Samsung’s latest One UI 8 beta update brings a cool new feature to Now Brief, making it easier to celebrate birthdays. Now, when your Galaxy phone spots a birthday on your calendar, it will remind you and let you create a special AI-made birthday card. This update is part of the third beta release for the Galaxy S25 series, with a stable version expected soon.

With this feature, you can pick from six art styles, like watercolor or 3D cartoon, to design a unique card. You can also add a personal touch by including a photo from your gallery or typing a custom message. Once the card is ready, you can save, copy, or share it directly with the birthday person, all with just a few taps.

Besides birthday cards, Now Brief is getting smarter. It can now show reminders for things like parking spots, smart home alerts, and low battery warnings for your Galaxy Watch or Buds. Samsung is also working on custom cards through the Modes and Routines app, so you can make Now Brief fit your daily life even better.

The One UI 8 beta is available for Galaxy S25 users in places like the US, UK, Germany, and South Korea. You can join the beta through the Samsung Members app. The full version of One UI 8, based on Android 16, will launch with the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Flip7 on July 9, 2025, and roll out to other devices soon after.

Samsung is planning a major energy storage project in Australia, choosing Tesla’s Megapack batteries instead of its own. The $100 million initiative, located near Wagga Wagga in New South Wales, will feature a 100MW/400MWh battery system.

Named Mangoplah, it will use 108 Tesla Megapacks and be built about 3km from the town.This project aims to store energy from renewable sources like wind and solar, helping to stabilize the local power grid. It’s part of Samsung C&T’s efforts to grow its renewable energy presence in Australia.

The company has submitted the project for environmental approval, showing its commitment to sustainable energy solutions.By using Tesla’s technology, Samsung is tapping into proven, reliable battery systems to ensure the project’s success.

The Mangoplah setup is expected to provide backup power and support the region’s shift to cleaner energy. Construction is set to create jobs and boost the local economy, with completion targeted for late 2025.Samsung’s decision to go with Tesla’s Megapacks highlights a trend of collaboration in the renewable energy sector.

This project could set an example for future energy storage initiatives, showing how global companies can work together to promote sustainability. As Australia pushes for more renewable energy, projects like Mangoplah will play a key role in meeting those goals.

Samsung is quietly working on its next budget-friendly smartphone, the Galaxy A17, aiming for a worldwide release. Expected to launch by late 2025 or early 2026, this device could bring exciting upgrades to the popular A-series lineup, known for offering solid features at an affordable price.

The Galaxy A17 is likely to come in 4G and 5G versions, catering to different markets and user needs. A standout feature is the rumored Hybrid Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) for its camera, a first for the A1x series. This tech helps capture sharper photos by reducing blur from shaky hands, making it a big win for budget phone users who love photography.

The phone is expected to feature a 6.74-inch Full HD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smooth scrolling and vibrant visuals for videos and games. Powered by a new chip, the Galaxy A17 should deliver reliable performance for everyday tasks. It may also include a sleek design and 5G connectivity in select models, keeping it competitive in the mid-range market.

Samsung’s focus on adding premium features like OIS to a budget device shows its commitment to making advanced technology accessible. While exact pricing remains unconfirmed, the Galaxy A17 could start around $150, making it a great choice for cost-conscious buyers seeking quality.

As Samsung prepares for its big Galaxy Unpacked event on July 9, 2025, the Galaxy A17 might not steal the spotlight from flagships like the Z Fold 7, but it’s shaping up to be a strong contender in the budget smartphone space. Stay tuned for more updates