Samsung’s One UI 7 operating system has finally been released to the public, albeit in beta format. The updated user interface focuses many of its improvements on security and privacy, which is never a bad thing in today’s world.
There has also been further integration with the Knox Matrix security protocol, which began appearing in Samsung devices back in 2023. Knox Matrix constantly monitors devices through a “secure private blockchain” and displays all connected gadgets on a dashboard.
This dashboard allows users to instantly see the security status of various Samsung smart devices, including other Galaxy phones, tablets, TVs, and appliances. If a device is marked green on the dashboard, it means that it is “up to date and no risks have been identified.” If something is at risk, Knox Matrix will provide actionable recommendations. All Samsung devices will soon fall under the One UI umbrella, which should make this integration more seamless.
New security measures have also been introduced for data recovery from the cloud. Enhanced data protection ensures that all connected devices are synchronized and protected, and helps users create a backup plan in case of data loss. To this end, One UI 7 allows users to sign in to a new device by verifying the credentials of the previous device.
One UI 7 allows you to create and use passwords to log in to your Samsung account and gives users more control over network connections. In the latter point, users can block 2G service that is not secure and make sure that phones do not automatically connect to unknown networks.
Text messages and photos have also undergone some changes to improve security. Users can remove location data from photos and block hyperlinks in text messages. Shared photo albums can also be blocked, as well as automatic attachment downloads. Users can lock the USB connection for additional security. The port will still work for charging, but not for anything else.
Finally, there is a new anti-theft tool. Samsung devices could already be remotely locked, but now there’s a feature called “Face Verification”. This additional software forces users to prove that they are who they say they are if the PIN is compromised.
The new interface also features a simplified design, wider availability of artificial intelligence tools, and an updated camera app. The full version will also include something called the Now Bar, a new notification system that Samsung promises will “change the way the lock screen looks.” This sounds very similar to Apple’s Dynamic Island and Live Photos feature. Samsung’s Now panel is not part of the beta, so we’ll have to wait a little longer to get our hands on it.
The One UI 7 beta is already available for Galaxy S24 series devices in many countries, including the United States, Germany, India, South Korea, and Poland. Users must apply through the Samsung Members program. The full version of UI 7 will be released sometime in the first quarter of 2025.
