Fund (CPF) savings in June, due to scams involving malware.

In a statement on Saturday, the police said that the victims had come across advertisements marketing groceries like seafood on social media platforms, including Facebook.

The victims then contacted the businesses through their social media platform or WhatsApp.

They were then sent a URL to download an Android Package Kit (APK) file, an application created for Android’s operating system, to order groceries and make a payment.

Apps or APK files from the Internet or a third-party could contain phishing malware.

APKs are installation files for Android apps that can be downloaded from the Internet and third-party app stores, instead of the Google Play Store.

The victims are unaware that the application contains malware that allow scammers to access the victims’ device remotely and steal passwords. This includes Singpass passcode, among other things, which have been stored in the victims’ device.

“The scammer might also call the victim to ask for their Singpass passcode, purportedly to create an account on the application,” said the police.

Victims were then directed to fake bank application login sites to key in their banking credentials to make payment within the app.

The malware with keylogging capabilities would then capture the credentials keyed by the victims in the fake banking sites and sent to the scammer.

The scammers were then able to access the victims’ CPF account remotely using the stolen Singpass passcode and requested to withdraw the victims’ CPF funds through PayNow.

Once the CPF funds are deposited into the victims’ bank accounts, the scammer accessed the victims’ banking application and transfer the CPF funds away via PayNow.

The victims would only realise the scam when they discover

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Android 14 Could Prevent You from Installing Ancient Apps

A photo of the Google Play Store logo

Google only wants you to install apps from the Google Play Store in the next version of Android.
Image: East pop (Shutterstock)

The next version of Android isn’t due out until late this year, but it’s as good a time as any to start sniffing around for what’s to come. A recent edit to the Android 14 source code shows that Google is working on stricter API requirements to prevent Android users from installing old apps. It’ll be a boon for security but a bummer for Android diehards who prefer to finetune their smartphone experience through sideloading.

9to5Google discovered that Android 14, by default, will block any apps targeted toward especially old versions of Android, with the plan being to start with the oldest versions and work up to block apps all the way through Android 6. If an app developer—even an independent one—isn’t writing their app to more recent source code than that, Android will deny installation. It looks like device makers will be able to make the block more lenient (by allowing apps aimed at some older versions but not others) or disable it entirely, but the base install you’ll get on Pixel devices will have it fully enabled.

This should make Android feel more secure, especially from malicious apps that use ancient exploits to gain access to sensitive parts of the source code. Android 6 is the baseline because it was the first time Google required apps to ask for access to your contacts, location information, and internal storage. The nastier apps out there tend to target earlier versions of Android to circumvent this.

The Android mobile operating system has been around for a long time. But due to its openness and tinkerability, it’s developed a bit of a reputation for

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