Top Features in Samsung's One UI 9 Update
Explore the latest AI-driven tools and customization options in Samsung's newest software release.
1Refined Quick Panel Customization
One UI 9 introduces granular control over the Quick Panel, allowing users to resize media widgets and rearrange shortcuts via a simple pencil icon. A significant change includes moving the dark mode toggle to a standalone button, enabling faster system overrides without navigating through the display slider menus for every single adjustment.
2Balanced 24MP Camera Resolution
Samsung now offers a 24MP resolution option, bridging the gap between the standard 12MP and high-density 50MP settings. Users can enable this via the Camera Assistant module within the Good Lock app. This specific pixel density provides a balanced choice for those seeking high-quality images without consuming excessive device storage space.
3Direct USB Webcam Functionality
Users can now utilize their high-resolution Samsung phone cameras as webcams via a direct USB connection, eliminating the need for third-party software. By selecting the webcam option in the notification shade, the phone integrates seamlessly with video calling applications. This feature is particularly effective when using foldable devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 8.
4AI-Powered Video and Photo Editing
The My Fan Cam feature allows users to adjust video aspect ratios, enabling creative cropping for platforms like TikTok. Additionally, the object eraser tool has been upgraded with AI, allowing for the automatic identification and removal of unwanted elements in photos without requiring manual tracing, simplifying complex edits for everyday mobile photography enthusiasts.
5Gesture-Based Bixby Activation
Samsung has introduced Gesture Wake-up, allowing users to summon Bixby by lifting the phone to their lips. This feature bypasses the need for voice commands or manual triggers. By enabling this in advanced settings, the AI assistant becomes more accessible for quick queries, provided the user has configured the specific gesture activation setting.
6Advanced Multi-Finger Gesture Library
One UI 9 features an extensive gesture library accessible through the Home Up module in Good Lock. Users can configure up to five personalized actions using two, three, or five-finger swipes. These gestures allow for complex tasks like triggering screenshots or splitting the screen, offering a highly customized navigation experience for power users.
7Real-Time Data Speed Monitoring
The new Live Data Speed monitor displays real-time Wi-Fi and cellular connection speeds directly in the status bar. Enabled via the QuickStar module in Good Lock, this tool helps users diagnose connectivity issues instantly. It replaces the need for third-party speed test applications, providing immediate transparency regarding network performance during daily mobile usage.
8Enhanced Privacy and Multitasking
A new blue Privacy Indicator in the status bar alerts users when apps access their location, complementing the existing camera usage dot. Furthermore, the multitasking interface now supports up to three simultaneous apps on screen. This update provides better oversight of sensitive permissions while maximizing the utility of larger displays on foldable devices.
9AI-Driven Screenshot Organization
The Gallery app now uses AI to categorize screenshots into functional groups such as QR codes, receipts, and boarding passes. This organization makes it easier to retrieve specific information from years of accumulated images. Users can also search for these categorized screenshots using keywords, significantly improving the utility of the device's image storage.
10Optimized Gaming and Document Scanning
Game Booster controls are now accessible via a swipe during gameplay, allowing for instant performance adjustments. Simultaneously, the document scanner has received an AI boost to remove creases, curves, and thumb shadows from scans. These refinements demonstrate Samsung's focus on integrating practical AI tools into the core experience of its mobile hardware.
Original article: Engadget — Top Features in Samsung's One UI 9 Update