Samsung’s latest software One UI 6.1, marks a pivotal leap forward for Galaxy device users, beginning its rollout on March 28, 2024.
This substantial update, approximately 3GB in size, merges the advancements of Android 14 with Samsung One UI 6.1, offering a suite of enhancements that redefine the technology landscape.
Central to this update is the introduction of Galaxy AI, a sophisticated array of artificial intelligence features that promise to streamline and enrich user interactions. Initially debuted with the Galaxy S24 series in January,
These features now extend to the Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5, and Galaxy Tab S9 series, with plans to expand to older models.
Transformative features that One UI 6.1 brings to Samsung’s flagship devices, aiming to enhance every aspect of the user experience.
Samsung One UI
This suite of features uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance device functionality, originally debuting with the Galaxy S24 series.
Allows users to circle objects or text on their screen to initiate a Google search without leaving the app. Offers real-time translation during phone calls, showing translations on-screen and allowing participants to hear each other in their respective languages.
Facilitates in-person conversation translation in real-time, accessible from the quick panel. Users can point their camera at text to translate it instantly, For signs, documents, and more.
Browsing assists in summarizing and translating web content to streamline information consumption. Enhances functionality in Samsung Notes by automatically formatting, summarizing, and translating notes.
Automatically transcribes voice recordings into text and offers translation and summarization of these transcripts. AI-driven photo editing tools to rearrange, remove, or resize elements and generate new backgrounds.
Suggests ways to improve photos and videos, including adding effects like star trails or colorizing. Allows users to start video edits on one device and continue on another within the Galaxy ecosystem.
![Samsung One UI](https://i0.wp.com/techgeek360.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/sam4-1024x512.png?resize=814%2C407&ssl=1)
Create unique wallpapers for home and lock screens based on user-selected keywords. Enhance images with styles such as outlines or vintage looks and edit clips precisely.
Users can manage how AI features to process data and even block online processing completely. More options for lock screen widgets and customizable alert screens for alarms.
Specific Features for Different Devices
The rollout of Samsung’s One UI 6.1 update introduces device-specific features that cater to the different capabilities and designs of the devices eligible for the update.
Galaxy S23 Series and Galaxy Tab S9 Series these devices receive the full range of Galaxy AI features, including Circle to Search, Live Translate, and Generative Edit, leveraging the latest hardware capabilities.
Advanced wallpaper editing features, new lock screen widgets, and improved reminder settings. Updates in Samsung Health are needed to track physical activities and health metrics more accurately.
Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 while these devices generally receive many new features, specific enhancements, like AI wallpaper for cover screens, are absent in the Z Flip 5 due to the size constraints of the cover display.
These models emphasize features that enhance the multi-device experience, such as video editing continuation across devices and synchronized tab groups on Samsung Internet.
Galaxy S22 Series, Galaxy Z Fold 4, and Galaxy Z Flip 4 are Scheduled to receive AI features like Circle to Search and Live Translate in May 2024; these devices will catch up with the newer models in terms of software capabilities.
Older models will adapt the new features within the constraints of their existing hardware, focusing on enhancements that do not require the latest AI hardware.
The Galaxy Z Flip 5 does not support AI-generated wallpapers on its cover screen, a limitation due to the smaller display size and the device’s unique form factor.
![Samsung One UI](https://i0.wp.com/techgeek360.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/sam1-1024x512.png?resize=814%2C407&ssl=1)
Mid-range and older flagship devices may receive updates that include improvements and new features that do not rely on AI, such as customization options and enhanced security features.
Future versions, like One UI 6.1.1, are expected to bring more foldable-specific features, including AI capabilities for the cover screens of the Z Flip 5 and older models.
Additional Improvements and Features
The One UI 6.1 update from Samsung also brings a range of additional improvements and features designed to enhance the overall user experience, increase productivity, and offer more personalization options across Galaxy devices.
Users can apply frames and effects when selecting images for wallpapers. Depth effects can make subjects in photos stand out. Additional widgets for the Lock Screen and Always On Display include Weather, Samsung Health, Battery, Reminder, Calendar, and Clock.
Users can now use images, videos, or AR emojis to create custom alert screens for each alarm. More intuitive calendar settings, the ability to add stickers to dates, and customized reminder alerts with selectable backgrounds and colors.
Allows sharing with other Android devices even without an internet connection. Locates all Galaxy devices on a map, with features to help find lost devices and protect data.
Users can broadcast audio from their phones to nearby Bluetooth LE Audio devices. Continues browsing sessions across devices by syncing tab groups in Samsung Internet.
Quick panel access to video call effects and mic modes that enhance audio and visual during calls. Maintains keyboard visibility when using voice input, allowing seamless switching between typing and speaking.
Using physical keyboards, new shortcuts help users snap apps to one side of the screen. Redesigned search interface categorizes results by type, improving user navigation.
Additional support for changing playback speed and continuity in editing across devices. Compete against past results in Samsung Health and edit exercise details post-workout.
New options for setting goals based on floors climbed or active hours. End-to-end encryption ensures data remains secure, even in the event of breaches.
Password-free sign-in process using biometrics. Basic, Adaptive, and Maximum Protection to extend battery lifespan and optimize charging patterns.
Eligibility and Limitations
The rollout of the One UI 6.1 update brings a host of new features to Samsung devices. Still, specific eligibility criteria and limitations are based on device models and their hardware capabilities.
The full array of One UI 6.1 features, including the new Galaxy AI capabilities, is primarily available to flagship devices such as the Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy Z Flip 5, and the Galaxy Tab S9 series.
Devices like the Galaxy S22 series, Galaxy Z Fold 4, and Galaxy Z Flip 4 are set to receive the update with AI features in May 2024, a month after the initial rollout of the latest models.
Galaxy Tab S8 series, including S8, S8+, and S8 Ultra, are also included in the upcoming rollout schedule for receiving One UI 6.1 features.
Older models and devices with less advanced hardware may only support some of the new AI-driven features due to processing power limitations or needing more necessary hardware components.
![Samsung One UI](https://i0.wp.com/techgeek360.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/sam3-1024x512.png?resize=814%2C407&ssl=1)
The AI features tailored explicitly for newer foldable may not be fully available for older foldable models until subsequent updates like One UI 6.1.1.
Devices such as the Galaxy Z Flip 5 do not support AI-generated wallpapers on their cover screens due to the smaller display size, limiting the visual experience of such features.
The availability of certain features may also vary by region and carrier, affecting when and how users receive the update. Samsung plans to extend support for AI features to select devices starting in 2021, including the Galaxy S21 series.
This indicates a commitment to maintaining functionality across older devices, although the complete feature set may still be limited.
One UI 6.1.1 is anticipated to bring more specialized features for foldable phones, likely addressing current limitations with devices like the Galaxy Z Flip 5.
Flagship devices enjoy the full suite of updates, mid-range and budget devices will likely receive enhancements without AI, such as improved security features, battery management options, and general user interface improvements.
Final Thoughts
The release of One UI 6.1 represents a significant enhancement to Samsung’s ecosystem, introducing a suite of new AI-driven features and general improvements that enrich the user experience across various devices.
One UI 6.1 brings cutting-edge AI capabilities to flagship devices, offering features like real-time translation, AI-based photo editing, and personalized AI-generated wallpapers, which cater to the evolving needs of Samsung users.
The update provides robust enhancements in customization, productivity, connectivity, and media management, reflecting a comprehensive upgrade that touches nearly every aspect of device operation.
Samsung demonstrates its commitment to all users by planning to roll out AI features and other updates to older flagship models and even some mid-range devices. This inclusivity helps maintain device longevity and customer satisfaction.
Samsung is likely to continue this trend with subsequent updates such as One UI 6.1.1, which aims to expand features for foldable devices and possibly bring AI features to the cover screens of devices like the Galaxy Z Flip.
The phased rollout and device-specific feature allocation show Samsung’s strategic planning in firmware development, aiming to maximize hardware capabilities while ensuring stability and security.