Samsung Unveils One UI 8 Beta: New Features on Android 16 Platform
One UI 8 Beta, based on Android 16, is rolling out to Galaxy S25 devices with enhanced productivity tools, DeX upgrades, and smarter UI features.
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Samsung Electronics Co. on Wednesday opened the One UI 8 Beta Program and deployed the initial beta update for its Galaxy S25 lineup in a handful of markets. Based on Android 16, the release delivers upgrades across file sharing, multitasking, reminders and system utilities.
In the productivity suite, users gain Quick Share integration in the quick settings panel for direct peer-to-peer transfers, along with download filters in My Files that sort by source app. The Samsung Internet browser menu now adapts to user preferences with a modular layout.
Multitasking sees expanded screen support in DeX mode, offering quality adjustments up to WQHD and rotation options at 90-degree increments. The split-screen function lets one app recede to the edge while the other occupies the main view, toggled by a tap.
The Reminder app interface groups tasks by category at the top of the display and introduces sample templates. Populating a reminder requires typing at the prompt or tapping voice, checklist, location or image icons, with suggestions appearing in real time.
Calendar integration allows reminders to appear alongside events; tapping the plus sign offers a choice between the two. Event entries draw on past appointments to propose titles and times for faster input.
New preset routines include weather triggers and advanced conditions, while fresh actions pull data from Clock, Calendar and Samsung Notes for automated workflows.
Samsung Health adds distance-based running challenges and meal logging alerts to its step-tracking features. Profile card editing in Contacts lets users craft shareable caller ID layouts and review recorded calls inline.
Camera controls shift quick settings access to a swipe anywhere on the preview pane. Secure Folder gains options to conceal apps, suppress notifications and encrypt contents. Accessibility settings introduce keyboard shortcuts for mouse functions, magnified onscreen keys and direct pairing for Bluetooth hearing aids.
Additional tweaks include Auracast support via QR codes for audio broadcasts, alarm groups that sync with home screen widgets, and enhanced visuals in the Weather app for intuitive condition displays.
