Breaking: Samsung finally locks in One UI 7 release date — Here’s when it’s coming!

  • Samsung has officially confirmed that the stable One UI 7 update will start rolling out to older Galaxy flagships starting April 7.
  • The update will first be available for the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy Z Fold 6, and Galaxy Z Flip 6.
  • It will gradually expand to other models, including the Galaxy S23 series, S23 FE, Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5, Tab S10 series, and Tab S9 series.

Samsung has officially confirmed that the One UI 7 rollout will begin on April 7. While we’ve already had a good look at One UI 7—thanks to its availability on the Galaxy S25 series and the ongoing beta program for the Galaxy S24 lineup—the stable update is now set to launch. Starting April 7, the update will begin rolling out to the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy Z Fold 6, and Galaxy Z Flip 6.

Samsung has also outlined a broader rollout plan, confirming that the Android 15-based update will gradually expand to more Galaxy smartphones and tablets. According to the company’s official press release, the next batch of devices includes the Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy Z Flip 5, the Galaxy Tab S10 series, and the Galaxy Tab S9 series. While more devices will eventually receive One UI 7, these are the models slated to get the update first.

Now there’s a whole review video out for the Pixel 9a!

Pixel 9a display leakl video the mobile central

  • A review video of the Pixel 9a is already out, pretty much confirming all its key specs.
  • The six-minute-long clip shows the phone from every angle and discusses its various strengths and weaknesses.
  • This is the second such detailed leak since Monday and can be attributed to the early availability of the phone in countries like Dubai.

The Pixel 9a is right around the corner, and videos have been popping up all over the place, providing us an early look at the Google mid-ranger before it becomes official. From unboxings to benchmark tests, these sneak peeks are revealing key details about the device well before its official launch.

Actually, I won’t miss the alert slider on future OnePlus phones

When I first heard OnePlus was planning to replace its alert slider, I was pretty disappointed. It’s about as important to the brand’s identity as its proprietary SuperVOOC charging or the iconic green finish that’s been around since the days of the OnePlus 8 series. I was especially bummed when I realized that not only was the alert slider going away, but that it would be replaced with a very iPhone-like multifunctional button — just another Android brand trying to copy its biggest rival.

So I sat down, ready to write out all my complaints and beg OnePlus to change its mind, but I’ve since realized I can’t do that. I can’t insist that OnePlus stick with the design traits it’s always had because change isn’t always a bad thing. After a few hours of thinking about it, I’ve realized that I won’t miss the alert slider, and neither should you.

Samsung teases a new Galaxy S25 Ultra shade: Back in black (again)?

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra in all four colors freestanding

Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
  • Samsung may be getting ready to launch the Galaxy S25 Ultra in a ninth color, which appears to be another shade of black.
  • A teaser from Samsung hints at a glossy, reflective finish, though the official name of the color remains a mystery.
  • It’s unclear if this color will be exclusive to one country or if it will be available globally.

Samsung might be gearing up to introduce a brand-new color for the Galaxy S25 Ultra, marking this the ninth addition to its already crowded, yet not-so-exciting lineup of shades.

This underrated Google Wallet feature is one of my favorite things about the app

Google Wallet, while not the most exciting app in Google’s portfolio, is one of the Google apps I use all the time. It’s my default digital wallet on every Android phone I use. All of my store rewards/membership cards are in it, and it’s fantastic for concert tickets and airplane boarding passes.

Over the last couple of months, I started using a little-known and often-forgotten Google Wallet feature that began rolling out last summer: custom passes. You’ve long been able to add anything with a barcode or QR code to Wallet, but the implementation was pretty barebones. Last August, Google upgraded the experience to use AI to help you create a custom pass for virtually anything. And, I have to admit: it’s incredible.

5 things I wish I would’ve known before purchasing an Oura Ring

No one got down on one knee to present the Oura Ring to me — I fell in love with the device all on my own. A subtle, jewelry-inspired fitness tracker without a distracting display and with fantastic battery life? Sold. But while I love my Oura Ring 4 for many reasons, there are a few things (good and bad) I wish I had known about ahead of time.

1. Access to the best of the platform takes time

A user checks their data in the Oura companion app.

Samsung Pass holdouts get reminder to switch to Wallet before the app’s imminent demise

Samsung Wallet 1

Credit: Joe Hindy / Android Authority
  • Samsung Pass is getting phased out.
  • The company is now sending out reminders to migrate your data to its Wallet app while you still can.
  • Once you switch, the app icon for Pass will disappear.

Samsung Pass was initially just a password manager at the beginning, but it eventually evolved to save payment cards and other data. In an effort to clean up its ecosystem, the company merged Samsung Pass with Samsung Pay to create one app called Wallet. With Wallet being its successor, the tech giant plans to phase out Pass. If you’re still using Pass, Samsung is now sending out reminders to migrate over to Wallet before it sunsets Pass.

According to SammyGuru, Pass users are starting to get a notification from Samsung urging them to switch over to Wallet. The notification mentions that the autofill services from Pass can now be used in Wallet via Quick Access.

A major browser just brought an extension store to Android before Google Chrome

OPPO Find N closed front web browser

Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority
  • Microsoft Edge has introduced an extension store for its Android browser.
  • The stable version of Edge for Android now includes over 20 extensions, including VPNs, password managers, and media downloaders.
  • Google Chrome still doesn’t support extensions on Android.

For years, Google Chrome has been the dominant browser on both desktop and mobile, but one major limitation on Android has been the lack of support for extensions. While Chrome’s desktop version offers a vast library of extensions that enhance functionality, the mobile version has never officially supported them.

Although there are workarounds to use extensions on Android, and there have been hints that Google might be working on bringing extensions to Chrome for Android, it appears that Microsoft is already way ahead of Google.

Some lucky Pixel 9a buyers could get a Google TV Streamer for free

Pixel 9a wallpaper on Pixel 9 Pro XL

Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority
  • A new leak suggests that some Pixel 9a buyers will receive a free Google TV Streamer when purchasing through select Google partners.
  • The promo is expected to be available in Europe, but there is no confirmation on whether a similar offer will be available in the US.
  • Google is rumored to announce the Pixel 9a on March 19, with sales beginning on March 26.

With the rumored launch of the Google Pixel 9a just around the corner, leaks about the 2025 mid-ranger have left little to the imagination. We’ve already seen spec sheets, real-world photos, and even hands-on videos surface online. Now, a fresh leak sheds light on how Google plans to sweeten the deal for buyers of the Pixel 9a.

The news comes courtesy of renowned leaker Roland Quandt, who shared the following post on BlueSky. According to Quandt, customers in select European markets who purchase the Pixel 9a through certain Google partners will receive the Google TV Streamer as a complimentary bonus.

US Mobile reportedly shuts down user for excessive data on its truly unlimited plan; fair or not?

US Mobile logo on smartphone with colored background stock photo

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
  • US Mobile markets its End Game Dark Star promotion as having unlimited data, and yet at least one user saw their service shut off after using 281GB over the course of the month.
  • US Mobile previously ran into controversy over this plan when it retroactively changed its unlimited hotspot access to a tiered system.
  • Despite how it might negatively impact user opinion, the terms of the agreement on the plan make it clear it has the power to do this if it feels the usage is excessive or otherwise violates the contract.

US Mobile made waves when it announced last month that it would offer truly unlimited prioritized data through its Dark Star network. Unfortunately, the launch hasn’t gone smoothly. Within days, the carrier revised the terms of its new unlimited End Game plan multiple times to mitigate abuse or clarify its policies. This has led to significant customer confusion, and now, with reports of customers (as indicated by Redditor Nerdtality and others on the No Contract Subrredit) being cut off from US Mobile for excessive data usage, the situation doesn’t seem to be improving.

US Mobile initially suggested its Dark Star network had no firm data cap after introducing the End Game plan, which promised truly unlimited data. However, it was always implied (and even stated in the terms) that extreme data usage could trigger warnings or speed reductions. Past remarks from the CEO on the US Mobile subreddit also seemed to suggest that as long as users didn’t consistently exceed 1TB of data, they were likely within acceptable limits but there was never any clear line on what was too much. Despite using far less than 1TB, at least one user has spoken out on how they reportedly had their service terminated for “being found in breach of our terms and conditions.”

Google Pixel 10 series rumors: Everything we know so far and what we want to see

Google-Pixel-9-series-camera-bars

Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

The Google Pixel 9 series features a slightly revamped design, three different Pro models, a stronger emphasis on AI, and plenty of other changes. It also represents one of the biggest deviations from the Pixel formula that we’ve seen in years.

Despite several notable changes, the Pixel 9 still retains several of the most criticized aspects of the Pixel series, including limited storage options and a less competitive SoC compared to other phones. With all of this in mind, what can we expect from the Pixel 9’s successor? Here’s everything we know about the Google Pixel 10 series, including the Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

Google Play Store gets a smarter way to handle sideloading third-party apps

Google Play Store logo on smartphone stock photo (3)

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
  • Google Play Store has started rolling out a new “Pause” feature for Play Protect, allowing users to temporarily disable app security scans.
  • Unlike the previous “Turn off” option, the new feature automatically reactivates Play Protect the next day, reducing the risk of users forgetting to turn it back on.
  • This update should help protect Android users from malware and scams while still allowing them to sideload apps without long-term security risks.

Android users who frequently sideload apps have a reason to rejoice. Google Play Protect, the built-in security feature that scans apps for malware, is getting a much-needed upgrade. The tool, which performs safety checks on all Android apps before download, has long been a double-edged sword for those who install apps from outside the Google Play Store.

While it’s essential for keeping devices safe, it can sometimes interfere with third-party app installations. Now, Google is rolling out a new feature that lets users temporarily pause Play Protect, making sideloading easier without compromising long-term security.

M2M Security Market: Endless Opportunities to Ensure a Secured Future

Machine-to-machine (M2M) communication is a cornerstone of model digital infrastructure that helps machines connect without human intervention. M2M is the word used to describe the automatic, human-free flow of information between machines using direct communication.  

Key advancements in security will be crucial for M2M growth to maintain the reliability of wireless data transfers. This market is rapidly expanding led by the growing importance of secure communication, a rise in data theft and cyberattacks, and the accessibility of cloud-based security solutions. In this blog, let’s explore the future growth prospects of the M2M security market.

1.Penetration of High-Speed Internet Connectivity

According to recent data from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), there were 5.5 billion internet users in 2024, up 227 million from updated forecasts for 2023. The adoption of M2M solutions is significantly influenced by the growing need for dependable and seamless communication across a range of industries such as manufacturing, automotive, and logistics. The high performance of these industries depends on constant data flow and system interconnectivity. As a result, there is a growing need for M2M services with improved security features as protecting data from breaches, cyber threats, and unauthorized access is becoming crucial.

2.Growth of Smart Home Solutions

Consumers’ acceptance of smart home solutions is being enhanced by the expanding geriatric population, especially in developed nations. As reported by the United Nations, there will be 265 million people 80 years of age and older by the middle of the 2030s, surpassing the number of newborns. These technologies address the demand for elder care by offering several benefits including remote health monitoring. Consequently, M2M services are growing in demand as these services guarantee dependable performance and connectivity by facilitating the easy integration and control of several smart home appliances.  M2M solutions provide centralized control, automation, and real-time monitoring with smart technology like climate management, intelligent lighting, and security systems.  

3.Growing Adoption of IoT Devices

Over the past ten years, IoT use has been gradually increasing which will advance the fields of industrial automation, digital payments, security applications, and more. For instance, globally, there were more than 18 billion linked IoT devices in 2024, and by 2030, it is predicted to reach over 30 billion. The demand for M2M services that can connect, manage, and secure IoT devices is increasing. M2M is advanced by IoT technologies, which enable companies to use machine data to improve decision-making.

4.M2M Services in Healthcare

The growth of telemedicine is opening up new possibilities in the healthcare industry for controlled M2M services. For instance, according to the International Trade Administration, by the end of 2025, the telemedicine market in Japan is expected to have grown from USD 243 million in 2020 to USD 404.5 million. Telemedicine platforms rely on M2M technology to enable safe and dependable communication and make it possible to track patients’ vital signs in real time. M2M services play an increasingly important role as healthcare organizations embrace digital solutions to enhance the provision of healthcare and alleviate medical issues. 

5.Adoption of Blockchain

The future is ushered in by the combination of blockchain technology with the IoT as it enables safe and effective device-to-device connection. M2M communications are made secure by using blockchain technology due to its decentralized and tamper-proof nature. In January 2025, SEALCOIN announced a partnership with WISeSat AG for the introduction of a new generation of satellites supporting autonomous M2M transactions from space. This launch will demonstrate how blockchain and space technologies may facilitate more secure and scalable global IoT networks. 

6.Rise in Cyberthreats

As reported by the Center for Strategic & International Studies, in 2024, Russian cyberattacks against Ukraine increased by about 70%, with 4,315 occurrences that targeted vital infrastructure, such as government services, the oil industry, and organizations involved in defense. Cybersecurity trends change along with technology, propelling the need for M2M solutions. These solutions are highly scalable for safeguarding vital infrastructure and facilitating secure information sharing. Moreover, with cyberthreats on the rise companies are investing heavily in M2M security. Let’s explore the market dynamics to get deeper insights into industry growth.

By the end of 2037, the M2M Security Market is expected to have grown from its 2024 size of USD 30.6 billion to USD 66.8 billion. Leading market players including Digi International, Eurotech, Kore Wireless, NetComm Wireless are investing heavily in R&D to support the continued growth of the M2M Security industry.  Market participants are also taking part in a variety of strategic efforts to launch new goods, through research and development. 

1.In April 2024, OXIO, the leading telecom-as-a-service (TaaS) platform declared a global expansion to meet the connectivity needs of international M2M clients in North America. With this international growth, M2M businesses may benefit from robust network coverage through a single user-friendly cloud-based platform, eliminating the need to collaborate with numerous providers in various nations.

2.In October 2023, M2M Services, a provider of universal alarm panel communicators, connectivity, and interactive services announced a partnership with Alula. The merger represents a major milestone for the industry, establishing a business with goods and services that meet the constantly changing needs of the smart security market and the experts who work in it.

In addition, by region, this market will be dominated by North America. The growth is driven by the presence of leading businesses that are investing heavily in R&D to broaden their product ranges.   The market’s performance in the region is also expected to be positively impacted due to the rise in cyberattacks and data theft cases, and the availability of cloud-based security solutions. Based on a report by the Internet Crime Complaint Center, an unprecedented 880,418 complaints with possible losses of over USD 12.5 billion were filed by the American public in 2023. 

In a Nutshell,

The m2m security market is rapidly evolving to ensure a safer and more connected world. The market may witness tremendous growth due to the increasing significance of M2M communication, an increase in cyberattacks and data theft, and the availability of cloud-based security solutions. Towards the end, the future of M2M security looks promising with strong industries that are also engaging in a range of strategic initiatives to introduce new products. 

Source : https://www.researchnester.com/reports/m2m-security-market/6924

 

The post M2M Security Market: Endless Opportunities to Ensure a Secured Future appeared first on Cybersecurity Insiders.

From a Checked Box to Competitive Edge: The Evolution of Data Privacy

67% of consumers today say they don’t understand how companies use their personal data, and 73% feel they have little influence over how it is used. This is starting to cause a backlash against the shadowy practices of data collection, where consumers are voting with their wallets and choosing to favor companies that promise more privacy.

In this world, transparency and proactive data privacy measures have started to become a competitive advantage for some companies that extend their policies beyond basic compliance. These companies have found that building robust privacy protections can not only reduce risk but also enhance customer trust, strengthen brand reputation and drive business growth. Simply put, data privacy is becoming more than simply complying with regulations; it’s turning into something that can be a pivotal component of strategic business growth. 

The regulatory landscape as catalyst for change  

The advent of data privacy regulations has had a significant impact on how businesses handle the data entrusted to them by consumers. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) set a high standard for data privacy when implemented by the EU in 2018, influencing other regulations worldwide. The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and its successor, the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), further pushed businesses to adopt strict data privacy measures.   This trend is reflected in a growing number of privacy laws worldwide such as Brazil’s LGPD, Canada’s PIPEDA, and China’s PIPL among others.

While some companies considered the new regulations as a burden to meet at the minimum level, others recognized them as a catalyst to differentiate themselves from their competition through a more comprehensive approach to compliance. While these regulations forced a baseline level of investment that wouldn’t add anything to the bottom line, some companies realized that any small percentage increase in compliance spending over this could turn the project into a strategic business initiative. 

These businesses have found that implementing proactive privacy measures helps build trust and transparency with customers around how data is collected, managed, stored. For example, an e-commerce company might implement a “privacy by design” approach. Instead of merely complying with regulations—checking the box—the company integrates privacy measures into every stage of its product development. It only collects the data that is necessary, ensures robust encryption for the data it does store and provides clear, accessible privacy policies to the customers whose data is captured. 

This proactive approach not only safeguards customer data but also builds a strong foundation of trust. As a result, the company could see benefits including increases in customer loyalty and a reduction in churn rates – demonstrating that proactive privacy measures can directly contribute to business success. 

The cost of privacy missteps 

Just as proactively approaching data privacy can reap benefits for companies, privacy failures can have far-reaching consequences—ones that extend far beyond regulatory fines, including the erosion of customer trust and profound reputational damage. Over the past several years, a number of high-profile data breaches in banking, healthcare, retail and other data-heavy industries have led to serious repercussions, not the least of which are hits to the bottom line. According to IBM, in 2024, the average data breach costs an organization roughly $4.88 million.  

So, what is an organization to do? There are several strategies that can help organizations gain better visibility and control over their data, reducing the risk of breaches and enhancing overall data governance.  

  • Identify Hidden Risks: AI-powered tools can automatically identify, locate and classify sensitive data, even if it’s buried in email threads or embedded in a PDF. These tools leverage advanced algorithms to scan through vast amounts of data, ensuring that no sensitive information goes unnoticed. By identifying hidden risks, organizations can take proactive measures to secure their data and prevent potential breaches. 
  • Streamline Compliance: Automated workflows that can adapt to changing regulations can aid in simplifying processes like data retention, deletion and reporting. These workflows ensure that data management practices are consistently aligned with the latest regulatory requirements, reducing the risk of non-compliance. By streamlining compliance, organizations can save time and resources while maintaining a robust data governance framework. 
  • Protect Modern Workflows: Governance today isn’t limited to traditional data sources; information shared in tools like Slack, Zoom and Teams also is subject to regulatory compliance. Implementing governance policies for these modern communication platforms ensures that all data, regardless of its source, is managed and protected according to regulatory standards. This approach helps organizations maintain comprehensive data security and compliance across all their digital interactions. 
  • Dark Data Assessment: Regular assessments can reveal risks associated with unstructured, unused or forgotten information and identify areas where compliance can be strengthened. This so-called “dark data,” which includes data that organizations collect, process and store but do not use or need, can pose significant risks if not properly managed. By conducting regular dark data assessments, organizations can uncover hidden vulnerabilities, optimize data storage and enhance their overall data governance strategy.

It’s clear that leading companies are turning privacy into a core part of their value proposition. By building customer trust through transparency and ethical data practices, these companies are setting themselves apart from the competition. Effective data governance isn’t just about checking regulatory boxes. It’s about creating a culture of responsibility and trust. With the right tools, organizations can identify hidden risks, streamline compliance, and protect modern workflows. By demonstrating a proactive approach to privacy, companies show employees and customers that their data is in good hands. 

 

The post From a Checked Box to Competitive Edge: The Evolution of Data Privacy appeared first on Cybersecurity Insiders.

Google Photos on Android now gives you more power over your backups

Gogole photos logo on smartphone next to other devices and picture frame Stock photo 6

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
  • Google Photos on Android now lets you quickly delete your entire photos and video backup.
  • The new feature is called “undo device backup,” and was previously rolled out on iOS.
  • The option removes photos and videos that are stored on Google’s servers without removing them from the device.

Google Photos is getting a nifty new feature that gives users more control over their backed-up photos and videos. The new “Undo device backup” feature, which was previously rolled out for Google Photos on iOS, is finally coming to the Android version of the app.

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admin March 18th, 2025

Credit: The Mobile Central A review video of the Pixel 9a is already out, pretty much confirming all its key […]

admin March 18th, 2025

Samsung has officially confirmed that the stable One UI 7 update will start rolling out to older Galaxy flagships starting […]

admin March 17th, 2025

Credit: C. Scott Brown / Android Authority Samsung may be getting ready to launch the Galaxy S25 Ultra in a […]