Tag: Lets

Android Apps

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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Android Apps

This app lets you use one of the best iOS 17 features on Android

What you need to know

  • iOS 17 introduces StandBy Mode for iPhone models, providing a smart display-like experience when charging. 
  • While some Android phones offer a similar interface, it’s not as feature-rich as what iOS 17 brings.
  • StandBy Mode Pro emulates this iOS 17 feature but includes a lot more customization than even what Apple will offer.

When Apple introduced iOS 17, there really weren’t a lot of “game-changing” features unless you’ve never used an Android phone before. But in my time testing out the iOS 17 beta on my iPhone 14 Pro Max, I’ve come to thoroughly enjoy the “new” StandBy Mode. 

Basically, this turns your iPhone into a smart display of sorts, complete with a digital clock and various widgets to show things like your calendar, upcoming tasks, or the weather. This is nothing new in the Android space, as Samsung phones offer something similar thanks to the always-on display, but it doesn’t really “hit the spot.”

As you might suspect, a bunch of apps hit the Play Store shortly after iOS 17 was unveiled, which aimed to bring StandBy Mode to all Android phones. But there’s one app that I’ve been relying on for a while now, and it’s slowly turning into one of my favorite apps of the year.

Aptly named StandBy Mode Pro, the app “turns your phone or tablet into a Smart Display while it charges.” But instead of just imitating the different clocks and widgets that you’ll find on the iPhone running iOS 17, there are quite a few more options to choose from. You can opt for the “Duo” mode, which splits your screen in half and places scrollable widgets on either side. 

Taking things even further, StandBy Mode Pro borrows the “night mode” from iOS 17, putting a red tint on

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Android Apps

Samsung Good Lock module One Hand Operation + lets you launch your favorite apps faster than ever

Good Lock has become such a staple of the Samsung experience that, for many of us, it’s something we couldn’t do without. One of my favorite modules has always been One Hand Operation +. Weird name aside, the level of customization it gives you over gesture navigation has ruined other phones for me. Whenever I use a device without it, I miss it instantly. Now the module is getting even better, with a new gesture action that helps you open your favorite apps faster than ever.


one-hand-operation-quick-launcher-anim

As spotted by Twitter user TechByBD, the latest update to the module adds a quick launcher feature. As you can see in the GIF above, when you first enable the quick launcher, it’s filled with a random assortment of apps. Thankfully, that can easily be changed, so let’s look at how to enable it, customize it, and whether it’s worth using.


How to use quick launcher

  1. Open One Hand Operation +.
  2. Tap on either right handle or left handle based on which you want to use.
  3. Tap on one of the six gestures, depending on which you’d like to trigger quick launcher.
  4. Scroll down and tap on quick launcher.

With that done, quick launcher is now assigned to the gesture of your choice. Like the GIF at the beginning, in this state, it’ll just be filled with a handful of your apps — so from here, you’ll want to make it your own.

  1. Use your assigned gesture and wait for the settings cog to appear next to the launcher before tapping it.
  2. Tap on the minus symbol next to each icon to remove anything you don’t want.
  3. To add an app or shortcut, tap on the 3×3 grid in the bottom right.
  4. Tap on any app or system shortcut you want
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Android Google

Android Auto Lets You Use Google Maps on Phone, Car Display Simultaneously

Android Auto has been a helpful interface that abridges Google’s operating system to use while driving, but it’s had some limitations, like preventing Google Maps from displaying on a phone as it’s being used on a car dashboard. Now Android Auto users on Reddit are reporting that the limitation has been lifted and Google Maps can be used on phones and car displays simultaneously. 

The restriction was as odd as it was frustrating, with Google Maps showing less information on a car dashboard than in its phone app and displaying only turn-by-turn navigation, ETA, distance remaining and music controls, as Android Police pointed out. This simultaneous-use feature had been briefly available to users in February before being pulled from Google Maps, so hopefully it’s now here to stay. 

Presumably, Google had wanted to restrict Google Maps for safety reasons while Android Auto was engaged, keeping you focused on minimal information on the car display rather than distracted by a mobile interface. The tech giant my have accepted what drivers have known for some time: that passengers can use the Android Auto-connected phone during the ride to give more nuanced directions, so you can benefit from having a fully functional Google Maps app while on the road. 

Google didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

By comparison, Apple Maps offers slightly more information on road trips: While CarPlay is engaged and the Maps app is navigating to a destination, the connected phone will display a list of turn-by-turn directions. That’s helpful, but it’s still limiting, especially for passengers who want to engage Maps’ additional features.

Read more: Best Android Phone of 2023


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