Samsung brings a trio of budget phones to the UK, including the Galaxy A32 5G

Samsung has announced a trio of new budget devices is headed to the U.K., including the recently announced Galaxy A32 5G, which is the company’s most affordable 5G device yet.

The other two devices as part of Samsung’s announcement include the Galaxy A12 and Galaxy A02, both of which feature a 6.5-inch display, a 5,000mAh battery, and support for 15W fast-charging. Both devices were previously revealed last November. Like the Galaxy A32 5G, the Galaxy A12 also features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and 4GB of RAM. All three phones support microSD expansion.

“Our new line-up of A Series smartphones demonstrates our commitment to developing products and experiences at all price points without making compromises,” said James Kitto, Vice-President of Sales for Samsung UK & Ireland. “The Galaxy A12, Galaxy A02s and Galaxy A32 5G add even greater depth to what is an already outstanding A Series portfolio, offer customers cutting-edge innovation, including an expansive display, hardworking camera and 5G at excellent value.”

The Galaxy A02 is the most affordable of the three phones at £139 in white and black; the Galaxy A12 retails for £169 in white, black, and blue, while the Galaxy A32 5G will be available for £249 in black, white, blue, and violet.

These new devices arrive a week after Samsung introduced the Galaxy S21 series, so consumers have plenty of new options to choose from. Whereas the Galaxy S21 series offers a high-end experience with the latest advancements in mobile technology, the newest additions to its Galaxy A series line provides consumers with a more tempered experience at an affordable price.

If you’re looking to save some money, Samsung said the Galaxy A12 is available now from Samsung and major U.K. retailers, while the Galaxy A32 5G will be available beginning February 19. Samsung said the Galaxy A02 will be available in the coming weeks.

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Samsung rolls out the Android 11 update with One UI 3.1 to the Galaxy Tab S7

Back in August 2020, Samsung launched the Galaxy Tab S7 (our review). With the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus SoC, a fluid 120Hz display, and up to 8GB of RAM, the Galaxy Tab S7 lineup was, and still is, the most powerful Android tablet offering from the Korean OEM. The Galaxy Tab S7 series launched with Samsung’s One UI 2.5 skin on top of Android 10, but now, the update to Android 11 is rolling out. Surprisingly, the update also brings the latest One UI 3.1 software with a plethora of new features.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 / S7 Plus XDA Forums

As reported by SamMobile, the update is rolling out for the Korean Galaxy Tab S7 LTE (SM-T875), S7 Plus LTE (SM-T975N), and the S7 Plus 5G (SM-T976N) units. The software version of the new build is TxxxNKOU1BUA8, and it ships with the January 2021 Android Security Patch Level.

Thanks to Samsung Korea Community Member Paul for the screenshot!

Samsung’s first Android 11-based software release was One UI 3.0, but as you can see, it has been skipped over for the Galaxy Tab S7 in favor of One UI 3.1. The minor revision is still based on Android 11 just like the One UI 3.0 update that rolled out for many other Galaxy devices, but it includes some of the latest changes made by Samsung as it’s the latest version of the software that shipped with the newly launched Galaxy S21 series.

The full changelog for the aforementioned update is available here (in Korean), which highlights the refreshed UI design, stock app improvements, memory allocation enhancement, and more. This update also brings the promised Second Screen functionality that Samsung announced during the launch event. This feature lets you use the tablet as a secondary monitor for your Windows PC.

In case you have the Korean variant of the Galaxy Tab S7 but haven’t received the update notification yet, you can head over to the Software Update section in the Settings app to check if the OTA prompt is available for your device or not. Considering the recent trends, Samsung might release the update in other regions over the next few weeks.

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Broadcom’s BCM4389 debuts in Samsung’s Galaxy S21 Ultra, bringing WiFi 6E support

To kick off the New Year, the WiFi Alliance announced that it has begun to certify products for WiFi 6E. Now, Broadcom has revealed that the company’s BCM4389 chip will enable WiFi 6E in the Galaxy S21 Ultra.

The news means Samsung’s newest flagship is the first (and so far only) smartphone to feature WiFi 6E, and will allow the device to achieve WiFi speeds over 2Gbps. Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear the Galaxy S21 or Galaxy S21 Plus include the Broadcom BCM4389 chip.

According to Broadcom, the chip also features a multi-radio Bluetooth 5 architecture that supports a premium audio experience with Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro, and Tri-Band Simultaneous (TBS) connectivity that improves WiFi and Bluetooth performance and battery utilization.

In addition to WiFi 6E, Broadcom BCM4389’s TBS connectivity architecture brings better WiFi QoS, more precise indoor location accuracy and five times better battery utilization compared to current audio headsets even in heavily congested locations like subway stations.

WiFi 6E is expected to become more widely available in 2021 with smartphones, PCs, laptops, and TVs expected to support the technology. As we previously explained, the arrival of WiFi 6E (WiFi at 6GHz) should feel like expanding a two-lane highway into an eight-lane highway, which should ease the transition of working from home.

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Forums

In addition to the Galaxy S21 Ultra supporting WiFi 6E, a number of new routers were announced at CES 2021 that will also launch with WiFi 6E support. So far, countries like the U.S., U.K., Europe, Chile, and South Korea have begun to license the use of the 6GHz band, while other countries are on a similar path toward approval.

Here are some of the Broadcom HCM4389’s key highlights:

• Seven Wi-Fi and Bluetooth radios
• Support for 2 streams of Wi-Fi 6E
• Multi-Radio Bluetooth 5 with antenna beamforming
• Tri-Band Simultaneous (TBS) architecture including a dedicated background scan radio for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
• Simultaneous dual-band operation
• 2.63 Gbps PHY rate
• Operation in 2.4 GHz and 5.1-7.125 GHz unlicensed bands
• 160 MHz channel bandwidth
• 1024-QAM modulation
• OFDMA
• MU-MIMO

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Android 12 may let you hibernate unused apps to free up space

Update 1 (01/19/2021 @ 12:32 PM ET): We now know a bit more about how this feature will free up space. Click here for more information. The article as published on January 11, 2021, is preserved below.

It may be hard to believe, but we’re likely only a little over a month away from the release of the first Android 12 Developer Preview. After all, the first Android 11 Developer Preview was released back in February of 2020! We’ve been scouring the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) Gerrit for hints of new features coming to the next version of Android, and recently we’ve spotted evidence that Google is working on an app hibernation feature for Android 12.

Based on a couple of code changes submitted to AOSP, Google is adding a new app hibernation system service “that manages app hibernation state, a state apps can enter that means they are not being actively used and can be optimized for storage.”

Unfortunately, we don’t have any more details about this feature. For example, we don’t know how apps can enter this state. Is it automatically determined based on app usage statistics? Can users manually choose to force apps to hibernate? We also don’t know how apps will be optimized for storage, nor do we know how the OS will tell the user which apps have been hibernated.

Our guess is that app hibernation will be automatic like the auto-revoking permissions feature introduced in Android 11 and that optimization involves compression of the APK and other app resources, but we won’t know for sure until more code changes are submitted. We also don’t know for sure if this feature will actually make its way to Android 12 as the commits haven’t been merged yet. There’s still time for new features like this to be added, but the window is closing soon. Once we learn more about this app hibernation service or any other features coming to Android 12, we’ll share that information.

Thanks to XDA Recognized Developer luca020400 for the tip!

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Update 1: Clearing App Cache

While the commits for the app hibernation feature have not yet been merged — meaning we still don’t know for sure if it’ll end up in Android 12 — we have now learned a bit more information about how the feature works. According to the code submitted in a new commit (once again spotted by XDA Recognized Developer luca020400), the app hibernation feature will automatically clear an app’s cache files. The amount of storage that will be freed up depends on the app in question — video streaming and messaging apps can cache hundreds of megabytes worth of data — but this is only one part of the app hibernation feature. In a comment, Google devs hint at more potential storage savings via “package level hibernation.” This could refer to compressing the app and its resources or to other actions to reduce the space taken up by an app’s installation.

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Samsung’s SmartThings is now integrated with Android Auto

Update 1 (01/19/2021 @ 12:13 PM ET): The latest version of the SmartThings app has added Android Auto support. Click here for more information. The article as published on January 14, 2021, is preserved below.

Samsung and Google on Thursday jointly announced that Samsung’s SmartThings service will be integrated into Android Auto beginning next week. The integration will allow Android Auto users to control compatible SmartThings smart home devices right from their car’s display.

The announcement follows today’s major Galaxy S21 launch, which also included the Galaxy Buds Pro and Galaxy SmartTag, a Tile-like tracker that will make it easy for users to see the location of what the accessory is attached to.

During its presentation on Thursday, Samsung briefly showed off what SmartThings integration will look like in Android Auto. With the SmartThings app pulled up, users will see shortcuts to quickly control smart home devices that are connected to Samsung’s platform. In one image, Samsung showed off a few routines along with access to things like a smart thermostat, robot vacuum cleaner, and smart washer.

The image also shows off a “Locations” button, but we’re not entirely sure what that’s in reference to. Perhaps it’s for people who have multiple residences with different smart home products. It’s also unclear if the new integration can be controlled via Google Assistant on Android Auto.

Samsung’s SmartThings platform is essentially a brand name that encompasses hardware and software. The platform provides users with a hub where they can control a multitude of compatible smart home devices, from security cameras to lights. It’s not the only hub for controlling smart home devices, but as Samsung is one of the biggest companies in the world, it’s certainly one of the most widely available.

Today’s news comes on the heels of an announcement from December that saw Google reveal that Nest devices will work with Samsung’s platform beginning January 2021. That means if you own a Nest Hub or other Nest smart home device, you can easily control it through SmartThings right from Android Auto (or your Samsung Galaxy S21).

Google said the new integration will be available beginning next week, so you can’t access the feature just yet. But we’ll be sure to let you know when it’s finally available.

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Update: SmartThings integration with Android Auto rolls out

As promised, you can now add shortcuts to your favorite SmartThings devices in Android Auto. Android Auto support is rolling out now with version 1.7.59.23 of the SmartThings app on Android. According to users on Reddit, you can pick up to 6 different things to control from within Android Auto. If you’ve added Google Nest devices, then those devices can also be added, though it seems you can’t interact with Nest Cams or Nest Thermostats if added this way.

If you’re having trouble setting this up, simply open the SmartThings app on your phone, tap the hamburger menu icon, tap the settings button, and scroll down to “Android Auto.” Once in the Android Auto menu, select up to 6 items from your home. Finally, open the app launcher in Android Auto (on your car’s head unit, not on your phone) and find SmartThings.

SmartThings (Free, Google Play) →

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India asks WhatsApp to revert its controversial privacy policy changes

WhatsApp recently announced a new privacy policy to clarify how the company collects and uses data when a user messages a business. However, because of WhatsApp’s failure to properly educate users on the changes, implications of data sharing with Facebook, a healthy dose of skepticism, and social media being social media, millions of users were up in arms about the changes, with many fleeing to alternative apps like Telegram and Signal. Now, WhatsApp is now being asked to withdraw its new privacy policy by the Indian government.

In a letter written to WhatsApp head Will Cathcart, the IT ministry has pointed out that the changes raise “grave concerns” when it comes to the implication for choice and autonomy of Indian citizens. The government has also said that users in India are being subjected to differential treatment when compared to users in Europe.

“The privacy policy offered by WhatsApp to its European users specifically prohibits the use of any information shared with a Facebook company for that companies’ own purposes, while this Clause is not present in the privacy policy offered to Indian users. This differential and discriminatory treatment of Indian and European users is attracting serious criticism and betrays a lack of respect for the rights and interest of Indian citizens, who form a substantial portion of WhatsApp’s user base.”

Earlier this month, users were alerted with an in-app notification where WhatsApp had asked users to agree to its new privacy policy and terms and conditions. Initially, users were asked to comply with the policy changes by February 8 if they wished to continue using the messaging service. However, WhatsApp recently deferred the date of enforcing the proposed policy to May 15.

“This ‘all-or-nothing’ approach takes away any meaningful choice from Indian users. This approach leverages the social significance of WhatsApp to force users into a bargain, which may infringe on their interests in relation to informational privacy and information security,” said the ministry in the letter.

India currently has the largest number of WhatsApp users around the globe. In an effort to debunk rumors and speculations surrounding the new policy changes, WhatsApp ran front-page ads on several newspapers in India. However, it seems that the attempt was not very successful. Indian IT and Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has been tweeting against the new policy changes today saying, “Be it WhatsApp, be it Facebook, be it any digital platform. You are free to do business in India but do it in a manner without impinging upon the rights of Indians who operate there.”

Be it WhatsApp, Facebook or any other digital platform they are free to do business in India but it should be done in a manner without impinging upon the rights of Indians who operate it. The sanctity of personal communications needs to be maintained: @rsprasad at #15IDS pic.twitter.com/p33qynU6Ur

— RSPrasad Office (@OfficeOfRSP) January 19, 2021

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Get fit in the new year with Apple Fitness Plus, free courtesy of Best Buy

It really sucks not being able to go to the gym. I get it, really. Unless you have the money and space for a home gym, it’s pretty upsetting losing what is a healthy escape. Granted, it’s for the best, and while we wait for it to be safe again, we can find alternate means to work out from our home. It comes as no surprise that fitness apps are all the rage, either, with people needing motivation not only in the new year, but in general. Apple is taking a shot at the market with Apple Fitness Plus, hoping to cut through the chaff and offer the workout experience you want.

Apple Fitness Plus is a premium service, and it’s typically $10 a month for a variety of workouts. That’s not too bad a price on its own (especially with the money freed up for not paying for gym memberships), but with Best Buy, you can get a few months for free!

First, if you’re a My Best Buy member, you can get two months of Apple Fitness Plus for free. My Best Buy is the retailer’s free rewards program, and you’re probably already part of it! Yep, that’s really it!

But, hold on–you can get six months free as well! Both offers are only open to new subscribers, so choose wisely before taking one offer or the other.

If you’re planning on buying an Apple Watch, grabbing your smartwatch from Best Buy will get you six months of Apple Fitness Plus for free! While the Apple Watch isn’t required to use the app, smartwatch stats are heavily integrated. Based on how hard you work out, what you do, and other statistics, Fitness Plus can recommend new workouts and push you to exercise even harder. The Apple Watch adds a whole new layer to your workouts, and it working perfectly with Fitness Plus is perfect for the fitness data nerds out there.

Apple Watch

Get fit, track your health, and more with the Apple Watch! Any Apple Watch purchase at Best Buy will net you six free months of Apple Fitness Plus.

Buy at Best Buy

Apple Fitness+

Whether you're getting two months or six months free, you can see Best Buy's offer on the app here!

View at Best Buy

The only other thing you need is an Apple device that can run the Apple Fitness Plus app. No Android functionality here! If you’re reading this, you’re probably already ingrained in the Apple ecosystem in some way, but just in case… the iPad Air is still at its lowest price yet at Amazon! It’s an immensely useful tablet to boot, so you’ll definitely get your money’s worth.

iPad Air

The iPad Air is an awesome tablet, and it's still on sale at Amazon for its lowest price yet, depending on what color you want.

Buy at Amazon

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