Spotify to launch remix feature to rival TikTok tunes

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Spotify to launch remix feature to rival TikTok tunes
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In a time when social media impacts cultural trends, Spotify can use a TikTok-inspired remix feature. By allowing users to remix songs from their beloved artists, the music-streaming platform is looking to capitalize on the growing popularity of social media-driven music alterations. This move adheres to changing user tastes and opens up new possibilities for revenue streams in the digital music scene.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Spotify is working on creating tools. The tool allows paid subscribers to modify tracks, such as speeding up, mashing up, and other editing features. These options are inspired by TikTok trends to enhance user interaction and offer a unique music experience on the platform.

TikTok influence and music modification

With TikTok acting as an ideal platform for creative remixes and viral trends, the appeal of altering music songs has become increasingly prevalent among teenagers and young adults. Pex, a content analysis company, claims that many songs on TikTok have been altered, with speed and pitch changes becoming more common. Some alterations are driven by the desire to express one’s creativity and express themselves artistically. However, others could be driven by a desire to get around copyright restrictions or contractual duties.

Spotify’s response and revenue potential

Spotify’s move into remixing features signals a shift towards leveraging user-generated content and tackling copyright issues head-on. By enabling track remixing, Spotify ensures fair compensation for artists through transparent royalty distribution. This encourages creativity and provides a new revenue stream for artists, reducing income loss from unauthorized remixes on streaming services.

Empowering artists and enhancing user experience

The introduction of remixing features on Spotify signals a new chapter of cooperation between artists and fans. Moreover, it enhances connection and participation in the music community. Furthermore, By allowing users to remix tracks on Spotify, it aims to boost creativity, ensure artists get credit, and get paid. Subsequently, this mutually beneficial partnership between creators and listeners highlights Spotify’s dedication to empowering artists and improving the overall user experience.


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The iPhone 16’s lack of AI could cause a dip in Apple’s stock

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The iPhone 16’s lack of AI could cause a dip in Apple’s stock
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Since we’re about halfway through spring, we expect news and rumors about the next iPhone to start ramping up. While we expect the iPhone 16 to perform well as per Apple’s usual track record, some industry analysts have doubts. According to a new report, some analysts feel that the iPhone 16’s lack of AI may cause Apple’s stocks to dip.

When it comes to business, profits aren’t the only important number. Another important number is the stock price. Investors pour a lot of money into companies, and said companies do a lot to keep the investors happy. Otherwise, they will not be investors anymore.

For example, when Google originally unveiled Bard (now Gemini), it made a factual error. Because of that, numerous investors lost faith in Google’s AI technology, and this caused Google to lose millions of dollars in the stock market.

The iPhone 16’s lack of AI could cause Apple’s stocks to dip

Right now, Apple is preparing to bring its own flavor of generative AI. Seeing how much of a splash the technology made really pushed Apple to pivot. However, we don’t expect the iPhone 16 to have very powerful AI capabilities. That may be reserved for the iPhone 17 Pro. So, this year, we expect to see the usual slew of iterative hardware updates and a few software updates with the iPhone 16.

That’s all fine and dandy; however, investment firm J.P. Morgan is not so optimistic. According to a note seen by Apple Insider, J.P. Morgan dropped Apple’s target stock price from $225 per share to $210 per share. It’s important to note that this does not mean that the stock price has dropped to that point, and it does not mean that this is guaranteed. However, this is just a projection.

This projection makes sense

We all know how this goes; most Android OEMs, with the exception of Samsung, do everything they can to reinvent their new phones. Meanwhile, Apple tweaks a few things in the hardware and software, slaps a new number on the name, and sells its new iPhones in volume. Apple has its core fan base pretty much figured out. However, the introduction of generative AI brought forth a massive shift in the winds.

AI is the latest and greatest thing, and companies are starting to ingrain it into their smartphones. This has been going on with several Android OEMs, and it seems that Apple is now playing catch up. This doesn’t bode well for investor confidence, as Apple is now behind the trends (oh no!!).

This could cause investors to be a bit weary about Apple’s future. Sure, iPads and iMac computers (including Macbooks) are extremely popular, but the majority of the company’s income is from the iPhone. If Apple struggles to keep up with the competition, then it could lose greatly in the stock market.


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Android 15 Beta 1 breaks NFC / Google Wallet on some Pixels, but there’s hope

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Android 15 Beta 1 breaks NFC / Google Wallet on some Pixels, but there’s hope
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Android updates can sometimes be a pain, considering there are different phone makers and carriers that all get a say on when builds are released. It all creates a huge mess when you want the latest features or security patches. Google’s been fixing this with a project called Mainline, however, it is because of this project that it appears NFC is broken for those that updated to the latest Android 15 Beta 1 released yesterday.
This was all documented in great detail by Android expert, Mishaal Rahman for Android Headlines in a post yesterday. You see, the idea behind Mainline is simple: Google takes certain parts of Android and packages them like little apps. Instead of waiting for phone’s OEM to bake an update, these parts get updated directly through the Google Play Store. This means faster updates and faster security fixes for us the users. Good news, right?

However, it seems NFC — the tech responsible for contactless payments and quick data transfers — is about to become a Mainline module in Android 15. This was hinted at a while back, but now Rahman states he’s got some solid evidence of it.

This NFC change is a good thing because it shows Google is determined to streamline updates and the fragmentation mess that Android is known for. It’s a sign that we may see even more critical parts of Android handled this way in the future. But, with Android 15 still being new, there’s been an issue with some Pixel phones where NFC has stopped working. This has, of course, caused issues with the Google Wallet app, which now prompts and gives you a choice to be your default contactless payment app.

The good news is that now Google could just as easily update the app and fix what’s broken without much fuss — or so we hope. This isn’t affecting all Pixel devices, and it is only affecting the beta testers on Android 15, so the impact should not be too great. Hopefully, you aren’t running this beta on your daily driver…right?


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How to change your Social Security Number

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How to change your Social Security Number
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After seeing their Social Security Number (SSN) leaked in the AT&T breach, some US citizens are wondering if and how they can change their SSN.

The good news is that even though it’s a challenging process, it is possible. But if you’ve ever had to abandon an email address that you used for years, imagine all of the hassle that came with that, and then imagine it being about 10 times worse. Governments, your employer, and everyone else that identifies who you are by your SSN will have to be notified. And since it doesn’t happen very often, most of them will not have a streamlined process in place. It will take a lot of time and effort to set every record straight.

All that said, this process is not impossible, and in some cases, it is worth the effort.

When do I qualify?

The first obstacle will be to qualify for a change of your SSN in the first place. You will have to show that you:

  • Are the victim of identity theft. Importantly, even if this is true, the US government requires that you first have “attempted to fix problems resulting from the misuse,” but that you’re still encountering issues because of your original SSN. If someone is using your Social Security number for work purposes, you report it to the Social Security Administration (SSA) first. If someone is using your number to open lines of credit, you’ll need to go to identitytheft.gov to report it and establish a recovery plan. If those options didn’t help, then you can apply for a new SSN.
  • Were issued a duplicate number or you and a family member have sequential numbers that are causing problems.
  • Are facing a serious threat to your safety, like severe harassment, abuse, or potential life endangerment.
  • Have religious or cultural objections to the particular number you received. You’ll need to provide documentation from the group you belong to that affirms your objection.

Where do I start?

The first step is to contact your local Social Security office. Under normal circumstances, you will have to pay them a personal visit after making an appointment. They will perform all the required checks and assist you in drafting a statement explaining why you need a new number, and fill out an application for a new SSN.

You will need to bring:

Evidence of your age. This is usually a birth certificate, but in some cases, alternatives are allowed, such as a US hospital record of your birth, a religious record established before age 5 showing your age or date of birth, a passport, or a final adoption decree showing the birth information taken from the original birth certificate.

Evidence of identity. A US passport, US driver’s license or state-issued non-driver identity card satisfy this requirement. Alternatives that may be accepted are a US military identity card, a certificate of naturalization, employee identity card, a certified copy of medical record, health insurance card, Medicaid card, or school identity card/record.

Evidence of US citizenship or immigration status. A US birth certificate or US passport are standard for this requirement. Accepted alternatives may be Consular Report of Birth, Certificate of Citizenship, or Certificate of Naturalization.

For all these documents, US citizens will need to show original documents (or documents certified by the issuing agency).

US immigrants requesting a new SSN will need to provide evidence of immigration status by showing an unexpired document issued by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and additional documents if you are an international student or exchange visitor.

And you will need to provide evidence for the reason you need a new SSN.

Aftermath

Once you have successfully changed your SSN, here is a non-exhaustive list of entities that need to be informed:

  • The IRS.
  • Your employer.
  • Your bank. 
  • Your school.
  • Your student loan provider.
  • Your Medicare or Medicaid provider.
  • Any primary care doctors or specialists with your medical records.
  • Third-party insurance companies.

What you will not have achieved is also important to know. A Social Security number change doesn’t erase your financial history. So, a new SSN doesn’t absolve you of any debts you have, rectify your credit history, or repair a bad credit score.

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Pixel 9 Pro concept video envisions Google’s next phone

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Pixel 9 Pro concept video envisions Google’s next phone
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The Pixel 9 Pro is suspected to be one of Google’s next Pixel phones coming later this year, and a new concept video envisions what the device might look like. This isn’t the first time the Pixel 9 Pro has surfaced, as it’s leaked a few times before. In fact, this concept video from Technizo Concept on YouTube is based on those previous leaks.

Those previous leaks were all images, however. So this concept video lets you take a peek at what the device might look like in a sort of new light. Seeing as it shows off the potential design in 3D motion and rather up close in some cases. The Pixel 9 Pro is thought to come with a similarly large camera bump compared to the Pixel 8 series. Only it’ll be more of a rounded pill shape and it won’t stretch across the entirety of the back. It’ll also have more of a flat frame this time around, with something that’s more reminiscent of the Galaxy S24 design.

Pixel 9 Pro concept shows off stunning yellow/gold color combo

There have been at least two past leaks of the Pixel 9 Pro’s potential design. We say potential because obviously, the phone hasn’t been announced yet and nothing has been confirmed. In those leaked images, the phone is shown off in two possible colors that Google might use. A black option and something more akin to the Bay option that Google offers on the Pixel 8 Pro. This concept video is different, showing the phone off in what looks to be a muted yellowish hue. It also has a gold frame with what appears to be a matte finish.

Now again, since this is just a concept this is not an official color. It is, however, entirely possible that Google could offer a color like this. It’s not too far off from the color combinations Google has offered before. The color of the phone’s back is only slightly darker than the Lemongrass color Google offered on the Pixel 7 series, which also has a matte gold finish for the frame. So it’s not unthinkable Google might choose to use something like that again, even if it simply changes the name.

Google is rumored to offer three Pixel phones this year including the Pixel 9 and a Pixel 9 Pro XL model. Google is also expected to release the Pixel 8a this year, which could show up sometime within the next month or two.


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Google launches paid version of Chrome with extra security features

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Google launches paid version of Chrome with extra security features
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Chrome Enterprise has been around eight years and will continue to remain one of the solid choices for companies who need security above all else. However, for those who even more from their Chrome browser, Google is launching a Premium version, which is an evolution of the original Chrome Enterprise.For $6 per month, companies can now get Chrome Enterprise Premium, which includes several advanced security features that the free Chrome Enterprise Core doesn’t have.

For instance, the paid version features malware deep scanning, data loss prevention, context-aware access for SaaS, Google Cloud and private web apps via Chrome, as well as the option to filter URLs based on website category.

The rest of features are similar to both versions of Chrome Enterprise, but if you need any of the above, you’ll have to start paying $6 per month. Here is what else you get for your Premium subscription:

  • Enterprise-ready browser
  • Cloud management
  • Extension security and management
  • Third-party integrations
  • Management via third-party solutions
  • Malware and phishing protections
  • Chrome security insights

The new service introduced earlier this week at the Google Cloud Next conference in Las Vegas is now available worldwide.

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Palo Alto RCE Zero-day Vulnerability Actively Exploited in the Wild

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Palo Alto RCE Zero-day Vulnerability Actively Exploited in the Wild
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In a recent security bulletin, Palo Alto Networks disclosed a critical vulnerability in its GlobalProtect Gateway, identified as CVE-2024-3400. This flaw, rooted in the PAN-OS operating system, has already been exploited in a limited number of attacks, raising alarms across the cybersecurity community.

CVE-2024-3400 is classified under CWE-77, which pertains to the improper neutralization of special elements used in a command (‘Command Injection‘).

This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary OS commands on the affected system, posing a significant risk to the network’s integrity and security.

Impact on Users

Exploiting this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access and control over the affected systems, potentially resulting in data theft, system compromise, and disruption of operations.

Given the critical role of GlobalProtect Gateway in securing remote access to networks, the impact of this vulnerability is particularly concerning for organizations relying on Palo Alto Networks’ solutions for their cybersecurity needs.

Palo Alto Networks has acted swiftly in response to the discovery of CVE-2024-3400, announcing hotfix releases for the affected versions of PAN-OS.

The fixes will be accessible in PAN-OS 10.2.9-h1, PAN-OS 11.0.4-h1, and PAN-OS 11.1.2-h3, and they should be available by April 14.

Organizations are urged to apply these updates as soon as they become available to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability.

Additionally, users are advised to review their system logs for any signs of compromise and strengthen their network defenses by following best cybersecurity practices.

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Expert Opinions

Cybersecurity experts emphasize the seriousness of CVE-2024-3400, highlighting the potential for widespread disruption and harm if left unaddressed. “This vulnerability underscores the importance of rigorous security protocols and timely updates,” stated one expert, urging organizations to remain vigilant and proactive in their cybersecurity efforts.

In light of the ongoing threat landscape, the discovery of CVE-2024-3400 serves as a stark reminder of the need for constant vigilance and swift action in the face of emerging vulnerabilities.

As Palo Alto Networks works to address this critical issue, organizations worldwide are called to reinforce their defenses and protect their networks against potential exploitation.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story and ensure your systems are promptly updated to safeguard against this significant security threat.

Secure your emails in a heartbeat! To find your ideal email security vendor, Take a Free 30-Second Assessment.


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LastPass Dodges Deepfake Scam: CEO Impersonation Attempt Thwarted

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LastPass Dodges Deepfake Scam: CEO Impersonation Attempt Thwarted
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LastPass Dodges Deepfake Scam: CEO Impersonation Attempt Thwarted

Password management giant LastPass narrowly avoided a potential security breach after a company employee was targeted by a deepfake scam. The incident, detailed in a blog post by LastPass, involved an audio deepfake impersonating CEO Karim Toubba attempting to contact the employee via WhatsApp.

Deepfake technology, which can manipulate audio and video to create realistic forgeries, is increasingly being used by cybercriminals in elaborate social engineering schemes. In this instance, the scammer used a voice-altering program to impersonate Toubba’s voice, likely aiming to create a sense of urgency or trust with the employee.

LastPass Dodges Deepfake Scam: CEO Impersonation Attempt Thwarted
Screenshot of actual WhatsApp scam and attempted contact using deepfake audio as part of LastPass CEO impersonation (Credit: LastPass)

However, not everyone is as fortunate as LastPass. In February 2024, an employee of a multinational company’s Hong Kong branch was tricked into paying out HK$200 million (approximately US$25.6 million) after scammers utilized an AI-generated CFO with deepfake technology.

In another incident reported in August 2022, scammers utilized an AI-generated deepfake hologram of Binance’s chief communications officer, Patrick Hillmann, to deceive users into participating in online meetings and to target Binance clients’ crypto projects.

As for LastPass, the company commended the employee’s vigilance in recognizing the red flags of the situation. The unusual use of WhatsApp, a platform not commonly used for official communication within the company, coupled with the impersonation attempt, encouraged the employee to report the incident to LastPass security. The company confirmed that the attack did not impact its overall security posture.

Toby Lewis, Global Head of Threat Analysis at Darktrace commented on the issue highlighting the risks of Generative-AI, “The prevalence of AI today represents new and additional risks. but arguably, the more considerable risk is the use of generative AI to produce deepfake audio, imagery, and video, which can be released at scale to manipulate and influence the electorate’s thinking.“

“While the use of AI for deepfake generation is now very real, the risk of image and media manipulation is not new, with “photoshop” existing as a verb since the 1990s,” Toby explained. “The challenge now is that AI can be used to lower the skill barrier to entry and speed up production to a higher quality. Defence against AI deepfakes is largely about maintaining a cynical view of material you see, especially online, or spread via social media,“ he advised.

Nevertheless, this attempted scam goes on to show how sophisticated cybercriminals have become in their attacks. On the other hand, LastPass emphasized the importance of employee awareness training in mitigating such attacks. Social engineering tactics often rely on creating a sense of urgency or panic, pressuring victims into making rushed decisions.

The incident also highlights the potential dangers deepfakes pose in the corporate domain. As the technology continues to develop, creating ever-more convincing fakes, companies will need to invest in robust security protocols and employee training to stay ahead of these sophisticated scams.

While deepfake scams targeting businesses are still relatively uncommon, the LastPass incident stresses the growing threat. The company’s decision to publicize the attempt serves as a valuable cautionary tale for other organizations, urging them to heighten awareness and implement preventative measures.

  1. AI Generated Fake Obituary Websites Hit Grieving Users
  2. Deepfakes are Circumventing Facial Recognition Systems
  3. Fake Lockdown Mode Exposes iOS Users to Malware Attacks
  4. Deepfake Attack Hits Russia: Fake Putin Message Broadcasted
  5. QR Code Scam: Fake Voicemails Hit Users, 1000 Attacks in 14 Days

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April update available for Galaxy S22, S20 FE, Flip 4 & more

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April update available for Galaxy S22, S20 FE, Flip 4 & more
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Samsung‘s April update is quickly spreading to all eligible models worldwide. The company has just released the latest security patch for the Galaxy S22 series, Galaxy S20 FE, Galaxy Z Flip 4, Galaxy Z Fold 3, and Galaxy A52 in several global markets. Most of these devices have already received the update in the US.

The Galaxy S22 series gets the April update globally

Yesterday, Samsung released the April SMR (Security Maintenance Release) for the US versions of the Galaxy S22, Galaxy S22+, and Galaxy S22 Ultra. The update is now rolling out in Europe. It comes with the firmware build number S90*BXXS8DXD2. Users in other regions such as Latin America, Africa, Australia, and Asia should also soon receive the update.

This new SMR comes without any additional goodies. The 2022 Samsung flagships are picking up 40-odd security fixes and nothing more. They will get AI features and other improvements with the One UI 6.1 update in May. The Korean firm has already confirmed that the Galaxy S22 series will get most of the new AI features found on the Galaxy S24 lineup.

This month’s security patch is also rolling out to the Galaxy S20 FE, which is done getting feature updates. The rollout has begun in Europe. Both 4G and 5G versions of the phone are getting the update. According to SamMobile, the new build numbers are G780GXXS9EXC6 and G781BXXSAHXC6, respectively. A global rollout should follow soon.

The Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Galaxy Z Fold 3, which have already received the April SMR in the US, are also now getting it in other regions. The update for the former is available globally with the build number F721BXXS5EXD1. The latter, meanwhile, is currently only picking up the new security patch in Europe. The new build number for this phone is F926BXXS6GXD1.

Note that the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 have received this update in several global markets recently. If you haven’t got it wait, fret not. Samsung will gradually cover all units. This applies to other Galaxy devices as well. Since updates are released in batches, some users may receive them later than others. The changelogs mostly remain unchanged.

The Galaxy A52s is also getting the April SMR

The Galaxy A52s is another Samsung phone that recently started picking up the April SMR. This phone had a limited release (didn’t arrive in the US) and the company is currently updating it in Europe. You will get the update with firmware version A528BXXS7FXC8. The device will get One UI 6.1 in May or June, though it is unlikely to get new AI features.


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Galaxy S22, S21 & others will get One UI 6.1 AI features in May

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Galaxy S22, S21 & others will get One UI 6.1 AI features in May
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Samsung‘s new AI features will trickle down to the Galaxy S22, Galaxy S21, flagship tablets, and foldables launched in 2021 and 2022. The confirmation comes from an official community forum moderator. The 2022 lineup will get most of the features but only a handful will make it into the 2021 models. The One UI 6.1 rollout for these devices will begin in May.

Samsung confirms Galaxy AI for the Galaxy S22 and S21 series

According to the Samsung representative, the Galaxy S22 series, Galaxy Z Fold 4, Galaxy Z Flip 4, and Galaxy Tab S8 series will get the same AI features as the Galaxy S23 FE. This means these phones will receive everything except for Instant Slo-mo. This feature lets you instantly slow down any video by pressing and holding the screen when viewing it in Gallery or the built-in video player.

The feature is probably too resource-hungry for the Galaxy S23 FE or older Galaxy flagships to run smoothly. As such, Samsung decided to skip it. The Galaxy S21 series, Galaxy Z Fold 3, and Galaxy Z Flip 3 will also miss out on it—these devices will only get two Galaxy AI features. One of those is Circle to Search, which is essentially a Google feature. It lets you draw around anything on the screen to search for it on Google.

The other is Magic Rewrite, aka Chat Assist. Available via Samsung Keyboard, this tool allows you to quickly rewrite any given text to change its tone and style. 2021 Samsung flagships, including foldables, won’t get Live Translate, Generative Edit, or other AI features introduced with the Galaxy S24 series. It is unclear if the Galaxy S21 FE will get any Galaxy AI features with the One UI 6.1 update.

The rollout begins in early May

Galaxy AI has been grabbing headlines since its debut on the Galaxy S24 series earlier this year. It is even helping drive the sales of the new Samsung flagships. A recent survey showed that 27% of Galaxy S24 buyers picked the phone for AI features. This enabled the Korean behemoth to post healthy smartphone sales figures in the first quarter of 2024.

Samsung is gradually bringing Galaxy AI to older models. The Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy Z Flip 5, and Galaxy Tab S9 series have already picked it up with the One UI 6.1 update. The rollout for other eligible models will begin in early May. 2022 Galaxy flagships will get it first, followed by the 2021 lineup. We will let you know when the update arrives.


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