Over the past year, Google has been diligently improving its Password Manager to rival some of the best third-party password management tools available. To facilitate a seamless transition for users, Google is working on a new integrated option allowing the import of CSV files containing login credentials from other password managers.
Google app expert @AssembleDebug uncovered this development on X, highlighting Google’s endeavor to streamline the import process. Currently, Google Password Manager directs users to its web version upon selecting the import option. It requires an additional manual selection and loading of the page to commence the import process. However, the forthcoming native integration of password import directly within the Password Manager’s settings on Android promises a more intuitive and seamless experience.
As @AssembleDebug showcases through a series of screenshots, one can already activate the import tool through hidden flags. Presently, users are prompted to select a CSV file from their device’s storage, with a subsequent screen indicating the number of passwords eligible for import. Although users cannot view specific passwords yet, the ample space on the import page suggests potential future enhancements.
Image: AssembleDebug
CSV import functionality currently exists in the web version of Google Password Manager
The CSV import functionality exists in the web version of Google Password Manager. However, its integration with the Google Play Services facilitates features like autofill. It offers a more cohesive user experience across devices.
This native integration for your Android device sets Google’s Password Manager apart from its competitors. Many third-party solutions also necessitate the use of web versions for importing and exporting at present. By offering a seamless experience across platforms, Google aims to simplify password management for its users, enhancing convenience and security.
However, it’s essential for users to exercise caution when importing or exporting passwords via CSV files. You should promptly delete the CSV files after you complete the process as it may allow unauthorized access to your accounts with none of the usual data protection measures of a password manager in place, notes Manuel Vonau from Android Police.
In conclusion, Google’s introduction of native CSV import functionality underscores its commitment to improving Password Manager’s usability and competitiveness.
With the recent release of Android 14 QPR3 Beta 1, Google has subtly hinted at the impending arrival of Android 15 through a tweak to its Easter egg feature. Android updates typically introduce unique Easter eggs, and Android 14 was no exception. It features an outer space-themed Easter egg in its Settings menu.
However, the latest version has brought about a noticeable change – replacing the circular Easter egg badge with an inverted triangle. While this alteration may seem minor, it holds significant implications for the upcoming Android 15 release. Easter eggs embedded within Android versions often provide insights into the theme and direction of each iteration. In the case of Android 14, the Easter egg hinted at satellite connectivity.
The shift from a circular design to an inverted triangle in the Android 14 Easter egg is no coincidence. Android versions typically follow an alphabetical naming convention, with each version associated with a letter. Android 14 corresponds to the letter “U,” while Android 15, internally known as “Vanilla Ice Cream,” corresponds to “V.” Therefore, the change in the Easter egg’s shape strongly suggests Google’s preparation for the imminent release of Android 15.
Further reinforcing this speculation is the subtle alteration within the Easter egg itself. In addition to the change in shape, the Easter egg now references “Vanillaicecream^Tau,” indicating a deliberate nod to the upcoming Android version’s codename. This attention to detail serves as an indication that Google is gearing up for the unveiling of Android 15.
While Google has yet to officially announce the release date for Android 15’s first developer preview, historical patterns suggest that it may arrive as early as February or March. The adjustment to the Easter egg serves as an intriguing precursor to the unveiling, generating anticipation and excitement among Android enthusiasts.
The ASUS ZenFone 10 has been praised as the best small Android smartphone out there. Just to be clear, this phone is not small, but it’s very compact, as it has a 5.92-inch display. We’re here to compare it to a new compact device from Samsung. We’ll compare the ASUS ZenFone 10 vs Samsung Galaxy S24. Now, the Galaxy S24 does have a larger 6.2-inch panel, but it’s not that much bigger than the ZenFone 10.
This should make for an interesting comparison, as the two phones do offer a different in-hand feel, and are rather different overall. As per usual, we’ll list their specifications first, and will then move to a number of other categories. We’ll compare their designs, displays, performance, battery life, cameras, and audio performance. This comparison will hopefully help you make a purchasing decision. Let’s get to it.
Specs
ASUS ZenFone 10 vs Samsung Galaxy S24, respectively
Both smartphones have flat sides and rounded corners. Their display corners are also rounded, and both of them have flat displays. That’s basically where design similarities end, though. The ASUS ZenFone 10 is made out of aluminum and soft-touch plastic, while the Galaxy S24 utilizes aluminum and glass. That soft-touch plastic feels like a combination of paper and sandpaper in a way, on the ZenFone 10. It does add more grip than glass on the Galaxy S24, that’s for sure.
The ZenFone 10 has a display camera hole in the top-left corner. Its bottom bezel is thicker than the rest of them. The Galaxy S24 has a centered display camera hole at the top, and its bezels are uniform. The bezels, in general, are thinner on the Galaxy S24, that’s what allows it to be not that bigger than the ZenFone 10. If we flip the two phones around, you’ll notice two cameras on the ZenFone 10 and three on the Galaxy S24. Each of those cameras is its own camera island, in a way, and all of them sit in the top-left corner of their respective smartphones. They’re also vertically aligned.
The Galaxy S24 is barely any taller than the ZenFone 10, while it’s slightly wider. It is thinner, though, and also a bit lighter, for about 4-5 grams. That’s not a big difference at all, but it’s worth noting. You’ll be glad to hear that both of these smartphones are IP68 certified. In other words, both of them are water and dust-resistant. Both of them do feel great in the hand, but the ZenFone 10 is grippier, and it is a bit more compact too. That makes it easier to use with one hand, that’s for sure. The Galaxy S24 does look a bit sleeker thanks to its thinner bezels, and a centered display camera hole.
ASUS ZenFone 10 vs Samsung Galaxy S24: Display
The ASUS ZenFone 10 features a 5.92-inch fullHD+ (2400 x 1080) Super AMOLED display. That display is flat, and it offers a 144Hz refresh rate. Do note that its max refresh rate will be used in some games only, other than that, you’re getting a 120Hz refresh rate. HDR10+ content is supported. The max display brightness here is 1,100 nits, and the display aspect ratio is 20:9. You’ll find Gorilla Glass Victus 2 placed on top of the display here.
ASUS ZenFone 10
The Samsung Galaxy S24, on the flip side, has a 6.2-inch fullHD+ (2340 x 1080) Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display. That panel is also flat, and it has a 120Hz refresh rate (adaptive). This panel does support HDR10+ content as well, and it has a max brightness of 2,600 nits. The display aspect ratio here is 19.5:9, while the Gorilla Glass Victus 2 sits on top of the display on the Galaxy S24.
Both of these displays are very good, actually. They’re vivid, have great viewing angles, and are quite responsive. The blacks are also deep on both displays. We did prefer the colors on the Galaxy S24 a tad bit more, at least by default. You do have some additional display options so you can tune that to your liking. Where the Galaxy S24 does have a major advantage is in the display brightness section. The ZenFone 10 ends up being a bit too dim when you’re using it outside in direct sunlight. The Galaxy S24 does a much better job in such conditions.
ASUS ZenFone 10 vs Samsung Galaxy S24: Performance
What about the performance? Well, the ASUS ZenFone 10 is fueled by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. That is no longer the latest and greatest from Qualcomm, but it’s the next best thing. The phone also comes with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 flash storage. The Galaxy S24, on the other hand, offers 8GB of LPDDR5X RAM (up to 12GB in specific markets), and UFS 4.0 flash storage on most models. Do note that the base 128GB storage variant does come with UFS 3.1 storage, though.
The performance is outstanding on both smartphones, though. The ZenFone 10 does have the inferior SoC here, but that’s not something you’ll notice during usage, to be quite honest. Both smartphones are equally snappy in day-to-day usage, regardless if we’re talking about heavy multitasking or simpler actions. They both also handle the most demanding games out there without a problem. Both phones get warm, and can even get quite warm during gaming, but neither got to the overheating point or too-hot-to-hold point.
ASUS ZenFone 10 vs Samsung Galaxy S24: Battery
A 4,300mAh battery sits inside the ZenFone 10. The Samsung Galaxy S24, on the flip side, has a 4,000mAh battery. So, despite the fact the Galaxy S24 has a larger display, it has a smaller battery. Can you feel that during usage? Yes, very much so. The ZenFone 10 actually offers much better battery life than the Galaxy S24. The difference is so considerable, that some of you may be shocked.
We were able to cross the 10-hour screen-on-time mark with the ZenFone 10, more than once. Getting solid 9+ hours of screen-on-time is possible on the phone, as long as you’re not gaming, or doing plenty of similar demanding tasks. The Galaxy S24, on the other hand, can deliver over 6 hours of screen-on-time, but not much more than that. The difference in battery life is truly considerable, at least from what we’ve seen. Your mileage may, of course, vary.
When it comes to charging, the ASUS ZenFone 10 supports 30W wired, 15W wireless, and 5W reverse wired charging. The Galaxy S24 supports 25W wired, 15W wireless, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging. The one aspect the ZenFone 10 does have an advantage on is in the included accessory department. It includes a charger in the box, while the Galaxy S24 does not. So you will have to get one on the side if you don’t already own it.
ASUS ZenFone 10 vs Samsung Galaxy S24: Cameras
The ASUS ZenFone 10 includes a 50-megapixel main camera, and a 13-megapixel ultrawide camera (120-degree FoV). The Galaxy S24, on the other hand, comes with three cameras on the back. It features a 50-megapixel main camera, a 12-megapixel ultrawide unit (120-degree FoV), and a 10-megapixel telephoto camera (3x optical zoom).
Samsung Galaxy S24
Are they any good in the camera department? Well, the pictures they both provide are good, but neither phone is the best around when it comes to camera performance. They both have rather dated hardware. During the day, the ZenFone 10 tends to provide images that utilize sharping way more, even too much at times. Those images do end up looking quite saturated too. The Galaxy S24 toned down on saturation compared to the Galaxy S23, and images from that device actually look more realistic at this point.
Ultrawide cameras on both phones do a good job of keeping the colors in line with the main unit. The quality is not as good as what the main camera provides, though, of course. The Galaxy S24’s telephoto camera is good enough, and it definitely beats the ZenFone 10 in the zoomed-in shots section, as the ZenFone 10 doesn’t have a telephoto camera at all.
During the night, both phones do a good job. The ZenFone 10 tends to brighten up the scene a bit more, as the Galaxy S24 keeps things a bit darker in comparison. Both manage to pull out quite a bit of detail from the shadows, though. The sharpening is obvious on the ZenFone 10 in such conditions too, though the Galaxy S24 images are not perfect either. There’s an obvious dip in quality with ultrawide cameras in low light, and the same goes for the Galaxy S24’s telephoto shooter.
Audio
Both of these smartphones include stereo speakers. The ones on the Galaxy S24 are noticeably louder, though. We did, generally, prefer the output from the Galaxy S24 a bit more, actually, even though the ZenFone 10 speakers are quite good too.
What the ZenFone 10 does have, and the Galaxy S24 does not, is an audio jack. This will come in handy if you’re using wired headphones still. On the Galaxy S24, you’ll have to mess around with a dongle. Both smartphones do support Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, though, for wireless audio.
On January 14, 2021, Samsung announced the Galaxy S21 series, which consists of the Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra.
This is the latest series of flagship smartphones from the most prominent Android smartphone manufacturer, with the Galaxy S21 and S21+ being the latest and greatest smartphones. The Galaxy S21 Ultra is the “ultimate smartphone experience,” according to Samsung.
The Galaxy S21 Series boasts a new design and one of the more radical design changes that Samsung has done in quite a few years. Perhaps, since the Galaxy S8. And it primarily revolves around the camera design. It’s a new contour cut that fits seamlessly into the frame of the Galaxy S21.
How much does the Galaxy S21 series cost?
The Galaxy S21 starts at $799. Galaxy S21+ begins at $999, and the Galaxy S21 Ultra will start at $1299. We say “start” because there are different storage capacities available. The Galaxy S21 and S21+ will be available in 128GB by default, with an option to jump to 256 GB. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S21 Ultra will also start with 128GB, with options for 256GB and 512 GB. On the Galaxy S21 Ultra, the RAM is also increased from 12GB to 16GB if you go to 512GB of storage.
It’ll cost you $50 more to jump from 128GB to 256GB of storage. Meanwhile, on the Galaxy S21 Ultra, it’ll cost you $180 extra to go from 12GB of RAM and 128GB of storage to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, which is a pretty good deal.
These prices are $200 lower across the board compared to their predecessors, the Galaxy S20 series. Likely due to the pandemic and economic recession seen around the world.
Should I wait for a price drop?
If you don’t absolutely need a phone right now, we would recommend waiting a month or two.
Samsung smartphones always drop in price about a month or two after launch. The Galaxy S20 series dropped a couple hundred bucks in April, which was barely two months after it launched. So unless you are an early adopter and need the phone on launch day or are without a phone and need one desperately, it’s a good idea to wait.
What trade-in offers are available at launch?
You’ll be able to get up to $700 for your current phone, and that will be put towards the price of a Galaxy S21 series device. However, it’s important to note that the newer the phone you are trading in, the more you will get for it. This is only for trading via Samsung.com. It is also offering some Samsung.com credit, ranging from $50 to $100, depending on the model you purchase.
Carriers will also offer up trade-in offers, at least during the pre-order period. But typically, Samsung offers the best trade-in amount for your old phone.
Where can I buy the Galaxy S21 series?
The Galaxy S21 series of smartphones will be available virtually everywhere you can buy phones. That includes Samsung.com, AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Best Buy, Amazon, B&H Photo, and likely a few other retailers. You can find the best place to buy your Galaxy S21 smartphone by clicking here.
What carriers support the Galaxy S21 series?
All three US carriers will support the Galaxy S21 series. Both the carrier variants and the unlocked variants.
This year, all three Galaxy S21 smartphones support Sub-6 and mmWave 5G networks. Meaning that all three will work on Verizon without any issues. As well as AT&T and T-Mobile when their mmWave networks roll out a bit more.
Which carriers will sell the Galaxy S21 series?
Additionally, all three carriers will also sell the Galaxy S21 series. However, color and storage options may be limited. Carriers typically only sell one or two colors of a specific phone. Typically, they are just the base model of storage, or they have a few “upgraded” models. But those are usually tough to find.
What colors are available?
The Galaxy S21 will be available in Phantom Violet, Phantom Pink, Phantom Gray, and phantom white.
Galaxy S21+ will be available in Phantom Violet, Phantom Silver, and phantom black.
Meanwhile, the Galaxy S21 Ultra will be available in phantom silver and phantom black only.
Samsung.com is offering some “exclusive” colors for the Galaxy S21+ and S21 Ultra. These include Phantom Gold and Phantom Red for the Galaxy S21+. As well as Phantom Titanium, Phantom Navy, and Phantom Brown. Again, these colors are only available from Samsung and not the carriers or other retailers. These will also ship much later than the other colors. So make sure to take that into account.
What are the specs of the Galaxy S21 series?
Below are the specs for all three models of the Galaxy S21 series. There are plenty of similarities between the three.
Galaxy S21
Galaxy S21+
Galaxy S21 Ultra
Display
6.2-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X 120Hz
6.7-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X 120Hz
6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X 120Hz
Processor
Snapdragon 888 5G
Snapdragon 888 5G
Snapdragon 888 5G
RAM
8GB
8GB
12GB/16GB
Storage
128/256GB
128/256GB
128/256/512GB
Battery Capacity
4000mAh
4500mAh
4800mAh
Charging Speeds
Wireless Powershare, Super Fast Charging, Fast Wireless Charging
Wireless Powershare, Super Fast Charging, Fast Wireless Charging
Wireless Powershare, Super Fast Charging, Fast Wireless Charging
phantom violet phantom pink phantom gray phantom white
phantom violet phantom silver phantom black
phantom silver phantom black
Available
January 29
January 29
January 29
What new features did Samsung unveil?
The new features for the Galaxy S21 series are mostly within the camera and have to do with UWB (Ultra Wide Band). Surprisingly, Samsung doesn’t have a long list of new features with the Galaxy S21 series. And is working more on optimizing and perfecting the existing features.
New UWB features
Samsung unveiled UWB or Ultra Wide Band last year, and it supported the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold 2. Basically, it’s a short-range, wireless communication protocol that – like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi – uses radio waves. Apple has also integrated it into the iPhone 12 series.
Samsung is adding Digital Key Support, starting with the Galaxy S21 Ultra (it’ll come to Galaxy S21+ later, S21 doesn’t have UWB support). This means that your phone will be able to unlock your car for you. That’s also something that Apple showed off last year in iOS 14.
Secondly, with UWB, Samsung is combining the Android Auto experience with SmartThings. This has a little less to do with UWB, actually, but it is a case of all of these technologies working together. With Android Auto, you can tell SmartThings to turn off your lights as you leave the house. Or adjust the thermostat, turn on your alarm, and so forth.
That’s what’s new with UWB on the Galaxy S20 series – mostly the Galaxy S21 Ultra though. Expect Samsung and other companies to continue to build on it. Where Samsung and Apple are already using UWB on their phones, expect competitors to also join in.
The new and improved Galaxy S21 camera system
The Galaxy S21 series boasts mostly the same camera setup as its predecessor. The biggest difference was two telephoto lenses on the Galaxy S21 Ultra versus just one on the Galaxy S20 Ultra last year. However, Samsung has worked to optimize and improve this existing hardware.
Let’s start with the Galaxy S21 and S21+. You are going to get unlimited super steady video at 60fps now. It can do 4K60 on all of the cameras – front and back now. It is also bringing in a couple of new modes, like Vlogger View. So you can record on the front camera and the back camera at the same time. Creating those “reaction” style videos we see on TikTok.
Portrait Mode and Single Take have gotten improvements thanks to AI. There’s an Enhanced Portrait Mode available on the Galaxy S21 series. That uses AI to improve bokeh. It also gives you different effects like adjusting studio lighting. Single Take has 5x more AI included, so it takes a look at even more frames. Giving you more content in just a few seconds. And it can even create a reel from what you shot using these cameras.
Let’s move over to the Galaxy S21 Ultra. Everything we listed above applies to the Ultra, along with a few other things. The Ultra has the laser autofocus that we saw return on the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra last year. For fast and accurate autofocusing, even in low light. We still have Space Zoom up to 100x. Along with optical zoom at 3x and 10x, based on the telephoto lens you are using. There is a new “Zoom Lock” that will allow you to get better-looking Zoom photos too.
Thanks to a brighter sensor, the night mode has also been improved. There are not so much brighter images, but less noise in the night mode images.
S Pen support, finally
Technically, all three Galaxy S21 series smartphones will support the S Pen. But only the Galaxy S21 Ultra will have a case that can be used to store the S Pen.
At launch, S Pen support is pretty limited. It basically only works for writing on the screen. None of the Bluetooth-enabled features we see on the Galaxy Note series will work. Which means there’s no charging needed. However, that might change in the future, according to Samsung.
Samsung will sell the S Pen separately, and you can also buy an S Pen case for the Galaxy S21 Ultra. Samsung also notes that older S Pens will work just fine on the Galaxy S21 Ultra (as well as the Galaxy S21 and S21+).
What cases are available?
You can check out full list of Galaxy S21 cases by clicking here. But here are a few different options that you can check out.
Spigen Tough Armor
The Spigen Tough Armor is another one of those cases that is pretty popular and a good option for the Galaxy S21 Ultra.
This is a somewhat rugged case for the Galaxy S21 Ultra, which will provide plenty of protection for your new smartphone. It is a dual-layer case which has a soft inner layer and a hard shell that will absorb impact. It also happens to be one of the cheapest cases on this list.
Protect your smartphone in style with Samsung’s Leather Case option for the Galaxy S21 Ultra.
The Leather Cover is available in two colors: black and brown. These cases look really good, and do add some bulk to your Galaxy S21 Ultra, so think about that before you purchase. But after months of use, the leather is going to look incredible, once it has weathered.
This case does not have a silo available for the S Pen, unfortunately.
This Silicone Cover is the same as the one listed earlier on this list, except, this does not have a S Pen. That explains why it is about $40 cheaper than the other option here.
This one comes in more colors though. Including Violet, Pink, Gray and Black. The colors that the Galaxy S21 series is available in. So it can really match up with your smartphone. Which is pretty neat.
Which Galaxy S21 device to buy really depends on your needs. If you want a smaller device, then the Galaxy S21 is a good choice. Want something a bit bigger? There’s the Galaxy S21+. And if you want the best of the best, well, there’s the Galaxy S21 Ultra. It all depends on your needs and your wallet.
For most people, the Galaxy S21 or S21+ will be excellent, depending on the size of the phone you want.
All three models do stand apart quite nicely compared to the Galaxy S20 series last year. So there is something for everyone here.
Heads up, Mastodon admins! A critical security vulnerability riddled Mastodon, allowing account takeover by an adversary. The developers patched the flaw with the latest release, urging users to update to the latest version as soon as possible.
Mastodon Vulnerability Allowed Account Takeover
As disclosed recently, a severe security vulnerability risked Mastodon users, allowing account takeover by an adversary.
According to the advisory shared on GitHub, the vulnerability existed due to insufficient origin validation, allowing an adversary to impersonate accounts by sending maliciously crafted payloads.
Due to a gap in validation of federated content in the affected Mastodon versions, attackers can craft payloads that impersonate remote federated accounts as-seen-from the affected server.
This vulnerability affected all Mastodon versions before v.3.5.17, 4.0.x versions, 4.1.x versions, and 4.2.x versions. The advisory listed this flaw, CVE-2024-23832, as a critical severity issue that received a CVSS score of 9.4. As detailed in the CVSS base metrics, exploiting the flaw didn’t require high privileges or user interaction.
Regarding the vulnerability impact, the advisory states that the flaw affects all remote users “as observed from a vulnerable Mastodon instance.” Moreover, it also affected the “deliverability of traffic from/to remote users of any software.”
Mastodon developers patched the vulnerability with versions 3.5.17, 4.0.13, 4.1.13, and 4.2.5. For now, Mastodon hasn’t shared details about the issue. Nonetheless, they pledge to reveal more about the matter in the coming days while going ahead with a brief disclosure for now. The developers deem it important to keep the details veiled to give Mastodon admins enough time to update to the patched versions and avoid potential attacks. Besides, with this step, they also aim to minimize the probable appearance of working exploits for the flaw. In addition, Mastodon also put up serve alerts for the admins regarding the version updates.
Mastodon is an open-source, decentralized communication platform that emerged as a potent X (formerly Twitter) alternative for users. It currently boasts roughly 12 million users that stay connected via 11,000 Mastodon instances.
In a recent update, Google Maps for Android has leveled up the navigation and now it also shows real-time weather information. Just like its iOS counterpart, the Android app now has a discrete weather box in the top-left corner of the screen. With its help, users can quickly glance at temperature, air quality index (AQI), and upcoming weather conditions for regions they want to travel to.
How Google Maps for Android shows temperature and AQI
From the images shared by 9to5Google, the weather box shows up as a compact widget beneath the search bar, and it displays the current temperature accompanied by a descriptive icon and the air quality index. People using it can easily anticipate if there’s going to be rain, snow, or other weather events with their expected timings. Tap on the widget and it opens up a comprehensive card with additional weather insights.
A noteworthy feature within Map’s new tool is the AQI section. It helps the navigator with an immediate snapshot of air quality. When you tap on it, the button seamlessly transitions into an existing Air Quality map layer that allows for a more in-depth exploration of air quality in different locations. This new feature inside maps is very practical for those concerned about environmental conditions.
The weather box has other exciting features too. For instance, it dynamically updates as users navigate through the map and shows changing weather patterns in real-time. However, it disappears if users select any specific location on the map. It should be noted that Google Maps has a way of showing weather details without clutter, so you won’t be overwhelmed when using the feature.
Image credit: 9To5Google
Wider Availability and Version Details
According to Business Standard, the Google Maps update with this feature is incremental, and it has gained widespread adoption with the recent version 11.113.x. There are still some regions left that are yet to receive it, but the majority have got the update already. Users who haven’t experienced the feature yet can try force-stopping Google Maps and restart. The weather box should pop up after that.
The Android Google Map version employs a slightly different set of weather icons than Google Weather. It uses MetNet-3 to power its 12-hour precipitation forecasts. For those unaware, MetNet-3 is Google’s state-of-the-art neural engine for weather prediction. The technology previously found its place inside the Pixel weather app, and Google Search. But now it is also present in Google Maps for Android.
Samsung‘s February 2024 security update has picked up pace. The rollout began less than a week ago and the company has already updated five Galaxy devices. A few more are joining the party today, including the Galaxy S21 series and Galaxy S23 FE.
Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S23 FE get Samsung’s February security update
Samsung has initially released the February security patch for the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, and Galaxy S21 Ultra in Europe. More precisely, the rollout has begun in Switzerland. The phones are getting the latest security update with the firmware build number G99*BXXS9FXAH and an OTA (over-the-air) file weighing around 255MB for the Ultra model.
This update should soon reach the Galaxy S21 trio in other parts of Europe before gradually expanding to the rest of the world, including the US. The official changelog confirms that the 2021 Samsung flagships are only getting this month’s security fixes with the latest firmware release. There are no additional changes or new features to talk about.
The Korean behemoth recently revealed that the February 2024 SMR (Security Maintenance Release) for Galaxy devices patches 69 vulnerabilities, including three critical Android OS issues. The rest are mostly high-severity Android OS flaws and a few Galaxy-exclusive vulnerabilities in Game Optimizer, Smart Suggestions, Auto Hotspot, and other system components.
These security fixes are also rolling out to the Galaxy S23 FE. The update for the latest FE (Fan Edition) phone is available more widely across Europe and Asia. The new build number for the device is S711BXXS2BXA8. Once again, the update is all about the February 2024 security fixes. The phone isn’t getting anything else. It recently picked up Android 14, so no surprises.
If you are using any of these Samsung smartphones, watch out for a notification in the coming days. You will be prompted to download the OTA update once it is available. To manually check for updates, navigate to Settings > Software update > Download and install. Make sure that your phone has at least 30% battery before installing the update.
One UI 6.1 will reach these phones soon
Samsung is working on a feature update for the Galaxy family, at least flagship and premium mid-range models. It is readying One UI 6.1, which debuted with the Galaxy S24 series. While the latest One UI version brings several new AI features, it remains to be seen how many of those are picked up by the Galaxy S21 series and the Galaxy S23 FE. Stick around for the rollout information.
Google has been stringing us along for more than a month with the possibility of getting Gemini Ultra. Now, the waiting is over; Gemini Ultra is available through Gemini Advanced. You can sign up for Gemini Advanced starting today! If you want to know how, here’s a helpful guide to teach you how. Signing up is pretty easy to do, so you should be up and going in no time.
Gemini Ultra? Gemini Advanced What?
Okay, for the uninitiated, here’s an explainer on what’s going on. The thing is that Google has been pretty confusing with its AI products recently. Throughout the majority of 2023, Bard was the company’s flagship AI chatbot. However, at the end of the year, the company unveiled Gemini. While that was the case, Google still announced Bard products for the future; Bard Advanced was one of them.
Bard Advanced was the version of Bard powered by Gemini Ultra. Well, Google renamed Bard to Gemini, and because of this, Bard Advanced was renamed to Gemini Advanced.
So, Gemini Advanced is the chatbot; the actual interface you interact with. You will type or speak your query or upload an image into it. However, Gemini Ultra is the model powering Gemini Advanced. Think of it as the brain powering it. Gemini Ultra is one of the three sizes of Gemini that Google announced. The others are Gemini Pro and Gemini Nano. You can learn more about these in our explainer.
How to sign up for Gemini Advanced
Now, it’s time to get started. Before you begin, make sure that you’re logged into the proper Google account on your browser. Also, it’s important to know that this is a paid service. It will cost you $19.99/month to use.
Next, go to this page to read about some of the perks you get with this plan. Gemini Advanced is a perk you get from signing up for the Google One AI Premium plan. So, along with access to the model, you’ll also have additional Google Drive storage. You’ll have a whopping 2TB of storage to use. You’ll get that with 10% cash back on Google Play Store purchases, longer Google Meet calls, advanced scheduling, and more.
At the bottom of the screen, you’ll see the blue Upgrade button. When you click on it, you’ll see the checkout screen. Now, if the $20/month price has you feeling a little apprehensive, Google is giving people two months of access to the plan for free. People signing up in February won’t have to pay the renewal fee until April. We’re not sure if this is just a limited-time promotion, so if you’re curious about trying it out, then you’ll want to capitalize on it as soon as you can.
How to get rid of Gemini Advanced
Maybe you don’t find Gemini Advanced your cup of tea; maybe you’re hastily trying to get rid of it before your free trial is up. Either way, it’s easy to cancel your Gemini Advanced subscription.
If you use the desktop version of the chatbot, click on the Settings button on the bottom left of the screen. In the little popup that appears, click on the Manage Subscription at the bottom. This will take you to your Google One page. In the center of the page, you’ll see a list of options. The second to last option will let you change your membership. Click on it and click on the Show more plans button.
This will expand the selection of plans that you can jump to. Moving to a downloaded plan will get rid of your Gemini Advanced access while still providing Google One perks. The perks will vary depending on the plan you downgrade to. Be sure to read the individual perks.
If you’re on the mobile version, rather than opening the Gemini app, go to the Google One app. There, tap on the hamburger-style menu at the top left of your screen. There, tap on the Membership plans button.
Next, you’ll see a page with the available plans that you can switch to. tap on the Shows all plans button. This will expand the list to show you the plans you can downgrade to. Select which one you want.
Canceling Google One
Many of the people trying out Gemini Advanced aren’t prior Google One users. If you want to cancel your plan altogether, you can do so. On desktop, rather than clicking on the Cancel membership button. When it expands, click on the Cancel button on the right.
On mobile, instead of tapping on the Membership plans button, tap on the Settings button. On the resulting page, scroll down a little until you see the Cancel membership button. Tap on it to cancel your membership.
Just know that you’ll lose access to the data you’ve saved on Google One along with your other perks. Just be careful.
Switching between the models
What if you want to get rid of Gemini Advanced without changing or canceling anything? Well, there’s an easy way to do it.
Once you sign up for Gemini Advanced, you’ll be able to start using all of the more advanced capabilities of Gemini Advanced. Undoubtedly, Gemini will deliver responses differently than the non-advanced version. That seems like it’ll be objectively good, but it might not suit everyone. If that’s the case, you’ll want to switch back to the standard Gemini.
If you’re on the desktop version, look at the top left of the screen right next to the hamburger-style menu. You’ll see the Gemini Advanced logo with a little downward-facing arrow. Click on it, and you’ll see a little dropdown menu. Click on the top option which just says “Gemini”. Once you do that, you’ll be using the standard Gemini model.
On mobile, it takes a few more steps. Tap on your profile picture on the top right of the screen. On the popup menu, tap on the Settings button. Close to the bottom of the screen, you’ll see a toggle named Advanced responses. When you switch that toggle off, you’ll be using the regular Gemini model.
Instagram Threads is experimenting with a new feature that mirrors functionality found on Instagram proper: the ability to save posts for later viewing. Announced by Instagram head Adam Mosseri, the limited test allows users to bookmark favorite posts via a three-dot menu in the top right corner.
This latest update includes a new saving feature that complements the existing bookmarking option on Instagram. Similar to Instagram’s existing bookmarking system, users will have a “save” button to store posts and find them later in a dedicated section within the app’s settings. The feature could be incredibly useful for going back to content, especially posts that have links to longer articles, at a more convenient time. This addition comes in response to user requests and aims to improve organization within the app.
Since its launch last year, Threads has been constantly adding new features to attract users and stay competitive with X and other social networks. Threads currently lacks certain features such as direct messaging, advanced search filters, and list creation.
However, the app has recently introduced searchable tags, the ability to see all the posts you’ve liked on the web version, and there are rumors circulating about the possible inclusion of chronological search and trending topics. This latter one though, being considered with much caution due to spam concerns, but still with internal prototypes being spotted.
Despite these shortcomings, Threads has amassed an impressive 130 million monthly users — as per a recent Mark Zuckerberg’s statement — and has seen a recent spike in app downloads. Zuckerberg envisions Threads as a potential powerhouse platform for Meta, and the addition of the bookmarking feature is a small step in that direction. It remains to be seen which of the heavily requested features Threads will launch next, but hopefully this approach to listen to the community’s wants and needs pays off in the long run for the platform.
Google Maps users can anticipate a notable redesign to the app’s user interface (UI) on Android and, later, on iOS. In an effort to enhance the navigation experience and reduce clutter, Google is rolling out updates to Maps that promise a cleaner and more intuitive interface.
One notable change involves the layout of the Maps screen when users search for directions. Presently, the screen is divided into two sections: the top half displays a map of the area surrounding the entered location, while the bottom half showcases photos of the destination.
Directions search UI no longer goes edge-to-edge
However, with the redesigned UI, the bottom half of the screen will no longer be fullscreen. Instead, it will feature a slightly narrower sheet at the top, with another sheet behind it. This adjustment allows users to view a small section of the map at the top of the screen, ensuring they remain connected to their navigation route even when exploring destination details.
Moreover, the modifications extend to the Public Transport feature, which will also no longer occupy the entire screen. This change aims to maintain users’ access to essential navigation information while providing additional details about public transportation options.
Google Maps’ redesigned UI aims to minimize distractions and streamline navigation
While these UI updates may seem subtle, they are designed to enhance the overall user experience by minimizing distractions and streamlining navigation tasks. However, the rollout appears to be incremental, with some users already reporting sightings of the UI redesign on specific versions of Google Maps. Notably, version 11.113.x on Android has showcased the updated interface, although it seems to be part of an A/B test. Users on different versions, such as version 11.115.x, may not have received the changes yet, notes 9to5Google.
The anticipation for the new UI extends to Apple devices as well. Although the updates have not yet reached devices running iOS, including the latest iPhone models, such as the iPhone 15 Pro Max, there’s an expectation that the changes will eventually make their way to the iOS version of Google Maps.
While some users may view these UI changes as insignificant, others will appreciate the effort to refine the navigation experience. Ultimately, the updates aim to strike a balance between providing comprehensive information and ensuring seamless navigation, catering to the diverse needs of Google Maps users worldwide. We will need to see whether users embrace these changes or not, but they undoubtedly represent Google’s commitment to continually improving its navigation platform for all users.
